Love Lock

Chapter 130 I am just a county magistrate
The benefactor rode his fine horse at breakneck speed, traversing the winding official road into the county town.

The horse's hooves clattered crisply on the bluestone pavement. Finally, the horse came to a steady stop in front of the magistrate's residence in Qingshui County.

The benefactor dismounted with a clean and swift movement, like a nimble cheetah.

At this moment, Pingchuan, the deputy commander of Zhao Zun's personal guards, was standing on the steps in front of the government office with several guards, including Scarface.

Pingchuan looked at his benefactor who had dismounted and asked loudly, "Carbonhead, how are you?"

Charcoal Head grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, his face full of smugness.

"Hehe, don't worry, it's all taken care of. I even kindly gave her two pancakes; she's treating me like a savior right now!"

It turned out that this "benefactor" was none other than Zhao Zun's personal guard, Tan Tou.

A few days ago, Han Lei and Pingchuan went to the battlefield, and asked Lao Meng to come to Qingshui County to deliver a message to Luo Hai, but left him at home to take care of the old lady and Zhao Ling'er.

Seeing that everyone else had something to do, while he could only stay at home to take care of the elderly and children, he had been itching to get back to work.

Upon hearing that Pingchuan and his team were coming to Qingshui County to carry out another mission, he immediately volunteered to come along.

Although Tan Tou is usually jovial and easygoing, he is never careless when it comes to getting things done.

"Sigh! Someone with a brain like that wants to marry our prince? What a pipe dream," Scarface said disdainfully.

"That's right, they even dared to kidnap Miss Han. Don't they know their own worth?" another guard chimed in.

“Hey, hey, hey! The Prince said that we can’t call her Miss Han anymore, we have to call her Princess Consort.” Pingchuan corrected him seriously.

"Oh, right, right, call her Princess."

Everyone nodded, their faces showing understanding.

Several guards stood on the steps chatting and laughing. After Tantou handed the horse over to the guard at the gate, Pingchuan went up, patted Tantou on the shoulder, and said, "Let's go in."

The group entered the government office and, led by the yamen runners, walked through the long corridor toward Luo Hai's study.

Luo Hai did not go to the wasteland today. At this moment, he was pacing back and forth in his study, holding a letter that had just been intercepted.

His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed unease.

Two days ago, Zhao Zun's personal guard, Lao Meng, rushed over with a message, saying that Zhao Zun had gone to the battlefield as a vanguard to resist the 200,000-strong Turkic army, in accordance with Emperor Jing's decree.

Han Lei also went to the battlefield to find Zhao Zun. Before leaving, Han Lei asked Lao Meng to come and tell him immediately that he must block all news sent out of Cangzhou, including carrier pigeons flying in the sky.

Although Luo Hai didn't know why Han Lei was doing this, he could still vaguely sense the impending storm from Lao Meng's anxious face.

Qingshui County is a necessary route from Cangzhou to the capital. Since Han Lei had someone instruct him to block the news, it must be referring to the news sent to the capital.

Luo Hai and Zhao Zun's father were old friends, and he had always treated Zhao Zun as his own son. Because Zhao Zun was involved, he dared not be careless.

Furthermore, Zhao Zun is now the vassal king of Cangzhou. Zhao Zun's words naturally constitute a decree for him.

Therefore, he immediately dispatched the county magistrate's troops to block all passages from Cangzhou to the capital.

Sure enough, just half an hour ago, the guards delivered a battle report that they had just intercepted from the messenger at the North Gate.

In any dynasty, intercepting military reports was a serious crime. But Luo Hai wasn't sure if the military reports counted as all the information Han Lei had mentioned.

Luo Hai dared not be careless. He thought he should check it first, and if there were no problems, he would let the messenger leave with the battle report.

But when he opened the battle report and read its contents, he was immediately horrified.

The contents of the military report stirred up a storm in his heart, as if a huge rock was pressing on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe.

The battle report stated that Zhao Zun led the vanguard battalion in a surprise attack, won a victory, and forced the Turkic army to retreat.

This is good news.

However, the battle report also stated that Zhao Zun was able to win with fewer troops because he and his men used a mysterious weapon called a "pistol".

This weapon is incredibly powerful, capable of killing people silently from a hundred paces away, which has drawn the attention of the imperial court.

"A mysterious weapon? Keep a close eye on it?"

Luo Hai muttered to himself, his heart filled with shock and unease.

Now he finally understood why he had been instructed to prevent news from leaving Cangzhou.

Fortunately, the military report was intercepted. If the imperial court had learned of this mysterious weapon, it would have caused an uproar, and Zhao Zun's situation would have been even more dangerous.

But when and where did Zhao Zun obtain this mysterious weapon that allows him to win against overwhelming odds? And what exactly does he intend to do?
Just as Luo Hai was immersed in shock and unease, the sound of a yamen runner reporting came from outside.

