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

The atmosphere in Kunning Palace instantly tensed. Upon hearing the news of Yongqi's pursuit of the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion, Xiao Yanzi's phoenix robe billowed as she turned hastily, the golden phoenix embroidered on it seeming ready to take flight. "Xiao Tao, A Zhu, hurry and prepare, I'm going to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see the Emperor." Her voice was urgent, her eyes filled with worry and determination.

Xiao Tao and A Zhu hurriedly set to work, one bringing the phoenix crown and the other fetching the cloak, quickly helping Xiao Yanzi dress. While they dressed her, Xiao Yanzi said to Consort Na and Consort Ling, "Your matters can wait. The most important thing is that the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion have appeared in the capital." With that, she strode out of Kunning Palace. Consort Na and Consort Ling exchanged a glance behind her, each with a complex expression as they withdrew.

In the Imperial Garden, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, yet it couldn't dispel the tense atmosphere that permeated the palace. Xiao Yanzi sat in her sedan chair, her heart burning with anxiety, her fingers unconsciously clutching the corner of her cloak. Soon, the sedan chair stopped outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. She hurriedly alighted and went straight into the hall.

Hongli was discussing countermeasures with several ministers in the hall when he saw Xiaoyanzi enter. He frowned slightly and said, "Empress, why are you here? The situation is tense right now. You should stay in the inner palace and rest assured."

Xiao Yanzi walked up to Hongli with a concerned expression: "Your Majesty, I heard that Yongqi discovered traces of the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion in the capital. I was worried about him, so I came to see him."

At this moment, Su Peisheng hurriedly walked in, looking flustered: "Your Majesty, Prince Yongqi sent a message saying that the suspicious person is very cunning and has managed to shake off the pursuit by wandering around the city. However, they found traces of a fight in an abandoned house and suspect that it was an infighting among the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Hongli's face darkened: "Is this true? Issue my decree, ordering Yongqi to intensify the search efforts. We must find them alive or dead. We cannot allow the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion to cause trouble in the capital."

Little Swallow also became anxious: "Your Majesty, do you need my help? I can also lend a hand."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes, but he still shook his head: "I am very pleased that you have this intention, but this matter is dangerous. You should stay in the palace. I will arrange everything."

Just as everyone was discussing, Yongqi, covered in dust, hurriedly entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation and knelt on one knee: "Father, I have failed in my duty and allowed that suspicious person to escape."

Hongli stood up, walked to Yongqi's side, and patted him on the shoulder: "Get up, this isn't your fault. Those remnants of the Shadow Pavilion are cunning and treacherous; you've done your best. Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Yongqi stood up, looking guilty: "Your Majesty and my men tracked down that suspicious person. He was very familiar with the streets and alleys of the capital. After many twists and turns, we lost him. When we found the abandoned house, we only saw signs of a fight. There were also several corpses at the scene, all of whom were killed in one blow. The method was very ruthless. They must be people from the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "It seems there is a division within the Shadow Pavilion. This may be an opportunity for us. You continue to lead your men to search the capital, while keeping an eye on the movements inside and outside the capital. Report to me immediately if there is any disturbance."

After receiving the order, Yongqi hurriedly left. Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the atmosphere remained heavy.

A few days later, the streets of the capital were still bustling and lively, with people coming and going, unaware that danger was quietly approaching. Yongqi, accompanied by several guards in plain clothes, was searching the city. As they walked through a narrow alley, they suddenly heard faint sounds of fighting coming from a small courtyard. Yongqi's eyes sharpened, and he gave his guards a signal. The group silently approached the courtyard.

Through the crack in the door, Yongqi saw several men in black attacking a man in the courtyard. The man was agile and, although outnumbered, he was not at a disadvantage. Yongqi had a sudden thought that this man might be related to the Shadow Pavilion. He gently pushed open the door and rushed in with his guards.

Upon seeing the intruders, two of the men in black immediately separated to deal with Yongqi and his companion. Yongqi drew his sword and engaged the men in black in a fierce battle. After a brief but intense fight, the men in black gradually lost ground and began to flee. Yongqi did not pursue them but instead walked over to the man in black.

The man was dressed in rags, with several wounds on his body, yet his expression remained resolute. He looked at Yongqi and asked warily, "Who are you? Why are you helping me?"

Yongqi sheathed his sword, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Yongqi, the fifth son of the current emperor. We are currently investigating the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion. Seeing you fighting with them, you must not be a bad person."

