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

Night had fallen, and the flickering candlelight in the imperial study illuminated the solemn faces of everyone present. Cui'er collapsed to the ground, tears mingling with sweat, her hair clinging to her cheeks, her whole body trembling with fear. Hongli sat upright on the dragon throne, his bright yellow dragon robe gleaming with an imposing luster in the candlelight. His eyes, sharp as cold stars, were fixed on Cui'er, his gaze seemingly piercing her very soul.

"Speak!" Hongli's voice was deep yet powerful, echoing in the quiet study, exuding an undeniable sense of pressure.

Cui'er raised her head in horror, her eyes filled with despair. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I was really coerced!" Her voice was choked with sobs, on the verge of collapse. "That man in black knew that my elderly mother was seriously ill and urgently needed a large sum of money for treatment, so he used that to threaten me, making me monitor Princess Hejing and immediately inform them of any news about the Shadow Pavilion and Your Majesty the Empress."

Xiao Yanzi wore a magnificent phoenix robe, the pearls on her phoenix crown swaying gently with her movements, reflecting a dazzling light. Her eyebrows were furrowed, her eyes filled with anger and doubt. "What could Princess Hejing possibly know about my connection with the Shadow Pavilion? What exactly is your conspiracy?" She took a step forward, her skirt trailing on the ground with a rustling sound.

Cui'er shook her head frantically, "This servant doesn't know, this servant is just following their orders. They also said that as long as the matter is done, they will let me and my family go and give me a large sum of money." Her body curled up into a ball, like a frightened fawn.

Fucha Fuheng stood to the side, dressed in court robes, his posture upright. He frowned slightly and looked at Hongli, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the forces behind this must know that Princess Hejing has a close relationship with you and the Empress, and are trying to get key information by starting with her."

Hongli nodded slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "It seems their target is the Empress and the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion. Fuheng, immediately send men to closely monitor that abandoned Taoist temple on the outskirts of the city. Report back immediately if there is any movement."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" After receiving the order, Fucha Fuheng turned and quickly left.

At this moment, Su Peisheng hurriedly walked in, looking flustered. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, the Empress Dowager has heard of this and is on her way here."

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhen Huan strode confidently into the imperial study. She wore a deep purple qipao embroidered with intricate peony patterns, exuding solemnity and authority. Her gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Cui'er. "What's going on here?"

Hongli stood up and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, this is a long story. It involves Cui'er, a maidservant of Princess Hejing, who colluded with a mysterious force that attempted to overthrow the palace."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. "Such a thing has happened? It seems there are undercurrents swirling within the palace, and it's far from peaceful." She looked at Cui'er, her gaze scrutinizing. "Do you know what the consequences are for betraying the royal family?"

Cui'er turned pale with fright and kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead hitting the ground with a dull thud. "Your Majesty, spare me! I know I was wrong. I was just confused for a moment."

Zhen Huan snorted coldly, "Foolish? Such a serious crime cannot be dismissed with just a word like 'foolish'?"

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside. A guard rushed in and knelt on one knee. "Your Majesty, news has come from the abandoned Taoist temple on the outskirts of the city. A group of men in black are gathering and seem to be planning something big."

Hongli's expression changed. "This is bad. They seem to have sensed something and are preparing to take action. Issue my decree that General Zhaohui must immediately muster his troops and accompany me to encircle and annihilate them."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi quickly said, "Your Majesty, I will go too. This is all related to me, and I cannot stand aside." Her eyes were firm, revealing an unyielding determination.

Hongli wanted to stop her, but seeing Xiaoyanzi's determined eyes, he finally nodded and said, "Alright, but you must be careful and stay close to me."

The group quickly arrived outside the palace, where General Zhao Hui was already waiting with his troops. The moonlight, like water, shone on the soldiers' armor, giving it a cold gleam. Hongli, dressed in a black cloak, rode a tall horse, looking majestic. "Let's go!" he commanded, and the horse's hooves thundered as it galloped towards the outskirts of the city.

Upon arriving at the abandoned Taoist temple, all was silent, with only a faint light emanating from within. Hongli raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop. "Be careful, it might be a trap. Approach slowly."

The group cautiously approached the Taoist temple when suddenly, a group of men in black, wielding sharp blades, surged out and charged towards them. Instantly, shouts of battle filled the air, and the clash of swords rang out incessantly. Little Swallow, wielding a long sword and dressed in light, practical clothing with a cloak embroidered with gold thread, looked valiant and spirited in the moonlight. She fought side-by-side with Hongli, their teamwork impeccable, repelling wave after wave of enemies.

"Your Majesty, over here!" Xiao Yanzi shouted, seeing a man in black attacking Hongli from behind. Hongli quickly turned around and swung his sword to defend himself.

The battle reached its climax when suddenly, a familiar figure emerged from the Taoist temple—the very same man in black who had met with Cui'er. Seeing Xiao Yanzi, he let out a cold laugh, "Your Majesty, today is your death day." With that, he flashed forward, like a ghost, lunging at Xiao Yanzi.