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

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli hurriedly returned to their residence. As soon as they stepped into the room, Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but say anxiously, "Fourth Prince, what should we do? That ancient family is colluding with the Lingxu Sect. Every step we take seems to be caught in their scheme."

Hongli gently held Xiaoyanzi's hand and comforted her, "Xiaoyanzi, don't panic. Let's calm down and carefully sort out the clues we have so far."

At this moment, Hongzhou also walked in. Seeing their solemn expressions, he asked, "Brother, Little Swallow, is the situation very bad?"

Hongli nodded: "Hongzhou, we underestimated the enemy's strength. The conspiracy behind this is intricate and intertwined with court intrigues, and it will not be easy to unravel."

Xiao Yanzi frowned: "The clues we found in Zhixi Palace were supposed to lead us to the source, but instead they've caused so much trouble. Where do the symbols on that jade pendant point?"

Hongzhou pondered for a moment and said, "I think we should start with those who have connections to the frontier. The little eunuch we met in the Imperial Garden might be the key."

Hongli agreed, saying, "Hongzhou is right. However, our actions are currently restricted, so we need to be careful to avoid giving others any leverage against us."

Little Swallow paced back and forth in the room: "But we can't just wait like this! The secret of the Shadow Pavilion murals is still calling us. I always feel that as long as we uncover it, everything will be revealed."

Hongzhou looked at Xiaoyanzi with a hint of helplessness and affection in his eyes: "Xiaoyanzi, you are still so impatient. But this time, we really can't be reckless."

Little Swallow stopped and looked at Hongzhou: "Hongzhou, I know you mean well. I also want to be more composed, but when I think about how this conspiracy might hurt many people, I can't sit still."

Hongli stepped forward and said to Hongzhou, "Hongzhou, go and quietly investigate the whereabouts of that little eunuch, and see if you can find any clues about the person behind him. Xiaoyanzi and I will stay here and study the information we found in the library earlier."

Hongzhou nodded: "Okay, brother, you all be careful too. I'll be right back."

After Hongzhou left, Xiaoyanzi and Hongli sat at the table and opened those ancient scrolls.

"Fourth Prince, look at this passage. It seems to mention a mysterious ritual. Could it be related to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion?" Little Swallow said, pointing to the text in the book.

After carefully reading it, Hongli said, "This ritual seems extremely secretive, as if it requires specific items and people to perform. Could that mural be the key to starting the ritual?"

Just then, Xiao Tao came in carrying tea.

"Madam, Fourth Prince, have some tea to quench your thirst," Xiao Tao said.

Little Swallow looked up and smiled at Little Peach: "Little Peach, thank you for your hard work. Have you heard any rumors about the palace?"

Xiao Tao thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, I've heard that recently there's been a lot of talk in the palace about Consort Zhixi being poisoned, and some people are even whispering bad things about you and the Fourth Prince."

Xiao Yanzi said angrily, "These people only know how to gossip behind people's backs! We are clearly investigating a case, but they are making wild guesses."

Hongli patted Xiaoyanzi on the shoulder: "Xiaoyanzi, don't worry about it. We have done nothing wrong, and the truth will come out one day."

After a while, Hongzhou hurriedly returned, a hint of excitement on his face.

“Brother, Little Swallow, I’ve found out some information. That little eunuch often associates with a steward from the Imperial Household Department, and I think that steward might have something going on,” Hongzhou said.

Hongli's eyes lit up: "Then let's go and meet this steward. Hongzhou, have you figured out how to approach him?"

Hongzhou said, "I found out that he likes to collect antiques and calligraphy and paintings. We can use this as an excuse to lure him out."

Little Swallow clapped her hands and said, "Hongzhou, that's a great idea! Let's get started right away."

The three arrived near the Imperial Household Department and found a secluded spot to wait for the steward to appear. A short while later, the steward emerged from inside.

Hongzhou stepped forward and said respectfully, "Sir, I have heard that you are quite knowledgeable about antiques and calligraphy and paintings. I have come across an ancient painting by chance and would like to ask you to help me appraise it."

Upon hearing that there was an ancient painting, the steward's eyes lit up: "Oh? What kind of ancient painting is it? Bring it here so I can take a look."

Hongzhou led the steward to the place they had prepared beforehand, where Xiaoyanzi and Hongli were waiting. The steward, slightly surprised to see Hongli, exclaimed, "Fourth Prince, what are you doing here?"

Hongli smiled slightly: "I heard there are ancient paintings to admire, so I naturally want to join in the fun. Please, my lord."

