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

Inside the Forbidden City's imperial palace, dusk was falling, and heavy, dark clouds pressed down on the glazed tiles, as if an impending storm was brewing. Inside the Kunning Palace, candlelight flickered, illuminating Xiao Yanzi's weary yet resolute face. She wore a bright yellow phoenix robe, the golden phoenix embroidered on it appearing poised for flight in the candlelight. The Empress's phoenix crown gleamed with pearls, yet it could not conceal the worry in her eyes.

"Consort Ling, what kind of conspiracy does this Western Region sorcerer Ulihak have behind him?" Xiao Yanzi sat on the carved pear wood chair, her fingers lightly tapping the table, and looked at Consort Ling, who stood beside her with a similarly solemn expression.

Consort Ling bowed slightly, her face full of worry: "Your Majesty, this Ulihak is meticulous and acts strangely. Although we have uncovered part of his previous conspiracy, we cannot guarantee that he has no backup plan. I have heard that he has close ties with some mysterious organizations in the martial arts world, and I am afraid that he has even bigger plans."

Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly, a resolute glint in her eyes: "No matter what his schemes are, I will not let him succeed. This palace, this world, must not fall into the hands of someone like him."

As they were talking, Su Peisheng rushed into the hall, looking flustered. He knelt down with a thud and said, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Urgent reports have come from the border that the enemy has suddenly reinforced their troops. General Zhao Hui has requested the court's assistance."

Little Swallow suddenly stood up, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, but she quickly calmed down: "What's the panic! Quickly bring me the urgent report."

Su Peisheng quickly pulled out a letter sealed with sealing wax from his pocket and presented it with both hands. Xiao Yanzi took it, quickly opened it, and her expression grew increasingly serious as she read the contents.

"This Ulihak is indeed colluding with the enemy!" Little Swallow angrily slammed the letter on the table. "He wants to work together from within and without to completely overthrow the court."

Consort Ling also stepped forward, looked at the letter, and her face turned pale: "Your Majesty, what should we do? The war on the border is urgent, but we have not yet completely eliminated the remnants of Ulihak's forces."

Xiao Yanzi paced back and forth in the hall. After a moment of thought, she said, "Immediately send someone to inform the Emperor to summon the court officials to discuss countermeasures. At the same time, increase manpower to search for Ulihak's remaining followers in the capital. We must not allow them to have another chance to cause trouble."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Su Peisheng and Consort Ling replied in unison, then turned and hurriedly left.

Watching their departing figures, Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She knew that as the Empress, she had to remain composed, otherwise the entire palace would descend into chaos.

Meanwhile, in a secluded mansion on the outskirts of the capital, Hong Zhou was having a private conversation with several martial arts heroes. Hong Zhou was dressed in a moon-white robe with a jade pendant tied around his waist. Although he looked tired, his eyes revealed a resolute determination.

"Gentlemen, the situation is critical. Although Ulihak has been captured, his remaining followers are still lurking in the shadows. We must find their hiding place as soon as possible and wipe them out in one fell swoop," Hong Zhou said solemnly, looking at the martial arts heroes before him.

One of the burly swordsmen frowned and said, "Prince Heshuo, the remnants of Ulihak's gang are very cunning. They escaped from our pursuit several times before. However, we have learned that they seem to be preparing something, which may be related to an inside agent in the palace."

Hongzhou frowned slightly, a chill running down his spine: "An inside man in the palace? This is no small matter. Do you have any concrete leads?"

Another, thin swordsman scratched his head and said, "There are no concrete clues yet, only some rumors in the martial arts world that this inside man is a high-ranking and powerful person in the palace."

Hongzhou fell into deep thought. He knew that if there really was an inside agent in the palace, the situation would be even more dire. "Everyone, no matter what, we must find out the identity of this inside agent as soon as possible. This concerns the safety of the entire court."

"Yes, Your Highness!" the heroes replied in unison.

Meanwhile, inside the palace's library, Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan were carefully examining ancient texts, trying to find more clues about the mysterious organization behind Ulihak. The library was filled with an old, worn atmosphere; tall bookshelves were filled with various books, and candlelight flickered between them, casting dappled shadows.

Lin Yuhang, dressed in a dark blue robe, frowned as he held a yellowed ancient book in his hands, carefully turning the pages. "Zhao Xuan, what exactly does this mysterious organization want? Why are they so obsessed with overthrowing the imperial court?"

Zhao Xuan, also dressed in a plain robe, paced back and forth among the bookshelves, pondering as he said, "Brother Lin, I think there's more to this than just a power struggle. Judging from the clues we've gathered, this mysterious organization seems to have intricate connections to the Shadow Pavilion murals. Perhaps their purpose is related to the secrets behind the murals."

Lin Yuhang nodded slightly, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "What you said makes sense. But what exactly is the secret of these Shadow Pavilion murals? Why would so many forces covet them?"

Just then, the door to the library was suddenly opened, and a young eunuch hurried in. Upon seeing Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan, he quickly bowed and said, "Young masters, Her Majesty the Empress invites you."

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan exchanged a glance, a sense of foreboding rising in their hearts. They put down the ancient books they were holding and hurriedly left the library with the young eunuch.

Inside Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi was anxiously waiting for Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan. Upon seeing them enter, she hurriedly said, "Young Master Lin, Young Master Zhao, the border war is urgent. Ulihak has colluded with the enemy and is attempting to overthrow the court. I need your help."

Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan quickly bowed. Lin Yuhang said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost. However, we still know very little about the remnants of Ulihak's faction and their conspiracy, and we need some time to investigate."

