Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

With only three days left until the grand ceremony to worship Heaven, the streets and alleys of the capital were adorned with lanterns and decorations, and the people were making preparations for this grand event, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. However, beneath this prosperous surface, various forces were secretly vying for power, and the atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense.

Fu Heng's mansion was brightly lit. He and his men sat around a table, discussing security details again, referring to a map of the sacrificial ceremony site.

"Sir, there are three layers of guards at the entrance, and the checks are very strict. They should be able to stop most suspicious people," a subordinate said, pointing to the map.

Fu Heng nodded, his gaze sweeping across the map: "The entrance is crucial; we must not let our guard down. But we must be even more careful around the altar, as that is where the Emperor resides; we must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Rest assured, sir, we have deployed our most elite men around the altar. They are all highly skilled and absolutely loyal," another subordinate said.

Fu Heng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Even so, we cannot let our guard down. The Shadow Cult acts unpredictably, and they might use some unexpected methods. By the way, is there any new information regarding Lord Sun?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, Lord Sun has continued to frequently contact the mysterious person these past few days, but they are being very cautious, and the content of their conversations has not yet been ascertained," said the subordinate in charge of surveillance.

Fu Heng's eyes sharpened: "Continue to monitor closely, and report immediately if there are any clues."

"Yes, my lord!"

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Consort Ling carefully selected several loyal and reliable palace maids and eunuchs, arranging for them to secretly keep an eye on people who might be related to the Shadow Cult.

That afternoon, Consort Ling was taking a walk in the garden when a palace maid quietly approached her and whispered, "Your Highness, as you instructed, we have been keeping an eye on the inner palace. We just noticed that a young eunuch is behaving strangely. He keeps whispering to someone in secluded places, and he immediately stops talking when he sees us approaching, looking very flustered."

Consort Ling frowned slightly: "Oh? Are you sure you were talking to someone in a secluded place? Did you see who it was?"

The palace maid shook her head: "Your Highness, the other party is also dressed as a eunuch, but the distance is too far, and we can't see his face clearly."

Consort Ling pondered for a moment: "Don't alert him yet. Continue to observe his every move and see what he's up to. If there are any new developments, report to me immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The palace maid accepted the order and left.

Consort Ling was filled with worry, knowing full well that the Shadow Cult's influence might have infiltrated every corner of the inner palace. She quickened her pace, heading towards the Empress's palace to inform her of this matter.

The Empress's palace was elegantly decorated. The Empress was sitting by the window, reading a book, when Consort Ling rushed in. She put down her book and asked, "Consort Ling, why are you in such a hurry? Is there something important?"

After bowing, Consort Ling recounted the palace maid's report. The Empress's expression changed slightly: "It seems there are indeed spies from the Shadow Cult hidden within the palace. We must be even more careful. This little eunuch must be thoroughly investigated; see who's behind him."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have already arranged for people to continue monitoring him. However, I am worried that the Shadow Cult may have more drastic plans during the sacrificial ceremony," Consort Ling said with concern.

The Empress sighed softly, "I am also worried about this. Although Lord Fuheng has made meticulous arrangements, the Shadow Cult is full of tricks. We in the inner palace must also be prepared to ensure the Emperor's safety should anything happen."

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I will strengthen security in the palace and arrange for more reliable people to patrol," said Consort Ling.

Meanwhile, in Lord Sun's residence, the atmosphere was oppressive and eerie. Lord Sun sat in his study, his face gloomy, while a man in black sat opposite him, his face obscured.

"The situation is getting worse and worse. Fu Heng seems to have noticed something and is keeping a closer eye on me," Lord Sun said in a low voice, his face full of worry.

The man in black sneered, "Hmph, so what if he notices? As long as our plan is thorough, we still have a chance. The day of the sacrificial ceremony will be our perfect opportunity."

Lord Sun frowned: "But we are restricted in many ways now, making it difficult to carry out any operations. Moreover, the failures of Chen Qiming and Zhao Hui have caused us heavy losses."

A ruthless glint flashed in the man's eyes: "These are not problems. We have other pawns. As long as you follow the plan and don't reveal any flaws, everything is under control."

Lord Sun hesitated for a moment: "What if I'm discovered...?"

The man in black interrupted him: "If you're scared, you can still back out now. But do you think you have any way out? Once the imperial court finds out, your whole family will die!"

Lord Sun trembled, gritted his teeth, and said, "I understand. I will proceed according to plan."

The man in black nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Remember, on the day of the sacrificial ceremony, the best time for us to act will be when the Emperor arrives at the altar."

On the eve of the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, all factions were making tense preparations. Fu Heng and his men worked diligently to perfect security measures, the Empress and Consort Ling strengthened defenses in the inner palace, while the Shadow Cult secretly plotted its final conspiracy. This battle between good and evil was about to reach its climax, and the entire capital felt the tense atmosphere of impending storm. Everyone awaited the arrival of the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, awaiting the final arrival of this tempest.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.