Return of the Pearl

Xiao Yun slept so soundly that she slept until noon. When Emperor Qianlong came to Jianjia Palace happily after finishing his government affairs, he found that she was still immersed in a dream and had not woken up for a long time.

Qianlong was not displeased by this. Instead, he waited patiently for her to wake up. He didn't even go to have lunch. He just sat quietly by the bed and gently held her in his arms. He leisurely flipped through the book in his hand, and from time to time he cast his gaze at her peaceful sleeping face, his heart full of tenderness and love.

In Qianlong's heart, the happiest thing in life is this: the person he regards as the most precious in his life is lying safely in his arms.

Time seemed to stand still at this moment. After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Yun finally slowly opened her eyes, which were as clear as autumn water. When she saw Qianlong gazing at her tenderly, a glimmer of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Hongli, why are you here? Didn't you go to court?"

Qianlong's face was filled with a smile as warm as the spring sun. In a voice so gentle that it seemed to drip with water, he said softly to Xiao Yun, "I have returned from court."

Xiao Yun finally woke up from her dream, a look of regret and self-blame on her face. She bit her lip and said a little embarrassedly, "Oh, I overslept and forgot to pay my respects to the Queen!"

Qianlong put down the book in his hand and gently stroked her cheek, his tone filled with a hint of pampering and heartache, "Silly girl, the Queen is not a good person. She has bad intentions. Why are you going to pay your respects to her? You'd better have less contact with her, so as not to fall into her schemes again. Do you remember the incident between you and Ziwei at Putuo Temple? She was the mastermind behind it."

After hearing Qianlong's words, Xiao Yun fell into deep thought. She frowned slightly and said doubtfully, "Is it really her? Why do I find it a little unbelievable..."

Qianlong thought he had frightened her and quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, from now on I will have them protect you even more carefully. Your clothes and hairpins will no longer go to the Imperial Household Department. I will order people to purchase them outside the palace and bring them back to you. I won't give anyone the chance to interfere, and this kind of thing will never happen again."

Xiao Yun felt Qianlong's deep affection and was deeply moved. She said gently, "Okay, I'll do as you say."

She snuggled tightly in Qianlong's arms, feeling his warmth and love. At this moment, she felt that she was the happiest person in the world. The two of them hugged each other, enjoying this rare peaceful time, as if the whole world belonged to them alone.

However, in this wonderful atmosphere, the sound of a rumbling stomach suddenly broke the tranquility. Xiao Yun said a little embarrassedly, "I haven't eaten since last night, so of course I'm hungry."

Looking at Xiao Yun's slightly embarrassed expression, Qianlong couldn't help but burst into laughter. His laughter was hearty and full of tenderness. He smiled and said gently, "It's my fault. My Yun'er is hungry."

Immediately, Qianlong raised his voice and shouted, "Xiao Luzi!"

Xiao Luzi had been waiting quietly by the side, and as soon as he heard Qianlong's call, he came to Qianlong as fast as lightning.

As soon as Xiao Luzi stood firm, Qianlong said amiably, "Serve the meal."

Xiao Luzi took the order respectfully, then turned around and left quickly. With his brisk steps and quick movements, he quickly arranged all the matters concerning the meal delivery.

In fact, lunch should have been prepared long ago, but the emperor refused to eat and insisted on waiting for Concubine Xiao to have dinner with her. Xiao Luzi had no choice but to serve by his side.

After a while, the meal was served. Xiao Yun no longer cared about her image and started to eat with relish. Her eating manners were really indecent, like a refugee fleeing famine, wolfing down the food in no time.

Xiao Luzi was watching in amazement, wondering in his heart whether he should remind Concubine Xiao to pay attention to her eating manners, but when he saw the emperor's obsessed expression, he knew that he couldn't say anything, otherwise he would be the only one to be punished.

The most important thing when serving in front of the emperor is to understand his intentions. Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun's carefree look and his heart was full of love. They had a very warm and harmonious meal, full of laughter.

From time to time, Qianlong would pick up his chopsticks and carefully serve Xiao Yun her favorite dishes. His movements were gentle and considerate, as if he was afraid of disturbing this beauty.

Xiao Yun would come close to Qianlong from time to time, and tell him some interesting things in life in her sweet and moving voice, with a smile on her face.

The interaction between them was full of love. The moment their eyes met, it seemed as if countless emotions were flowing, making people feel warm. The whole atmosphere was filled with love and warmth, like a sweet dream, making people intoxicated and unwilling to wake up.

After finishing the meal, Qianlong held Xiao Yun's soft hand tightly, and the two of them walked straight to the study, leaning on each other. The bright sunlight playedfully jumped through the window lattice, sprinkled on them, and enveloped them in a warm and cozy halo.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun lovingly, his gentle gaze seemed to pour out all the tenderness in the world, and his eyes were full of deep and unbreakable doting.

He gently picked up a book that seemed to be endowed with a sacred mission, carrying endless knowledge and love. He carefully turned a page, then with a slight smile as warm as a spring breeze, he said to Xiao Yun softly, "Yun'er, today I will continue to teach you to read and write."

Xiao Yun nodded slightly, her eyes as bright as stars were filled with the light of happiness, and her smile was like the most beautiful flower blooming in spring, gorgeous and beautiful. There was a bit of shyness and expectation on her face, as if this was the happiest moment in her life.

Qianlong began to patiently teach Xiao Yun to recognize words. His slender and powerful fingers gently ran across the pages of the book, as if playing a beautiful piece of music. He pointed at the words above and read them one by one to Xiao Yun with emotion.

Xiao Yun was listening attentively. Her focused eyes seemed to be able to see through everything. Sometimes she frowned slightly, thinking hard about the meaning of the words, and sometimes she showed an expression of sudden enlightenment. She looked so adorable.

As time went by, Qianlong became bolder and he recited love poems to Xiao Yun softly. His voice was low and magnetic, and every word was full of affection. Xiao Yun listened quietly, with tears of emotion in his eyes.

During this process, the interaction between them was full of warmth and intimacy. Qianlong would stroke Xiao Yun's hair from time to time, and Xiao Yun would shyly lean her head on Qianlong's shoulder. When their eyes met, it seemed as if the whole world belonged to only the two of them.

The air is filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, and the sunlight shines on them, outlining a beautiful picture. Their figures appear so harmonious and intoxicating in this warm atmosphere. Every subtle movement and every affectionate look makes this emotion deeper and more moving.