After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 90

At this time, Li Qingge was sitting on the royal ship, enjoying the banquet on the ship. This boat banquet was really unique. The ship was filled with all kinds of delicacies, including delicacies from the mountains and the sea. It was so pleasant to eat delicious food while admiring the scenery of the lake and mountains. Yangzhou is a place with convenient water and land transportation, many lakes, and a lot of good things in the lakes. Those first-class delicacies in Jiangnan, such as whitebait soup, crab meat lion head, stewed silver carp head, hot dried silk, salted goose, jade steamed buns, etc., were all carefully cooked and served on the table.

Li Qingge was wearing a gorgeous palace dress and a golden crown, sitting at the bow. She had a pretty face, and her eyes and eyebrows revealed a kind of majestic temperament. At this moment, she was eating the hot dried bean curd with relish, and she praised the delicate texture and delicious taste. At the same time, she looked up from time to time to appreciate the lake view, and saw the lake surface sparkling, and the mountains in the distance looked particularly soft under the reflection of the setting sun. The beautiful scenery and delicious food made her feel particularly comfortable.

Suddenly, a subordinate came running over and broke the silence. He knelt in front of Li Qingge and said breathlessly, "Your Majesty, Qianlong and his men were caught for causing trouble at the city gate."

Li Qingge frowned slightly when she heard this, but then she regained her composure. She asked calmly, "Oh? Why would they come to Yangzhou to cause trouble?"

The subordinate replied: "It is said that Emperor Qianlong wanted to come and see the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan, but he did not expect to have a conflict with the guard at the city gate."

Li Qingge smiled playfully after hearing this. She had known for a long time that Qianlong had come to Dayan, and his first stop was Yangzhou. She had been thinking about how to teach him a lesson, but she didn't expect that he would come to her first.

"So where are they now?" Li Qingge asked.

"He has been escorted to the government office and is awaiting your Majesty's decision." the subordinate replied.

Li Qingge nodded, then said calmly: "The country has its own laws, the family has its own rules, just follow the rules." Her voice was calm and firm, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

"Yes, sir!" the subordinate responded and was about to turn around and leave.

"Wait——" Li Qingge called him again.

The subordinate stopped and asked respectfully, "Your Majesty, do you have any other instructions?"

Li Qingge pondered for a moment, then asked, "Did Qianlong do it himself?"

The subordinate replied: "No, the people around him did it, but he was not directly involved."

Li Qingge listened and nodded. She knew that although Qianlong was incompetent, he was still the ruler of a country. If he was really put in prison, it would be a big deal. Not only would Dayan lose face, but it might also cause unnecessary trouble.

"That's good. Find a good place to put him under house arrest, and deal with the others according to the law." Li Qingge ordered. Her voice was calm and cold, as if she was dealing with a trivial matter.

"Yes!" the subordinate responded and then hurried away.

In fact, Li Qingge did this not because she was soft-hearted or wanted to show favoritism. She knew very well that Qianlong must have some ulterior motives when he came to Dayan this time. But she also understood that family honor was extremely important in that era. If Qianlong really went to prison, his family would be embarrassed. What's more, if the emperor's imprisonment were to be spread out, wouldn't the world laugh at him? Those who love gossip would definitely exaggerate and spread the news, and it would be difficult to end it at that time. Therefore, she chose this way to deal with it, which not only taught Qianlong a lesson, but also saved his face.

Qianlong was placed under house arrest in a restaurant in Yangzhou. Although the restaurant was not big, it was elegantly decorated. Qianlong was placed in a spacious and bright room filled with all kinds of books and calligraphy and paintings, apparently to help him pass the time. However, Qianlong had no intention of appreciating these. He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot, running around in circles. He knew that he had caused a big disaster this time. Not only did he fail to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan, but he also got himself and the people around him into trouble.

Ziwei and Ji Xiaolan were released because they did not participate in the fight. As soon as they walked out of the government gate, they hurried to the restaurant where Qianlong was under house arrest. They knew that this matter had become a big deal and they had to find a way to solve it as soon as possible.

