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

Since their visit to the palace that day, Xiao Yanzi and Hong Zhou's relationship has grown closer, like saplings growing stronger in spring, becoming more and more lush each day.

The morning sunlight streamed into the courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence. Little Swallow got up early and practiced her martial arts in the yard. Little Peach, who was serving her, couldn't help but say, "Miss, you seem to be in a particularly good mood lately!" Little Swallow stopped practicing and said with a grin, "Of course! With the Fifth Prince by my side, life is so much fun!"

Just then, Hongzhou's voice came from outside the courtyard: "Little Swallow, are you up?" Little Swallow's eyes lit up, and she hurried out to greet him: "Fifth Prince, why are you here so early?" Hongzhou entered the courtyard, holding a delicate little box in his hand, and said with a smile: "I saw something fun at the market yesterday, and I thought you would like it, so I quickly brought it to you." Little Swallow curiously took the box, opened it, and saw a small wooden mechanical bird. With a gentle turn of the mechanism, the bird flapped its wings, as if about to take flight. Little Swallow jumped up excitedly: "Wow, Fifth Prince, this is so interesting! You're so kind!"

Afterwards, Hongzhou took Xiaoyanzi out of the Prime Minister's residence, and the two rode horses across the grasslands outside the capital. The wind whistled past their ears, and Hongzhou shouted, "Xiaoyanzi, I feel incredibly comfortable with you!" Xiaoyanzi replied, "Me too, Fifth Prince, having you as a friend is the luckiest thing in my life!" When they got tired, they dismounted and sat on the grass. Hongzhou plucked a blade of grass, played with it in his hand, and looked at Xiaoyanzi, saying, "Xiaoyanzi, do you know? Ever since I met you, my heart has been like a little deer, always pounding." Xiaoyanzi blinked, asking somewhat doubtfully, "Why is it pounding? Are you sick?" Hongzhou was amused by her innocence and gently tapped her head, "Silly girl, it's not that I'm sick, it's that I... I like you." Xiaoyanzi was startled, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, whispering, "Fifth Prince, I like you too, I like you so much."

Meanwhile, Hongli remained focused on his studies and state affairs in the palace. Although he felt a certain familiarity with Xiaoyanzi, he didn't dwell on it. One day, while discussing scholarship with his tutor in his study, he casually mentioned Miss Lin's performance at the poetry gathering that day. His tutor said, "Although Miss Lin is unconventional in her actions, she is exceptionally talented. If the Fourth Prince could have more interaction with her, he might also benefit from his studies." Hongli nodded slightly, "Miss Lin does indeed have some talent, but I have been busy with state affairs lately and am afraid I have no time to attend to her."

Outside the Prime Minister's residence and the Imperial Palace, an undercurrent was quietly rising in the martial arts world. Some mysterious figures were secretly observing the movements of the Imperial Palace and the Prime Minister's residence, as if some conspiracy was brewing.

That day, Hongzhou took Xiaoyanzi to a folk temple fair. The fair was packed with people and incredibly lively. Various food stalls emitted enticing aromas, and street performers put on captivating shows. Hongzhou held Xiaoyanzi's hand tightly, afraid she would get lost in the crowd. They wandered through the crowd, enjoying delicious roasted chestnuts and sweet osmanthus cakes.

Suddenly, a little beggar bumped into Xiao Yanzi. Startled, he apologized, "Miss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Xiao Yanzi knelt down, looking at the beggar's dirty face, and felt pity. "It's alright. Are you hungry?" she said, taking some pastries from Hong Zhou's hand and giving them to the beggar. The little beggar was moved to tears, "Thank you, Miss. You're such a kind person."

Hongzhou watched from the side, his affection for Xiaoyanzi's kindness growing stronger. They continued to enjoy themselves at the temple fair, watching the dragon and lion dances, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. News came from the palace that the Emperor intended to send a prince to Jiangnan to inspect water conservancy. Upon hearing this, Hongzhou was intrigued. He wanted to take Xiaoyanzi with him, so that she could broaden her horizons and spend more time with her. Therefore, he went to the palace to request permission from the Emperor.

