Return of the Pearl

Qianlong lay alone in the room, and the silence around him made him feel depressed. Since coming to Shandong, although he was physically exhausted, Yun'er was by his side and accompanied him carefully. She was his spiritual comfort and harbor. However, Yun'er was in trouble at the moment, and he could only bear the endless loneliness and torment alone.

He tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, his heart filled with deep worry and pain. He knew that he was about to face great danger, and perhaps this would be the end of his life, but he had already made plans for the worst. He could not imagine how dark and cold the world would be without Yun'er. He would rather die with her than live alone in the world and endure endless longing and pain.

In his mind, scenes of his time with Yun'er kept emerging. Those laughter, tenderness and affection have now become an indelible pain in his heart. He regretted not protecting her better and letting her fall into such danger. He secretly made up his mind that even if he had to use up his last bit of strength, he would fight against fate to the end. For Yun'er, he was willing to give everything.

In the early morning of the next day, the thick haze was like a huge curtain, covering the entire world. It was so heavy that it made people feel as if even breathing had become difficult. Everyone's heart was shrouded in an invisible layer of dullness, and the oppressive atmosphere spread wantonly in every corner.

Fu Heng completely ignored the intimidating pressure from Emperor Qianlong, and once again spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, you really should put the overall situation first! Otherwise, let me lead the troops myself and see if there is a chance to rescue Concubine Xiao." In fact, everyone's heart was as clear as a mirror, bright and clear. They all knew that even though Fu Heng's martial arts were superb, how could he compete with those dozens of well-trained secret guards? Even the secret guards failed, so it was even more impossible for Fu Heng to succeed.

Fuheng knew very well in his mind that to him, Qianlong was not only the monarch but also a relative. If Qianlong encountered any accident, the country would surely fall into chaos and turmoil.

Qianlong gently patted Fuheng's shoulder and said meaningfully, "If they threaten my life, you don't have to worry about my life or death. You must remember, if I haven't returned by noon, you and Fulun will lead the troops to surround the mansion."

"Your Majesty, I would rather disobey your order and let me go in your place, okay?" Fu Heng's words were full of earnestness, and every word was filled with his loyalty and concern for Qianlong. However, Qianlong's mood was extremely complicated, and his heart seemed to be entangled with thousands of threads.

"Altai specifically asked me to go. You can't replace me, and I don't need anyone to replace me." Qianlong's tone was very firm and resolute. He went there alone without hesitation. He had no soldiers or secret guards accompanying him.

Qianlong's momentum was as overwhelming as a tidal wave, as if he alone was an indestructible iron army. Every step he took seemed to make the earth tremble; every breath he took seemed to make the wind and clouds surge. The determination and firmness burned in him like a raging fire, making people afraid and yet impressed. He was like a towering mountain, standing between heaven and earth, and no matter how strong the wind and rain were, they could not shake him in the slightest.

Since last night, Yan Xishen has been existing like a transparent shadow that has been ignored. He stood there quietly without making even the slightest sound. He was as quiet as if he didn't exist. During this long time, he never said a single word, nor did he make any exhortations or suggestions. He just remained silent, as if he had completely placed himself outside of all this.

He really couldn't say whether the emperor's actions were right or wrong, because if his mother, wife and children were abducted, he couldn't predict what choice he would make, so he could only stand by silently and watch everything unfold before his eyes.

Fu Heng stared at Qianlong's departing back, which gradually became blurred in his eyes. He slowly closed his eyes, his long eyelashes trembling slightly, as if he was trying his best to suppress the surging emotions in his heart. The moment Fulan patted his shoulder, a trace of tears flashed quietly in his eyes, and the tears sparkled like stars, but disappeared in a flash.

In those tears, he saw the hardships that the emperor would face on this journey. He knew very well that the emperor's journey was extremely dangerous and there was almost no possibility of survival. His heart was filled with worry and fear, as if millions of ants were gnawing at his heart. He tried his best to restrain his emotions, but those emotions surged like a tide and were difficult to contain.

He prayed silently in his heart, hoping for a miracle to happen, longing for God to have mercy on the emperor and them. He knew that this was a gamble and their chances of winning were slim, but he still held on to a glimmer of hope, that hope was like a faint candlelight, burning tenaciously in the darkness.

At the same time, a sense of determination surged in his heart. If the miracle did not happen, if the emperor really met with an accident, even if he was cursed today, he would definitely massacre Shandong in a bloody massacre to avenge the sacrificed soldiers. He would make those who hurt the emperor pay a heavy price, even if it meant using up his last bit of strength.

Ever since Xiao Yun was forcibly abducted, she felt as if she had fallen into an extremely dark and unfathomable abyss. She struggled bitterly during the long and difficult waiting and suffering. The feeling of hunger followed her like a ghost, eroding her will bit by bit, and almost made her collapse.

In contrast, Qianlong showed amazing courage and determination. Without any hesitation, he resolutely chose to go to the appointment alone. His figure was like a ray of lonely and brave light, moving forward firmly in the darkness, fearless.

The guards stared at the stranger who suddenly appeared in front of them. Their faces were full of doubts, and their eyes were full of confusion and puzzlement. They had no idea who this visitor was.

"Who are you?" The guards became alert and asked in unison. Qianlong's face was calm and composed. He walked leisurely and steadily, as relaxed as if he was taking a walk in his own garden, as if this was a place he was very familiar with.

"Didn't Altai ask me to come? Now that I'm here, where are the others?" Qianlong's voice was steady and unhurried, yet it contained an irresistible majesty. The voice seemed to declare his identity and status, which could not be questioned.