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

In the dense forests of the Taihang Mountains, sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, creating patches of light. Lin Yuhang led the group in a thorough search of the forest, leaving no suspicious spot unchecked. They pushed aside layers of weeds, climbed over boulders, and their clothes were soaked with sweat.

"Young Master Lin, there's nothing here. Could we be going the wrong way?" Wang Er was panting heavily, his hands supporting his knees as he looked at Lin Yuhang with a puzzled expression, his eyes revealing a hint of exhaustion and confusion.

Lin Yuhang wiped the sweat from his forehead and said firmly, "No, they must have a base nearby. Let's search carefully again." He straightened his back, his eyes sharp, and continued to scan the surrounding environment.

Just then, Zhao Yishi suddenly shouted, "Everyone come quick! I think I've discovered something!" Everyone rushed over and saw Zhao Yishi standing in front of a mountain wall, where there was a stone that looked different from the surrounding ones.

Lin Yuhang stepped forward and pushed the rock forcefully. The rock slowly moved, revealing a hidden entrance, and a damp, rotten smell wafted out. "This is a secret passage!" Lin Yuhang exclaimed in surprise, his eyes gleaming with excitement, his hands trembling slightly, unable to hide his inner turmoil.

"Young Master Lin, shall we go in and take a look?" Li San asked impatiently, his eyes filled with curiosity, leaning forward, eager to try.

Lin Yuhang nodded, his expression wary: "Everyone be careful, there might be danger inside." With that, he took the lead and entered the secret passage, the others following closely behind. The secret passage was dark and damp, with moss climbing the walls. The group moved forward cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the narrow passage.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study remained heavy. Hongli sat at his desk, his brow furrowed, staring at the mountain of memorials piled before him. Xiao Yanzi quietly entered, carrying a bowl of ginseng tea.

"Your Majesty, please have some tea and rest," Xiao Yanzi said gently, her eyes full of concern, as she handed the ginseng tea to Hongli with both hands.

Hongli took the tea, took a sip, and sighed, "Empress, the situation on the border is becoming increasingly tense. Minister Zhang is leaving tomorrow, and I am truly worried." Hongli put down the teacup, rubbed his temples, and his eyes revealed deep concern.

Xiao Yanzi sat down beside Hongli and took his hand: "Your Majesty, Lord Zhang is experienced and has elite soldiers escorting him. He will definitely return safely. We must trust him." Xiao Yanzi's eyes were firm as she tried to comfort Hongli, and an encouraging smile appeared on her face.

At this moment, a eunuch rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, news has come from the Jiangnan region that there has been excessive rainfall recently, causing river levels to rise and raising concerns about potential flooding." Hongli's expression changed drastically, and he abruptly stood up: "What? How could this happen at such a critical juncture!" Hongli clenched his fists, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry.

Xiao Yanzi also stood up, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, we must quickly think of a way to send manpower to support Jiangnan." Xiao Yanzi frowned, her hands unconsciously clutching her sleeves, her eyes full of concern.

A brief silence fell over the imperial study as Hongli paced back and forth, pondering a solution. Suddenly, he stopped and said, "Issue my decree: order the Minister of Works to immediately proceed to Jiangnan to organize the people in flood relief efforts, allocate funds and supplies, and ensure the safety of the people's lives and property." Hongli's eyes were firm, his tone unwavering, and his hands behind his back displayed the decisive demeanor of an emperor.

The eunuch obeyed and hurriedly left. Hongli turned to look at Xiaoyanzi and said helplessly, "Empress, when will these internal and external troubles be resolved?" Hongli's eyes revealed weariness and helplessness, and he sighed softly.

Xiao Yanzi leaned against Hongli and whispered, "Your Majesty, everything will be alright. We'll face this together, and we'll get through this together." Xiao Yanzi's eyes were gentle as she patted Hongli's shoulder softly, offering him comfort.

Meanwhile, in the secret passages of the Taihang Mountains, Lin Yuhang and his companions cautiously made their way forward, unaware of what awaited them. Inside the palace, everyone was busy dealing with the crises on the borders and in the south; the entire nation seemed to be caught in a massive storm, the future filled with uncertainty.