Rebirth of the Princess Pearl

The morning sun shines on the ruins of the compound, and the mottled light and shadow seem to tell the vicissitudes of life here. Xiaoyanzi came to the compound early, and she excitedly watched the people busy at work, running to help Ertai weed, and then running to watch the craftsmen build walls.

"Ertai, look, this slum is going to look completely different soon!" Xiaoyanzi's eyes sparkled. She squatted down, pulled up a handful of weeds, a bright smile on her face.

Ertai wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile: "Yes, Xiaoyanzi. But this is a big project and there is still a lot to do." Ertai straightened up and stretched, his clothes were covered with mud.

At this time, Ziwei and Jinsuo also came to the compound with some daily necessities. Ziwei said gently: "Xiaoyanzi, we bought a lot of things. Tables, chairs, benches, pots, pans, and bowls, everything you need." Ziwei's eyes showed a trace of fatigue, but more of relief. She held a small notebook in her hand with a list of purchased items on it.

Jinsuo added, "Princess, these are all carefully selected by us, and they are of very good quality." Jinsuo's voice was crisp, and she directed several eunuchs to move the things to the appropriate places.

Little Swallow ran over, looked at the daily necessities and said happily: "Ziwei, Jinsuo, you are amazing. These things are so practical." Little Swallow picked up a bowl, looked at it carefully, her face full of joy.

On the other side of the compound, Yongqi and Erkang were discussing the details of the renovation with the craftsmen. Yongqi pointed to a wall and said, "Master, this wall needs to be reinforced, and it would be best if a small window could be opened on it, so that the room would be brighter." Yongqi's eyes were focused, and his hands were gesturing in the air.

Erkang nodded in agreement and said to the craftsman, "And this roof must be repaired with the best materials. It must be rainproof and warm." Erkang's expression was serious. He stood straight with his hands behind his back.

The craftsman replied respectfully: "Fifth Prince, Master Erkang, don't worry. We will do it according to your requirements and ensure that the slum is repaired properly." The craftsman's eyes showed confidence, and he patted his chest to make the promise.

Princess Seya brought a few Mongolians to the compound, and they brought some special building materials. Princess Seya proudly said: "Come and see, these materials are from Mongolia, and they will be very beautiful when used to decorate the compound." Princess Seya stood tall, and her eyes were shining with excitement.

Little Swallow ran over curiously, looked at the exotic materials and asked, "Princess Seya, what are these? They look so special." Little Swallow's eyes were full of curiosity and she reached out and touched the materials.

Princess Seya introduced with a smile: "Little Swallow, this is a colored stone unique to our Mongolia. It can be used to inlay on the wall. And this is a specially treated wool felt. It can be laid on the ground or hung on the wall as decoration." Princess Seya said as she picked up the colored stones and wool felt to show them to Little Swallow.

Just when everyone was busy and excited about the renovation of the slum, a discordant voice broke the harmony.

"What are you doing? Who allowed you to repair the compound without permission?" A man who looked like an official walked in with several guards. He had an arrogant look in his eyes, his hands behind his back, and walked with a swagger.

Xiaoyanzi frowned, walked forward and said, "We are here to renovate the compound on the orders of the Emperor. Who are you? Why are you stopping us?" Xiaoyanzi put her hands on her hips and stared at the official angrily.

The official sneered and said, "Humph, the emperor only said to restore the slum, but he didn't tell you to repair it haphazardly like this. What do you want the slum to become by doing this? This is not in compliance with the regulations of the imperial palace." The official's voice was sharp, and there was a hint of disdain in his eyes.

Yongqi stepped forward and said calmly, "Sir, we are renovating the compound in accordance with the emperor's order. This is to make the elderly in the compound more comfortable. Moreover, everything we do is within a reasonable range and does not violate any regulations." Yongqi's expression was calm, with a hint of majesty in his eyes, and his hand unconsciously rested on the sword at his waist.

However, the official persisted and said, "Fifth Prince, although you are a prince, you cannot have the final say on matters in this palace. I think you should stop the repairs and wait until the Ministry of Internal Affairs replans them." The official's attitude was very tough, and the guards behind him also took a step forward, as if threatening everyone.

Erkang frowned and said, "Sir, you are deliberately making things difficult for us. We have already obtained the emperor's permission, what right do you have to stop us?" Erkang's voice was low and serious, his hand clenched the hilt of the sword, his eyes fixed on the official.

The official was frightened by Erkang's momentum, but he still pretended to be calm and said: "I am Lord Liu from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The affairs of this slum are under my jurisdiction. I can't let you do this." Lord Liu's voice trembled a little, but he still refused to give in.

At this time, the old people in the compound gathered around, and an old lady said tremblingly: "Sir Liu, the princesses and masters are all kind-hearted. They want us old guys to have a better place to live. Why are you stopping them?" There were tears in the old lady's eyes, and her hands were tightly grasping the corner of Xiaoyanzi's clothes.

Lord Liu looked at the old lady and said impatiently: "What do you old people know? This is the palace's business, it's not your business." As soon as Lord Liu's words came out, everyone around him showed angry expressions.

Xiaoyanzi said angrily: "How can you talk to an old lady like that? You bad adult." Xiaoyanzi's face turned red and her eyes burned with anger. She wanted to rush up to argue, but was held back by Yongqi.

Yongqi whispered to Xiaoyanzi, "Xiaoyanzi, don't be impulsive. Let's go find the Emperor and let him judge the matter." Yongqi's eyes were firm, and he held Xiaoyanzi's arm to prevent her from doing anything impulsive.

