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

The warm sun shone on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, reflecting a dazzling light, and the entire palace was immersed in the joy of victory. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi stood side by side on the palace wall, a gentle breeze fluttering their robes, looking down at the cheering people below, their hearts filled with emotion.

"Your Majesty, this hard-won peace is truly gratifying." Little Swallow tilted her head slightly, her face beaming with a happy smile. Sunlight shone on her face, outlining her soft features. She wore a magnificent phoenix robe, the phoenixes embroidered with gold thread so lifelike, as if they were about to take flight at any moment.

Hongli gently put his arm around Xiaoyanzi's waist and said tenderly, "Yes, it's all thanks to everyone's concerted efforts. Now that the Shadow Pavilion has been destroyed and the border war has ended, I will reward those who risked their lives for the country." He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe with a belt inlaid with beautiful jade around his waist, which made him look even more majestic.

As the two were talking, Xiao Dengzi hurriedly ran over, stopped a short distance away, and respectfully bowed: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Lord Lin Yuhang requests an audience."

"Summon them quickly," Hongli replied, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Lin Yuhang strode over, dressed in a brand-new official robe. He stood tall and straight, and although his face showed some fatigue, his eyes shone with joy and pride. He knelt on one knee and performed a grand salute: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have finished clearing out the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion, and the post-war affairs on the border have also been arranged."

"Minister Lin, you have rendered a great service this time, and I will certainly reward you handsomely," Hongli said with a smile, his eyes full of praise.

Lin Yuhang quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. This is all my duty. Moreover, it is my honor to serve the country and Your Majesty."

Xiao Yanzi stepped forward and asked with concern, "Lin Yuhang, you've worked so hard these past few days, you must get some rest. By the way, how are things at the Prime Minister's residence? Are Father and Mother alright?" Her eyes were full of worry when she mentioned her family.

Lin Yuhang bowed slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, everything is well at the Prime Minister's residence. The Prime Minister and his wife were very pleased to hear that Your Majesty is safe and sound, and they asked me to convey their greetings to Your Majesty."

"That's good." Little Swallow nodded gently, a relieved smile on her face. "Once I'm done with this, I must go back to the Prime Minister's residence."

At this moment, Hongli spoke up: "Minister Lin, now that peace has been restored, there are still many matters in the court that need to be dealt with. I plan to discuss the post-war reconstruction and the reward of meritorious officials in the court tomorrow. You should also be prepared."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Lin Yuhang accepted the order, a resolute glint in his eyes.

After Lin Yuhang left, Xiao Yanzi took Hongli's hand and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, we haven't spent much time with Xiao Yanzi in a long time. How about we go see her tonight?"

Hongli affectionately pinched her nose and laughed, "Okay, whatever you say. Little Swallow must miss us too."

As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire palace in an orange-red hue. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi arrived at Xiaoxiaoyanzi's residence, and as soon as they entered, they heard a burst of cheerful laughter. They saw Xiaoxiaoyanzi playing in the courtyard with Princess Hejing, Yongqi, Qing'er, and others.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor!" Little Swallow, with her sharp eyes, spotted them at a glance and immediately ran over happily, throwing herself into Little Swallow's arms.

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

"Yes, I've been very obedient. Father Emperor and Mother Emperor, why did it take you so long to come see me?" Little Swallow asked in her childish voice, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Hongli stepped forward, patted Little Swallow's head, and said gently, "Father and Mother have been quite busy lately, so we came to see you."

Princess Hejing, Yongqi, Qing'er, and others also stepped forward and bowed to Hongli and Xiaoyanzi. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress," they all 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 so funny. Today she insisted on making her own kite, and ended up getting paint all over herself, which made everyone laugh."

Everyone couldn't help but laugh. Little Swallow lowered her head shyly and whispered, "I just wanted to give Father Emperor and Mother Emperor a surprise."

Little Swallow looked at Little Swallow with eyes full of affection: "My darling is so good. No matter what she does, Father Emperor and Mother Emperor love her."

Just then, a palace maid rushed in, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, urgent report from the border!"

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi's expressions changed drastically. They exchanged a glance, a hint of worry flashing in their eyes. Hongli immediately said, "Bring it here!"

The palace maid hurriedly handed the urgent report to Hongli, who quickly unfolded it and read it, his face growing increasingly grim. "Damn it!" he slammed the report on the table and roared, "Although the foreign enemies have retreated, the situation on the border remains unstable. Some remaining forces are secretly stirring up trouble, attempting to provoke conflict again."

Little Swallow covered her mouth, her eyes filled with shock and anger: "How could this be? We finally achieved peace, why won't these people just shut up!" Her hands trembled slightly, and her face turned red with anger.

"Your Majesty, what should we do now?" Qing'er asked anxiously, her eyes filled with worry about the situation on the border.

Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "It seems I must once again dispatch capable generals to the frontier to strengthen defenses and completely eliminate these remaining forces." He then looked at Xiaoyanzi, "Empress, for this trip to the frontier, I would like Lin Yuhang to go. What do you think?"

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly. "Lin Yuhang is reliable and capable, so I feel at ease sending him. However, conditions on the frontier are harsh, and I'm worried about him..." A hint of worry flashed in her eyes.

“I will tell him to be extra careful,” Hongli said. “This matter is urgent, I will make the arrangements immediately.”

Watching Hongli's hurried departure, Xiao Yanzi sighed softly. She knew that although things seemed peaceful on the surface, many hidden dangers still lurked in the land. And they, as the ruler and empress, still bore a heavy responsibility.