Hongzhou arrived at the Imperial Study, bowed to the Emperor, and said, "Father, I have heard that someone is to be sent to Jiangnan to inspect water conservancy, and I am willing to go. I believe that this trip will not only serve the court but also broaden my experience." The Emperor, seated on his dragon throne, looked at Hongzhou and nodded slightly, "It is good that you have this intention. However, this trip carries great responsibility; are you confident in your abilities?" Hongzhou firmly replied, "I will certainly do my utmost and live up to Father's expectations." The Emperor pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, go."

Hongzhou came out of the Imperial Study and went to find Xiaoyanzi with great joy to tell her the news: "Xiaoyanzi, Father has agreed to let me go to Jiangnan to inspect the water conservancy. I want to take you with me. Would you like to go?" Xiaoyanzi's eyes lit up, but then she hesitated: "Of course I want to go, but will my father agree?" Hongzhou smiled and said: "I will talk to Lord Lin. He will definitely agree."

Hongzhou arrived at the Prime Minister's residence and explained his purpose to Lord Lin. After a moment of contemplation, Lord Lin said, "Fifth Prince, I am naturally worried about you taking Xiaoyanzi to Jiangnan. But Xiaoyanzi also needs experience. If you can guarantee her safety, I will agree." Hongzhou quickly replied, "Don't worry, Lord Lin, I will definitely protect Xiaoyanzi."

On the day of preparation for departure, Xiao Yanzi was very excited. She busied herself in the Prime Minister's residence, packing her luggage. Xiao Tao helped her from the side, saying, "Miss, the journey to Jiangnan is long and arduous. Please take good care of yourself." Xiao Yanzi smiled and said, "Xiao Tao, don't worry. With the Fifth Prince here, everything will be fine."

When Hongli heard in the palace that Hongzhou was going to take Xiaoyanzi to Jiangnan, a strange ripple stirred in his heart. He pondered to himself, "Why do I have such a strange feeling about Miss Lin going to Jiangnan?" But he quickly put this feeling out of his mind and continued to bury himself in his official duties.

Finally, Hongzhou and Xiaoyanzi embarked on their journey to Jiangnan. Their carriage moved slowly along the official road, the scenery outside the window constantly changing. Xiaoyanzi looked out the window curiously, constantly asking Hongzhou about Jiangnan: "Fifth Prince, are there many small bridges and flowing water in Jiangnan? Are lotus flowers blooming everywhere?" Hongzhou patiently answered her questions, his eyes full of affection.

Upon reaching a mountain forest, they suddenly encountered a band of bandits. The bandits blocked the carriage, shouting, "This road is mine, these trees are mine! If you want to pass, leave your toll!" Hongzhou jumped off the carriage, stood in front of Xiaoyanzi, and said, "You bandits, how dare you rob us here? Aren't you afraid of the imperial laws?" The bandit leader sneered, "The imperial court? We're in these mountains, who can control us! Kid, if you know what's good for you, leave your money and the beauty in the carriage, or don't blame us for being impolite!" Hongzhou snorted, "Then let's see if you have the ability!" With that, he began to fight the bandits.

Little Swallow couldn't sit still in the carriage any longer. She grabbed a wooden stick, rushed out of the carriage, and joined the battle. She displayed her martial arts skills, her movements agile and swift. Working together with Hongzhou, they quickly routed the bandits.

Hongzhou looked at Xiaoyanzi and said with a smile, "Xiaoyanzi, you're really amazing!" Xiaoyanzi dusted herself off and said proudly, "Of course, I won't hold you back!"

After some twists and turns, they finally arrived in Jiangnan. The beauty of Jiangnan captivated Xiao Yanzi; the emerald green lakes, winding bridges, and blooming lotus flowers were like a beautiful painting. Hongzhou took Xiao Yanzi on a tour of Jiangnan. They boated on the lakes, listening to the boatmen's songs; strolled through the ancient town streets, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Jiangnan.

During their time in Jiangnan, Xiao Yanzi and Hongzhou's feelings for each other deepened. They embraced by the lake under the moonlight, pouring out their hearts to one another. Hongzhou gently stroked Xiao Yanzi's hair and said, "Xiao Yanzi, I wish to spend my life with you, and no matter what difficulties we encounter, I will never leave you." Xiao Yanzi nestled in Hongzhou's arms, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness: "Fifth Prince, me too."

However, unbeknownst to them, a massive conspiracy lurks behind this seemingly idyllic trip to Jiangnan. A quiet undercurrent is rising in the martial world, gradually closing in on them, and their love and destiny are about to face a severe test.