Return of the Pearl

When Qianlong heard An Yi's answer, a puzzled expression instantly appeared on his face. That expression seemed to be shrouded in a layer of fog, making it difficult to understand. He frowned, his eyebrows tightly twisted together like two entangled vines, revealing his deep confusion. He muttered to himself in confusion, "How did she know Yun'er was pregnant?"

An Yi knew very well that he had to report the truth to Qianlong at this moment, so he took a deep breath, which seemed to carry his inner determination and resoluteness.

Then he slowly began to speak, "It's because you frequently stayed at Jianjia Palace, but strangely, you never once asked for water. It was because of this subtle anomaly that she guessed that Concubine Xian was pregnant."

An Yi's voice was low and steady, and every word seemed to carry weight, reaching Qianlong's ears clearly. As he spoke, his eyes were focused and firm, as if conveying his loyalty and dedication to Qianlong. The atmosphere in the tent became increasingly solemn, as if even the air had become heavy.

Qianlong's heart was filled with a strong hidden hatred. This Yupin was simply a vicious woman! In order to satisfy her own selfish desires, she had attempted to murder Yun'er's child. This behavior was truly abominable to the extreme! Qianlong's chest was heaving violently, his heart filled with raging anger. He felt extremely indignant and hateful towards Yupin's actions. His eyes flashed with anger, as if he wanted to burn all the injustice and evil to ashes. The anger surged in his heart, like a turbulent wave that was difficult to calm down.

Qianlong's heart was filled with endless resentment. The blazing rage seemed to devour his entire being. His chest heaved violently with rage, as if it could explode at any moment. As for Concubine Yu, Qianlong already had a clear and resolute punishment in mind: "Give that palace maid the death penalty."

Qianlong waved his hand decisively, signaling An Yi to retreat. Then he called Xiao Luzi over. His voice was as cold as ice and full of chilling anger.

"Concubine Yu attempted to murder the imperial heir. She should be put to death. Her title should be stripped immediately, she should be demoted to a commoner, and subjected to the punishment of being tortured by tigers and leopards. She should then be banished to the cold palace, where she will never be able to turn over a new leaf in the cold and lonely place!" Qianlong's words were like thunderclaps, exploding in the air, filled with unquestionable majesty and determination.

This decree was like a heavy mountain, ruthlessly pressing down on Concubine Yu's fate, and also fully demonstrated Emperor Qianlong's anger and determination. From this moment on, Concubine Yu's fate was completely rewritten, and she would spend the rest of her life in pain and despair.

The moment Xiao Luzi received the order, his expression suddenly became cold and serious, and a determined light flashed in his eyes. He knew the importance of this matter very well and did not dare to be negligent at all. He moved his body like a gust of swift wind, turned around in an instant, and his steps were flying, bringing up a slight sound of wind.

His agile figure quickly rushed towards the direction of the palace, so fast that people could only see a blurry afterimage. In his mind, there was only one thought, which was to convey the order back to the palace as soon as possible and ensure that everything could be carried out according to the emperor's orders. Every move he made was full of urgency and firm determination, as if he was the messenger who delivered the order, shouldering an extremely important mission.

Qianlong held Xiao Yun's hand tightly, with such force that it seemed as if he wanted to embed her hand into his palm. His eyes were filled with deep love and concern, and his eyes flowed gently on Xiao Yun like a gurgling stream.

He frowned slightly, with a trace of worry and anxiety between his brows, and asked in a low and powerful voice: "Yun'er, are you satisfied with her punishment? If you feel that it is not enough to calm the anger in your heart, I can immediately issue an order to sentence her to death and never let her hurt you again." There was some urgency and determination in his words, as if as long as Xiao Yun nodded, he would execute the cruel order without hesitation.

Xiao Yun gently raised her hand and gently stroked Qianlong's abdomen. A subtle hint of pity flashed in her eyes, and within that pity was boundless compassion and tolerance. She shook her head slightly, her movements as gentle as petals swaying in the wind, and then whispered, "The punishment you've given me is enough. Heaven is merciful. I don't want to pursue it any further. Let's just consider it as accumulating blessings for our child. If she can behave herself from now on and stop causing trouble, then let her spend the rest of her life alone in the cold palace."

Her voice was gentle and soothing like the gurgling water, as if it were a clear stream, slowly flowing in the quiet valley, with a tranquil and peaceful power. Every word she spoke was like a crystal drop of water, dripping gently, creating circles of warm ripples in the air, as if it could soothe the anxiety and uneasiness that was surging like the tide in Qianlong's heart.

At this time, Yongqi was still immersed in the excitement of hunting, completely unaware that his mother had been punished and demoted. He galloped freely in the vast hunting ground, chasing prey, with a bright smile on his face and his heart full of longing for the future.

However, when he steps into the familiar palace again, what awaits him will be a cruel reality. He will face an extremely bleak life. His former glory and happiness will be shattered like a bubble. He will struggle in pain and confusion, sink in loss and despair. The future that was once full of hope has now become dim and dull.

In the quiet Yonghe Palace, Concubine Yu seemed to be in a chaotic darkness, wrapped in deep uneasiness. Her beautiful but worried eyes revealed endless anxiety and uneasiness, as if tears could overflow at any time.

She didn't know whether everything she had carefully planned would go as she wished. If she succeeded, her uneasy heart would be like a lonely boat drifting in a storm, tossing and turning in the turbulent waves.

Her slender fingers were tightly twisting the corners of her clothes, as if that was the only strength she could rely on. Her steps were messy and hurried, and she paced back and forth in the palace. The sound of her footsteps echoed in the empty palace, adding a sense of desolation.

Her lips trembled slightly as she muttered something to herself, her voice full of worry and fear. She looked towards the door from time to time, as if she was expecting something and afraid of something.

Her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, which reflected her extreme inner uneasiness. She felt as if her soul had been taken away. She was struggling in uneasiness and anxiety, waiting for news from the hunting ground. Every minute and every second seemed like a long torture.