As for Xiaoyanzi, Yongqi, Erkang and others who took action, they were imprisoned for fourteen days and fined 100 taels of silver for the crime of disturbing public order. They were imprisoned in a dark and damp cell and had only one simple meal a day. Xiaoyanzi cried heartbreakingly, she never thought she would end up like this. Although Yongqi and Erkang were unwilling to accept it, they knew that the most important thing now was to find a way to rescue Qianlong and the others.

Qianlong spent his days in the hall like years, and he looked forward to leaving here as soon as possible. However, he was powerless and could only watch his children being punished. He knew in his heart that this incident was caused by his momentary impulse. He regretted that he could not control his temper and had a conflict with the guard. He also regretted that he could not protect the people around him and let them suffer with him.

However, it was too late to regret. The only thing he could do now was to wait for Li Qingge's decision. He didn't know how Li Qingge would deal with him, but he knew in his heart that this matter might not end so easily. He could only pray silently, hoping that things would pass as soon as possible, so that he could return to the Qing Dynasty as soon as possible, back to the world that belonged to him.

Although they were both sentenced to public security punishment and had to spend a long fourteen days in the county government, the situations of Xiaoyanzi and Yongqi were worlds apart. The laws of Dayan clearly stipulated that public security punishment was not a serious crime, and there was no need to go to jail. It was only a few days of detention and the person would be released upon expiration of the sentence. However, Xiaoyanzi, a princess, had a fierce conflict with the official guarding the city because of an impulse, and her arrogant behavior was shocking. Therefore, when the verdict came down, the general who was accidentally injured by her angrily ordered her to be thrown into jail as a severe punishment.

What was even more shocking was that after Li Qingge learned about this, he also took special care of it and ordered his men to throw Xiaoyanzi directly into the cell where serious criminals were held. The cell was dark and damp, with mottled walls around it, revealing a depressing atmosphere. As soon as Xiaoyanzi stepped into this cell, it was like falling into an endless abyss, and her heart was filled with fear and despair.

"How could I have ended up like this?" She cried and wailed, her voice echoing in the empty cell. "I am Princess Huanzhu, the daughter of the Emperor of Qing! You people, don't you even know a little bit of etiquette? Where is the law? I'm going to sue you..." Her voice trembled and tears rolled down like beads from a broken string.

Usually, Xiaoyanzi always said that she didn't care about the splendor and wealth, hated the rules in the palace, and yearned for the freedom of the people. However, as a princess, she enjoyed the best treatment since she was a child. Emperor Qianlong loved her very much, the princes doted on her, and everyone in the palace treated her with respect? She was always the first to choose the good things, and she had never felt the sufferings of the world.

But now, she was in Da Yan, and everything was completely different. Except for Yongqi, Erkang and a few others, everyone else treated her coldly. The common people of Da Yan, who had received modern education, were full of hatred for the nobles who had exploited them. Now she had broken the law and was imprisoned, with her hands and feet locked in heavy shackles, without any freedom. This feeling of falling from heaven to hell made her previous pride disappear.

However, even so, she still couldn't let go of her arrogance and wanted to show off in front of the jailers. She stared at the jailers who laughed at her with wide eyes, trying to intimidate them with her majesty. But the jailers didn't buy it at all, they sneered and their eyes were full of disdain.

"Princess Huanzhu? How noble and respectable!" a jailer taunted, "But this is Da Yan, not your Da Qing. Forget about being a princess. Even if you are the emperor, you have to behave yourself when you come here."

Another jailer replied, "Yes, why don't you look in the mirror and see what you look like now? Everyone is equal before the laws of our Great Yan. If you break the law, no matter who you are, you must go to this cell."

"You are still acting like a princess, how ridiculous!" The jailers laughed at her one after another, not taking her seriously at all. Their voices echoed in the cell, like sharp blades, cutting into Xiaoyanzi's heart.

How could Xiaoyanzi have never been so angry since she was a child? She was so angry that she was shaking all over and her face was as pale as paper. She clenched her teeth and tried to suppress the gasping sound. However, the anger in her heart was like a volcanic eruption, which could not be contained.

"You dogs and slaves, you dare to humiliate me like this, aren't you afraid of retribution?" She cursed, "Even if this is the territory of Dayan, for the sake of peace between the two countries, you can't do this to me. If the queen knew, you will all die without a burial place!"

