Return of the Pearl

In Shufangzhai, a quiet atmosphere permeated the air. Qianlong stared at the slightly red and swollen wound on Xiao Yun's hand. His heart seemed to be entangled by thousands of silk threads, and he was filled with endless pity and sorrow. His face was as gloomy as a dark cloud, which made people feel intimidated and even a little scared.

When the imperial physician came trembling with fear, he was interrupted by Qianlong before he could open his mouth, "No need, come quickly and treat the wound." The imperial physician was trembling in his heart and hurried forward. When he got closer, he found that the wound was just a little red and swollen.

The imperial physician held his breath and carefully bandaged Xiao Yun's wound. When everything was ready, the imperial physician withdrew with a sense of relief. In an instant, only Qianlong and Xiao Yun were left in the room. It was so quiet that they could almost hear each other's heartbeats.

Xiao Yun lowered her head slightly, her long hair falling down like a waterfall, half covering her face. There was a hint of uneasiness and anxiety in her eyes, making her look as lovable as a frightened deer. She slowly stretched out her hand, and her slender fingers, like weak vines, gently grabbed Qianlong's sleeve.

Xiao Yun's fingers tightly grasped Qianlong's sleeve, as if that was really her only support and her hope in this world. Her fingers turned slightly white due to the force, and the sleeve was also wrinkled by her, as if telling of her inner anxiety and helplessness.

Xiao Yun raised his head slightly, and looked at Qianlong timidly with his bright big eyes, with tears in his star-like eyes.

Xiao Yun's eyes were full of dependence and attachment to Qianlong, and there was a hint of trembling in her voice, "Your Majesty, I, I'm sorry, today I..." Her words were full of self-blame and guilt, and every word was filled with her deep inner emotions, which made people moved.

Seeing Xiao Yun like this, Qianlong felt even more pity in his heart. He slowly stretched out his hand and gently placed it on Xiao Yun's head. His fingers gently passed through Xiao Yun's silky soft hair, as if he was protecting a precious treasure.

Qianlong's palm gently stroked Xiao Yun's hair. His movements were so gentle and delicate. His fingertips wandered through Xiao Yun's hair, bringing waves of warmth and comfort.

When Qianlong saw this scene, he felt distressed. He said gently: "It's okay, I will take care of this matter. It's good for you to be like this. Who made you uncomfortable? Just fight back. Don't be afraid, I'm here." His voice was full of pampering and care.

Xiao Yun felt Qianlong's touch, and her delicate body trembled slightly, as if a warm current instantly spread throughout her body. She slowly raised her head and looked at Qianlong, the tears in her eyes sparkled even more brightly, like bright stars.

Xiao Yun's face showed a hint of surprise and disbelief, and his voice trembled slightly, "Your Majesty, is this really possible?"

Qianlong solemnly promised: "Of course, I am not joking. I will never let you suffer any injustice."

After saying this, Qianlong's eyes were full of determination and tenderness as he stared at Xiao Yun closely. His eyes seemed to tell Xiao Yun that no matter when and where, he would protect her and would not let her come to any harm.

Xiao Yun could no longer suppress her inner emotions. Like a wounded bird, she suddenly threw herself into Qianlong's arms. She hugged Qianlong's waist tightly, as if that was her last safe haven. Her strength was so great that she seemed to want to merge herself into Qianlong's body.

"I'm sorry, I've tried my best, but I'm still a troublemaker and always cause trouble for you. You're already so busy with state affairs, and you still have to take time out to deal with my affairs..." Xiao Yun's voice was filled with deep self-blame and guilt, mixed with a hint of imperceptible grievance. Every word seemed to be squeezed out from the depths of her heart with endless emotions.

As Qianlong listened to Xiao Yun's words, his heart felt as if entangled by thousands of silk threads, and he was overwhelmed with endless pity and love. He gently stroked Xiao Yun's hair, the movement as gentle as a breeze blowing through flower petals.

Qianlong's voice was filled with tenderness and comfort: "It's alright, I'm willing. Okay, stop crying, it won't be pretty if you keep crying, Xiao Yun, you should be happy and cheerful. I hope you can be a free-flying swallow. In this palace, I grant you freedom."

Xiao Yun listened to Qianlong's words, and her emotions became somewhat complicated. She raised her head and looked at Qianlong with tears in her eyes, which were gleaming like bright stars in the night sky. She said, "Hongli, can I really live the way I want?"

Qianlong noticed the change in Xiao Yun's attitude. He held Xiao Yun's hand tightly, and the strength seemed to tell Xiao Yun of his determination. He said solemnly: "Of course, as long as I am here, no one can touch you."

At this moment, the entire Shufangzhai was filled with a warm and touching atmosphere. The emotional bond between Qianlong and Xiao Yun became closer. Their thoughts to each other were conveyed in this warm embrace, making people feel the sincere and deep emotions. The picture was like a beautiful painting, which made people intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves.

Ziwei stood quietly outside the room, listening attentively to every word between the Emperor and Xiao Yun. Her heartbeat seemed particularly clear in the silence, as if every beat carried the waves of her heart.

Ziwei's thoughts surged like the tide, with mixed feelings in her heart. She thought silently in her heart, how desirable it is to have a little freedom, but she herself seemed to have been bound by invisible shackles and could not really break free.

Ziwei is well aware of her identity and responsibilities, and the heaviness of this burden makes it difficult for her to breathe. However, Xiao Yun can receive such special favor from the Emperor. This makes her happy for Xiao Yun, but also inevitably feels a little lost and melancholy.

Ziwei had originally rushed here in a hurry because she was worried about Xiao Yun's injury, but at this moment, she found that she seemed a little redundant. She smiled bitterly in her heart, thinking that her appearance might only disturb the warm moments between them. She slowly raised her head and looked at the closed door, with an indescribable complex emotion surging in her heart.

Ziwei sighed softly, the sound trembling slightly in the air, as if revealing her inner helplessness and sadness. She turned silently and left Xiao Yun's room step by step. Her steps were a little heavy, and every step seemed to carry her attachment and reluctance. Her figure gradually walked away in the corridor, like a lonely fallen leaf, floating in the wind.

In this silent moment, Ziwei's departure seemed to have taken away something, leaving only the tightly closed door and the warm atmosphere between Qianlong and Xiao Yun in the room.

The longing and loss in Ziwei's heart, like the drifting thoughts, lingered in the silent air for a long time and could not be shaken off.