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

Chapter 496: Old Memories Resurface, Love's Threads Remain Unbroken

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was heavy, as if a huge boulder were pressing down on it. Imperial physicians hurried in and out, the medicine in the pots bubbling and churning, emitting a bitter smell that mingled with the tense atmosphere. Hongli paced back and forth in the tent, the hem of his dragon robe rustling with each step. His eyes were fixed on the unconscious Xiaoyanzi on the bed, filled with worry and anxiety.

Yongqi knelt in a corner of the tent, his head bowed low, overwhelmed by self-reproach and guilt. "Father, I deserve to die for my crime. I have mistakenly injured this young lady. I beg you to punish me." His voice trembled, filled with remorse.

Hongli stopped and glanced at Yongqi, his eyes filled with both anger and helplessness. "Get up. Let's put this matter aside for now. The most urgent thing is to wake her up." His voice was low, but it couldn't hide the turmoil in his heart.

After a long period of work, the imperial physicians finally stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the young lady's arrow wound has been treated properly. However, she has lost too much blood and needs to recuperate. If she can make it through tonight, her life should be in good condition."

Hongli nodded slightly and waved for the imperial physicians to leave. He walked to the bedside, gently sat down beside Xiao Yanzi, and took her hand in his. Her hands were now bloodless and so cold that it pained him. "Xiao Yanzi, you must wake up. I'm still waiting for you, and I have so much to say to you," he murmured softly, his voice full of tenderness and expectation.

In the dead of night, the candlelight flickered in the tent, illuminating Hongli's tired yet focused face. He stayed by Xiaoyanzi's side, never closing his eyes, his gaze never leaving her face for a moment.

After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Yanzi's fingers twitched slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was still somewhat dazed, but when she saw Hongli before her, a smile returned to her lips. "Your Majesty, am I dreaming?" Her voice was weak, yet filled with undisguised joy.

Hongli's eyes reddened slightly as he gently touched her face. "It wasn't a dream. It's good that you're awake. It's good that you're awake." His voice choked with emotion, and a great weight was finally lifted from his heart.

Xiao Yanzi looked around and saw Yongqi kneeling beside her. Remembering what had happened before, she said, "Your Majesty, it's not Yongqi's fault. I rushed out on my own."

Yongqi raised his head, his eyes filled with gratitude, "Miss, thank you for speaking up for me, but I..."

Hongli waved his hand, "Alright, let's put this matter behind us." Then he turned to look at Xiaoyanzi, "Why are you here? And why are you so desperately blocking my way?"

Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath, took out Ziwei's keepsake from her bosom, and handed it to Hongli. "Your Majesty, I came here on behalf of my sister Ziwei to find her biological father. She has these keepsakes, which prove that she is your daughter who was lost among the common people. And I only resorted to this tactic in order to see you again."

Hongli accepted the token, examined it carefully, and his expression gradually became complicated. A memory from many years ago instantly surfaced in his mind, a memory that had been buried deep in his heart, but now it surged up like a tide.

"Back then, there was indeed a fleeting romance..." Hongli began slowly, recounting that long-buried past. Xiao Yanzi listened quietly, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She had never imagined that Ziwei's background was so complicated.

"Your Majesty, Ziwei is a good girl. She is gentle, kind, well-educated, and has always hoped to be recognized by you," Xiaoyanzi said earnestly.

Hongli nodded slightly. "I will send people to investigate this matter. If Ziwei is indeed my daughter, I will never let her live among the common people again." His eyes were firm as he looked at Xiaoyanzi and said, "As for you, you were injured for me this time, and I will make sure to compensate you properly. Just tell me what you want."

Xiao Yanzi looked at Hongli, her eyes sparkling. "Your Majesty, I don't want anything, I just want to stay by your side." Her voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable firmness.

Hongli felt a warmth in his heart and gently took Xiaoyanzi's hand. "Alright, you will stay by my side. I will never let you leave again." Inside the tent, the two smiled at each other, the candlelight flickering and illuminating their happy faces. This reborn destiny was about to begin a new chapter.