Ziwei also stepped forward and said, "Lord Liu, let's go see the emperor now. If the emperor also thinks that we are wrong, we will naturally stop. But if the emperor supports us, you are disobeying the emperor's order by stopping us." Although Ziwei's voice was gentle, it was firm and unquestionable.

After hearing Ziwei's words, Lord Liu felt a little scared, but he still said stubbornly: "Go if you want. I don't believe the emperor will support your reckless actions." Lord Liu turned around and left the courtyard with his guards. Xiaoyanzi and others also hurried towards the palace.

In the palace, Concubine Ling was sitting in her own palace, and a little maid was massaging her legs. Concubine Ling had a barely perceptible smile on her face, and she said softly, "This Lord Liu is really obedient, I hope he can stop Xiaoyanzi and the others." Concubine Ling's eyes revealed a hint of calculation.

The little palace maid said cautiously, "Your Majesty, what if the Emperor blames you?" The little palace maid's voice was very soft; she did not dare to speak loudly.

Concubine Ling gently patted the little palace maid's hand and said, "Don't worry, I have my own arrangements. Lord Liu is just following the rules, and the emperor won't blame him too much. Moreover, as long as I can create some trouble for Xiaoyanzi and the others, my goal will be achieved." There was a cunning flash in Concubine Ling's eyes.

Xiaoyanzi and others hurried to the outside of Emperor Qianlong's palace. After the guard reported, they walked into the palace. Emperor Qianlong was sitting on the dragon throne. Looking at their hurried appearance, he asked with some doubt: "You are in such a hurry to see me, is there something wrong?" Emperor Qianlong's voice was steady and majestic, and his eyes swept over everyone.

Xiaoyanzi walked forward, saluted, and said angrily: "Father Your Majesty, when we were repairing the courtyard, Lord Liu from the Ministry of Internal Affairs suddenly ran out to stop us. He said that we were repairing it privately and it didn't comply with the regulations. But Father Your Majesty, we are doing it according to your wishes." Xiaoyanzi's eyes were full of grievances, her body trembled slightly, and her hands kept rubbing the corners of her clothes.

Emperor Qianlong frowned and said, "Is this true? Didn't I allow you to renovate the courtyard?" There was a hint of displeasure in Emperor Qianlong's voice, and his eyes became cold.

Yongqi stepped forward and said, "Father, Lord Liu has a very tough attitude. He even said that the renovation can only continue after the Ministry of Internal Affairs has replanned it. He didn't listen to our explanation at all." Yongqi's expression was serious. He looked up and looked directly at Emperor Qianlong, clasping his hands in salute.

Ziwei also said: "Father Emperor, the elderly people in the compound are looking forward to living in the renovated houses as soon as possible. If they are blocked without reason like this, they will be very disappointed. Moreover, everything we do is to make the compound better and does not violate any regulations." Ziwei's voice was soft but powerful, her eyes flashed with sincerity, and she knelt slightly to salute.

After pondering for a moment, Emperor Qianlong said, "Tell Lord Liu to come to the palace to see me." Emperor Qianlong's voice was full of majesty and left no room for doubt.

Soon, Lord Liu was brought to the palace. When he saw Emperor Qianlong, he saluted and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty." Lord Liu's voice was trembling, and he lowered his head, not daring to look at Emperor Qianlong.

Emperor Qianlong looked at Lord Liu and asked, "Lord Liu, why are you stopping Xiaoyanzi and the others from renovating the compound? Didn't I already allow it?" Emperor Qianlong stared at Lord Liu, as if he wanted to see through him.

Lord Liu stammered, "Your Majesty, I...I thought their way of repairing it did not comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so I stopped them. I was also considering the rules of the palace." Lord Liu's body trembled slightly, and his hands kept wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Emperor Qianlong frowned and said, "I have allowed them to repair the compound so that they can make it better according to their own ideas. You are defying my will by blocking it without reason." Emperor Qianlong's voice became stern and his eyes were filled with anger.

When Lord Liu heard this, he hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty, please forgive me. I know I was wrong, and I shouldn't have stopped it." Lord Liu knocked his head to the ground, making a "bang bang" sound.

Emperor Qianlong looked at Lord Liu and said, "Considering that this is your first offense, I will not punish you severely this time. When you go back, do not stop Xiaoyanzi and the others from renovating the courtyard, and cooperate with them to the fullest." Emperor Qianlong's voice softened a little, but still full of majesty.

Lord Liu nodded quickly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do it." Lord Liu retreated hastily as if he had been pardoned.

Xiaoyanzi and the others were relieved after hearing what Emperor Qianlong said. Xiaoyanzi said happily: "Long live the emperor! You are so wise." Xiaoyanzi's face was filled with a bright smile, and she jumped up excitedly.

Ziwei also showed a gratified smile and said, "Thank you, Father Emperor. Your decision will make many people happy." Tears flashed in Ziwei's eyes, and she bowed again to express her gratitude.

Yongqi, Erkang and others also expressed their gratitude.

Emperor Qianlong said: "Go ahead and repair the compound."

After Xiaoyanzi and the others left the palace, they returned to the compound. They continued to work on the repairs. In the palace, after hearing the news of Lord Liu's failure, Concubine Ling frowned and said softly, "Xiaoyanzi and the others are really hard to deal with. However, I will not give up just like that." Concubine Ling's eyes showed a trace of unwillingness, and her hands were clenched into fists. (Subsequent content will be updated continuously)