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

In the Imperial Garden, spring was in full bloom, flowers were in full bloom, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches, releasing a sweet fragrance. Little Swallow wore a moon-white robe embroidered with phoenixes and peonies; the phoenixes, outlined in gold and silver threads, were so lifelike they seemed ready to take flight at any moment. She moved with light, graceful steps, gently waving a round fan painted with flowers and birds. She appeared relaxed and at ease, but every nerve in her body was taut. Little Peach and A-Zhu followed closely behind, their expressions tense, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings warily.

"Xiao Tao, do you think there will be a result today?" Xiao Yanzi asked softly, her voice low but filled with anticipation and nervousness. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze falling on Xiao Tao's face, trying to find some comfort from her.

Xiao Tao swallowed hard and forced a smile: "Your Majesty, good people are always blessed, everything will definitely go smoothly." Her hands unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes, her heart was actually filled with anxiety.

Azhu nodded in agreement, "Yes, Your Majesty, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager have planned everything meticulously. Those bad guys will definitely not be able to escape."

As the three were talking, a series of footsteps approached from not far away, steady and rhythmic. Xiao Yanzi's heart tightened, and she subconsciously gripped her fan tighter, her eyes immediately sharpening. She saw the concubine, dressed in a royal blue embroidered butterfly-patterned qipao, her makeup exquisite, and her demeanor dignified as she walked towards them, followed by Rong Momo, whose face was full of obsequiousness.

"Oh, isn't this Her Majesty the Empress?" The concubine smiled from afar, her voice clear but with a hint of sharpness. "What brings you to the Imperial Garden for a stroll today?" She walked up to Xiao Yanzi, bowed slightly, and her smile was like a flower blooming in spring, yet it offered no warmth.

Xiao Yanzi smiled faintly, her lips curving upwards, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Then Consort Fei has come too. The Imperial Garden is a beautiful place; it's quite pleasant to take a stroll here." She gently waved her round fan, and the flowers and birds on the fan seemed to come alive with her movements.

Rong Momo snorted coldly from the side and muttered under her breath, "Hmph, I'm afraid their real intention is not what they seem." Although her voice was soft, everyone present could hear it clearly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao's face darkened, and she was about to lash out when Xiao Yanzi gently raised her hand to stop her. Xiao Yanzi calmly looked at Rong Mama, a hint of authority flashing in her eyes: "Rong Mama, as the wet nurse of Consort Na, you should be careful with your words and actions. How can you speak so recklessly?" Her voice was still gentle, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Rong Momo's expression changed slightly, and she subconsciously lowered her head, not daring to look Xiao Yanzi in the eye. Seeing this, Consort Na quickly smoothed things over, "Your Majesty, please forgive her. Momo is old and doesn't know her own words. Please don't take it to heart." Her face was full of smiles, but a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes.

Xiao Yanzi smiled slightly and didn't pursue the matter further. The four of them strolled along the paths of the Imperial Garden, seemingly chatting and laughing, but each harboring their own thoughts. As they walked, Xiao Yanzi suddenly stopped, her gaze falling on an octagonal pavilion ahead: "Sister Fei, let's go sit over there, admire the flowers, and have some tea. It would be quite pleasant."

A hint of hesitation flashed in the concubine's eyes, but she quickly regained her smile: "I will do whatever Your Majesty the Empress says."

The four arrived at the octagonal pavilion, where Xiao Tao and A Zhu busied themselves setting out the tea set and brewing tea. Xiao Yanzi picked up her teacup, gently blew on the steam, and took a small sip: "This tea tastes quite good. Sister Na Fei, you should try some too." She handed the teacup to Na Fei, her eyes carrying a hint of something deeper.

Consort Na took the teacup and was about to drink when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps. Her expression changed slightly, and she instinctively tightened her grip on the teacup. She saw Yongqi walking hurriedly towards her, followed by several guards, each with a serious expression on their face.

“Your Majesty, I have important matters to report.” Yongqi walked into the pavilion, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a deep and powerful voice.

