Return of the Pearl

When Qianlong learned that Erkang and Yan Xishen were injured, he was extremely anxious, like an ant on a hot pan. He almost rushed out of the room instantly. His face was full of deep worry and concern, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes were full of anxiety and heartache.

Looking at Erkang and Yan Xishen again, their bodies were covered with wounds of varying sizes, a horrific sight. Some of the wounds were so deep that bones could almost be seen. Blood oozes out continuously like a fountain, staining their clothes a dark red, as if they had been soaked in blood. It is shocking to see.

Some wounds looked like they were scratched by the claws of a wild beast, with the skin and flesh rolled outward and a bloody mess, which made people terrified and shudder; others looked like they were cut by a sharp sword, with the edges of the wounds jagged like saw teeth, which made people unable to bear to look at them.

Their faces were filled with exhaustion and pain, and traces of battle remained on their pale faces. The bloodstains added a sense of tragedy. Qianlong felt so distressed when he saw them like this that he hurriedly ordered the imperial physician to treat them quickly, fearing that they would suffer any more accidents.

When Erkang saw Qianlong, his face was filled with anxiety and worry. He said anxiously, "Father, please send people to support the guards! We are surrounded by powerful enemies outside Jinan Prefecture. They know they are no match for us, but they still refuse to retreat and are fighting desperately.

It was precisely because of their tenacious will and fearless courage that they used their lives to hold back those vicious enemies that Lord Yan and I were able to escape at that critical moment!

Qianlong stared at Erkang closely, his eyes full of pity and concern. Erkang's scarred body seemed to silently tell the cruelty and thrill of the battle.

Erkang has always been an extraordinary warrior, but now he is injured so seriously, which makes Qianlong feel uncontrollable worry and regret. The thing he feared most finally happened. Those guards paid a huge sacrifice to protect them, which makes Qianlong's heart full of grief and self-blame.

Qianlong immediately ordered Fuheng to lead troops to rescue. Fuheng followed Erkang's instructions and quickly rushed to the place they left. However, when Fuheng led his troops to the rescue site at lightning speed, the scene before him was shocking. The ground was covered with bloodstains, as if the earth was dyed red with blood.

Some of those brave guards fell in a pool of blood with their bodies twisted, while others tightly grasped their weapons, maintaining a fighting posture until their death. Their faces still retained expressions of pain and determination, as if telling of their determination to fight to the last moment.

Some soldiers were hit by several arrows, the arrows penetrated deeply into their bodies, and the feathers were still trembling slightly; some soldiers were scarred by swords and knives, the wounds turned outward, the flesh and blood were blurred, it was a horrible sight; and some soldiers even had their heads chopped off, their bodies were so broken that it was unbearable to look at.

Their clothes were soaked with blood, some of which were torn and fluttered slightly in the wind, as if they were wailing for their passing. The scene was filled with a strong smell of blood, which made people feel nauseous. The tragic scene was like hell on earth.

The rage within Fu Heng erupted like a volcano, burning fiercely within him as if to consume him whole. The fiery magma in his chest surged and roiled, driving him mad. For days, Fu Heng had been dedicated to investigating the incident in Shandong. He knew the mastermind behind it all. How could they be so brazen and lawless? Knowing the Emperor was present, they dared to commit such a ruthless and rebellious act!

Fu Heng gritted his teeth, trying his best to suppress the grief and anger that surged in his heart like a tide, and ordered the soldiers in a loud and firm voice to carry back the bodies of the guards who died heroically, one by one, carefully.

These guards all sacrificed their lives heroically for the Qing Dynasty! Their remains must not be left in the wilderness, exposed to the erosion of wind and rain. They must be brought back so that they can be buried in peace and their heroic souls can find comfort and rest in peace.

The imperial physician carefully treated and bandaged Erkang and Yan Xishen's wounds. At this moment, Fu Heng returned with the guards. Erkang stared at Fu Heng anxiously, and asked in a trembling voice, "Master Fu, how many of our brothers are still alive?"

Fu Heng stood there quietly for a long time, his face filled with grief and helplessness. He slowly spoke in a low and sad voice, "Erkang, they are all great."

This simple sentence was like a heavy hammer, hitting Erkang's heart hard. Erkang could no longer hold back his tears, which burst out like a river bursting its dam.

He couldn't help sobbing because he understood what Fu Heng's words meant. Those brothers who had been through life and death with him had left this world forever.

They sacrificed their lives to protect the country and the emperor. Their bravery and loyalty made Erkang feel extremely sad and heartbroken. Erkang's tears flowed freely, and his heart was filled with endless grief and sorrow.

Upon hearing this, Qianlong was furious. He looked at Fu Heng and said angrily, "Fu Heng, tomorrow you will accompany Erkang and Yan Aiqing to find a source of water! Yan Aiqing, I want to ask you, how is your health now? Can you still hold on?"

Yan Xishen was deeply moved. Those guards, facing life and death, protected each other and never left each other. They sacrificed their lives to win a glimmer of hope for him and his husband. He responded solemnly, "Your Majesty, I am in good health and can go."

Qianlong witnessed all of this with his own eyes, and his heart was filled with endless comfort for these loyal ministers. He looked at Fu Heng with his sharp eyes and said in a voice like a bell: "Okay, Fu Heng, tomorrow you will lead the heavy troops and make sure to protect their safety."

After hearing Qianlong's words, Fu Heng frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation flashed across his face. After a pause, he slowly raised his head and looked at Qianlong, his eyes revealing deep concern and worry. "Your Majesty, in my opinion, it would be better to leave half of the troops here, so as to better ensure your safety."

After hearing Fu Heng's words, Qianlong's face suddenly showed a firm look. He straightened his body like a tall pine tree and said majestically: "No need, just leave two thousand people. I want to see what these monsters and demons are planning! How can I be frightened by them? How can I retreat in fear!" His tone was full of determination and perseverance, as if there was an invisible force surging around him.

Fu Heng sensed Qianlong's determination and couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration in his heart. He respectfully replied, "Your servant obeys your order."

Then, Qianlong waved his hand and gave an order in a loud and powerful voice: "You all go back to your rooms to rest and recuperate, and then go out to search for water tomorrow."

After hearing Qianlong's order, everyone obeyed and slowly dispersed. As they dispersed, everyone had different expressions on their faces and returned to their rooms with different thoughts in mind. They knew that tomorrow would be another challenging day, but their hearts were filled with firm belief in their mission.