Love Lock

Chapter 232 An Effortlessly Concealed Worry

After setting the wedding date, Zhao Zun became very busy.

Besides watching Xiao Zhengfei drill deserters every day, he personally went to the construction site of the Prince's Mansion to direct the work, striving to make the Prince's Mansion look like the wedding room he wanted.

Han Lei became a free person, because Zhao Zun had already used the walkie-talkie to notify the old lady and Zhao Ling'er, who were far away in Fufeng County, to come to Qingshui County to settle down in their new home and to arrange the wedding.

With the help of Madam Luo and Luo Yuanyuan, the old lady didn't want Han Lei to do anything.

Han Lei then went to "Cangzhou Hospital" every day to gradually improve the hospital's affairs.

The days passed by in a flurry of activity. With many guards and servants, things were done efficiently, and by August 30th, all the wedding preparations were complete.

The banquet was handled by the chefs from Tongfulou Restaurant, so they didn't have to worry about the food preparation at all.

Of course, this was mainly because Han Lei wanted to use the wedding banquet to let more people in Cangzhou know just how delicious pork is.

On the last day of August, the sky over Qingshui County was exceptionally clear.

Zhao Zun stood in the completed main courtyard, his fingers gently stroking a gleaming redwood pillar, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Your Highness, is it alright to hang this wedding tent here?" A servant boy asked cautiously, holding up a bright red curtain.

Zhao Zun looked up at the location and frowned slightly: "A little to the left, yes, this is the spot. It needs to be so that the Princess can see it as soon as she enters."

His voice was filled with undisguised anticipation, and his eyes were much gentler than usual.

"Yes, Your Highness." The servant quickly replied, standing on tiptoe to adjust his position.

Zhao Zun looked around; the palace, decorated according to his wishes, was now filled with joy.

The vermilion pillars, the dark blue roof tiles, and the century-old osmanthus tree in the courtyard, which was specially moved from the mountains, are now emitting a faint fragrance.

Tomorrow, this place will welcome its mistress—the woman who haunts his dreams.

"Your Highness!" Xiao Zhengfei strode into the courtyard, his forehead still covered in sweat from training.

"The arrangements for the deserters' camp have been made. Tomorrow, a hundred elite soldiers will be assigned to guard the perimeter of the Prince's residence."

Zhao Zun nodded slightly: "Yes, thank you for your hard work. Although it's a happy occasion, there are too many people coming, so we can't be careless about safety."

As soon as he finished speaking, a buzzing sound came from the walkie-talkie at his waist.

Immediately following was an urgent call: "Yinshan Outpost No. 3 calling Your Highness, urgent military intelligence! Repeat, urgent military intelligence!"

Zhao Zun's expression instantly turned serious. He quickly took the walkie-talkie and pressed the call button: "This is Zhao Zun, speak."

The sentry's deliberately hushed voice came from the walkie-talkie: "Your Highness, half an hour ago, the sentry spotted twelve suspicious Turkic cavalrymen through binoculars from the watchtower. They dismounted about five li outside Yong'an City after crossing Yinshan Mountain, tied their horses in the woods by the mountainside, and then approached the city wall on foot. They looked like scouts."

Zhao Zun frowned: "Continue."

"They have dispersed and are lying in ambush behind the small mounds, and have been silently observing the perimeter of the fortress until now. Please make a decision, Your Highness."

Zhao Zun turned his head and exchanged a glance with Xiao Zhengfei, and the air in the courtyard seemed to freeze instantly.

Xiao Zhengfei unconsciously tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, while the servant who was hanging the curtains turned pale with fright, and the curtains slipped from his hands and fell to the ground.

Zhao Zun's eyes sharpened like knives, and he ordered in a deep voice: "Don't alert them. Closely monitor the movements and intentions of each of the twelve. Notify the garrisons of Yong'an City and Ling'an City to immediately strengthen their vigilance, but do not show any abnormality."

"Yes! Understood!" came the crisp reply from the other end of the walkie-talkie.

After ending the call, Zhao Zun took a deep breath and looked at Xiao Zhengfei.

"With the autumn harvest nearing its end, the Turks are probably getting restless. Pass on my order to secretly summon all the battalion commanders to the military council hall, without alerting anyone else in the household, especially the Queen."

Xiao Zhengfei hesitated for a moment: "Your Highness, tomorrow is your wedding day..."

Zhao Zun raised his hand to interrupt him: "That's precisely why we can't let the Turks have any opportunity to take advantage of us." His voice was deep and firm. "Go and do it."

After Xiao Zhengfei left, Zhao Zun stood alone in the courtyard, looking at the bright red "double happiness" characters everywhere and the fragrant osmanthus tree, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the love lock, his fingertips gently stroking the delicate patterns on it, a tender smile unconsciously appearing on his lips.