The steward opened the scroll, pretending to examine it carefully, but in reality, he was somewhat uneasy.

Little Swallow couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what do you think of this painting? Can you discern any hidden meanings?"

The manager stammered, "This painting looks quite old, but I need to investigate its exact origin more carefully."

Hongzhou saw through his evasiveness and said, "Sir, you are an expert in this field, how could you not see it? Is there something you are having trouble telling me?"

Upon hearing this, the steward broke out in a cold sweat: "Fifth Prince, what do you mean? I just really need more time."

Hongli's smile faded, and he said seriously, "My lord, let's be frank. We know you are connected to the person who met with the eunuch in the Imperial Garden. You'd better confess honestly, or you'll face the consequences."

Upon hearing this, the steward turned pale and knelt down with a thud: "Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, Princess Consort, I was forced into this situation. Someone threatened me and made me pass messages to that little eunuch. I really don't know what grand conspiracy they are plotting."

Little Swallow asked anxiously, "Do you know who threatened you? Did they mention anything about the murals in the Shadow Pavilion?"

The steward said, trembling, "All I know is that he is a mysterious person who always appears in a mask. He only asked me to deliver some messages from the palace. Regarding the murals, all I heard him say was that the murals were related to enormous power, and whoever could control them could control the entire palace and even the world."

Hongli frowned: "Then do you know their next plan?"

The steward shook his head: "I really don't know, Fourth Prince. I just hope you can spare me."

Hongzhou looked at Hongli: "Brother, I think what he said might be true. He's just a nobody who got caught up in it."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "I will spare you for now, but if you conceal anything, I will not forgive you. Go."

The manager thanked him repeatedly and left in a hurry.

Little Swallow was a little frustrated: "I finally found a clue, but it's gone cold now. What should I do?"

Hongzhou comforted her, "Little Swallow, don't be discouraged. At least we know that this conspiracy is related to power, and the mural in the Shadow Pavilion is the key. We can think about it from the perspective of the power struggle in the palace."

Hongli nodded: "Hongzhou is right. Let's go back to our residence and discuss this further. In this palace, who is most eager for power, and who has the ability to collude with that ancient family and the Lingxu Sect?"

Back at their lodgings, the three fell into deep thought. Suddenly, Little Swallow had an idea.

"Fourth Prince, do you think it might be those princes who have always coveted the throne? They want to use the power of the Shadow Pavilion murals to overthrow the current emperor and seize the throne?" Xiao Yanzi said.

Hongli was startled: "Little Swallow, your idea is not impossible. Those princes may be plotting a shocking conspiracy behind the scenes, while they appear respectful to Father Emperor."

Hongzhou also said, "Brother, we must be careful. They might already be making plans in secret, just waiting for the right moment to launch them."

Just then, Su Peisheng arrived with an imperial decree, summoning Hongli and Xiaoyanzi.

"Fourth Prince, Princess Consort, His Majesty is waiting for you two in the Imperial Study," Su Peisheng said.

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat worried, wondering why the Emperor had summoned them this time. They straightened their clothes and followed Su Peisheng to the Imperial Study.

Inside the imperial study, Emperor Yongzheng sat behind his desk, his face grim.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty," Hongli said, bowing.

Little Swallow also bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Yongzheng looked at them and slowly said, "Hongli, Xiaoyanzi, I've heard that you've been searching around the palace, causing widespread panic. What exactly are you doing?"

Hongli hurriedly said, "Father, Xiaoyanzi and I are investigating the poisoning of Consort Zhixi. It seems that a huge conspiracy is hidden behind this matter, which may threaten the peace of the palace and Father's safety."

Yongzheng frowned: "A conspiracy? Do you have any evidence?"

Xiao Yanzi said, "Your Majesty, we have found some clues and discovered that a mysterious force is colluding with people in the palace. They seem to be plotting something related to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion. Those murals may be related to enormous power."

Upon hearing this, Yongzheng stood up and said, "The murals in the Shadow Pavilion? How did you get involved in this matter? Those murals have always been a taboo in the palace, and the secrets hidden within them should not be underestimated."

Hongli said, "Father, I discovered the connection between the murals and this series of events by chance during my investigation. Xiaoyanzi and I are well aware of the gravity of this matter, so we have been working hard to find the truth and prevent any potential dangers."

Yongzheng pondered for a moment: "Continue your investigation, but you must not act recklessly and cause chaos in the palace. Report any findings to me immediately."

"Yes, Father Emperor," Hongli replied.

