Return of the Pearl

Xiao Yun gently took off his dress slowly, and Ziwei, who was standing beside him, keenly noticed the unusualness at the banquet.

Xiao Yun pointed his slender finger at the waistband and said solemnly, "This dress must have been tampered with secretly. I guess Miss Zhao who suddenly appeared at the banquet was also instructed by someone else.

If I were wearing it normally, this wouldn't happen. But once I started dancing, the waist belt would inevitably be stretched. Fortunately, I reacted in time, otherwise, I would probably be..."

Xiao Yun's words were like a kite with a broken string, and he didn't continue. However, Ziwei's heart was already filled with fear and dread. In this era, if a woman's body was exposed in front of everyone, it would be more painful for her than death.

Ziwei tightly grasped Xiao Yun's hand and said excitedly, "Who on earth did such a despicable thing? We must tell the Emperor and ask him to thoroughly investigate this matter and find out who is behind this and seek justice for you!"

Xiao Yun was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Ziwei, you must pay extra attention to your food, clothing, housing and transportation these days. You must be extremely careful."

Ziwei was stunned when she heard this, and said with a puzzled look on her face: "Will I be in any danger? I haven't offended anyone."

Xiao Yun smiled slightly and said gently, "Ziwei, sometimes we don't need to offend others. Our very existence is already an eyesore to some people."

After hearing this, Ziwei fell into deep thought. She stood there quietly, with Xiao Yun's words constantly emerging in her mind. She began to understand that in this complicated palace, many things were not as simple as they seemed on the surface.

Those undercurrents hidden in the darkness and those difficult-to-detect conspiracies and calculations may cause great harm to people inadvertently.

Ziwei recalled everything she and Xiao Yun had experienced along the way, those days of sharing weal and woe, those moments of mutual support, which made her more determined to face difficulties with Xiao Yun.

Ziwei knows that on this challenging road, they must be more cautious and careful to protect themselves and each other.

A resolute strength surged in Ziwei's heart. She believed that as long as they worked together, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and usher in a bright future that belonged to them.

Xiao Yun did not tell Fulun about this matter. Instead, he got on a carriage with Ziwei and was escorted back to the palace by Erkang. Qianlong did not attend the family recognition banquet. He was quietly waiting for his little girl to return in the palace.

Ziwei was thoughtful and perceptive. She did not enter the palace directly. When she saw the light in Xiao Yun's room was on, she knew that the emperor must be waiting for Xiao Yun, so she tiptoed back to her room.

Xiao Yun pushed the door open and walked in. He saw Qianlong put down the book in his hand, raised his head, and saw Xiao Yun changed into casual clothes. He couldn't help feeling a little surprised.

Qianlong asked in confusion, "Yun'er, you were clearly wearing that beautiful dress when you left. Why are you changing out of it now?"

Xiao Yun smiled slightly and brought the dress to Qianlong. "Hongli, someone has tampered with this dress. Fortunately, I reacted in time today, otherwise, it would be very troublesome. Look..."

Qianlong looked in the direction Xiao Yun pointed, and saw that the back of the dress was actually unraveling. Qianlong couldn't imagine that if something happened to Yun'er at the banquet today, the consequences would be disastrous.

Qianlong was filled with shock and anger. He clenched his hands tightly and said, "I will thoroughly investigate this matter and will not let you suffer this in vain! From now on, I will have someone specifically responsible for your clothes. No one else will be responsible for them, including your food."

After hearing what Qianlong said, Xiao Yun felt extremely warm in her heart. She knew that Qianlong really cared about her and loved her.

Xiao Yun told Qianlong everything that happened at the banquet today. After hearing it, Qianlong felt both distressed and angry. He could not imagine that his little girl had experienced such a thing at the banquet while he was not by her side. He secretly vowed to find out those people with ulterior motives and make them receive the punishment they deserved.

Qianlong and Xiao Yun sat facing each other in the room and talked to each other from the heart. They talked about each other's past and those beautiful memories. Xiao Yun leaned gently on Qianlong's shoulder, feeling his warmth and care, while Qianlong gently stroked Xiao Yun's hair, his eyes full of tenderness.

They talked for a long time, as if to make up for the time they had missed over the years. On this warm night, their hearts were closely connected and their love for each other filled the air.

In Shufangzhai, Qianlong and Xiao Yun were immersed in their love, however, this made life difficult for Xiaoluzi who was waiting outside.

Xiao Luzi watched as the sky grew darker and darker, but the emperor showed no sign of coming out. What should he do? He couldn't directly warn him, so he could only cough softly a few times outside the door.

Although he didn't say a word, Qianlong instantly understood what Xiao Luzi wanted to convey. He let go of Xiao Yun in his arms reluctantly and said gently: "Yun'er, you can rest assured. I will give you an explanation for this matter. It's getting late, and I should go." Xiao Yun also slowly let go of Qianlong.

After Qianlong left Shufangzhai, the gentleness on his face disappeared instantly, and was replaced by a cold aura emanating from his body.

Qianlong's eyes widened in anger, and he gritted his teeth as he said, "Investigate for me! I want to see who is so bold! The dress I gave to Yun'er was actually tampered with. This person is too vicious! Immediately check all the clothes and food around Yun'er and Ziwei to see if there are any other problems!"

After saying that, Qianlong looked at Xiao Luzi and solemnly ordered: "You must investigate this matter yourself, and give me an explanation before tomorrow morning!" Xiao Luzi took the order and left.

Qianlong was alone, walking slowly towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation. In his heart, anger and worry intertwined, surging like a raging wave. He secretly made up his mind to get to the bottom of this matter, to find out the mastermind behind it, and never let his beloved Yun'er suffer any harm again.

In this silent night, Qianlong's figure appeared particularly lonely and determined under the moonlight. He took steady steps, and every step seemed to carry his deep affection and protection for Yun'er.

That lonely figure in this quiet atmosphere further highlights Qianlong's inner determination and persistence. He will do whatever it takes to provide Yun'er with a safe sky.