Return of the Pearl

Under the close protection of his guards, the twelfth prince walked forward slowly at a leisurely pace. As soon as he arrived at the outskirts of Beijing, his eyes caught Qianlong's secret guard An Yi.

I saw An Yi standing there quietly, like a silent yet resolute and steady mountain. He stood tall and motionless, as if he had merged with the surrounding environment.

An Yi's eyes were fixed on the approaching Twelfth Prince. Although he did not move, his eyes already revealed respect. When the Twelfth Prince came close, An Yi quickly took a steady step forward. His steps were firm and powerful, as if every step carried his respect for the Twelfth Prince.

Then, An Yi slowly bent down and saluted respectfully. His movements were smooth and natural, without any delay. He said, "Your servant pays his respects to the Twelfth Prince." The voice was low and powerful, full of awe.

Then, An Yi slowly pulled out the exquisite box from his bosom. His movements were cautious, as if he was holding a priceless treasure. He presented the box respectfully with both hands and said, "This is a portion of the family property that the master has ordered me to give you. The master also told me to tell you that if you get tired outside, you can come home at any time."

After saying that, he took out a token from his bosom. The token sparkled in the sunlight. He handed the token to the twelfth prince and said, "Please keep this token." An Yi's eyes were always focused on the twelfth prince, his eyes full of concern.

The twelfth prince slowly stretched out his slightly trembling hand, as if receiving the desire and expectation for fatherly love. He gently took the box and token. At that moment, it seemed as if a warm and powerful torrent surged in his heart. The indescribable warmth instantly spread throughout his body, making him immersed in it.

He held the box and token tightly, as if he was holding tightly his father's deep care and strong love, which was the emotion he had always longed for but never truly possessed.

At this moment, tears were glistening in his eyes, and those crystal tears were filled with emotion and joy. They were tears of emotion, reflecting a pearl-like crystal light in the sunlight. The light was bright and dazzling, as if telling the emotions deep in his heart.

The Twelfth Prince's heart was filled with a thousand emotions. After so many years of anticipation, he finally felt the mountain of his father's love for him for the first time. His throat rolled slightly, and with a trembling voice, he said to An Yi, "Thank the Emperor for me. Tell him that I forgive my unfilial behavior and that I cannot fulfill my filial duties in his presence."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Twelfth Prince slowly turned around and no longer looked at An Yi. His back looked a little lonely in the sunlight, and that lonely figure seemed to be telling the helplessness and sadness deep in his heart. The breeze blew gently, blowing his clothes, adding a bit of desolate feeling. He walked farther and farther away, and his lonely back gradually disappeared in the distance, leaving only silence.

The guards still followed the Twelfth Prince closely, continuing to escort him away. They took firm and powerful steps, and each step revealed a firm belief, as if no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, nothing could stop them.

An Yi stood there quietly, following the back of the Twelfth Prince with his eyes until the figure disappeared into the distant horizon. After a long time, An Yi slowly turned around and prepared to go back to report.

Jianjia Palace

Qianlong did not stand up to see the twelfth prince off, but instead instructed An Yi to deliver his words and some objects of special significance to the twelfth prince.

At this moment, Qianlong stood there like a sculpture, with an inexplicable sadness rising in his heart, entwining his heart like a silk thread, making him feel pain. He stared quietly in the direction of the palace gate, his eyes full of attachment and reluctance. The endless melancholy quietly surged in his heart like a tide, wave after wave, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

He silently wondered, in this long life, in this lifetime, would he ever have the chance to see him again? This question kept circling in his mind, making his heart grow heavier. He secretly sighed, the royal family, this vast palace, perhaps it really wasn't a place where people could feel warmth and love. It was more about power struggles and struggles, coldness and ruthlessness.

If possible, he really hoped that in his next life he would never set foot in this cold place again, and would no longer be entangled by the indifference and alienation of this deep palace. Just when he was immersed in endless sadness and loneliness and couldn't extricate himself, Xiao Yun's gentle hand gently held his hand. The warm touch was like a warm current, which instantly spread throughout his body, making his originally cold heart gradually warm up.

For him, this vast territory is both a heavy responsibility and an unbearable pressure. Now that he thinks carefully, the twelfth prince can get rid of all these constraints and fetters. Perhaps it is really the best destination for him. These thoughts ripple in his heart, making him feel more relieved and emotional.

Qianlong and Xiao Yun stared at each other quietly. Their eyes met, and although no words were spoken, there was a tacit understanding between them that was difficult to describe. Qianlong's lips curled up slightly, outlining a faint smile, and he said softly, "Yun'er, has this little guy been naughty and bothered you again today?"

Xiao Yun's mouth corners also lifted slightly, revealing a sweet smile, and responded: "In the past few days, he can eat and no longer vomit. He is quite well-behaved."

Qianlong slowly placed his hand on Xiao Yun's abdomen, his voice so gentle it seemed like water could drip out of it, "My son, your mother suffered a lot when she was pregnant with you. You must learn to be considerate of her, understand? When you grow up, you must listen to your mother obediently and never let her feel sad."

At this moment, just as Qianlong finished speaking, an amazing scene happened. Xiao Yun's stomach moved slightly, as if in response to what Qianlong had just said. This sudden movement made both Qianlong and Xiao Yun feel very surprised.

"Hongli, he seemed to have really moved just now." Xiao Yun's voice was filled with surprise. It was also the first time that Qianlong felt the fetal movement so clearly. With his previous children, he was only told that he was pregnant, and then waited for the birth. During this period, he had never really participated in the growth process of any child. At this moment, Qianlong was as happy as if he was a father for the first time.

"Yes, I felt it too. He moved. Yun'er, you see, he is so sensible even before he was born. He heard what I said and responded immediately." The child's movement touched Qianlong's thoughts, and it seemed to alleviate a lot of the sadness brought by the departure of the twelfth prince.