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

The candlelight flickered inside, illuminating the solemn faces of Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, and Lin Yuhang. Xiaoyanzi bit her lower lip, her heart filled with both anger and anxiety. She paced back and forth, her skirt billowing in the breeze, making the candlelight flicker even more violently. "This Shadow Pavilion is truly despicable! They even dare to collude with foreign enemies! What exactly are they trying to do?" She suddenly stopped, clenching her fists, her eyes filled with resentment.

Hongli raised a hand to rub his temples, trying to ease his tense nerves. He wore a long black robe, the hem embroidered with golden dragon patterns, which shimmered faintly in the candlelight, further emphasizing his current majesty and exhaustion. "Whatever they intend to do, I will not let them succeed. Lin Yuhang, is the news from the border reliable?"

Lin Yuhang stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, the news came from our spies on the frontier. They say that unidentified people have been frequently active on the border recently, and their behavior is very suspicious." His dark blue robe was stained with dust, indicating that he had been traveling for a long time before returning to the palace to report. His expression showed his fatigue, but his eyes remained firm.

Xiao Yanzi frowned, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "The frontier... the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy in the capital is not yet complete, how come it is related to the frontier? Could that mysterious token also be related to the unusual activities on the frontier?" As she spoke, she reached out and gently brushed the stray hairs at her temples, trying to calm herself down and think.

Hongli nodded slightly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes: "Very likely. The Shadow Pavilion acts mysteriously; their plans must be intricately linked. With the Heaven-worshiping ceremony imminent and unusual activity on the border, we must consider both sides." As he spoke, his gaze sharpened as he looked at Lin Yuhang: "Lin Yuhang, immediately arrange for men to continue investigating the Shadow Pavilion's movements in the capital, especially this so-called 'token.' We must get to the bottom of this. At the same time, contact the border garrison commanders and closely monitor the situation. Report to me immediately if there is any disturbance."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lin Yuhang accepted the order and turned to leave, but was stopped by Xiao Yanzi.

"Wait, Lin Yuhang." Xiao Yanzi stepped forward, her expression concerned. "You've been running around for so long, go and rest first. Don't overwork yourself. The investigation can't be rushed." Her eyes were full of worry, and her voice softened unconsciously.

Lin Yuhang was slightly taken aback, then cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am not tired. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not be negligent in the slightest." After saying that, he hurriedly left.

Watching Lin Yuhang's departing figure, Xiao Yanzi sighed softly, "That Lin Yuhang, he really works too hard."

Hongli walked to her side and gently took her hand: "He did it for the court, for us. Empress, don't worry too much, sit down and rest for a while." As he spoke, he pulled Xiaoyanzi to sit down on a chair and poured her a cup of tea.

Xiao Yanzi picked up her teacup, took a small sip, but found the tea tasteless. "Your Majesty, how can I not worry? The Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy is like a fog; we haven't found a breakthrough yet. And the sacrificial ceremony is such an important day; what if something goes wrong..." Her voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with worry.

Hongli gently patted her hand, comforting her, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have arranged for people to strengthen security for the sacrificial ceremony, and I will certainly not let the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy succeed. As for this fog, we will find a way to dispel it." His eyes were firm, exuding a reassuring power.

Just then, Xiao Zhuozi rushed in, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Lord Fucha Fuheng requests an audience."

"Summon them immediately!" Hongli said right away.

Fu Heng strode in, dressed in court robes, his posture upright and his face solemn. He first bowed deeply to Hongli and Xiao Yanzi, then rose and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have heard of the Shadow Pavilion and have come to offer my advice."

"Fuheng, you've come at the right time." A hint of anticipation flashed in Hongli's eyes. "Tell me your thoughts."

Fucha Fuheng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, I believe that since the Shadow Pavilion has mentioned the token, we might as well start from this point. Since this token is related to the success or failure of their plan, it must be extremely important to them and must be hidden very well. We can start by investigating those who have had contact with the Shadow Pavilion, and we cannot let go of even the slightest clue."

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly, a hint of agreement flashing in her eyes: "Fu Heng is right. Among those martial arts figures, perhaps some know clues about this token. Didn't Lin Yuhang say before that the Shadow Pavilion also has quite a few informants in the martial arts world?"

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "Fuheng, I'll leave this matter to you. You have a wide network of connections and some friends in the martial arts world. See if you can get some information from them."

"Your Majesty, I obey!" Fucha Fuheng replied. "I will do my utmost to live up to the trust of the Emperor and the Empress."

After Fucha Fuheng left, Xiao Yanzi leaned against Hongli's chest and whispered, "Your Majesty, I hope we can find some useful clues this time and uncover the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy as soon as possible."

Hongli gently stroked her hair and said tenderly, "We will definitely overcome this difficulty. My husband and I, along with so many loyal ministers, will surely be able to get through this crisis."

However, they were unaware that an even greater crisis awaited them. The Shadow Pavilion's influence was deeply entrenched, and their conspiracies, like an invisible net, were gradually tightening. What secrets did that mysterious token hold? How would the disturbances on the frontier develop? The answers to all these questions lay hidden in the mists of the unknown, waiting for them to uncover them.