Love Lock

Chapter 124 Mother and Son Compete for Favor
Soon, the civil and military officials who had not yet returned home received a summons and hurriedly returned to the Golden Palace, where Emperor Jing once again held court.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn, and all the officials looked at each other with solemn expressions, waiting for the emperor to speak.

Emperor Jing sat upright on the dragon throne, a hint of anxiety showing between his brows. He waved his hand, signaling Li Zhongxin beside him to read aloud the two urgent reports from Beiguan.

Li Zhongxin held the memorial in his hand, his voice loud and steady, each word resounding.

"Urgent report from the Northern Pass. The Ala and Meng Kingdoms have simultaneously dispatched troops, seemingly forming an allied force, with their advance aimed directly at Ling'an City of our Great Jing. Ling'an City is in dire need of assistance; we request the Imperial Court to send troops to its aid immediately!"

After reading one passage, Li Zhongxin's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

Just now, when he heard Emperor Jing solemnly summon the civil and military officials to return to court, he knew it was not a good thing. He never expected it to be an allied force between two countries.

Li Zhongxin wiped his forehead and opened another door.

"Urgent report from the North Gate. The Turkic army of 200,000 is marching south and is heading straight for Yong'an City. Commander Cao is tied down while guarding Ling'an City. We request the court to send troops to support him immediately."

As soon as Li Zhongxin finished speaking, the hall erupted in an uproar. The civil and military officials looked at each other, whispering amongst themselves.

Beiguan is the northern gateway to the Great Jing, and has always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists.

Now, the allied forces of the three countries are coming with great force and are clearly well-prepared. If we do not respond in time, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Emperor Jing frowned, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall. He asked in a deep voice, "The three kingdoms outside the northern pass have simultaneously dispatched troops, seemingly forming an allied force. Yong'an City and Ling'an City have both requested the court's military support. What are your thoughts, my esteemed ministers?"

Minister of War Cao Ge stepped forward first, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, Beiguan is the northern border barrier of our Great Jing, and it must not be lost. The allied forces of the three kingdoms are coming with great force. If we do not respond in time, we may be in danger of losing our country. I believe that we should immediately dispatch elite troops to rush to the aid of Beiguan to stabilize the morale of the army and reassure the people.”

Cao Ge spoke earnestly, and his expression was the most anxious among all the civil and military officials.

His younger brother, Cao Xiong, had only been in office as the Marshal of Beiguan for a little over three months when the Three Kingdoms Allied Forces launched their great battle, causing Cao Ge great anxiety.

Li Qian, the Minister of Revenue, was a middle-aged man of similar age to Cao Ge, with a refined appearance.

As soon as Cao Ge finished speaking, he immediately followed suit, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, the battle at Beiguan is urgent, and provisions and supplies need to be allocated in a timely manner. I hereby order the Ministry of Revenue to expedite the procurement of provisions and supplies, and to ensure that the soldiers at Beiguan have no worries about their rear."

Emperor Jing nodded, indicating his agreement to Li Qian's request. After bowing, Li Qian turned and went back to the Ministry of Revenue to prepare provisions.

"Prime Minister, what do you think?"

Emperor Jing then turned to look at Chancellor Wei.

The civil and military officials in the Golden Palace were all gradually replaced after he ascended the throne. Although they were all loyal to him, they lacked experience.

When faced with such momentous events concerning the fate of the nation, he still habitually sought the advice of Chancellor Wei, the emperor's tutor.

Prime Minister Wei frowned and thought for a moment, then slowly stood up from the armchair specially prepared for him and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty. The combined forces of the three kingdoms are formidable. If our army relies solely on the current strength of the troops at Beiguan, I fear it will be difficult to withstand them. I believe that we should dispatch reinforcements from neighboring prefectures and counties to bolster the forces at Beiguan."

As soon as Prime Minister Wei finished speaking, Minister of Works Zhang Shiyang also stepped forward to report.

"Your Majesty, although the walls of Beiguan are sturdy, the allied forces of the three kingdoms have launched a fierce offensive and I fear they will not be able to hold out for long. I have immediately ordered the Ministry of Works to expedite the production of defensive equipment and have requested permission to personally lead craftsmen to Beiguan to assist in reinforcing the city's defenses."

The courtiers in the palace echoed the sentiment, all believing that reinforcements should be dispatched immediately to aid the northern pass.

At this moment, Prime Minister Wei continued, "Your Majesty, Jingzhou and Xuzhou are closest to the North Pass of Cangzhou, and their troops are strong and well-equipped. I believe that troops from these two prefectures should be dispatched to rush to the aid of the North Pass."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then gave the order.

"By imperial decree, Minister of War Cao Ge is ordered to dispatch 150,000 troops from Jingzhou to swiftly reinforce Ling'an City; Xuzhou is separated from Yong'an City only by a river, so 150,000 troops from Xuzhou are to swiftly reinforce Yong'an City as well. The Ministry of Works shall immediately set off, traveling day and night to Beiguan to hastily manufacture defensive equipment on the spot, helping to solidify the defenses of Beiguan!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Ge immediately stepped forward to receive the imperial decree: "Your subject obeys! Your subject will immediately dispatch troops to ensure that reinforcements arrive at Beiguan at lightning speed!"

