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

Chapter 504: Tracing Old Memories, Mysteries Re-enter

The morning sun shone through the carved window lattices of the Forbidden City, casting dappled light and shadow inside the Shufangzhai room. Xiao Yanzi awoke from a restless night, her expression weary, her mind still reeling from the previous night's danger and unanswered questions. She sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes vacant, unconsciously clutching the corner of the blanket, muttering to herself, "Who was that shadowy figure? What is its connection to the assassin?"

Yongqi gently pushed open the door and entered, carrying a bowl of steaming porridge. He was dressed in a moon-white robe with a matching ribbon around his waist, exuding a gentle and refined air. Seeing that Xiaoyanzi was awake, the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a tender smile: "You're awake. Here, have some porridge to warm your stomach."

Xiao Yanzi looked up at Yongqi and forced a smile: "Yongqi, when do you think we'll be able to figure out the conspiracy behind this? I really don't want everyone to be in danger because of me anymore."

Yongqi sat down beside her, handed her the porridge, and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, we will definitely find out the truth. Here, drink the porridge first."

Xiao Yanzi took the porridge, drank a few mouthfuls, then put down the bowl with a determined look in her eyes: "Yongqi, I want to go outside the palace again. I always feel that the secret behind this is inseparable from my experiences in my previous life."

Yongqi frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "But it's too dangerous for you to go alone. I'll go with you."

Just as Xiao Yanzi was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside Shufangzhai, followed by Erkang and Ziwei entering. Erkang, dressed in a dark blue outfit, looked dashing, while Ziwei wore a light pink qipao, exuding gentle charm.

Ziwei looked at Xiaoyanzi with concern: "Xiaoyanzi, how are you? Didn't you sleep well last night?"

Little Swallow shook her head: "I'm fine, I just keep thinking about yesterday. I feel like the conspiracy behind this is getting more and more complicated."

Erkang crossed his arms, his expression grave: "I also think this matter is not simple. I have already sent Ertai to inquire about the assassin and see if we can find any clues."

Xiao Yanzi suddenly remembered something and looked at Er Kang: "Er Kang, can you help me investigate someone?"

Er Kang raised an eyebrow: "Who? Tell me, as long as I can find out, I'll definitely help you."

Xiao Yanzi took a deep breath: "Lin Xiaoyan, I want to know, does this person still exist in this world?" As she said this, a complex emotion flashed in Xiao Yanzi's eyes, a mixture of expectation and unease.

Although Er Kang was puzzled, he nodded in agreement: "Okay, I'll go check it out right away."

After Erkang left, Yongqi couldn't help but ask, "Little Swallow, who is this Lin Xiaoyan? Why are we suddenly investigating her?"

Xiao Yanzi hesitated for a moment, but decided to keep her past life a secret. She said vaguely, "When I was wandering outside the palace, I heard people mention her. I always felt that she was related to this series of events. Let's find out more before we talk about it."

After discussing for a while, the group decided to wait for Er Kang's news before making any further plans.

In the afternoon, the sun grew increasingly intense, making the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City gleam. Little Swallow sat restlessly in the Shufangzhai, glancing frequently towards the door, hoping for Erkang's return. Finally, a familiar sound of footsteps approached, and Erkang strode into the room.

Xiao Yanzi immediately stood up and asked anxiously, "Erkang, have you found out? Who exactly is Lin Xiaoyan?"

Er Kang's expression was somewhat solemn. He slowly said, "There was indeed a person named Lin Xiaoyan. She was General Lin's daughter. However... she passed away in an accident some time ago."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi's heart jolted. She instinctively took a step back, her face turning deathly pale. "Dead? How could this be..." she murmured to herself, her mind churning with memories of her past life flooding back like a tide.

Seeing this, Yongqi quickly helped Xiaoyanzi up and asked with concern, "Xiaoyanzi, what's wrong? What's your relationship with this Lin Xiaoyan?"

Little Swallow composed herself and tried to calm down: "I...I don't know either, I just find it very strange." She knew in her heart that the connection between them was by no means accidental, but she didn't know where to begin.

Just then, a young eunuch rushed in, looking flustered: "My lords, His Majesty summons you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation immediately."

The group exchanged glances, a sense of foreboding rising within them. On the way to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, everyone remained silent, the atmosphere tense and oppressive.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor sat on his dragon throne, his face grim. Seeing Xiao Yanzi and the others enter, he frowned slightly: "Are you aware that this morning at court, someone impeached you for being involved in the assassination attempt at the Shang family mansion, accusing you of deliberately disrupting the security of the capital?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi immediately became anxious: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely slander! We fought the assassins to protect the owner of the merchant's house."