"Zhao Zun?" A soft, gentle female voice came from behind.

Zhao Zun quickly put away the love lock and turned around, seeing Han Lei standing at the moon gate, wearing a pale yellow dress and a jade hairpin in her hair, looking elegant and refined.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on her body. She smiled sweetly, like an elf emerging from the mountains and forests.

"Why are you here?" Zhao Zun quickly stepped forward, the murderous aura on his face instantly dissipating.

Han Lei smiled slightly: "Everything at the hospital has been arranged, so I came to see if there's anything I can help with."

She looked around, her gaze lingering on the newly hung curtains. "It's beautifully decorated."

Zhao Zun followed her gaze, but his mind was preoccupied with the military situation he had just learned.

He subtly stepped aside to block Han Lei's view of the north of the city, not wanting her to worry at this critical juncture.

He held Han Lei's fair hand in his palm, his tone deliberately relaxed: "Leave these chores to the servants, you go and have fun! Just relax and wait to become my bride."

Go out and have some fun?

Han Lei's lips twitched slightly; they were treating her like a child!

However, she keenly noticed the fleeting worry between Zhao Zun's brows, but she considerately didn't ask any further questions, and simply gently held his hand in return.

"Don't overwork yourself, you still have to..." Her voice trailed off, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

Zhao Zun felt a warmth in his heart and was about to say something when he heard hurried footsteps in the distance. He quickly released Han Lei's hand and resumed his usual calm expression.

"Your Highness!" A guard stopped outside the courtyard gate, clasped his hands in salute, and said, "General Xiao requests your presence."

Zhao Zun nodded: "Understood." He turned to Han Lei, his voice softening, "There are some military matters to attend to, you should go back and rest first."

Han Lei gave him a deep look and said softly, "Okay, you... be careful."

After watching Han Lei leave, Zhao Zun's face immediately darkened.

He strode towards the military council hall, with generals rushing to his side along the way. Everyone's expression was solemn and alert, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.

Inside the military council hall, Xiao Zhengfei had already laid out a topographical map of the area from Yinshan to Yong'an City. As soon as Zhao Zun entered, all the generals immediately stood up and saluted.

"No need for formalities." Zhao Zun walked straight to the map. "How is the situation?"

A commander in charge of the outpost stepped forward to report: "Your Highness, the Yinshan outpost has been monitoring the movements of those twelve cavalrymen. So far, they are only lurking behind the earthen mound observing the bastion, and there is no sign of them leaving." "Continue to monitor. If the Turkic army is spotted, have Li Erniu immediately send a rifle team to counterattack. In any case, we must delay until tomorrow." Zhao Zun did not want to miss the wedding date again.

"Your Highness, rest assured." The commander nodded solemnly. "General Li has ordered all the garrison troops in Yong'an City to be on high alert, and additional shifts have been assigned to outposts along the Yinshan Mountains and the route."

Zhao Zun pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "You will all have to work hard these next few days and not be careless. Also, starting tonight, a curfew will be imposed in Yong'an City, and double guards will be stationed at all city gates."

All the generals responded in unison.

After the meeting, Zhao Zun stood alone by the window of the military council hall, watching the setting sun gradually sink in the west.

His thoughts were in turmoil. On the one hand, he had to prepare for the possible military threat; on the other hand, he didn't want these worries to affect his wedding the next day, especially not to make Han Lei worry.

Thinking of his wedding tomorrow, a strong sense of protectiveness welled up in his heart.

He would not allow anyone to jeopardize their happiness, whether it be the Turkic cavalry or any other threat.

"Your Highness, you should go and make preparations," Xiao Zhengfei gently reminded him, "The wedding procession is early tomorrow morning..."

"Okay! Let's go!" Zhao Zun took a deep breath, masking his worries.

He paused, then instructed Xiao Zhengfei: "The wedding will proceed as scheduled tomorrow, but all guards must be fully armed and ready to respond to any emergencies."

"My subordinate understands!"

Just as Zhao Zun and Xiao Zhengfei were about to step out of the military council hall, a sudden, rapid crackling of electricity broke the silence of the space.

The walkie-talkie on Zhao Zun's waist rang again, and Ma Zi's hoarse voice came through the radio waves.

"Your Highness! Your Highness! Where are you? I just received a message by carrier pigeon from the capital!"

Beijing?

These two words pierced Zhao Zun's heart like a sharp blade. He and Xiao Zhengfei exchanged a glance, a hint of solemnity flashing in their eyes.

Besides Uncle Liu, no one else in the capital would send him messages by carrier pigeon. He and Uncle Liu had an agreement that Uncle Liu wouldn't send him messages unless something extremely important happened. Could something have happened in the capital?
Zhao Zun's slender fingers unconsciously tightened around the walkie-talkie in his hand, and he said in a deep voice, "I am in the military council hall. Send this letter here immediately."

