Love Lock

Chapter 238 Wealth and honor, don’t forget each other

"Oh dear! Mother. No..." Han Lei's ears turned red as she hurriedly said, "The border situation is urgent, he went to the military council early this morning."

"That scoundrel!" The old lady's face immediately darkened, and the Buddhist prayer beads in her hands rattled loudly as she squeezed them. "The Turks come every year, but why did they have to pick the time to cause trouble on my son's wedding day?"

At this point, she suddenly realized she had misspoke, and took Han Lei's hand and sighed, "Oh dear! My good child, I'm so sorry to have wronged you. When that wicked child comes back, I will definitely stand up for you."

Just then, a gentle breeze carried a silvery laugh through the hall. Zhao Ling'er skipped in, lifting the hem of her skirt, her gold hairpin jingling softly.

"Sister-in-law, you've come at the perfect time! Mother was just saying she wanted to make you some angelica chicken soup." She affectionately took Han Lei's arm and winked at the old lady. "Don't you know how obsessed my brother is with martial arts? He even fell asleep holding a military book on New Year's Eve that year."

The old lady was amused and laughed out loud, finally sitting back in her armchair.

Han Lei knelt solemnly on the prayer mat, raising a teacup with a lotus pattern: "Mother, please have some tea."

In the bluish-white glazed teacup, two emerald green leaves unfurl like boats on the water's surface.

"Good! Good!"

The old lady said "good" twice, took the tea and took a sip, and suddenly tears welled up in her eyes.

She looked at the portrait of her late husband hanging in the central hall and choked up, saying, "Old man, do you see? Our Zun'er married a wife who is as beautiful as an angel. She is obedient, sensible, and capable. I like her very much."

As the old lady spoke, she turned around and took out a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets from the sandalwood box. "These were worn by your mother when she got married, and now they are being passed down to you."

Just as Han Lei was about to decline, the old lady had already put the jade bracelet on her wrist.

The moment the warm, smooth jade touched my skin, a flock of white doves suddenly flew past the window, their flapping wings shattering the morning light that filled the room.

"Thank you, Mother!" Han Lei said softly.

"Wow! Mother, you're so biased!" Zhao Ling'er stared wide-eyed at the bracelet on Han Lei's wrist, her expression exaggerated. "You gave both bracelets to my sister-in-law, and didn't leave me a single one."

Han Lei's exaggerated expression made everyone chuckle, and the old lady also burst out laughing, giving her a disapproving look. "When you get married, your mother will prepare for you."

Zhao Ling'er blushed instantly and said shyly, "Mother, what did you say? I don't want to get married! I want to stay with you for the rest of my life."

"Heh, go away. Your mother has your sister-in-law, who needs you to keep her company?" The old lady glared at him, both amused and annoyed. Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "By the way, when is Tianyou coming to propose marriage? Don't delay my daughter."

"He...he..." Zhao Ling'er twisted the hem of her dress, her beautiful face as red as a ripe apple. She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper: "He has already written back to the capital, he should...should be here soon!"

"Yes! It will take some time to get to the capital."

The old lady nodded thoughtfully, her tone momentarily tinged with sadness.

"Now that your brother has started his own family, when you marry into the Hua family in style, and you and your brother live a good life, your mother will be satisfied. And your mother will have given an explanation to your deceased father."

Seeing that the old lady was quite sad when she mentioned Zhao Zun's father, Han Lei gently stroked the back of her hand and comforted her, "Mother, don't worry. Ling'er and Tianyou will definitely be happy too."

"Yes!" The old lady was very pleased.

She lovingly turned Han Lei's hand over, her wrinkled fingers gently tracing the lines of her palm. Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, bathing the two of them and making the old lady's white hair shimmer.

“Good child,” the old lady took out the polished brass key from her bosom and placed it carefully in Han Lei’s palm. “Now that you and Zun’er are husband and wife, it is natural that you should take charge of the household affairs of the Prince’s Mansion.”

The key was heavy, still warm from the old lady's embrace.

Han Lei looked down and saw that the auspicious cloud pattern on the key had turned black, clearly indicating that it was an old object that had been passed down for many years.

Zhao Ling'er, standing to the side, blinked her bright eyes and took Han Lei's other arm.

"Yes, sister-in-law, you are now the rightful mistress of our manor!" She playfully shook Han Lei's arm. "From now on, if I want to spend money to buy rouge and face powder, I'll have to get your permission!"

Han Lei couldn't help but smile upon hearing this, but then her face showed a troubled expression.

She had never been interested in the affairs of these wealthy and powerful families. Now that Zhao Zun had decided to "take him down," the chores around him were plentiful, and she would inevitably need to help. How could she possibly stay comfortably in this backyard?

