Return of the Pearl

In the quiet and peaceful Shufangzhai, Qianlong and Xiao Yun were immersed in the wonderful time of reading and learning to read. The sunlight shone softly on them through the carved windows, as if covering them with a layer of dazzling golden gauze, making them look like a perfect couple.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun gently, his eyes full of doting and love, as if that look could melt everything. He gently took Xiao Yun's hand, intertwined his slender fingers with hers, and then taught her to write those beautiful words patiently and meticulously, stroke by stroke.

At the moment their fingers touched, it seemed as if a warm and wonderful current was flowing quietly between each other's hearts. It was an indescribable emotional bond.

Xiao Yun's face was filled with a happy smile, which was as bright and beautiful as the warm spring sun. She followed Qianlong's instructions carefully, her eyes focused and bright, like the stars twinkling in the night sky. She looked at the words under her pen with full concentration, and each stroke was written so carefully and with such effort.

The two of them sometimes smiled at each other, and their smiles were full of warmth and sweetness, as if the whole world became better because of their smiles. They sometimes communicated in a low voice. Qianlong's voice was low and magnetic, as pleasant as the gurgling stream; Xiao Yun's voice was crisp and melodious, like the birdsong in the early morning. Their conversation was poetic, full of romance and warmth.

Qianlong would brush away the hair on Xiao Yun's forehead from time to time. His movements were gentle and natural, as if she was the most precious treasure in the world. Every brush was filled with his deep care and love.

Xiao Yun would also playfully kiss Qianlong on the cheek, then shyly lower her head. Her rosy cheeks were as beautiful as blooming peach blossoms. Her shyness and innocence melted Qianlong's heart.

Qianlong would hold Xiao Yun tightly in his arms, feeling her warmth and breath, his heart filled with satisfaction. He hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to integrate her into his life.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the whole world was immersed in their love. Their embrace was so tight and so affectionate, as if nothing could separate them.

The sunlight shines on them, reflecting their happy faces, outlining a beautiful and moving picture. In this warm scene, their love is like the bright sunshine, warming each other's hearts and illuminating each other's lives. Their love story is like a beautiful piece of music, played in this Shufangzhai, echoing for a long time, intoxicating people.

Just then, Xiao Luzi came back with the imperial eunuch's message. There was still some fatigue on his face. As soon as he stepped into the hall, the young eunuch leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words.

Xiao Luzi's expression changed slightly in an instant, his brows furrowed tightly, a trace of worry and helplessness flashed in his eyes. He sighed in his heart, these people really don't know what's good for them! How dare they be so bold and presumptuous.

Xiao Luzi looked around and found that the emperor was not in the palace. He had no choice but to wait quietly. He knew very well that there was no need to look for him, as the emperor must be in Shufangzhai.

However, what he was going to report would definitely cause the emperor considerable trouble and even affect his mood, so it would be better to wait until the emperor came back.

As time passed, Xiao Luzi's mood became heavier. He looked at the door from time to time, expecting Qianlong's return. Finally, in the afternoon, Xiao Luzi saw Qianlong walking into the hall with steady and cheerful steps. There was a faint smile on Qianlong's face, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

However, the moment Xiao Luzi saw Qianlong, he felt an inexplicable nervousness in his heart. He knew that what he was going to report next might make the emperor furious. Xiao Luzi stepped forward, took a deep breath, and then reported to Qianlong everything the eunuch had found out.

When Qianlong heard that there was also a problem found in Ziwei's clothes, his face instantly became gloomy. His eyes widened, and there was a flash of anger in his eyes, as if he was about to spit out fire. His hands were clenched into fists, his veins bulged, and his body trembled slightly.

"How can this be!" Qianlong shouted angrily, his voice resounding in the hall like thunder. His anger had reached its peak, and the rage in his heart seemed to burn his entire body.

"The Queen is so cruel! She will do anything to achieve her goal! What does she think of my harem? Who does she think of me?" Qianlong's voice was filled with anger and disappointment.

Qianlong's chest heaved violently, his breathing became rapid, his eyes were full of anger and heartache, as if he was extremely angry at what the queen had done.

"A role model for the country? Is she worthy of it? Her behavior is an insult to the country! A blasphemy to the royal family! She has betrayed my trust in her!" Qianlong became more and more excited as he spoke, and his voice became louder and louder.

Qianlong's anger was like a volcanic eruption, uncontrollable. He paced back and forth in the hall, every step filled with deep anger and dissatisfaction. His face turned red and the veins on his forehead bulged, as if he could erupt at any time.

"I will never tolerate such things happening again! This matter must be thoroughly investigated! Those with evil intentions must be punished as they deserve!" Qianlong's voice was full of determination and resoluteness.

The entire Yangxin Palace was shrouded in Qianlong's anger, and the air was filled with tension and oppression. Xiao Luzi stood aside, silent as a cicada, not daring to make a sound. He knew that the emperor was now overwhelmed by anger, and he had to deal with it carefully to avoid getting into trouble.

Qianlong's anger lasted for a long time before it gradually subsided, but there was still a flash of anger in his eyes, which was a deep hatred and dissatisfaction with the queen's actions.

After a long silence, Qianlong finally spoke, "Where are the Black Scale Guards?" Then, a figure dressed in black with only his eyes exposed appeared in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Xiao Luzi recognized him at a glance; this was the leader of the Black Scale Guards.

This is all Xiao Luzi knew about him. He only knew that his name was Anyi. In fact, Xiao Luzi had never even seen his face, because this leader was always fully armed, and the secret guards never showed their true faces. Perhaps, only the emperor had truly seen his true face!

At this point, Xiao Luzi didn't retreat, because the Emperor hadn't told him to. Qianlong calmly issued orders, "Inform the Black Scale Guards to secretly guard Shufangzhai and protect Yun'er and Ziwei. I don't want them to come to any harm. If you encounter anyone with ill intentions, execute them first and report to me later."

An Yi stood there quietly, as if he was an emotionless machine, and responded in a cold tone: "Your servant obeys your order." After that, Qianlong waved his hand, and the Black Scale Guard left on his own like a shadow.

Xiao Luzi was secretly surprised. He knew very well that the emperor's Black Scale Guards always dealt with state affairs. Even by the emperor's side, there were only two or three secret guards left, and that was just in case of emergency.

And now, the emperor has mobilized the Black Scale Guards to secretly protect Princess Ziwei and Miss Xiao. This is enough to show how important their status is in the emperor's heart!