The Emperor looked at Xiao Yanzi with a serious expression: "Of course I believe you. However, this matter has already caused discussion in the court, and we must find out the truth as soon as possible and give everyone an explanation."

Yongqi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, we are already investigating this matter, and we believe we will have results soon."

The Emperor nodded slightly: "I entrust this matter to you. You must find out who is behind it as soon as possible. If you cannot find out, I'm afraid the turmoil in the court will be difficult to quell."

After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Yanzi was furious: "Who on earth is behind this? How dare they slander us!"

Erkang pondered for a moment: "It seems that the people behind this are quite powerful, even controlling the imperial court. We need to speed up the investigation."

The group returned to Shufangzhai and were discussing their next steps in the investigation when Xiaoyanzi suddenly had an idea: "That's right, we can start with Lin Xiaoyan's death. Her death is too suspicious; perhaps we can find some clues there."

Yongqi nodded in agreement: "You're right. I'll go to the Lin residence to inquire about it."

Little Swallow stopped him, saying, "No, you'll attract too much attention. I'll disguise myself as a man and go with Ziwei; that way, we won't be suspected."

Although Yongqi was worried, he knew that Xiaoyanzi was right, so he could only tell her, "Then you must be careful, and come back immediately if anything happens."

So, Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei changed into men's clothing, disguised themselves, and left the Forbidden City, heading towards the Lin residence. The streets were bustling with activity, teeming with people. But Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei had no time to appreciate it; their minds were preoccupied with the upcoming investigation.

Upon arriving at the Lin residence, they found the gates tightly shut, the stone lions at the entrance exuding an air of authority. Little Swallow took a deep breath and knocked. A moment later, a man who appeared to be a steward opened the door, scrutinizing them from head to toe: "Who are you? What brings you to the Lin residence?"

Xiao Yanzi quickly cupped her hands in greeting, trying her best to make her voice sound like a man: "We are scholars from the capital. We heard about Miss Lin Xiaoyan's story and were filled with admiration. We have come to pay our respects."

The butler frowned. "There's nothing to say about my young lady's affairs. Please leave." With that, he turned to close the door.

Seeing this, Ziwei quickly took out a silver ingot from her sleeve and secretly stuffed it into the steward's hand: "Steward, please be lenient. We really just wanted to express our respect."

The butler took the silver, his expression softening slightly: "Alright, come in with me. However, you can only stay in the mourning hall for a short while."

Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei followed the steward into the Lin residence, through the courtyard, and arrived at the mourning hall. Inside, everything was pure white, with Lin Xiaoyan's memorial tablet placed in the center, surrounded by flowers and offerings.

Looking at the memorial tablet, Xiao Yanzi felt a mix of emotions. She stepped forward and bowed deeply before it. Just then, she noticed a small booklet on the table next to the tablet.

Taking advantage of the housekeeper's inattention, Xiao Yanzi quietly flipped through the booklet and saw that it recorded some things about Lin Xiaoyan's life. One item caught her attention: "Recently, Miss has been meeting with a mysterious person frequently, and she looks worried."

Xiao Yanzi's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Ziwei, and the two exchanged a glance. Ziwei nodded slightly, signaling her to hide the booklet.

Just as Xiao Yanzi tucked the booklet into her bosom, the butler suddenly turned around and asked, "What are you doing?"

Little Swallow quickly turned around and said with a smile, "It's nothing, we just wanted to see how carefully the mourning hall was decorated."

The butler looked at them suspiciously: "You can leave now that you're done looking. My master doesn't like being disturbed by outsiders."

Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei dared not linger and quickly took their leave from the Lin residence. After returning to Shufangzhai, Xiao Yanzi couldn't wait to take out the booklet and study it with everyone.

Yongqi frowned as he looked at the contents of the booklet: "Who is this mysterious person? Could he be related to Lin Xiaoyan's death and the assassin incident we encountered?"

Er Kang stroked his chin and analyzed, "Very likely. It seems we need to find out the identity of this mysterious person."

Little Swallow looked at the booklet with a determined look in her eyes: "No matter who this mysterious person is, I must find him and uncover all the secrets behind this."

However, they were unaware that danger was closing in. In the shadows, a pair of eyes were watching their every move, a cold smile playing on their lips: "You think you can find out the truth? You're too naive."