As dawn broke, soft light streamed through the cracks in the windowpanes into Xiao Yanzi and Hongli's new room. Xiao Yanzi slowly awoke, and the first thing she saw was Hongli's handsome face, filled with concern.

"Little Swallow, you're awake?" Hongli asked softly, his eyes full of tenderness.

Little Swallow stood up slightly and stretched: "Fourth Prince, I wonder what kind of things await us on this new day."

Hongli supported her and said, "No matter what happens, we'll deal with it together."

The two got up, washed, and dressed. Just as they were about to have breakfast, Su Peisheng rushed over.

"Fourth Prince, Consort Niohuru Zhixi and Granny Rong seem to be plotting something in the Imperial Garden. This old servant is worried that they will harm the Prince Consort again," Su Peisheng reported in a low voice.

Xiao Yanzi frowned: "Why won't Zhixi and Rong Mama let me go?"

Hongli held Xiaoyanzi's hand and comforted her, "With me here, they won't dare to do anything. However, we also need to be careful and not fall into their trap."

After saying that, the two of them led Su Peisheng toward the Imperial Garden.

In the Imperial Garden, amidst the vibrant blooms, a hidden conspiracy lurked. Zhixi and Rong Mama were concealed behind a cluster of flowers, conversing in hushed tones.

"Granny, we failed to embarrass that Little Swallow yesterday, so we must think of another way today." Zhixi's eyes were full of jealousy and resentment.

Rong Momo nodded: "Don't worry, Consort, this old servant will definitely make her lose face in this palace."

Just then, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli's voices came: "What are you two doing here so suspiciously? Are you plotting something bad?"

Zhixi and Rong Mama were startled. They turned around and saw Xiaoyanzi and Hongli, and their expressions changed slightly.

"Fourth Prince, Princess Consort, we are just admiring the flowers here, there is nothing else," Zhixi said, trying to appear calm.

Little Swallow sneered, "Admiring the flowers? I think you're all plotting against me!"

Rong Momo said shrilly, "Princess Consort, don't make false accusations! We are loyal to you, how could we possibly plot against you?"

Hongli said in a deep voice, "You had better tell the truth. If I find out that you have any ill intentions, I will not let you off easily."

Zhixi was a little scared, but she still refused to give up: "Fourth Prince, how can you listen to the wife's one-sided story like this? Don't you care about our feelings?"

Little Swallow said angrily, "Zhixi, don't pretend to be pitiful here. Do you think I don't know how difficult you've always been to me?"

At this moment, a group of palace maids and eunuchs gradually gathered around, all watching the dispute with curiosity.

"The palace should be a place of harmony, how can you quarrel like this!" Suddenly, the voice of Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan came.

Everyone hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort."

Zhen Huan walked up to the crowd, looked at Xiao Yanzi, then at Zhi Xi and Rong Mama: "What exactly happened between you?"

Little Swallow spoke first: "Your Highness, Zhixi and Rong Mama have always harbored ill intentions towards me and have been trying to harm me. The accident at yesterday's wedding was their doing."

Zhixi hurriedly defended herself: "Your Majesty, we are innocent! This is all the Fujin's slander against us."

Zhen Huan frowned. Although she favored her son Hongli, she did not want to offend anyone easily.

"This matter cannot be concluded based on just one side's account. Su Peisheng, go and investigate thoroughly. If anyone dares to deliberately cause trouble in the palace, I will not tolerate it," Zhen Huan said.

Su Peisheng replied, "Yes, Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort."

Hongli said to Zhen Huan, "Mother, Xiao Yanzi would not falsely accuse others without reason. Please investigate thoroughly, Mother."

Zhen Huan looked at Hongli and said, "Fourth Prince, don't be anxious. I will handle this fairly."

Xiao Yanzi was grateful for Hongli's trust. She looked at Zhen Huan and said, "Your Highness, although I am just a woman, I will never allow others to bully me at will. If there is any conspiracy, I hope Your Highness can give me justice."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly: "Rest assured, I will definitely give everyone an explanation."

The commotion subsided for the time being, and everyone dispersed. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli walked back to their room.

"Little Swallow, don't worry too much about what happened today. Your mother will handle it," Hongli said.

Xiao Yanzi sighed, "Fourth Prince, I know that interpersonal relationships in the palace are complicated, and I will try my best to be careful. However, we cannot let our guard down regarding the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli nodded: "That's right, the secret of the Shadow Pavilion is the key, we need to speed up our search."

Back in her room, Xiao Yanzi sat at the table, deep in thought. Xiao Tao approached and softly asked, "Madam, what are you thinking about?"

Little Swallow said, "Little Peach, I'm wondering when the struggles in the palace will end, and what earth-shattering secrets are hidden in the murals of the Shadow Pavilion?"

