Return of the Pearl

Hong Zhou slowly closed his eyes, as if struggling with the pain in his heart. After a long while, he opened them again, his eyes filled with determination. He slowly said, "I will tell you everything I know, including those in the court who colluded with foreign tribes, and those who participated in framing Consort Xian. But please tell the fourth brother not to touch my wife and children."

After hearing this, An Yi felt a sense of helplessness and emotion. He sighed, "I can only convey it on your behalf. As for what the master will decide, I really can't give you any guarantee."

Hong Zhou finally couldn't hold back and finally made the difficult decision. He slowly spit out the names of several ministers, and all of these people were very familiar to An Yi. Among them, there was actually one who was Jin Sanbao, the father of Concubine Shu.

This discovery shocked An Yi. He had never imagined that the person behind all this would be Concubine Shu. It seemed that all this was a prelude to Concubine Shu's plans for her children! She had gone to great lengths to save her children, resorting to any means necessary. The schemes and calculations behind this were truly chilling.

After saying that, An Yi left Hong Zhou in the dungeon and turned around to leave, ready to go back and report to his master. His steps were a little heavy, as if every step carried endless worries.

Jianjia Palace

At that time, Qianlong was accompanying Xiao Yun tenderly, his eyes full of gentleness and endless doting, that tenderness seemed to be able to melt everything. However, at that unintentional moment, he heard An Yi's voice, and his face suddenly changed, just like dark clouds suddenly rising in the clear sky, instantly covering up the tenderness and doting without a trace.

Qianlong stood up slowly. His movements were graceful and steady. Every subtle movement showed the dignity and majesty of an emperor. He deliberately avoided Xiao Yun's bedroom and walked towards the side hall with firm steps. Every step seemed to be stepping on the silent void, making a slight sound, which was particularly clear in this silent atmosphere.

"Tell me, who is it this time?" Qianlong's voice was low and majestic, like a muffled thunder rolling in the air. There was also a hint of imperceptible anger in the voice. That anger was like an undercurrent hidden in the deep sea, quietly surging. Although it was not easy to detect, it could not be ignored.

An Yi's heart trembled, and he dared not be negligent in the slightest. He knew his master's temper very well, so he hurriedly unfolded in front of Qianlong everything that Hong Zhou had done and what he had said, like a scroll. He narrated it in detail, not daring to omit anything.

Qianlong listened quietly, his face becoming increasingly gloomy, like the sky before a storm, covered with dark clouds. There seemed to be flames burning in his eyes, flames of anger, erupting in his heart like a volcano, and that anger seemed to devour everything.

Qianlong's face was as gloomy as thick ink, his eyes were burning with anger, and that anger seemed to burn everything to ashes. He suddenly waved his sleeves, with endless anger and determination in his action, "Give Hongzhou a cup of poisoned wine. In consideration of his coming back to the right path, I will not implicate his family!" Then Qianlong signaled An Yi to retreat.

Immediately afterwards, Qianlong shouted sternly: "Xiao Luzi!" His voice exploded in the air like thunder, full of majesty and anger.

At this moment, Qianlong's heart was filled with anger, and the anger surged like a raging tide. Shufei's actions made him furious. She actually dared to confuse the identity of the royal heir. This was a great provocation to the imperial power and a serious stain on the dignity of the royal family.

Qianlong's heart was in turmoil, with all kinds of emotions intertwined. When he thought of Shufei's crimes, the anger in his heart became stronger. The anger made his eyes become even colder, as if he could shoot out a sharp arrow and pierce Shufei.

When Xiao Luzi heard Qianlong's call, he was like a frightened bird, and immediately walked in with small steps respectfully. Before he got close, he keenly sensed the oppressive atmosphere created by the strong anger emanating from Qianlong. His legs trembled slightly involuntarily, and then he knelt on the ground in fear and trepidation, with his head lowered, waiting for the emperor's orders with bated breath.

Qianlong gritted his teeth, his cheek muscles tensed with anger, and said word by word: "I decree that Concubine Shu dared to confuse the royal bloodline. Such behavior is extremely evil and violates the moral code. It is a serious blasphemy to the dignity of the royal family.

The title of Concubine Shu was immediately revoked, she was demoted to a commoner, and was sentenced to death by being stabbed in a scorpion basin. Her family members were also held accountable. Her father, Jin Sanbao, was torn into pieces by five horses. Those who were related to Concubine Shu were severely punished according to the law to serve as a warning to others.

I rule the world with benevolence, but such evil deeds will never be tolerated. I hope everyone in the harem will take this as a warning, abide by their duties, and not commit them again." His voice was filled with determination and coldness, as if he wanted to completely destroy all these evils.

In Qianlong's heart, protecting Yun'er is his unshirkable responsibility. Anyone who dares to challenge this bottom line will be punished most severely. Shufei's crimes undoubtedly make her the most hateful person in Qianlong's heart. She must pay a heavy price for her actions.

Jingyang Palace

Xiao Luzi was ordered to go to Jingyang Palace to convey the imperial edict. As soon as he stepped into the palace, a depressing atmosphere hit him. He saw that Concubine Shu was pale and full of resentment. Her eyes were wide open, full of anger and resentment.

Concubine Shu screamed at the top of her lungs, demanding to see the Emperor. Her voice was filled with grievance and anger, and her shrill cries echoed in Jingren Palace. However, Xiao Luzi had a blank expression on his face, and turned a deaf ear to Concubine Shu's cries. He waved his hand indifferently and ordered his men to drag Concubine Shu away by force.

Under the horrified gazes of everyone in the harem, Xiao Luzi's men mercilessly tore off Concubine Shu's gorgeous clothes piece by piece, revealing her fragile body. Then, they took Concubine Shu to the scorpion pot that had been prepared in advance.

In the scorpion pot, countless poisonous insects were wriggling and emitting a disgusting stench. Concubine Shu struggled and cried in fear, but her resistance was so weak that Xiao Luzi's men pushed her down without mercy, and Concubine Shu fell into the horrible scorpion pot in an instant.

The poisonous insects swarmed towards Concubine Shu like a tide. Her screams resounded throughout the entire harem, making people shudder. Her body twisted in pain in the scorpion pot, being eaten by poisonous insects, her flesh and blood blurred, a horrible sight. Xiao Luzi watched all this indifferently, carrying out Qianlong's orders and carrying out this cruel punishment to the end.