Love Lock

Chapter 235 How is this possible?

The bright red wedding candles burned quietly on the gilded candlesticks, their wax dripping slowly down their sides.

Han Lei sat upright on the wedding bed covered with a brocade quilt embroidered with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons, surrounded by a festive red scene.

The veil was embroidered with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, and the gold thread shimmered slightly in the candlelight, completely blocking her view from this small space.

She definitely saw Zhao Zun's feet, clad in cloud-patterned brocade boots, remain motionless in front of her, but she couldn't see any other movements from him. However, Zitan and Jinju, who were serving nearby, saw it all clearly.

"Your Highness, you..." Jinju had just opened her mouth when Zitan gently tugged at her sleeve.

Zhao Zun's slender fingers hovered over the edge of the veil, his fingertips trembling slightly.

He took a deep breath, raised his hand in mid-air and then lowered it, repeating this three or four times.

The wide sleeves of his wedding robes swayed gently with his movements, revealing the subtle patterns on the inner lining.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time, and now his beautiful wife was right in front of his bed, but he still had to wait until nightfall.

He knew he could only lift the veil when he drank the nuptial wine with Han Lei that evening. But like a young boy, he couldn't resist lifting the veil immediately to see how beautiful and charming Han Lei was today.

"Hehe! Is Your Highness impatient?" Zitan finally couldn't help but laugh and tease.

Zhao Zun coughed lightly, withdrawing his hand that had been frozen in mid-air. His voice held a hint of embarrassment: "Ahem! I just... just wanted to see the Princess today..."

“Your Highness,” Jinju said, suppressing a laugh but unable to hide her mischievousness, “according to the rules, this veil should not be lifted until the nuptial wine.”

"Uh... I know."

As Han Lei listened to their conversation, the corners of her mouth, hidden under her veil, unconsciously turned up.

She felt Zhao Zun take another step closer, his warm breath brushing against her face through the veil.

“Girl…” Zhao Zun’s voice was low and gentle, with a hint of suppressed urgency, “I…”

Han Lei gently moved her toes, which were encased in embroidered shoes. "Does Your Highness have something to say?"

Zhao Zun's Adam's apple bobbed, and he reached out and gently took her hand, which was resting on her knee.

Han Lei felt that his palms were a little damp, which meant he was very nervous.

"I..." Zhao Zun was about to speak when a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

Where did the groom go?

"Quickly go and find the prince to have a drink!"

"Your Highness, are you in such a hurry to go to the bridal chamber? Hahaha..."

Jinju quickly went to the door and looked around. She turned back and said urgently, "Your Highness, the guests are all looking for you! You must go and greet them first."

Zhao Zun sighed in frustration, his fingers lingeringly stroking Han Lei's hand twice: "Girl, I have to go deal with those guests first."

"Okay." Han Lei responded softly, her voice tinged with amusement. "Go ahead."

Zhao Zun didn't leave immediately. Instead, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "I asked the kitchen to prepare lotus seed soup and some snacks. Have some first. You've been busy all day, so don't go hungry."

His voice was very low, and his warm breath made Han Lei's ears burn.

“Your Highness, rest assured,” Zitan replied cleverly, “this servant will go to the small kitchen to fetch it right away.”

Zhao Zun straightened up, then added with concern, "Jinju, massage the Princess's shoulders. That phoenix crown looks heavy."

"Yes, Your Highness." Jinju replied with a smile, then walked behind Han Lei and gently massaged her shoulders.

Han Lei felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "Go quickly, don't keep the guests waiting."

Zhao Zun stood there for a while longer before finally turning away reluctantly.

As he reached the door, he suddenly turned back and said, "I'll be back as soon as possible. Remember to eat something first."

Zitan and Jinju exchanged a glance, both seeing an undisguised smile in each other's eyes.

Ever since the old lady transferred the two of them to serve Han Lei in the capital, they have become the most leisurely maids in the entire mansion.

Han Lei was always busy outside, often alone, so the two of them couldn't find their mistress even if they wanted to serve her.

Today they have a good chance to show their abilities. Even without Zhao Zun's instructions, they will definitely take good care of Han Lei.

Once Zhao Zun's footsteps faded into the distance, Jinju finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Your Highness, in all my years in this household, this is the first time I've ever seen His Highness like this!"

As Zitan removed the phoenix crown from Han Lei, she laughed and said, "Isn't that right? The prince is a hero who defended against foreign enemies, but the way he was so eager just now made him look like a young man just experiencing love for the first time."

Although Han Lei didn't see it with her own eyes, she could imagine Zhao Zun's appearance just now.
A sweet feeling welled up in her heart, and she said softly, "Please stop making fun of him."

"How dare I?" Jinju took a warm handkerchief and wiped Han Lei's hands. "His Highness cherishes the Princess Consort dearly."

Zitan brought over some snacks and carefully lifted a corner of her veil: "Your Highness, please have some snacks first. His Highness specifically instructed the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes."

Han Lei tasted a piece of osmanthus cake from Zitan's hand, and the sweet fragrance melted in her mouth.

