Return of the Pearl

After receiving the order, the guards began to act quickly and methodically like a group of well-trained machines. Their movements were tense and urgent, as if they wanted to wipe out everything as soon as possible. They held tools and carefully cleaned every inch and every corner of the Changshou Palace. Their sweat slid down their cheeks and dripped onto the ground, making a slight dripping sound.

However, despite their efforts to wipe and clean, the Changshou Palace was still filled with a lingering smell of blood. The tragic scene kept appearing in everyone's mind like a nightmare. The blood on the ground, the twisted corpses, and the desperate eyes all deeply hurt people's hearts.

The concubines stood aside, watching all this with empty eyes, with fear and sadness still on their faces, as if they had not yet recovered from the tragic scene. Their hearts were full of doubts and confusion, and they didn't understand why such a thing happened.

Qianlong watched all this silently, a trace of imperceptible pain and helplessness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly replaced by indifference. He knew that this was a choice he had to make, otherwise Yun'er would be in danger in the future.

That tragic scene, like an unsolvable knot, is forever entangled in everyone's heart, making them unable to let go. The bloody smell, the twisted corpses, and the desperate groans seem to still be lingering in the air and in everyone's ears.

In that difficult moment, time seemed to be stretched infinitely, and every minute and every second was as slow as a snail, until dawn the next day, when the clear and loud cry, like the sound of nature, broke the dull silence, announcing that Xiao Yun had given birth safely and a new life was born.

After the baby was born, the experienced midwife skillfully carried the baby to the anxious young eunuch outside the door. The young eunuch anxiously asked, "Is it a boy or a girl?"

The midwife's face was filled with a joyful smile, and she said softly, "It's a little princess."

The young eunuch held the child carefully in his hands as if he were holding a priceless treasure, and presented the child to Qianlong with brisk steps.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, it's a little princess." The little eunuch's voice was full of respect and joy.

When Qianlong heard this, a bright smile broke out on his face. That smile was as warm as the spring breeze and as bright as the sunshine. He couldn't wait to stretch out his hands and take the child from the little eunuch's hands. His movements were so gentle as if he was afraid of disturbing the young life. He held the child tightly in his arms, and his excitement was like that of a new father, which made his heart beat rapidly.

Qianlong walked briskly into the delivery room. Xiao Yun looked in excellent condition, her face filled with a happy smile. Qianlong came to Xiao Yun's side, his eyes full of tenderness and affection. He asked gently, "Yun'er..."

Qianlong held the child and paced back and forth in the delivery room. His eyes were full of love. Looking at the child's rosy little face, that delicate nose, and those slightly trembling eyelashes, his heart was filled with love and pity. As he walked, he whispered, "Yun'er, you gave birth to such a lovely daughter for me. I am really happy. I will love her forever and make her the happiest child in the world."

Xiao Yun looked at Emperor Qianlong and the child, her face filled with a happy smile. Her heart was filled with warmth and touching. She couldn't help but joked, "Hongli, you must have been in a lot of pain when I gave birth, right?"

Qianlong had a warm smile on his face. He gently held Xiao Yun's hand and said, "It's okay. As long as you and the child are safe, everything is worth it."

Xiao Yun was deeply moved after hearing Qianlong's words. She continued to jokingly ask, "Should we continue having children?"

Qianlong thought of the pain he had endured during Yun'er's childbirth, looked at his delicate daughter in his arms, and said firmly: "Okay, as long as you are willing, we can have many more children. I can bear it."

After hearing what Qianlong said, Xiao Yun blushed and said shyly, "Then you must love me and the child well."

Qianlong took Xiao Yun into his arms and said solemnly, "Yun'er, you are the one I love the most. I will treat you well and love you and your child for the rest of my life. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together and overcome them together."

Xiao Yun quietly gazed at the delicate daughter in Qianlong's arms. Her eyes, bright as stars, were filled with tenderness and love. She asked softly, "Hongli, have you thought of a name for your daughter?"

Qianlong's face was filled with a smile as warm as a spring breeze. That doting look seemed to be able to melt everything in the world. He smiled and said, "How about calling her Yixin?"

Xiao Yun blinked her eyes, which sparkled like brilliant gemstones. Her long eyelashes fluttered gently like a small fan. A hint of doubt flashed across her eyes, like ripples in a spring breeze. She asked in confusion, "Why?"

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun affectionately, his eyes filled with endless love and attachment. He slowly spoke, "'Yi Xin' is taken from the poem 'The Dove is on the mulberry tree, with seven chicks. The virtuous man and the gentleman, their manners are the same. Their manners are the same, and their hearts are like knots.' 'Yi' means to rely on, and 'Xin' represents the heart and soul. Our daughter is our spiritual support and the fruit of our love. I hope she can have a firm and kind heart, which also implies my undivided love for you."

After listening to Qianlong's explanation, Xiao Yun's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile as bright as the sun. That smile seemed to make the whole world fall in love with it. She gently stroked her daughter's delicate cheek, her heart filled with warmth and happiness. "This name is really beautiful. I like it very much."

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun's satisfied expression, his heart filled with happiness and joy. He hugged Xiao Yun and his daughter tightly, as if hugging the whole world. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. They were immersed in this warm and beautiful atmosphere, enjoying the joy and happiness of being a parent.

The sunlight shines on them through the window, outlining a beautiful and touching picture. Their love, like the warm sunshine, will always shine on their daughter and accompany her as she grows up.

Everything in the palace seemed to be still, only the sounds of their heartbeats and breathing intertwined together, forming the most beautiful music in the world. Their eyes met with each other, and it was an indescribable tacit understanding and affection. They knew that no matter what they would encounter in the future, they would face it together, because their love was as solid as a rock and would never change.