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

After successfully overcoming numerous difficulties in Misty Mountain, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli returned to the palace quietly, filled with anticipation for the future and a touch of weariness. The palace remained as prosperous and magnificent as ever, but no one knew of the harrowing experience they had endured in Misty Mountain.

Time flies, like sand slipping through one's fingers, and two years have quietly passed. During these two years, the court and the outside world seemed calm on the surface, but in reality, various forces were secretly lying in wait, like the calm before a storm, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

That day, sunlight streamed onto the magnificent golden roof of the palace, reflecting a dazzling light, yet it failed to penetrate the layers of mystery and deep thoughts within the palace walls. A sharp eunuch's voice abruptly shattered the long-standing tranquility: "Fourth Prince Hongli and Fifth Prince Hongzhou, come to the palace for an audience!"

At that moment, Hongli was in his study reading ancient books. Upon hearing the imperial decree, he slightly raised his eyes, a hint of doubt flashing in them. He then rose to straighten his clothes, his expression calm and composed. Hongzhou, on the other hand, was playing with his pets in his residence. Hearing the summons, he lazily stretched and muttered, "Father, is there something interesting that you're summoning me at this time?" But he dared not delay and quickly straightened his clothes.

The two met on their way to the palace. Hongzhou spoke first, a carefree smile on his face: "Fourth Brother, do you know why Father Emperor summoned us this time?"

Hongli gently shook his head: "I have no way of knowing either. We'll find out when we get there."

When they stepped into the main hall, they saw Emperor Yongzheng sitting upright on the dragon throne, his expression dignified and imposing.

"Your subject Hongli (Hongzhou) greets Your Majesty!" The two bowed respectfully.

Yongzheng gazed at them for a moment, then slowly spoke, his voice echoing in the hall: "Hongli, you have been intelligent and quick-witted since childhood, demonstrating extraordinary ability and wisdom in many matters. Now that you are twenty-three, I have decided to bestow upon you the title of Prince Bao. I hope that you will remain loyal and work tirelessly for the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty."

Hongli was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness! I will do my utmost to fulfill my mission!"

Yongzheng turned his gaze to Hongzhou, his eyes now scrutinizing him: "Hongzhou, although you have a free and easy personality, you are not lacking in talent. Now that you are twenty-two years old, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Prince Heshuo. You must remember your identity and responsibilities, and refrain from acting willfully and recklessly."

Hongzhou, still smiling, replied loudly, "Your subject obeys! Father, rest assured, your subject will certainly perform well."

Xiao Yanzi watched all this from the side, her heart filled with mixed emotions. After everyone had dispersed, she quietly approached Hongli and whispered, "Fourth Prince, now that you've become Prince Bao, the road ahead will surely be full of challenges. And who knows if there will be any further changes regarding the Shadow Pavilion."

Hongli held her hand, giving her strength: "Little Swallow, no matter what, as long as we are together, there is nothing to be afraid of. This position of prince is both a responsibility and an opportunity."

Seeing their interaction, Hongzhou felt a pang of sadness, but he still forced himself to remain calm and walked over: "Fourth Brother, congratulations! Don't forget your brother in the future."

Hongli smiled and replied, "Hongzhou, we are brothers, of course not. You also need to manage your palace well."

Hongzhou glanced at Xiaoyanzi and joked, "With Xiaoyanzi around, Fourth Brother will probably have to focus all his attention on her."

Little Swallow scolded, "Hongzhou, stop teasing me. You should settle down."

Hongzhou sighed, "Alright, alright, I'll go back to my residence and think about how I should be a prince." With that, he turned and left.

As Hongli watched Hongzhou's retreating figure, he said to Xiaoyanzi, "Hongzhou has had a tough time too. I hope he can truly grow up."

Little Swallow nodded in agreement: "Yes, I hope so. Fourth Prince, let's go back to the manor and make some plans for the future."

The two returned to the palace hand in hand, but their act of bestowing the title of prince was like a boulder thrown into a lake, causing a huge uproar throughout the palace. The concubines, each with their own agendas, either fawned upon him or burned with jealousy; the court officials, too, watched the prince's every move closely, secretly speculating on the changing dynamics of the court. The road ahead seemed shrouded in mist, unpredictable and fraught with uncertainty, yet Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, relying on their deep affection as shield and their unwavering faith as sword, fearlessly stepped into this vortex of power struggles, waiting for the opportune moment to bring clarity.