She gently grasped the old lady's hand and pushed the key back: "Mother, the affairs of this mansion are complicated, it is more appropriate for you to continue to manage them."

The old lady thought she was just politely declining, and a relieved smile appeared on her wrinkled face.

"Silly child, this is the rule in every household. Once the new bride enters the family, the management of the household will naturally be handed over to you." She patted Han Lei's hand. "You are reliable in handling things, and I am very at ease."

Han Lei bit her lower lip, not wanting to reveal that the court had already labeled Zhao Zun as a traitor. She only told the old lady to avoid worrying her.

She glanced discreetly at the busy servants outside the window and whispered, "Mother, as you know, Cangzhou is in dire need of development. Zhao Zun has just become the King of Cangzhou and is extremely busy. I was thinking... to help him out more."

As she spoke, Han Lei raised her clear eyes and said, "I'm afraid it will be up to you, Mother, to take care of things in this household for the time being."

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in the old lady's eyes.

She carefully examined this extraordinary daughter-in-law and noticed the unwavering determination hidden beneath her delicate and sweet face, which was indeed unlike that of an ordinary young lady.

After a moment's hesitation, the old lady put the key back into her sleeve: "Very well, it's good that you young people have ambitions. I'll take care of the affairs of this household for you for now."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mother!" Han Lei felt relieved and was about to bow when the old lady stopped her.

“There’s no need for such formalities among family.” The old lady pulled her to sit down on a chair and turned to instruct the maid, “Go and brew some of the newly acquired Biluochun tea from the other day, and also bring some almond shortbread.”

After saying that, she turned to Han Lei, her eyes full of affection: "I've been so busy these days, I haven't had a proper chat with you."

Han Lei felt a warmth in her heart and obediently sat down beside the old lady, who carefully examined her attire.

Although her bright red brocade jacket maintained the festive atmosphere of a newlywed, there was only a single plain white jade hairpin in her hair.

"This hairpin...was it a gift from Zun'er?" the old lady suddenly asked.

Han Lei subconsciously raised her hand to touch the hairpin, her cheeks slightly flushed: "It was...it was bought for me by Zhao Zun in the capital."

The old lady smiled knowingly: "That child has always had a good eye."

She took the teacup offered by the maid and personally handed it to Han Lei, saying, "Here, try this new tea. I heard you prefer it lighter, so I specially asked someone to put in less tea leaves." Amidst the fragrant tea, the old lady chattered on about Zhao Zun's childhood anecdotes. When she got excited, even Zhao Ling'er couldn't help but chime in.

As Han Lei listened, her tense shoulders gradually relaxed, and a gentle smile appeared in her eyes.

The sound of guards changing shifts came from outside the window, and Han Lei unconsciously glanced towards the door.

The old lady saw this and deliberately put on a stern face, saying, "You are absolutely not allowed to go to the military council hall today. How can you leave a newlywed bride alone in her room? Zun'er is a child who doesn't know any better, so you must discipline him properly for your mother."

Han Lei's ears burned from what he was saying, while Zhao Ling'er covered her mouth and chuckled to herself...

Han Lei stayed here talking with the old lady, and the people in the military council hall didn't disperse until noon.

After Xiao Zhengfei and his guards left, several white carrier pigeons flew out from the backyard of the prefectural government, carrying Zhao Zun's military orders and flying in different directions.

Zhao Zun was the last to leave the military council hall. The heavy wooden door closed slowly behind him with a muffled thud.

He raised his hand to rub his slightly sore temples and looked up at the sky.

The blazing sun of late autumn and early winter hung overhead, its blinding rays causing him to squint slightly. The heat rising from the garden distorted the distant scenery.

It was already noon, and he wondered if Han Lei had gotten up yet.

He walked slowly along the corridor, the jade pendant at his waist making a crisp sound with each step.

As we passed the artificial lake in the mansion, a gentle breeze swept by, causing ripples to spread across the surface of the lake, and several koi fish darted among the water lily leaves.

Walking through the meticulously manicured garden, colorful chrysanthemums are in full bloom, and their rich fragrance wafts in on the autumn breeze.

As Zhao Zun walked to the archway separating the front and back yards, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

A familiar figure came into view ahead. Song Yuanqing was standing with his back to him, his indigo brocade robe making him look tall and straight like a pine tree, and the tassel of the sword at his waist swayed gently in the wind.

He had clearly washed and dressed properly, showing no signs of yesterday's drunkenness. He was pacing back and forth by the archway, glancing into the backyard every now and then, his fingers stroking the hilt of his sword.

Zhao Zun's eyes sharpened, and he quickly sidestepped behind a pomegranate tree. The thriving pomegranates drooped from the branches, perfectly concealing his figure.

