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

The night was as dark as ink, thick clouds completely obscuring the moonlight, as if the Forbidden City were shrouded in darkness by an invisible hand. Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, candlelight flickered. Hongli, dressed in a black dragon robe, the gold-embroidered dragon patterns appearing fierce and menacing in the leaping firelight, could not conceal the weariness emanating from him. His brow was furrowed, and he paced back and forth in the hall, his heavy figure reflected in the gold bricks on the floor, each step seeming to tread on a taut string of his heart.

"Your Majesty, it's so late, you should rest. Don't overwork yourself." Su Peisheng approached cautiously, carrying a cup of ginseng tea, his voice low and full of concern.

Hongli waved his hand, his voice low and hoarse: "The national treasury has been robbed, Consort Na and Rong Momo have disappeared, and the remnants of Ulihak's gang are stirring again. How can I rest in peace?" As he spoke, he stopped and looked out the window at the thick, inky night, his eyes filled with worry and determination.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall, and then Yongqi, dressed in a close-fitting outfit, walked in, looking travel-worn. His hair was a little disheveled, and fine beads of sweat clung to his forehead. He knelt on one knee and said, "Father, your son has returned."

Hongli turned around abruptly, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes: "Yongqi, what's the situation at the abandoned mansion in the west of the city?"

Yongqi stood up, his expression grave. "Father, when I arrived with my men, the men in black in the courtyard were already on guard, and a fierce battle ensued. Although I fought valiantly, some of them managed to escape. However, we found some letters and blueprints in the courtyard, which may be related to their conspiracy." As he spoke, he took out a package wrapped in oiled paper from his robes and handed it to him with both hands.

Hongli quickly took the letter, unfolded the oiled paper, and inside were several yellowed letters and crumpled drawings. His gaze swept quickly over the contents of the letters, and his face grew increasingly grim: "These rebels are indeed plotting a shocking conspiracy! They not only want to overthrow the court, but also attempt to collude with border forces to divide the country!"

Yongqi also looked indignant: "Father, I deserve to die for failing to capture them all and allowing several key figures to escape."

Hongli patted Yongqi on the shoulder, his expression softening: "It's not your fault, you've done your best. These rebels are cunning and cannot be completely eradicated overnight. However, their conspiracy is becoming increasingly complex, and we must find a way to deal with it as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, inside Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a bright yellow phoenix robe, sat regally in the main seat. The phoenixes embroidered on the robe were lifelike, but she had no heart to appreciate them. Her fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound, her eyes filled with contemplation and worry. Xiao Tao and A Zhu stood by her side, not daring to breathe loudly, for fear of disturbing the Empress who was lost in thought.

"Xiao Tao, how many more tricks do you think the remnants of Ulihak have up their sleeves? We're so passive, when will we be able to break this deadlock?" Xiao Yanzi stopped tapping, looked up at Xiao Tao, her eyes filled with confusion and anxiety.

Xiao Tao bit her lip and whispered, "Your Majesty, this servant doesn't know either. But this servant believes that His Majesty and the princes will surely find a way to bring these rebels to justice."

Azhu nodded quickly, "Yes, Your Majesty, please don't worry too much. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing."

Little Swallow sighed softly: "How can I not be worried? The palace is fraught with danger, and Princess Hejing has only just escaped danger, and now so many things have happened."

As they were talking, Consort Ling and Qing'er hurried in. Consort Ling was dressed in a light pink palace gown embroidered with delicate peonies, looking gentle and charming, but her face showed signs of fatigue and anxiety. Qing'er, on the other hand, wore a light blue qipao, simple and elegant, and her expression was equally solemn.

"Your Majesty the Empress," the two greeted.

Little Swallow quickly got up and went to help them up: "Get up quickly, no need for formalities. You've worked hard on the affairs of the inner palace."

Consort Ling shook her head slightly, her brows furrowed: "It's not hard work, but the concubines in all the palaces are in a panic when they hear that the national treasury has been robbed. Although I have tried my best to appease them, many people are still worried about their own safety, and the rumors in the palace are becoming more and more outrageous."

