Return of the Pearl

An Yi rushed back from the capital at an extremely fast speed like a gust of wind. His hurried look was clearly visible on his face, and his expression was full of complex emotions of anxiety and worry. When he learned from the secret guards that his master was so bold and fearless, without any preparation, and went to the appointment alone without a single soldier, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing around in that small space, unable to calm down even for a moment.

This news was so shocking that it brought him an indescribable shock. He was so shocked that he almost lost the ability to express himself. What was even more unbelievable to him was that the person who secretly colluded with the Governor of Shandong was actually the current queen. This discovery made him feel like he was struck by thunder. He fell into extreme shock and could not recover for a long time. His mind was occupied by this shocking news.

He was extremely anxious all the way and had not yet figured out how to report all this to his master. However, he never expected that as soon as he returned to Shandong, he would learn the news that his master had been in trouble. This was like a heavy blow to him. His heart was full of worry and panic, and he was a little at a loss for a while.

As he galloped on his horse, he was rapidly thinking of countermeasures in his mind. His heart was filled with concern for his master's safety, as well as helplessness and shock at this sudden change.

He secretly made up his mind to go alone to find out the truth of the matter, but what was unexpected was that in the process, he unexpectedly met Empress Xiao.

Xiao Yun did not hesitate at all and told An Yi all the information she knew without reservation. He did not dare to delay for a moment and immediately took Xiao Yun and rushed back to the government office at full speed.

Fu Heng felt relieved to see that Xiao Yun had escaped safely, and immediately ordered people to follow Xiao Yun and enter through the secret passage to carry out the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Altai was completely unaware that Xiao Yun had escaped danger. He sat in the main seat, looking down at Emperor Qianlong with a condescending attitude. Not only did he not stand up to greet him, but he also said in a joking tone, "Your servant greets the emperor."

However, in the face of Altai's obviously rude behavior, Qianlong remained calm and composed, unconcerned. He stood there quietly, looking at Altai calmly, and slowly asked, "Where is Yun'er?"

When Altai heard Qianlong's question, he threw his head back and laughed unrestrainedly. The laughter seemed to burst through the roof, full of sarcasm and ridicule. As he laughed, he looked at Qianlong with contempt, "You Aisin Gioro family are really a romantic man! For a woman, you can even disregard your own life. Look at you, it's really ridiculous!"

Qianlong listened to Altai's words without any anger on his face. His tone was still so calm, without a trace of ups and downs, like a deep lake. He asked again in a steady voice: "Where is Yun'er?" His eyes were fixed on Altai, as if he wanted to see something from his expression.

When Ertai saw that Qianlong was already in his house, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a smug smile. He said calmly: "Don't worry, your Concubine Xiao is fine, but she is not where you can find her now." After that, he looked at Qianlong deliberately provocatively.

Because Qianlong had not seen Xiao Yun, he was always worried and concerned, and he couldn't let go. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his eyes showed a hint of anxiety and uneasiness. He wondered where Yun'er was.

While saying these words, Altai leaned back slightly in his chair, his hands folded across his chest, looking relaxed and contented. There was a sarcastic smile on his face, and his eyes were full of mockery and contempt.

Qianlong remained calm throughout the whole process. He stood tall and straight like an unshakable tree. Although he was worried, his demeanor and bearing still exuded majesty and dignity.

Altai was extremely sarcastic, his words were full of contempt and disdain, as if he wanted to pour out all the sarcasm at once. He spoke those hurtful words wantonly, trying to anger Qianlong.

However, no matter what Altai said, Qianlong remained extremely calm. There was no ripple on his face, and his eyes were firm and calm. He just stood there quietly, as if Altai's ridicule had no effect on him.

Even Qianlong did not ask Altai why he did this. He seemed to have already seen through everything and had his own plans in mind.

Altai was bored by Qianlong's reaction and decided to lock him up first. He knew very well that as long as Qianlong was in his hands, Fuheng and others would be afraid to act rashly.

During this process, Altai's body swayed from time to time, and the mockery on his face became more and more intense, while Qianlong always maintained an upright posture. His eyes were firm and deep, as if they could penetrate all obstacles. Despite facing difficulties, his demeanor and majesty did not diminish in the slightest.

Not long after Qianlong was brought into the room, Li Ergou hurried over. He knew that Xiao Yun had already left and they could be discovered at any time. It was too dangerous for Qianlong to stay here.

So, Li Ergou decided to release Qianlong. He revealed his identity to Qianlong and told him that Empress Xie had successfully escaped. When Qianlong heard the news, he was very happy and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

Afterwards, Qianlong followed Li Ergou to the secret passage. However, this time they were not so lucky and were discovered on the way. It turned out that Altai wanted Xiao Yun to meet Qianlong, but when he found that Xiao Yun was missing, he immediately sent people to search everywhere, and finally found Qianlong's whereabouts.

Li Ergou tried his best to run towards the entrance of the secret passage with Qianlong. Just when they were about to arrive, the pursuers actually shot arrows. Sharp arrows broke through the air, carrying fierce murderous intent.

Seeing this, Altai hurriedly shouted: "Stop! You must not harm the emperor's life. He is still useful to me!" However, despite his shouting, several sharp arrows were still shot at Qianlong.

At that critical moment, when the arrow was about to hit Qianlong, Li Ergou stepped forward without hesitation and used his body to block the fatal arrow for Qianlong. A firm expression appeared on his face, as if he had already put life and death aside.

As Li Ergou fell, Qianlong's heart was filled with shock and complexity. He looked at Li Ergou who was injured while protecting himself, and his eyes showed deep grief.