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

Chapter 502: Aftershocks and Subtle Changes, Old Memories and New Worries

With the host's rearrangements, the banquet barely continued, but the atmosphere was as heavy and oppressive as if struck by frost. Xiao Yanzi sat there, filled with self-reproach, her eyes constantly glancing at the white bandage wrapped around Yongqi's shoulder, then at the equally conspicuous bandage on Erkang's arm, a wave of guilt washing over her.

"Yongqi, does your wound still hurt?" Xiaoyanzi's voice was choked with sobs as she reached out and gently touched Yongqi's arm, her face full of worry.

Yongqi smiled gently and said softly, "It doesn't hurt anymore, don't worry, it'll be fine in a few days." Although he said that, Xiaoyanzi still noticed that he frowned slightly, and she felt even more uneasy.

Erkang also chimed in, "Little Swallow, it's really nothing, don't worry about it." Ziwei, who was quietly adjusting Erkang's cuffs, looked up when she heard this, her eyes full of concern: "Yes, as long as everyone is safe, that's all that matters."

Little Swallow nodded gently, but secretly she made up her mind that she must be careful in everything she did in the future, and never let the people around her get hurt because of her again.

At this moment, the shop owner walked over with a big smile, carrying several cups of tea. He said, "Gentlemen and ladies, I am so grateful to you all today. Otherwise, this banquet would have been a disaster. This is a special fragrant tea made in our manor. Please have a taste."

Yongqi stood up and accepted the tea, saying politely, "You're too kind. But regarding the assassin... I'll have to trouble you to report it to the authorities as soon as possible and find out the truth."

The shop owner nodded hurriedly, looking worried: "Absolutely, absolutely. I've already sent someone to report it to the authorities. I just hope they can find out who's behind this as soon as possible and clear my name."

As everyone was talking, a servant rushed in and whispered a few words in the shop owner's ear. The shop owner's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said to everyone, "I'm so sorry, the officials have arrived, and I have to go and entertain them. Please rest here for now, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

Watching the shop owner's departing figure, Xiao Yanzi was filled with doubt and muttered to herself, "Why is this so strange? This shop owner doesn't seem like the type to offend anyone."

Yongqi seemed to be deep in thought, and slowly said, "Perhaps the assassin's purpose is not aimed at the owner of the shop, but at us."

Erkang frowned slightly and nodded in agreement: "Yongqi is right. Every move we make in the palace may be watched by certain people. This matter is probably not so simple."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously clenched her fists: "Could it be the Empress and Rong Mama who are behind this? They wouldn't be so bold, would they?"

Ziwei gently shook her head and analyzed, "Not necessarily. The forces behind this might be more complex than we imagine. We still need to be careful and not let our guard down."

As the group was discussing, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the window. Intrigued, Xiao Yanzi stood up and ran to the window, peering through the crack. She saw several government officials escorting the assassin away. Although bound, the assassin's eyes gleamed with ferocity, and he was muttering something, though it was too far away to hear clearly.

"Let's go out and take a look." Xiao Yanzi turned and walked towards the door. Yongqi and the others followed her.

Once outside, they saw the shop owner talking to a man dressed in official robes. The official looked serious and held a pen and paper, seemingly taking notes.

Xiao Yanzi stepped forward, but before she could speak, the official looked her up and down and asked, "Are you the girl who just fought with the assassin?"

Little Swallow nodded nonchalantly and said, "Yes, I am Little Swallow. Sir, what exactly is this assassin? Why did he attempt to assassinate me?"

The official frowned and said, "This assassin is very stubborn and won't say anything. But don't worry, we will definitely find out the truth."

Xiao Yanzi wanted to ask more, but Yongqi quietly tugged at her sleeve. Yongqi bowed to the official and said, "Then we'll have to trouble you, sir. We also hope to find out the truth as soon as possible."

After returning the greeting, the official, accompanied by his constables, escorted the assassin away. The merchant owner approached and sighed helplessly, "I'm truly sorry everyone, such a wonderful banquet has been ruined like this."

