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

Inside Shufangzhai, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost suffocating. Hongli sat in the main seat, his brows furrowed, his eyes fixed on the crumpled frontier war report in his hands, his face growing increasingly gloomy. Xiaoyanzi sat beside him, her arm wrapped in white gauze, crimson blood seeping through the gauze, making her face appear even paler.

"Your Majesty, the situation on the border is so critical; we must find a solution as soon as possible." Xiao Yanzi bit her lower lip, enduring the pain from her wound, her voice filled with urgency and worry. Her hands unconsciously gripped the armrests of the chair, her knuckles turning white from the force.

Hongli slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with exhaustion and determination: "I have already issued an edict ordering General Zhaohui to provide immediate support, but the Shadow Pavilion is causing trouble behind the scenes, which is truly despicable. And what exactly is that mysterious 'token'? What is its connection to the crisis on the frontier?" As he spoke, he slammed the battle report heavily on the table, causing the teacups on the table to shake slightly.

Just as the two were deep in thought, Xiao Zhuozi rushed in, looking flustered, and knelt down with a thud: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Lord Lin Yuhang requests an audience."

"Summon them quickly!" Hongli immediately sat up straight, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

Lin Yuhang strode into Shufangzhai, his clothes somewhat disheveled and his hair slightly messy, clearly having traveled a long way. Upon seeing the Emperor and Empress, he hurriedly bowed: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have important news to report."

"What news? Tell me quickly!" Little Swallow asked anxiously, unconsciously standing up. Due to the sudden movement, she aggravated the wound on her arm, and she couldn't help but frown slightly.

Lin Yuhang stood up, his expression grave. "These past few days, I've been secretly investigating the Shadow Pavilion's strongholds and discovered they frequently enter and exit a hidden cave. Today, I managed to infiltrate it and found some letters related to the border war." As he spoke, he took out a stack of letters wrapped in oiled paper from his robes and handed them to Hongli with both hands.

Hongli took the letter and quickly began to read it, his expression growing increasingly grim. "As expected, the Shadow Pavilion has been colluding with foreign enemies for a long time. They not only provided the enemy with intelligence on our army's deployments, but also planned this surprise attack," Hongli said angrily, his eyes burning with fury.

"What should we do now?" Xiao Yanzi walked to Hongli's side, looking at the letters with worry in her heart. "The Shadow Pavilion's power is so great, how can we completely eradicate them?" Her eyes revealed a trace of confusion and helplessness, but she quickly became determined again.

Lin Yuhang frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I believe we can start from within the Shadow Pavilion. Since they have an inside agent in the palace, we might as well turn the tables and release some false information to lure them in."

Hongli nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Lin Yuhang, you are absolutely right. However, how to release this false information and how to ensure that they will take the bait still require careful consideration."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up, and she suddenly said, "I have an idea. We can have Su Peisheng spread the word that we've uncovered the Shadow Pavilion's entire plan and are preparing to wipe them out at the Heaven-Worshiping Ceremony. I don't believe they'll be able to sit still after hearing that news." As she spoke, she gestured, her eyes sparkling with intelligence.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi with admiration in his eyes: "Your Majesty's idea is good. Although Su Peisheng is an inside agent of the Shadow Pavilion, now that we have captured him, he will probably do as we ask in order to save his life."

Lin Yuhang nodded in agreement: "In this way, the Shadow Pavilion will definitely take action. We just need to secretly lay a trap and wait for them to walk right into it."

The three discussed the specific plan again, and only finalized the details as dusk approached. Lin Yuhang accepted the order and left to prepare for arranging everything.

After Lin Yuhang left, Xiao Yanzi walked to the window, gazing at the darkening sky outside, her heart filled with mixed emotions. "Your Majesty, I hope we can succeed this time, completely expose the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy, and restore peace to the world," she said softly, her voice tinged with weariness and anticipation.

Hongli walked to her side and gently took her hand: "Your Majesty, rest assured, we can definitely do it. With you by my side, I am full of confidence." As he spoke, he gently embraced Xiaoyanzi, as if this could give her strength.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows into Shufangzhai, bringing warmth to the entire room. Xiaoyanzi got up early, dressed in a light yellow qipao, her hair simply tied up and adorned with a jade hairpin, making her appear fresh and elegant.

"Your Majesty, I want to go see Little Swallow. I've been busy investigating the Shadow Pavilion these past few days and haven't had much time for her," Little Swallow said softly as she walked to Hongli's side.

Hongli smiled and nodded: "Alright, go ahead. I also have some official business to attend to. I'll come find you when I'm done."

Little Swallow arrived at Little Swallow's dwelling, only to find Little Swallow playing in the courtyard with Princess Hejing, Yongqi, Qing'er, and others. Seeing Little Swallow, Little Swallow immediately ran over joyfully and threw herself into her arms: "Empress Mother, you've finally come to see me!"

Little Swallow smiled and picked up Little Swallow, kissing her on the cheek: "My darling, have you been a good girl?"

"Yes, I'm very obedient," Little Swallow said in her childish voice, her face beaming with an innocent smile.

Princess Hejing, Yongqi, Qing'er, and others also stepped forward and bowed to Xiaoyanzi. "Your Majesty the Empress," the three said in unison.

"Get up, everyone, no need for formalities," Little Swallow said with a smile. "Have you had any fun playing with Little Swallow?"

Princess Hejing said with a smile, "Your Majesty, Little Swallow is quite amusing. Yesterday, she insisted on trying to fly a kite, but the kite didn't fly, and she tripped and fell, which made everyone laugh."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh. Little Swallow looked at Little Swallow with eyes full of affection: "You're such a naughty little devil. Next time you fly a kite, let Brother Yongqi teach you, but you mustn't fall again."

"Yes, I know!" Little Swallow nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling.

Just then, a palace maid rushed in, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, the Emperor requests your immediate presence in the Imperial Study, saying there is an urgent matter."

Little Swallow's heart tightened, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart. She quickly put Little Swallow down and said to Princess Hejing and the others, "Take good care of Little Swallow. I'm going to the Imperial Study first." After saying that, she hurriedly walked towards the Imperial Study.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, they found Hongli sitting at his desk, his expression grave as he read a secret report. Seeing Xiaoyanzi enter, he immediately stood up: "Empress, we just received news that the Shadow Pavilion seems to have made a move. They've been moving personnel from several of their strongholds in the capital. It seems our plan has succeeded."

Little Swallow nodded slightly, a hint of nervousness and excitement flashing in her eyes: "Shouldn't we proceed according to plan?"

Hongli frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Wait a little longer. Since they have taken action, they must be on guard. We should wait for them to show a weakness before taking them down in one fell swoop."

However, they were unaware that the Shadow Pavilion's operations were far more complex than they imagined. A far greater storm was quietly approaching...