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

The sky above the Forbidden City seemed shrouded in a thick layer of leaden clouds, oppressive and suffocating. Inside the Kunning Palace, the candlelight flickered uncertainly in the breeze, as if it might go out at any moment, adding to the unease of the tense atmosphere. Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a bright yellow phoenix robe, sat regally in the main seat. The phoenixes embroidered with gold thread on the robe shone brightly, yet could not conceal the worry in her eyes.

"Xiao Tao, do you think we can win this battle?" Xiao Yanzi asked softly, her voice trembling slightly. Her fingers gently stroked the armrest of the chair, her eyes revealing a hint of confusion and worry.

Xiao Tao stepped forward, bowed slightly, and smiled firmly. "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The Emperor and the princes are all confident that those rebels are no match for us." As she spoke, she picked up the teapot on the table and poured Xiao Yanzi a cup of hot tea with gentle and skillful movements.

Azhu chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty. Look how meticulously the Emperor and the princes have prepared for this operation; they're sure to achieve a great victory." She held a round fan in her hand, gently waving it to create a breeze for Xiaoyanzi.

Little Swallow sighed softly, picked up her teacup, but didn't drink it. She just stared at the rising steam in the cup: "That's true, but I'm still very uneasy. These remnants of the Ulihak gang are very cunning. What if something goes wrong..." She didn't finish her sentence, but her brows furrowed even more.

Just then, Consort Ling and Qing'er hurried in. Consort Ling was dressed in a light purple palace gown, with delicate peony patterns embroidered on the hem, making her appear gentle and charming. Qing'er, on the other hand, wore a light blue qipao, simple and elegant, and her face showed a hint of anxiety.

"Your Majesty the Empress," the two greeted.

Little Swallow quickly stood up and went to help them up: "Get up quickly, no need for formalities. Why did you come in such a hurry? Has something happened in the palace?"

Consort Ling shook her head slightly and said with a solemn expression, "Your Majesty, there is nothing wrong in the inner palace for the time being. However, I have heard that the situation in the suburbs of the capital is becoming increasingly tense, and I am really worried about it, so I came to check on things."

Qing'er chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty. The rumors outside are rampant, with all sorts of things being said, and everyone is filled with anxiety."

A hint of worry flashed in Xiao Yanzi's eyes: "I have already sent people to stop these rumors. However, the situation is unclear, which inevitably makes everyone feel uneasy. Consort Ling, you are close to the other concubines, so go and reassure them, and tell them that the Emperor and I will definitely protect everyone. Qing'er, go to the Imperial Household Department again and urge them to strengthen the security of the inner palace, so that no one with ill intentions can take advantage of the situation."

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

As soon as Xiao Yanzi sat down, Yongqi strode in. He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, with a sharp sword at his waist, looking dashing and heroic. However, his face showed signs of fatigue, clearly indicating that he had been busy preparing for the war for a long time.

“Empress Mother,” Yongqi greeted.

Xiao Yanzi quickly stood up and looked Yongqi up and down: "Yongqi, you must be tired from your journey. Have the defenses in the capital been arranged?"

Yongqi nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, I have arranged the defenses of the capital as instructed by Father. More people have been assigned to each city gate, and the number of patrolling guards has increased several times. I have also set up hidden sentries in the city so that we can know immediately if there is any suspicious situation."

Little Swallow nodded in satisfaction: "Good, well done. However, the remnants of Ulihak's gang are cunning, so you must not let your guard down."

Yongqi's expression was firm: "Your subject understands. Your subject will do everything in his power to protect the safety of the capital."

Meanwhile, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was discussing the final battle plan with Generals Hongzhou and Zhaohui. Hongli wore a black dragon robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, which made him appear particularly majestic in the candlelight.

"Zhaohui, your troops are of paramount importance in this operation. You must cut off the enemy's retreat at the valley exit and not let a single rebel escape." Hongli's voice was deep and powerful, his eyes revealing unwavering determination.

General Zhao Hui knelt on one knee and said loudly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will fight to the death and fulfill my mission!" He was wearing a magnificent suit of armor, the scales on which gleamed with a cold light, as if telling the story of his glorious achievements in many years of battle.

Hongzhou also said, "Your Majesty, your side is also ready. Our friends in the martial world are all eager to get started, just waiting for those rebels to walk right into our trap." He was dressed in black, his sword at his waist gleaming coldly, and he exuded an aura of untamed freedom.

Hongli nodded slightly: "Good, this operation must succeed, failure is not an option. Once these rebels are wiped out, I will reward them accordingly."

As night fell, the valley outside the capital was utterly silent. Moonlight bathed the valley, draping the tranquil land in a silvery veil. General Zhao Hui, leading his elite troops, had already laid an ambush at the valley's exit. The soldiers held their breath, awaiting the enemy's arrival.

