Return of the Pearl

The guards looked at each other, their eyes full of confusion and panic, and for a moment they didn't know what to do, but soon they came to their senses, hurriedly turned around and went into the mansion to report the situation to Ortai.

After hearing the guard's report, Altai couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly, a sly smile gradually spreading across his face. He thought to himself, "Oh, it's true that even heroes can be tempted by beauty! It seems what the Empress said is true. This Xiao Yun is truly the Emperor's weak spot. He's so bold as to come here alone to die."

Thinking of this, Altai did not dare to be negligent and quickly ordered his men, "Quickly invite our emperor into the living room."

At this moment, someone quickly brought Qianlong to the living room. At the same time, Li Ergou witnessed the whole process with his own eyes. His heart immediately became like the surging sea, with layers of huge waves, churning endlessly, and causing huge and difficult to calm waves.

"The emperor took the trouble to go to Shandong in person despite the long journey to relieve the disaster in Shandong. He has devoted all his energy and efforts to the welfare of the people. And for his beloved, he is so selfless that he even puts himself in extremely dangerous situations. Such deep affection and courage to take responsibility are so admirable! Why didn't I really understand it before?" Li Ergou sighed silently in his heart, with thousands of thoughts surging in his mind.

He couldn't help but recall his days as a bandit, his heart filled with regret and self-blame. "I was originally an ordinary civilian. Due to the severe disaster in Shandong, I was forced to become a bandit. At that time, I was full of resentment towards the court, thinking that it was the emperor's inaction that caused the people to suffer so much. But now it seems that I was so narrow-minded and ignorant. The emperor has always worked hard for the happiness of the people and has never slacked off. Yet, I, because of my prejudice, made so many mistakes."

Li Ergou's heart was filled with guilt and self-blame. He deeply felt that he had to be responsible for what he had done. So, he resolutely made a bold decision. He came to the door of the room where Xiao Yun was imprisoned and opened the door lock very carefully.

Xiao Yun stared at the stranger in front of her, her eyes full of confusion and bewilderment. She asked puzzledly, "Who are you?"

Li Ergou took a deep breath and tried his best to calm himself. He mustered up the courage to speak, "Your Majesty, you don't need to know who I am. You just need to understand that I am a person with a conscience. Your Majesty, I am here to let you go."

Xiao Yun's doubts grew even more intense. She frowned tightly and asked again, "You are also from Altai, why did you let me go?"

Li Ergou took a deep breath and said slowly, "I was originally one of those bandits. I participated in the operation to intercept and kill the grain delivery team."

With every word he spoke, Xiao Yun's brow furrowed a little. However, Li Ergou seemed unaware and continued, "In fact, I am also an ordinary civilian. Because of the severe disaster in Shandong, I was forced to become a bandit. I was once full of hatred for the court, thinking that it was the emperor's inaction that caused the people of Shandong to suffer such a tragic situation.

But later I realized that I was wrong. The emperor is a benevolent monarch who has never abandoned his people. On the contrary, it is Ortai who has ulterior motives and is a complete villain. My queen, Altai has now used you as a threat and has invited the emperor into this palace.

When Xiao Yun heard this, her face turned pale instantly. She said in horror, "What did you say? Hongli is here?"

Li Ergou nodded solemnly, "That's right. Not only that, the emperor came here alone without a single soldier. So, my queen, I'm going to let you out now. You quickly go find someone to save the emperor!"

At this moment, Xiao Yun really had to believe what Li Ergou said, because in her opinion, Li Ergou really had no reason to deceive her.

Li Ergou solemnly handed a list to Xiao Yun, and then explained to her in detail: "Not all Shandong officials are in collusion with Altai. Some of them simply maintain a neutral attitude, while others are forced to follow the trend in this apocalyptic situation. The list in my hand records those who have close ties with Altai and are in cahoots with him.

And, Madam, there is a secret passage in this palace. I will take you out from there now, and then you can bring people in from there to rescue the Emperor."

Xiao Yun's face was filled with solemnity after hearing this. She carefully put the list away and said solemnly, "Thank you!"

Li Ergou laughed self-deprecatingly, his words filled with bitterness and helplessness. "My hands are already stained with blood. I truly don't deserve forgiveness. I realized this too late. I only hope that the Empress and the Emperor can be safe and sound, and bring well-being to the people of Shandong."

Xiao Yun solemnly promised, "Of course. Hongli has always loved his people like his own children. As long as he is still alive, he will do his utmost to protect the people of Shandong and ensure their safety."

When Li Ergou heard this, he felt a surge of deep guilt in his heart. He said in a low voice, "I'm sorry."

Xiao Yun was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to respond. After all, the Li Ergou in front of him was the one who brutally slaughtered those soldiers. His hands were covered in blood, but now he saved himself.

Li Ergou gently led Xiao Yun to the entrance of the secret room. His voice was soft and low, "My Lady, look, the entrance is behind the rockery. If you walk quickly along this path, you will be able to leave smoothly. Please leave quickly and don't delay any longer."

Xiao Yun's mood was extremely complicated. She left this place with a trace of melancholy and worry. At this moment, Hongli, whom she was thinking about all the time, was still in prison, which made her heart full of worry and concern. If it weren't for Li Ergou leading the way, with her own abilities, it would be difficult for her to cleverly avoid those diligent people patrolling back and forth in the mansion.

Xiao Yun was extremely anxious and ran non-stop all the way. Her footsteps never stopped for a moment as she rushed towards the government office. She had only one thought in her mind, which was to find Fu Heng, Erkang and others as soon as possible. She wanted to discuss countermeasures with them and find ways to rescue Hongli who was in deep trouble. Her figure quickly passed by on the street, like a firm light, which was her deep affection for Hongli and her expectation for the future.