Return of the Pearl

After Qianlong and others arrived at their destination, they dismounted from their horses one by one with great agility. Qianlong's face was calm, seemingly unperturbed, but he quietly gave Fuheng a very subtle look. Fuheng understood what he meant, and immediately took a firm step forward, solemnly stating his identity.

In this extremely brief moment, Yan Xishen's eyes met with Qianlong's. In an instant, Yan Xishen's emotions were like a river bursting its banks, and he could no longer be contained. Tears burst out like a surging tide.

He never imagined that the high and mighty, extremely noble emperor would actually come to this land in person. The excitement, surprise and disbelief in his heart were intertwined and entangled like thousands of silk threads, making him fall into extreme panic for a while, at a loss, not knowing what to do.

Upon seeing this, Emperor Qianlong hurried forward, stretched out his hands and firmly helped Yan Xishen to his feet. His face was filled with concern and anxiety. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were filled with anxiety and worry. He asked anxiously, "My dear, the drought in Shandong is so severe. Why did I only receive your news recently?"

Yan Xishen lowered his head slightly after hearing what Qianlong said, a helpless and bitter expression on his face. He slowly raised his head and his eyes met Qianlong's, his eyes full of worry and helplessness. He explained in a slightly hoarse and helpless voice: "I really have no other choice, Your Majesty! I have tried many times to use Shandong's 800-li express to deliver the message, but each time I failed.

In desperation, I could only seek help from my good friend Zhao Qixian. Even though the 800-li express delivery was not sent through Shandong, but instead transferred via Hebei, which took a considerable amount of time, making the drought even more severe.

At this point, Yan Xishen's voice was mixed with a hint of grief and despair, and his eyes revealed deep helplessness and powerlessness, as if he was confiding the pain and sorrow in his heart to Qianlong.

Everyone was surprised when they heard Yan Xishen's words. Their faces were filled with shock and disbelief. You know, Shandong used to have an 800-li express, but now it couldn't be used. This was enough to show that the corruption among Shandong officials had reached a very serious level! The details of this made people sigh and lament.

Qianlong slowly extended his hand and gently patted Yan Xishen's shoulder. His eyes were full of concern and understanding. He said earnestly, "My dear minister, you have worked hard. I know that I will handle this matter properly. I am here."

Yan Xishen was already over forty years old, his face already covered with the vicissitudes of life and fatigue. Hearing Qianlong's words, the emotions that had been suppressed in his heart burst out like a flood that could no longer be suppressed. His eyes instantly moistened, and tears rolled down like beads from a broken string. His body trembled slightly, and he kept shouting, "On behalf of the people of Shandong, I thank the emperor!"

Qianlong sighed deeply, his eyes filled with emotion and self-blame. "The people are all my subjects. This is my responsibility. It is my fault that I failed to manage them well, and it is because of this that the people and you, my beloved minister, have suffered."

Seeing this, Fu Heng hurried forward, took some food and water from the side, and handed it to Yan Xishen. Yan Xishen took the food and water, but did not drink it immediately. Instead, he raised his head and looked at Qianlong with affectionate eyes, "Your Majesty, I still have a mother, a wife, and children. I wonder if you can share this water with them?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Qianlong's heart seemed to be hit by something. He felt Yan Xishen's deep concern and love for his family, and felt uncomfortable in his heart. So, they prepared some more food and water so that Yan Xishen and his family could have a full meal.

After the meal, Yan Xishen came to Qianlong without delay. He saw that Qianlong looked solemn and worried. He began to report all the situations in Shandong in detail. He reported everything he knew one by one without reservation, like peeling off silk threads from an onion, without missing a single detail.

At first, the situation was not so bad, but now it has been getting worse and worse. The number of people who have died of starvation, drought, and thirst has been countless like a tide, which is heartbreaking. The county government office where he is located has become deserted, and there are only a few people left at their posts.

When Qianlong heard the news, his face instantly turned as gloomy as ink, and anger erupted in his heart like a volcano, but he tried his best to suppress the anger, gritting his teeth, clenching his hands into fists, and his knuckles turned white from the force.

He knew very well that Yan Xishen had tried his best. After all, he was only the prefect of Jinan Prefecture with limited power. Even sending the memorial to the capital was full of difficulties. This was the result of his unremitting efforts. He couldn't imagine what kind of disaster these people would suffer if this memorial could not be delivered to the capital. It would be an irreparable tragedy.

Qianlong's tone was so cold that it seemed to freeze the air. "Fuheng, send someone to investigate immediately. Remember, when we left Beijing, I ordered the grain transport team to set off at the same time. But we are going first on fast horses, and they are carrying baggage and food, so their travel speed may be slower. You must contact them quickly to see where they are now, let them take turns to rest, and travel day and night to get to Jinan as quickly as possible!" Fuheng took the order and left. His steps were firm, and his eyes revealed the importance he attached to the mission.

Afterwards, Qianlong issued another order: "Erkang, go and check the performance of Shandong officials immediately. Do not be careless in the slightest!" After receiving the order, Erkang turned around and left, moving quickly and decisively.

Qianlong issued another order: "Fulun, go and count how many people are still alive in this city and gather them together. Also, be extra careful and don't let the epidemic happen." Fulun took the order and left. His figure gradually walked away and disappeared from everyone's sight.

Yan Xishen was deeply moved as he watched the orders issued by Emperor Qianlong for the benefit of the people of Shandong. He suddenly knelt on the ground, tears welling in his eyes, and said in a trembling voice, "It is a blessing for the people of the Qing Dynasty to have a wise ruler like you!"

Qianlong stepped forward and helped Yan Xishen up. His eyes were full of concern and self-blame. "My dear, your words really make me ashamed. If it weren't for my dereliction of duty, the people wouldn't have suffered so much. Get up quickly. I'm still counting on you to help me take care of Shandong."

Yan Xishen nodded solemnly, looking at Qianlong with a firm and respectful gaze. He said in a sonorous and powerful voice, "I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's grace! Even if it means sacrificing my life, I will not hesitate! I will devote all my energy to the welfare of the people and to solving the problems of the court!"