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

The carved wooden door of the Imperial Study closed slowly after the concubine left, emitting a dull thud, seemingly drawing a brief conclusion to this turbulent meeting. Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor, but failed to dispel the heavy atmosphere within. Hongli stood with his hands behind his back, the golden dragon embroidery on his dragon robe shimmering in the light, as if about to take flight and break through the layers of mist. His brows were furrowed, his eyes deep and sharp, gazing at the palace walls outside the window, his thoughts seemingly drifting far away, searching for the conspiracy hidden in the shadows.

"Your Majesty, how much of Consort Na's words are truly credible?" Xiao Yanzi stood up, the hem of her phoenix robe swaying gently with her movements, making a rustling sound. She walked to Hongli's side, her face full of doubt and vigilance, yet her eyes revealed a resolute determination. Even amidst the treacherous court intrigues, she had never shown the slightest intention to back down.

Hongli turned his head slightly to look at Xiaoyanzi, his eyes full of tenderness and determination: "That concubine is a deep thinker. Her sudden visit to inform on us must have a deeper meaning. Rong Momo is her confidante. If she really knew the secret of the Shadow Pavilion, would she easily reveal it to us?" He gently held Xiaoyanzi's hand, as if to give her strength, or as if to seek reassurance.

Xiao Yanzi nodded gently, a resolute glint in her eyes: "No matter what, now that we have a clue, we can't let it go. Your Majesty, we must find Rong Momo as soon as possible and pry the truth out of her." Her hands unconsciously clenched, as if she had already grasped the tail of the secret hidden in the darkness.

Hongli pondered for a moment, then spoke: "Su Peisheng, convey my decree to bring Rong Momo to the Imperial Study immediately. I want to interrogate her personally." His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority that echoed in the empty Imperial Study.

"Yes, sir!" Su Peisheng accepted the order and hurriedly left, his footsteps fading into the distance along the long palace road.

While waiting, Xiao Yanzi paced back and forth in the study, the pearls on her phoenix crown swaying with her movements, making a crisp clinking sound. Her fingers tapped lightly on the table, her thoughts a jumbled mess. "Your Majesty, what exactly is the secret of the Shadow Pavilion? Why are they so persistent, willing to go to any lengths to protect it?" She stopped and looked at Hongli, her eyes filled with confusion and curiosity.

Hongli stepped forward and gently embraced Xiaoyanzi: "No matter what the secret is, I will face it with you. With me here, you will not be harmed in any way." His embrace was warm and strong, giving Xiaoyanzi an endless sense of security.

Before long, Su Peisheng brought Rong Mama to the Imperial Study. Rong Mama was dressed in a simple old woman's uniform, her hair neatly combed back, but her face showed a hint of panic. As soon as she entered the study, she knelt down with a thud, her voice trembling: "This servant greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."

Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his expression majestic, his voice icy: "Granny Rong, raise your head. I ask you, what is your connection with the Shadow Pavilion? How do you know their secrets?" His gaze was like a sharp blade as he shot at Granny Rong, as if trying to see through her thoughts.

Rong Momo raised her head, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, I am just an ordinary nanny, how could I have any connection with the Shadow Pavilion? Someone must be slandering me behind my back." Her face was full of grievance, trying to use this to get away with it.

Xiao Yanzi snorted coldly, stepped forward, and looked down at Rong Mama: "Hmph, an ordinary nanny? Then why did that concubine say she heard you discussing the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion with the palace maids, and even said that a great calamity was about to befall the palace? Rong Mama, don't be so stubborn." Her eyes were filled with anger and disdain. She had already expected Rong Mama's sophistry.

Rong Momo's expression changed slightly, but she still tried to remain calm: "Your Majesty, that concubine must have misheard. I have only ever served that concubine wholeheartedly and have never said such things." Her voice trembled slightly, clearly showing that she was feeling somewhat guilty.

Hongli's face grew increasingly grim: "Granny Rong, I'll give you one more chance. Confess the truth, and perhaps you'll be treated leniently. If you dare to argue again, don't blame me for being impolite." His voice carried a hint of threat, and the atmosphere in the entire imperial study became even more oppressive.

Rong Momo hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, this servant really knows nothing." She lowered her head, not daring to look into Hongli and Xiaoyanzi's eyes.

Just then, the door to the Imperial Study was suddenly pushed open, and a guard rushed in, kneeling on one knee: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Princess Hejing has suddenly fainted, and Imperial Physician Liu is doing his best to save her."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi's expressions changed drastically. "What?" Xiaoyanzi exclaimed, her eyes filled with worry. "Your Majesty, let's go see quickly," she said urgently, grabbing Hongli's hand.

Hongli immediately stood up. "Su Peisheng, lock Rong Momo in the dungeon first, and I will interrogate her when I return." After saying that, he and Xiao Yanzi hurriedly walked towards Princess Hejing's palace.

The two walked hurriedly, their expressions grave. The spring sunshine bathed them, but failed to dispel the gloom in their hearts. Xiao Yanzi held Hongli's hand tightly, silently praying for Princess Hejing's safety. "Your Majesty, why did Princess Hejing suddenly faint? Could it be related to the Shadow Pavilion incident?" Her voice trembled slightly, filled with worry.

Hongli frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "I don't know either. But this matter is too strange. Princess Hejing has always been in good health, and her sudden fainting must have a hidden story." He quickened his pace, secretly on guard. This series of events seemed to be developing in an unknown direction, and they were gradually falling into a huge conspiracy.