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

Hongzhou and Hongli took Xiaoyanzi to the palace. Along the way, Hongzhou held Xiaoyanzi's hand tightly, comforting her. Xiaoyanzi was uneasy and kept looking at Hongli, who returned her a firm look.

Upon arriving at the palace, they first went to pay their respects to Imperial Noble Consort Zhen Huan. Seeing them arrive, Zhen Huan hurriedly asked, "How is the investigation going?" Hong Zhou stepped forward and angrily said, "Your Majesty, it's all Empress Yixiu's doing behind our backs! Although she's under house arrest, she's still sending people outside the palace to slander Xiao Yanzi, trying to embarrass her and use that against us! Humph!"

Zhen Huan frowned, her eyes filled with worry: "This Empress is truly a persistent ghost! Do you have any evidence?" Hongli took out the evidence they had painstakingly collected from his bosom and handed it to Zhen Huan, saying in a calm tone: "Your Majesty, this is the evidence, enough to prove the Empress's crimes. Please take a look."

Zhen Huan took the evidence, examined it carefully, and nodded slightly: "Yes, with these, the Empress will indeed have nothing to say. However, this matter involves many affairs of the inner palace, so we must proceed with caution."

Xiao Yanzi couldn't help but say, "Empress Dowager, I don't want everyone to be caught up in conflict because of me, but I also don't want to be wronged for no reason! Waaah!" Zhen Huan looked at Xiao Yanzi, sighed softly, and said gently, "Miss Lin, you now have a close relationship with Hongli and Hongzhou, so naturally some people in the harem will see you as a thorn in their side. Don't worry, I will definitely uphold justice for you, so don't worry too much."

Afterwards, they went together to Emperor Yongzheng's study. Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials. When he saw them enter, he slightly raised his head and asked, "What brings you in such a hurry?"

Hongli knelt down first, and said respectfully and solemnly, "Father, your son, Hongzhou, and Miss Lin have come here with important matters to report. Although the Empress is under house arrest, she is still instigating others outside the palace to frame Miss Lin, intending to disrupt the court and destroy the friendship between your son, Hongzhou, and Miss Lin. Please investigate this matter thoroughly, Father!"

Emperor Yongzheng frowned and asked in a low voice, "Is this true? Is there any evidence?" Hongzhou quickly presented the evidence and said anxiously, "Father, the evidence is conclusive. You will see it at a glance!"

Emperor Yongzheng took the evidence and, as he looked at it, his face grew increasingly grim. He said angrily, "Yixiu has quite the audacity!" He stood up and paced around the study. After a moment of thought, he said, "I will certainly not let her off easily. But this matter cannot be decided hastily based solely on this evidence. We need to investigate it more carefully to avoid wrongly accusing the Empress."

Xiao Yanzi said anxiously, "Your Majesty, all this evidence is true! I have no grudge against the Empress, why would she treat me like this? This is such a misunderstanding!" Emperor Yongzheng looked at Xiao Yanzi and said slowly, "Miss Lin, the affairs of the inner palace are complicated and unpredictable. I will give you justice. You should return to the Prime Minister's residence and await my decree."

Little Swallow had no choice but to nod and reply, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Hongli and Hongzhou exchanged a glance. They knew that Emperor Yongzheng was always cautious in his actions, but they also believed that the truth would eventually come to light.

Back at the Prime Minister's residence, Xiao Yanzi was restless, worried that Emperor Yongzheng would favor the Empress. Xiao Tao comforted her, "Miss, don't worry too much. The Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince will definitely find a way to help you." Xiao Yanzi sighed, her face full of worry, and said, "I know they will do their best, but there are too many variables in this palace! Alas!"

Meanwhile, Zhen Huan wasn't idle either. She quietly summoned her trusted maid and instructed her, "Go and keep an eye on the Empress's movements. Report back immediately if there's any disturbance. Don't be negligent, understand?" The maid quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely keep a close watch." Zhen Huan paced back and forth, pondering how to ensure the Empress received the punishment she deserved amidst this turmoil, while also protecting Hongli and Xiao Yanzi's relationship and maintaining stability in the harem. It was truly a difficult task.

Hongzhou then went to Hongshi's residence and told him the whole story. After listening, Hongshi frowned and said in a solemn tone, "The Empress's actions are truly unwise! Fifth brother, don't worry, although I am not destined to be with Xiaoyanzi, I will not stand by and watch her be wronged, hmph!" Hongzhou said gratefully, "Third brother, I am relieved to hear you say that, thank you very much!"

A few days later, Emperor Yongzheng summoned them again. They arrived at the Imperial Study, all feeling somewhat nervous. Emperor Yongzheng sat on his dragon throne, his expression stern, and said, "After careful investigation, I have confirmed that the Empress did indeed frame Miss Lin. As the mistress of the harem, her narrow-mindedness is truly unbecoming! Humph!"

