Return of the Pearl

The atmosphere in the court the next day was extremely solemn. Many censors and ministers submitted memorials, pointing the finger at Xiao Yun. They fiercely impeached her for seducing the emperor and begged him to be fair and not favor one person too much, claiming that this would be extremely detrimental to the country.

Qianlong glanced at the ministers who wrote the petition and couldn't help but sneer in his heart. He keenly realized that several of these ministers were the fathers of his concubines, and their purpose was obvious.

Qianlong's tone was extremely cold, and he said with a hint of disdain: "What? If I favored your daughter today, would you still say this?" The ministers were suddenly speechless and looked at each other.

Qianlong continued, "I already have enough sons. Isn't it enough to choose a suitable heir among so many sons? Isn't the purpose of my harem to continue my lineage and select heirs?

But I already have an heir, why can't I choose the one I like? My dear ministers, don't you all have three wives and four concubines? Don't you also choose the one you like? What's the matter? You can, but I can't? Otherwise, how about keeping only one? My dear ministers, send away all those concubines? Keep only your own original wives. "As soon as these words came out, the court was instantly silent. Everyone was shocked by Qianlong's words and was speechless.

At this time, everyone in the harem learned that the pressure from the previous dynasty on Qianlong was instantly resolved by him, and they became more and more angry at their father's incompetence. They gnashed their teeth in the palace, their hearts filled with complaints about their father and anger towards Qianlong.

Qianlong still sat proudly on the dragon throne, his eyes firm and sharp. He already knew what these ministers were thinking, and he wanted to defend his choice in his own way. The entire court fell into silence and tension, as if a storm was about to come.

Immediately afterwards, the topic in the court turned to other matters. Qianlong answered them one by one in an orderly manner. His wisdom and decisiveness were undoubtedly demonstrated at this moment.

After the court session, the ministers gathered in groups of three or five and discussed privately. They had to admit that the emperor was serious this time. His unprecedented tough attitude put pressure on all the civil and military officials in the court.

They knew in their hearts that the emperor was determined to protect Concubine Xiao and no one could change his mind. They saw that the emperor was sincere this time and had never taken such a firm stance before. These ministers secretly sighed that the emperor was really going all out this time.

"After all, our original wives are old, and they are not as popular as the young and beautiful concubines." A minister said helplessly.

The others also nodded in agreement. Their hearts were filled with helplessness and bitterness. They understood that for their own interests, they could only endure it. Although they had many dissatisfactions in their hearts, they could do nothing in the face of Qianlong's tough attitude.

It has to be said that Qianlong's move was really brilliant. He cleverly took advantage of the weaknesses of his ministers, forcing them to compromise after weighing the pros and cons.

He used his wisdom and means to resolve the crisis in the court, and let everyone see his determination and ability. At this moment, the court seemed to be shrouded in an invisible shadow, and Qianlong was the one in control of the overall situation. Every step he took was firm and powerful, which made people feel awe.

Jianjia Palace

Xiao Yun was concentrating on practicing martial arts. The whip in her hand was like a nimble snake, dancing freely in the air, making crisp sounds. Just as she was immersed in the atmosphere of martial arts practice, she inadvertently heard the palace maid's soft whispers. She didn't know whether it was intentional or unintentional, but those tiny words were like silk threads entwined into her ears.

It was heard that the emperor was troubled by the ministers in the court, but the emperor ignored the opposition of the ministers and insisted on protecting Concubine Xiao. For a time, rumors spread in the harem. Some people said that Concubine Xiao was the reincarnation of a demon, and others said that she was some kind of animal that had cultivated into a spirit. All kinds of absurd and bizarre statements came like a tide and spread in the harem, making it difficult to distinguish the truth from the false.

When Xiao Yun heard these rumors, she felt annoyed. She stopped waving the whip in her hand, and a trace of worry flashed in her eyes. She bit her lip, thought for a moment, and decided to go to the Yangxin Palace to find Qianlong.

When she hurried to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she found that Emperor Qianlong was discussing important matters with his ministers. She couldn't help but pause, and a trace of loss flashed in her eyes, but she immediately adjusted her mood and was about to turn around and leave.

However, the sharp-eyed Xiao Luzi spotted her immediately and hurried forward, saying, "Your Majesty, please wait a moment. Why don't you go to the side hall first? Once the Emperor and the ministers have finished discussing matters, I will call you back."

Xiao Yun nodded slightly, a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes like autumn water. She walked slowly into the side hall with light steps and waited quietly in this quiet place.

In the side hall, Xiao Luzi brought steaming hot tea, exquisite and delicious pastries, and Xiao Yun's favorite picture book. But today, Xiao Yun's mind was not on these things at all. She sat there absent-mindedly, without turning a page of the picture book, without taking a bite of the pastries, and without even taking a sip of the tea. Her eyes wandered, sometimes looking at the door, sometimes falling into deep thought, her heart full of worry and uneasiness.

Finally, after a long wait, Qianlong and his ministers finished their discussion. Xiao Yun flew lightly into Qianlong's broad and warm arms like a happy little bird. This sudden action startled Qianlong. A hint of surprise flashed across his face, but was quickly replaced by a gentle smile.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun lovingly, his deep and bright eyes filled with tenderness that seemed to melt everything in the world. He gently reached out his hand and gently stroked Xiao Yun's silky hair, his movements as gentle as if he were protecting the most precious treasure. He asked with concern, "What's wrong, Yun'er? It's only been a short while since we last met, and you miss me so much?"

Xiao Yun slowly raised her head, and tears flashed in her eyes as she looked at Qianlong. She bit her lip and told Qianlong all the rumors she had heard.

After hearing this, Qianlong's originally gentle expression instantly became much colder. His brows were furrowed, revealing a sense of majesty and dominance. His stern face seemed to be condensed with frost, and a trace of anger flashed in his eyes, as if he wanted to severely punish those who spread rumors.

"You're the reincarnation of a demon, how dare they say that! They can't deal with me in the court, so they use such despicable means to deal with you, damn it!" Qianlong's voice was full of anger and helplessness, and the voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, full of suppressed anger.

Qianlong's eyes were wide open, burning with rage, and the veins on his forehead bulged with anger, showing his extreme inner restlessness. "Don't worry, Yun'er, I will take care of this matter, An Yi." After Qianlong finished speaking, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. That firm look was like a sharp sword, which seemed to be able to penetrate all obstacles.

As soon as he finished speaking, An Yi flashed out from the darkness like a black lightning. His figure was so fast that it was almost invisible. He was like a ghost, giving people a chilling feeling.

An Yi's tone was cold and emotionless, "Please give your orders, Master."

Qianlong's tone was icy, and every word seemed to be tinged with ice. "Go and investigate the rumors in the harem, and dispel them by tomorrow. I don't want to hear any more words that are unfavorable to Yun'er."

An Yi took the order and left. Xiao Yun looked at An Yi's departing back, her heart full of envy. A trace of yearning and desire flashed in her beautiful eyes. She thought, how great it would be if she could master such martial arts. That way she could protect herself and the people around her. Her eyes were full of desire for powerful strength.