"My lord, the Deputy Commander Ping and his personal guards from the Cangzhou King's side request an audience."

Luo Hai suddenly snapped out of his daze, a wave of panic washing over him. Pingchuan was Zhao Zun's confidant; his arrival must be related to the contents of the military report.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and said in a deep voice, "Please let them in."

A moment later, Hirakawa strode into the study with several guards.

As soon as Pingchuan entered, he bowed to Luo Hai with his hands clasped in greeting.

"Greetings, Lord Luo."

The guards behind him also saluted in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, showing how well-trained they were.

Luo Hai forced a smile and nodded: "Deputy Commander Ping, there's no need for such formalities. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Pingchuan didn't say much, but took out a letter from his pocket and presented it with both hands: "This is a letter from the Prince to you. Please take a look, sir."

Luo Hai took the letter, his fingers trembling slightly.

He had a vague sense of foreboding, as if opening this letter would plunge him into a storm from which there was no turning back.

However, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and open the envelope, unfolding the letter.

He was very familiar with the handwriting on the letter; it was indeed Zhao Zun's own handwriting.

However, the contents of the letter made his heart, which had just calmed down a little, start pounding again.

In his letter, Zhao Zun bluntly stated that he planned to develop his own army in Cangzhou, and that this army would be equipped with a "mysterious weapon".

The letter also instructed him to continue cooperating in blocking the news from Cangzhou to the capital.

At the same time, he was instructed to keep a close eye on the movements of Sun Zhizhou and Sun Wenyuan, and to find ways to promote the wasteland project to other neighboring counties so that the people of Cangzhou could have enough to eat as soon as possible.

Luo Hai's gaze swept over the letter repeatedly, each word like a heavy hammer, striking his heart fiercely.

His mind was in chaos, his thoughts churning like a surging tide.

According to regulations, a prince's personal guard should not exceed five hundred men, yet Zhao Zun bluntly mentioned "army" in his letter.

Even a fool could guess what Zhao Zun was planning.

What alarmed him even more was that Zhao Zun mentioned a "mysterious weapon," which coincided with the contents of the military report he had intercepted.

Clearly, Zhao Zun's ambitions were far greater than he had imagined.

Thinking of this, Luo Hai felt dizzy, as if the ground beneath his feet was collapsing.

He has always regarded Zhao Zun as his own son and has done his best to help and take care of him.

However, Zhao Zun had just been granted the title of prince and was already attempting such a shocking and treasonous act. How could he possibly help him?

He was just a minor county magistrate who only wanted to live a peaceful and stable life, rise through the ranks through his own efforts, and enable his family to live a safe and happy life as well.

But now, he is forced to stand at a crossroads of fate, torn between Zhao Zun, whom he regards as his own son, and his loyalty to the Great Jing Dynasty. What should he choose?

Luo Hai gripped the letter tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his clothes on the back were soaked with sweat.

He wished he had never seen the letter, and even wished he had never intercepted the military report.

However, reality cruelly confronted him—he was already caught up in the storm and could no longer remain uninvolved.

Luo Hai wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said to Pingchuan, "Pingchuan, you stay. I have something I want to ask you alone."

Luo Hai tried to make his voice sound calm, but a tremor still crept into his tone.

Pingchuan nodded, and Luo Hai waved to the constable beside him: "Take them to the front hall for some tea first."

The constables received their orders and led Scarface and the others out, leaving only Luo Hai and Pingchuan in the study.

Luo Hai walked to the door, carefully checked the situation outside, and only after confirming that no one was eavesdropping did he gently close the study door.

He moved very carefully, as if afraid of disturbing something.

After closing the door, Luo Hai stood with his back to Pingchuan, his hands braced against the door panel, and took a deep breath.

He knew that the conversation that followed would determine his fate, and perhaps even the fate of the entire Cangzhou.

“Pingchuan,” Luo Hai slowly turned around, looking at Pingchuan with a complicated expression, “Do you know what the prince wrote in his letter?”

"I know!"

Pingchuan's expression was indifferent, as if such a momentous event was nothing out of the ordinary for him.

Luo Hai's eyelids twitched, and he asked again, "Then, have you seen that mysterious weapon?"

"I've seen it! I've even used it myself!" Pingchuan remained calm.

"Huh?" Luo Hai's lips twitched involuntarily. "Then what exactly does the prince want to do?"

Pingchuan remained calm, his gaze resolute: "My lord, everything the prince has done is for the people of Cangzhou and for the future of the Great Jing Dynasty."

Luo Hai gave a wry smile, shook his head, and lowered his voice.

"For the people? For the Great Jing Dynasty? But his actions are clearly challenging the court's bottom line! Pingchuan, do you know that secretly hiding troops is treason! Once exposed, not only will the prince's life be in danger, but the entire Cangzhou will be plunged into utter ruin!"