Her voice was sharp and piercing, full of anger and resentment. However, the jailers were not affected at all. They smiled and replied to her: "Are you trying to scare us? Her Majesty the Queen is busy with all kinds of things, how can she care about your trivial matters? If she knew, she might even increase your sentence!"

After that, the jailers turned and left, leaving Xiaoyanzi alone in the cell crying. She curled up in the corner, tears pouring out like a spring, soaking her clothes. She never thought that she would end up in such a situation, becoming a prisoner and being humiliated.

However, even so, she was still unwilling to give up hope. She silently chanted the names of Yongqi and Erkang in her heart, hoping that they could find a way to rescue her. She believed that as long as they were still there, there would be a way for her to regain her freedom.

As time went by, Xiaoyanzi spent fourteen long days in the cell. During these fourteen days, she experienced the transformation from heaven to hell, and witnessed the indifference and cruelty of human nature. However, she also learned to be strong and patient during this experience, and understood the difficulty and preciousness of life.

When the last day finally came, Xiaoyanzi was released from the cell. She stood in the sunshine and took a deep breath of the air of freedom. Although she had lost a lot, she also gained growth and transformation. She knew that the road ahead was still long, but she would bravely go on to meet her new life.

Another soldier sneered and said with a scornful arc on his lips, as if he was watching a good show: "Look at this so-called royal princess, her behavior is so terrible. I thought she was so noble and dignified, but she is so tacky. Look at her gorgeous clothes, which are now covered with dust. It's really ironic. You still have the nerve to blame us for being harsh? Shameless people are all different, but Princess Huanzhu is really unique. After I finish my shift today, I will go back and brag to my brothers about what the funniest princess I have ever seen in my life is like."

His companions laughed along, their eyes gleaming with greed. "This royal secret is simply a priceless treasure. Ordinary people love to know about it. If I sell it to the new newspaper in Yangzhou, I won't have to worry about the money for drinking for a year. Hehe, maybe I can even make some extra money."

When Xiaoyanzi heard this, she was instantly filled with anger. She widened her eyes, as if she wanted to engrave the appearance of these soldiers into her heart. She shouted loudly: "If you dare to spread this, I will chop off your heads when my father finds out! When Yongqi comes to save me, none of you will have a good life!" Her voice echoed in the empty cell, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

However, the soldiers were not affected at all, they still responded with a smile. "Oh my, I'm so scared!" One of the soldiers patted his chest in fake fear, but with a clear smile on his face, he said in a sarcastic tone, "I'm so scared that your father will come and chop off my head, hahaha!"

Another soldier also joined the mocking, his eyes revealing a fierce look. "As a princess, don't you know what this place is? After entering this cell, you still want to get out easily? This is a prison for serious criminals. The outside is a reinforced concrete wall, and there are electric fences all around. Even if Yongqi is a martial arts master, he will die if he breaks in. Do you think you are still the princess who calls the shots in the palace? Now, you are just a plaything in our hands."

Xiaoyanzi felt an indescribable humiliation and anger when she heard these words. She bit her lower lip tightly, as if trying to hold back the gasps that were about to come out. She had never thought that one day she would end up in such a situation, being humiliated by these lowly soldiers.

"There are so many Qing nobles imprisoned in our Dayan prison." A soldier said proudly, "Even the nephew of the Empress Dowager of the Qing Dynasty has been imprisoned here for ten years. He was very arrogant when he first came in, but later he was subdued and is now as obedient as a cat. If you don't know what's good for you, we have plenty of ways to deal with you. Don't think you are still a princess. Here, you are nothing!"

Xiaoyanzi shouted desperately: "No! How could you do this to me!" Her voice was filled with tears and her eyes were filled with tears. She was proud of her status as a princess and had been smooth sailing and honored since she was a child. In the palace, she was loved and was the focus of everyone's attention wherever she went. But she didn't expect that all this would be in vain when she arrived in Dayan. She looked at the mocking and contemptuous eyes of the soldiers and felt extremely wronged and angry.

"Why do you treat me like this?" she shouted at the top of her lungs. "Cruel, vicious, and heartless! Where is the law? I am the emperor's daughter, how can you have the heart to trample on my dignity like this?" Her words were filled with deep despair and unwillingness.

