Return of the Pearl

Recently, Yongqi always went to Zhongcui Palace involuntarily, where he had frequent and close contacts with the brothers Yongsheng and Yongyan. The friendship between the three of them, like a thriving vine, became deeper and closer day by day.

They often get together and have great conversations, and always chat until midnight before reluctantly saying goodbye. However, the topics they talk about are shrouded in mystery, and no one can see through the secrets.

Whenever Yongqi stepped into Zhongcui Palace, he would send away everyone around him one by one, leaving only the three brothers to conduct the mysterious conversation in a quiet atmosphere, as if they were in a small world isolated from the outside world.

A few days later, the secret guards fulfilled their mission and successfully brought Xiao Jian back to the capital, and brought him into the solemn and dignified imperial palace to meet with Emperor Qianlong.

Qianlong's eyes were as sharp as torches, staring intently at the person in front of him. That extremely familiar face was none other than Xiao Jian. However, in this familiarity, he inexplicably felt a sense of strangeness at this moment. So, Qianlong took a deep breath and suppressed the inexplicable strangeness in his heart.

Afterwards, Qianlong, smiling, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Xiao Jian with great interest. Facing the various questions raised by Qianlong, Xiao Jian was not at all nervous, and his quick thinking and eloquent speech, each of his answers were just right and clearly organized, fully demonstrating his extraordinary intelligence and wit.

However, although he appeared to be coping with the situation with ease, Xiao Jian's heart was actually already filled with anxiety and worry. Finally, he could no longer suppress the strong emotions in his heart and could not wait to ask Qianlong about the news of his sister Xiao Yun. His voice trembled slightly, and it was filled with deep concern for his relatives.

Seeing this, Qianlong was not in a hurry. He nodded slightly, and then answered Xiao Jian's questions one by one in an orderly manner. From Xiao Yun's daily diet and daily life to his recent mood changes, Qianlong told Xiao Jian about Xiao Yun's recent situation in detail.

At this moment, Qianlong resolutely put down the mountain of government affairs at hand, and expressed without hesitation that he would personally accompany Xiao Jian to the Jianjia Palace to visit Xiao Yun. So, the two walked side by side all the way to the Jianjia Palace.

Soon, they arrived in front of the Jianjia Palace. From afar, they saw Xiao Yun, wearing a light pink long dress, walking lightly among the flowers like a fairy. She seemed to be completely immersed in this sea of flowers, leisurely admiring the gorgeous blooming flowers, sometimes leaning over to smell the fragrance, sometimes reaching out to stroke the petals, her face filled with a happy and peaceful smile.

At this moment, Xiao Yun's gaze inadvertently swept past Qianlong's back and instantly fixed on the figure that could not be more familiar - it was her brother Xiao Jian, whom she thought about day and night! In an instant, it was as if time had stopped flowing, and Xiao Yun was completely stunned.

Then, her beautiful eyes quickly flashed with excitement, and tears burst out like a broken dam, sliding down her cheeks.

Qianlong smiled and gently introduced Xiao Yun, "Yun'er, this is the brother you've been thinking about day and night and looking for. I have brought him to you."

Xiao Jian couldn't wait to quickly step forward and hug Xiao Yun tightly. However, surprisingly, Xiao Yun didn't feel the joy of reunion at this moment. On the contrary, an inexplicable complex emotion surged in her heart like a tide. She stared at Xiao Jian quietly, her eyes intertwined with deep longing, and a hint of elusive doubt and confusion, as if a heavy stone was pressing on her heart, making her feel unspeakably depressed.

Xiao Jian was terribly anxious, his anxious expression clearly visible in his eyes, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yun with concern and anxiety. His hands trembled slightly as he expressed his concern for Xiao Yun. His voice trembled with an uncontrollable tremor as he pressed on anxiously, "Sister, where have you been all these years? Are you doing okay? I've missed you and worried about your safety all these years!"

Xiao Yun's eyes welled up with tears, and those crystal tears rolled down like pearls from a broken string. She raised her head slightly and looked at Xiao Jian, her voice filled with longing and emotion: "Brother, I have experienced many hardships and wandered around all these years... But as long as I think about meeting you again, I feel a little comfort in my heart."

Since Xiao Jian could not bring weapons into the palace, he brought in the flute that had always been with him. At this moment, Xiao Jian affectionately handed the flute to Xiao Yun and told her that this was a precious relic of his father.

Xiao Jian's eyes were full of tenderness and affection. He slowly told Xiao Yun about their parents. Those beautiful memories flooded into his heart like a tide. He mentioned the unique birthmark on Xiao Yun's body.

The brother and sister hugged each other and cried. The strong emotion filled the air, as if time had stood still. Xiao Jian gently stroked Xiao Yun's hair, his voice full of tenderness: "Sister, don't be afraid. From now on, I am here with you. I will never let you suffer any grievances again."

However, Qianlong, who was standing aside, had some strange feelings. He wondered inwardly why Xiao Jian's concern for Yun'er always made him feel that it was not sincere, but seemed to be deliberately performed?

Qianlong was a man of rich experience, and this feeling was so strong and clear, but he couldn't help but wonder in his heart, is this person really the one he remembered? He was confused, why did he have such a strange feeling, as if Xiao Jian in front of him seemed like a completely different person.

But the faces were obviously the same. This contradictory cognition made him feel as if he was in a cloud of fog, and he was confused. He stared at Xiao Jian and Yun'er quietly. The meeting of brother and sister should have made him feel relieved, but at this moment he inexplicably felt doubtful. This feeling was so strong, but he could not explain the reason. It was as if there was a mysterious veil shrouding Xiao Jian, making him unable to see through or guess. Or was he worrying too much?

Xiao Jian leisurely enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the palace. The exquisite dishes exuded an enticing aroma, as if it was a miniature of a palace banquet. After the meal, Qianlong thought for a moment and ordered the secret guards to take Xiao Jian out of the palace and temporarily place him outside the palace.

After all, it is not appropriate for outsiders to stay in the palace for a long time. This is not only a constraint of etiquette, but also to avoid many potential risks. Qianlong looked at Xiao Jian's figure gradually walking away, and the strange feeling in his heart became stronger. He wondered secretly, what kind of secret is hidden in this?