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

After having dinner with Hongli at Prince Bao's mansion, Xiao Yanzi sat in the pavilion in the garden, where it was so quiet that only the chirping of insects could be heard.

Xiao Yanzi broke the silence first: "Your Highness, you heard the reactions of the court officials today. From now on, we're afraid we'll be walking on eggshells."

Hongli gently held her hand: "It's alright. As long as we are of one mind, no matter how the storms change, we will always find a way to cope."

Xiao Yanzi frowned: "But there's been no movement from the Shadow Pavilion. I'm not at ease. I'm afraid they're plotting something bigger."

Hongli pondered for a moment: "I have secretly instructed Su Peisheng to keep a close eye on things. Don't worry too much. During this time, we should first handle the affairs of the Prince's Mansion and consolidate our foundation."

“Your Highness is right.” Little Swallow nodded. “Then, what are your plans for the guards in this palace?”

Hongli said, "I will select some loyal and skilled men, and my personal guards must be able to take on ten men each. Tomorrow I will discuss with General Zhaohui and select some suitable men from his ranks."

"Yes, that's good too," Xiao Yanzi replied. "And the servants in this mansion, from what I saw today, although they are all quite clever, there are bound to be spies who have infiltrated."

Hongli smiled slightly: "Don't worry about that. The steward has been with me for many years, and he will carefully investigate. If there is anyone suspicious, he will definitely not let them stay in the manor."

At this moment, Xiao Tao came over with a cup of tea: "Your Highness, Your Highness's Wife, please have some tea."

Xiao Yanzi took the tea and took a sip: "Xiao Tao, if you hear any gossip or see anything suspicious while you're in this mansion, you must tell us."

Xiao Tao quickly replied, "Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely keep an eye on it."

The next day, Hongzhou arrived at Prince Bao's residence. Upon seeing Hongli and Xiaoyanzi, he said with a wry smile, "Fourth brother, fourth sister-in-law, I always feel empty inside while I'm in Prince Bao's residence."

Hongli joked, "Now that you're married and have a family, it's time to settle down."

Hongzhou sighed and said, "I really don't have much affection for Dilire Yao. I still miss Xiao Yanzi. But I also know that Xiao Yanzi and Fourth Brother are in love, so I can only bury this feeling deep in my heart."

Little Swallow said softly, "Hongzhou, you will meet a better woman. You and Princess Leyao can also try to get along well."

Hongzhou shook his head: "Forget it, let's not talk about these troublesome things. I came here today to discuss with my fourth brother how we should deal with the ministers' observation in the court."

Hongli's expression turned serious: "Hongzhou, we should only act with a clear conscience and for the sake of the Qing Dynasty. If those ministers are truly dedicated to the country, they will naturally work together with us; if they have ulterior motives, we need not tolerate them."

Hongzhou nodded: "Fourth Brother is absolutely right. But I'm afraid some ministers might speak ill of us to Father and sow discord between us brothers."

Hongli patted Hongzhou on the shoulder: "As long as the two of us brothers don't quarrel, what can others do? You and I are in our respective palaces, so we should pay close attention to the developments of all parties. If there is any disturbance, we should communicate with each other in time."

“Okay, Fourth Brother, I understand,” Hongzhou said.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Niohuru Zhixi was having a private conversation with Rong Momo in her room.

Zhixi looked displeased: "Granny, look at Xiaoyanzi, she's living a life of luxury in Prince Bao's mansion, while I can only anxiously wait here in this mansion."

Rong Momo said viciously, "Consort, we can't just let this go. That Little Swallow must have some secret. We have to find out and expose her in front of the Prince. Let's see how smug she is then."

Zhixi's eyes lit up: "Granny, you're right. But where should we begin?"

After a moment's thought, Rong Momo said, "This old servant thinks we can start with her maids; perhaps we can get some information out of them. We also need to investigate her past in the Prime Minister's residence thoroughly."

"Yes, we'll do as you say, Granny." Zhixi nodded.

Meanwhile, Consort Zhen Huan summoned Su Peisheng in her palace.

Zhen Huan slowly spoke: "Eunuch Su, Hongli and Xiao Yanzi are at Prince Bao's residence. You need to send more people to protect them secretly. The situation in the palace is complicated, and I don't want anything to happen to them."

Su Peisheng replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will certainly handle it properly. However, this covert protection will inevitably incur expenses..."

Zhen Huan glared at him: "Do I need you to remind me of these things? You will certainly not be shortchanged on the money that is needed."

"Yes, yes, this servant was too talkative," Su Peisheng hurriedly replied with a smile.

At the Prime Minister's residence, Prime Minister Lin and his wife were also talking about Xiao Yanzi.

Lord Lin said with satisfaction, "Madam, you see, Xiao Yan has found a good home in Prince Bao's mansion now."

Madam Lin smiled and said, "Yes, since Xiaoyan's serious illness, although her temperament has changed a bit, she has become more sensible and lovely. However, life in the palace is ultimately complicated, and I still have some worries in my heart."

Lord Lin comforted her, saying, "Madam, there's no need to worry too much. Xiaoyan is intelligent and brave, and with the Prince's favor, she will surely be able to handle things with ease."

Meanwhile, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli continued their schemes in Prince Bao's mansion.

Little Swallow said, "Your Highness, I would like to set up a study in the mansion, specifically to store the clues and books we have found about the Shadow Pavilion murals, so that it will be convenient for us to study them."

Hongli agreed, saying, "This is an excellent plan. I will arrange for some reliable people to guard the study and ensure the safety of those documents."

"Also, Your Highness, I'd like to plant some special flowers and plants in the manor," Little Swallow said, her eyes sparkling.

Hongli asked in confusion, "Why plant special flowers and plants?"

Little Swallow smiled mysteriously: "Some of these flowers and herbs can be used to make spices, and some can be used for self-defense. They can also come in handy if bad guys attack."

Hongli laughed and said, "You always have such novel ideas in your head. Alright, whatever you say."

Days passed by, and various forces were secretly plotting. Meanwhile, Xiao Yanzi and Hongli enjoyed a rare moment of peace in Prince Bao's mansion while actively preparing for the coming storms. They knew that the road ahead was long and full of unknowns and challenges, but as long as they were together, they would have the courage to face everything.