Yongqi quickly said, "Please don't say that, it's not your fault. Now that the government has intervened, I believe there will be a result soon."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, everyone took their leave of the Shang family mansion. On the way back to the Forbidden City, everyone remained silent, lost in their own thoughts. Little Swallow sat in the carriage, gazing at the fleeting street scenes outside the window, her thoughts involuntarily drifting back to her past life.

She recalled her days as Lin Xiaoyan, the days when she was Empress, the power struggles and treachery in the palace, every day felt like walking on thin ice. And the adorable little swallow, her calls of "Empress Mother" warming her heart. But now, everything had returned to the world of Princess Pearl, familiar yet filled with the unknown and danger.

"Little Swallow, what are you thinking about?" Ziwei asked softly, interrupting Little Swallow's thoughts.

Xiao Yanzi snapped out of her daze, a slightly embarrassed smile appearing on her face. She mumbled, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about what happened today, and I feel pretty scared afterwards."

Yongqi held Xiaoyanzi's hand and comforted her, "Don't think too much. We're all here for you now. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we'll face them together."

Looking at Yongqi, Xiaoyanzi felt a surge of warmth in her heart and nodded vigorously: "Yes, with you all here, I'm not afraid of anything."

Back in the Forbidden City, it was already late. Xiao Yanzi and the others went to their rooms to rest, but Xiao Yanzi lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, her mind wandering between the assassination attempt of the day and fragments of her past life.

Suddenly, she heard a slight noise outside the window, like someone moving around. Little Swallow sat up alertly, quietly went to the window, and peered through the crack. In the moonlight, she saw a dark shadow flash across the courtyard.

Little Swallow's heart raced. Remembering the assassin from earlier that day, she didn't hesitate to grab her whip, gently open the door, and chase after him. The shadowy figure ran swiftly, and Little Swallow pursued relentlessly, shouting as she ran, "Stop! Who are you?"

The shadowy figure seemed startled by her shout and ran even faster. Little Swallow wasn't about to give up, so she quickened her pace and was about to catch up when the shadowy figure suddenly turned and pounced on her.

Startled, Xiao Yanzi quickly brandished her long whip to defend herself. The two exchanged blows under the moonlight for several rounds. Only then did Xiao Yanzi realize that the shadowy figure's martial arts were somewhat similar to the assassin from earlier that day, and a sense of unease began to creep into her heart.

"Who are you? Why are you sneaking around here?" Little Swallow asked as she hit him.

The shadowy figure remained silent, relentlessly attacking. Just as Xiao Yanzi was struggling, Yongqi and Erkang heard the commotion and rushed over.

"Little Swallow, are you alright?" Yongqi shouted and rushed forward to help.

Seeing that things were not going well, the shadowy figure feigned an attack and turned to run. Yongqi and Erkang wanted to give chase, but Xiaoyanzi stopped them: "Don't chase after them, it's too dark, be careful of traps."

Yongqi and Erkang stopped and returned to Xiaoyanzi's side. Yongqi asked with a worried expression, "Xiaoyanzi, how are you? Are you hurt?"

Little Swallow shook her head, panting heavily, and said, "I'm fine, but this shadowy figure is very strange. Its martial arts are very similar to the assassin from today."

Er Kang frowned and analyzed, "It seems this matter is not over yet; there must be someone else pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Yongqi nodded and said, "We need to be careful; there might be more danger ahead."

Little Swallow looked at them, her heart filled with gratitude: "With you all here, I have nothing to fear. No matter who it is, if they dare to cause trouble, I will not let them get away with it!"

The three returned to their room and discussed the matter for a long time, but couldn't come to a conclusion. They finally decided to increase security while keeping an eye on the movements inside and outside the palace to see if they could find any clues.

Night had fallen, and the Shufangzhai Palace gradually quieted down. Little Swallow lay in bed, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, silently vowing to uncover the truth behind these events, protect those around her, and ensure they would never suffer any more harm. But what conspiracies and challenges awaited them within this seemingly peaceful Forbidden City?