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

Chapter 497: Old Shadows Reappear, New Chapter Begins

In Consort Ling's palace, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting soft dappled patterns throughout the room. Little Swallow leaned against the bed; though her wound was bandaged, every movement caused it to throb with pain. Hongli sat beside her, watching her with concern, occasionally tucking the blankets around her.

"Your Majesty, do you still remember Lin Xiaoyan?" Xiao Yanzi suddenly asked, her eyes flashing with a complex light.

Hongli was slightly taken aback, then his eyes filled with excitement as he tightly grasped Xiaoyanzi's hand: "Xiaoyanzi, you remember too! We've been reborn." His voice trembled slightly, filled with the joy and emotion of their reunion.

Little Swallow nodded gently, a smile appearing on her face: "Yes, I remember everything that happened in my past life very clearly."

Just then, Consort Ling came in carrying a bowl of medicine, with a gentle smile on her face: "Your Majesty, Miss, the medicine is ready. Drink it while it's hot; it will help your wounds heal."

Hongli took the medicine bowl, gently blew on it, and then carefully fed it to Xiaoyanzi. Xiaoyanzi drank a few sips, frowned, and said, "This medicine is so bitter."

Consort Ling couldn't help but laugh and said, "Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the illness. Please bear with it, young lady. Once your injury heals, you won't need to drink it anymore."

At this moment, Rong Momo followed the Empress into the palace. The Empress's expression was dignified, but her eyes held a scrutinizing gaze. When she saw Xiao Yanzi and Hongli's intimate behavior, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes. Rong Momo stood behind the Empress, her eyes darting around, surveying the scene inside the room.

"Your Majesty, I heard that you rescued a girl from the common people, so I have come to visit you." The Empress bowed slightly, her tone respectful yet distant.

Hongli nodded: "Your Majesty is very kind. This young lady was injured while saving me, and I will certainly take good care of her."

The Empress's gaze fell on Xiao Yanzi, a faint smile on her lips: "The young lady is brave, but the rules in this palace are very strict. His Majesty will have to think carefully before settling outsiders."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi felt somewhat unconvinced and was about to speak when Hongli preemptively said, "Your Majesty need not worry, I have my own plans. This young lady has a special identity; she has come to help me find a daughter who has been lost for many years."

The Empress frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Oh? Is that so?"

Rong Momo couldn't help but interject, "Your Majesty, the minds of common women are unpredictable; don't let them deceive you."

Hongli's face darkened, and he gave Rong Mama a cold look: "Rong Mama, what right do you have to speak here?"

Rong Momo was so frightened that she immediately lowered her head and dared not utter another word. Seeing this, the Empress quickly said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Rong Momo was only concerned about Your Majesty and spoke without thinking."

Hongli waved his hand: "I have my own plan for this matter. If the Empress has nothing else to say, she may return now."

The Empress gave a slight bow and led Rong Momo out. After they left, Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but mutter, "That Rong Momo is just as annoying as she was in my past life."

Hongli gently pinched her nose: "Ignore her. With me here, no one can bully you."

In the days that followed, Hongli immediately dispatched a reliable guard with his personal edict, who rode at top speed to the tenement. At that time, Ziwei and Jinsuo were in the courtyard, worried and wondering how Xiaoyanzi was doing after entering the palace.

After the guards presented the imperial edict, they respectfully said to Ziwei and Jinsuo, "Miss, the Emperor has decreed that you and this young lady must come with us to the palace."

Ziwei was both surprised and delighted. She unconsciously covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes glistening with tears: "Really? It really is Father Emperor who sent someone to pick me up?"

Jin Suo, standing to the side, was also overjoyed: "Miss, this is wonderful! We can finally enter the palace!"

The two quickly tidied themselves up and then followed the guards into the carriage. Throughout the journey, Ziwei's heart was in her throat, filled with both anticipation and nervousness.

Upon arriving at the palace, Hongli was already waiting in the imperial study. After Ziwei and Jinsuo were led to the imperial study, Ziwei recognized Hongli at a glance and immediately knelt down: "Daughter Ziwei greets Father Emperor." Her voice trembled, full of excitement and grievance.

Hongli strode forward, helped Ziwei up, and carefully examined her face: "Child, you have suffered all these years." His eyes were full of love and guilt.

Little Swallow ran out from the side hall and hugged Ziwei tightly: "Ziwei, you're finally here! We can be together again!"

Ziwei hugged Xiaoyanzi tightly: "Xiaoyanzi, thanks to you, if it weren't for you, I'm afraid..."

Hongli looked at them and smiled with relief: "Alright, stop crying. From now on, you can stay in the palace in peace. I will make it up to you."

From then on, Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi remained in the palace. They were familiar with every corner of the palace and knew of the impending court intrigues. Drawing on their past lives' experiences, they supported each other, determined to skillfully resolve the coming crises in this new life and continue their legendary story with Hongli, Yongqi, and others.