Return of the Pearl

The victims, who had been so arrogant and insolent, finally woke up at this moment. They were horrified to discover that these people were all martial artists with unique skills! So, like a flock of frightened sheep, they threw themselves to the ground, banging their heads against the ground like pounding garlic, and uttering urgent and sorrowful pleas, praying for forgiveness.

However, this time Xiao Yun's heart was as hard as a rock, without a trace of pity. Her beautiful eyes were filled with deep disappointment and determination. The disappointed look seemed to express her complete despair towards these people; the determined look seemed to tell herself that she must never be soft-hearted again. She stood there quietly, her posture upright, but she exuded an icy aura that made it impossible for anyone to approach her.

Qianlong's face was as gloomy as the sky before a storm. With a grim face, he brought the victims to the Cangzhou County Government Office. The moment he stepped into the government office, the scene before him made his heart sink suddenly. The government office was deserted and the silence was so suffocating, as if time had stopped flowing.

Almost all those who could run had already fled, leaving behind only some old, weak, and sick people. They huddled helplessly in the corner, their eyes full of fear and confusion. The entire yamen was filled with a dull and depressing atmosphere, making people feel extremely depressed and uncomfortable.

Qianlong frowned tightly, his brows condensed with deep worry and contemplation. In his deep eyes, a trace of barely perceptible pain and helplessness flashed. After a long while, he slowly raised his head, looked at Fu Heng with a sharp gaze, and said in a low but firm voice: "Fu Heng, you must take the token immediately and go to the nearby area to mobilize troops. Judging from the current situation, the situation will only become more serious if we arrive in Shandong.

You need to have them follow us five miles away and be ready to provide support at any time. If there is any emergency, they must come quickly."

After hearing this, Fu Heng responded respectfully, "I obey your order." His face was full of seriousness and solemnity, and he turned around to carry out the order.

During this process, Qianlong looked a little tired, and his steps were a little heavy, as if every step was carrying a heavy burden. His eyes revealed a firm determination, which was his concern for the disaster and his responsibility to the people.

Fu Heng moved quickly and agilely. He rushed forward without hesitation with his mission in mind. Some of the victims were still kowtowing and begging for mercy, while others collapsed to the ground with despair and regret in their eyes. The whole scene was full of tension and tragedy, which made people feel the severity of the disaster and the helplessness of the people.

Qianlong had originally hoped to hand these victims over to the county government for proper disposal. However, the sight of the empty county government made him feel helpless and at a loss. He really could not think of any better way to deal with the situation. Moreover, the food they carried was extremely limited and could not meet the needs of so many victims.

Under such circumstances, Qianlong had to make a decision. After waiting for Fuheng's return, he would immediately set off for Shandong. After all, the disaster was spreading like a raging fire, and there was no time to lose. Every minute and every second was related to the lives and safety of countless people. He had to race against time and go all out.

Xiao Yun's heart seemed to be gripped by Qianlong's pain and helplessness. She took a step forward slowly and lightly. She stretched out her jade-white hand and held Qianlong's hand tightly. Her gentle voice seemed to be filled with endless love and care, floating out like strands of light gauze, "Hongli, everything will be fine. You must have faith in it! As long as everyone thinks and works together, we will be able to overcome difficulties and get through this together.

Have you truly forgotten that night in the Tianjin inn? Back then, the old man said with deep emotion, "There are still many simple and kindhearted people in this world; these are perhaps just a few exceptions."

How could Qianlong not understand that Yun'er was comforting him with good intentions? He knew in his heart that people could easily become crazy and lose their minds in extreme situations.

This is exactly the heavy responsibility that he must bear as an emperor. He also deeply blames himself for his dereliction of duty, but Yun'er is right. He needs to calm his inner waves and adjust his mentality to better prepare for the various situations that may happen next.

At least, there was one thing that comforted him a little, that is, the Shandong prefect did not abandon his duties and flee in a hurry, but recorded the situation in Shandong in detail, wrote a sincere memorial, and quickly sent it to the capital.

Fuheng came back soon. When he appeared in front of everyone, Qianlong and others felt relieved. Then they set off again and embarked on the difficult journey to Shandong.

The scorching sun mercilessly burned the earth, as if it wanted to burn everything. The trees on both sides of the road drooped their heads listlessly, and their leaves curled up droopily, as if they were succumbing to the hot weather. The air was filled with the smell of dry dust, and every breath made people feel dry in the throat.

The horses seemed restless in this scorching hot environment. They kept snorting with their nostrils flared wide, trying hard to breathe the air that seemed to carry sparks. Their eyes showed pain and irritability, and their gazes were wandering, as if they were looking for a bit of coolness.

Their bodies were trembling slightly, and sweat was pouring out like a waterfall, soaking their fur. The wet hair stuck tightly to their bodies, making them feel more uncomfortable. They swung their tails from time to time, trying to drive away the heat surrounding them.

The horses' hooves kept stomping on the ground, making dull sounds, as if expressing their inner anxiety. Their pace also became messy, no longer as steady and powerful as before, and every step seemed so difficult.

Their breathing became more and more rapid, like an old bellows working hard, and the heavy breathing sounded particularly clear in this silent environment.

The people riding on the horses were sweating profusely due to the scorching temperature. Their clothes were sticking tightly to their bodies. Their faces were sunburned red. Sweat rolled down their foreheads and dripped into their eyes, causing a stinging sensation. But they did not bother to wipe it off. They just endured the discomfort and continued to move forward.

The closer we get to Shandong, the stronger the feeling of scorching heat becomes. The earth seems to be enveloped by a huge furnace. Everything is struggling painfully under the high temperature. Everyone can feel the oppressive environment. The depressing atmosphere makes it hard to breathe. Everyone's heart is heavy, filled with worries about the drought and confusion about the future.

Qianlong frowned, his eyes revealing deep anxiety. He looked at the dry land and cracked riverbed in front of him, his heart filled with grief. He was well aware of the suffering that the drought had brought to the people, and he also understood the responsibilities he shouldered.

Xiao Yun followed beside him, looking at him worriedly from time to time. She could feel the torment in his heart. Fu Heng had a serious expression on his face and was concentrating on driving the horse. He knew that they had to get to Shandong as soon as possible to bring hope to the people there.

During this scorching hot journey, everyone endured it silently. Their will became stronger in this scorching test, and they were determined to fight this drought to the end.