Minister of Works Zhang Shiyang bowed and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree! Your subject will immediately gather the craftsmen and head to Beiguan."

Zhang Shiyang was a young official in his thirties, so he spoke with a strong voice.

Although he has an ordinary appearance and dark skin, his skill lies in his exquisite craftsmanship.

He was originally an ordinary craftsman in the Ministry of Works. He joined Emperor Jing's camp during the struggle for the throne. After Emperor Jing ascended the throne, he promoted him to replace the original Minister of Works.

Seeing that everything was arranged, Emperor Jing felt somewhat relieved, but he still reminded his ministers, "Beiguan is the northern gateway of our Great Jing, and it must not be lost. My beloved ministers, you must work together to overcome this difficulty!"

The ministers responded in unison, "We will certainly do our utmost to ensure the eternal stability of our Great Jing Dynasty!"

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, then waved his hand, signaling the court to adjourn.

After all the officials had left, Emperor Jing sat alone on the dragon throne, gazing at the darkening sky outside the palace, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

He had only been on the throne for four years when he encountered the overwhelming force of the Three Kingdoms alliance. Whether the Great Jing Dynasty could safely weather this calamity remained to be seen.

However, as the ruler of a country, he had to remain calm and lead his ministers through the difficulties.

He rubbed his slightly sore brow and turned to look at Li Zhongxin.

"Go and convey my decree: order the Imperial Guards to strengthen the defenses of the palace and ensure its safety."

Li Zhongxin immediately replied, "As you command!"

Li Zhongxin cautiously took small steps to go out and announce the imperial decree, while Emperor Jing leaned back on the dragon throne and closed his eyes slightly.

He silently prayed in his heart: "May Heaven bless the Great Jing and ensure the eternal stability of our nation."

"Boom!"

A bolt of lightning flashed, followed by a sudden clap of thunder in the sky, startling Emperor Jing so much that he sat bolt upright.

Outside the palace, night deepened, and with a clap of thunder, rain began to fall in torrents. The stormy night sky seemed to foreshadow the severity of the battle at Beiguan...

...Here comes the alluring dividing line...

When Zhao Zun and his party returned to their newly acquired house, it was already dinnertime.

The sky was overcast, and the courtyard with its blue bricks and gray tiles appeared exceptionally tranquil.

Zhao Zun and Han Lei had just returned from the mountain, still carrying the lingering smell of mud and grass, and their hearts were filled with unspeakable grief.

Upon entering the courtyard and hearing that the old lady was in the dining hall, Zhao Zun stopped the servants from announcing her arrival and immediately took Han Lei to pay their respects to the old lady.

The old lady and Zhao Ling'er were having dinner in the dining hall when Zhao Ling'er suddenly called out "Brother," and the old lady immediately looked up.

When the old lady saw her son, who had gone to fight on the battlefield, suddenly appear in front of her, she thought she was seeing things. After rubbing her eyes, her wrinkled eyes immediately became moist.

She put down her chopsticks, stood up shakily, her voice choked with sobs.

"Zun'er, Zun'er, you're really back?"

Zhao Zun hurried forward, took the old lady's hand, and felt a pang of sorrow as he looked at his mother's face, which appeared much older than that of other women her age.

He took a deep breath, gently patted the old lady's hand, and whispered, "Mother, your son is unfilial and has worried you." The old lady shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. My heart can finally be at ease."

Zhao Ling'er, who was standing to the side, could no longer contain herself. Like a happy little bird, she rushed to Zhao Zun and Han Lei's side, grabbed their hands, and chattered incessantly.

“Brother. Pingchuan said that once Sister Han Lei was gone, you would be at ease. I didn’t expect it to be true.”

Zhao Ling'er's voice was clear and melodious, echoing in the hall like a string of silver bells.

However, Zhao Zun and Han Lei were not at ease. Faced with Zhao Ling'er's joy, they could only force a smile, their eyes still concealing deep sorrow.

The old lady noticed their unusual behavior and her heart sank.

She gently tugged at Zhao Ling'er's sleeve, signaling her to quiet down.

"Zun'er, did your journey go smoothly? Were you injured on the battlefield?" The old lady's words were filled with a mother's concern.

Zhao Zun remained silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

“Mother, I’m fine, it’s just that…” He paused, his voice lowering, “it’s just that some brothers couldn’t come back.”

Upon hearing this, the old lady's face paled. She gripped Zhao Zun's hand tightly and asked in a trembling voice, "How many...didn't make it back?"

Zhao Zun lowered his head, his voice hoarse: "More than a dozen brothers died in battle to protect me. Their remains have been buried on the mountain near the cement factory."

Tears welled up in the old lady's eyes again. Although she was advanced in years, her heart was filled with respect and sorrow for these young lives.

She choked up and said, "They were all good children... They even gave their lives to protect you. Although I don't know all of them, I will remember their kindness for the rest of my life. I'll make preparations and go to pay my respects to them tomorrow."

