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

The capital city was covered in a blanket of snow in winter, exuding a peaceful atmosphere. Inside the palace, a thin layer of ice covered the lake in the Imperial Garden, reflecting the sunlight with dazzling brilliance. Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a magnificent winter outfit, strolled along the garden path accompanied by Consort Ling, followed by several palace maids who carefully carried various exquisitely painted celebratory decorations.

"Consort Ling, look at the styles of the lanterns for this celebration. Which is more attractive, the octagonal glass lantern or the square palace lantern?" Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly, holding two patterns in her hand, carefully comparing them in the sunlight, her eyes full of seriousness.

Consort Ling leaned closer, looked at it, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, this octagonal glass lantern is indeed novel and unique. It will surely be dazzling when lit at night. However, the square palace lantern is more solemn and fits the atmosphere of the celebration better." As Consort Ling spoke, she pointed to the pattern with her finger, her eyes gentle and her demeanor elegant.

Little Swallow tilted her head and thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "How about this, we use both kinds of lanterns! Hang octagonal glass lanterns on the main road of the palace to show off the festive atmosphere; and hang square palace lanterns around the main hall to show the solemnity and majesty." She clapped her hands excitedly, her face beaming with a bright smile, and her eyes sparkling with lively light.

Consort Ling nodded quickly: "Your Majesty's idea is brilliant! In this way, the grandeur of the celebration is not lost, and a touch of liveliness is added." Consort Ling's lips curled up, revealing an appreciative smile, and she bowed slightly to show her agreement.

As the two were talking, a young eunuch rushed over, slipped on the snow, and almost fell. After regaining his balance, he hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness Consort Ling, His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study, saying that he has important matters to discuss." The young eunuch was panting, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, which seemed rather out of place in the cold winter.

Xiao Yanzi and Consort Ling exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt flashing in their eyes. Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly and said, "I understand, we'll go now." With that, the two quickened their pace and headed towards the Imperial Study, leaving a trail of footprints of varying depths behind them.

Inside the imperial study, the charcoal fire burned brightly, filling the room with warmth. Hongli sat at his desk, a document in his hand, his expression focused. Seeing Xiaoyanzi and Consort Ling enter, he nodded slightly, "Empress, Consort Ling, you've arrived." Hongli's voice was calm, but his eyes revealed a hint of contemplation.

Xiao Yanzi walked up to Hongli and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, why did you summon us so urgently? Is something wrong?" She tilted her head slightly, her eyes full of concern, and her hands unconsciously clasped in front of her.

Hongli put down the document, his expression somewhat grave: "Empress, Consort Ling, we have just received a secret report that while we are negotiating with our neighboring country, some forces within the country are secretly colluding, attempting to take advantage of the chaos to seek personal gain." Hongli's brows furrowed, his eyes revealing worry and vigilance, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's eyebrows shot up, and she clenched her fists: "What? How dare these people be so bold! Your Majesty, they must be severely punished!" Her face was full of anger, her eyes burned with fury, and her chest heaved slightly with rage.

Consort Ling also looked surprised and said softly, "Your Majesty, what should we do? The preparations for the celebration are in full swing, and we can't afford any mishaps." Consort Ling bit her lower lip slightly, her eyes filled with worry, and her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress.

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "I have already sent secret guards to investigate this matter, but the forces behind it are complex and difficult to figure out in a short time. Empress, the preparations for the celebration must be accelerated. We cannot let these rebels affect the mood of the people." Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi with trust and expectation in his eyes.

Xiao Yanzi nodded firmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely prepare the celebration perfectly. However, these rebels are truly despicable. We must think of a way to wipe them out as soon as possible." Her eyes were firm, and she straightened her back, displaying the majesty and responsibility of an empress.

At this moment, a minister hurriedly entered, knelt down and bowed: "Your Majesty, Young Master Lin requests an audience, saying he has important clues."

Hongli's expression brightened: "Send the message immediately!"

Lin Yuhang strode into the imperial study. Dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, he stood tall and straight, his face showing some fatigue, but his eyes shone with determination and excitement: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness Consort Ling, after several days of investigation, we have discovered that these rebels are connected to an official in the court, and they seem to be preparing a large-scale operation, the specific purpose of which is still unclear." Lin Yuhang clasped his hands in a fist salute, knelt on one knee, and spoke urgently.

