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

After the rebellion was quelled, the Forbidden City appeared to have returned to its former tranquility and peace, but the undercurrents hidden in the shadows seemed never to have truly subsided. The autumn sun shone on the red walls and yellow tiles of the palace, adding a touch of warmth to this majestic court.

Xiao Yanzi was dressed in a moon-white empress's everyday robe, with delicate flowing cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, paired with a matching cloak, and a phoenix hairpin inlaid with pearls on her head, looking dignified yet elegant. She was sitting in the inner chamber of Kunning Palace, holding an ancient book in her hands, carefully turning the pages. Xiao Tao quietly served her from the side, occasionally adding a cup of hot tea for Xiao Yanzi.

"Xiao Tao, when will the palace truly be at peace, free from all those conspiracies and intrigues?" Xiao Yanzi sighed softly, lifting her gaze from the ancient book and looking out the window.

Xiao Tao stopped what she was doing, walked to Xiao Yanzi's side, and said softly, "Your Majesty, I also look forward to that day. But now that His Majesty is wise and Your Majesty is so virtuous, you will surely be able to protect the peace of this palace."

Little Swallow nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "I hope so. But people's hearts are unpredictable, and there are always some restless people who want to stir up trouble."

Just then, Qing'er walked in with light steps. She was wearing a light blue qipao, which made her look gentle and charming. After Qing'er bowed to Xiao Yanzi, she said, "Your Majesty, Princess Hejing requests an audience, saying that she has something important to tell you."

Xiao Yanzi put down the ancient book in her hand, sat up straight, and said, "Quickly, summon her in."

Before long, Princess Hejing hurriedly entered the inner room, her face showing a hint of anxiety, and the pearls and jade in her hair swayed gently with her movements. Princess Hejing bowed to Xiaoyanzi, "Your Majesty, something bad has happened. I have recently heard some rumors in the palace that although the mysterious organization has been wiped out, there are still remnants active in the shadows, seemingly plotting some new conspiracy."

Xiao Yanzi's expression instantly turned serious. She stood up and walked to Princess Hejing's side. "Hejing, did you hear that clearly? Where did this rumor come from?"

Princess Hejing shook her head. "Your Majesty, I overheard some palace maids talking about it in private, and I don't know exactly where it came from. But I felt that this matter was of great importance, so I came to report it to you immediately."

Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "It seems that the undercurrents in the palace have not been completely eliminated. Qing'er, go and invite Consort Ling here, and we will discuss this matter together. Hejing, you should also keep quiet for now, so as not to cause unnecessary panic."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Princess Hejing and Qing'er replied at the same time, and then each went about their own business.

Soon, Consort Ling arrived at Kunning Palace. She wore a pink qipao and a jade hairpin in her hair, looking elegant and fresh. After bowing to Xiao Yanzi, Consort Ling sat down to the side.

"Consort Ling, Hejing just came to report that there are rumors in the palace that a mysterious organization still has remnants operating in the shadows. You are well-informed in this harem, have you heard any similar rumors?" Xiao Yanzi looked at Consort Ling and asked seriously.

Consort Ling frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, I have also heard some rumors recently, saying that there are some unidentified people active in the suburbs of the capital. But I am not sure if they are remnants of a mysterious organization."

Xiao Yanzi nodded. "It seems there's something fishy about this. We must find out the truth as soon as possible to prevent them from doing anything that could harm the court. Consort Ling, please arrange for some reliable palace maids and eunuchs to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the palace. Hejing, you should also keep an eye out for them and report to me immediately if you hear anything."

"Yes, Your Majesty the Empress," Consort Ling and Princess Hejing replied again.

Meanwhile, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was discussing border affairs with Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng. Hongli, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a crown, sat on the dragon throne, his expression focused. Yongqi, in a dark blue military uniform, stood tall and straight, while Fucha Fuheng, in official robes and wearing an official hat, stood to the side.

"Yongqi, how is the reinforcement of the border defenses progressing?" Hongli asked, looking at Yongqi.

Yongqi stepped forward and knelt on one knee. “Your Majesty, the border defenses have been largely reinforced, and the soldiers are in high spirits. However, I am worried that although the mysterious organization has been wiped out, they may still have some remnants in the border region. We cannot let our guard down.”