Zhao Zun waited in the military council hall, the slanting sunlight casting shadows of varying depths on his angular face.

He had a very bad feeling, and his voice was low, "Tomorrow is the wedding day, but today we received news from Yinshan and the capital..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ma Zi came running in, panting, and presented a small bamboo tube with both hands.

Zhao Zun took the bamboo tube, quickly unfolded the thin, cicada-wing-like silk paper, and scanned the writing on it with lightning speed.

With a "snap," Zhao Zun slammed the silk paper shut, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes again, a cold flame had ignited in those deep, ink-black eyes.

"Your Highness? What happened?" Xiao Zhengfei and Ma Zi asked in unison.

Zhao Zun's voice was as cold as ice in the twelfth lunar month: "The court has noticed the unusual activity in Cangzhou, and His Majesty has issued an edict accusing me of treason. He is currently mobilizing troops and will soon launch an attack on Cangzhou."

"What? Now?" Xiao Zhengfei took a half step back in surprise, but there was no fear in his eyes: "Tomorrow... Oh no! What should we do?"

"Damn it!" Pockmarked man slammed his fist on the table, making the teacups rattle. "Your Highness, there's no time to lose. We should storm the capital now and catch that old emperor off guard."

Zhao Zun raised his hand to stop the two from speaking, then turned to look at the sunset outside the window.

Tomorrow is his wedding day with Han Lei. He didn't want to disturb Han Lei or upset her. He hoped that Han Lei would be the happiest and most joyful bride in the world.

But now it seems that with the capital and the Turks making moves at the same time, it's probably impossible to avoid alerting Han Lei.

He paused for a moment, then ordered in a deep voice, "Ma Zi, go and invite the Princess over immediately. Tell her... that she has important matters to discuss. Then have Lord Luo take good care of the guests staying at the inn on my behalf."

"Yes!" Pockmarked man clasped his hands in a fist salute and left.

After Ma Zi left, Xiao Zhengfei whispered, "Is Your Highness worried about..."

“The princess is no ordinary woman.” Zhao Zun reached into his robes and gently stroked the smooth, warm clasp. “Rather than letting her find out from elsewhere, I’d rather tell her myself.”

“Yes! The Princess is a reasonable woman. I believe she won’t blame the Prince for what happened on the eve of their wedding. She might even be able to share his burden.” Xiao Zhengfei nodded and walked to the table to light the candles.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating Zhao Zun's resolute profile.

Outside the window, the last rays of the setting sun quietly disappeared, replaced by a rising evening breeze that swept a few fallen leaves past the window frame, making a rustling sound, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

The prefectural government was not far from the prince's residence, and Ma Zi rode his horse at full speed, quickly picking up Han Lei and returning.

The prefectural government was not far from the prince's residence. Ma Zi galloped on his horse, the sound of hooves ringing out crisply in the quiet night.

Before long, they picked up Han Lei and returned to the Prince's Mansion.

Lanterns hung high in front of the Prince's Mansion, illuminating Han Lei's slightly hurried figure. As soon as she stepped off the carriage, Zhao Zun quickly came out from inside the mansion to greet her.

A cool night breeze stirred her pale yellow skirt, which shimmered softly in the moonlight.

"It's chilly at night, why didn't you put on a cloak when you came out?" Zhao Zun frowned slightly, his voice full of concern. He took off his outer robe and gently draped it over Han Lei's shoulders.

Han Lei looked up and met his concerned gaze, a sweet smile unconsciously appearing on her lips.

"I had just returned to the mansion when Ma Zi came to deliver a message. In my haste, I forgot to put on more clothes."

A hint of guilt flashed in Zhao Zun's eyes as he said softly, "You're going to be a bride tomorrow, you should be able to rest properly."

He paused, his expression turning serious. "It's just an unexpected situation, so I had to ask you to come and discuss it."

Speaking of unexpected situations, Han Lei recalled the worry that Zhao Zun had tried so hard to hide in his eyes.

Han Lei's eyes shone brightly in the lamplight. He gently took her hand and said, "Tomorrow we will become husband and wife. As husband and wife, we will naturally weather the storms together and face everything together."

Her voice was soft yet firm, and exceptionally clear in the night.

Zhao Zun felt a warmth in his heart and tightened his grip on her hand. The two walked side by side toward the military council hall, the moonlight casting long shadows of them.

Upon entering the military council hall, the smell of fresh paint mixed with the scent of candlelight wafted towards you.

Han Lei frowned slightly and subconsciously raised her hand to fan her nose. She took out several exquisite solar-powered lamps from her spatial storage and placed them one by one on the display shelf. She then pressed the switch, and the entire military council hall was instantly illuminated as if it were daytime.

"Alright, now we can talk properly." Han Lei straightened her skirt and said seriously, "Why are you so worried?"

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