Return of the Pearl

hunting ground

On this sunny yet somewhat sad day, the other princes were busy as usual. Suddenly, a shocking news came: Yongqi unfortunately injured his leg, and it was said that he was very likely to become disabled.

This news was like a huge rock, suddenly thrown into the calm lake. In an instant, the calm was broken, and waves quickly spread around. They first showed surprise on their faces, and then the surprise was gradually replaced by joy, and a barely perceptible smile quietly emerged at the corners of their mouths.

Ripples began to appear in their hearts, and their thoughts became active. In the past, Yongqi was a powerful competitor in their eyes and the target they pursued. But now, this news made them seem to see the dawn of hope and the possibility of having the opportunity to stand out. They began to secretly calculate in their hearts, planning how to seize the opportunity in this sudden change, show their talents, and let the emperor focus more on themselves.

At this time, Yongqi was sitting alone in the tent, feeling sad. His eyes were empty as he looked into the distance, his heart filled with disappointment and decadence. The injured leg seemed to be an eternal pain in his heart that he could not let go.

He didn't understand why fate had played such a trick on him, why he had suffered such misfortune. He felt as if he was in a dark abyss, unable to find a ray of light. The confidence and pride he once had also disappeared at this moment.

The sunlight shone on his body through the gaps in the tent, but it could not warm his cold heart. He silently lowered his head and gently stroked his injured leg. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he stubbornly refused to fall. He didn't know where to go or what path to take in the future. He just felt that he was abandoned by the whole world and was struggling alone in this sad world.

Qianlong seemed to be glued to Xiao Yun, always accompanying her. Even when he was testing the princes in riding and shooting, he had to bring Xiao Yun with him and let her sit steadily beside him. For the princes, this was the first time they saw Concubine Xian in the hunting ground.

In the harem, they had naturally heard the rumors about Concubine Xian's pregnancy, but there had been no confirmed news. According to past practice, if after three months, no matter what rank a concubine was, she would be pregnant and it would be widely publicized and announced in a high-profile manner.

However, no news came out from Jianjia Palace for a long time, but they were not blind. Through various details, they could see that the virtuous concubine was indeed pregnant. At this moment, their originally high enthusiasm had gradually faded away.

Although those rumors were not credible, the extent to which the Emperor doted on Concubine Xian was obvious to all. When they thought of this, they felt a surge of loss and helplessness in their hearts. They secretly thought that if the child in her belly was really a prince, then they probably had no hope. While thinking about this, their eyes revealed deep worry and unwillingness, and a look of loss appeared on their faces.

The Sixth Prince slowly stood up. His slightly slow movements seemed to reveal a hint of barely perceptible fatigue. However, in the depths of his eyes, there was a firm light like the stars. He respectfully held the fox that he had hunted with great effort in his hands, and walked towards Qianlong step by step, calmly and firmly.

The fox's fur was as bright as the clouds in the sky. The Sixth Prince's face was filled with anticipation and pride. He whispered, "I hunted it specially for Your Majesty, Father. I hope Your Majesty will like it." His voice was full of sincerity and honesty, as if expressing his deep respect and admiration for Emperor Qianlong.

When Qianlong saw the fox presented by the Sixth Prince, his face instantly blossomed with surprise. His eyes shone like bright stars, sparkling with joy. The corners of his mouth raised high, and he smiled brilliantly. He said in a loud and powerful voice: "Yongrong, you have done a great job!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Qianlong began to praise the Sixth Prince highly. His words of praise rolled out like a string of pearls, full of affirmation and recognition of the Sixth Prince. Then, Qianlong waved his hand and rewarded the Sixth Prince with some gold, silver and treasures.

This was the first time in all these years that the Emperor had praised him so generously. The Sixth Prince was filled with ecstasy, but before he had time to savor this joy, something unexpected happened. The Emperor gave the fox to Concubine Xian.

When the Sixth Prince saw this scene, he paused involuntarily. His body trembled slightly, as if he was hit by an invisible force. He fell into deep loss. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a bitter smile, which was mixed with endless helplessness and bitterness.

Deep in his heart, he silently pondered: "I have been working so hard since I was a child, but Yongqi's halo is like a thick shadow, always covering me and making everyone unable to see my existence. I thought that this time I finally had the opportunity to stand out, but now it seems that everything is still the same as before..." His heart was filled with melancholy and resentment, and the complex emotions intertwined in his heart, making him feel extremely sad and lonely.

As the Sixth Prince thought about it, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of loss in his heart, and the loss overwhelmed him like a tide. However, he quickly adjusted his mentality. After all, he had long been accustomed to this helplessness. He knew very well that in this royal family, opportunities have always been so slim and elusive.

He smiled bitterly to himself and thought silently in his heart: "Anyway, I have never received the care of the emperor since I was a child, so there is nothing to be disappointed. The days still have to go on one by one. Compared with the past, there is not much difference." Thinking of this, he turned around and slowly walked towards his seat.

His steps were heavy and firm, and each step seemed to step on his heart, making a dull sound. The footsteps seemed to tell the bitterness and tenacity in his heart, and also showed his indomitable spirit and persistence in this difficult situation.

During the banquet, Qianlong always carefully protected Xiao Yun. His eyes were as gentle as the gurgling stream, and his movements were as soft as silk threads of gauze, as if Xiao Yun was the most precious treasure in his heart and he would not tolerate any neglect.

Xiao Yun, on the other hand, had a sweet smile on her face, enjoying Qianlong's careful care to the fullest. This scene was seen by everyone present, and complicated emotions surged in their hearts. Some cast envious glances, some had flames of jealousy in their eyes, some felt emotional, and some looked helpless.

Their eyes revealed a myriad of emotions, as if they were whispering their own stories. The stories contained joy, sorrow, longing, and loss, which intertwined together to form a vivid and moving picture.