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

Chapter 508: Undercurrents Surge, Crisis Approaches

As dusk settled, the last rays of the setting sun bathed the winding official road in a soft golden veil, casting a gentle glow on Xiao Yanzi and her companions as they hurried along. Xiao Yanzi was frantic with worry, her steps quickening. Dressed in a dark blue, close-fitting outfit, the long whip at her waist swayed slightly with each step. Her brow was furrowed, her eyes filled with both anxiety and determination. "No, we must get back to the capital quickly. I won't have peace of mind until the Shadow Pavilion matter is resolved."

Yongqi followed closely beside her, his long black robe soaked with sweat and clinging to his body. He raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, his expression grave: "Little Swallow, don't worry too much, we're all here, we'll definitely find out." As he spoke, he subconsciously moved closer to Little Swallow, as if he wanted to use his strength to create a safe haven for her.

Er Kang, holding a short knife, warily surveyed his surroundings. His dark blue training uniform was covered in dust, and dried bloodstains remained in several torn places. "We've felt like someone's been watching us the whole way. We must all be careful," he said in a low voice, his eyes sharp, not missing a single suspicious corner.

Holding a wooden stick, Lin Yuxuan was pale, with large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. He suppressed his exhaustion and gritted his teeth, saying, "No matter what happens, I will seek justice for my sister."

By now, they were not far from the city gate of the capital. The tall and majestic gate appeared particularly solemn and imposing in the setting sun. At the city gate, soldiers, armed with long spears, patrolled back and forth, carefully checking the pedestrians entering and leaving.

Xiao Yanzi and the others slowed their pace, pretending to be nonchalant as they walked towards the city gate. Just as they were about to reach the gate, a soldier suddenly stepped forward and blocked their way: "Halt! What are you doing?"

Xiao Yanzi's heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface. She smiled slightly and said, "Sir, we are merchants returning from out of town, and we are in a hurry to get home."

The soldier looked them up and down, his eyes full of suspicion: "Merchants? They don't look like merchants. Take out your belongings and let us check them."

Seeing this, Yongqi quickly stepped forward, took out a silver ingot from his pocket, and secretly stuffed it into the soldier's hand, saying with a smile, "Sir, you see we've been traveling a long way and it hasn't been easy for us, please be lenient with us."

The soldier took the silver, weighed it in his hand, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "Alright, go in, but don't cause any trouble in the city."

Xiao Yanzi and her companions entered the city smoothly, and immediately headed for the Lin residence. Inside the Lin residence, the lights were on, and maids and servants were coming and going, but they all looked hurried, revealing a tense atmosphere.

Lin Yuxuan led Xiao Yanzi and the others to the study. He closed the door, turned around, and said, "Xiao Yanzi, what should we do next?"

Xiao Yanzi paced back and forth in the study, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "We need to find clues about the Shadow Pavilion first. I think there might be some ancient books about the Shadow Pavilion murals in the library. We can go and take a look."

Yongqi nodded in agreement: "I'll go with you. The situation in the palace is complicated. I'll feel more at ease with me by your side."

Er Kang also said, "I'll go too. The more people there are, the more strength we'll have."

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose outside the Lin residence. Lin Yuxuan quickly went to the window and looked out, only to see a group of soldiers walking towards the Lin residence.

"Oh no, the soldiers are here again, and this time they're probably up to no good," Lin Yuxuan said in a panic.

Little Swallow frowned, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "Let's hide first and see what they're up to."

Everyone quickly hid in a hidden compartment in the study. Through the cracks, they saw soldiers rushing into the Lin residence and searching everywhere. A moment later, a soldier entered the study and began searching. Just as he was about to find the hidden compartment, the Lin family steward hurriedly arrived.

"Sir, this is our master's study. Is there some misunderstanding?" the steward said with a beaming smile.

The officers snorted coldly: "Someone reported that the Lin family was harboring a wanted criminal. We are ordered to search the place. You'd better not meddle in other people's business."

