Return of the Pearl

Xiao Yun was extremely embarrassed at this moment. A blush appeared on her originally fair face, just like the gorgeous clouds in the sky. With a red face, she slowly retreated from Qianlong's warm embrace.

Xiao Yun lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling gently like butterfly wings, and a hint of shyness and embarrassment flashed in her eyes. She stammered and said shyly, "I'm... I'm sorry, Your Majesty... I..." The voice was as soft as a gurgling stream, with a hint of nervousness and uneasiness.

Seeing this, Qianlong showed a gentle smile on his face. He walked forward with a smile, and his tall figure seemed particularly warm in front of Xiao Yun. He stretched out his hand and gently patted Xiao Yun's back soothingly. The action was full of care and protection.

Qianlong said gently, "It's alright, Xiao Yun. You've brought Ziwei back to me, and you've been a meritorious minister. Furthermore, my Yongqi shot you, and I truly owe you something. If you don't mind, you can live in this palace and keep Ziwei company. I'll grant you the freedom to avoid those cumbersome rules. What do you think?"

Qianlong's words warmed Xiao Yun's heart like a spring breeze, and her originally nervous mood gradually relaxed. She raised her head and looked at Qianlong's kind face, with tears of emotion in her eyes.

Xiao Yun knew that Qianlong's love for her was sincere, and her heart was filled with gratitude and joy. She secretly made up her mind to accompany Ziwei well and live up to Qianlong's love. At the same time, she would also work hard to make herself better and live up to Qianlong's trust and expectations of her.

Hearing Qianlong's words, Xiao Yun felt an indescribable emotion in her heart. The emotion surged in her heart like a tide, and she could no longer suppress her emotions. Her eyes gradually became moist, and tears swirled in her eyes, sliding down like pearls with broken strings.

Xiao Yun never expected that Qianlong would be so generous and kind, and treat her so caringly. In her original understanding, she was just an insignificant existence in this palace this time.

But now, Qianlong actually values her so much that not only does he not care about the past, but he also gives her such special treatment, which makes her feel both surprised and delighted.

Xiao Yun slowly raised her head and stared at Qianlong with gratitude in her eyes. Her voice trembled with excitement. "Your Majesty, you are so kind to me! I really don't know what to say... I will definitely repay you in the future!"

After saying this, she held Qianlong's hand tightly, and the strength seemed to tell Qianlong about her inner firmness and determination. She knew that this love and trust was so precious, and she must cherish it and live up to Qianlong's expectations.

When Qianlong looked at Xiao Yun's appearance, his heart couldn't help but surge with waves, mixed emotions entangled in his heart. Xiao Yun, this silly girl, was still so simple and kind, like a pure and flawless piece of white paper. As long as others gave her a little warmth and care, she would be moved beyond words, as if the whole world had become beautiful.

But this silly girl, do you know how I want you to repay me? Perhaps you still don't understand that I don't need you to do anything earth-shattering.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. I will teach you slowly and let you understand my intentions little by little. I hope you can always maintain this innocence and kindness, share the joys and sorrows with me in this palace, and become the most special person around me.

I will use my endless patience and love to guide your growth and help you find your own direction and belonging in this complex world.

Qianlong decided to stay in Shufangzhai for dinner. This news was like a spring breeze blowing through Ziwei and Xiaoyun's hearts, making them ecstatic.

The dining table had already been carefully arranged, with delicious dishes laid out in an orderly manner. The tempting aroma drifted in the air, filling the entire Shufangzhai, as if turning this place into a gourmet wonderland.

Qianlong walked into the room with steady steps. His eyes slowly fell on the dining table filled with delicious food, and a gentle smile appeared on his face, as warm as the sun.

Ziwei and Xiao Yun stood respectfully aside, their eyes sparkling with joy, the light as bright and dazzling as stars.

After the three of them took their seats, a warm and harmonious atmosphere quietly spread. The air seemed to be filled with a warm feeling that made people intoxicated.

The sunlight shines through the window onto the dining table, adding a touch of golden glow to this beautiful scene. Ziwei and Xiao Yun's faces are filled with happy smiles, and Qianlong's face is also full of love and relief. They talk softly, and laughter rings out in Shufangzhai from time to time, as if even time has stopped for this warm picture.

Ziwei sat next to Qianlong a little nervously, while Xiao Yun was more casual. Ziwei secretly glanced at Qianlong from time to time, and then looked at Xiao Yun at each other, her eyes full of happiness and excitement. Qianlong talked to them with a smile, and his kind words made them gradually relax.

Xiao Luzi stood quietly by, watching Ziwei and Xiao Yun's slightly unfamiliar behavior, and was about to step forward to remind them of table etiquette. However, Qianlong raised his hand and waved lightly, interrupting Xiao Luzi's action.

Qianlong looked at Xiao Luzi with a smile, his eyes showing a hint of tolerance and understanding, as if telling Xiao Luzi not to pay too much attention to these details. Xiao Luzi understood Qianlong's meaning and respectfully stepped aside.

In this warm and harmonious atmosphere, Qianlong, Ziwei and Xiao Yun were immersed in this rare dining time. They laughed and talked happily, sharing their stories and feelings with each other.

Qianlong sometimes savored the dishes carefully, and sometimes communicated cordially with Ziwei and Xiao Yun. His kind face made Ziwei and Xiao Yun feel extremely warm and happy. The whole Shufangzhai was filled with laughter. The heartwarming scene made people intoxicated and unforgettable.

Ziwei and Xiao Yun gradually integrated into this warm atmosphere and were no longer as restrained as before. They took the initiative to pass food to each other with Qianlong. Their crisp laughter kept echoing in Shufangzhai, like a string of beautiful notes.

At this moment, time seemed to have really stopped, the whole world was immersed in happiness and joy, and the air was filled with rich warmth and love.

During the meal, Qianlong's eyes fell on Ziwei and Xiao Yun from time to time. His eyes were full of love and care. He truly felt their innocence and kindness, and cherished this rare time together.

In this small Shufangzhai, Qianlong spent a wonderful and unforgettable time with Ziwei and Xiao Yun. The memories they created together were like a beautiful painting, deeply engraved in each other's hearts, leaving a warm and unforgettable picture, and becoming a precious memory in their lives.

Qianlong walked with steady and resolute steps back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He saw the eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department already kneeling respectfully on the ground, holding rows of green cards with the concubines' names written on them. They shouted in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, please turn over the cards."

Qianlong's eyes slowly swept across those green-headed cards, and familiar names came into view one by one, but his heart was filled with thousands of emotions. These green-headed cards witnessed so many stories of the harem.

Today, Emperor Qianlong decided to stay alone in the Yangxin Palace. He said to the young eunuch, "Today I will stay alone in the Yangxin Palace. Please leave."

After hearing this, the young eunuch showed a hint of hesitation on his face, as if he was a little puzzled by the emperor's decision, but he still obeyed respectfully, slowly stood up, and then turned and left.

Qianlong stood alone in the empty Hall of Mental Cultivation. All around him was silence. He stood there quietly, like a statue, immersed in his own world.

What was Qianlong thinking about? Was it the details of the past, or the future of the nation? His tall figure, illuminated by the candlelight, seemed somewhat lonely and desolate.

In this empty Hall of Mental Cultivation, only the sound of Qianlong's light breathing could be heard. His thoughts seemed to be floating in the boundless void, with no end and no way to stop. The silent atmosphere seemed to freeze everything in time.