However, the soldiers just laughed at her naivety and ignorance. "Hahaha, I am dying of laughter!" They laughed so hard that they fell backwards. "Listen to these words, the parallelism is like a play. I thought I was watching a clown performance on the stage! Do you think you are still the high and mighty princess? Now, you are just a prisoner!"

Xiaoyanzi was still immersed in her noble status as a princess. She always felt that she should be respected like Ziwei, and even learned to speak in the parallel sentences in Qiong Yao's dramas. She forgot her current situation and forgot that she had lost all her shelter and support in this strange country.

The soldiers' ridicule and humiliation were like sharp knives that pierced her heart. She felt a wave of heartache, as if she was suffocating. She clenched her hands tightly, her nails digging deep into her flesh, trying to use the pain to suppress the anger and humiliation in her heart.

However, these guards were not good people. Although Li Qingge stipulated the system of separating men and women, it was common for men and women to mix in this prison for serious criminals. These soldiers were all fierce men, and they had no idea of ​​being gentle and kind to women, let alone Xiaoyanzi, a princess. They used to be low-class people who were trampled and oppressed. Now that they have finally turned over, they naturally want to trample on the former nobles and let them also taste the taste of being discriminated and humiliated.

Xiaoyanzi looked at these soldiers, and an indescribable hatred surged in her heart. She swore that if she could regain her freedom one day, she would make those who humiliated her pay the price! However, now she could only endure it all silently, waiting for Yongqi's arrival, hoping that he could rescue her.

Time passed by minute by minute, and Xiaoyanzi spent a long and difficult night in the cell. She curled up in a corner, hugged herself tightly, and tried to use her body temperature to dispel the coldness and fear in her heart. She kept telling herself to be strong and brave, and not to be defeated.

Finally, after a long wait, Yongqi appeared at the door of the cell. He looked at Xiaoyanzi, who was tortured beyond recognition, and an indescribable anger and heartache surged in his heart. He walked quickly to Xiaoyanzi and hugged her tightly in his arms, as if he wanted to share all her pain and humiliation.

"Xiaoyanzi, don't be afraid, I'm here." Yongqi's voice was gentle and firm, as if a warm current flowed into Xiaoyanzi's heart. She looked up at Yongqi, and tears welled up in her eyes again. She knew that no matter what happened, Yongqi would be by her side, protecting her and guarding her.

With Yongqi's help, Xiaoyanzi finally left the cell full of humiliation and pain. She took a deep breath of the free air, as if to dispel all the haze. She knew that this experience would become the most unforgettable memory of her life and the most precious wealth on her road to growth. In the dark and damp cell with dull echoes echoing on the walls, Li Qingge, the former Princess Huanzhu in the Forbidden City, was now imprisoned here like a swallow with broken wings. Her eyes once flashed with endless desire for freedom and subtle provocation to the imperial power, but now there is only dead despair and helplessness.

"Oh! What dignity? You are a prisoner now, how dare you be so arrogant?" A jailer with a rough voice said, with a ferocious smile on his face and a look of contempt for Li Qingge. He was tall and muscular, like an insurmountable mountain, crushing all of Li Qingge's hopes.

"You called us cruel, heartless, and vicious. Fine! Then we'll let you taste it for yourself." Another jailer took over the conversation. His voice was as sharp as a knife, and every word seemed to be deliberately trying to cut off the last bit of pride in Li Qingge's heart. His face was thin, his eye sockets were deep, and his eyes flashed with a cunning light, like a hungry wolf ready to pounce on its prey at any time.

Li Qingge was tied tightly to the cold stone wall, her hands and feet were locked tightly by thick iron chains, the mottled rust on the chains seemed to be the mark of humiliation that could not be erased from her heart. Her long hair was scattered on her shoulders, a few strands of hair stuck to her cheeks, sweat and tears intertwined, blurring her vision, but could not blur the resentment and unwillingness in her heart.

"This is a cell for serious criminals. No one is allowed to enter unless ordered by Her Majesty the Queen. Even if you die here, we can say that you committed suicide out of fear of punishment, and there will be no evidence." The burly jailer spoke again, his tone full of threats and unquestionable authority. His face looked even more gloomy and terrifying in the dim light, as if he was a demon crawling out of hell, specifically to harvest Li Qingge's soul.

