Return of the Pearl

After many days of long journey, Qianlong and others finally stepped into the land outside Beijing exhausted. The scenery outside Beijing looked particularly desolate and bleak under the afterglow of the setting sun. The withered and yellow grass swayed gently in the breeze, as if telling the silence of this land.

However, Qianlong's keen insight made him notice something strange. It was unusually quiet here, so quiet that it made people feel suffocated. Even the slightest sound of birds and animals could not be heard. This strange silence made him feel a little uneasy. He frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and then he decisively ordered to stop the car.

Seeing that Qianlong was so alert, Hong Zhou knew that his plan had been exposed and he could no longer hide it. A trace of ferocity flashed across his face. He gritted his teeth and led his trusted troops to rush out like a tide.

Qianlong calmly stepped down from the carriage, his posture still erect, radiating an air of majesty. He showed no surprise at the outcome, as if he had anticipated this. He looked at Hong Zhou coldly, his lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of disdain. "You can't hold back anymore, are you planning to usurp the throne?"

Hong Zhou was irritated by Qianlong's calm demeanor. His eyes were red and veins popped out on his forehead. He roared, "Hmph! Why can you sit on the throne but I can't? As long as I can kill you here today, I will find a way to ascend to the supreme position!" His heart was filled with jealousy and resentment, and his desire for the throne made him lose his mind.

"I have always thought that I have treated you well. Why do you do such a thing?" Qianlong's frown revealed deep doubt and confusion, and his eyes were full of doubt and inquiry, as if he wanted to see through Hongzhou's expression and understand his true thoughts deep in his heart.

Hong Zhou, like a flood bursting through a dam, vented all the resentment and dissatisfaction that had been accumulated in his heart for many years. He widened his eyes, his eyes bloodshot, and shouted sternly: "Why? Since childhood, as long as you exist, no one else can stand out! You still have the nerve to ask why? I think I am no less capable than you in civil and military affairs, but why do the Emperor and Grandpa only favor you!" His voice was full of resentment and unwillingness, as if he wanted to release all the grievances and anger in his heart.

After hearing what Hongzhou said, Qianlong couldn't help but show a helpless look on his face. He slowly said, "This is not a reason for you to try to kill the king. Besides, if the emperor knew about it in the afterlife, he would definitely feel sad and indignant about it. What he least wants to see is us brothers fighting with each other and killing each other. Hongzhou, if you stop today, I will definitely spare your life." Qianlong's words were full of deep sighs and worries, as if he was feeling sad and sorry for the situation of brothers fighting each other.

However, Hong Zhou threw his head back and laughed wildly. The laughter was like the cry of a night owl, echoing in the air, full of madness and unruliness. His eyes were wide open and bloodshot, as if they were about to burst from his eye sockets, with crazy flames burning inside.

His face was twisted and distorted by excitement. The corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a ferocious smile. His teeth were clenched tightly, as if he wanted to tear everything apart. He waved his arms wildly, pointed at Qianlong, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Things have come to this point. I have no way to retreat! Humph! The advantage is on my side! You should be begging for mercy! Today, I will definitely take your life! Do it!"

Deep in his heart, the dissatisfaction and jealousy that had been pent up for many years erupted like a volcano. He had completely lost his mind and was dominated by crazy desires. He only wanted to kill Qianlong to vent his hatred.

Following Hong Zhou's crazy order, his men surged forward like a tide, each with a ferocious look on their face, holding a sharp blade, and rushing towards Qianlong recklessly. Their footsteps were heavy and rapid, raising a cloud of dust, as if they were going to swallow everything.

However, at this critical moment, a group of archers suddenly appeared around. They pulled their bowstrings and their arrows flashed coldly in the sunlight. Then, arrows as dense as a rainstorm broke through the air, with a sharp whistling sound, instantly covering the soldiers who tried to take action.

Before the soldiers could even fight, they were shot by arrows. Their bodies trembled violently, and the weapons in their hands fell with a crisp sound. Some soldiers were hit in the vitals and died on the spot; some soldiers were shot in the limbs, fell to the ground in pain, and let out shrill screams. In a blink of an eye, they were shot to death by arrows, lying all over the ground, with blood staining the ground red. The air was filled with the strong smell of blood and death.

It was only at this moment that Hong Zhou woke up from a dream and finally understood the reason. He then understood why Qianlong could always be so calm and composed. It turned out that he had been prepared for this.

In a flash, in just a moment, the soldiers brought by Hong Zhou were almost all killed by the fierce attack of arrows like locusts flying in the sky. Those once brave and fearless soldiers were now lying horizontally, some prone, and fell in a pool of blood in a disorderly manner. The scene was extremely tragic.

Hongzhou himself was captured alive in this fierce confrontation. He was tied up and escorted to Qianlong. His face was full of regret and despair, and he looked extremely depressed.

At this moment, An Yi knelt down respectfully and saluted. His voice was low and firm, "I have fulfilled my duty and successfully completed the task assigned by my master."

Qianlong nodded slightly, with a barely perceptible look of satisfaction on his face. After receiving Qianlong's response, An Yi instantly disappeared into the darkness, as if he had never appeared.

Qianlong stood proudly on a high place, looking down at Hongzhou with cold eyes. His condescending attitude seemed to be looking down at an ant. Even though Hongzhou had committed such a serious crime as treason, Qianlong changed his mind and revealed a trace of concern for his brother. He said coldly: "I don't intend to kill you."

After hearing this, Hong Zhou's face showed an expression of disbelief and surprise. He originally thought that once the matter was exposed, he would surely die, but now after hearing Qianlong's words, the shock in his heart was beyond words. He originally thought that he would surely die, but he did not expect this to be the result. His heart was suddenly filled with mixed feelings, and all kinds of emotions were intertwined.