The steward was startled, but he still tried to remain calm: "Sir, our Lin family has always been law-abiding. How could we harbor a criminal? You must have made a mistake."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, and a middle-aged man in official robes walked in. He had a stern expression and sharp eyes; he was the official in charge of the search.

"Have you found it?" the middle-aged man asked.

The officers and soldiers quickly saluted: "Reporting to you, sir, we haven't found it yet."

The middle-aged man frowned: "Keep searching. Be sure to search carefully and don't miss any corner."

Just as the soldiers were preparing to continue their search, Xiao Yanzi and the others were so nervous in the hidden compartment that they didn't dare to breathe. Suddenly, Yongqi accidentally knocked over an object, making a slight noise.

The soldiers immediately became alert and surrounded the hidden compartment. "There's someone inside! Come out!"

Xiao Yanzi and the others knew they couldn't escape anymore. They exchanged a glance and stepped out of the hidden compartment.

"Who are you? Why are you hiding in the secret compartment?" the middle-aged man asked sternly.

Little Swallow stepped forward and said, "We came to the Lin residence as guests. We heard some noise outside and were afraid of being implicated, so we hid."

The middle-aged man sized up Xiao Yanzi and the others, his eyes filled with suspicion: "Guests? I think you're clearly wanted criminals. Guards, arrest them!"

Just as the officers and soldiers were about to take action, Lin Yuxuan suddenly stepped forward: "You can't arrest them. They are my friends. If there's any problem, come at me!"

The middle-aged man sneered, "Who do you think you are? The Lin family is barely able to protect itself now, and you still want to protect them?"

Just as the two sides were deadlocked, suddenly, a eunuch rushed in: "The imperial edict has arrived!"

Everyone immediately knelt to receive the imperial decree. The eunuch cleared his throat and said, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: All members of the Lin family and related persons shall immediately enter the palace to meet the Emperor without fail. So be it!"

After receiving the imperial decree and expressing their gratitude, the group was escorted by soldiers towards the palace. Along the way, Xiao Yanzi was filled with doubt; she couldn't understand why the Emperor had suddenly summoned them to the palace.

Meanwhile, in the Kunning Palace within the Forbidden City, the Empress (the reborn Consort Na) sat before a bronze mirror, meticulously grooming herself. Dressed in a magnificent phoenix robe and wearing a phoenix crown, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror with a smug smile.

"Lin Xiaoyan, you were the Empress in your past life, but I am the Empress in this life. Do you think you can escape?" the Empress said coldly, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.

"Hmph, no matter what tricks you play, I am the one who calls the shots in this harem." The Empress said, picking up a gold hairpin from the table and forcefully sticking it into her hair.

"Granny Rong, go and summon Consort Ling and the other concubines. I'm going to teach them a lesson and let them know who the real mistress of this harem is," the Empress said to Granny Rong, a hint of malice in her eyes.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Rong Mama replied hastily and hurriedly withdrew.

Before long, Consort Ling and the other concubines arrived at Kunning Palace. Dressed in magnificent palace attire, they respectfully bowed to the Empress: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years!"

The Empress looked at them and said with a forced smile, "Get up, all of you. I've called you here today because there are a few things I need to clarify with you."

Consort Ling felt a vague unease. She raised her head and asked cautiously, "What can Your Majesty do for me?"

The Empress snorted coldly: "Consort Ling, you've been getting quite close to that Little Swallow lately. I'm warning you, you'd better stay away from her, or don't blame me for being impolite."

Consort Ling was startled, but she still tried to remain calm: "Your Majesty has misunderstood. Xiao Yanzi and I are just ordinary friends and have no other connection."

The Empress glanced at Consort Ling with disdain: "Hmph, it had better be that way. And all of you, listen up, from now on, you all need to behave yourselves in this palace. If I find any of you being disobedient, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The concubines nodded in agreement without daring to voice any objection.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yanzi and her companions had arrived at the palace. They were led outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation to await the Emperor's summons. Xiao Yanzi was filled with trepidation; she didn't know what awaited them...