As the saying goes, "Evil men will be punished by evil men." This saying is very appropriate for Li Qingge now. Back in the Forbidden City, although the queen was extremely powerful and could deal with those disobedient concubines, she had to take into account the face of the royal family and the feelings of Emperor Qianlong and did not dare to deal with her blatantly. At that time, Li Qingge was like a clever swallow, freely shuttling between the cracks of imperial power, daring to challenge the queen's authority and daring to pursue her own happiness.

However, times have changed, and things have changed. Now, she has fallen into the hands of these jailers who are not afraid of the imperial power. The halo of Princess Huanzhu has dimmed in an instant, and she has become a fish on the chopping board, at the mercy of others. Her heart is filled with endless fear and despair, but she knows that she cannot just give in, and she cannot let her dignity be trampled on by these people.

When Li Qingge heard the words "commit suicide out of fear of crime", her heart skipped a beat. She knew that these people would keep their word and would never show mercy. She was so scared that she dared not breathe and could only bite her lower lip tightly, as if to suppress the gasp that was about to come out. A trace of fear and helplessness flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by firm determination.

"Hmph, this ignorant woman, is she afraid only now?" A jailer sneered, his voice containing a hint of sarcasm and complacency.

"You dare to show off in front of us? You really overestimate your own abilities." Another jailer continued, his tone full of disdain and contempt.

"You'd better be obedient, or you'll suffer!" the third jailer threatened, his eyes flashing with ferocity, as if he wanted to eat Li Qingge alive.

Several jailers took turns to scold Li Qingge until her mouth was dry. Their words were like sharp blades, cutting Li Qingge's heart, making her feel so painful that she wanted to die. However, she could only endure it all silently, unable to resist or escape.

When the jailers turned and left the cell, their backs looked particularly tall and scary in the dim light. They drank and talked happily, as if everything that had just happened was just a topic of conversation after dinner.

"I've been in this job for so many years, but I've never seen anyone so capable of doing so much." said a jailer, with a hint of smugness and pride in his voice.

"That's right. You think you're so great just because you're a princess. In fact, you're just an illegitimate girl with no status or position. Why put on airs?" Another jailer took over, his tone full of contempt and disdain.

"As soon as he entered the cell, he started crying as if his parents had died. His voice became hoarse." The third jailer sneered, his eyes flashing with cruelty.

"If it weren't for Her Majesty the Queen's mercy, she would have changed the rules as soon as she ascended the throne, not allowing us to execute people privately or to torture them into confessions. I really want to give her some chili water to taste." A jailer said angrily, his voice full of regret and dissatisfaction.

"Stop talking. These unlucky words are annoying to hear." Another jailer interrupted him, his tone revealing a bit of impatience and disgust.

"Haha, come on, drink, drink..." Several jailers raised their glasses and drank again, as if everything that had just happened had nothing to do with them.

Li Qingge's feet and legs were tied tightly, and she couldn't move. Her ears echoed with the insults and ridicules of the jailers, and her heart was filled with endless grievances and humiliation. She felt like a butterfly trapped in a cocoon, unable to break free from this bondage and predicament.

She recalled that she was once a daughter of an imperial family, enjoying endless wealth and favor. At that time, she was like a free-flying swallow, soaring in the sky of the Forbidden City. However, now she has fallen to this point, becoming a prisoner and being bullied by others.

Her heart was filled with resentment and confusion towards the Queen of Dayan. That queen, who violated human ethics, disregarded social norms and ethics, and was bloodthirsty, was able to establish a country and rule the world. Li Qingge didn't understand why this country had to make things difficult for her? How did she offend them?

She felt like the poor women in the plays who were bullied by vicious people, and her heart ached so much that it seemed to bleed. Her eyes flashed with determination, and she swore secretly: "One day, I will make you people kneel at my feet and beg for mercy!"

Just as she was daydreaming, she suddenly heard the jailer shouting, "Come and eat!" This shout broke the silence and dullness in the cell.

As soon as she heard the word "eat", Li Qingge's stomach started to growl. Since she left Yangzhou, she had been wandering all the way and hadn't eaten a single grain of rice. At this moment, she was already starving and didn't even have the strength to speak.

