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

As dawn broke, a light frost still clung to the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, yet inside the Shufangzhai Palace, a flurry of activity had already begun. Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a moon-white palace gown, her hair loosely tied up, a few stray strands falling beside her fair cheeks, accentuated the anxiety in her eyes. She paced back and forth in the room, tightly gripping a riding whip—one she had carried with her since entering the palace, its tassels swaying gently with her movements.

"Why hasn't the Emperor arrived yet? It's already this late, we can't let the trail to the Shadow Pavilion go cold!" Little Swallow muttered, glancing at the door every now and then, her eyes full of anticipation and anxiety.

As they were talking, Hongli strode in. He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, with a jade belt inlaid with emeralds around his waist, and the crown on his head was upright and majestic, exuding an innate imperial aura. Seeing Xiaoyanzi's appearance, he couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Your Majesty, do not be anxious. Now that things are showing promise, there is no need to rush." ​​Hongli walked to her side, gently patted her shoulder, and tried to soothe her emotions.

Little Swallow suddenly turned around, hands on her hips: "How can we not be anxious? Those bad guys kidnapped the princess, there must be something going on with the Shadow Pavilion. Now that we finally have a lead, if we don't find out quickly, who knows what might happen!"

Hongli smiled helplessly, and was about to speak when Xiao Dengzi rushed in, panting, and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Lord Lin Yuhang requests an audience!"

"Let him in quickly!" Xiao Yanzi and Hongli said almost at the same time.

Lin Yuhang walked in, dressed in a dark blue robe with a long sword at his waist, looking dashing and heroic. However, at this moment, his face showed some fatigue and solemnity.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, as you instructed, I went to investigate the area around that courtyard in the west of the city again," Lin Yuhang said respectfully, kneeling on one knee.

"Stand up and speak. Have you made any new discoveries?" Hongli asked eagerly.

Lin Yuhang stood up and took out a black token from his pocket. It had a strange pattern engraved on it, like a bat about to take flight: "I found this in the corner of the courtyard. It looks like a token from the Shadow Pavilion."

Little Swallow snatched the token, examining it closely with a look of confusion in her eyes: "What's the use of this token? Is it a token they use to communicate?"

Lin Yuhang nodded: "Very likely. Moreover, I also learned that a group of martial arts figures recently infiltrated the capital, and their whereabouts seem to have intricate connections with the Shadow Pavilion."

"Martial arts figures?" Hongli frowned. "What exactly is the Shadow Pavilion trying to do? They're actually colluding with martial arts forces."

"Whatever they want to do, we can't let them succeed!" Little Swallow slammed the token heavily on the table, a resolute glint in her eyes. "Your Majesty, we can no longer sit idly by and wait to be killed; we must take the initiative!"

Hongli pondered for a moment and nodded: "The Empress is absolutely right. Lin Yuhang, immediately send someone to investigate the whereabouts of those martial arts figures. Report back immediately once you have any information."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lin Yuhang accepted the order and left.

After Lin Yuhang left, Hongli walked to the window and looked at the palace outside, which was gradually becoming lively. His expression was solemn: "Empress, this matter is probably more complicated than we imagined. The Shadow Pavilion has been silent for a long time, but now it has suddenly made a move. There must be a bigger conspiracy behind it."

Little Swallow walked to his side and took his hand: "No matter how complicated it is, we have to face it together. Don't forget, we still have the power of the entire palace, and so many people who support us."

Hongli turned his head and looked into her firm eyes, a warm feeling welling up in his heart: "With you by my side, I have confidence."

Just then, a commotion arose outside. Little Swallow curiously walked to the door and saw Princess Hejing skipping and hopping over. She was wearing a pink qipao and a bright silk flower in her hair, looking lively and adorable.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor!" Princess Hejing greeted them with a smile, but her eyes fell on the Shadow Pavilion token on the table. "What is this? It looks so mysterious."

Before Xiao Yanzi could speak, Hongli interrupted, saying, "Little girl, don't ask so many questions. What brings you to Shufangzhai?"

Princess Hejing pouted: "I heard that Little Swallow was frightened, so I wanted to come and see her."

"You're so thoughtful, child." Little Swallow smiled and patted her head. "Little Swallow just fell asleep. If you want to go see her, you'd better keep your voice down."

"Alright!" Princess Hejing skipped and hopped into the inner room like a happy little deer.

Watching Princess Hejing's retreating figure, Xiao Yanzi sighed softly: "The children in this palace are still so innocent and naive. I really hope they can stay that way forever and not be tainted by these conspiracies and schemes."

Hongli gently put his arm around her shoulder: "Don't worry, I will definitely protect this palace and everyone."

Just then, Consort Ling rushed over. She was dressed in a light purple palace gown, with elegant makeup, making her appear gentle and charming.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have heard of a lead on the Shadow Pavilion and have come to inquire about the situation," Consort Ling said softly, bowing slightly.

"Consort Ling, you've come at the right time." Xiao Yanzi took her hand and briefly explained what had happened.

Upon hearing this, Consort Ling's expression changed slightly: "The Shadow Pavilion is far too audacious, daring to stir up trouble in the capital. Your Majesty, Empress, although I am not knowledgeable about these court affairs, I would like to do my part."

Hongli nodded: "Consort Ling is very thoughtful. Please keep a close eye on things in the palace. If you notice anything unusual, please inform me and the Empress immediately."

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree," Consort Ling said.

By now, sunlight bathed the entire palace, casting a dazzling glow on its glazed tiles. However, behind this seemingly tranquil palace, a storm was quietly brewing. Xiao Yanzi, Hongli, and everyone in the palace understood that they were about to face an unprecedented challenge, a challenge that might determine the fate of the entire palace.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.