Return of the Pearl

Qianlong frowned slightly, and discussed the drought situation in Shandong with Yan Xishen with a focused and serious look. He sometimes tapped the table lightly with his fingers, and sometimes fell into deep thought, as if trying to find other possible solutions.

Yan Xishen lowered his head slightly, his expression solemn, as he carefully considered every possible solution. From time to time, he raised his head and looked at Qianlong with an earnest look in his eyes. He said in a slightly anxious tone, "Your Majesty, I think we need to explore further to see if there are other more direct and effective ways to alleviate the current predicament."

Qianlong sighed softly, with a trace of worry in his eyes, "Yes, the suffering of this drought is really unbearable for the people. We must try every means to help them." As he spoke, he stood up and paced back and forth in the room, stopping from time to time, stroking his chin with his hand, and falling into deeper thought.

Yan Xishen also stood up and followed Qianlong, expressing his opinions from time to time. His eyes were full of desire to solve the problem and deep concern for the people.

He was constantly thinking about various possible solutions in his mind, and at the same time he was also guessing Qianlong's thoughts, hoping to find the best solution with Qianlong.

Throughout the discussion, both of them looked very focused and their actions appeared very anxious. They both knew that time was running out and that they had to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible to help the people of Shandong get through this difficult time.

The night slowly fell like a pitch-black curtain, shrouding the world in darkness. Fu Heng, Fu Lun, Er Kang and others finally returned in the quiet of the night. They looked a little tired, with some dust on their clothes. They all looked exhausted, but their eyes were filled with incomparable determination, as if there was a flame burning in them.

Fu Heng took a step forward with a slightly heavy step, his voice filled with a hint of worry that was hard to conceal, and he slowly said: "Your Majesty, I have contacted the capital, but we have to wait for a large amount of food to arrive, which will take at least three days." His words echoed in the silent air, with a hint of heaviness and helplessness.

Erkang frowned tightly, with a look of grief and worry mixed together. He said in a low and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, after a meticulous investigation, I was deeply saddened to find that in Shandong, honest officials are as rare as unicorn feathers and unicorn horns! Apart from the prefect Yan Xiyuan, there are only two others who can be considered honest and upright. People like Altai, the governor of Shandong, live a life of luxury and debauchery all day long, squandering the blood and sweat of the people and plundering their blood and fat!" His words were full of hatred for those corrupt officials, and every word seemed to be a cry bursting from the bottom of his heart.

Fulun also continued to report the tragic situation in the city with a sad face, "Your Majesty, the people in this city who are still alive are less than three or four percent of the original number!" His voice was filled with deep sorrow and helplessness, and the voice seemed to tremble in the night sky, causing endless sorrow to well up in people's hearts.

After hearing these reports, Qianlong was filled with a mixture of worry and helplessness. He frowned and fell into deep thought, wondering if there was a better way to solve this difficult situation. He said softly, "Erkang, quickly find someone in the city who is good at water conservancy and have them search for traces of groundwater."

At this moment, Yan Xiyuan stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, I am an expert in water conservancy, but I have been unable to put my expertise to use due to a lack of manpower. If you wish to find groundwater, I am willing to give it a try! I am willing to work with you all for the people and do my best to contribute!"

There was a firm and persistent light in his eyes, which seemed to penetrate the darkness and bring hope to people. His voice was full of deep concern for the people, and every word was full of sincerity.

Qianlong looked at Yan Xiyuan, his heart filled with relief and emotion. He nodded slightly and said with emotion: "Okay! Then let's take a rest for one night, and tomorrow let Erkang take Yan Aiqing to find water!" There was a hint of relief in his words, as if he saw a glimmer of hope looming ahead.

After receiving the order, everyone slowly dispersed. They took slightly heavy steps, their figures gradually moving away in the night, ready to face the unknown challenges of tomorrow.

As they gradually walked away, one seemed to be able to see an indomitable spirit shining brightly. That spirit was like a burning flame, shining with a firm light.

They are willing to give everything they have for the safety of the people and the future of this land. Even if the road ahead is full of difficulties and obstacles, they are not afraid. Their hearts are full of determination to seek the welfare of the people. This determination is as firm as a rock and as bright as the stars, which can't help but move people.

Qianlong dragged his exhausted body and slowly walked into the room. He saw Xiao Yun sitting quietly on the bed. He had not gone to bed yet and was patiently waiting for his return. When Qianlong saw this scene, he suddenly felt an indescribable sense of guilt in his heart.

Qianlong took slow and heavy steps, step by step, towards Xiao Yun. When he reached Xiao Yun's side, he sat down gently, his face full of tenderness, and said softly: "Yun'er, you came here with me, and you really have suffered a lot. Look at you, you haven't bathed for several days!"

A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yun's face, and that smile was as gentle and warm as a spring breeze. She stretched out her slender fingers, gently touched Qianlong's lips, and said softly, "Hongli, don't say that. I have no regrets about being with you, no matter where we are. Don't mention anything like being wronged."

Qianlong held Xiao Yun's hand tightly, then slowly let it go. His eyes were filled with affection and emotion, and he said with emotion: "Yun'er, you are always so understanding and considerate."

Xiao Yun raised her head slightly, gazing intently into Qianlong's eyes. A resolute light shone in them. She spoke in a gentle yet powerful voice, "Hongli, I understand your feelings. You care about the people, and so do I. As long as I can be by your side, no matter what difficulties or obstacles I encounter, I have the courage to face them."

Qianlong's heart was filled with endless emotion. He couldn't help but hug Xiao Yun tightly in his arms, tightening his arms as if he wanted to completely integrate her into his body. Xiao Yun also hugged Qianlong back. She truly felt that Qianlong's heart, which was working hard for the people, was beating strongly.