Return of the Pearl

During these few days, Qianlong and his entourage had been safe and sound. Fuheng finally returned to the team as everyone expected and reunited with them. But even so, their vigilance did not diminish in the slightest. This high level of alertness continued until the moment they were about to step out of Henan.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, dozens of people suddenly appeared, each holding some food, stopped the carriage in front, and then knelt down to thank Qianlong. Qianlong carefully helped Xiao Yun get off the carriage.

Seeing this, the common people anxiously asked, "Is that the emperor on the carriage?"

Qianlong frowned slightly, his heart full of doubts about why they were looking for him, "What do you want from me?"

Upon seeing this, the common people knelt and kowtowed, saying with great sincerity, "We are from Henan. Although we have not suffered any disaster, we have heard about the disaster in Shandong. So we are here to express our gratitude to the emperor. This is the food we grew ourselves. Please accept it."

Qianlong hesitated for a moment, thought for a moment, and finally agreed to let them come closer. The people rushed forward like a tide, each vying to introduce their own delicious food.

Just as this sudden change happened, a child about ten years old, with a cunning and fierce look in his eyes, held a dagger in his hand and stabbed Qianlong's heart with lightning speed.

Qianlong was so smart that his reaction was as fast as lightning. Although the dagger only scratched his sleeve and did not hurt him at all, he instantly burst out with powerful strength, and with a flash of his body, he pushed the child back several feet.

Qianlong always remained in a state of high alert. His brows were furrowed, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and he stared at everything around him. He was not worried about being injured, but was afraid that if he was not careful, his beloved Yun'er would be hurt.

After being repelled, the child's face was filled with fear and unwillingness, with a hint of confusion in his eyes. Xiao Yun, who was beside Qianlong, had already turned pale with fear. She snuggled up to Qianlong and said in a trembling voice, "Hongli, are you hurt?"

Qianlong gently patted Xiao Yun's hand and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Yun'er. I'm fine. I just damaged a piece of clothing. An Yi."

An Yi responded immediately and appeared before Qianlong in an instant, standing quietly like a ghost. Qianlong's face was stern and solemn, and he ordered majestically: "Take all these people away and interrogate them strictly!"

Due to the sudden appearance of the people, Qianlong and others had to stop moving forward temporarily, rest on the spot, and wait patiently for the results of An Yi's interrogation to be announced.

During this period, time seemed to have stood still. Qianlong and others stood silently in place, and the air around them seemed to have become solemn. They were like statues standing in the long river of time, waiting for the truth that was about to surface with a bit of solemnity and expectation. The long wait seemed like a silent contest, quietly taking place on the stage of time.

After An Yi finished the interrogation, they realized that these people actually had no idea who the visitor was. It turned out that a man in black gave them a considerable amount of silver and explained the time, place, route and how to express it in detail, and even provided a portrait.

As long as they can successfully kill Qianlong, they will receive a reward of 100 taels of silver. These ordinary people have never seen such a large amount of silver before. Under the strong temptation of interests, they actually agreed to it.

A deep feeling of disappointment welled up in Qianlong's heart. He was filled with emotion, thinking that the people were so unable to distinguish right from wrong that they dared to commit such a heinous act as regicide just for the insignificant hundred taels of silver. Xiao Yun gently patted Qianlong's hand, using gentle gestures to comfort him.

Qianlong had originally decided to deal with these matters properly after returning to the capital. However, unexpectedly, he encountered two thrilling assassinations one after another on the way forward.

Faced with this situation, Qianlong frowned, his heart full of worry and helplessness. He had to make a prompt decision and ordered An Yi to secretly investigate Hong Zhou's specific situation. After all, although there was no witness to prove that Hong Zhou had secretly hidden weapons, it was reasonable to infer that there must be some subtle clues quietly preserved.

After hearing the order, An Yi respectfully bowed to Qianlong, and then left quickly like a gust of wind to carry out the mission first. Afterwards, Qianlong and others continued on the long journey back to the capital. Their figures gradually moved away on the winding road, like a quiet and story-filled painting.

Kunning Palace

The queen was extremely anxious and could not sit still. Her beautiful face was filled with a mixture of worry and fear. Her hands, as white as mutton fat jade, were tightly twisted together, and her joints turned slightly white due to the force.

She sent people to contact Altai again and again. Each person she sent carried her full expectations, as if it was the only life-saving straw she could grasp. However, these people who were placed with high hopes were like stones sinking into the sea, without bringing any response and no news at all.

The queen paced back and forth in her bedroom, her steps were messy and hurried, and every step seemed to be walking on the edge of a knife, causing her unbearable pain. Her beautiful eyes were filled with tears, rolling around in her eye sockets, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall. Her heart was filled with helplessness and confusion, as if she was in a dark abyss, unable to find a ray of light or any hope. Only endless fear followed her like a shadow, tightly entangling her.

Heshuo Heqin Prince's Mansion

Hong Zhou received the exact news. When he learned that the assassination attempt carried out by ordinary people had ended in such a regrettable failure, endless waves surged in his heart.

At this moment, Hong Zhou deeply realized that he had to face a major decision again. Even though the time was not yet ripe, he knew clearly in his mind that seizing the initiative was the most critical strategy.

To strike first is to gain the advantage. This was a difficult decision he had to make under the current circumstances, and it was also his last desperate attempt. He resolutely gathered his trusted troops and decided to set up an ambush in the suburbs of Beijing, waiting for Qianlong's arrival, and then waiting for an opportunity to shoot him fatally.

If he fails, he will die. This is his firm belief, his determination to face death head-on, and his courage and determination to achieve his goal at all costs.