After leaving the Imperial Study, Xiao Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief: "Fortunately, the Emperor didn't blame us and allowed us to continue our investigation."

Hongli said, "Father is also worried about the turmoil in the palace. We must speed things up, find out who is behind this, and not let their conspiracy succeed."

Hongzhou stepped forward: "Brother, Little Swallow, what did the Emperor say?"

Hongli relayed the Emperor's decree to Hongzhou, who nodded and said, "Then we must be even more careful. I think we can start by investigating the people around those princes and see if we can find more clues."

So the three began a new investigation. They secretly observed the princes' every move in the palace, contacting their advisors and guards, trying to find clues. However, this process was not easy; the people around the princes were extremely cautious, and their investigation progressed slowly.

One day, they were strolling in the garden, pretending to casually chat about courtly matters, but actually observing their surroundings.

“Little Swallow, look at the flowers in the flower bed, they’re in full bloom,” Hongzhou said.

Little Swallow chimed in, "Yes, these flowers are truly beautiful. However, in this palace, some people's hearts are even more complicated than these flowers."

Hongli smiled and said, "Stop lamenting. Let's think about how to make those princes give themselves away."

As they were talking, they saw a prince's advisor hurry past, his eyes darting around.

Little Swallow whispered, "Look, that person seems suspicious. Should we follow him and take a look?"

Hongzhou said, "Follow them, but don't make it too obvious."

They followed cautiously behind the advisor, who arrived at a secluded palace to meet a mysterious man. Due to the distance, they couldn't hear what the two were saying, but they could tell that both men looked very serious.

"What should we do? If we get closer, we might be discovered; if we don't get closer, we won't know what they're talking about," Little Swallow said anxiously.

Hongli thought for a moment: "Hongzhou, you stay here and keep watch. Xiaoyanzi and I will go around to the back and see if we can find a place to eavesdrop."

Hongzhou nodded: "Okay, brother, be careful."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi quietly circled around to the back of the palace and found a window that was half open. They tiptoed closer to the window and pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.

"The prince can't wait any longer; the matter of the Shadow Pavilion murals must be expedited," the mysterious man said.

The aide said, "But Hongli and Xiaoyanzi are currently investigating. Could there be any danger?"

The mysterious man sneered, "They won't find anything. As long as we follow the plan, once the prince has grasped the secret of the murals, this palace will be ours."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi were shocked. They had guessed correctly; it was the princes plotting a conspiracy.

"We need to tell Hongzhou this news as soon as possible, and then find a way to stop them," Hongli said in a low voice.

They left quietly, met up with Hongzhou, and returned to their residence to discuss countermeasures.

“Brother, it seems we must act quickly. We can’t let the princes get the secret of the murals first,” Hongzhou said.

Little Swallow said, "But we still don't know what the secret of the mural is, nor do we know the princes' specific plans."

Hongli said, "Let's start by protecting the murals. Strengthen the guards of the Shadow Pavilion, and at the same time continue to search for clues to the secrets of the murals. Perhaps we can find some hints in the other ancient books in the library."

So they got busy again. On one hand, they arranged for people to protect the Shadow Pavilion, and on the other hand, they went deep into the library again to search. In the library, they searched through book after book, and finally, Little Swallow found an extremely old book that recorded some legends about the murals in the Shadow Pavilion.

"Fourth Prince, come quick! This mural mentions that it might be the entrance to an ancient seal, containing a powerful force. If it falls into the wrong hands, it will bring disaster," Little Swallow exclaimed excitedly.

Hongli took the ancient book, read it carefully, and then said with a solemn expression: "If this power falls into the hands of the princes, the consequences will be unimaginable. We must stop them from breaking the seal and releasing this power."

Hongzhou said, "Then what should we do? This seal sounds so mysterious, how can we ensure it won't be broken?"

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yanzi said, "I think we can find the key to the seal first, perhaps some kind of token or spell. As long as we have these, even if the princes find the murals, they won't be able to easily open the seal."

Hongli nodded: "Xiao Yanzi is right. Let's follow this line of thought. At the same time, we must keep a close eye on the princes' movements and make sure they don't notice anything."

In their search for the key to the seal, they encountered numerous difficulties and challenges. Various factions within the palace seemed to be secretly monitoring them, forcing them to proceed with extreme caution. But the three supported each other, relying on their wisdom and courage to gradually approach the truth. Their bond grew stronger with each trial; the love between Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, and the deep affection between the three, became a powerful driving force for them to persevere through the vortex of palace intrigue.