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

The autumn sun in the capital was still warm, but it couldn't dispel the gloom hanging over the palace. Inside the imperial study, the atmosphere was so heavy you could almost hear your own heartbeat. Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his face haggard, dark circles under his eyes, staring intently at the urgent military report from the frontier in his hand, his brows furrowed in a deep knot.

Xiao Yanzi tiptoed in, carrying a plate of pastries, her eyes full of concern: "Your Majesty, you haven't eaten anything all morning, please eat something." She placed the pastries on the table, gently placed her hand on Hongli's shoulder, her voice so soft as if afraid of disturbing something.

Hongli put down the military report, sighed heavily, and grasped Xiaoyanzi's hand: "Empress, the situation in neighboring countries is becoming increasingly tense. They keep provoking us at the border, and I really have no appetite." His voice was hoarse, revealing deep exhaustion and anxiety.

Xiao Yanzi sat down beside him, biting her lower lip slightly. After a moment of thought, she said, "Your Majesty, we can't continue to be so passive. Young Master Lin and the soldiers on the frontier have given their all. We in the rear must also come up with a better solution." Her eyes shone with determination as she gently patted Hongli's hand.

At this moment, a eunuch rushed in, knelt down and reported: "Your Majesty, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Rites requests an audience, saying that he has the latest news from a neighboring country."

Hongli sat up abruptly, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes: "Send it quickly!"

Lord Zhang strode in, his expression complex. After kneeling and bowing, he rose and said, "Your Majesty, there is new activity in the neighboring country. It seems that internal strife has broken out in their country. Some nobles are dissatisfied with the monarch's decision to launch a war and are arguing fiercely in the court."

Hongli's eyes lit up, but then he frowned and paced back and forth: "Is this news reliable? If it is true, it is a turning point, but I'm afraid it is another conspiracy by a neighboring country." His eyes revealed vigilance, his hands were behind his back, and his steps were hurried.

Little Swallow also stood up, her face full of doubt: "Internal strife? This is too sudden. Lord Zhang, have you found out anything?" She tilted her head slightly, her eyes fixed on Lord Zhang, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes.

Lord Zhang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I have verified the information from various sources, and it is absolutely true. It is said that the people in the country are also suffering terribly from the war and are petitioning for peace." He raised his head slightly, a hint of excitement in his eyes, and held the ceremonial tablet in both hands.

Hongli pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes: "No matter what, this is an opportunity. Lord Zhang, prepare immediately to send another envoy to the neighboring country. Take advantage of their internal strife to contact the nobles who advocate peace and strive to reach a genuine peace agreement." His gaze was 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, if we can resolve the border issues through this opportunity, it would be a stroke of good fortune amidst misfortune." A rare look of relief appeared on his face as he gently stroked Xiaoyanzi's hair.

Little Swallow smiled and nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty, I hope this time it goes smoothly. By the way, the epidemic prevention and reconstruction work in Jiangnan cannot be relaxed." She blinked, her eyes full of concern.

Meanwhile, in the disaster-stricken area south of the Yangtze River, the warm sun shone on a bustling construction site. Lin Yuhang rushed over from the border, dressed in a plain robe, travel-worn but unable to hide the fatigue and anxiety on his face. A local official greeted him, his expression worried: "Young Master Lin, you've finally arrived. Although the epidemic has been brought under control, the reconstruction progress is slow. The people are still crammed into temporary tents, and getting through the winter is a major problem." His brows were furrowed, his hands spread out, his face full of helplessness.

Lin Yuhang looked at the scene before him: rows of makeshift tents shivering in the autumn wind, the people's faces haggard, their eyes filled with confusion and helplessness. He took a deep breath and said firmly, "Don't panic, we'll figure something out together. First, organize the able-bodied men into groups to rebuild the houses. I'll contact nearby towns to see if we can procure some building materials." As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, his eyes revealing composure and confidence.

After saying this, Lin Yuhang rushed to a nearby town to negotiate with local officials. In a somewhat simple council chamber, Lin Yuhang looked earnestly at the official opposite him: "Sir, the disaster area in Jiangnan is in dire need of help. The people are homeless. I implore your esteemed region to provide some timber and bricks." He clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and his eyes were full of expectation.

The local official looked troubled: "Young Master Lin, it's not that we're unwilling to help, but our own reserves are limited, and we also have to deal with possible disasters in the winter." He frowned slightly, his eyes showing hesitation.