She couldn't help but recall the delicious food she had at the snack stand in the county town yesterday: the steaming buns, the fragrant fried dough sticks, and the bowl of hot tofu pudding... Those foods that were once within her reach have now become an unattainable luxury for her.

There was a trace of desire and helplessness in her eyes. She knew that she had no choice now. She could only wait silently for the jailer to bring the food, and then eat it silently to maintain her strength and life.

However, when the jailer placed the food in front of her, she was stunned. The so-called food was just a bowl of rice porridge so thin that you could see your reflection in it and a few hard steamed buns. Compared with the delicious food she had enjoyed before, it was a world of difference.

Her heart was filled with bitterness and helplessness, but she knew that she could not complain or refuse. She could only silently pick up the steamed bun and nibble on it, as if she was chewing on her own fate and life.

In that dark and damp cell that seemed to be isolated from the world, Little Swallow - Li Qingge, once a smart princess in the Forbidden City, was now like a trapped swallow, having lost her former freedom and glory. Although her face was still beautiful, her eyebrows were more haggard and unyielding. Her eyes, which once sparkled with curiosity and vitality, were now full of helplessness and resentment towards the current situation.

"Xiaoyanzi, she is a meat lover, and meat is indispensable for every meal." This sentence sounds like a luxurious memory at this time and place. Back then, in the palace, her three meals a day were all carefully prepared delicacies, with good color, fragrance and taste, but now, she can only face this dark cell and inedible food.

"Humph! You've come to this dark place, and you're still thinking about eating meat. You're really shameless!" The jailer's voice was rough and cold. He spat and slowly walked over with a dirty wooden barrel. The barrel was filled with a black, thick liquid that gave off a disgusting stench, as if it was old dirt fished out from some dark corner.

Xiaoyanzi watched the jailer scoop up a spoonful of thick liquid with a dirty spoon, pour it into a worn porcelain bowl, and then throw it casually, and the bowl landed steadily in front of her. She felt an indescribable disgust and fear in her heart, but more of a sense of powerlessness about the current situation.

"Oh my! What the hell is this? It's as black as ink and stinks. How can I eat it?" Xiaoyanzi frowned, her voice trembling a little, obviously disgusted by the contents of the bowl. She tried to hold the bowl with both hands, but as soon as her fingers touched the edge of the bowl, she immediately retracted them, as if the bowl was a burning coal that was unbearable.

"It's good enough to have something to eat, but you're still picky, so hypocritical!" The jailer rolled his eyes, with a mocking smile on his face. He was obviously used to Xiaoyanzi's reaction, and even thought it was a kind of fun, which could give him a little pleasure in this boring prison life.

Xiaoyanzi was so angry at the jailer's words that she was speechless. Her chest rose and fell violently, as if a ball of anger was burning in her chest. She stared at the jailer with wide eyes, but finally lowered her head helplessly. She knew that in this place, she could not resist or change the status quo.

"What did you say? This is the territory of Da Yan, not your Great Qing. If you want to put on airs, you should know your own weight!" The jailer got angry when he saw that Xiaoyanzi didn't know what to do. He approached Xiaoyanzi step by step, with a fierce light flashing in his eyes. He seemed like a hungry wolf, ready to pounce on the helpless Xiaoyanzi at any time.

"If you don't want to eat, forget it. You'll starve to death!" The jailer snatched the bowl from Xiaoyanzi's hand and poured it on her face without mercy. The black and thick liquid instantly splashed all over Xiaoyanzi's face and clothes. She could smell a foul smell and felt so sick that she almost vomited.

Xiaoyanzi was splashed with dirty water. She felt so wronged that tears kept rolling down her cheeks. Her cries echoed in the cell, making her look particularly desolate and helpless. She missed Yongqi, the emperor, and the warm and beautiful home she once had.

"Yongqi, Father Huang, where are you? Come and save me!" Xiaoyanzi cried out while sobbing, her voice full of despair and hope. But she knew that this place was isolated from the world, and her cries could not reach their ears at all.

Having offended the jailer and with Li Qingge's special care, Xiaoyanzi's life in prison was miserable. She was forced to eat hard-to-swallow food every day and endure the mockery and bullying of the jailers. Her heart was filled with anger and resentment, but she also understood that she was powerless now and could only endure it all silently.

