Return of the Pearl

As night fell quietly, a quiet atmosphere enveloped the earth. It was time to rest, and everyone returned to their rooms. Qianlong gently pushed open the door and stepped into the warm room with Xiao Yun.

In the room, the candlelight danced like elves, and the soft light gently fell on them, making the whole room dreamy. Qianlong and Xiao Yun sat on the edge of the bed, their eyes intertwined, full of affection and attachment, and then they started talking softly.

"Yun'er, do you think the drought in Shandong is really as terrible as described in the memorial?" Qianlong frowned slightly, his brows full of confusion and worry. His eyes were fixed on Xiao Yun, as if he wanted to find the answer from her expression.

Xiao Yun nodded slightly, her voice as soft and gentle as the gurgling of a stream rang out, "I also feel something is strange. The situation here does not seem to be as serious as the rumors say. Or maybe it is because this place is far away from Shandong, so the disaster may not be that serious." Her beautiful eyes were flashing with thoughtful light, like stars in the night sky, shining brightly. She gently raised her hand and stroked Qianlong's face, as if trying to soothe the worries in his heart, shining brightly.

Qianlong gently held Xiao Yun's hand, his eyes full of tenderness, and said slowly: "We have been very careful to inquire along the way, but the result is not as bad as we imagined. I always feel that there must be something hidden here." His eyes revealed his persistent search for the truth and his deep concern for Xiao Yun.

Qianlong lovingly embraced Xiao Yun in his arms. His slender fingers, like lithe butterfly wings, gently brushed her hair, his movements so gentle as if he was afraid to disturb this delicate flower. "Yun'er, is your body able to bear this? If you feel too exhausted, I will send someone to take you back to the capital to recuperate."

Xiao Yun leaned on Qianlong's chest, feeling his warm and solid embrace, her heart filled with happiness and peace of mind. She said firmly: "No, I will follow you wherever you go." Her voice was full of persistence and affection, like a gurgling stream, clear and moving.

Qianlong was deeply moved. He lowered his head and gently kissed Xiao Yun on the forehead. The kiss was as light as a feather, yet filled with endless love. "Yun'er, you are truly the person I care about most."

Xiao Yun smiled faintly, a smile as beautiful as a blooming spring flower, brilliant and charming. A shy blush appeared on her face, like the clouds in the sky, beautiful beyond words. "Hongli, it is my blessing to be able to stay by your side forever." She reached out and gently stroked Qianlong's face, her eyes filled with love and attachment to him. "I just hope you don't work too hard and take good care of yourself."

At this heartwarming moment, Qianlong held Xiao Yun's hand affectionately, slowly placed it on his lips, and gently kissed it. The gentle touch caused ripples in Xiao Yun's heart. He whispered, "With you by my side, everything has become so beautiful."

The two of them snuggled up to each other, immersed in each other's warmth. They confided their thoughts to each other, and those words flowed through each other's hearts like a gurgling stream. The room was filled with warmth and romance, and the candlelight swayed gently in the breeze, as if dancing for their love.

Their eyes met, revealing deep attachment and love. That look seemed to travel through time and space, tightly connecting their hearts. Time seemed to stand still at this moment, and the whole world was immersed in their love. In this quiet night, their hearts were closely connected, facing the challenges of the future together, never leaving each other, and moving forward hand in hand.

After resting for a night in the inn, Qianlong and his entourage set out again on the journey to Shandong. Along the way, they witnessed many beautiful scenery and saw the real living conditions of the people.

In some places, the people were working hard, with happy smiles on their faces, smiles full of hope for life; while in some places, the people had sad faces, and their lives were very difficult. This situation made Qianlong more determined to seek welfare for the people.

They passed through vast fields, where the golden ears of wheat swayed gently in the wind, as if telling people the joy of the harvest; they passed through winding rivers, where the clear river water sparkled in the sun, like a silver ribbon running through the vast land; they passed through quiet villages and saw the simple smiles of the villagers, which were like the warm sunshine in spring, warming everyone's heart.

During this journey, Qianlong and his entourage deeply felt the joys and sorrows of the people, and also became more clear about their responsibilities and missions. They will continue to move forward with this firm belief and create a better life for the people.

After much travel, Qianlong and his entourage finally arrived in Cangzhou. However, as soon as they set foot on this land, they were shocked by the scene before them.

Outside Cangzhou City, there is a desolate area. The cracked land seems to be bursting into sparks under the scorching sun. Not far away, a group of ragged, skinny victims are pouring in like a tide, their eyes full of despair and helplessness.

The victims rushed forward desperately, tightly grasped the reins of Qianlong and others' horses, and knelt down to beg for food and water. Their cracked lips trembled, and their voices were hoarse and weak, as if they were wails coming from the depths of hell.

Among the many victims, one woman was particularly eye-catching. She was holding a newborn baby tightly. The baby's face was as pale as paper and his body was so thin that it seemed as if a gust of wind could blow him down.

The woman was disheveled, her eyes full of sorrow and pleading. She kept begging while gently stroking the baby's face with her cracked fingers, as if she was making a final struggle against fate.

The surrounding environment further highlights the miserable situation of the victims. The howling wind raises clouds of dust, making it almost impossible to open one's eyes. The mountains in the distance are bare and lifeless, as if they are also sighing for the suffering of these victims.

Qianlong stood there quietly, his face as cold as ice, his eyes revealing deep helplessness and grief. He stood there without saying a word, his posture upright but with an unspeakable heaviness, as if his heart was experiencing endless struggles and entanglements. His eyes wandered over the victims, his complex expression intertwined with pity, worry and powerlessness, making people feel the waves and struggles deep in his heart.