Return of the Pearl

Qianlong and Xiao Yun talked for a long time, pouring out their hearts to each other. Qianlong hugged Xiao Yun tightly, with a hint of fear in his heart. He said solemnly: "Don't worry, I will get to the bottom of this matter and give you an explanation."

After hearing Qianlong's words, Xiao Yun felt a little comforted, but suddenly, she seemed to have thought of something and her face became a little worried.

Xiao Yun raised his eyes to look at Qianlong, his voice filled with anxiety: "Hongli, it's bad, Ziwei, if something happens to me, will Ziwei also..."

Qianlong naturally understood what Xiao Yun had not finished saying, and his expression became solemn. The two looked at each other, their minds connected, and they decided to rush back to the temple immediately.

When they rushed to the temple, although the queen had not shown up, she had already arranged people to catch the adulterer. As a result, Ziwei and Erkang were blocked in the temple.

When Concubine Yi saw this scene, she was horrified. She finally understood the Queen's intention. But Princess Ziwei was the Emperor's biological daughter after all. How could the Queen dare to do this? The more Concubine Yi thought about it, the more horrified she felt. She finally understood the Queen's intention.

She thought of the unborn children, who were also the emperor's flesh and blood, but the queen was so cruel that she could do such a thing. Concubine Yi couldn't help but feel a chill. She was trembling all over and cold sweat kept coming out. She began to think about it carefully and felt terrified. The queen's actions made her feel extremely shocked. She couldn't understand why the queen was so cruel and didn't care about the emperor's feelings.

In this tense atmosphere, Ziwei and Erkang's faces also became very ugly. They didn't expect to be discovered here, and their hearts were filled with helplessness and fear.

The entire temple was filled with a tense atmosphere, and everyone's heart was filled with complex emotions. All of this was just a small episode in the court struggle, and there would be more challenges and tests waiting for them in the future.

Concubine Yi was quite uneasy at the moment, feeling a little scared. She was afraid that if the matter was exposed, the emperor would investigate. Although she knew nothing about this matter, would the emperor believe her? She felt as if she had fallen into an inescapable dilemma. Even if she jumped into the Yellow River, it would be difficult to clear her suspicion. The Queen's trick of using a knife to kill someone was really too cruel.

Concubine Chun looked at Ziwei and Erkang, and turned her head away helplessly. "Princess Ziwei, you are the emperor's daughter, a noble and honorable daughter. How can you act like this? And in this royal temple?"

At this moment, Ziwei felt speechless. Her heart was filled with grievance and helplessness, and her eyes were filled with tears, but she didn't know how to explain.

Erkang stood up without hesitation. His eyes were firm and he said in a resounding voice, "This matter has nothing to do with Ziwei. This is all my fault. I am willing to bear all the responsibility alone!"

After hearing Erkang's words, Ziwei subconsciously called out "Erkang". Her voice was filled with endless worry and uneasiness. Her eyes were fixed on Erkang, as if she was afraid that he would encounter something bad.

Erkang heard Ziwei's call and slowly turned his head. He looked at Ziwei with a determined expression on his face, then shook his head gently, silently telling Ziwei with his eyes not to worry, that he would take care of everything.

Concubine Ling naturally knew Erkang's character very well. She knew that Erkang always acted steadily and with great discretion. Seeing the scene before her, Concubine Ling thought secretly in her heart that she felt that there might be other hidden stories behind this matter.

So, she stood up without hesitation and spoke up for Ziwei and Erkang. "Erkang, you are my nephew, and I know you very well. Is there really something else going on here? I will definitely petition the Emperor to conduct a thorough investigation."

Erkang was filled with gratitude after hearing Concubine Ling's words. He continued, "It is indeed as your Majesty said. Someone was secretly trying to harm Ziwei. I just happened to arrive at that time and was lucky enough to save her."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's minds were immediately filled with thoughts. Concubine Yu also came along this time. She hated Ziwei and Xiao Yun to the core and wished she could trample them into the dust.

Concubine Yu yelled, "In my opinion, there's no such thing as a covert attack! It's clearly Ziwei and her mother, acting like dissolute women, seducing others, and doing so in this sacred temple. This is simply blasphemy against the gods, and they should be severely punished! I believe that we should petition the Emperor to sentence them both to death!"

Everyone was silent. This Concubine Yu was really too stupid. Erkang was not only Concubine Ling's nephew, but also Fulun's son. He was a minister that the emperor relied on very much. If the two of them were really framed, then there might be room for a turnaround.

Just as they were arguing, Emperor Qianlong came slowly over with Xiao Yun. When Emperor Qianlong heard what Concubine Yu said, his anger burned even more fiercely. He shouted, "How dare you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone knelt on the ground in panic. Ziwei looked at Qianlong with pitiful eyes. He knew what had happened without Qianlong saying anything.

After all, he had experienced it personally last night. He protected them so well, but he didn't expect something to happen. However, Qianlong was still relieved. Fortunately, the accident was related to Erkang.

Qianlong announced on the spot that he had granted Ziwei and Erkang a marriage, and that he would thoroughly investigate the matter. He also ordered everyone to keep silent. Anyone who dared to leak even a word of what happened today would be severely punished and his entire clan would be implicated. Therefore, even for the sake of the family and their son, they had to think carefully about whether they could spread the news.

After everyone left, Ziwei was anxious to explain everything to Qianlong. However, Qianlong spoke in a soothing tone and said, "No need to say more. I understand. I will handle this matter properly. As long as you and Erkang are well, that's enough." Ziwei was deeply moved when she heard Qianlong's words.

Erkang was also grateful for Qianlong's protection. In fact, Qianlong had his own selfish motives. In this way, Ziwei's affairs were quietly covered up, and no one mentioned Yun'er's whereabouts yesterday. After thinking for a moment, Qianlong decided to give Ziwei some titles and generous rewards to make up for everything she had experienced.

After this, Ziwei and Erkang's hearts were filled with warmth and gratitude. They knew Qianlong's good intentions and understood the preciousness of this kindness. When Qianlong looked at them, he felt a little relieved in his heart.

After all, Qianlong hopes to see the people he cherishes happy and free from the disturbances and harm of the outside world. At the same time, he is also glad that he can stand up at the critical moment to protect them from the wind and rain and guard their beauty and peace.

All of this seemed like a beautiful dream, leaving a deep impression in Qianlong's heart. He knew that no matter what challenges and difficulties he would encounter in the future, he would continue to protect this beauty and let it bloom more brilliantly in the long river of time.