What about Erkang and Yongqi who were arrested with her? Although they also lost their freedom, at least they were not tortured. They were locked up in another cell. Although the conditions were equally difficult, at least they could rely on each other and encourage each other.

Yongqi was so anxious that he could not bear to see Xiaoyanzi suffer such hardship alone. He struggled to rush out to find Xiaoyanzi, but was held tightly by Ertai and Erkang.

"Calm down! This is the county government office. There are police officers with guns outside. If you rush out, you'll be courting death!" Ertai's voice was filled with anxiety and worry. He tightly grasped Yongqi's sleeve, fearing that he would do something stupid in his impulse.

"Don't worry, she will be fine." Erkang also advised, "Yangzhou is a civilized place. Although we got into trouble, we were only sentenced to fourteen days in prison. Xiaoyanzi is guilty just like us, but she was locked up alone because of her gender, and they didn't want to ruin her reputation if men and women were mixed together. After all, she was detained by the order of the Queen of Dayan herself, so her life should not be in any danger."

But Yongqi was not listening at all. His heart was restless as if it was on fire. He punched the newly built wall and roared: "How could this happen? The South has always valued etiquette, how could they be so rude to us? It is because we were not allowed to enter the city that so many things happened. Xiaoyanzi suffered all because of this!"

In fact, Yongqi's words were somewhat meant to vent his anger on the officers guarding the city. But what he didn't know was how much suffering and pain the Qing soldiers brought to the people of Yangzhou when they entered the pass. Now that they didn't come to seek revenge, they were already generous. How could we dare to expect them to treat the descendants of their enemies well?

Although Yongqi was extremely anxious, he was powerless. He could only sit silently in the corner of the cell, praying that Xiaoyanzi could safely pass this difficult time.

In comparison, Qianlong's treatment was the best among these people. Although he was also detained, he was placed in an inn. This inn was a newly rebuilt luxurious place in Yangzhou City. The rooms were spacious and bright, with complete facilities, which was a world of difference compared to the prison cells.

Although Qianlong lost his freedom when he lived here, at least someone took care of his daily life. He could eat delicious meals every day and occasionally take a walk in the courtyard of the inn to get some fresh air. This gave him some comfort and relief to some extent.

Yangzhou has indeed undergone earth-shaking changes under Li Qingge's governance. The city construction is changing with each passing day, the economy is booming, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Looking at all this, Qianlong couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion in his heart: when the Qing Dynasty entered the pass, this place was still a war-torn land, but now it has become so prosperous. He couldn't help but have some admiration for the queen of Dayan.

However, what he didn't know was that behind all this prosperity was Li Qingge's endless ambition and conspiracy. She not only wanted to rule the entire Great Yan, but also wanted to completely annex the Great Qing. And Xiaoyanzi and the others were just pawns for her to achieve this goal.

Although Qianlong temporarily lost his freedom, his heart was full of expectations and hopes for the future. He believed that one day he would regain his freedom and return to the Forbidden City that belonged to him. And by then, he must teach the Queen of Dayan who dared to imprison him a lesson, and let her know that the majesty and power of the Qing imperial family cannot be violated!

Yangzhou, this ancient city shows its unique charm under the cover of night. Compared with those inconspicuous small inns hidden in the corners of the city, the restaurants here are undoubtedly another world. They are magnificent and elegant, as if they can illuminate the haze in people's hearts, making people's eyes bright and their hearts lifted.

Inside the restaurant, the floor is paved with carefully selected golden marble, each piece is as smooth as a mirror, and walking on it makes you feel as if even the soles of your feet are covered with a bit of nobility and glittering. The coffee table uses advanced tempered glass technology, forged from a whole piece, as transparent as crystal, reflecting everything around it, adding a bit of dreamy color.

The bedding on the bed and the sofa in the living room are all filled with top-grade plush and are soft to the touch. Sitting on them or lying down on them is like falling into a gentle embrace, making people intoxicated and unwilling to wake up. But what surprised Emperor Qianlong the most was that the restaurant was equipped with air conditioners. You know, last year, although the Great Yan Dynasty had begun to mass-produce air conditioners, the demand was huge due to the large population, especially in the southern region where the heat was unbearable.