Return of the Pearl

As the ceremonial music sounded, Xiao Jian and Qing'er walked into the auditorium surrounded by the crowd. They walked slowly along the red carpet, and every step seemed to be stepping on the clouds, like a dream.

Under the auspices of the ceremonial officer, they held a solemn wedding ceremony. Xiao Jian and Qing'er first saluted the heaven and earth, thanking God for giving them a beautiful marriage; then they saluted Qianlong to express their gratitude to the emperor; finally, they saluted each other and vowed to stay together for life.

When the resonant voice of the ceremonial officer sounded, "The ceremony is over, escort the bride to the bridal chamber," this grand wedding slowly closed like a gorgeous painting.

In this painting, Qianlong's presence is undoubtedly the most dazzling radiance. Xiao Jian has just returned from a glorious military campaign, and with Qianlong at the helm, who would dare to embarrass him? Furthermore, Qianlong thoughtfully allows Xiao Jian to stay in the bridal chamber with Qing'er, rather than entertaining guests.

These words were an imperial decree, and no one dared to disobey. When Qianlong spoke, everyone fell silent, daring not to raise a single objection. Xiao Jian, on the other hand, cast a look of deep gratitude at Qianlong. In that look, there was respect for him, a sense of regret for his fate, and hope for the future.

Xiao Jian walked back to the room with steady steps, his heart full of anticipation of going to the bridal chamber with Qing'er. However, just when he was about to step into the palace of happiness hand in hand with Qing'er, an unexpected figure suddenly broke in and ran in like a whirlwind.

The tenth princess's childish voice sounded crisply, full of innocent curiosity: "Uncle, what is the wedding night?" This sudden question made Xiao Jian stunned for a moment, and an embarrassed look quietly emerged on his face. For a moment, he didn't know how to explain the mystery to his young niece.

The Tenth Princess, who was standing by, looked at the blushing cheeks of Xiao Jian and Qing'er and couldn't help muttering to herself, "Isn't it just like how the Emperor always forbids me and my mother to sleep together, but they want to have their wedding night every day?" His words made the air seem to become a little subtle.

At this moment, Emperor Qianlong entered the bridal chamber carrying the Thirteenth Prince. "Yixin, come out quickly and don't disturb your uncle."

Xiao Yun's voice was filled with a hint of apology. "I wasn't watching over him for a moment, and he ran over here. Brothers, you guys keep going and try to give Yonglang a playmate next year."

But the Tenth Princess seemed reluctant to leave. Her bright eyes were filled with curiosity and reluctance about the scene before her. "Father Emperor, I want to stay and take a look!"

Xiao Yun said with a smile, his voice filled with doting, "You usually spoil her to the point of lawlessness. She even dared to barge in on my brother's wedding. Let's see what happens if she gets into trouble in the future!"

Qianlong shook his head helplessly, reaching out and gently pinching Yixin's little face, that action full of love, "Even if you get into trouble, don't you still have me as your royal father? What are you afraid of?"

Afterwards, the family of four got on the carriage back to the palace. The wheels turned slowly, as if taking them to the other side of happiness. Inside the carriage, there was constant laughter and a warm atmosphere filled every corner.

And in the warm and romantic bridal chamber, Xiao Jian's heart, which had been hanging in the balance due to the intrusion of the Tenth Princess, finally felt relieved and gradually calmed down. He gently took Qing'er's hand, his eyes full of affection and determination, and said softly, "Qing'er, I have waited for this day for so long. I waited until today because I wanted to make myself stronger and more capable, to be truly worthy of you. Now, I can finally marry you legitimately. I will spend my whole life caring for you and loving you."

Qing'er listened to Xiao Jian's words, tears of emotion flashing in her eyes. She naturally understood Xiao Jian, she knew his feelings, and was willing to wait for him. She nodded gently, responding to Xiao Jian's deep affection.

The two of them held up the wine glass containing the wedding wine and slowly drank the wine that symbolized beauty and happiness. The sweetness of the wine melted in their mouths, as if it also closely connected their hearts. Then, Xiao Jian slowly leaned down and gently kissed Qing'er on the lips. The kiss was soft and passionate, full of endless love and desire. Qing'er closed her eyes slightly, feeling Xiao Jian's deep affection and immersed in this happy moment.

At this moment, the red candles in the bridal chamber swayed gently in the breeze, and the candlelight cast their figures on the wall, swaying gracefully. The red curtains fluttered gently, as if telling their love story.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, sprinkling in the courtyard, covering everything in a layer of silver gauze. The chirping of insects in the distance came one after another, as if cheering for their happiness. In this warm bridal chamber, time seemed to have stopped for them.

Half a year after Xiao Jian and Qing'er got married, exciting news came from their family. It was the rhythm of life and the continuation of happiness. They welcomed a smart and lovely little life, a little baby who came like an elf.

After careful consideration, they gave their son a name with great meaning - Xiao Lingyun. This name seems to carry their infinite expectations and blessings for their son. They hope that he can be like a soaring crane, with lofty ambitions and tenacious qualities, so that he can spread his wings and soar on the road of life in the future, pursue his dreams and create his own glory.

When they looked at their son's rosy little face and the bright light twinkling in his clear eyes, their hearts were filled with the joy and emotion of being a parent. They knew that this little life would bring more joy and responsibility to their lives and would become the most precious existence in their lives.

The Thirteenth Prince grew up by Emperor Qianlong's side since he was a child. There was always an interesting battle of wits and courage between Emperor Qianlong and his two children, because they were always competing with Emperor Qianlong for Yun'er. Now, the Thirteenth Prince was five years old, and Emperor Qianlong began to carefully teach him how to review memorials. The Thirteenth Prince's handwriting was taught by Emperor Qianlong himself, and he learned it very well.

The Thirteenth Prince was truly gifted. He was extremely intelligent and had a photographic memory since he was a child. When he was two or three years old, he could speak eloquently. Therefore, Emperor Qianlong attached great importance to him and made great efforts to cultivate him.

His elder sister Yixin, although she is the elder sister, has a carefree personality and always needs her younger brother to take care of her. The Thirteenth Prince is mature beyond his years and is very similar to Emperor Qianlong. He knows very well that the Emperor will entrust him with a heavy burden in the future, so he works extra hard and never complains.

Sometimes, Xiao Yun felt a little distressed, but the Thirteenth Prince always smiled and said, "It's okay. The Emperor has been protecting us from the wind and rain for so many years. Don't worry, Empress Dowager. When your son grows up, he will definitely protect you from the wind and rain."

After hearing this, Xiao Yun was deeply moved, but more of it was heartache.