Qing'er chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty. Some say this is divine retribution, while others say the court is about to descend into chaos, with people's hearts in turmoil, which is extremely unfavorable for the situation."

Xiao Yanzi frowned even more deeply: "These rumors must be stopped as soon as possible, otherwise the instability of the harem will affect the entire court. Consort Ling, you are close to the concubines in the palace, so go and reassure them that the Emperor and I will definitely resolve this matter as soon as possible, so that everyone can rest assured. Qing'er, go to the Imperial Household Department and have them increase manpower and strengthen patrols and security in the harem to ensure the safety of each palace and not give any opportunity to those with ill intentions."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The two men accepted the order and left.

Just as Xiao Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief, Hong Zhou strode in. He was dressed in black, with a sharp sword at his waist, and looked hurried. "Sister-in-law, I have important matters to report."

Little Swallow quickly asked, "Hongzhou, is there any new clue?"

Hongzhou nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I have received news that the remnants of Ulihak's forces have gathered in a valley outside the capital, seemingly preparing for a large-scale operation. I suspect they may be planning to take advantage of our internal turmoil to launch a surprise attack and deliver a fatal blow to the court."

Little Swallow's expression changed: "Is this true? How should we deal with this?"

After pondering for a moment, Hongzhou said, "I think we can turn the tables on them. On the one hand, we can pretend to relax the defenses of the capital to lure them in; on the other hand, we can secretly gather troops and set up an ambush on their only way into the city, catching them off guard."

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly: "Although this plan is risky, it is still a viable option. However, the deployment of troops still needs to be discussed with the Emperor. Hongzhou, you go and make preparations first. I will go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to discuss this matter with the Emperor."

With that, Xiao Yanzi rose and, with the help of Xiao Tao and A Zhu, straightened her phoenix robe and crown. She then walked steadily toward the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Along the way, the palace lanterns cast a dim, yellowish glow, stretching her shadow long. Her heart was filled with both worry and determination; worry about the grim situation, and determination in her resolve to protect the palace and the world with Hongli.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was discussing countermeasures with Yongqi when he saw Xiaoyanzi enter and quickly got up to greet her.

"Your Majesty, Hongzhou has sent word that the remnants of Ulihak's forces are gathering outside the capital, seemingly intending to launch a surprise attack. He has suggested we turn the tables and set up an ambush," Xiaoyanzi said bluntly.

Hongli nodded slightly: "I think this plan is feasible. However, the deployment of troops needs to be carefully planned. Yongqi, what are your thoughts?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yongqi said, “Father, I believe that General Zhaohui should lead a contingent of elite troops to ambush the enemy at the valley exit, cutting off their retreat once they enter the valley. Then, Uncle Hongzhou should lead his friends from the martial arts world and some palace guards to set up an ambush near the city gates, attacking the enemy from both sides once they enter the city. I am willing to lead a patrol within the city to prevent any from escaping.”

Upon hearing this, Hongli nodded in satisfaction: "Very well, as you say. Immediately issue an edict summoning General Zhaohui and Hongzhou to the palace to discuss the matter."

Su Peisheng accepted the order and left.

Before long, General Zhao Hui and Hong Zhou arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. General Zhao Hui was dressed in a magnificent suit of armor, his posture upright, exuding the heroic spirit of someone who had been through many battles. Hong Zhou was still dressed in his black outfit, his eyes revealing determination and courage.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant has come to receive your orders," the two said, bowing.

Hongli explained the plan to them in detail, and both of them agreed.

"Zhao Hui, this mission is arduous and concerns the safety of the court. You must act with utmost care and not be negligent in the slightest," Hongli said solemnly.

General Zhao Hui knelt on one knee and said loudly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost and fulfill my mission!"

Hongzhou also said, "Your Majesty, I will definitely work closely with General Zhaohui to wipe out these rebels in one fell swoop!"

After the discussion, everyone dispersed to prepare for the upcoming battle.

As night deepened, a tense atmosphere permeated every corner of the Forbidden City. Everyone understood that a breathtaking contest was about to unfold, a battle that would determine the fate of the court, and even the peace of the realm…