Suddenly remembering something, she asked softly, "Does Your Highness look...good today?"

Jinju chuckled: "The prince is dressed in a bright red wedding robe and a golden crown today. He is so handsome that all the maids in the courtyard are staring at him!"

Han Lei smiled, her heart filled with sweetness. She sat quietly on the wedding bed, listening to the distant noise, her face, hidden beneath the bright red veil, radiating happiness.

The front yard was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Congratulatory greetings mingled with the sounds of gongs and drums from the opera troupe, intensifying the festive atmosphere.

After the wedding procession entered the Prince's Mansion, dozens of square tables were set up along the long street outside. Inside the mansion, delicacies were served to the distinguished guests, while outside, a continuous feast was set up to entertain the common people and neighbors who had come to offer their congratulations.

Zhao Zun specifically instructed that since the people had come from afar to share in the joy, they should be made to leave satisfied.

Although the banquet couldn't match the delicacies served in the mansion, it included plenty of stewed meat, seasonal vegetables, and steamed buns.

The aroma of oil wafted through the rising steam along the long street, adding a lively, down-to-earth feel that surpassed even the most elaborate banquets.

The front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and more than a hundred mahogany tables were neatly arranged, with smiling maids and servants moving among them.

The plates of twice-cooked pork, shredded pork with garlic sauce, braised pork with potatoes, and other dishes they were carrying were all signature dishes of Tongfulou. The soft and sweet sweet potatoes and the golden fried corn were freshly harvested from the fields.

The aroma of the delicacies filled the air, and the rich fragrance of the Zui Xian Niang wine added a touch of extravagance to the entire wedding banquet.

"Come, come, let's toast the Prince and Princess with this first cup!"

Upon seeing Zhao Zun appear, the guests all stood up and raised their glasses to him from afar.

Zhao Zun said a few words of thanks, then drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, and the banquet officially began.

The guests enjoyed the delicious food at Tongfulou Restaurant, chatting and laughing loudly.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, Zhao Zun, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, went from table to table toasting, accompanied by his best man, Fatty Head, and Hua Tianyou.

Big Fat Head's round face was full of smiles, and he would occasionally shield Zhao Zun from drinking.

Hua Tianyou cleverly assisted from the side, occasionally making witty remarks to amuse the guests.

When they reached Song Yuanqing's table, the noble young man in a light blue brocade robe immediately stood up and held the cup with both hands.

"Brother Zhao, today is your joyous day. Yuanqing has come to wish you and the Princess a long and happy marriage and many children."

Song Yuanqing's gaze was clear, and his tone sincere, making him no different from the other congratulatory guests. The moment Zhao Zun saw Song Yuanqing, a strange light flashed in his eyes, as if he had suddenly thought of something, but it quickly disappeared.

Zhao Zun smiled and said, "I am very pleased that Brother Song could come. Today was a hasty event, so please forgive me if there is anything I have done poorly in my hospitality."

He raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, the wide sleeves of his wedding robe drawing an arc in the air.

"Brother Zhao, you're too kind." Song Yuanqing tilted his head back and finished his cup of wine, praising, "This Drunken Immortal Wine is indeed fragrant with every drop!"

Zhao Zun patted him on the shoulder and pointed to the delicious food on the table, saying, "Brother Song, it's rare for you to come to Qingshui County. You must try the food at Tongfu Restaurant. I'll go greet the guests first and then come back to drink with you later."

Song Yuanqing gladly accepted and sat back down to enjoy the delicious food, while Zhao Zun continued to offer toasts.

After toasting everyone, Zhao Zun suddenly stopped in the corridor. Hua Tianyou was talking to the fat man and almost bumped into his back.

"Oh dear! Zhao Zun, what's wrong with you...?"

Hua Tianyou rubbed his nose and complained, but then he saw Zhao Zun with a serious expression, his slender fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of his wine glass.

Zhao Zun looked at the two of them and asked, "Tianyou, Fatty, do you think we're good brothers?"

"Tch! Isn't that obvious?"

Hua Tianyou rolled his eyes at him, looking at him like he was an idiot.

Unlike Hua Tianyou, who acted without thinking, Big Fatty felt that Zhao Zun would never ask this question out of the blue if nothing was wrong.

Seeing Zhao Zun's serious expression, he patted his chest and said, "Zhao Zun, we've been friends since we were kids. Just tell me what's wrong."

"Alright!" Zhao Zun nodded and lowered his voice, "You two go and drink with Song Yuanqing, make sure he has a good time."

He squinted at Song Yuanqing, who was picking up a piece of braised pork in the distance. "Once he's drunk, arrange for him to rest in the upper-class guest room. Tomorrow, take him to visit Qingshui County; we should keep him here for at least five days."

The fat man patted his round belly, somewhat puzzled, and asked, "Zhao Zun, why is this? What about Song Yuanqing...?"