Lin Yuhang pondered for a moment: "My lord, I know it's difficult. But as long as we get through this winter, and by next spring when production in Jiangnan resumes, we will repay you tenfold. Moreover, helping Jiangnan is also for the stability of the entire country." He straightened his back, his eyes were firm, and his tone was sincere.

After some discussion, the local officials finally nodded: "Alright, given Young Master Lin's sincerity, we cannot stand idly by. We will allocate supplies and transport them to the disaster area as soon as possible."

Lin Yuhang was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, sir! The people of Jiangnan will always remember this kindness." A gratified smile appeared on his face, and his eyes shone with gratitude.

Upon returning to the capital, Lin Yuhang went to the palace to report. In the imperial study, he gave a detailed report on the situation in Jiangnan. After listening, Hongli nodded in praise: "Young Master Lin, you have done very well. I will send more craftsmen and supplies there to ensure that the people can get through the winter safely." His eyes showed appreciation as he nodded slightly.

Just then, the eunuch rushed in again: "Your Majesty, an urgent report from the border!"

Hongli's expression tightened. He took the military report, and after reading it, a look of surprise appeared on his face: "Good news! Due to internal strife, the neighboring country has taken the initiative to withdraw its troops from the border and has also expressed its willingness to resume peace talks, and its attitude is very sincere." He stood up, paced back and forth excitedly, and waved the military report with both hands.

Little Swallow exclaimed excitedly, "Great! Your Majesty! It seems our chance has come!" She clasped her hands together, her face beaming with joy, her eyes brimming with excitement.

Lin Yuhang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this is a blessing for the nation. We must seize this opportunity in the peace talks and strive for lasting peace for our country." He stood tall, his eyes were firm, and he clasped his hands together.

Hongli nodded: "Young Master Lin, I would like you to participate in the peace talks. You have some understanding of the situation in the neighboring country, which will surely be of great help to Lord Zhang." He looked at Lin Yuhang with eyes full of trust.

Lin Yuhang knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

In the days that followed, Lin Yuhang and Lord Zhang worked day and night to prepare for the peace talks, carefully studying the situation of the neighboring country and its possible conditions, and discussing countermeasures. Meanwhile, in Jiangnan, with the continuous arrival of supplies from all sides, the reconstruction work accelerated. Smiles gradually returned to the faces of the people, and hope rekindled in their eyes.

At the construction site, a young mother held her child, gazing at the new house under construction, her eyes filled with anticipation: "My child, once the house is finished, we'll be able to live a peaceful life. It's all thanks to the government and these kind people." She gently stroked her child's head, her face beaming with happiness.

The child blinked his big eyes and said, "Mom, when I grow up, I want to be like those uncles and help others." His eyes were filled with innocence and determination.

The day for peace talks finally arrived, and the envoy from the neighboring country came with sincerity. Inside the magnificent palace, the two sides engaged in intense negotiations. Lin Yuhang's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at the envoy: "In these peace talks, we hope to reach a fair and lasting peace agreement. Your country's previous actions have brought immense suffering to the people of both nations." His voice was steady and powerful, his eyes conveying authority.

The envoy from the neighboring country bowed slightly: "Young Master Lin is absolutely right. Our king has recognized his mistake and is willing to make amends." His tone was sincere, and his face showed a hint of remorse.

After several days and nights of negotiations, the two sides finally reached a peace agreement. When the news reached the capital, the entire palace was filled with joy. When Hongli announced the news in the main hall, the ministers knelt and cheered, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Xiao Yanzi happily took Hongli's hand and said, "Your Majesty, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief." Her face was beaming with happiness, and her eyes were full of joy.

However, Hongli's expression remained solemn: "Although the borders are at peace for the time being, we cannot let our guard down. There is still much to be done in the reconstruction of Jiangnan and the development of the country." His eyes were firm as he looked at the ministers, his tone filled with expectation.

Lin Yuhang stepped forward: "Your Majesty is right. I am willing to continue serving the country, whether it is the reconstruction of Jiangnan or the defense of the border, I will do my utmost." He held his head high, his eyes filled with a sense of responsibility.

In the fading light of autumn, the streets of the capital were bustling with activity as people cheered and celebrated the hard-won peace. Inside the palace, people were also planning for the future of the nation. Although the road ahead remained fraught with challenges, at this moment, dawn finally pierced through the layers of gloom, shining upon this land that had weathered many storms, heralding new hope and a new beginning.