Upon hearing this, the man was slightly taken aback, then knelt on one knee: "So it is the Fifth Prince. I am Li Yi. I was originally a member of the martial arts world, but I was framed by the Shadow Pavilion. They wanted me to work for them, but I refused, so they chased after me all the way."

Yongqi helped Li Yi up: "In that case, Brother Li, would you be willing to come with me to the palace and tell the Emperor what you know about the Shadow Pavilion?"

Li Yi nodded slightly: "It is my honor to serve the imperial court."

So Yongqi brought Li Yi back to the palace and they went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. When Hongli heard that Yongqi had brought back someone related to the Shadow Pavilion, he immediately summoned him.

Li Yi entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, knelt down and bowed: "This humble subject, Li Yi, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Hongli sat on the dragon throne, his expression dignified: "No need for formalities. Since you have a grudge against the Shadow Pavilion, you must know many of their secrets. Tell me them one by one."

Li Yi stood up and explained in detail what he knew about the Shadow Pavilion's organizational structure, recent plans, and several strongholds in the capital. After listening, Hongli's face grew even more gloomy: "I didn't expect the Shadow Pavilion to be so rampant, with so many spies hidden in the capital."

Yongqi said, "Father, now that we know their stronghold, why don't we immediately send people to surround and wipe them out in one fell swoop?"

Hongli nodded slightly: "This matter cannot be taken lightly and requires careful consideration. Issue my decree to have General Zhaohui secretly dispatch a portion of elite troops to the capital to cooperate with the city's garrison and ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Meanwhile, in the inner palace, Consort Na sat in her palace, her face dark and gloomy. Rong Momo served her cautiously, yet she could still sense Consort Na's anger.

"That Little Swallow, relying on the Emperor's favor, always puts me in a superior position," Consort Na said through gritted teeth. "And Consort Ling, she's always echoing her. It's infuriating!"

Rong Momo quickly chimed in, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The Empress and Consort Ling are just bullies. We will definitely teach them a lesson when we find an opportunity."

A sinister glint flashed in Consort Na's eyes: "Hmph, the matter of the Shadow Pavilion is making a big fuss now, maybe this is an opportunity. Rong Mama, you go and keep an eye out for me, and report back immediately if there is any disturbance."

Rong Momo nodded hurriedly, "Yes, Your Highness, this old servant will go and do it right away." After saying that, she hurriedly left the palace.

Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace, Xiao Yanzi was discussing with Consort Ling how to appease the emotions of everyone in the harem. Xiao Yanzi was dressed in a light blue palace gown, dignified yet gentle. She sighed softly, "There is no peace in or outside the palace right now. I really hope this turmoil can be quelled as soon as possible."

Consort Ling nodded slightly: "Your Majesty the Empress is right. The concubines have been feeling uneasy lately, and we need to find a way to put their minds at ease."

As the two were talking, Xiao Tao walked in: "Your Majesty, Princess Qing'er requests an audience."

Little Swallow was slightly taken aback: "Quickly, invite her in."

Before long, Qing'er entered Kunning Palace. She was dressed in a pink qipao and looked anxious. "Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness Consort Ling, I just heard that remnants of the Shadow Pavilion have appeared in the capital. Is that true?"

Little Swallow nodded slightly: "It's true, but the Emperor has already arranged for people to investigate, so you don't need to worry."

Qing'er frowned: "I've heard that the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion are extremely vicious. What if they infiltrate the palace?"

Consort Ling quickly said, "Princess Qing'er, don't worry. His Majesty has strengthened the palace security. Those bad people won't be able to get in."

Xiao Yanzi smiled and comforted her, "Yes, Qing'er, just stay in the palace and rest assured. We will protect you no matter what happens."

Qing'er nodded slightly, her expression softening: "With Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Ling here, I feel relieved. However, I'm still a little worried about Brother Yongqi. Is he in danger while he's out investigating the remnants of the Shadow Pavilion?"

Little Swallow gently patted Qing'er's hand: "Yongqi is highly skilled in martial arts and has the Emperor's decree, so he'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

Just then, a palace maid rushed in: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."

Xiao Yanzi paused slightly, then said, "Understood, I'll be right there." With that, she rose, straightened her clothes, and, accompanied by Xiao Tao and A Zhu, hurried towards Zhen Huan's palace…