Zhao Zun nodded. "Mother, the mountain road is difficult to travel. I have already ordered people to build a mausoleum on that mountain so that my brothers can rest in peace. After the mausoleum is completed, I will accompany you to pay your respects."

The old lady looked at her son with heartache, "Alright, alright, Mother will definitely go and offer incense to them in person to thank them."

At this moment, as if remembering something, the old lady turned around and bowed to Han Lei.

"Leier, I know that it was all thanks to you that Zun'er was able to return safely. I thank you for saving my life."

Seeing this, Han Lei quickly helped the old lady up and said urgently, "Auntie, what are you doing? You're making this so disrespectful to the younger generation."

The old lady insisted on bowing, and Zhao Ling'er, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but interject.

"Mother, please don't thank me like that! Sister Han Lei and my brother are getting married soon. We're all family, why be so formal?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a rare smile appeared on Zhao Zun's sullen face, while Han Lei blushed bright red, holding her forehead and not daring to look at anyone.

Han Lei covered her blushing face with her hand and said shyly, "Ling'er, Zhao Zun has more important things to do right now. The wedding... there's no rush."

Zhao Zun nodded and continued the conversation.

"Yes, Mother, we've just arrived here. Once everything settles down, I want to give Han Lei a grand wedding. I will never let her suffer."

Upon hearing this, the old lady finally showed a relieved smile.

"Alright, Ling'er, stop bothering your sister Han Lei. They just got back, they must be starving. Let's eat first, the food's getting cold."

The family was finally able to sit down and eat together again. The prince had returned, and Uncle Chen, the new steward of the mansion, ordered the servants to prepare several delicious dishes.

The table was laden with a sumptuous feast, its aroma filling the air. The old lady sat in the main seat, with several younger relatives seated on either side.

Zhao Ling'er sat next to Han Lei, still talking enthusiastically. The old lady served food to Zhao Zun and Han Lei while asking them about their situation on the battlefield.

To avoid worrying his mother, Zhao Zun gave Han Lei a look, and the two of them deliberately mentioned mundane and non-dangerous details.

Even so, the old lady was still terrified as she listened, while the simple and lively Zhao Ling'er listened with great interest, looking at Han Lei with admiration.

"Wow! Sister Han Lei, you're amazing! I can hardly imagine how dashing you looked back then. I wish I had half your skills!"

Girls in ancient times were indeed not as worldly-wise or sophisticated as girls in modern times. Zhao Ling'er was already of marriageable age, yet she remained as innocent and pure as ever.

As a family member, the old lady was concerned about what dangers Zhao Zun and the others had experienced on the battlefield and how they managed to escape and return safely.

Zhao Ling'er, however, focused on how cool and dashing Han Lei was back then.

Zhao Ling'er's words made Han Lei both laugh and cry. She put down her chopsticks and reached out to pinch Zhao Ling'er's delicate cheek.

“Our Ling’er is amazing too! Ling’er can read books and recite poems, things that Sister Han Lei can’t do.” Han Lei said in an admiring tone.

"Really? I'm great too? Hehehe... We each have our own strengths."

Naïve girls are indeed easy to please. Hearing Han Lei praise her, Zhao Ling'er smiled happily.

Zhao Ling'er's laughter made the atmosphere of dinner more relaxed and warm, and Zhao Zun's mood was no longer so heavy and sad.

After dinner, night fell, and everyone, exhausted from several days of work, went back to their rooms to wash up and rest.

Zhao Zun was originally holding Han Lei's hand, intending to find her a room to rest.

As a result, the old lady slapped Zhao Zun's rough hand away and personally led Han Lei to the room that had been prepared for her. Looking at his empty hand, Zhao Zun felt a sense of unease, as if his mother was vying for his favor.

The room the old lady arranged for Han Lei was in a quiet courtyard, where some orchids and crabapple blossoms were planted. The old lady thought that, given Han Lei's personality, she would like both of these flowers.

Pushing open the door to the room, one finds an elegantly furnished boudoir with a subtle fragrance.

Do you like this room?

The old lady pointed to the simple yet elegant furnishings in the room, a look of self-satisfaction on her face.

"Yes! Thank you, Auntie."

Lei nodded sweetly, seemingly sensing something amiss about the old lady's sudden attentiveness.

"I'm glad you like it." The old lady nodded kindly. "We've just arrived, so please make do with this place for now. When you two get married, you can move back to the Prince's Mansion. It will definitely be much more beautiful there."

"Hmm! No rush."

Han Lei nodded again, embarrassed. She touched a drop of water that had suddenly appeared on her face and quickly urged the old lady to hurry up.

"Auntie, it's raining. You should go back and rest!"

"Hmm! No rush."

Seeing the love lock cord faintly visible in Han Lei's collar, the old lady smiled slightly and replied with the same words, making the maids behind her cover their mouths and giggle.

The old lady still held Han Lei's hand, reluctant to let go. She looked Han Lei up and down, growing more and more fond of her future daughter-in-law.

Han Lei felt uneasy under the old lady's scrutiny and was about to urge her again when the old lady spoke up in a kind tone.

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