Xiao Yanzi's heart tightened. She put down her teacup, sat up straight, and her eyes revealed a hint of tension and anticipation: "Yongqi, stand up and talk. What happened?"

Yongqi stood up, his gaze sweeping over Consort Na and Granny Rong, and hesitated slightly. Xiaoyanzi immediately understood his meaning and said, "We're all family, so feel free to speak your mind."

Yongqi nodded and slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have just received news that our spies have discovered several suspicious individuals frequently appearing near Consort Na's palace, seemingly conveying some message."

Upon hearing this, the concubine's face turned deathly pale, and she nearly dropped her teacup. Rong Mama also trembled with fear, her eyes filled with terror.

Little Swallow stared intently at Consort Na, her eyes sharp: "Consort Na, what's going on? Do you have anything to explain?" Her voice remained calm, but carried an irresistible pressure.

Consort Na forced a smile and tried to appear calm: "Your Majesty, what do you mean? I really don't understand." Her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Yongqi snorted coldly: "Your Highness, even now, do you still want to deny it? Those people are related to the Shadow Pavilion, so why would your palace become their contact point?" He took a step forward, his eyes revealing anger and questioning.

The concubine's face was as pale as paper, and her body trembled slightly: "Your Majesty, I really don't know. Someone must have deliberately framed me." Her voice trembled, and her eyes were full of panic.

Suddenly, Rong Momo knelt down with a thud: "Your Majesty, spare my life! It was that concubine who instructed this old servant to collude with those people. This old servant was forced to do so!" As she spoke, she kept kowtowing, and her forehead quickly became red and swollen.

Upon hearing Rong Mama's words, Consort Na's face turned even uglier. Pointing at Rong Mama, she angrily said, "You old hag, you actually betrayed me!"

Seeing this scene, Xiao Yanzi's anger flared up: "That concubine, now that all the witnesses are here, what else do you have to say?" She stood up, her phoenix robe fluttering gently in the breeze, exuding an aura of majesty.

Knowing that her scheme had been exposed, Consort Na slumped to the ground, her eyes vacant, muttering to herself, "I'm not reconciled, I'm not reconciled..." A look of despair appeared on her face, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Just then, Hongli strode in, accompanied by Su Peisheng. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a crown, every step exuding imperial majesty. Upon seeing the concubine and Rong Mama on the ground, his face darkened as if water could drip from it.

"I have treated you well, so why did you collude with the Shadow Pavilion and plot a rebellion?" Hongli's voice was low and cold, filled with anger and disappointment. He stood in front of the concubine, looking down at her, his eyes revealing a chilling aura.

Consort Na raised her head, looking at Hongli with eyes full of resentment: "Your Majesty, you favor the Empress and have never given me a second glance. Everything I have done is to gain your attention." Her voice was tinged with madness, and tears streamed down her face.

Hongli snorted coldly: "For your own selfish desires, you have actually committed such a treasonous act, which is simply unforgivable!" With a wave of his hand, the guards behind him immediately stepped forward and took the concubine and Rong Mama away.

Xiao Yanzi walked to Hongli's side and gently took his hand: "Your Majesty, the truth has finally come out." Her eyes held a hint of relief, but also a hint of weariness.

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, his eyes filled with tenderness and gratitude: "Thanks to you, Yongqi, and Mother's plan, this treacherous villain was exposed." He gently stroked Xiaoyanzi's cheek, his eyes full of love.

Yongqi stepped forward as well: "Father, Mother, although we have successfully exposed that concubine, the Shadow Pavilion's influence has not been completely eradicated. We cannot let our guard down." His eyes revealed determination and worry.

Hongli nodded slightly: "I know. Next, we must continue to investigate the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion and never let them have another chance to cause trouble." His voice carried an undeniable determination.

In the Imperial Garden, the breeze and the fragrance of flowers remained unchanged, but the moods of the people present were entirely different. This palace intrigue had finally come to an end, but they knew that many more challenges awaited them in the future…