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

The night in the capital was quiet, yet tinged with a sense of oppression. In the Imperial Garden, the moonlight, like water, bathed the blooming flowers, but could not dispel the somber atmosphere within the palace. The Imperial Study was brightly lit; Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed, poring over a mountain of memorials, each one concerning the safety of the nation.

Xiao Yanzi tiptoed in, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. Her eyes were full of concern. "Your Majesty, it's so late. Please have some soup and rest." She placed the soup on the table, looked at Hongli tenderly, and unconsciously folded her hands in front of her, as if this could give him strength.

Hongli put down the memorial, rubbed his temples, and sighed deeply: "Empress, how can I rest in peace? The epidemic in Jiangnan and the situation on the border, one thing after another, make me very worried." His voice was low and tired, and his eyes revealed deep concern.

Xiao Yanzi sat down beside Hongli and took his hand: "Your Majesty, you have devoted yourself to the country, so please take care of your health. Young Master Lin is working hard to fight the epidemic in Jiangnan, and the soldiers on the frontier are also holding their ground. 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, an envoy from a neighboring country requests an audience, saying that he has important peace terms to tell you in person."

Hongli's expression hardened, and he sat up straight: "Summon him!" A hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes, and his hands unconsciously tightened their grip on the armrests.

The envoy from the neighboring country swaggered into the imperial study, performed an awkward bow, and wore an arrogant smile: "Your Majesty, I have come here on the orders of my king to negotiate peace with your country. Our king is full of sincerity and is willing to cease military operations on the border."

Hongli snorted coldly: "Oh? You set up an ambush before, and now you come to talk about sincerity. Your country's sincerity is truly hard to fathom. Speak, what are your terms for peace talks?" His eyes were sharp, staring intently at the envoy, as if trying to see through him.

The envoy was slightly taken aback, not expecting Hongli to be so direct. He cleared his throat and said, "Our sovereign hopes that your country can cede three border cities as a sign of sincerity for peace talks. At the same time, you should also pay tribute to our country with a large amount of gold, silver and grain every year."

These words caused an uproar in the imperial study. A minister stood up angrily, pointed at the envoy, and shouted, "Absurd! This is not peace talks, it is clearly taking advantage of our misfortune! How can our country agree to such harsh conditions!" His face was red, his hands were trembling, and he was so angry that he was puffing out his beard and glaring.

Hongli's face darkened, his eyes revealing anger: "Is your country joking? Ceding territory and paying reparations, how could you even think of such a thing! Do you think our country is afraid of you?" He slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and exuded an aura of authority.

The envoy, however, was unconvinced and sneered, "Your Majesty, you should think this through. If you do not agree, the border war will reignite, and it will be the people of both countries who suffer." He crossed his arms, looking confident.

Little Swallow couldn't help but say, "You're bullying us! Why should we cede territory and pay reparations? Aren't you afraid of retribution?" Her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes were filled with anger, and her hands clenched into fists.

At this moment, Lin Yuhang returned to the capital from Jiangnan. Upon hearing of this matter, he immediately went to the Imperial Study. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I heard about this on my way back from Jiangnan. This neighboring country is going too far. We must not agree to their unreasonable demands." He stood tall and straight, his eyes firm, his hands clasped in a gesture of resolute courage.

Hongli looked at Lin Yuhang, as if he saw a glimmer of hope: "Young Master Lin, you've come at the right time. Tell me, how should we deal with this?"

Lin Yuhang pondered for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, I believe we cannot show weakness. On the one hand, we must firmly reject their unreasonable demands; on the other hand, we must accelerate the defense deployment on the border to let them know that we have sufficient strength to deal with their provocations. At the same time, we can expose their conspiracy and let other countries see their true colors.” As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.

Hongli nodded slightly: "Young Master Lin is absolutely right. I cannot let my people down, nor can I bring shame upon my country." His eyes were firm as he looked at the envoy and said loudly: "Go back and tell your king that our country will never agree to his demands! If he still wants to provoke a war, our country will fight to the bitter end!"

The envoy's expression changed: "Your Majesty, you should think twice."

Lin Yuhang stepped forward and said coldly, "You don't need to say anything more. Go back and let your king think it over carefully." His eyes were sharp as he stared at the envoy, as if trying to see through him.

