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

In the early morning in the capital, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, casting iridescent light on the glazed tiles of the imperial palace. Birds sang merrily in the imperial garden, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air; yet this tranquil atmosphere could not dispel the gloom in the hearts of those within the palace.

Inside the Imperial Study, Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed as he perused the latest frontier military reports. Xiao Yanzi gently entered, carrying a steaming bowl of ginseng tea, her face filled with concern. "Your Majesty, please have some tea and rest. You haven't slept much these past few days." She placed the tea on the table, her eyes tenderly fixed on Hongli, her hands unconsciously clasped in front of her.

Hongli put down the military report, rubbed his temples, and sighed wearily: "Empress, the situation on the border remains grim. Although the neighboring countries suffered losses in the previous battles, how could they let it go? I am truly worried." His eyes revealed deep concern, and his voice was somewhat hoarse.

Xiao Yanzi sat down beside Hongli and took his hand: "Your Majesty, you work tirelessly day and night for the country, please take care of your health. Young Master Lin and all the generals are working hard to protect the border, everything will be alright." She tried to comfort Hongli, a smile of encouragement on her face, but worry was hidden in her eyes.

At this moment, a eunuch hurriedly entered, knelt down and reported: "Your Majesty, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Rites requests an audience, saying that new news has come from a neighboring country."

Hongli's expression brightened, and he quickly said, "Send the message immediately!"

Lord Zhang strode into the imperial study, bowed, and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, a neighboring country has sent an envoy, saying that they hope to resume peace talks and end the military standoff on the border."

Hongli frowned slightly, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes: "Peace talks? What are they up to? They set up an ambush before, but now they suddenly want to talk peace. There must be something fishy going on." He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the study, his robes swaying gently with his movements.

Little Swallow also said with doubt, "Yes, Your Majesty, they were so arrogant before, but now they suddenly want to negotiate. It doesn't feel right." She tilted her head, her eyes filled with vigilance, and rested her chin on her hands as she thought.

Lord Zhang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I also find this matter quite suspicious. But this may also be an opportunity. If we can avoid war through peace talks, it would be a good thing for the people of both countries." He raised his head slightly, his eyes filled with expectation, and held the ceremonial tablet in both hands.

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "Lord Zhang, go and receive the envoys first, and find out their true intentions. I need to consider this carefully; this peace negotiation must not be rushed." His eyes were firm as he looked at Lord Zhang, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.

Lord Zhang accepted the order and withdrew. Hongli turned to Xiaoyanzi and said, "Empress, this matter is of great importance, and we must treat it with caution. Issue my decree to summon several important officials to discuss this matter."

Before long, several ministers arrived at the imperial study. They sat together, their faces solemn.

An old minister said with deep concern, “Your Majesty, our neighboring country has always been cunning. This peace talk is probably just a delaying tactic. We must not let our guard down.” His brows were furrowed, his eyes were full of worry, and his hands trembled slightly.

Another minister nodded in agreement: "This old minister agrees. Border defenses cannot be relaxed; we must strengthen our vigilance to prevent any unforeseen circumstances." He looked serious, straightened his back, and stared firmly at Hongli.

Just then, Lin Yuhang returned to the capital from the frontier and, upon hearing of the matter, also came to the Imperial Study. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have returned from the frontier and am well aware of the complex situation there. Although the neighboring country has proposed peace talks, their troop strength on the border has not decreased. I believe there must be a conspiracy involved." He stood tall and straight, his eyes revealing vigilance, his hands clasped in a fist salute.

Hongli nodded slightly: "Young Master Lin is absolutely right. I also find this matter strange, but if we can resolve the dispute through peace talks and avoid bloodshed, that would be the best outcome. However, it is really difficult to grasp the right balance." He shook his head slightly, a troubled expression on his face.

The group discussed the matter animatedly, each offering their own opinion. Suddenly, a minister rushed in, looking panicked: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! A new situation has arisen in the Jiangnan region."

Hongli's expression changed, and he asked anxiously, "What happened now? Tell me quickly!"

The minister, panting heavily, said, "Your Majesty, after the floods receded in Jiangnan, an epidemic began to spread, and many people have fallen ill and are bedridden. The situation is critical."

Little Swallow exclaimed, "How could this happen? Those people have just survived the flood, and now they have to suffer from the plague. It's so pitiful." She covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes filled with heartache, and her eyes were slightly red.

Hongli's brows furrowed into a deep frown as he paced back and forth. "Issue my decree: the Imperial Medical Academy is to immediately select highly skilled physicians, carrying a large quantity of medicinal herbs, and rush to Jiangnan. We must control the spread of the epidemic and save the lives of the people." His eyes were resolute, his tone urgent, and he waved his hands forcefully.

