Return of the Pearl

Xiao Luzi once again stepped into the Imperial Household Department. The palace maid in front of him still stubbornly insisted on her previous confession, showing no signs of change.

Xiao Luzi waved his hand, asking everyone present to leave. Then, lowering his voice, he whispered a few words of the so-called imperial edict into the maid's ear: "Whether you were instructed by the Empress or not, this must be clearly stated in your confession. Don't you understand? Under heaven, only the Emperor is the ruler of the Qing Dynasty! Haven't you heard the saying? All under heaven is the Emperor's land, and all the people are his subjects.

Why are you struggling so hard? If your family is in the hands of the Empress, then you should tell the truth, and we will report it to the Emperor. Even if you don't say it, we have already conveyed the Emperor's instructions. Think carefully about it."

At this time, the palace maid had been tortured to the point of being on the verge of death. In the end, under various pressures, she chose to confess. She did have a younger brother who fell into the hands of the Queen. She knew very well that even if she did not confess, she would not be able to escape the same tragic ending. Xiao Luzi finally lived up to the emperor's trust and completed the task successfully.

In the solemn Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Luzi respectfully presented the maid's confession to Qianlong. Qianlong carefully examined the confession and thought to himself that although the maid's confession had some weight, it was not enough to depose the empress. He knew very well that it was not easy to shake the empress's position.

Qianlong knew that this was like a thousand-mile-long dam that could collapse because of a tiny ant hole, but for now, he needed to be patient and slowly accumulate strength. So, he slowly spoke and issued an order, "Since this palace maid is from Kunning Palace, and the Empress is not strict with her, she will be fined three months' salary and required to copy the palace rules a hundred times. Xiaoluzi, you will immediately go to Kunning Palace to convey the order."

Qianlong's thoughts were dancing as he recalled that the report actually involved the matter of Zhao Wanting, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, Mr. Zhao. He thought, let's punish them all together.

Zhao Chongyi, the Minister of Rites, had failed to raise his own daughter properly. He truly failed to live up to his trust! Qianlong was slightly furious. "Little Luzi, fine Zhao Chongyi half a year's salary. And make Zhao Wanting kneel on the ground for half an hour every day and copy the Book of Rites thousands of times by hand." These punishments, like a string of heavy notes, danced in the air, playing a melody of punishment for Zhao Chongyi and his daughter.

After receiving the order, Xiao Luzi left in a hurry. In fact, Qianlong was not very satisfied with such punishment, but under the current circumstances, there was no better way.

In Qianlong's heart, he was always thinking about the little girl in Shufangzhai. He decided to give her an explanation and let her know that he had always been thinking about her.

In this huge palace, Qianlong's mind is intricately controlled. While weighing the pros and cons, he is also working hard for the emotions in his heart. Every decision involves the complicated palace situation, and he must find the direction to move forward in this complexity.

After finishing his government affairs, Qianlong strolled to his private treasury and carefully selected a number of silks and satins. These silks were like clouds in the sky, gorgeous and dazzling, and every thread exuded exquisiteness and luxury. He happily took these things and walked towards Shufangzhai.

When Qianlong stepped into Shufangzhai, he saw Xiao Yun kicking shuttlecock happily. The shuttlecock was like a nimble little bird, jumping lightly on her toes. Her face was blooming with a smile as bright as a spring flower. That smile seemed to melt the ice and snow, making the whole world bright. Qianlong's eyes were deeply attracted to her, and the fatigue in his heart disappeared at this moment.

Qianlong stood quietly aside, looking at Xiao Yun's cheerful figure, the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. Finally, he couldn't contain his inner joy, walked forward, and joined the ranks of playing with her.

When Xiao Yun saw Qianlong coming, her eyes sparkled with surprise, and her laughter became even clearer and more melodious, like a silver bell.

Qianlong and Xiao Yun were playing shuttlecock together, and their interaction was full of laughter. Qianlong sometimes raised his foot and kicked lightly, and the shuttlecock drew a beautiful arc in the air; sometimes he cooperated with Xiao Yun tacitly, letting the shuttlecock shuttle back and forth between the two of them. Xiao Yun was not to be outdone, she jumped lightly, using the shuttlecock to show her vitality and happiness.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the whole world was immersed in their joy. Qianlong felt Xiao Yun's innocence and happiness, and Xiao Yun also spent an extremely happy time in Qianlong's company. Their interaction was like a beautiful piece of music, and every note was full of warmth and happiness, which made people intoxicated and unforgettable.

After Xiao Yun had a great time, her face was still filled with a happy smile. Qianlong gently took her hand and they walked into the room together.

Qianlong stared at Xiao Yun, his eyes full of pity and guilt. He slowly said, "Yun'er, I came here today specially to tell you that I have investigated the matter clearly. It was the Queen who did it." At this point, his brows frowned slightly, revealing deep helplessness and resentment.

Qianlong paused and continued, "But at present, I cannot easily depose the queen based on the confession of the palace maid. I am also very tormented, but don't worry, I will definitely try my best to fight for it and will not let you suffer such grievances again." After saying this, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and his fists clenched unconsciously.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun again, his voice filled with self-blame: "And that Zhao Wanting, she actually dared to embarrass you. I have punished her by making her kneel on the ground for half an hour every day and copy the Book of Rites thousands of times. Even her father, I fined him half a year's salary. Yun'er, it's all my fault. I made you suffer these grievances." At the end, his voice was choked with sobs and his eyes were slightly red.

Xiao Yun shook her head gently, her eyes full of understanding and tolerance: "Hongli, there is no need to be like this, I know you have tried your best." She walked forward, gently hugged Qianlong, and comforted him.

Qianlong hugged Xiao Yun tightly and swore secretly in his heart: From now on, he must send more people to her side to ensure her safety. A gentle smile appeared on his face and he stroked Xiao Yun's hair, "Yun'er, from now on, I will protect you and never let you suffer any harm again." His eyes were full of affection, as if he wanted to melt Xiao Yun in them.

In this warm moment, the two hugged each other quietly, and their hearts seemed to be closer to each other. The room was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere, as if time had stopped for them.