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

Inside the imperial study, the light was dim and yellowish, and a heavy sense of oppression seemed to freeze the air. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the secret reports spread out on the table, their brows furrowed and their expressions solemn.

"The Shadow Pavilion's actions are becoming increasingly frequent. It seems they've sensed something and are starting to act desperately." Hongli's voice was deep and cold, exuding an undeniable authority. He paced back and forth, his footsteps particularly clear in the silent study.

Xiao Yanzi gently bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with worry: "Your Majesty, will our plan still proceed smoothly? If they act ahead of schedule, we will be at a disadvantage." She subconsciously clenched the silk handkerchief in her hand, her knuckles turning white from the slight pressure.

Hongli stopped and turned to look at Xiaoyanzi, a determined glint in his eyes: "The more critical the moment, the less we can afford to panic. Lin Yuhang is already stepping up his preparations. As long as we remain calm, we will surely be able to wait for them to make a mistake." As he spoke, he gently took Xiaoyanzi's hand, offering her strength and comfort.

At this moment, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar. Xiao Dengzi rushed into the imperial study, looking flustered. He knelt down with a thud and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Lord Fucha Fuheng requests an audience."

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

Fuheng strode in, dressed in a long black robe with delicate silver embroidery on the hem and a warm jade pendant at his waist, looking dashing and heroic. He bowed deeply to Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, then rose and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have made an important discovery."

"Oh? Tell me quickly!" Little Swallow asked eagerly, taking a step forward with her eyes full of anticipation.

Fucha Fuheng took out a small brocade pouch from his bosom and handed it to Hongli: "Your Majesty, this was obtained by chance by a friend of mine in the martial arts world. According to him, this pouch is related to the 'token' of the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli took the brocade pouch and examined it carefully. The pouch was made of black silk, embroidered with strange golden patterns, and faintly exuded a mysterious aura. He gently opened the pouch, and inside was an ancient jade pendant, engraved with some strange symbols, which were neither characters nor words, and were difficult to understand.

"What do these symbols mean?" Little Swallow leaned closer, looked at the jade pendant, and asked in confusion.

Fucha Fuheng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I do not know the meaning of these symbols, but according to my friend, this jade pendant is an extremely important item within the Shadow Pavilion, and the person who possesses it holds a very high position within the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli nodded slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "In that case, this jade pendant is very likely the 'token' we have been searching for. However, we still need to investigate further what secrets are hidden behind these symbols."

Just then, the door to the Imperial Study was suddenly pushed open, and Lin Yuhang hurried in. His clothes were somewhat disheveled, and beads of sweat clung to his forehead, indicating that he had run all the way there. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have just received news that the Shadow Pavilion members are gathering in an abandoned mansion in the west of the city, seemingly plotting something."

Hongli's expression changed drastically, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes: "They finally couldn't hold back any longer. Lin Yuhang, immediately gather men and surround that mansion. We can't let them escape!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Lin Yuhang accepted the order and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Little Swallow suddenly called out, "I'll go with you." Her eyes were firm, and her tone left no room for doubt.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi with worry in his eyes: "Empress, this mission is dangerous. You should stay in the palace and wait for our news."

“No, Your Majesty,” Xiao Yanzi shook her head, “I can’t just wait here. I have to go; maybe I can be of help.” She gripped Hongli’s hand tightly, her eyes full of pleading.

Hongli sighed helplessly. He knew Xiaoyanzi's temperament; once she made up her mind, it was hard to change it. "Alright, but you must be careful, stay close to me and Lin Yuhang, and don't act on your own."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty." Little Swallow smiled slightly, a hint of cleverness flashing in her eyes.

A moment later, Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, and Lin Yuhang, accompanied by a team of elite guards, quietly made their way towards the abandoned mansion in the west of the city. The night was deep, the moonlight was obscured by thick clouds, and the surroundings were pitch black, the silence unsettling.

Upon arriving at the abandoned mansion, Lin Yuhang made a gesture, and the guards immediately dispersed, surrounding the mansion. Led by Lin Yuhang, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi cautiously made their way into the mansion.

Suddenly, a soft footstep sound came from the shadows, and everyone stopped immediately, cautiously observing their surroundings. Several men in black emerged from the darkness, wielding sharp blades, and pounced on them.

"Perfect timing!" Lin Yuhang roared, charging forward to engage the man in black. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi were not to be outdone, drawing their weapons and joining the fight. Shouts of battle echoed through the abandoned mansion.

However, as the battle progressed, they noticed that the number of men in black was increasing, as if they had been deliberately lured there. Hongli inwardly cried out in alarm; it seemed they had fallen into a trap set by the Shadow Pavilion.

"Everyone be careful, retreat!" Hongli shouted, leading the group in a desperate retreat. Just as they were about to leave the mansion, a man in black suddenly attacked Xiaoyanzi from behind. Hongli reacted quickly, pulling Xiaoyanzi behind him, but his own arm was slashed by the attacker's blade.

"Your Majesty!" Xiao Yanzi exclaimed, her eyes filled with anxiety and heartache. She quickly turned around, wielding her dagger and knocking the man in black away.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me, let's get out of here!" Hongli said through gritted teeth, enduring the pain in his arm.

After a difficult ordeal, the group finally evacuated the abandoned mansion and returned to the palace. Hongli's arm wound was bleeding profusely, and Imperial Physician Liu rushed to treat him. Xiao Yanzi stood by his side, her eyes filled with worry and self-reproach.

"It's all my fault. If I hadn't insisted on going, the Emperor wouldn't have been injured." Xiao Yanzi lowered her head, her voice choked with sobs.

Hongli gently held Xiaoyanzi's hand and said with a smile, "Empress, it's not your fault. It was my negligence that led us into the Shadow Pavilion's trap. However, this wasn't entirely fruitless. At least we identified some of the Shadow Pavilion's strongholds and obtained this mysterious jade pendant." As he spoke, he pointed to the brocade pouch placed to the side.

After bandaging Hongli's wound, Physician Liu withdrew. Hongli leaned against the headboard, his brows slightly furrowed, pondering his next move. Xiao Yanzi sat beside the bed, gently wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Your Majesty, please rest well. Once you've recovered, we'll work together to find a way to deal with the Shadow Pavilion," Xiao Yanzi said softly, her eyes full of concern.

Hongli nodded slightly, about to speak, when Xiao Zhuozi rushed in, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, there is another urgent report from the border!"