The ministers received their orders and left, leaving the atmosphere in the imperial study even more somber. Hongli looked at everyone and said gravely, "Now, beset by internal and external troubles, the nation is in a perilous situation. I need all of you ministers to work together to overcome this crisis."

The crowd knelt down and said in unison, "We will do our utmost to share the Emperor's burdens and serve the country!"

Lin Yuhang stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Jiangnan again to assist the local officials and imperial physicians in fighting the epidemic." He held his head high, his eyes filled with determination, and clasped his hands together, showing his sense of responsibility.

Hongli looked at Lin Yuhang with approval in his eyes: "Young Master Lin, you have worked hard. This mission is arduous, but I believe you will live up to expectations."

Lin Yuhang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

Xiao Yanzi also said, "Young Master Lin, you must be careful on your journey. If you need anything, just tell me, and I will do my best to support you." Her eyes were full of concern, and she leaned forward slightly, her face full of worry.

Lin Yuhang thanked Xiao Yanzi and turned to leave. At this moment, Hongli called him back: "Young Master Lin, please keep a close eye on the border. If there is any movement from the neighboring country, be sure to inform me in time."

Lin Yuhang nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will certainly not disappoint you." After saying that, he strode out of the Imperial Study.

Outside the capital, Lin Yuhang, accompanied by imperial physicians and medicinal herbs, rode swiftly towards Jiangnan. Dust billowed along the way, the sound of hooves rapid and heavy. Lin Yuhang's expression was solemn, his mind focused on only one thought: to reach Jiangnan as quickly as possible and save the suffering people.

Inside the palace, Hongli and his ministers continued their discussions on strategies for dealing with neighboring countries' peace talks and border defense. The imperial study was brightly lit, and the sounds of their discussions were particularly clear in the quiet night.

"Your Majesty," a young minister said, "in my opinion, we can propose some harsh conditions during the peace talks to test the sincerity of our neighboring country. At the same time, we should secretly strengthen the troop deployment on the border to prevent a surprise attack." He stood up, gesturing with his hands, his eyes radiating confidence.

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "This plan is feasible. However, the choice of negotiators must be carefully considered. They must be able to discern the intentions of neighboring countries and also be able to argue logically and strive for the greatest benefit for the country." He looked at his ministers with a firm gaze, awaiting their response.

The group fell into deep thought again, considering suitable candidates for peace talks. Outside the window, moonlight shone like water into the palace courtyard, yet beneath this tranquil night lay countless crises and challenges.

In the disaster-stricken areas south of the Yangtze River, the shadow of epidemic loomed over every corner. The people looked haggard, their eyes filled with fear and despair. Many houses had white cloth strips hanging in front of them, a sign of the rampant epidemic.

Upon arrival, Lin Yuhang and his team immediately threw themselves into the fight against the epidemic. He and the imperial physicians visited households one by one, treating the sick. Disregarding the dangers of the epidemic, Lin Yuhang personally fed medicine to critically ill patients and comforted them.

"Don't be afraid, everyone. The imperial court has sent imperial physicians and brought medicine. The epidemic will definitely be brought under control," Lin Yuhang said loudly to the people. His voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes were full of hope, bringing a sense of comfort to the people.

An old man held Lin Yuhang's hand, tears streaming down his face, "Young master, thank you, thank you for the court's concern for us common people." The old man's hands were calloused and trembling slightly, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Lin Yuhang comforted him, "Grandpa, this is what we should do. Take good care of yourself, you'll get better." He gently patted the old man's hand, giving him warmth and strength.

Thanks to the efforts of Lin Yuhang and everyone else, the fight against the epidemic gradually improved. More and more people's conditions were brought under control, and smiles began to appear on their faces again. However, Lin Yuhang knew that this battle was far from over, and he had to remain vigilant at all times to prevent the epidemic from breaking out again.

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace in the capital, preparations for the peace talks were proceeding at full speed. Hongli and his ministers repeatedly discussed the details of the negotiations, striving to ensure everything went smoothly. Xiao Yanzi was also busy in the inner palace, organizing the concubines to prepare more supplies for the people of Jiangnan, hoping to bring them some warmth.

The entire nation is working tirelessly to address this crisis, and everyone bears their own responsibility. In this turbulent time, whether they can unite to overcome internal and external troubles and restore peace to the country remains to be seen. But they all share a firm belief: no matter the difficulties, they must protect this land and the people who live on it.