The envoy slunk away. Hongli looked at Lin Yuhang and said, "Young Master Lin, we are very grateful for your timely return. The defense of the border is now entrusted to you and the generals. Make sure everything is foolproof."

Lin Yuhang knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to protect the border." He stood up, his eyes filled with determination.

Meanwhile, the epidemic prevention and control work in Jiangnan had reached a critical stage. Although Lin Yuhang had returned to the capital, the anti-epidemic measures he had arranged were still being carried out in an orderly manner. The imperial physicians were busy day and night, treating the sick people.

A young imperial physician emerged wearily from a room, wiping the sweat from his brow. He said to his assistant, "This epidemic is spreading too fast. We're running low on manpower and medicine." His eyes betrayed his anxiety, and his voice was tinged with exhaustion.

The assistant frowned. "Yes, this can't go on. We need to find a way to speed up the treatment." As he spoke, he looked at the busy crowd around him, his heart filled with worry.

Just then, an old man rushed over, shouting, "Imperial Physician, something terrible has happened! Several patients over there have suddenly deteriorated and are on the verge of death!" He was panting heavily, his face filled with anxiety.

The young imperial physician's expression changed: "Quick, take me to see him!" He hurriedly followed the old man.

In the ward, the young imperial physician frowned as he watched the patient's condition worsen. He carefully took the patient's pulse and pondered a treatment plan. Suddenly, his eyes lit up: "I've thought of a way; perhaps we can try it." He turned to his assistant and said, "Go and get that new medicine. Administer it to the patient according to the dosage I specified."

The assistant nodded hurriedly and ran to fetch the medicine. Thanks to the efforts of the imperial physicians, the patient's condition gradually came under control. The young physician breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank goodness, it's finally under control." A relieved smile appeared on his face, but his eyes still betrayed his exhaustion.

Upon returning to the capital, Lin Yuhang, without taking a break, immediately went to the frontier. He discussed defense strategies with the frontier commanders and strengthened border patrols and fortifications.

The garrison commander frowned and said, "Young Master Lin, our neighboring country has been frequently mobilizing troops along the border recently, putting us under great pressure." He pointed to the map, his eyes revealing worry.

Lin Yuhang looked at the map and pondered for a moment: "We can't just defend passively. We can set up ambushes at key locations, and if they dare to attack, we'll catch them off guard. At the same time, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering and keep track of their movements at all times." As he spoke, he gestured on the map, his eyes resolute.

The garrison commander nodded: "Young Master Lin is absolutely right. We will make the arrangements immediately."

Thanks to the efforts of Lin Yuhang and the garrison commanders, the border defenses became even more robust. The soldiers patrolled day and night, their morale high. They knew they bore the heavy responsibility of protecting the nation.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Hongli and his ministers were actively discussing countermeasures. They not only had to deal with the threat from neighboring countries, but also solve the epidemic in Jiangnan and other livelihood issues.

An old minister said with deep concern, “Your Majesty, although the epidemic in Jiangnan has been brought under control to some extent, the subsequent reconstruction and epidemic prevention work will still require a lot of manpower and resources.” His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were full of worry.

Hongli nodded slightly: "I understand. Issue my decree to allocate another batch of money and grain from the national treasury and transport it to Jiangnan. At the same time, select experienced officials to go to Jiangnan to assist local officials in reconstruction and epidemic prevention." His eyes were firm, and his tone carried an unquestionable authority.

The ministers readily accepted the order. Little Swallow was also busy in the palace, organizing the concubines to sew winter clothes for the soldiers on the frontier and prepare daily necessities for the people of Jiangnan.

"Sisters, we must hurry. The soldiers are suffering on the frontier, and the people are suffering in Jiangnan. Although there is not much we can do, we must do our part." Xiao Yanzi said to the concubines while sewing clothes, her eyes full of concern, her hands skillfully weaving through the needle and thread.

The concubines nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty the Empress is right, we will definitely finish it as soon as possible." Their faces were serious, and their hands moved with the needle and thread.

The entire nation is working tirelessly to address this crisis. Everyone is fulfilling their duties, striving for the peace and well-being of the country and its people. Although the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and challenges, they all share a firm belief: no matter the difficulties, they must protect this land and the people who live on it. In this turbulent time, whether they can turn the tide and restore peace to the nation remains to be seen, but their efforts and perseverance will be the nation's strongest support.