Hongli's face darkened: "Such a thing has happened! Young Master Lin, you must continue your investigation and uncover their conspiracy as soon as possible, bringing all these rebels to justice. I will not allow anyone to sabotage behind the scenes and disrupt the peace of the country." Hongli stood up, his hands behind his back, exuding an aura of authority, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination.

Lin Yuhang accepted the order: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission!" He stood up, his eyes resolute, and turned to leave with long strides.

Watching Lin Yuhang's departing figure, Xiao Yanzi said worriedly, "Your Majesty, I hope Young Master Lin can resolve this matter smoothly. This celebration concerns the morale of the nation, and we cannot afford any mistakes." Her eyes were filled with worry as she gently grasped Hongli's hand, trying to gain some comfort from him.

Hongli gently patted Xiaoyanzi's hand: "Empress, don't worry too much. With Young Master Lin here, plus my secret guards, we will definitely be able to eliminate these rebels. Just focus on preparing for the celebration, I believe in you." Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi tenderly, his eyes full of encouragement and trust.

In the days that followed, Little Swallow devoted herself entirely to the preparations for the celebration. She personally supervised the craftsmen in making all the decorations, meticulously overseeing every detail. Inside the palace hall, the craftsmen were constructing a huge decorated stage for the performances on the day of the celebration. Little Swallow circled the stage again and again, offering suggestions for improvement from time to time.

"The colors on this display stand aren't vibrant enough; they need to be brighter to truly capture the festive atmosphere. And the decorative patterns need to be more exquisite; there can't be the slightest carelessness," Xiao Yanzi said earnestly to the craftsmen, her eyes revealing focus and sternness.

The craftsmen nodded in unison, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will complete the task as soon as possible according to your requirements." They bowed their heads respectfully, their hands busy working with their tools.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuhang led his secret guards on a clandestine investigation through the streets and alleys of the capital. Disguised and infiltrating various locations, they attempted to uncover any trace of the rebels. In an inconspicuous tavern, Lin Yuhang and several guards sat in a corner, drinking and observing the conversations of those around them.

"I heard things haven't been peaceful in the city lately, it seems like something big is about to happen," a customer said in a low voice.

"Shh, don't talk nonsense, or you'll get yourself into trouble," another customer quickly stopped him.

Lin Yuhang's heart skipped a beat. He gave a wink to the guard beside him, who understood and quietly approached the two drinkers, pretending to be drunk and starting to chat with them.

After some probing questions, Lin Yuhang finally learned that the rebels planned to launch a surprise attack on the day of the celebration, taking advantage of the festivities to create chaos and seize power. Upon receiving this news, Lin Yuhang immediately returned to the palace to report to Hongli.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was so tense it was suffocating. After listening to Lin Yuhang's report, Hongli's face turned ashen: "These rebels are incredibly audacious! They dared to make a move during the celebration! I will absolutely not let them succeed!" Hongli clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with anger, and paced back and forth in the study.

Xiao Yanzi's face flushed with anger: "Your Majesty, we must take precautions in advance and absolutely cannot let them ruin the celebration." Her eyes were firm, her fists clenched tightly, and she wished she could wipe out all the rebels immediately.

Lin Yuhang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have a plan. We can deploy heavy troops at the celebration site and secretly arrange for experts to lie in wait. Once the rebels make their move, we will wipe them out in one fell swoop." Lin Yuhang's expression was calm, and his eyes revealed confidence and decisiveness as he explained his plan in detail.

Hongli pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, we'll do as Young Master Lin says. Young Master Lin, this mission is entrusted to you. You must ensure the safety of the celebration and not let a single rebel escape." Hongli looked at Lin Yuhang, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

Lin Yuhang knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to protect the celebration and the peace of the country!" He stood up, his posture upright and his eyes firm, like a majestic mountain, unbreakable.

As the day of the celebration drew near, the palace and its surroundings were abuzz with activity. The streets were adorned with lanterns and decorations, and the people were immersed in a joyous atmosphere. However, they were unaware that a crisis was quietly approaching. Behind this seemingly peaceful facade, Lin Yuhang and his secret guards were making tense preparations for a breathtaking battle—a battle that would determine the fate of the nation and the success of the celebration, ultimately bringing true peace and prosperity to the country.