"Life in danger? Pshaw!"

Pingchuan seemed to have heard a particularly funny joke, and chuckled. The indifference on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by a chilling coldness.

"But my lord, do you know what the prince has been through? His Majesty's suspicion of the prince and his humiliation of a hero is one thing. But His Majesty also ordered the prince to return to the battlefield with two thousand men to launch a surprise attack on the Turkic army of two hundred thousand. If it weren't for the princess and us arriving in time, and if it weren't for that mysterious weapon, the prince would already be in grave danger."

Upon hearing this, Luo Hai was taken aback, then exhaled a breath of stale air and nodded gently.

"I see."

"Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, and even the brothers in the army camp can't stand it anymore. It's only because the prince has too many concerns that he's held back until now."

Pingchuan grew increasingly indignant as he spoke. He had personally experienced such grievances alongside Zhao Zun, and if he had been subjected to such injustices, he would have long since been unable to bear it.

concern?

Luo Hai caught a key word in the Pingchuan dialect, and his troubled heart trembled slightly.

"You mean... even the Prince calmly considered this?"

“Of course.” Pingchuan was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, “My lord, the prince has made thorough preparations. As long as you continue to cooperate, keep the news under wraps, and buy time for the prince, everything will proceed smoothly.”

Luo Hai felt a wave of powerlessness wash over him.

He believed that Zhao Zun's concerns must include his family. But this matter was far-reaching, and could Zhao Zun's concerns cover everything?
He couldn't imagine what would happen to his family if things went wrong.

Luo Hai slowly sat back down in his chair, covering his face with his hands, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.

"Pingchuan, I am just a county magistrate. I just want to live a peaceful life."

Pingchuan stepped forward and gently patted Luo Hai's shoulder: "My lord, please believe in the prince's plan, and please believe in the princess's strength."

"Princess Consort? Han Lei?"

When Han Lei was mentioned, Luo Hai suddenly raised his head, a hopeful light flashing in his eyes.

He didn't know what Pingchuan meant by "powerful," but he had personally witnessed Han Lei's project in Qingshui County and heard her talk about her business in Jingzhou and Beijing.

His gaze couldn't help but fall on the solar-powered lamp on the desk, and the image of that sweet-looking yet unique woman came to mind.

With Han Lei's assistance and Zhao Zun's "concerns," his chaotic heart found a little peace.

"Then... what should I do?" Luo Hai asked, frowning.

Seeing that Luo Hai's fearful tone had finally softened, Pingchuan smiled slightly.

"His Highness sent me on this trip personally because he was afraid that you might overthink things and ruin His Highness and Princess's plans."

As he spoke, Pingchuan carefully took out two small paper boxes from his pocket, gently opened them, and revealed exquisite walkie-talkies inside.

He held it with both hands and respectfully presented it to Luo Hai, his tone full of pride.

"My lord, look. This is what the princess specifically asked me to bring you. There are a few more, which I put in the outer bundle."

Luo Hai raised his furrowed brows slightly, curiously examining the two unfamiliar little gadgets.

"What is this? It is so exquisite."

A hint of pride flashed in Pingchuan's eyes. "Sir, this is called a walkie-talkie. As long as you are within ten miles, you can use it to communicate. It's much better than sending messages by carrier pigeon."

After speaking, Pingchuan skillfully turned on the walkie-talkie and adjusted the channel, following the method taught by Han Lei.

He handed one of the walkie-talkies to Luo Hai, then turned and walked out of the study, making sure to close the door behind him.

Inside the study, Luo Hai held the walkie-talkie, examining the small object over and over.

Suddenly, a hissing sound came from the walkie-talkie, followed by Pingchuan's clear voice.

"Hey!"

Luo Hai was startled by the sudden voice after he had just said "hello." His hand trembled, and he almost dropped the walkie-talkie.

"My lord, my lord. I am Pingchuan."

Pingchuan's voice continued to come through the walkie-talkie.

Luo Hai glanced at the walkie-talkie in his hand, then looked around. He couldn't see where Pingchuan was speaking, but the voice from the walkie-talkie was incredibly clear.

He had seen the solar-powered lights and stun guns that Han Lei had taken out, as well as the dressing mirror that Han Lei had given to Madam Luo and Luo Yuanyuan.

Now that they have walkie-talkies, everything Han Lei has in her hands is always so novel.

"hehe."

Luo Hai chuckled softly, his previously terrified state of mind now seemingly much more relaxed.

"My lord, my lord. Can you hear me?"

Pingchuan's question came through the walkie-talkie. Luo Hai opened his mouth, wanting to answer, but didn't know how to proceed.

Hey, this book is mine, this tree is mine. Hehe, remember to leave a dragon behind before you go.