Hongli nodded slightly. "You're right. Fuheng, how do you think we should strengthen our surveillance of the border regions?"

After a moment's thought, Fucha Fuheng said, "Your Majesty, I think we can increase the number of sentries and place them along the key routes of the border. At the same time, we should strengthen our ties with the local people and ask them to help us keep an eye out for suspicious individuals and movements."

Hongli nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, we'll do it your way. Yongqi, you're in charge of arranging this matter. Make sure everything goes perfectly."

"Yes, Father Emperor," Yongqi replied.

Just then, Su Peisheng hurriedly entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, looking flustered. "Your Majesty, the Empress has sent someone to report that there are rumors in the palace that a mysterious organization still has remnants active in the shadows. The Empress requests your presence to discuss this matter."

Hongli's expression instantly turned serious. He stood up and said, "Yongqi, Fuheng, you may leave now. I need to discuss this matter with the Empress."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng bowed and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Hongli strode to Kunning Palace, where Xiaoyanzi, Consort Ling, and Princess Hejing were already waiting. Entering the inner chamber, Hongli saw their solemn expressions and immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

"Empress, tell me the details," Hongli said, sitting down in the main seat.

Xiao Yanzi then reported in detail to Hongli what Princess Hejing had heard and what Consort Ling had learned. After listening, Hongli frowned, "I didn't expect this mysterious organization to be so stubborn. It seems I underestimated them before."

"Your Majesty, the most urgent task now is to find out the truth of these rumors, and if there are any remaining traitors, where they are hiding and what their conspiracies are," said Xiao Yanzi.

Hongli nodded. "The Empress is right. Su Peisheng, convey my decree that the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review immediately launch an investigation and bring these remaining criminals to justice. At the same time, strengthen the palace guards to prevent them from infiltrating the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Su Peisheng hurriedly withdrew.

In the following days, a tense atmosphere pervaded the palace. Officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review investigated extensively but failed to find conclusive evidence of the existence of the mysterious organization's remnants. Meanwhile, palace guards increased their vigilance, adding more guards to each gate and significantly increasing the frequency of patrols.

One day, while investigating outside the capital, Yongqi encountered a mysterious monk. The monk wore a gray robe, held prayer beads, and had a kind face. Seeing his extraordinary bearing, Yongqi approached him and asked if he had seen any suspicious persons.

The monk smiled and looked at Yongqi, saying, "Amitabha, benefactor, I have indeed seen some mysterious people recently. They seem to be searching for something."

Yongqi's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "Master, do you know what they are looking for? Where are they now?"

The monk shook his head. "This humble monk doesn't know what they're looking for either. They've only gone towards the Western Hills. Benefactor, it seems that some unknown secrets are hidden within those Western Hills."

After thanking the monk, Yongqi immediately led his men to West Mountain. In an abandoned cave there, they discovered some suspicious traces, suggesting someone had once stayed there. Upon closer inspection, Yongqi noticed strange symbols on the ground, which he guessed might be related to a mysterious organization.

Yongqi immediately sent someone to report these developments to Hongli and Xiaoyanzi. Upon learning of this, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi decided to go to Xishan to investigate themselves.

The group arrived at West Mountain in a grand procession, and Yongqi led them to the abandoned cave. Xiao Yanzi frowned as she looked at the strange symbols on the ground. "These symbols look somewhat familiar, as if they are somewhat similar to the symbols on the murals in the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli also carefully observed these symbols. "Empress, you are right. It seems that the remnants of this mysterious organization do indeed have intricate connections with the Shadow Pavilion."

Just then, footsteps suddenly came from the depths of the cave. Everyone immediately became alert, and Yongqi drew his long sword from his waist, standing in front of Hongli and Xiaoyanzi.

A moment later, a group of men in black rushed out from the depths of the cave, wielding sharp blades and with fierce eyes. The leader of the men in black looked at Hongli and the others and sneered, "I didn't expect you to actually come. Today is your death day!"

"You audacious scoundrel, how dare you be so insolent before me!" Hongli roared.

At Yongqi's command, the soldiers immediately rushed forward and engaged in fierce combat with the men in black. Xiaoyanzi was not to be outdone; she took a long sword from a guard and joined the fight.

