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

The Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, with its gold-brick floors, carved beams and painted rafters, and golden dragons coiling around its pillars, shines brilliantly in the sunlight, showcasing the majesty and solemnity of the imperial family. Inside, Emperor Hongli, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sits upright on the dragon throne. The gold-embroidered dragons on his robe seem to come alive under the light, baring their fangs and claws. His brows are slightly furrowed, and he plays with a jade thumb ring, a symbol of imperial power, his eyes revealing contemplation and worry.

"Your Majesty, although the border war has temporarily come to an end, the emergence of this mysterious force is truly worrying," said Fucha Fuheng, stepping forward with his hands clasped in a solemn gesture. He was dressed in court attire today, the official hat's plume swaying gently with his movements, highlighting his status and position.

“Fuheng is absolutely right. I am also troubled by this matter. This mysterious force is extremely well hidden. Although they were repelled this time for colluding with Galdan’s tribe, it is hard to guarantee that they will not make a comeback.” Hongli nodded slightly, put the jade thumb ring back on his finger, placed his hands on his knees, and glanced at the ministers in the hall.

At this moment, Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a magnificent empress's court robe, entered the hall with dignified steps. The phoenixes embroidered on her robe were lifelike, as if they were about to take flight at any moment. She wore a phoenix crown, and the hairpins jingled crisply with her movements, each step exuding the empress's grace and nobility. "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has sent me to inquire about the follow-up arrangements for the border war," Xiao Yanzi said, bowing slightly to Hongli.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. "Empress, you've come at the right time. I was just discussing this matter with my ministers. I won't have peace of mind until this mysterious force is eliminated."

"Your Majesty, I believe we should send spies deep into the border regions to investigate the origins and strongholds of this mysterious force," Xiao Yanzi said, her eyes resolute as she raised her head slightly.

"Hmm, the Empress is right." Hongli gently stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Fuheng, I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure to select reliable people and find out the details of this mysterious force as soon as possible."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Fucha Fuheng knelt on one knee and accepted the order.

After Fuheng left, Hongli addressed the other ministers: "Although we have won the battle on the frontier, the soldiers have suffered heavy casualties. I have decided to allocate funds to provide relief to the families of the fallen soldiers and to repair the frontier fortifications. Do any of you have any objections?"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers knelt down and said in unison.

Just as everyone finished their discussion and was about to leave, Su Peisheng rushed into the hall, looking panicked. "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! News has come from outside the palace that some people with strange movements have appeared in the capital, and they are suspected of being related to that mysterious force!"

"What?!" Hongli stood up abruptly, his hands clenched into fists, his face filled with rage. "This mysterious force dares to operate right under my nose! Issue my decree, ordering the Nine Gates Commander to strengthen the defenses of the capital and to ensure that these suspicious individuals are wiped out in one fell swoop!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Su Peisheng replied hastily, then turned and left in a hurry.

Xiao Yanzi walked to Hongli's side and gently took his hand. "Your Majesty, don't be too anxious. With the Nine Gates Admiral here, we will definitely be able to capture these people."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided. "Empress, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease. It's just that this mysterious force is so rampant, and I really can't swallow this anger."

Meanwhile, in a dark corner of the capital, several men dressed in black were gathered together, talking in hushed tones. They were dressed in tight-fitting black clothing, their faces covered with black cloth, revealing only pairs of cold eyes.

"This operation has failed, and the higher-ups are very dissatisfied. We must find a new opportunity as soon as possible to deliver a fatal blow to the court," a tall man in black said coldly.

“But the capital is heavily guarded, and we have no way to make a move,” another man in black whispered.

"Hmph, then let's find a way to create chaos! As long as the capital is in chaos, we'll have a chance," the tall man in black said viciously.

Just as they were discussing, they suddenly heard footsteps. The men in black immediately became alert and drew their daggers.

"Who goes there? Show yourself!" the tall man in black shouted sternly.

An old beggar emerged from the corner. He was dressed in rags, his hair was disheveled, and he held a broken bamboo stick in his hand. He had a fawning smile on his face. "Gentlemen, please have mercy and give me some food."

"Get lost!" The tall man in black waved his hand impatiently. "Don't get in the way!"

The old beggar hurriedly nodded and bowed, then turned and left. However, a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes.

It turned out that the old beggar was a spy sent by Emperor Fuheng. He memorized what he had just heard, quickly left, and prepared to return to report to Emperor Fuheng.

Back at his residence, Fucha Fuheng's expression turned grim after hearing the spy's report. "This mysterious force is indeed restless, actually trying to create chaos in the capital." He paced back and forth in his room, his brow furrowed, pondering a countermeasure.

"My lord, what should we do?" a guard asked anxiously.

Fuheng stopped and pondered for a moment before saying, "Report this matter to the Emperor immediately. At the same time, send more people to lay a tight net throughout the capital and stop their conspiracy at all costs!"

"Yes!" The guard took the order and left.

Soon, Fuheng entered the palace to meet Hongli. At that time, Hongli was discussing matters with Xiaoyanzi in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your Majesty, I have ascertained that this mysterious force intends to create chaos in the capital and then take advantage of the situation." Fucha Fuheng knelt on one knee and told Hongli the report from the secret agents in detail.

"How dare you!" Hongli slammed his fist on the table in anger. "This mysterious force is utterly lawless! Issue my decree that the Nine Gates Commander impose martial law on the entire city tonight and that all these rebels be captured!"

"As you command!" After receiving the order, Fucha Fuheng hurriedly left the Hall of Mental Cultivation to convey Hongli's decree.

As night fell, the capital city fell silent. The Commander of the Nine Gates led his soldiers on patrol of the streets and alleys, leaving no suspicious place unchecked.