Through the gaps in the branches and leaves, he saw Song Yuanqing's brows furrowed, his expression revealing a hint of anxiety.

Zhao Zun narrowed his eyes, pondering how to deal with Song Yuanqing. Just then, hurried and chaotic footsteps came from the other end of the garden.

Hua Tianyou, dressed in a moon-white long robe, waved his folding fan rapidly, and fine beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.

The fat man following behind him was panting heavily, his round, chubby face flushed.

The two walked quickly to Song Yuanqing. Hua Tianyou snapped his folding fan shut and tapped it heavily on his palm: "Hey, Brother Song! What are you doing here? We've been looking for you."

Song Yuanqing turned around, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then clasped his hands in a respectful greeting: "Tianyou, Fatty. What brings you two here?"

The fat man took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat and said breathlessly, "If we hadn't run into your personal guards, we wouldn't have known you were here."

Song Yuanqing's expression softened slightly as he explained, "I've come to bid farewell to Zhao Zun; I need to return to the military camp today."

"Oh dear!" Hua Tianyou exaggeratedly slapped his forehead. "You're being so insensible!"

He took a few steps closer, lowered his voice, and winked, saying, "Zhao Zun just got married yesterday, he's probably still enjoying his newfound happiness. Wouldn't it be annoying for you to disturb him at this time?"

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanqing's ears turned slightly red, but he still insisted, "Military affairs are urgent, and it is already inappropriate for me to leave the camp without permission. If I were to leave without saying goodbye, it would be even more inexcusable."

Big Head's eyes darted around, remembering Zhao Zun's words that if they didn't stay for five days, he would hold them accountable. The wedding banquet had only been over for a day; there were still four days left!
He quickly stepped forward and grabbed Song Yuanqing's sleeve: "Brother Song, you are mistaken! It is rare for us brothers to get together. We only had a drink yesterday, and you want to leave already? Do you look down on us now that you have become a general?"

Song Yuanqing shook his head helplessly: "Fatty, you're exaggerating. There are simply too many matters to handle in the camp, and it's difficult for the deputy general to make decisions alone..."

"Hey!" Hua Tianyou suddenly interrupted him, his eyes lighting up as he winked at the chubby guy, "Speaking of drinking, I was just about to tell you..."

He mysteriously took Song Yuanqing's arm and lowered his voice, "A new tavern has opened in the south of the city. Not only is the Drunken Immortal Wine there incredibly mellow, but the side dishes that go with it are absolutely wonderful!"

He smacked his lips as he spoke, "I heard there's a courtesan performing today, her figure, her pretty face... tsk tsk tsk..."

Big Fatty understood and immediately chimed in, "Yes, Brother Song! We've had lunch and a few drinks, so it's not too late for you to set off this afternoon! Even if you're in a hurry, a couple of hours won't make a difference, right?"

As he spoke, he and Hua Tianyou each took Song Yuanqing's arm on either side.

Song Yuanqing stiffened, trying to pull his arm away: "I appreciate your kindness, but..."

"What is it?!" Hua Tianyou grabbed him and pulled him outside without saying a word. "Your deputy general has been with you for so many years, and he can't even handle this little thing? What's the point of having him as a deputy general? Come on, come on, we must have a few drinks today!"

Big Fat Head chimed in with a grin, "Brother Song, are you afraid of being bewitched by the courtesan? Don't worry, we'll just watch and see, we won't delay your return to camp!"

As the two men pulled him along, Song Yuanqing's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

He knew Hua Tianyou was a notorious playboy, and while the fat man wasn't outrageous, he had no ambition either. These young noblemen from the capital weren't really his type, but they shared a childhood friendship...

“Brother Song,” Hua Tianyou suddenly said seriously, lightly tapping Song’s shoulder with his folding fan, “Back in the Imperial Academy, you said, ‘If I become rich and powerful, let us not forget each other.’ Now that we’ve grown up and are scattered across the country, and we’ve finally reunited, how can you be so heartless?”

Song Yuanqing's expression shifted slightly, but he finally sighed softly, "Alright, I'll just have a couple of drinks. But I must set off before Shenshi (3-5 PM)."

"That's more like it!" Hua Tianyou grinned and gave the fat man a smug look.

The two men flanked Song Yuanqing on either side and walked out of the garden. Hua Tianyou loudly ordered the servants to prepare a carriage, and their figures gradually disappeared at the end of the garden.

Only after the three figures had completely disappeared did Zhao Zun emerge from behind the pomegranate tree.

He reached out and brushed the leaves that had fallen on his shoulder, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on his handsome face, and a thoughtful glint flashed in his sharp eyes.

Fearing that Song Yuanqing might return and run into him, Zhao Zun turned to look at the path leading to the backyard. After hesitating for a moment, he finally chose another path leading to the main hall...

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