Xiao Tao comforted her, "Fujin, no matter what, you still have the Fourth Prince, he will protect you."

Little Swallow smiled slightly: "I know, but I don't want to always rely on him. I also want to share his burdens."

Meanwhile, Zhixi and Rong Mama returned to their residence.

"Granny, what should we do today? If this gets out, we're finished," Zhixi said in a panic.

Rong Momo remained calm and composed: "Don't be afraid, Consort. As long as we deny it to the death, they have no evidence. Besides, the Imperial Noble Consort may not really punish us severely."

Zhixi was still somewhat uneasy, but she could only leave it to fate.

Life in the palace continued to be calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging beneath. In this complex environment, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli not only dealt with the power struggles in the palace, but also tried their best to explore the secrets of the murals in the Shadow Pavilion. They knew that the road ahead was full of hardships, but their companionship gave them the courage to persevere.

In the afternoon, the sun was quite scorching. Little Swallow decided to go to the library to look for more clues about the murals in the Shadow Pavilion. She went to the library alone and wandered among the rows of bookshelves.

Suddenly, she heard a soft footstep. Turning around, she saw Hongzhou.

"Fifth Prince, what are you doing here?" Little Swallow asked in surprise.

Hongzhou looked at Xiaoyanzi with a complex emotion in his eyes: "I just came to read some books, I didn't expect to run into you."

Xiao Yanzi understood Hongzhou's thoughts, and she said softly, "Fifth Prince, we both have our own destinies now, let bygones be bygones."

Hongzhou smiled bitterly: "It's easier said than done. Little Swallow, do you know the pain in my heart?"

Little Swallow lowered her head: "Fifth Prince, I don't want to hurt you, but my heart already belongs to the Fourth Prince."

Hongzhou took a deep breath: "I know, I'm just having trouble letting go right now. Don't worry, I won't be impulsive like before, I'll try to let it go."

Little Swallow looked at him gratefully: "Fifth Prince, thank you for your understanding."

Just then, Hongzhou seemed to remember something: "Little Swallow, I have heard some rumors about the Shadow Pavilion, which may be helpful for you to explore the secrets of the murals."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Oh? Fifth Prince, tell me about it quickly."

Hongzhou said, "I heard that the Shadow Pavilion is associated with a mysterious Jianghu organization that seems to be secretly controlling many things. The mural may be a key to them. I don't know the specifics, but you can investigate from this direction."

Little Swallow said thoughtfully, "Thank you for telling me, Fifth Prince. This is a very important clue for me."

Hongzhou smiled and said, "As long as it helps you, that's good. I'll take my leave now."

Watching Hongzhou's departing figure, Xiaoyanzi was filled with mixed emotions. She knew that Hongzhou was a man of deep affection and loyalty, but matters of the heart could not be forced.

Little Swallow continued her search for clues in the library. She discovered some strange patterns in an ancient book, patterns that seemed to have some connection to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion. She studied them carefully, and before she knew it, night had fallen.

When Hongli saw that Xiao Yanzi had not returned for a long time, he became worried and went to the library to look for her.

"Little Swallow, you're here! I thought something had happened to you." Hongli breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Little Swallow.

Little Swallow looked up excitedly and said, "Fourth Prince, look, I've found some clues about the murals. These patterns might unlock the secrets of the murals."

Hongli stepped forward and looked at the patterns: "This looks like an ancient code. We need to find someone knowledgeable to decipher it."

The two left the library with the patterns and went to find General Zhao Hui. General Zhao Hui was knowledgeable and experienced, and perhaps he could offer some insights into these patterns.

Upon meeting General Zhaohui, Xiaoyanzi handed him the patterns: "General, take a look at these patterns. Do you know their meaning?"

General Zhao Hui carefully examined the pattern, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "This pattern seems to be related to an ancient sect that was once very powerful in the martial arts world, but later disappeared. I have heard that they have some connections with the imperial court, and perhaps the Shadow Pavilion is one of their forces within the court. However, I still need to study further the specific information conveyed by these patterns."

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli exchanged a glance, becoming even more certain that a huge conspiracy was hidden behind the Shadow Pavilion.

"General, then I urge you to investigate this matter as soon as possible, as it concerns the safety of the palace," Hongli said.

General Zhao Hui nodded: "Fourth Prince, rest assured, this humble general will do his utmost."

After leaving General Zhaohui's place, Xiaoyanzi and Hongli returned to their residence.

“Little Swallow, although we have some clues today, we cannot let our guard down. There are still many eyes watching us in this palace,” Hongli said.

Little Swallow nodded: "I know, Fourth Prince. But as long as we're together, I'm not afraid."

The two embraced, their love becoming each other's strongest support in this dangerous and challenging court. Their exploration of the Shadow Pavilion's secrets continued, with no one knowing what hardships and obstacles awaited them ahead.

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