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

Yongqi stood amidst the charred ruins of the library, clutching the ancient book bearing the Shadow Pavilion's insignia tightly in his hand, his heart pounding. The footsteps and whispers of the surrounding guards gradually faded from his ears; only one thought occupied his mind: this might be the key to uncovering the true face of the traitor. His fingers unconsciously traced the cover of the ancient book, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with solemnity and contemplation.

"Fifth Prince, could there be any important clues hidden in this ancient book?" A guard stepped forward and asked cautiously.

Yongqi slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a deep voice, "No matter what's in this ancient book, since it was hidden in this secret compartment and survived the fire, it must have something important about it." With that, he gently opened the ancient book, and a musty smell wafted out.

The text within the ancient book was obscure and difficult to understand, like an ancient secret language. However, several simple yet eerie illustrations interspersed among them gave Yongqi a jolt—those illustrations were remarkably similar to certain elements on the murals of the Shadow Pavilion. His heart suddenly raced, and a feeling of both excitement and tension welled up within him.

"Fifth Prince, what does it say on this?" another guard asked curiously as he approached.

Yongqi shook his head: "I don't understand either, but these patterns..." He pointed to the patterns, his brows furrowing even deeper, "are related to the murals of the Shadow Pavilion. It seems that the fire in this library was no accident. Someone must have deliberately done it to destroy evidence related to the Shadow Pavilion."

At this moment, in Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi was discussing with Princess Hejing the matter of the strange eunuch appearing in Consort Na's palace. Xiao Yanzi, dressed in a magnificent bright yellow phoenix robe, sat upright in the main seat, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest, her eyes revealing worry and contemplation.

"Hejing, are you sure that eunuch isn't from the palace?" Xiaoyanzi asked again to confirm.

Princess Hejing nodded hurriedly and said anxiously, "Your Majesty, I'm sure. I even had someone secretly inquire, and he's not listed in the palace's eunuch register at all."

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "That concubine has always been against me. It is suspicious that such an anomaly has appeared in her palace. However, we cannot act rashly without solid evidence."

Princess Hejing was a little anxious, and unconsciously clenched her handkerchief: "Empress Mother, if this drags on any longer, who knows what tricks the traitor might come up with next."

Xiao Yanzi sighed softly, stood up, and slowly paced around: "I understand your concerns, but acting rashly could alert the enemy, making the subsequent investigation even more difficult. Here's what we'll do: go back first and continue to keep an eye on that concubine's every move. If there are any new developments, come and tell me immediately."

Although Princess Hejing was unwilling, she still bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

After Princess Hejing left, Xiaoyanzi paced back and forth in the palace, her unease growing. She walked to the window, gazing at the familiar yet treacherous palace complex outside, and murmured to herself, "Who is this traitor? Hidden so deeply..."

Meanwhile, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was discussing the next steps of the investigation with Fucha Fuheng. Hongli was dressed in a black dragon robe, his expression cold and stern, his eyes revealing an undeniable authority.

“Fuheng, it seems now that this traitor has a close relationship with the Shadow Pavilion. The fire in the library was probably their way of destroying evidence.” Hongli’s voice was deep and powerful.

Fucha Fuheng nodded slightly and said respectfully, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. I think we can start with the accounts of the spice shop; perhaps we can find evidence of collusion with the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I entrust this matter to you. Be sure to be careful and cautious, investigate secretly, and do not alarm too many people."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Fucha Fuheng accepted the order and withdrew.

When Yongqi returned to Kunning Palace with the ancient book, Xiaoyanzi was anxiously waiting. A glimmer of hope flashed in Xiaoyanzi's eyes when she saw the book in Yongqi's hands.

"Yongqi, this is..." Xiaoyanzi quickly stepped forward to greet him.

Yongqi handed the ancient book to Xiaoyanzi and recounted in detail his discovery in the library. Xiaoyanzi took the book and carefully examined the patterns and text, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

“I can’t understand these characters either, but the pattern does look very similar to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion.” Xiao Yanzi looked up at Yongqi. “Yongqi, do you think this traitor might be related to the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion who tried to overthrow the court back then?”

After pondering for a moment, Yongqi said, "Your Majesty, it is highly likely. Although the Shadow Pavilion was severely damaged back then, it is hard to guarantee that there are no remnants hiding there. Now they are colluding with palace traitors, attempting to stir up trouble again."

Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down: "No matter what, we must find out the truth as soon as possible. Yongqi, you are still injured, so you should rest first. I will go and discuss with your father, the Emperor, to see what secrets this ancient book holds."

Just as Yongqi was about to speak, a guard rushed in and said, "Your Majesty, Fifth Prince, news has come from the Imperial Household Department that the silk shop owner who has close ties with the spice shop has suddenly disappeared."

Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi exchanged a glance, their expressions changing simultaneously. A hint of anger and anxiety flashed in Xiao Yanzi's eyes: "This traitor is really quick. It seems our investigation has already thrown them into disarray."

Yongqi clenched his fist: "Empress Mother, we can't let them continue to act so recklessly. We must speed up the investigation."

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly, then turned to the guard and said, "Pass down the order to intensify the checks on all the key roads in the capital. We must find that silk shop owner. Also, inform everyone involved in the investigation to be careful and avoid being plotted against by an inside traitor."

"As you wish!" The guard took the order and left.

In a dark, secret room not far from the library, a figure paced anxiously back and forth. He was dressed in eunuch's clothes, but his face was full of sinister intent and unease.

