Yunrong understood what Yinzhen meant. Modern drug prohibition is so strict, and with advanced technology and surveillance everywhere, everyone knows that drugs are off-limits, yet some people still take the risk.

This kind of thing can't be completely eradicated.

Yunrong then said, "Don't think too much about it. Your abilities are always limited. Don't put all the pressure on yourself. Think about it on a positive note. Think about how the people of the Qing Dynasty didn't know the dangers of opium at this time in your past life. Now that you're spreading this word, some people will definitely know. As long as there are no major problems, foreigners won't be able to use opium to harm us in the future."

Yinzhen was always able to be comforted by Yunrong, and his mood improved somewhat: "You're right."

Charlie and Carl returned to their lodgings before continuing their conversation.

Carl suddenly looked at Charlie and said, "You've decided to stay in Qing Dynasty after all."

Cha thought for a moment and nodded: "Yes, I like the architecture of the Qing Dynasty."

Carl said, "I want to stay too."

Charlie asked, puzzled, "Why?"

He had his reasons for staying, but Carl had none. He had no relatives or friends in England, but Carl was different; he had a home, even if it wasn't a harmonious one, at least he had something to look forward to.

Carl: "You know my family situation. Although I have a talent for business, my father doesn't value me. The reason I came back to the Qing Dynasty is because the Qing Dynasty is dispensable to the family, and I might even lose my life at sea. Suddenly, I don't want to go back to fight for that family property anymore. It's fine to stay in the Qing Dynasty. I can buy this batch of goods, and then travel around. Maybe one day I will find a place I like and settle down. Or maybe one day I will want to go back to England."

Charlie also wanted a companion to keep him company, but he hoped that Carl would think it through.

"Think it through carefully, don't act impulsively."

Carl shook his head: "I'm not impulsive. I've thought it through very clearly. Before the opium scandal, I was absolutely certain I wanted to go back, but after that, I don't want to go back anymore."

Charlie didn't understand: "Why?"

Carl: "I used to think it was unfair and wanted to prove that I was no worse than that woman's child, but now I realize that I was wrong. I don't want to go back to that place. My mother is gone, and I don't lack money. That place left me with mostly bad memories. Qing Dynasty is not bad either. There are cement roads and even light bulbs. I don't think there's anything wrong with this place. I'll stay here. With you as my friend, I'll be alone forever if I go back."

After listening to Carl's words, Charlie also thought about how the two met. At that time, he was not doing well because of his father. Carl was a young master, but although Carl was rich, he had a stepmother. Once, Carl was surrounded by people, and Charlie saved him.

Carl said he was surrounded because his father praised him once, and his younger brother, who disliked him, hired people to surround him.

After that, the two began to cross paths. Karl had a talent for business, and Charlie followed him, and their lives gradually improved. Charlie's trip to the Qing Dynasty was not originally about anything else; he came to accompany Karl, and of course, he also wanted to see the world.

Since Karl had decided to stay in the Qing Dynasty, Charlie naturally had no intention of disagreeing.

Yunrong offered some words of advice to Yinzhen, who then said, "I met someone today."

Who is it?

"You might not believe it, but do you remember that foreigner we met when we bought clams last time?"

Yunrong naturally remembered that she had only met a handful of foreigners after arriving in the Qing Dynasty, so she naturally had an impression of them.

"What's wrong?"

I saw him today.

Yunrong thought to herself, "Isn't this normal? Most of the foreigners who appear in Guangzhou are businessmen. Today, Yinzhen has summoned all the British businessmen, so it's not surprising that we'll meet them!"

"What's wrong with him?"

Seeing that Yunrong showed no curiosity, Yinzhen had no desire to continue the conversation.

Then, changing the subject, she asked, "How are those clams doing?"

Yunrong then realized that she seemed to have forgotten about those clams.

Yunrong: "After having someone bring it back, they forgot about it. I'll have someone go and ask."

"Bai Xiang, what about those clams you brought back from outside a while ago?"

Bai Xiang: "Reporting to Master, those clams are kept in the water tank outside. Do you want them now?"

"Find two people to move in, and have someone bring over the clam-opening tools. Find two people who know how to open clams."

"yes"

After these clams were brought back, the tools and people for opening them were ready. Now that Yinzhen and Yunrong wanted to open the clams, the people and tools were immediately in place.

Yinzhen and Yunrong did not do it themselves. They were not professionals at opening oysters, and they had no intention of trying it out.

The person who opened the clams was a eunuch who accompanied the group. When he opened the first clam, he saw small, round bumps protruding from the clam's flesh inside. They varied in size, and the largest one, Yunrong estimated, was no smaller than a top-quality pearl.

After all the pearls in the first oyster had been squeezed out, the servant reported: "Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress, this first oyster opened up to reveal eighteen pearls, including three purple pearls, all of which are quite large. This is a very auspicious sign!"

Yinzhen and Yunrong were both surprised and delighted to find a purple pearl inside. Seeing that Yunrong seemed quite happy, Yinzhen gave the servant who opened the pearl a generous reward, which made the servant beam with joy.

After all the oysters were opened, there were fifty or sixty pearls of various sizes. Many of them were of very good quality, though not as good as the tribute pearls. I never expected to find such a great bargain.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!