“You don’t need to ask any more questions.” Zhao Zun interrupted him, a sharp glint in his eyes. “Remember, use your skills to make sure he’s well-fed and entertained. If you can get him out of Qingshui County within five days…”

Zhao Zun hadn't finished speaking, but the threat was already obvious.

Hua Tianyou and the fat man exchanged a glance. Although they were both full of questions, they readily agreed.

"Hey, it's just about making sure Song Yuanqing eats well and has fun, okay? Leave it to me, that's my specialty! I'll get him drunk today, and when he sobers up tomorrow, I'll take him to a brothel to listen to music."

"Snapped!"

He was slapped on the back of the head.

"You dare take him to a brothel?" Zhao Zun glared at him, his face ashen.

"puff!"

Big Fat Head almost burst out laughing, and quickly covered his mouth with his thick palm.

Hua Tianyou shrank his neck and quickly pulled the fat man away.

The two turned and walked toward Song Yuanqing's table, and Hua Tianyou immediately put on a fawning smile.

"Hey! Song Yuanqing, I've heard so much about your incredible drinking capacity. It's rare to see you like this on a regular basis. Today, I'm determined to drink with you until we drop. Come on! Let's have a drink, you three!"

As he spoke, he picked up an unopened jar of Drunken Immortal Wine and placed it on the table with a "thump!"

Big Fatty sat down right next to Song Yuanqing, patting his shoulder with his chubby hand.

"Brother Song, long time no see. I heard you love fish? Come, come, try this sweet and sour carp. It's Chef Zhang's specialty at Tongfulou!"

Song Yuanqing was somewhat bewildered by the sudden enthusiasm of the two, but he still politely raised his glass.

"After leaving the capital, it has indeed been difficult for us to meet. I would be disrespectful to refuse your kind invitations, brothers." His slightly rough voice sounded particularly clear in the noisy banquet.

In the distance, Zhao Zun stood in the shadow of the pillars, gazing intently at the three people clinking glasses.

He smiled faintly, a tiny crack appearing in the wine glass in his hand without him even noticing...

Song Yuanqing was drinking and exchanging toasts with others, enjoying Zhao Zun's wedding feast. Completely unaware, at that moment, a messenger from Qing He, the garrison commander of Xuzhou, had arrived at his camp in Ganluo County.

In late autumn in Ganluo County, farmers were busy harvesting crops in the fields, while the military camp resounded with the sounds of intense drills.

Sunlight streamed onto the newly paved cement parade ground, casting patches of shadow beneath the soldiers' feet.

Lieutenant General Gu Haixing stood outside the tent, gazing absently at the distant mountains.

General Song went to the Prince of Cangzhou's mansion to attend the wedding yesterday, and the affairs of the military camp have been temporarily entrusted to him.

General Song had a good relationship with the King of Cangzhou, but Cangzhou was a poor and remote place. General Song could have just sent someone to deliver congratulatory gifts, but he didn't expect to go to offer his congratulations in person. He wondered what good things the King of Cangzhou could offer to entertain him.

"General Gu!" A sentry rushed over, interrupting his thoughts. "A messenger has arrived outside the camp, saying he was sent by Marshal Qinghe of Xuzhou!"

Gu Haixing frowned.

Marshal Qinghe?

That's the commander of the Xuzhou garrison, why would he suddenly send someone to their small Ganluo County military camp?

"Please come in quickly." He straightened his armor, a faint unease rising in his heart.

The messenger rode into the military camp, his hooves kicking up a cloud of dust.

He was a young man in his early twenties, with a small flag on his back symbolizing an urgent military order, and his face was full of fatigue and tension from a long journey.

"This humble general is a messenger under Marshal Qinghe, and has come to deliver orders on the Marshal's behalf!"

The young man dismounted and swiftly gave a military salute.

Gu Haixing immediately stood up straight and returned the salute, saying, "Gu Haixing, Deputy Commander of the Garrison in Ganluo County, may I ask what military orders the Marshal has?"

The messenger pulled out a document bearing the marshal's seal from his robes and presented it with both hands: "By imperial decree, the King of Cangzhou has rebelled. General Song Yuanqing is hereby ordered to immediately gather his troops and join forces with Marshal Qinghe's army to cross the river and suppress the rebels!"

"what?"

Gu Haixing's hand trembled violently as he took the document, causing the paper to rustle slightly.

His eyes widened in disbelief at what he was hearing.

Is the King of Cangzhou plotting a rebellion?
How can this be?

Just yesterday, General Song was in high spirits attending the wedding banquet of the King of Cangzhou...

"General Gu, where is General Song now?"

Seeing that Gu Haixing's expression was off, the messenger's tone became wary.

"Uh...this..." Gu Haixing's Adam's apple bobbed, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

What should I do? How am I supposed to explain this?

Gu Haixing subconsciously clenched the document in his hand, the paper crumpling into a ball in his palm.

He bit his lip, but finally revealed Song Yuanqing's whereabouts—

"General Song... General Song went to the Prince of Cangzhou's mansion yesterday to... to attend the wedding banquet..."

Looking for a one-stop service!!!