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

On the hunting grounds, dust billowed and battle cries shook the heavens. Facing the sudden appearance of these men in black, Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi showed no fear. Xiao Yanzi's eyes were resolute as she gripped her longsword tightly; her black hunting attire fluttered in the wind, and the feather adorning her hat brim swayed violently.

"Yongqi, protect Princess Hejing. I'll deal with these people!" Xiaoyanzi shouted, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Your Majesty, you must be careful too!" Yongqi replied, then quickly rode his horse to Princess Hejing's side, his long sword gleaming coldly as he warily watched the men in black around him.

Although Princess Hejing still showed signs of tension, she gradually calmed down under Yongqi's protection, gripping her sword tightly and preparing to deal with any enemy attack at any time.

Seeing Xiao Yanzi's decisiveness, the leader of the men in black sneered and waved his hand, sending his men rushing forward like wolves. Xiao Yanzi did not back down, spurring her horse forward, her longsword flashing and swirling in her hand. Her movements were agile, like a black swallow in flight, weaving freely through the enemy ranks.

A man in black swung his knife at Xiao Yanzi, who dodged to the side and simultaneously swung her sword back, stabbing the man in black in the arm. The man in black cried out in pain, and his knife fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, Yongqi also engaged in a fierce battle with the men in black. His swordsmanship was superb, and every swing of his sword carried a sharp momentum, causing the approaching men in black to retreat one after another. Princess Hejing was not to be outdone. Although her martial arts were not as good as Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi's, she did her best to cooperate with them, occasionally thrusting out her sword to restrain the enemy.

However, the men in black were numerous and each one was fierce and brutal. They gradually surrounded Xiao Yanzi and the others, forming a tight encirclement. Xiao Yanzi looked around and knew that this couldn't go on; she had to find a way to break through.

"Yongqi, we can't just sit here and wait to die, we have to find a way to break out!" Xiaoyanzi shouted.

Yongqi nodded, his forehead already covered in sweat, but his eyes remained resolute. He suddenly shouted, spurred his horse forward, and thrust his long sword fiercely at a man in black. The man in black hurriedly raised his knife to defend himself, but Yongqi's strength was too great, and the man in black was stabbed in the chest and fell to the ground.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yongqi shouted, "Princess Hejing, stay close to me!" Then he brandished his longsword, clearing a path for Princess Hejing. Xiaoyanzi also rushed over and joined Yongqi.

Just as they were about to break through, the leader of the men in black suddenly pulled out a long black whip from behind and lashed it out at Xiao Yanzi. Xiao Yanzi heard the sound of the whip and was startled. She quickly dodged to the side, but she was too slow, and the whip struck her shoulder hard.

"Empress Mother!" Yongqi and Princess Hejing called out at the same time, their faces showing worry.

Little Swallow gritted her teeth, enduring the pain in her shoulder, and glared fiercely at the man in black. Her eyes were filled with anger and resentment, and she gripped her long sword even tighter.

"You scoundrels, I will not spare you today!" Little Swallow roared, then swung her sword again and charged at the man in black.

At this moment, Hongli heard the commotion from another part of the hunting grounds. Startled, he immediately led his guards over. When he saw that Xiaoyanzi was injured, a surge of anger welled up inside him.

"You audacious scoundrel, how dare you injure the Empress! Kill him!" Hongli shouted, and the guards pounced on the man in black like tigers.

The men in black began to panic when they saw Hongli arrive with a large number of guards. They had originally thought they could quickly deal with Xiaoyanzi and the others, but instead they found themselves in a fierce battle.

"Retreat!" the leader of the men in black shouted, seeing the situation was dire, and then turned and fled. Hearing the order, the other men in black also dropped their weapons and scattered in all directions.

Hongli initially wanted to order a pursuit, but considering Xiaoyanzi's injuries, he abandoned the idea. He quickly went to Xiaoyanzi's side and, seeing the whip marks on her shoulders, felt heartbroken.

"Empress, how are you? Are you badly injured?" Hongli asked anxiously, his eyes filled with concern.

Xiao Yanzi forced a smile. "Your Majesty, I'm fine. It's just a minor injury, nothing serious."

Hongli frowned. "You still say you're fine? You're injured and still acting tough. Someone, quickly summon Imperial Physician Liu!"

Soon, Physician Liu arrived hurriedly with his medicine chest. Seeing Xiao Yanzi's injuries, he quickly took out ointment and gauze to treat her wounds. Xiao Yanzi bit her lip, enduring the pain, and let Physician Liu bandage her wounds.

"Your Majesty, the Empress's injuries are not serious; they are merely superficial wounds. With proper rest, she will recover in a few days," said Physician Liu.

Upon hearing this, Hongli finally felt relieved. "That's good. Physician Liu, you may leave now."

After bowing, Physician Liu withdrew. Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi and said softly, "Empress, it's fortunate that I arrived in time today, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."

