Return of the Pearl

At this moment, Qianlong felt as if his abdomen was pierced by countless sharp blades at the same time. The pain was like surging waves, one after another, endless. His face was so pale that it was almost transparent, the blue veins on his forehead bulged like earthworms, and big beads of sweat rolled down like pearls from a broken string.

He clenched his teeth tightly, his lips were bitten until they bled, his body was shaking with pain, his waist seemed to be broken, and he could hardly stand upright.

Every breath became extremely difficult, as if a heavy mountain was pressing on his chest, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. He endured the heart-wrenching pain, his eyes as sharp as torches, always firmly fixed on Xiao Yun in the delivery room, the worry and anxiety in his heart burning like a raging fire.

When the other concubines heard the news that Concubine Xian was about to give birth, they all rushed to the palace. However, Xiao Jian did not leave the palace either. His heart was on Xiao Yun. When he heard the news that Xiao Yun was giving birth, he was extremely anxious and hurried to the outside of the palace to wait like an ant on a hot pan.

After Xiao Yun entered the delivery room, Qianlong's heart was in his throat. He watched every move inside nervously. He was clearly aware of every subtle change in Yun'er's delivery, because the pain in his body was like a surging wave, hitting his nerves one after another. Just now, he felt that his condition seemed to be better, which meant that Yun'er was doing well, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

So, he cautiously retreated to the side hall, fearing that someone would discover the abnormality of his body. However, fate seemed to always like to play jokes on him. As soon as he arrived at the side hall, An Yi suddenly appeared in front of him like a ghost.

An Yi's voice was deep and powerful. "Master, the Fourth and Eleventh Princes have already led their troops here. According to your secret order, the guards did not resist much, but let them in. I believe it won't be long before they will surround the Changshou Palace. What are your next instructions?"

Just as Qianlong was about to speak, he was suddenly struck by a severe abdominal pain, as if an invisible knife was stirring in his abdomen. He held his stomach tightly, enduring the unbearable pain. An Yi was extremely anxious when he saw his master in so much pain, but he could only stand aside silently, waiting for Qianlong's instructions.

Qianlong suppressed the anger in his heart, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Then it depends on my gesture. Tonight is their last chance." After saying that, he gritted his teeth, endured the pain, and rested in the side hall for a while before walking out of the delivery room with difficulty.

Xiao Jian looked around outside but did not see Qianlong. He couldn't help but feel a little doubtful and dissatisfied. However, when he saw Qianlong walking out of the side hall with a pale face, like a piece of white paper, his doubts instantly turned into worry.

Xiao Jian hurried to Qianlong's side, his eyes filled with concern and anxiety. He asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, why do you look so bad? Are you feeling unwell?"

Qianlong gritted his teeth, trying to endure the pain that was surging like a tidal wave. His face was so pale that it was almost transparent, without a trace of blood. Beads of sweat as big as soybeans rolled down his forehead, as if it was raining heavily. His lips trembled slightly, and were tightly pursed together because of the pain, as if he was fighting tenaciously against the unbearable pain.

At this moment, the pain in his body was like a group of ferocious beasts frantically biting every inch of his internal organs, making his internal organs seem to be burning and suffering in flames. His abdomen seemed to be pressed tightly by a thousand-pound boulder, making it difficult for him to breathe. Every breath became extremely difficult. His legs were weak, like two noodles with the bones pulled out, barely able to support his body. He was whole and shaky, as if he might collapse to the ground at any time.

In that quiet room, the midwives were surprised to find that Xiao Yun's face was calm, without any sign of pain, as if the person who was about to give birth was not her. This strange scene left them stunned, and their hearts were filled with confusion and surprise.

They have been midwives all their lives, but have never seen such a strange situation. However, they remained calm and continued their midwifery work with steady hands without a trace of panic.

Just when Qianlong was almost fainting from the pain that surged like a tide, the sharp sound of swords clashing and shouts of killing suddenly came from Changshou Palace. Yongsheng and Yongyan, wearing shiny armor and holding gleaming swords, led their men to surround Changshou Palace. The concubines were frightened by this sudden change, their faces turned pale, their bodies trembling, and they huddled in the corner like frightened birds.

Qianlong endured the discomfort in his body, clenched his teeth, and tried hard to keep himself standing. His face was as pale as paper, veins bulged on his forehead, and beads of sweat kept rolling down, as if he had just been fished out of the water. His body trembled slightly, like a mountain about to collapse, but he still stood in front, exuding a majestic and inviolable aura.

Qianlong looked at Yongcheng and Yongyan with eyes as cold as ice, filled with anger and disappointment, and shouted sternly: "What? Are you planning to rebel and force the emperor to abdicate?"

Yongsheng, however, raised his chin, revealing a look of confidence, and said triumphantly, "Father, of your existing sons, besides my sixth brother, only my eleventh brother and I are qualified to inherit the throne. My sixth brother has no interest in the throne. We are brothers, and you can give the throne to whomever you want. But if Father does not write the edict of abdication today, I'm afraid the child in Concubine Xian's belly will not be born."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jian was instantly enraged. His eyes widened, veins bulged on his forehead, and his fists clenched tightly, as if ready to explode at any moment. He was about to strike when Qianlong grabbed his arm tightly and said in a firm and unquestionable tone, "You two brothers are truly audacious! For the sake of our father-son relationship, I will give you one last chance. Lay down your weapons, and I may consider sparing your lives."

After hearing what Qianlong said, Yongsheng's face, which was already somewhat sinister, became even more disdainful. He suddenly raised his head and laughed. The laughter was like the cry of a night owl, full of madness and determination. His hair fluttered in the wind, as if he had fallen into the abyss of madness.

"Now that things have come to this, Your Majesty, do you think there is any way back?" His voice was sharp and piercing, like a sharp blade, piercing straight into Qianlong's heart. The voice seemed to tear through the sky, carrying with it endless resentment and unwillingness.

His eyes were fixed on Qianlong, with crazy flames burning in them, as if they wanted to burn Qianlong to ashes. A ferocious smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and that smile was full of contempt and ridicule for Qianlong.