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

Inside the secret passage of the Taihang Mountains, the flickering torches cast long shadows of the group on the rough stone walls. Lin Yuhang's face grew increasingly grim after hearing the black-clad leader's instructions. He turned to Zhao Yishi and the others, his eyes filled with anxiety: "There's no time to lose! We must return to the palace immediately and inform the Emperor!" His brows were furrowed, fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his hands gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Zhao Yishi nodded heavily, his expression equally solemn: "Young Master Lin is right. Every moment we delay, Lord Zhang and the situation on the border will be in greater danger!" He sheathed his short sword with swift and efficient movements, his eyes revealing a firm determination.

Li San asked with some concern, "But this secret passage is so complicated, will we be able to get out smoothly?" He bit his lower lip slightly, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes, and subconsciously looked around.

Lin Yuhang took a deep breath to calm himself: "Don't be afraid, I paid attention to the markings on the way here, we'll definitely get out." He patted Li San on the shoulder to encourage him, then led the way towards the exit of the secret passage. The others followed closely behind, their footsteps hurried and heavy in the dimly lit passage.

The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was oppressive and suffocating. Hongli sat on the dragon throne, staring blankly ahead, his face weary. Xiao Yanzi sat beside him, looking at him with concern, and gently poured him a cup of tea: "Your Majesty, please have some tea and rest." Her voice was soft, filled with deep concern, and her eyes were full of worry.

Hongli took the teacup but did not drink it. He just sighed heavily: "Empress, the disaster in Jiangnan is so severe, and the people are suffering. As the emperor of the country, I..." His voice was low, filled with self-blame and helplessness. He shook his head slightly, his face full of exhaustion.

At this moment, a minister hurriedly entered, knelt down and bowed: "Your Majesty, urgent military report!" His voice was urgent, his forehead was covered with sweat, and his hands trembled as he presented the military report.

Hongli sat up abruptly, took the military report, and quickly unfolded it to examine it. As he read, his face turned ashen, and he slammed the report on the table with a "bang": "The neighboring country has indeed taken action! They have set up a large ambush on the route that General Li must take to escort Lord Zhang!" His eyes were filled with anger and anxiety, his hands clenched into fists, and his body trembled slightly.

Little Swallow also stood up, looking flustered: "What should we do? Will Lord Zhang and General Li be in danger?" She unconsciously clutched the hem of her clothes with both hands, her eyes full of worry, pacing back and forth.

The ministers looked at each other, at a loss for what to do. At this moment, a young minister stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I suggest that we immediately dispatch a surprise force to flank the enemy and launch a surprise attack. Perhaps this can relieve the siege of General Li and Lord Zhang." He straightened his back, his eyes were firm, and his tone was urgent.

Hongli pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Now that things have come to this, there is no other way. General Wang, I order you to select five thousand elite troops and rush to their aid. Make sure that Lord Zhang and General Li are safe!" He looked at General Wang, his eyes filled with trust and expectation, and waved his hands forcefully to issue the order.

General Wang knelt on one knee and loudly replied, "Your subject obeys the decree! I will certainly not fail in my mission!" He stood up, his posture upright, his eyes flashing with a determined light, and turned to leave quickly.

Meanwhile, in a valley not far from the border, General Li and Lord Zhang's troops were cautiously advancing. Lord Zhang looked tense, glancing around frequently: "General Li, I have a feeling this journey is too quiet; I fear it might be a trap." He frowned slightly, his eyes revealing worry, and gripped the reins tightly with both hands.

General Li nodded, his expression wary: "Don't worry, Lord Zhang, I've already arranged for scouts to search the surrounding area. We'll be able to detect any movement." He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's, constantly alert to any activity around him.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a battle cry erupted from ahead, and countless enemy soldiers surged out from both sides of the valley, surrounding them completely. General Li's expression changed, and he shouted, "Protect Lord Zhang! Prepare for battle!" He swiftly drew his longsword, its blade gleaming coldly, his eyes revealing fearless courage.

The soldiers quickly formed ranks and engaged the enemy in fierce combat. The valley resounded with shouts of battle, the clash of weapons, and billowing smoke. General Li, wielding his longsword, charged left and right through the enemy ranks, forcing them into a retreat. However, the enemy outnumbered them and held advantageous terrain, gradually putting General Li and his men in a difficult position.

Meanwhile, deep within the secret passages of the Taihang Mountains, Lin Yuhang and his companions were rushing out without stopping. They bent low as they traversed narrow passages, climbed steep cliffs, their clothes soaked with sweat, yet they dared not pause for a moment. Lin Yuhang had only one thought in his mind: to deliver the message back to the palace as quickly as possible and avert the crisis on the border. A life-or-death rescue, a matter of national destiny, was unfolding against the clock; every second was crucial, and everyone was racing against time and battling the crisis.