Xiao Yanzi leaned against Hongli's chest. "Your Majesty, I'm alright. It's just that these men in black came too suddenly. Who are they, and why did they attack us?"

Hongli frowned slightly. "I've been thinking about this too. It seems there must be a mastermind behind this. I must investigate thoroughly and never let these traitors get away with it."

At this moment, Yongqi and Princess Hejing walked over. Yongqi knelt on one knee and said, "Father, it was my fault for not protecting you properly, which caused Mother Empress to be injured. Please punish me, Father."

Hongli looked at Yongqi and shook his head. "Yongqi, this is not your fault. If it weren't for you and Princess Hejing today, the Empress would probably have been injured even more seriously. Get up, you have done very well."

Yongqi stood up, his heart filled with gratitude. Princess Hejing also said, "Father, these men in black are very powerful, and they seem to know everything about our actions. Could there be a traitor within the palace?"

Hongli's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hejing, you make a good point. I will send people to thoroughly investigate this matter. If there is indeed a mole, he will not be let off lightly."

The hunting trip ended abruptly due to the unexpected incident, and everyone returned to the palace. Xiao Yanzi rested in Kunning Palace, while Hongli summoned Yongqi, Fucha Fuheng, and others to Yangxin Hall to discuss how to investigate the attack by the men in black.

"Yongqi, tell me in detail, was there anything special about those men in black at the time?" Hongli asked.

Yongqi pondered for a moment and said, "Father, those men in black are all skilled in martial arts, and their movements are very coordinated, as if they have undergone rigorous training. Also, the leader of the men in black is using a long black whip, and his martial arts are particularly advanced."

Fucha Fuheng said from the side, "Your Majesty, judging from these circumstances, these men in black are likely assassins from some organization. Moreover, their choice to strike at the hunting grounds suggests that it was meticulously planned."

Hongli nodded. "I think so too. Fuheng, immediately send people to investigate all the forces inside and outside the capital to see if there are any clues related to these men in black. Yongqi, you also assist Fuheng and make sure to find out the truth as soon as possible."

"Yes, Father Emperor!" Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng replied at the same time.

Just then, Su Peisheng hurriedly entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, "Your Majesty, Consort Na requests an audience."

Hongli frowned slightly. "Summon her in."

The concubine, dressed in a plain-colored Manchu dress, entered in a flustered manner. After bowing to Hongli, she said, "Your Majesty, I heard that the Empress was attacked at the hunting grounds, and I was very worried, so I came to visit her."

Hongli looked at the concubine, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Concubine, you arrived quite quickly. I ask you, have you heard anything about today's attack?"

Consort Na was startled and quickly said, "Your Majesty, I have only just learned of this matter and have no idea. I have been in the palace the whole time and know nothing about what is happening outside."

Hongli snorted coldly, "I hope so. That concubine, you may leave now. If I find out that you are involved in this matter, I will not let you off lightly."

The concubine turned pale, quickly bowed, and hurriedly withdrew.

In Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi's injuries had improved somewhat. Xiao Tao was serving her, bringing her a bowl of medicinal soup.

"Your Majesty, please drink some herbal medicine. Physician Liu said it will help your wounds heal," Xiao Tao said.

Little Swallow took the medicine, frowned, and said, "Little Peach, this medicine is so bitter."

Xiao Tao smiled and said, "Your Majesty, good medicine tastes bitter, but it's good for your health. Please bear with it and drink the medicine."

Little Swallow shook her head helplessly, then drank the medicine in one gulp. Just as she put down the bowl, she heard Little Swallow's voice from outside.

"Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, how are you?" Little Swallow called out as she ran in. Her face was filled with anxiety, and her eyes were brimming with tears.

Little Swallow felt a warmth in her heart when she saw Little Swallow. "Baby, Your Majesty is alright, you don't need to worry."

Little Swallow rushed into Little Swallow's arms, "Empress Mother, I heard you were injured, I was so worried. Those bad people are so wicked, I will definitely protect you from now on."

Little Swallow smiled and patted Little Swallow's head. "Okay, our Little Swallow is the best. But Your Majesty doesn't need your protection. Your Majesty will protect herself and you."

At this moment, Consort Ling and Qing'er also arrived at Kunning Palace. Consort Ling was relieved to see that Xiao Yanzi was alright. "Your Majesty, it's good that you're alright. We were really frightened today."

Qing'er added, "Yes, Your Majesty. We were all so worried."

Little Swallow looked at them gratefully, "Thank you for your concern. I'm fine, it's just a minor injury."

Consort Ling walked to Xiao Yanzi's side and said, "Your Highness, please rest well. If you need anything, please just let us know."

Little Swallow nodded. "Okay, you all go and rest too. Don't make me worry."

After paying their respects, Consort Ling and Qing'er withdrew. Little Swallow, however, was unwilling to leave and insisted on staying by Little Swallow's side to take care of her.