"It's all that Fifth Prince's fault, he ruined our plans!" he cursed under his breath. "If they decipher that ancient book, we're all doomed!"

Just then, another voice came from the corner: "What's the panic? They might not be able to decipher the coded messages in the ancient books. But what if that silk shop owner gets caught and gives us away?"

The first person stopped and, after a moment's thought, said, "I've already arranged for someone to deal with him; he won't live much longer. The most important thing now is to find a way to retrieve that ancient book."

"Easier said than done? The Fifth Prince and the Empress will definitely protect it like a treasure." The person in the corner sneered.

"Hmph, there will always be an opportunity." A sly glint flashed in the first man's eyes. "As long as they are still investigating, there will be loopholes. We just need to wait patiently, find the right moment, and strike decisively."

Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi were carefully studying ancient books. Xiao Yanzi sat at the table, holding a brush in her hand, tracing the patterns on the paper, her brows furrowed and her eyes focused. Yongqi stood beside her, occasionally offering his own insights.

“Empress Mother, look at this pattern, doesn’t it look like a compass?” Yongqi said, pointing to one of the patterns.

Little Swallow stopped writing and examined the book carefully: "Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit like it. Could this ancient book contain clues about the Shadow Pavilion's treasure or some secret stronghold?"

As the two were discussing, Xiao Tao hurriedly walked in: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has sent someone to invite you over, saying that there is something important to discuss."

Xiao Yanzi was slightly taken aback, then stood up: "I understand, I'll be right there. Yongqi, you continue your research on the ancient books, and if you make any new discoveries, send someone to inform me immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Yongqi replied.

Xiao Yanzi straightened her phoenix robe and hurriedly headed to Cining Palace with Xiao Tao. Along the way, she wondered why Zhen Huan wanted to see her, and her pace quickened unconsciously.

Inside the Cining Palace, Zhen Huan sat solemnly in the main seat. Seeing Xiao Yanzi enter, she slightly raised her hand to gesture for her to sit down.

"Huan'er, you're looking for me..." Xiao Yanzi asked with concern.

Zhen Huan sighed softly and said slowly, "I've heard about the fire in the library and your investigation. This traitor is too well hidden and too ruthless. We must find him as soon as possible, otherwise the palace will never have peace."

Xiao Yanzi nodded slightly: "Huan'er understands, but this traitor is too cunning. Every time we make a little progress, he will take action to destroy evidence and obstruct the investigation."

After pondering for a moment, Zhen Huan said, "I have an idea. Perhaps we can start with those martial arts figures who have had connections with the Shadow Pavilion. They are well-informed in the martial arts world and may know some things that we don't."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Huan'er, what you said makes sense. However, the people in the martial arts world are a mixed bag, so how can we find reliable people?"

Zhen Huan smiled slightly: "Don't worry about that. I have some old acquaintances in the martial arts world, and perhaps they can help."

The two discussed some more details before Xiao Yanzi took her leave. When she returned to Kunning Palace, Yongqi greeted her with a hint of excitement on his face.

“Empress Dowager, I think I’ve found some clues.” Yongqi said, handing a piece of paper to Xiaoyanzi. “I’ve tried to piece together a location map based on the patterns in the ancient book. Although it’s not complete yet, it vaguely points to an abandoned house on the outskirts of the capital.”

Xiao Yanzi took the paper and carefully examined the lines and markings on it. A glimmer of hope rose in her heart: "Yongqi, you did a great job. It seems that there are indeed important clues hidden in this ancient book. Perhaps that abandoned mansion is the hiding place of the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion."

Yongqi nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I want to take people to investigate immediately."

Xiao Yanzi hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, thinking of Yongqi's injuries: "No, your injuries haven't healed yet, we can't take the risk. I'll go and discuss it with your father, the Emperor, and send someone else."

Yongqi wanted to say something more, but Xiaoyanzi interrupted him: "Listen to me, your safety is the most important thing. Once this matter is resolved, you can investigate however you want."

Yongqi had no choice but to nod: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Little Swallow turned to Little Peach and said, "Little Peach, prepare the sedan chair, I'm going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

When Xiao Yanzi arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongli was looking at a pile of memorials with a troubled expression. When he saw Xiao Yanzi enter, a hint of relief flashed in Hongli's eyes.

"You've arrived, just in time, I was just looking for you." Hongli said, handing a memorial to Xiaoyanzi. "This is news from the frontier. There have been some unusual movements on the border recently, and it seems that some unknown forces are gathering in secret."

Xiao Yanzi took the memorial, quickly glanced through it, and her expression turned serious: "Your Majesty, could this be related to the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion?"

Hongli nodded slightly: "Very likely. This traitor is colluding with the Shadow Pavilion and may also have connections with border forces, attempting to overthrow the court through a coordinated attack from within and without."

Xiao Yanzi told Hongli about Yongqi's discovery of clues to the ancient book. After listening, Hongli pondered for a moment and said, "It seems that this is an important breakthrough. I will immediately send people to investigate the abandoned house on the outskirts of the capital."

However, just as they were discussing the matter, another piece of bad news arrived: the guards who went to investigate the spice shop were attacked on their way back and were seriously injured, and the spice shop's account books were also stolen.

Little Swallow stood up angrily: "This traitor is too arrogant! He dares to make a move right under our noses! We can't let them succeed again!"

A murderous glint flashed in Hongli's eyes: "Send down the order to intensify the investigation. No matter the cost, we must wipe out this traitor and the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion!"

An even fiercer contest is quietly unfolding inside and outside the Forbidden City...