"General, do you think those rebels will come?" a young soldier asked in a low voice, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

General Zhao Hui glared at him: "Shut your mouth! Remember, no one is allowed to act rashly without my order."

The soldier immediately lowered his head, not daring to speak again.

Meanwhile, Hongzhou, leading his friends from the martial arts world and some palace guards, lay in ambush near the city gates of the capital. They hid in the darkness, waiting quietly.

"Your Highness, do you really think we can wipe out all those rebels in one fell swoop?" a wandering swordsman asked softly.

Hong Zhou smiled slightly: "Don't worry, we've been preparing for this operation for a long time. If those rebels dare to come, we'll make sure they don't leave alive." His eyes revealed confidence and determination.

Inside the Forbidden City, Xiao Yanzi stood by the window of Kunning Palace, gazing at the dark night sky outside, silently praying. Xiao Tao and A Zhu stood behind her, not daring to breathe.

"Xiao Tao, how are the Emperor and Yongqi doing now?" Xiao Yanzi asked softly.

Xiao Tao gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, please don't worry. The Emperor and Prince Yongqi are blessed by Heaven; they will surely be alright."

Just then, a guard rushed in: "Your Majesty, news has come from the outskirts of the capital that the remnants of Ulihak's forces have already set off towards the valley."

A hint of nervousness flashed in Xiao Yanzi's eyes: "I understand, you may leave."

After the guards withdrew, Xiao Yanzi turned to Xiao Tao and A Zhu and said, "It seems that this great battle is about to begin."

On the outskirts of the capital, the remnants of Ulihak's forces were slowly advancing towards the valley. Leading them was a tall man dressed in a long black robe and wearing a conical hat, obscuring his face.

"Master, the valley is just ahead. Do we really want to go in?" one of his subordinates asked cautiously.

The man sneered, "What's there to be afraid of? This is our only chance. As long as we can storm into the capital and take control of the emperor, the world will be ours." His voice was icy and cruel, like a demon from hell.

The group continued forward and soon entered the valley. The valley was silent, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing through it.

Suddenly, a bugle sounded, and countless soldiers surged out from the hillsides on both sides of the valley, surrounding them. General Zhao Hui appeared before them on a tall horse.

“Ulihak remnants, you are surrounded! Surrender now!” General Zhao Hui shouted, his voice echoing through the valley.

The man's expression changed: "Damn it, we've fallen into a trap! Brothers, charge out!" At his command, the remaining Ulihak followers drew their weapons and engaged in fierce combat with the soldiers.

The valley echoed with shouts of battle and the glint of swords. Soldiers fought bravely, while the remnants of Ulihak's forces were equally determined, resulting in a stalemate.

Near the city gates of the capital, Hong Zhou heard shouts of battle coming from the valley and knew the operation had begun. He waved his hand: "Brothers, prepare to move out!"

The martial arts practitioners and palace guards who had been lying in ambush stood up, gripped their weapons, and waited for the enemy to arrive.

Soon after, the remnants of Ulihak's forces fled towards the capital. They assumed the capital was poorly defended and intended to storm in for refuge.

When they arrived at the city gate, Hongzhou gave the order: "Kill!" The crowd rushed forward and surrounded the enemy.

The remnants of Ulihak's forces never expected the capital's defenses to be so tight. Panicked, they scattered and fled in all directions. Hongzhou and his江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) friends seized the opportunity to pursue and slaughter the enemy, leaving no survivors.

Meanwhile, Yongqi led his patrol team, searching the city. Suddenly, he heard a commotion and quickly led his men to the scene.

A group of men in black were seen fighting with the guards; they were clearly escaped remnants of Ulihak's gang. Without a word, Yongqi drew his sword and joined the battle.

After a fierce battle, Yongqi and his men finally annihilated all the men in black.

In the valley outside the capital, the battle was drawing to a close. The remaining Ulihak followers suffered heavy casualties under General Zhao Hui's fierce attack. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the leader tried to flee, but was stabbed by General Zhao Hui's sword.

"You...you wait..." The man spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsed to the ground, and died.

Thus, the Ulihak remnants' operation completely failed.

When the news reached the Forbidden City, Xiao Yanzi learned that Hongli, Yongqi, Hongzhou, and the others were all safe and sound, and the weight on her heart finally lifted.

"That's great, they're all safe and sound." Little Swallow smiled with relief.

Xiao Tao and A Zhu happily said, "Your Majesty, that's great! The rebels have been eliminated, and we can finally have peace."

However, Xiao Yanzi knew that this was only temporary peace. The intrigues within the palace would never cease. Many more challenges awaited her and Hongli in the future…