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

Chapter 500: Old Rules, New Circumstances, Revisiting the Palace

After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Yanzi patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "I've finally escaped a disaster. It seems I still need to be more careful in the future."

Ziwei smiled and said, "Yes, this has served as a reminder to us that we must be careful with our words and actions in this palace."

The setting sun cast its last rays upon the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City. Having weathered this storm, the people of Shufangzhai cherished each other even more, and understood the hardships of surviving in the palace. They knew that more challenges and turmoil lay ahead, but as long as they remained united, nothing could stop them from pursuing happiness and freedom. Hongli, watching Xiaoyanzi's retreating figure, his eyes filled with tenderness and longing, witnessed the quiet, deep affection between him and Xiaoyanzi blossoming within the palace walls.

Back at Shufangzhai, Xiaoyanzi plopped down in a chair, picked up an apple from the table, took a big bite, and muttered, "Oh dear, there are so many rules in this palace. It's so difficult to go out and have fun."

Ziwei sat to the side, gently fanning herself, and said with a smile, "You should just behave yourself. It's already a blessing that the Emperor has been lenient with you."

Yongqi stepped forward, frowned slightly, and said with concern, "Little Swallow, you can't be so reckless next time. If you really cause a big disaster, I... I can't protect you." As he spoke, his hand unconsciously touched the jade pendant at his waist, which Little Swallow had given him before.

Erkang and Ertai exchanged a glance. Erkang crossed his arms and said helplessly, "If it weren't for Ziwei's quick thinking this time, we would have been in real trouble." Ertai nodded in agreement, toying with a folding fan in his hand.

Xiao Dengzi and Xiao Zhuozi stood to the side, heads bowed. Xiao Dengzi whispered, "Miss, it's all our fault. We didn't keep watch properly, and that old hag Rong took advantage of the situation." Xiao Zhuozi echoed, "Yes, yes, we'll definitely be more careful next time."

Little Swallow waved her hand, stood up, walked to the window, looked at the darkening sky outside, and said, "Never mind, never mind, it's not your fault. Consider this a lesson. However, I won't give up my plans to go out and play just like that." As she spoke, her eyes darted around, and a sly smile appeared on her face.

Ziwei stood up, walked to Xiaoyanzi's side, gently tugged at her sleeve, and advised, "Xiaoyanzi, don't think about it anymore. The Emperor has said that this is the last time. If you get caught again, it won't be so easy to get away with it."

Little Swallow turned around, put her hands on her hips, and said defiantly, "Ziwei, don't try to persuade me anymore. I've already thought it through. Next time, we'll find a better opportunity and be more prepared, so we definitely won't be discovered."

Just then, a young eunuch from Consort Ling's side hurried in, bowed, and said, "Miss Xiao Yanzi, Her Majesty Consort Ling requests your presence."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Okay, I'll go right away." After saying that, she straightened her clothes and followed the little eunuch out of Shufangzhai.

Along the way, Little Swallow skipped and hopped, while the little eunuch trotted behind her, anxiously saying, "Little Swallow, slow down, don't fall."

Little Swallow turned around and made a face, then continued doing as she pleased. A short while later, they arrived at Consort Ling's palace.

Consort Ling was sitting on the couch with a book of poems in her hand. When she saw Xiao Yanzi come in, she quickly put down the book, smiled and went to greet her, taking Xiao Yanzi's hand and saying, "Xiao Yanzi, you've finally come."

Little Swallow said with a grin, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"

Consort Ling pulled Xiao Yanzi to sit down on the couch, poured her a cup of tea herself, and said, "I was just worried about you. I heard about what happened today. You mustn't be so naughty in the future. Although the Emperor dotes on you, the rules of the palace cannot be broken."

Xiao Yanzi took the teacup, took a sip, frowned, and said, "Your Highness, I know. But this palace is so boring, I just want to go out for some fresh air."

Consort Ling gently patted Xiao Yanzi's head and said earnestly, "I know you are lively, but the palace is different from the outside world. Every move you make is being watched by countless eyes. If you really want to go out and play, you have to think of a careful way. You can't be so reckless anymore."

Little Swallow nodded, then her eyes lit up. She leaned close to Consort Ling's ear and said, "Your Highness, can you help me? You love me the most."

Consort Ling smiled and gently pinched Xiao Yanzi's nose, saying, "You little rascal, you always ask me for help. Let me think about it, but you absolutely mustn't act rashly again."

