Return of the Pearl

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun with joy, his eyes full of tenderness and affection. He decided to make Xiao Yun his concubine, so he gently held Xiao Yun's hand and discussed the matter with her.

When Xiao Yun heard Qianlong's plan, she felt a sweet feeling in her heart. She knew that her identity was no longer a problem because she had already become Fulun's adopted daughter. In fact, deep in her heart, her feelings for Qianlong had long been surging like a surging river. She had always loved Qianlong silently, and this deep affection had long taken root in her heart.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun, felt the affection in her eyes, and his heart was filled with joy. He knew that Xiao Yun was also deeply in love with him, which made him feel extremely happy. Xiao Yun nodded slightly, a shy blush appeared on her face, and she said softly: "Hongli, even if it is not the position of concubine, I am willing." When Qianlong heard Xiao Yun's agreement, the joy in his heart was even more difficult to suppress.

Qianlong immediately began to prepare for the appointment of Xiao Yun as a concubine, wanting her to become the most honorable woman in the harem. He ordered that the most gorgeous clothes be made for Xiao Yun and the most grand ceremony be prepared. He wanted everyone to know that Xiao Yun was his most beloved woman.

During this process, the interactions between Qianlong and Xiao Yun became more frequent. They strolled in the garden together, admiring the beautiful flowers; they sat by the lake together, watching the fish playing in the water; they tasted delicious food together and enjoyed warm time.

Qianlong would gently wipe the sweat from Xiao Yun's forehead, and Xiao Yun would considerately tidy Qianlong's clothes. Every glance they made and every smile they exchanged were filled with deep love.

In this loving atmosphere, the feelings between Qianlong and Xiao Yun grew deeper. They looked forward to the day when she would be crowned as a concubine, and looked forward to being able to stay together more closely and create a beautiful future for themselves together.

Who could have expected that this accident would come so suddenly? The Queen set a date to go to Puning Temple, and a group of people from the harem set off for Puning Temple to pray for the country and for peace and prosperity for the people of the world.

This news spread throughout the harem like a spring breeze, and the concubines responded one after another. Almost half of the concubines in the harem were ready to go to Puning Temple together to burn incense and worship Buddha.

That day, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was blowing gently. The concubines in the harem were dressed in their best clothes, each of them looked like a delicate flower. With pious hearts, they set out on the journey to Puning Temple. One gorgeous carriage after another moved slowly forward on the road, and the curtains fluttered in the wind, as if telling of their expectations.

Along the way, there was constant laughter and joy. The concubines either chatted quietly or admired the scenery along the way. The green rice fields and the rolling mountains made them feel the beauty and tranquility of nature, and the blue sky and white clouds reflected their beautiful vision of the future.

When they finally arrived at Puning Temple, the solemnity and majesty of the temple made them quiet down instantly. The concubines walked into the temple one by one, holding incense and candles in their hands, kneeling down and praying devoutly to the Buddha.

The rising smoke seemed to carry their wishes to the distant sky, making them believe that their prayers would definitely be heard by God.

In this solemn atmosphere, the concubines' souls were baptized, and they became more determined to pray for the country and peace for the people.

The gentle and lovely Ziwei and the lively and playful Xiao Yun were also in the group heading to Puning Temple. Qianlong did not go with them due to his busy government affairs. He stayed in the palace and focused on handling various affairs.

However, he had a special plan in mind. He wanted to give his beloved Yun'er a surprise. He planned to formally issue the imperial decree to confer the title upon Yun'er when she returned to the palace after praying for blessings. So, he began to carefully instruct the workers to prepare the magnificent palace and meticulously made all the preparations before the consecration.

But who could have expected that this seemingly peaceful trip to Puning Temple was actually a conspiracy carefully planned by the Queen. She had cunning calculations hidden in her heart, planning one trap after another, in an attempt to set off a terrible storm in this blessing journey and involve everything in it.

All these conspiracies were being woven quietly, waiting for the opportunity to come, ready to bring a huge disaster to everyone. However, Qianlong was completely unaware of this. He was immersed in his beautiful vision of the future and had no idea that the hidden crisis was quietly approaching.

Xiao Yun and Ziwei, like everyone else, fasted, bathed, and devoutly ate vegetarian food and chanted Buddhist scriptures. However, Xiao Yun had no interest in these things at all. She was so sleepy that she almost fell asleep, so she sneaked out and went to the back mountain of the temple to play alone.

When she returned home after a great time, she encountered an accident on the way back. Someone suddenly attacked her. Fortunately, the secret guards sent by Emperor Qianlong appeared in time to protect her. However, the other party had many people, and the secret guards gradually became unable to resist. They could only shout loudly: "Miss Xiao, you go first!"

Xiao Yun knew without asking that these secret guards were sent by Emperor Qianlong to be by her side, so she had no choice but to turn around and rush back. She knew in her heart that she would be safe as long as she returned to the temple.

However, the journey was extremely dangerous, with vicious villains everywhere. Xiao Yun had no choice but to run into the mountains. After the secret guards dealt with these people, they found that Xiao Yun had disappeared, so they had to pass the news on.

When Qianlong learned that Xiao Yun was missing, he felt his blood boiling and he was burning with anger. He almost fainted. Xiao Luzi beside him quickly helped him up. Qianlong was shocked and anxious. He left the palace at night and took people to look for him.

The secret guard who was responsible for protecting Xiao Yun, with his superb tracking skills, followed the vague trail and finally found Xiao Yun. However, when he saw the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but be stunned, and even couldn't believe his eyes. He immediately turned around and waited quietly for the arrival of his master Qianlong.

Not long after, Qianlong rushed into the cave like lightning. Seeing the secret guard standing outside the cave, he asked anxiously, "How is Yun'er?"

After hearing this, the secret guard immediately knelt down and apologized, "I have failed in my duty. Master, please punish me. You...you go in and take a look yourself."

Qianlong walked into the cave with heavy steps, only to see Xiao Yun with disheveled clothes and rapid breathing. It was obvious that he had been drugged. If he was not detoxified in time, his life would be in danger. Qianlong clenched his fists in anger, with anger burning in his heart, but this was not the time to pursue responsibility, so he could only walk quickly towards Xiao Yun.

Qianlong anxiously tried to call out "Yun'er" several times, but at this moment Xiao Yun's consciousness was already blurred and he fell into chaos.

Qianlong wanted to ask her opinion and respect her wishes, but he was unable to do so at this time. Helplessly, he knew that he had to make this decision alone.

Qianlong's eyes were filled with worry and heartache. Looking at Xiao Yun's painful appearance, his heart felt like it was being cut by a knife, but he understood that he could not hesitate any longer at this moment. He had to consider Yun'er's safety. He secretly made up his mind to protect her no matter what.

Qianlong had always wanted to give her the best, but who could be so cruel? At this moment, Qianlong had no time to care about too much, and the most important thing was to save her life. So, in this cave, the two of them completed their wedding night under this special circumstances.