In the days that followed, Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng investigated leads related to the attack by the men in black. They visited every corner of the capital and questioned many people, but they still couldn't find any conclusive evidence.

One day, Yongqi overheard some rumors in a tavern in the capital. Someone said that mysterious figures frequently appeared in an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city. Yongqi's heart skipped a beat; he suspected this might be related to the Men in Black. He immediately rushed back to the palace to report to Hongli.

“Father, I heard some rumors in the capital today, saying that mysterious people often appear in an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city. I think this may be related to those men in black,” Yongqi said.

Upon hearing this, Hongli's eyes lit up. "Oh? Is that so? Yongqi, you and Fuheng should immediately take some men to investigate and see what exactly happened."

"Yes, Father Emperor!" After receiving the order, Yongqi immediately went to find Fucha Fuheng, and then led a group of guards to an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city.

By the time they arrived at the temple, it was already getting dark. The area around the temple was quiet, save for the rustling of the wind through the trees. Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng exchanged a glance, then cautiously led their guards into the temple.

The temple was dilapidated, with cracks all over the walls and many tiles missing from the roof. Yongqi and the others looked around when they suddenly heard a faint footstep. They immediately became alert and gripped their weapons tightly.

As the footsteps drew closer, a group of men in black emerged from a corner of the temple. They were startled to see Yongqi and his companions, then immediately assumed attack stances.

"It really is you scoundrels! Let's see where you can run now!" Yongqi roared, then charged forward first. A fierce battle erupted once more...

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Yanzi's injuries had mostly healed. She learned that Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng had gone to investigate the men in black, and couldn't help but feel worried.

"Your Majesty, I'm really worried about whether Yongqi and the others will be able to find those men in black." Xiao Yanzi said to Hongli.

Hongli grasped Xiaoyanzi's hand, "Empress, don't worry. I trust Yongqi and Fuheng to handle things. They will definitely find out the truth and bring those men in black to justice."

Xiao Yanzi nodded. "I hope so. Your Majesty, I have a feeling that the conspiracy behind this is becoming more and more complicated. We must be careful."

Hongli frowned slightly. "Empress, you are right. I will strengthen the palace guards to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

Just then, Su Peisheng rushed in and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Yongqi and Fuheng have sent someone back to report that they have found men in black in an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city and are currently fighting with them."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi were startled upon hearing this. Hongli immediately stood up, "Prepare the horses, I want to go and see for myself!"

Little Swallow also said, "Your Majesty, I want to go too."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded, "Alright, Empress, you will come with me. But you must be careful."

So, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, accompanied by a group of guards, hurriedly headed to the abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city. By the time they arrived, the battle had already reached its climax. Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng were fiercely fighting with the men in black, and many people on both sides were injured.

Upon seeing this, Hongli shouted, "Kill them all! Don't let a single one escape!"

Upon hearing the order, the guards immediately rushed forward and joined the battle. Seeing that Hongli had arrived in person, the men in black began to panic, and their resistance gradually weakened.

Finally, all the men in black were subdued. Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng knelt down on one knee before Hongli and Xiaoyanzi.

"Father, Empress, your subjects have successfully captured all these men in black," Yongqi said.

Hongli nodded. "Good, well done. Interrogate these men in black immediately and find out who is behind them."

"Yes, Father Emperor!" Yongqi and Fucha Fuheng replied, and then began interrogating the men in black. However, the men in black gritted their teeth and refused to reveal the name of the mastermind.

Just then, a man in black suddenly broke free of his restraints and lunged at Xiao Yanzi. Yongqi reacted quickly, immediately stepping in front of Xiao Yanzi and engaging the man in black in combat.

"Empress Mother, be careful!" Yongqi shouted.

Little Swallow was startled by this sudden turn of events, but she quickly calmed down. She saw Yongqi fighting fiercely with the man in black and felt a little worried.

"Yongqi, watch out!" Little Swallow shouted.

Hearing Xiao Yanzi's voice warmed Yongqi's heart, and he fought even harder against the man in black. In the end, he successfully subdued the man in black.

"Empress Mother, are you alright?" Yongqi asked.

Little Swallow nodded. "I'm fine, Yongqi, thank you."

Watching this scene, Hongli was filled with admiration for Yongqi. He stepped forward and patted Yongqi on the shoulder, saying, "Yongqi, you did a great job. I am proud of you."

Upon hearing this, Yongqi was filled with joy. "Thank you for the praise, Father. I was merely fulfilling my duty."

However, although the battle was over, the conspiracy behind the man in black was not yet fully revealed. Hongli and Xiaoyanzi knew they needed to continue their efforts to completely resolve this crisis and safeguard the peace of the palace and the stability of the nation. In the process, they would face even more challenges and trials, not knowing who the mysterious mastermind was or what kind of schemes they would employ…