When Xiao Yanzi emerged from Consort Ling's palace, it was already completely dark. The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the stone pavement of the Forbidden City, casting a cool glow. As she walked, Xiao Yanzi hummed a little tune, already planning her next trip out of the palace.

Back at Shufangzhai, everyone had already eaten dinner. Seeing Xiaoyanzi return, Ziwei quickly went to greet her and asked, "Xiaoyanzi, what does Consort Ling want with you?"

Little Swallow said mysteriously, "Consort Ling said she would help us find a way to go out and have fun, but we have to keep quiet for a while and not arouse the Emperor's suspicion."

Yongqi stepped forward, looking worried, and said, "Little Swallow, even with Consort Ling's help, we must be extra careful and not make any more mistakes."

Little Swallow waved her hand dismissively: "I know, I know, don't worry about it."

That night, everyone in Shufangzhai returned to their rooms to rest. Xiaoyanzi lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Her mind kept replaying the bustling market and fun acrobatics outside the palace. Gazing at the bright moon outside the window, she secretly vowed, "Next time, I must go out and have a good time."

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows into the courtyard of Shufangzhai. Little Swallow got up early, stretched, and then began practicing her kung fu in the courtyard. Dressed in light training clothes, she wielded a long whip with great skill and flair.

Ziwei and Jinsuo watched from the side, and Ziwei couldn't help but exclaim, "Little Swallow, your kung fu has improved again."

Little Swallow put away her whip and said proudly, "Of course, I practice diligently every day. I won't be afraid of bad guys when we leave the palace next time."

Jin Suo laughed and said, "Miss, you're really something. But let's not keep thinking about leaving the palace; what happened last time really scared everyone."

Xiao Yanzi walked over to Jin Suo, patted her on the shoulder and said, "Jin Suo, don't worry. With me here, nothing will happen. Besides, Consort Ling will help us too."

Just then, Xiao Dengzi rushed in and said, "Miss, His Majesty summons you to the Imperial Study."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's face showed a hint of nervousness, and she asked, "Why did the Emperor summon me to the Imperial Study? Does he know we were discussing leaving the palace again?"

Xiao Dengzi quickly waved his hand and said, "This servant doesn't know either. His Majesty just wants you to go there quickly."

Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and said, "Then I'll go take a look. You all wait for me here." After saying that, she followed Xiao Dengzi to the Imperial Study.

Along the way, Xiao Yanzi's heart was filled with anxiety. As she walked, she pondered why the Emperor had summoned her, and her pace unconsciously slowed. Xiao Dengzi urged from ahead, "Miss, hurry up, the Emperor is waiting."

Little Swallow rolled her eyes at him and quickened her pace. Before long, she arrived at the Imperial Study.

Xiao Yanzi stopped at the door of the Imperial Study, took a deep breath, and then raised her hand to knock. Hongli's voice came from inside: "Come in."

Little Swallow pushed open the door, went in, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, you wanted to see me?"

Hongli sat at his desk, a calligraphy brush in his hand, reviewing memorials. He looked up at Xiaoyanzi and said sternly, "Xiaoyanzi, come here."

Xiao Yanzi cautiously approached the desk, head bowed, not daring to look Hongli in the eye. Hongli put down his brush, leaned back in his chair, and looked deeply into Xiao Yanzi's eyes, slowly speaking: "Xiao Yanzi, you were the Empress for decades in your past life, don't you know the rules of the palace? Trying to sneak out of the palace to play, what kind of decorum is that? If you really want to play, tell me, and go openly. It's not like I forbid it."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi suddenly raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She then lowered her head and whispered, "Your Majesty, I... I was just thinking it would be more fun to sneak out. I know I was wrong, and I won't dare to do it again." As she spoke, she secretly glanced at Hongli's expression.

Hongli looked at her like this, shook his head helplessly, and softened his tone: "You're always so impulsive. Rules aren't meant to bind you, but to ensure your safety in this palace. Since you still remember your past life, you should understand this principle even more."

Little Swallow nodded hurriedly, as if pounding garlic: "Your Majesty, I understand, I really understand. I will definitely be good from now on, and I will ask for your permission before going out to play."

Hongli looked at her, his gaze softening, and said, "Alright, go down. Remember what you said."

Little Swallow bowed and turned to leave. But as she reached the door, she turned back and said, "Your Majesty, thank you." Then she skipped and hopped away.

Emerging from the Imperial Study, Xiao Yanzi was in high spirits. She hummed a song as she walked, pondering what to bring on her next outing. Back at Shufangzhai, everyone, seeing her cheerful expression, gathered around to ask her what was wrong.

