Return of the Pearl

County Hall Lobby

Qianlong paced back and forth in the spacious and magnificent room, his heart filled with eager anticipation for responses from all parties. He stopped from time to time, and looked out the window from time to time, his expression revealing a hint of anxiety and expectation.

At this moment, the imperial guard hurried over, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, the Prince Consort has lived up to your expectations and successfully found relief grain and distributed it to the people one by one. Not only that, Lord Yan has also worked tirelessly and found more water sources. Like a gentle rain that moistens the earth, it has effectively alleviated the suffering of the drought and allowed the people to see the light of hope again!"

When Qianlong heard the news, his originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed and a relieved smile appeared on his face, like a spring breeze blowing across the lake, creating ripples.

That smile was filled with praise for the Prince Consort and Lord Yan, as well as care and compassion for the people. He nodded slightly and said softly, "Very good, very good! They are all my loyal ministers and good generals. For their achievements, I will definitely reward them handsomely!"

A moment later, hurried footsteps were heard, and another guard came in with a panicked report, "Your Majesty, Lord Fu led the troops to search Altai's mansion. In the place where he secretly buried his jewels, they discovered a mountain of weapons! Moreover, these weapons were not forged by the imperial court!"

When Qianlong heard this, his face instantly turned as dark as ink. His originally gentle face was instantly shrouded in anger. A trace of anger flashed in his eyes, as if there was a flame burning in them. He shouted angrily: "Altai, you traitor! How dare you be so bold?" His voice was full of anger and shock, and the sound echoed in the empty room, as if to tear everything apart.

Immediately, Qianlong's face was solemn, his eyes were like torches, and he gave a command in a stern voice: "Express my order immediately. Have Fulun continue to investigate this matter thoroughly. We must get to the bottom of it and not let a single detail go unpunished! We must thoroughly investigate the whole story!"

The guards accepted the order respectfully, then turned and left to carry out Qianlong's will. Qianlong stood there with a frown, worried about the serious consequences of this matter.

After a while, Fu Heng came hurriedly. He saluted Qianlong and said, "Your Majesty, when I was dealing with these people, I found some unusual situations. One of them reported to me that Altai had long harbored rebellious intentions. He secretly colluded with foreign tribes and privately engaged in arms trading. His wolfish ambitions are obvious. He is clearly planning a rebellion!

"Furthermore, this person also mentioned that Altai was implicated by certain individuals in the court, but he couldn't clearly identify them. This servant is completely bewildered and unsure whether what he said is true or not. Your Majesty, please make your decision." Fu Heng finished speaking, bowing his head respectfully and awaiting Qianlong's response.

After hearing this, Qianlong narrowed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought. Altai's daily actions and performances kept emerging in his mind, and he had already formed a rough judgment of him.

After a moment, Qianlong slowly spoke, "Altai, I have always treated you well, yet you are so ambitious! Fuheng, you must continue to investigate this matter thoroughly. Don't let go of even a single detail! You must uncover the truth!"

After hearing this, Fu Heng solemnly accepted the order and said, "I will obey the emperor's orders and do my utmost to fulfill my mission! I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give the emperor a satisfactory explanation!"

After those people left one by one, Qianlong's face was solemn, with a trace of worry and anxiety between his brows. He suddenly raised his voice and shouted, "An Yi!"

This shout, as if carrying endless power, echoed in the empty county government office. An Yi appeared in front of Qianlong in an instant like a ghost, knelt on one knee, and waited respectfully for Qianlong's instructions.

Qianlong stared at An Yi with a sharp gaze, saying sternly, "Go and question Altai again. Make sure he reveals who is colluding with him in the court! I've thought about it over and over again. Altai dared to plot evil and rebel. He must be connected to the royal family! Otherwise, who could he nominate to sit on the throne?"

Qianlong's words were sonorous and powerful, and every word was full of unquestionable majesty, and at the same time contained far-sighted wisdom. His sharp eyes like a hawk revealed his persistence and determination to find the truth, as if he could see through all falsehoods and concealment, and wanted to thoroughly uncover the conspiracy and collusion hidden behind.

After hearing this, An Yi was startled, knowing that this matter was of great importance. He straightened his body, clasped his fists and saluted, and said solemnly: "I obey your order!" After that, An Yi turned around, and his figure flashed, and he disappeared in the palace as quickly as a gust of wind.

Prison

This time, after receiving Qianlong's order, An Yi came like a dark shadow at lightning speed. His tall and mysterious figure was like a giant peak of oppression, causing Altai's heart to uncontrollably surge with endless fear like a huge wave.

The moment Altai's eyes met An Yi's figure, his body trembled violently as if struck by lightning. It was a fear that penetrated deep into his bones and reached the depths of his soul. This fear was as if An Yi was a messenger stepped out of the gloomy and terrifying hell, and could drag him into the bottomless dark abyss at any time.

He couldn't help but step back repeatedly, his steps becoming unsteady and staggering, as if only in this way could he slightly increase the distance between him and An Yi. With every step he took back, his heart was filled with despair and helplessness, and the fear of the unknown almost made him collapse to the ground.

An Yi walked towards Altai's cell with steady and firm steps, neither hurried nor slow. Each step he took was solid and powerful, like a heavy hammer hitting people's hearts. His eyes, as sharp as an eagle, stared at Altai, as if he wanted to see through Altai's heart. The sharpness revealed in his eyes seemed to be able to easily pierce through all disguises and lies.

Then, An Yi stretched out his hand with lightning speed. That hand was like a pair of pliers, quickly and accurately lifting Altai out. At this moment, Altai felt as if he was tightly grasped by an invisible force and could not break free.

An Yi's cold voice rang out in the cell, like bursts of muffled thunder, echoing in the silent space. His words were like a sharp knife, piercing Altai's heart: "The emperor has ordered people to search your house and your hidden places. In those places, we found some very intriguing things. Now, do you have anything you want to tell me?" The voice was full of majesty and oppression, which made Altai feel suffocated.