Return of the Pearl

Perhaps Xiao Yun really had too much fun, and she fell into a deep sleep in the carriage. Qianlong gazed at her sleeping face quietly, his heart full of tenderness and love.

Her face was calm and serene, her long eyelashes drooped slightly like a small fan, casting a faint shadow on her eyelids, and her pink lips were slightly open, as if she was having a sweet dream. Qianlong couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke her cheek. The delicate touch made his heart tremble slightly.

The carriage swayed gently, and the sound of the wheels rolling on the bluestone road was like a soft lullaby. Qianlong sat beside her, looking at her peaceful sleeping face, his thoughts gradually drifting away. He remembered the moment they first met, her lively eyes and brilliant smile, like a ray of light illuminating his world.

He also remembered how they had strolled together in the garden, holding hands and admiring the beautiful flowers; how they had fished together by the lake and enjoyed the quiet time; how they had tasted delicious food together and shared each other's joys and sorrows. Every moment of their time was filled with warmth and happiness, which made him feel extremely cherished.

At this moment, in this narrow carriage, Qianlong felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility and contentment. He knew that they still had a long way to go and many challenges and difficulties were waiting for them, but he believed that as long as they went forward hand in hand and supported each other, they would be able to overcome everything.

Qianlong gently held Xiao Yun's hand and placed her hand on his chest, as if wanting her to feel his heartbeat and warmth. The carriage continued to move forward, and their story would continue...

Kunning Palace

In the magnificent and secluded palace, Concubine Yi stood respectfully before the Empress, her heart filled with surprise and uneasiness. The Empress's dignified face revealed a subtle hint of viciousness. She slowly spoke to Concubine Yi, "Tomorrow, you will take the initiative to propose to the Emperor that we take the concubines in the harem to the temple to pray for blessings. At the same time, you should also let the unmarried princesses go with us."

When Concubine Yi heard this, her heart trembled violently. She didn't understand why the Queen made such a request, but she knew that the Queen's orders could not be disobeyed. After all, the Queen was the master of the harem and held the power of life and death. She lowered her head slightly and replied softly, "Yes, I obey your command."

After Concubine Yi left, a sinister smile gradually appeared on the Queen's originally dignified face. Her narrow eyes flashed with cunning light, as if she was planning some terrible conspiracy. The corners of her mouth rose slightly, revealing a hideous smile that made people shudder.

In the palace, the flickering candlelight made the queen's figure look particularly eerie. The gorgeous phoenix robe looked even more dazzling against the candlelight, but it also highlighted the queen's inner sinisterness. She stood there like a beast lurking in the darkness, waiting for the opportunity to give Ziwei a fatal blow.

At this moment, the Queen's heart was filled with hatred and jealousy. She could not tolerate Ziwei being favored by the Emperor. She wanted to bring Ziwei down, to make her lose her reputation and never gain a foothold in the harem again. She had already woven an invisible net in her heart, waiting for the right time to bind Ziwei tightly, so that she could never escape...

Qianlong gently held Xiao Yun in his arms and walked towards Shufangzhai with steady steps. Along the way, his eyes were always on Xiao Yun's peaceful face, and his heart was full of pity and cherishment.

When he came to Shufangzhai, he met Ziwei unexpectedly. Ziwei was standing there gracefully. She was wearing a light and elegant dress, with long hair falling on her shoulders like a waterfall. Her gentle temperament was eye-catching.

Ziwei saw from afar that Qianlong was walking slowly towards them holding Xiao Yun. She was slightly startled in her heart, but she still maintained a gentle smile on her face. When Qianlong approached, Ziwei bowed slightly and performed a standard and elegant salute to Qianlong. Her etiquette was so perfect that there was no flaw to be found. Her posture was as graceful as a willow swaying in the wind, showing her knowledge and good manners.

Then, Ziwei turned around gently. Her movements were as gentle as a falling petal, without making a sound. She left quietly with light and graceful steps. The hem of her skirt swayed slightly as she walked, like a blooming flower swaying gently in the breeze. Her back gradually walked away and finally disappeared from sight, leaving only a faint fragrance, as if telling of her gentleness and kindness.

Qianlong carefully placed Xiao Yun on the bed in the room and covered her with a brocade quilt. He sat quietly beside the bed, gazing at Xiao Yun's sleeping face. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly like butterfly wings. She looked so cute. Qianlong reached out and gently stroked Xiao Yun's face, feeling her warmth, his heart filled with tenderness.

Qianlong stayed by Xiao Yun's bedside for a very long time. He watched over her silently, as if time had stopped. Until the end, Qianlong slowly got up and left the room reluctantly.

Qianlong's figure lingered at the door for a moment, then he turned and left, disappearing at the end of the corridor. His departing back, with a hint of melancholy and nostalgia, made people feel deeply moved.

Xianfu Palace

Concubine Yi dragged her tired body slowly back to her bedroom. She slumped on the couch, staring blankly ahead, her heart filled with anxiety and uneasiness. She thought about the Queen's intentions over and over again, but could not figure it out, which made her feel more confused and helpless.

Concubine Yi gently stroked the corner of her clothes, her fingers trembling slightly, as if telling of her inner fear. Her brows were tightly furrowed, and fine beads of sweat oozed out of her forehead. Her worried expression made her look so haggard.

She knew very well that she was only a concubine and had a low status in the harem. She had no children yet, let alone a son, and she didn't even have a daughter. This made her survival in the harem increasingly difficult. It was as if she was in a dark abyss and could not find a glimmer of hope.

Recently, the emperor seemed to have completely forgotten about the harem and had never set foot inside. She felt like a flower abandoned in a remote corner, blooming alone, with no one paying attention to her and no one caring for her.

But at this moment, the queen ordered her to do something. She vaguely realized that this matter would inevitably involve her and put her in an extremely dangerous situation, as if she was about to fall into an abyss and unable to extricate herself.

However, if she disobeyed the Queen's order, she would never let her go easily. This put her in a desperate dilemma, her heart filled with struggle and entanglement. She was like a small boat lost in a storm, drifting helplessly on the vast ocean, unable to find a direction to move forward, nor could she see the other side of hope...