Little Swallow said proudly, "The Emperor said I can go out and play from now on, but I have to follow the rules."

Ziwei smiled and said, "That's wonderful, but you must remember the Emperor's words and not cause any more trouble."

Yongqi stepped forward and said with a smile, "Little Swallow, you've got what you wanted. But I'll have to keep a close eye on you when you leave, lest you cause any more trouble."

Little Swallow said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I definitely won't cause any trouble. This time, I'm going to eat all the local snacks in the capital and visit all the fun places."

Everyone burst into laughter. The Shufangzhai was filled with cheerful voices, as if yesterday's turmoil had never happened. And deep within the palace, a new story was quietly unfolding. What adventures and challenges would Xiao Yanzi and her companions experience in the Forbidden City, a place rife with rules and uncertainties?

As the days went by, Xiao Yanzi behaved exceptionally well in the palace so she could go out and play as soon as possible. She diligently studied palace etiquette every day, and although she was often nagged by the nannies for not being able to sit still, she was trying her best to correct her behavior.

That day, Consort Ling sent word that she had arranged an opportunity for Xiao Yanzi to go out and have fun. It turned out that a large merchant in the capital was holding a celebration and had invited many members of the imperial family. Consort Ling had already spoken with the Emperor and arranged for Xiao Yanzi to go along, so that she could experience the lively atmosphere of the common people.

When Xiao Yanzi heard the news, she was so excited that she couldn't sleep all night. The next morning, she dragged Ziwei and Jin Suo along to help her choose clothes.

"Ziwei, which dress do you think I should wear?" Xiaoyanzi rummaged through the wardrobe, took out a pink cheongsam, and held it up against herself.

Ziwei smiled and said, "This one looks great on you, it makes you look lively and cute."

Jin Suo nodded in agreement, saying, "The girl looks good in anything."

Xiao Yanzi dressed with satisfaction and had Ziwei help her style her hair into a beautiful bun. Once everything was ready, Xiao Yanzi followed the group to the merchant's mansion.

Upon arriving at the merchant's residence, she found it brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Little Swallow was immediately captivated by the sight before her. She looked around, touching everything with curiosity.

Yongqi, Erkang, and Ertai stayed by her side, keeping a close eye on her every move, afraid that she would cause trouble again.

"Wow, there's so much delicious food here!" Little Swallow's eyes lit up when she saw the table full of various delicacies, and she reached out to grab some.

Yongqi quickly stopped her and whispered, "Little Swallow, mind your image. This isn't the palace."

Little Swallow stuck out her tongue and had no choice but to withdraw her hand. Just then, the shop owner came over and bowed to everyone.

"Welcome, gentlemen and ladies, to my humble abode. We have prepared a simple feast today, and we hope you will enjoy yourselves," the shop owner said with a beaming smile.

Little Swallow looked at him and suddenly asked, "Is there anything fun to do in your mansion?"

The shop owner was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "To answer your question, young lady, there is a garden behind the mansion, filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs, as well as some trinkets. If you are interested, you may wish to take a look."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Great! I want to go and see." With that, she pulled Ziwei and Jinsuo towards the garden.

Yongqi and the others had no choice but to follow. When they arrived at the garden, Xiaoyanzi, like a cheerful little bird, darted about among the flowers. Suddenly, she saw a small pond with many beautiful goldfish in it.

"Wow, so many goldfish!" Little Swallow excitedly ran to the edge of the pond, squatted down, and reached out to catch the goldfish.

Yongqi called out anxiously from behind, "Little Swallow, be careful, don't fall into the pond."

Just as Xiao Yanzi's hand was about to touch the goldfish, she slipped and leaned forward, about to fall into the pond. Yongqi reacted quickly, rushing forward and grabbing Xiao Yanzi.

"Oh dear, that scared me to death!" Little Swallow patted her chest, still shaken.

Yongqi frowned and said, "Little Swallow, can't you just behave yourself? You're always so reckless."

Little Swallow smiled shyly and said, "I'm just too happy."

Ziwei and Jinsuo also rushed over. Ziwei asked worriedly, "Little Swallow, are you alright?"

Little Swallow shook her head and said, "I'm fine, I just almost got soaked." Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

After playing in the garden for a while, Little Swallow and the others returned to the banquet hall. At this time, a performance began in the hall, including acrobatics and opera. Little Swallow watched intently, occasionally letting out exclamations of amazement.

However, just as everyone was engrossed in watching, a dark shadow in the corner moved stealthily...