The battle was fierce, with both sides exchanging blows and neither giving an inch. Although the men in black were ferocious, the soldiers were well-trained and gradually gained the upper hand. Seeing the situation was turning against them, the leader of the men in black turned to flee, but Yongqi reacted quickly, rushing forward and capturing him.

"Speak! What is your purpose? Who are the remaining members?" Yongqi asked angrily, holding his sword to the neck of the leader of the men in black.

The man in black was pale, but he still gritted his teeth and said, "You won't get any information out of me. Our plan will definitely succeed, just you wait!"

At this moment, Hongli stepped forward and said, "Hmph, I have plenty of ways to make you talk. Take him back to the palace and hand him over to the Ministry of Justice for interrogation."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The soldiers took the man in black away.

After some interrogation, the man in black finally confessed their plan. It turned out they were remnants of a mysterious organization, searching for a mysterious treasure from the Shadow Pavilion. This treasure was said to possess immense power, capable of changing the fate of the entire imperial court. They intended to find this treasure and use it to overthrow the government.

After learning the truth, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi decided to immediately send people to find the mysterious treasure and prevent it from falling into the hands of bad people. After a hard-fought search, they finally found the mysterious treasure in a hidden cave in the Western Hills.

It was a jade pendant emitting a strange light, engraved with some ancient runes. Little Swallow looked at the jade pendant, a vague sense of unease creeping into her heart. "Your Majesty, this jade pendant seems to emanate a mysterious power; we must handle it with care."

Hongli nodded. "The Empress is right. Let's take the jade pendant back to the palace and have Physician Liu and some learned ministers study it to see what secrets it holds."

Back at the palace, Imperial Physician Liu and the ministers carefully examined the jade pendant, but they were unable to unravel its mystery. Just when everyone was at a loss, a mysterious Taoist priest arrived at the palace, claiming to know the secret of the jade pendant.

The Taoist priest, dressed in a Taoist robe and wearing a Taoist crown, held a whisk and exuded an air of otherworldly wisdom. He looked at the jade pendant, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty," he said, "this jade pendant is an ancient artifact, possessing immense power, but also containing great danger. Improper use will bring disaster to the world."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi were startled upon hearing this. Hongli asked, "Daoist Master, in your opinion, what should we do with this jade pendant?"

After a moment's thought, the Taoist priest said, "I suggest that this jade pendant be sealed away in a secluded place, so that it may never reappear in the world. Only in this way can we ensure peace throughout the land."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance and nodded. So, following the Taoist priest's advice, they sealed the jade pendant and hid it in a secret chamber in the palace.

The crisis was finally resolved, and the Forbidden City returned to its former tranquility. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli knew that the struggles within the palace would never cease, but they firmly believed that as long as they worked together, they could safeguard this hard-won peace and tranquility.

While Little Swallow didn't fully understand what was happening during this turmoil, she sensed the tense atmosphere in the palace. She became even more dependent on Little Swallow and Hongli, often staying by their side and bringing them joy and warmth.

In the days to come, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli will continue to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the palace and the country, and little Yanzi will grow up under their care, witnessing the changing times in the palace and continuing their legendary story.

As time passed, the Forbidden City welcomed another spring. In the Imperial Garden, hundreds of flowers bloomed, vying for attention with their beauty. Little Swallow, Hongli, and Little Swallow strolled among the flowers, enjoying this rare tranquility and beauty.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, look, these flowers are so beautiful!" Little Swallow ran happily, pointing to a blooming peach blossom, her face beaming with a bright smile.

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi looked at their little swallow, and happy smiles appeared on their faces. They knew that this seemingly ordinary happiness was earned through countless efforts and hard work.

"Your Majesty, I hope that such days can continue forever, and that there will never be war or intrigue," Xiao Yanzi said softly, leaning on Hongli's shoulder.

Hongli gently held Xiaoyanzi's hand. "Empress, I also hope so. I will do my best to protect all of this, to make our country prosperous and strong, and to let our people live in peace and happiness."

A gentle spring breeze blows, petals fall, as if telling a story within the palace, witnessing their love and responsibilities. And this story will continue to unfold in this ancient Forbidden City, full of unknown challenges and hopes.