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

Time has passed, and that harrowing crisis has faded into history. Having weathered the storms, the Forbidden City appears even more solemn and majestic. The gentle spring sunlight falls upon the glazed tiles of the palace, refracting them into a kaleidoscope of colors. In the Imperial Garden, flowers bloom in profusion, butterflies flutter and bees dance, creating a vibrant scene of life.

Little Swallow was dressed in a magnificent bright yellow imperial robe, embroidered with exquisite phoenix patterns, so lifelike they seemed ready to take flight at any moment. She wore a phoenix crown, pearls dangling from her head; with each step, the swaying hairpins made a clear, melodious sound. She was holding Little Swallow's hand, strolling along the path in the imperial garden. Little Swallow wore a pink qipao, embroidered with lovely flowers, her hair styled in two small buns, each adorned with a jade hairpin, making her look playful and adorable.

"Empress Mother, look how beautiful that flower is!" Little Swallow said excitedly, pointing to a blooming peony, her eyes sparkling.

Little Swallow looked in the direction she pointed and smiled, saying, "Yes, these peonies are blooming so beautifully, just like our little swallow, so lovable." As she spoke, she reached out and gently pinched Little Swallow's cheek.

Little Swallow giggled, "My mother-in-law is just trying to coax me. But I want to be like her in the future, a beautiful and capable person."

Little Swallow was filled with joy upon hearing this. She squatted down and looked earnestly into Little Swallow's eyes. "Little Swallow," she said, "you must remember, being pretty is secondary. The most important thing is to be kind, brave, and have an upright heart. No matter what difficulties you encounter, don't be afraid. Be strong and face them just like your mother and father."

Little Swallow nodded as if she understood, "Empress Mother, I remember. I will protect Empress Mother and Father Emperor from now on."

Little Swallow stood up, took Little Swallow's hand, and continued walking forward. "Okay, our Little Swallow will definitely become an amazing person."

Meanwhile, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was discussing state affairs with Yongqi, Fucha Fuheng, and others. Hongli sat on the dragon throne, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a crown, his expression dignified and solemn. Yongqi, dressed in military uniform, stood tall and straight; having experienced the trials of frontier warfare, he appeared even more mature and composed. Fucha Fuheng, in official robes and a hat, looked at Hongli with unwavering determination.

"Yongqi, I am very pleased with your meritorious service on the frontier. Although the frontier has been pacified, we still need to strengthen our defenses and not let our guard down," Hongli said earnestly to Yongqi.

Yongqi knelt on one knee and said respectfully, "Father, rest assured, I have made all the arrangements. The border defenses are being reinforced, and the soldiers are intensifying their training. In addition, I have left some trusted confidants behind to keep a close eye on the surrounding situation."

Hongli nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. Fuheng, do you think there are any hidden dangers within the court right now?"

Fucha Fuheng stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, “Your Majesty, the court appears calm on the surface, but I am worried that some forces are still stirring in the shadows. In particular, those remnants who colluded with the mysterious forces have been suppressed, but it is hard to guarantee that they will not make a comeback.”

Hongli frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his eyes. "I am also worried about this matter. I will not be at ease until these rebels are eliminated. Yongqi, you have some connections in the martial arts world. Have you heard any news?"

Yongqi pondered for a moment and said, "Father, I have recently heard that some mysterious organizations seem to have emerged in the martial arts world. They act in secret and seem to be hostile to the court. I have sent people to investigate, but so far there is no definite news."

Hongli nodded. "Good. We must intensify the investigation and report any information to me immediately."

"Yes, Father Emperor," Yongqi replied.

After discussing business, Hongli's expression softened somewhat, and he looked at Yongqi, "Yongqi, how is your married life with Ziwei?"

Yongqi smiled happily. "Father, Ziwei and I are doing well. Ziwei is virtuous and kind, managing the household perfectly, and she often cares about my daily life."

Upon hearing this, Hongli smiled with satisfaction. "That's good. A husband and wife can only last if they support each other. I hope you can continue to live such a harmonious and happy life."

"Thank you for your teachings, Father. I will remember them forever," Yongqi said.

Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace, Little Swallow was playing with Little Swallow in her room. At this moment, Little Peach hurriedly entered, "Your Majesty, Consort Ling requests an audience."

Little Swallow nodded slightly, "Let her in."

Before long, Consort Ling, dressed in a light pink qipao, entered the room with light steps. With a gentle smile on her face, she bowed to Xiao Yanzi, "Your Majesty the Empress, I pay my respects to you."

Xiao Yanzi smiled and stepped forward to help Consort Ling up, saying, "Sister Ling, there's no need for such formalities between us sisters. Please sit down."

Consort Ling thanked her and sat down next to Little Swallow. Little Swallow saw Consort Ling and ran over happily, "Consort Ling, you've come! I was playing with the Empress Dowager."

Consort Ling smiled and patted Little Swallow's head. "Little Swallow is such a good girl. What are you playing?"

"We're playing a riddle game. Would you like to join us, Consort Ling?" Little Swallow blinked her big eyes and looked at Consort Ling expectantly.

Consort Ling looked at Little Swallow, who smiled and nodded. "Since Little Swallow has invited you, why don't you play with her for a while?"

Consort Ling then played a game of guessing riddles with Little Swallow, and bursts of laughter echoed from the room.

After playing for a while, Little Swallow got a little tired and rested in Xiao Yanzi's arms. Consort Ling looked at Little Swallow, her expression becoming more serious. "Your Majesty, I have come today to discuss something with you."

Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly. "Sister Lingfei, just say what's on your mind."

Consort Ling hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, I have recently heard that some concubines in the harem have expressed their dissatisfaction with your and the Emperor's decisions, especially regarding the arrangements for the border war. They feel that too much manpower and resources have been wasted."

Xiao Yanzi was somewhat displeased upon hearing this, but she remained calm. "These concubines only see their immediate gains and don't understand the importance of peace on the frontier to the entire country. However, since they have objections, we cannot ignore them. Consort Ling, what do you think we should do?"

After a moment's thought, Consort Ling said, "I think we can find an opportunity to gather the concubines in the harem and explain to them the necessity of the border war, so that they can understand the good intentions of the Emperor and you."

Little Swallow nodded. "You're right. Let's do it that way. Let's pick a suitable day, gather everyone together, and I'll talk to them personally."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Consort Ling replied.

A few days later, Xiao Yanzi summoned all the concubines of the harem to Kunning Palace. The concubines, dressed in magnificent attire, entered Kunning Palace one by one and bowed to Xiao Yanzi. Xiao Yanzi sat in the main seat, her expression solemn and dignified.

"I've gathered you all here today because I have something to tell you," Xiao Yanzi said slowly, looking at the concubines below. "As you've all heard, the border war has only recently been quelled. This war consumed a great deal of manpower and resources, but it was to protect our country and our homes. If the border were to fall, could our palace still be at peace? What would become of our people?"

Upon hearing this, the concubines below all lowered their heads, not daring to speak. Xiao Yanzi continued, "All the decisions made by the Emperor and me are for the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people. I hope you can understand our good intentions and stop gossiping behind our backs."

At this moment, a concubine stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. It was our shortsightedness that led us to only see immediate gains while neglecting the greater good of the nation. From now on, I will certainly support the Emperor and Your Majesty's decisions."

The other concubines echoed, "Your Majesty the Empress is right, we know we were wrong."

Little Swallow nodded. "Alright, it's good that you understand. Go back now."

After the concubines bowed, they withdrew in turn. Little Swallow watched them leave, a sigh of relief in her heart.

Days passed by like this. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli continued to govern the country diligently, Yongqi and Ziwei lived a happy and fulfilling life, and little Yanzi grew up happily under everyone's care.

However, the peaceful life did not last long. One day, Su Peisheng rushed into the Hall of Mental Cultivation, his expression panicked. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, something terrible has happened! News has come that a mysterious organization in the martial arts world seems to be colluding with some officials in the court, plotting a rebellion!"

Upon hearing this, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi's expressions instantly turned serious. Hongli abruptly stood up. "Issue my decree: immediately summon all ministers to discuss countermeasures. Su Peisheng, go and summon Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Su Peisheng replied and hurriedly withdrew.