Hongli hurriedly asked, "Father, what should be done with the Empress?" Emperor Yongzheng looked at everyone and slowly said, "I have decided to change the Empress's confinement to permanent imprisonment, strip her of her title of Empress, and demote her to a commoner. Her close confidants will also be severely punished; they must not be let off lightly!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Thank you so much, Your Majesty, for standing up for me! Your Majesty is wise!" Emperor Yongzheng looked at Xiao Yanzi and said earnestly, "Miss Lin, do not hold a grudge because of this matter. I hope you will be careful with your words and actions in the future." Xiao Yanzi nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will keep it in mind."

However, although the storm seemed to have subsided, it left a deep mark on everyone's hearts. Hongzhou looked at Xiaoyanzi, understanding that while his feelings for her remained strong, the bond between Xiaoyanzi and Hongli was unbreakable. He said to Xiaoyanzi, "Xiaoyanzi, now you're finally cleared of suspicion. I only hope you can be happy, whoever you're with, as long as you're happy." Xiaoyanzi looked at Hongzhou with emotion, tears welling in her eyes, "Fifth Prince, you will always be my most important friend, thank you!"

Hongli held Xiaoyanzi's hand tightly, his gaze full of affection, as if to tell her that their future would be full of challenges, but they would face them together. He whispered, "Xiaoyanzi, don't be afraid, I'm here."

In the harem, Zhen Huan's position became even more secure. She knew that only by constantly strengthening herself could she protect herself and those around her. She said to Hongli, "My son, after this incident, you should understand that the power struggles in the palace never cease. You must be more careful in the future, lest you give anyone a handle to use against you, understand?" Hongli nodded in response, "Your Majesty, I understand, please rest assured."

But the matter didn't end there. Niohuru Zhixi was secretly pleased to see the Empress fall from grace, feeling that her standing in Hongli's heart might improve. So, she dressed carefully and went to Hongli's residence. Upon seeing him, she smiled gently and said softly, "Fourth Prince, now that the Empress has been punished, the palace should be more peaceful. Don't worry about these trivial matters; take care of your health and don't overwork yourself."

Hongli looked at her, understanding her thoughts, and simply said, "Thank you for your concern, Consort. I know what I'm doing. You may leave now." Zhixi was somewhat displeased by Hongli's cold attitude, but dared not show it. She could only curtsy and say, "Yes, Fourth Prince, then I will take my leave."

At the Prime Minister's residence, Prime Minister Lin said to Xiao Yanzi, "Daughter, after this incident, you should rein in your temper. This palace is not a place we can trespass on at will. You must learn your lesson." Xiao Yanzi obediently replied, "Father, I know. I will try my best to avoid trouble, so please don't worry."

Just then, news arrived from the border that the war was in dire straits. General Zhao Hui rushed to the palace to see the Emperor. Upon seeing Emperor Yongzheng, he immediately knelt down and reported, "Your Majesty, the enemy army on the border has invaded. The situation is critical! We must send reinforcements as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable!" Emperor Yongzheng frowned, fell into deep thought, and muttered to himself, "What should we do..."

Hongli stepped forward, his face resolute, and said, "Father, I am willing to lead the troops to quell the border rebellion and ensure the peace of our Great Qing!" Emperor Yongzheng looked at Hongli, somewhat hesitant. After all, Hongli was a prince he valued, but the border war was indeed urgent. After a moment's thought, he said, "Hongli, I am pleased with your determination. However, this expedition is no small matter. You must make thorough preparations and not be careless."

Hongzhou quickly added, "Father, I am willing to go on the expedition with my fourth brother and protect him. If we brothers work together, we will surely defeat the enemy!" Emperor Yongzheng looked at Hongzhou and nodded, "Yes, I am very relieved that you brothers are working together. Then let's do as you say and prepare for the expedition immediately."

Xiao Yanzi was deeply worried when she learned that Hongli was going to war. She rushed to Hongli's residence, and her eyes reddened as soon as she saw him. She said anxiously, "Fourth Prince, you must come back safely! I will wait for you at the Prime Minister's residence. You must not have anything happen to you!" Hongli looked at Xiao Yanzi with loving eyes, gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said softly, "Xiao Yanzi, don't worry, I will definitely return victorious. When I come back, we will never be separated again. I promise you."

Therefore, Hongli and Hongzhou led a large army to the frontier. On the frontier battlefield, they faced numerous difficulties and dangers. The enemy army was advancing fiercely, and their troops needed to constantly adjust their strategies and tactics.

On the battlefield, Hongzhou looked at the enemy's camp in the distance and said to Hongli, "Fourth brother, this expedition is dangerous, but as long as we brothers work together, we will definitely defeat the enemy! We can't back down!" Hongli nodded, his eyes firm, and replied loudly, "Fifth brother, with you by my side, I have even more confidence! We must let the enemy know how powerful our Qing soldiers are!"

Back home, Xiao Yanzi, Zhen Huan, and everyone in the Prime Minister's residence were praying for their safe return. The situation in the palace had temporarily calmed down because of their expedition, but everyone knew that this calm was only temporary, and more challenges and uncertainties awaited them in the future. But no matter what, everyone was prepared to face everything.