Return of the Pearl

In this quiet and beautiful time, everything around seemed to be immersed in a peaceful atmosphere. Qianlong gently stroked Xiao Yun's silky hair. His eyes were full of worry and concern. The deep worry was like an indissoluble cloud, weighing heavily on his heart.

He spoke slowly, with a hint of fatigue and helplessness in his voice, "I have asked Erkang to find water, but the issue of water source is really worrying. I don't know when he will find it. We may have to stay here for a few more days." His words revealed deep worry, as if telling of his inner uneasiness.

Xiao Yun leaned quietly in Qianlong's arms. She could truly feel Qianlong's worry and his deep affection for her. She raised her head slightly and looked at Qianlong with her clear and gentle eyes, which were full of understanding and tolerance. She said gently: "It's okay, Hongli, I believe everything will be fine. Look, we have always been together, haven't we? No matter what difficulties we encounter, we can face them together. Moreover, this is also an experience. We can cherish each other more." Her voice was as pleasant as a gurgling stream, as if it could smooth out the wrinkles in Qianlong's heart and make him feel a little comforted.

Qianlong slowly lowered his head, and like a light feather, he placed a soft kiss on Xiao Yun's forehead. This kiss, though light as a feather, was filled with endless love and care, as if he had poured all the emotions in his heart into it.

At that moment, Qianlong's heart seemed to be filled with a thousand words. He silently confided in his heart: "Yun'er, you are truly my lucky star. With you by my side, I feel fearless. Even if the road ahead is rugged and full of difficulties and obstacles, I am willing to work hand in hand with you and face it together."

Xiao Yun's face blossomed with a happy smile as bright and charming as the warm spring sun. That smile was so beautiful that it made people intoxicated. She slowly raised her head and gazed at Qianlong affectionately, her eyes full of love and dependence. She said softly, "Hongli, you are the support of my soul. In this world, only you can make me feel so safe and secure. You are the most important person in my life. I am willing to support you and walk through every spring, summer, autumn and winter hand in hand, and appreciate the beauty of time together."

Qianlong and Xiao Yun smiled at each other. That smile was like a gurgling stream, flowing slowly to the bottom of their hearts and eyes, so that only each other's appearance was reflected in their eyes. The whole world seemed to turn into nothingness at this moment.

They hugged each other tightly, feeling each other's warmth and strength, immersed in this rare quiet time. In this moment full of challenges and difficulties, their love was like the brightest star in the night sky, shining with brilliant light, not only illuminating each other's hearts, but also giving each other endless strength and courage.

Qianlong gently embraced Xiao Yun's arms, so gentle; Xiao Yun leaned slightly in Qianlong's arms, so happy, the tenderness in Qianlong's eyes was like rippling spring water; the happy blush on Xiao Yun's face was as gorgeous as the sunset.

Qianlong's whispers in Xiao Yun's ears were full of concern and love; Xiao Yun's response to Qianlong was full of affection and attachment. The determination in Qianlong's heart was as unshakable as a rock; the dependence in Xiao Yun's heart was tightly wrapped around him like a vine.

Every subtle movement, every subtle change in expression, every sincere word, and every subtle psychological activity fully demonstrate the deep feelings between them, making this scene particularly beautiful and moving, as if time has stopped, just to witness this sincere and beautiful love.

The next day, the morning light shone through the clouds like a veil, casting a faint glow. After Qianlong and Xiao Yun had a simple meal of porridge, Erkang, along with Yan Xishen and everyone else, resolutely embarked on the challenging and difficult journey of searching for groundwater.

They trudged forward along the rugged and winding mountain road. Each step seemed to weigh a thousand pounds, yet they seemed so determined and persistent. Yan Xishen walked at the front of the team. He concentrated on observing the surrounding terrain and topography. From time to time, he squatted down and used his rough hands to gently remove the surface soil, carefully checking the soil condition. His brows were furrowed, and his expression was extremely focused, not missing any subtle clues that might hide groundwater.

Erkang followed Yan Xishen closely, and imitated him, carefully examining everything around him. He picked up a handful of soil with his fingers, placed it in the palm of his hand and looked at it carefully, feeling the moisture and texture of the soil. His eyes were full of expectation and anxiety, and he was eager to find traces of groundwater as soon as possible.

Everyone was busy with their own work. Some were digging the ground with tools in their hands, hoping to find some clues; others were running around searching, not missing any signs of possible water sources. Their faces were covered with sweat and dust, and their clothes were soaked with sweat, but they did not complain at all and kept searching tirelessly.

However, time passed quietly like flowing water. They searched for a whole day but still found nothing. The sun gradually set, and a colorful sunset appeared on the horizon, rendering the entire sky like a fiery red painting. They sat on the ground exhausted, looking at the dry land in front of them, their hearts filled with loss and frustration, but they knew that they could not give up and must continue to search until they found groundwater.

As night slowly descended like a black curtain, the secret guards hurried back in a panic. Before they could even stand still, they reported to Emperor Qianlong. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, and his eyes revealed nervousness and anxiety. "Master, we've tracked that man all the way to the residence of Shandong Governor Altai!"

When Qianlong heard this, his originally calm face suddenly became as gloomy as ink, his brows were tightly furrowed and twisted into a knot, and there seemed to be a raging fire burning in his eyes, almost bursting out.

He slammed the table hard, and there was a loud "bang", like a thunderclap, and the whole space seemed to tremble. He shouted in anger: "How unreasonable! This is simply lawless!" This shout was full of his anger and majesty, as if it could shatter everything.

Immediately afterwards, Qianlong issued an order in a stern voice, "Fuheng, you must quickly and thoroughly investigate all officials in Shandong! As long as there is solid evidence, those evildoers who are corrupt and abuse power and exploit the people do not have to be taken back to the capital, nor do they have to wait until the autumn to be executed! After the affairs of Shandong are properly handled, they must all be executed on the spot in front of the people!" His voice was as loud as a bell, full of unquestionable majesty and determination.

After receiving the order, Fu Heng turned around and left quickly. When he passed by Erkang and others, he glanced sideways and saw how embarrassed they looked.