Xiao Yanzi walked to Hongli's side and took his hand. "Your Majesty, don't be too anxious. We will definitely be able to find a way to quell this rebellion."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi and nodded. "Empress, with you by my side, I have confidence. But this time, we must be even more cautious and absolutely not let these rebels succeed."

Soon, the ministers, Yongqi, and Fucha Fuheng arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. They sat together, the atmosphere tense and solemn.

"My esteemed ministers," Hongli said solemnly, "a mysterious organization from the martial arts world is now colluding with officials in the court, plotting a rebellion. The situation is extremely critical. I would like to hear your opinions on how to deal with this."

Fucha Fuheng was the first to step forward. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I believe we should first send people to investigate the specific situation of these rebels, including their strongholds, numbers, and which officials they are colluding with. Only by knowing ourselves and our enemy can we win every battle.”

Yongqi also stood up. "Father, I am willing to investigate this matter personally. I have some friends in the martial arts world who may be able to help."

Hongli nodded. "Alright, Yongqi, go investigate this matter, but be careful and cautious, and do not act rashly. Fuheng, you are in charge of deploying the troops and preparing for battle. Once you have definite information, strike immediately and wipe out these rebels in one fell swoop."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fucha Fuheng and Yongqi replied simultaneously.

After discussing some details, the group went about their respective tasks. Little Swallow watched them leave, her heart filled with worry, but she knew that at this time, she had to be strong, support Hongli, and protect the country.

After leaving the palace, Yongqi began inquiring about the mysterious organization. He sought out some friends in the martial arts world and asked them for information. After some effort, he finally obtained some clues. It turned out that the mysterious organization's stronghold was hidden in an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the capital. They were colluding with a Ministry of Rites official in the court, attempting to overthrow the government from within.

Upon learning this news, Yongqi immediately rushed back to the palace to report to Hongli. Hongli's eyes flashed with anger. "What audacious rebels! How dare they plot against me right under my nose! Fuheng, immediately muster the troops and lead them on an expedition to wipe out these rebels!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fucha Fuheng accepted the order and left.

Soon, Hongli, Yongqi, and Fucha Fuheng led their troops to an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the capital. The temple was heavily guarded, and the members of the mysterious organization seemed to have sensed the danger and were on high alert.

"Kill!" Hongli commanded, and the army charged towards the temple like tigers. A fierce battle ensued. Yongqi, riding a white horse and wielding a long sword, fought bravely. His eyes were resolute, filled with fighting spirit. Fucha Fuheng was not to be outdone, commanding his troops in a desperate struggle against the enemy.

After a fierce battle, the members of the mysterious organization gradually lost ground and retreated. The official from the Ministry of Rites who had colluded with them was also captured. Hongli looked at the official being brought in, his eyes filled with anger. "As a court official, how dare you collude with rebels and plot a rebellion! What is your punishment?"

The official trembled with fear, kneeling on the ground and kowtowing repeatedly, "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me! I was bewitched by them!"

Hongli snorted coldly, "Hmph, now that the evidence is conclusive, I will show no mercy. Drag him away and execute him!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The soldiers dragged the official away.

The rebellion was finally quelled, and the capital returned to its former tranquility. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi stood on the walls of the Forbidden City, looking down at the bustling capital, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

"Your Majesty, the rebellion has now been quelled, and the country will be at peace for a while longer," Xiao Yanzi said softly, leaning on Hongli's shoulder.

Hongli gently held Xiaoyanzi's hand. "Empress, all of this is thanks to your support and that of all the ministers and soldiers. I hope that we can continue to work together to make our country even more prosperous and powerful."

Xiao Yanzi smiled and nodded, "Your Majesty, I am willing to stay by your side forever and protect this vast land with you."

Sunlight bathed them, illuminating their faces and the hopeful future ahead. Their story will continue to unfold in the long river of history, carrying on their sense of responsibility to their country and their deep affection for one another. In the days to come, new challenges and opportunities await them, but they firmly believe that as long as they work together, no difficulty is insurmountable. Together, they will safeguard this hard-won peace and tranquility, ensuring the continuation of this glorious era.