Xiao Yanzi frowned slightly and said, "Time is of the essence, we don't have much time left. Young Master Lin, you've been investigating the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion murals, have you found any clues related to this conspiracy?"

After pondering for a moment, Lin Yuhang said, "Your Majesty, when Zhao Xuan and I were looking through ancient books in the library, we discovered that this mysterious organization seems to be related to an ancient legend. According to the legend, the murals of the Shadow Pavilion conceal a mysterious power, and the person who possesses this power can control the world."

A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Yanzi's eyes: "Control the world? Is this what Ulihak and the others aim for?"

Zhao Xuan nodded and said, "Very likely. Moreover, we've also heard that this mysterious organization is searching for a special treasure. It's said that only by finding this treasure can one unlock the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion murals and obtain that mysterious power."

Xiao Yanzi fell into deep thought. She knew that the conspiracy behind this was far more complex than she had imagined. "Young Master Lin, Young Master Zhao, you continue to investigate the clues about this mysterious organization and the treasure. I will increase the number of people in the palace to guard against their actions."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lin Yuhang and Zhao Xuan replied, then turned and left Kunning Palace.

The palace was exceptionally quiet at night, with only the footsteps of patrolling guards echoing in the empty palace corridors. Xiao Yanzi stood by the window of Kunning Palace, gazing at the dark night sky, her heart filled with worry. She knew that this crisis was not only a test for the court, but also a test for her and Hongli's relationship.

"Your Majesty, when will you return?" Xiao Yanzi murmured softly, her eyes filled with longing. Hongli was currently handling state affairs outside the palace and had not yet returned.

Suddenly, a slight noise came from outside the window. Little Swallow turned around alertly and saw a dark figure flash past the window. "Who's there?" Little Swallow shouted and quickly drew the soft whip from her waist.

However, the shadowy figure had already vanished. A sense of foreboding welled up in Xiao Yanzi's heart; she knew that the palace had probably been infiltrated by Ulihak's remaining followers.

Meanwhile, in a tavern in the capital, several men dressed in black were talking quietly in a corner. They were dressed in black night clothes, their faces covered with black cloth, only their wary eyes were visible.

"The leader has been captured, what should we do?" a man in black asked in a low voice.

Another man in black sneered, "What's the panic! The leader anticipated this day and has already made arrangements. As long as we find that treasure, we can turn the tide."

"But where is that treasure? We've been searching for so long, and we haven't found a single clue," another man in black said anxiously.

"Don't worry, we've received information that the treasure is inside the palace. As long as we find the inside man, we'll have a chance." The leader of the men in black revealed a ruthless glint in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Garden of the palace, Little Swallow was playing with Princess Hejing, Yongqi, Qing'er, and others. Little Swallow was wearing a pink jacket and had two little braids, running among the flowers like a happy little deer.

"Sister Hejing, Brother Yongqi, come and chase me!" Little Swallow shouted with a laugh as she ran.

Princess Hejing, dressed in a light purple palace gown, chased after her with a smile: "Little Swallow, don't run too fast, be careful not to fall."

Yongqi and Qing'er smiled as they watched Little Swallow's innocent and naive appearance, and their worries temporarily dissipated. However, they were unaware that danger was closing in step by step.

Suddenly, several dark figures appeared in a corner of the Imperial Garden. They were holding sharp blades and quietly approached Little Swallow and the others.

"Who goes there?" Yongqi was the first to spot the dark figure. He immediately stood in front of Xiaoyanzi and asked warily.

The shadowy figures didn't answer, but instead pounced on them. Yongqi, Princess Hejing, and Qing'er quickly protected Little Swallow and fought against the shadowy figures.

"Protect Little Swallow!" Princess Hejing shouted, drawing a dagger from her waist and fighting off the shadowy figure.

Yongqi was highly skilled in martial arts, and he quickly defeated several shadowy figures. However, the number of shadowy figures increased, and they gradually found themselves in a predicament.

"Brother Yongqi, I'm so scared." Little Swallow hid behind Yongqi, her voice trembling slightly.

Yongqi patted Xiaoxiaoyanzi's head and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, your brother is here, nothing will happen to you."

Just then, a group of palace guards heard the commotion and rushed over, engaging the shadowy figure in a fierce battle. After a hard-fought fight, they finally drove the shadowy figure back.

"Phew, it's finally all over." Princess Hejing breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Yongqi stared at the dark figures on the ground, his face grim: "Who are these people? Why are they targeting Little Swallow?"

Qing'er frowned slightly and said, "I'm afraid they are remnants of Ulihak's gang. They know that Little Swallow is the Empress's darling and want to use her to threaten the Empress."

Yongqi and Princess Hejing exchanged a worried glance. They knew the palace was no longer safe and they had to find Ulihak's remaining followers as soon as possible to completely eliminate this threat.

Inside Kunning Palace, Little Swallow's face turned grim upon learning of the attack on the Imperial Garden. "These despicable fellows, how dare they lay a hand on Little Swallow!" Little Swallow exclaimed angrily.

Consort Ling comforted her, "Your Majesty, please don't worry too much. Yongqi and Princess Hejing are both alright, and Little Swallow is safe too."

Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath and said, "Consort Ling, strengthen the protection of Xiao Xiao Yanzi. We must not let her suffer any more harm. At the same time, continue to intensify the search for the remaining members of Ulihak's gang. We must wipe them out as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Consort Ling replied.

At that moment, a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky outside the palace, followed by a thunderclap. A storm was brewing. Little Swallow and her companions would face an even greater test. Whether they could safeguard the peace of the palace and uncover the secrets behind the murals in the Shadow Pavilion during this crisis remained to be seen…