However, the mysterious forces were very cunning. They cleverly evaded the soldiers' patrols and secretly planted explosives in several important locations in the capital.

"Boss, the explosives are planted, just waiting for your order," a man in black whispered to the tall man in black.

The tall man in black nodded. "Alright, wait another hour. Once the soldiers are off guard, we'll detonate the explosives!"

Just as they were preparing to act, they suddenly heard shouts of battle. It turned out that Fucha Fuheng had arrived with a squad of elite soldiers.

"Damn it, we've been discovered! Retreat!" The tall man in black's expression changed drastically, and he immediately ordered a retreat.

However, Fuheng had already laid a trap, leaving them with no way to escape. A fierce battle ensued, and although the men in black fought valiantly, they were ultimately outnumbered and captured one by one.

"Hmph, you bunch of rebels, today is your death day!" Fucha Fuheng said coldly, looking at the captured men in black.

After some interrogation, the true purpose of this mysterious force was finally revealed. It turned out they were a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the martial arts world) organization attempting to overthrow the imperial court, with intricate connections to the Shadow Pavilion from years ago. They had been hiding in the shadows, waiting for their opportunity. Their collusion with the Galdan tribe was aimed at weakening the court's power, then creating chaos in the capital to seize control of the government.

"Your Majesty, I have ascertained the details of this mysterious force." Fucha Fuheng entered the palace again to report the interrogation results to Hongli.

After hearing this, Hongli's face turned terribly grim. "I never imagined that this mysterious force would be so rampant, colluding with the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion in an attempt to overthrow my empire! Issue my decree to have all these rebels beheaded and their heads displayed as a warning to others!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fucha Fuheng replied.

After dealing with the mysterious force, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, they knew that this was only a temporary peace, and the road ahead was still full of challenges.

"Your Majesty, although the crisis has been temporarily averted, we cannot let our guard down," Xiao Yanzi said softly, leaning against Hongli's chest.

Hongli gently stroked Xiaoyanzi's hair, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will strengthen our vigilance and will never allow these rebels to have another chance."

Just then, Su Peisheng entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Princess Hejing requests an audience."

"Summon her in," Hongli said.

Princess Hejing skipped and hopped into the Hall of Mental Cultivation. She was dressed in a pink qipao, her hair styled in two small buns adorned with two delicate pearl flowers, making her look very cute. "Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, I heard there are rebels in the capital. Are you alright?" Princess Hejing asked with a worried expression.

Little Swallow smiled and patted Princess Hejing's head. "Hejing, don't worry, everything's alright now. What brings you here?"

"I heard that Father Emperor and Mother Empress have been very busy lately, so I came to see you," Princess Hejing said, blinking. "And I also brought some good news!"

"Oh? What good news?" Hongli asked with interest.

"Brother Yongqi said he has found someone he likes and plans to ask you and Empress Dowager for a marriage decree!" Princess Hejing said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Really?" Little Swallow's eyes widened in surprise, then a smile bloomed on her face. "That's wonderful news! Yongqi is of marriageable age now. I wonder which girl has captured his heart so?"

Hongli smiled with satisfaction. "It seems Yongqi has grown up and has his own ideas. I will leave this matter to the Empress to find out first. If it is suitable, I will naturally grant their request."

"Your Majesty, I obey." Little Swallow bowed slightly and replied.

In the days that followed, Xiao Yanzi began to inquire about the person Yongqi admired. She first summoned the eunuchs around Yongqi and questioned them in detail.

"Your Majesty, I only know that the young lady often meets Prince Yongqi in the Imperial Garden. She seems well-educated, gentle, and quiet. I don't know her exact identity," the young eunuch replied respectfully, his eyes lowered, not daring to look directly at Xiao Yanzi.

Little Swallow nodded. "Alright, you may leave now. If you learn anything else, report to me immediately."

Afterwards, Xiao Yanzi went to the Imperial Garden herself, trying to find some clues. Sunlight shone on the garden paths, and the flowers on both sides were vying for attention, with butterflies fluttering among them. Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a gorgeous everyday outfit, walked slowly behind several palace maids.

Suddenly, she saw Yongqi talking with a girl in a pavilion by the lake. The two were chatting happily, their faces beaming with smiles. Little Swallow quietly approached and hid behind a bush nearby, wanting to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Ziwei, don't worry, I will definitely ask Father Emperor and Mother Emperor for a marriage decree, so that you can marry me in a grand and glorious way." Yongqi's voice was full of determination.

“Yongqi, I believe in you. It’s just that I come from a humble background and I’m afraid I’m not good enough for you.” The girl, Ziwei, had a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Ziwei, in my heart, you are the most precious. Status doesn't matter, what matters is that we love each other." Yongqi held Ziwei's hand and said affectionately.

Hearing this, Xiao Yanzi understood everything. She coughed lightly and stepped out from behind the flower bushes. "Yongqi, is this the girl you admire?"

Yongqi and Ziwei were startled and quickly stood up to pay their respects. "Empress Mother..." Yongqi said nervously.

Xiao Yanzi walked forward with a smile, looking Ziwei up and down. "Get up. This girl looks gentle and charming. Yongqi, you have good taste."

Ziwei blushed and lowered her head slightly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am humbled."

Xiao Yanzi took Ziwei's hand and said, "Don't be nervous. I think you and Yongqi are a perfect match, both talented and beautiful. However, I would like to get to know you better."

Just as Xiao Yanzi was about to ask Ziwei further questions, Su Peisheng rushed over, "Your Majesty, the Emperor requests your immediate return to the palace, saying that there is an urgent matter to discuss!"

Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly, a bad premonition rising in her heart. "I understand, I'll go back now. Yongqi, take Ziwei back to her residence first, we'll discuss this matter later."