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

Chapter 495: Fate's Cycle, Renewing the Bond

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City, the atmosphere was solemn and respectful. Court officials, dressed in mourning clothes, wore sorrowful expressions. The 89-year-old Qianlong Emperor, Hongli, slowly breathed his last, his life, like a magnificent historical scroll, coming to an end. In the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Xiao Yanzi, who had weathered countless storms with him, seemed to lose all support upon learning of Hongli's passing; her soul drifted away, following him in death.

However, the wonder of fate lies in its unpredictability. When Little Swallow regained consciousness, she found herself in the familiar yet humble room of the tenement courtyard. Sunlight streamed through the tattered window paper, falling on her face. She slowly sat up, looked around, and the familiar old objects, along with the sounds of Liu Qing and Liu Hong chatting and laughing outside the window, made her realize instantly—she had been reborn.

“I’ve returned to where it all began…” Xiao Yanzi murmured to herself, her eyes filled with shock and confusion. But soon, her gaze hardened, and Hongli’s face appeared in her mind. “Your Majesty, I will find you again.”

Meanwhile, the young Hongli suddenly awoke from a dream in the imperial study, gasping for breath, the images of his dying moments still lingering in his mind. Looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar furnishings of the study, he realized he too had been reborn into his youth. "Little Swallow...where are you?" Hongli murmured softly, his eyes filled with urgency and longing.

In the crowded courtyard, Xiao Yanzi struggled to adapt to her new life while simultaneously plotting her return to the palace. She remembered Ziwei's entrustment from her previous life: to find her biological father. Now, this was not only for Ziwei's sake but also an opportunity for her to reunite with Hongli.

Finally, the day of the royal hunt arrived. Little Swallow, clutching Ziwei's token and dressed in a smart, tailored outfit, mingled into the woods near the hunting grounds. Her heart pounded, her palms were slightly sweaty, and her eyes were fixed on the direction the hunting party would appear. Soon, the sound of hooves grew louder, and there she saw Hongli riding a tall, black horse, majestically leading the procession, his eyes radiating innate authority and heroic spirit.

Little Swallow took a deep breath, nocked an arrow, drew her bowstring taut, and aimed at a plump sika deer. With a "whoosh," the arrow shot out like a meteor, striking the deer squarely in the body. The sika deer cried out in pain and charged wildly toward Hongli. Seeing his prey flee, Hongli immediately spurred his horse and gave chase.

Dust billowed across the hunting grounds, mingled with the sounds of horses' hooves and shouts. Little Swallow was frantic; she needed to attract Hongli's attention while also seizing the opportune moment. Just as Hongli was about to catch the deer, Yongqi galloped up, eager to help his father. In his haste, he drew his bow and arrow, failing to notice Little Swallow suddenly appearing beside him.

"Whoosh—" Yongqi's arrow left the bowstring and shot straight at the sika deer, but unexpectedly hit Xiaoyanzi, who had leaped out to shield Hongli. Xiaoyanzi felt a sharp pain in her shoulder, and her whole body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground.

"No—" Hongli cried out in alarm, quickly reining in his horse, leaping off, and running towards Xiaoyanzi. The surrounding guards also gathered around, and Yongqi stood there in shock, unable to believe that he had actually hit someone.

Hongli gently picked up Xiaoyanzi, his heart aching as he looked at her closed eyes and pale face. "Xiaoyanzi, wake up!" Hongli's voice trembled, filled with endless anxiety and panic.

Xiao Yanzi slowly opened her eyes, saw Hongli's familiar face, and a weak smile appeared on her lips. "Your Majesty... I've finally found you." After saying that, she fainted again.

Hongli held Xiaoyanzi tightly, stood up, and loudly ordered, "Summon the imperial physician! Summon the imperial physician immediately!" His voice echoed throughout the hunting grounds, carrying an undeniable authority and urgency. Then, carrying Xiaoyanzi, he strode towards the tent, secretly vowing that in this life, he would never let Xiaoyanzi suffer any harm again.