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

The gentle morning sunlight spilled onto the glazed tiles of the palace, refracting them into a dazzling display. Flowers in the Imperial Garden swayed softly in the breeze, releasing their fragrance. Accompanied by Consort Ling, Little Swallow strolled along the winding pebble path, admiring the beautiful spring scenery.

"Consort Ling, after experiencing the last crisis, looking at this Imperial Garden now, I feel it is even more precious." Xiao Yanzi tilted her head slightly, took a deep breath of fresh air, her eyes were full of contentment, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

Consort Ling smiled and nodded, her eyes equally gentle: "Your Majesty the Empress is absolutely right. These peaceful days are hard-won." She gently tidied the hair behind her ear, her steps light and her demeanor elegant.

As the two were talking, a young eunuch came running from a distance, looking slightly flustered. Upon reaching them, the eunuch knelt down with a thud, panting, and said, "Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness Consort Ling, His Majesty requests that you both proceed to the Imperial Study immediately, saying he has important matters to discuss." The eunuch's forehead was covered in sweat, his eyes filled with tension and anxiety, his hands on the ground, and his body trembling slightly.

Xiao Yanzi and Consort Ling exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt flashing in their eyes. Xiao Yanzi quickly said, "Understood, we'll go right away." With that, the two quickened their pace and headed towards the Imperial Study.

Inside the Imperial Study, Hongli was discussing matters with several ministers when he saw Xiaoyanzi and Consort Ling enter. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Empress, Consort Ling, you've arrived." Hongli's expression was calm, but his eyes revealed a hint of solemnity. He slightly raised his hand, gesturing for the two to sit down.

A minister stepped forward, holding a document in both hands, and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, this is an urgent report from the border. The neighboring country has been frequently mobilizing troops at the border recently, seemingly with the intention of invading." The minister frowned, his eyes were full of worry, and his hands trembled slightly as he handed the document to Hongli.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi couldn't sit still any longer and stood up: "What? How dare our neighboring country have such thoughts! Your Majesty, we can't just sit idly by!" Her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes filled with anger and anxiety, her hands unconsciously clenched into fists, and her body leaned slightly forward.

Hongli, with a calm expression, took the document, examined it carefully, and said, "I have already considered this. Border defenses cannot be relaxed. I intend to first send envoys to neighboring countries to ascertain their intentions. At the same time, I order the border generals to strengthen their vigilance, just in case." Hongli's eyes were firm, his hands behind his back, as he slowly paced around the study, exuding the calm aura of an emperor.

Another minister bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, the selection of this envoy still needs careful consideration. This person must be both courageous and insightful in order to fulfill his mission." The minister slightly raised his head, looking at Hongli with eyes full of trust, holding the tablet with both hands, his expression respectful.

Just as everyone was discussing, a guard suddenly came in to report: "Your Majesty, there is a man outside the palace who claims to be a chivalrous hero and requests an audience. He says he has important intelligence concerning the situation on the border." The guard looked cautious, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a steady voice with a hint of curiosity.

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, and Hongli said, "Bring him in."

A moment later, a man dressed in black strode into the imperial study. The man was agile and had piercing eyes. Upon entering the study, he first bowed and said, "This humble subject greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress." He stood tall and straight, and his eyes revealed a bold and forthright spirit.

Hongli sized him up and asked, "You said you have important intelligence about the situation on the border? What exactly is it? Tell me quickly." Hongli's eyes were sharp as he stared intently at the man, his expression dignified.

The man straightened up and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have recently heard in the martial arts world that a neighboring country has secretly colluded with a martial arts force, attempting to disrupt our borders from within and without. This martial arts force is adept at concealing its whereabouts and acts erratically. I hope Your Majesty will take precautions as soon as possible." The man's eyes were firm, his hands were clenched into fists, and his face was full of worry.

An uproar erupted in the imperial study as everyone's eyes turned to Hongli. A new challenge concerning the safety of the borderlands was quietly unfolding.