Love Lock

Chapter 157 Burned to the ground
When Yang Haibo and his adoptive mother saw Han Lei on the third floor of the Yuanyangzhai building, they were both very happy.

Yang Haibo still felt extremely embarrassed. Just now, on the first floor, he didn't recognize that the chubby girl was Han Lei. He thought Han Lei was a spy sent by a colleague, so he paid special attention to her.

However, Han Lei not only did not blame him, but praised him for having business acumen, saying it was a good thing.

Han Lei spent the entire afternoon at the Mandarin Duck Hairpin shop. She not only discussed business matters with Yang Haibo, but also praised Yang Xiaomei's talent in beauty and makeup, saying she was practically self-taught.

While talking to Yang Haibo, Han Lei downloaded a video of modern nail art onto her phone and asked Yang Xiaomei and her mother to sit down and watch it at their leisure.

As soon as the video started playing, Yang Xiaomei and her daughter were deeply attracted by the scene.

Yang Xiaomei initially thought the woman in the picture was painting. She saw a woman holding a small brush, dipping it in colorful paint, and gently applying it to another woman's fingernails.

Before long, delicate little flowers appeared on her fingernails, with fine petals and bright colors, just like real flowers.

Yang Xiaomei and her daughter were stunned and amazed.

They never imagined that nails could be decorated like this!

In this era, although women also paid attention to their appearance, they would at most use balsam flowers to dye their nails red. They had never seen such exquisite skills.
Then, another video played on the screen.

Yang Xiaomei watched as the nail technician skillfully trimmed, buffed, colored, and inlaid rhinestones.

When the final coat of top coat was applied, the woman's nails on the screen became dazzling, as if they were studded with stars.

Seeing this, Yang Xiaomei couldn't help but reach out and look down at her own clean nails, a hint of envy rising in her heart.

Now, various colors of nail polish are sold in the mandarin duck hairpin market, and there is a small audience for it, but most people don't apply it well.

Therefore, nail polish was not the best-selling product among the mandarin duck hairpins.

If such painting and embellishment were added, not only would nail polish sales increase, but nail art would also become a city-wide sensation, elevating its status and attracting high-end customers.

After watching the video, both Yang Xiaomei and her mother insisted on learning nail art.

Especially Yang's mother, who was used to working at home, felt uneasy when she suddenly had free time in the capital.

Han Lei thought about it and felt that this was a good idea.

Although Yang's mother cannot serve high-end clients, she can serve the general public.

Furthermore, after learning how to use it, Yang's mother could do some simple tasks with the mandarin duck hairpin.

In this way, Yang's mother could not only become Yang Haibo's assistant, but also have a stable job and earn some money like Yang Xiaomei.

Han Lei told them that she would come in a few days to teach them nail art.

After she learns the skills, she hopes that Yang Xiaomei will start a training class at Yuanyangzhan to train more nail technicians and beauticians.

In this way, more women in this era can be helped to go out and work, and the foundation can be laid for opening a branch of the Mandarin Duck Hairpin in the future.

Since Yang Xiaomei and her daughter were both from the countryside and had never had any painting experience, Han Lei downloaded enough learning videos and some nail art tools for them so that they could practice on their own before leaving the Mandarin Duck Hairpin shop.

Before the sun sets, she still needs to rush to "Jinxiufang" clothing store, which Wei Chengchao and Yang Haibo are newly preparing.

Then, based on the actual situation of the era, the types of goods that the clothing store will sell will be decided on the spot.

Yang Haibo had to take care of the mandarin duck hairpin business, so Han Lei didn't let him come along. She only asked him to point out the way before she walked towards "Jinxiufang" alone.

As soon as she turned the corner, Han Lei spotted a very familiar figure ahead.

Han Lei thought the person in front of her looked like Zhao Qiao'er's back, but since women in ancient times all wore their hair in a bun, Han Lei wasn't sure, so she took a few quick steps forward.

"Husband, after you leave this time, I'll go back to my parents' house for a few days. My mother said she misses me." A voice came from the figure ahead.

Upon hearing that voice, Han Lei immediately confirmed that the person in front of her was Zhao Qiao'er.

Zhao Qiao'er was walking side by side with a man, as if they were shopping.

Today she wore a light purple long dress with delicate floral patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and fluttering butterflies embroidered on the hem, which made her look elegant.

However, her hair was adorned with kingfisher feather hairpins, and the excessive amount of yellow and white ornaments made her appear both elegant and vulgar.

Judging from Zhao Qiao'er's address, the man next to her should be her husband, Lin Yuanshan, the young owner of Lin's Cloth Shop.

Lin Yuanshan wore a dark brocade robe, embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns in silver thread, and a jade belt around his waist, inlaid with lustrous and translucent mutton-fat jade. It looked like the standard attire of a wealthy merchant.

Zhao Qiao'er said she wanted to go back to her parents' home for a few days, and Lin Yuanshan didn't object.

"Okay, your mother-in-law is a bit lonely at home alone. You should go back and visit her more often."

Hearing Lin Yuanshan's words, Han Lei thought he was quite considerate and couldn't help but nod slightly.

Han Lei followed Zhao Qiao'er and her husband at a distance, her steps light, as if she were just an ordinary pedestrian strolling on the street.

Her gaze remained fixed on Zhao Qiao'er, her heart churning with complex emotions.

She had never forgotten the time Zhao Qiao'er tried to poison her. It was just that she had left the capital in such a hurry that she hadn't had a chance to deal with her.

In addition, Zhao Zun took everything from the Prince's mansion, which served as a lesson for Zhao Qiao'er and her daughter, and that matter came to an end.

After walking for a while, Zhao Qiao'er suddenly took Lin Yuanshan's arm, appearing very intimate.

"The clothing store that Young Master Wei is going to open is just ahead. Go and see for yourself. It's huge and impressive. They've even put up a signboard called 'Jinxiufang'."

Zhao Qiao'er pointed ahead and said with a hint of sarcasm, "If he opens a business, it will definitely affect your business."

Lin Yuanshan's tone was calm: "Don't worry, everyone does their own business and relies on their own abilities."

"Each doing their own thing? You make it sound so easy."

Zhao Qiao'er released Lin Yuanshan's arm unhappily and even shoved him: "The Wei family is wealthy, powerful, and has extensive connections. If they opened a clothing store, could you compete with them?"

"Qiao'er, we just need to do our own jobs. If they're our guests, they can't run away. If they're not our guests, we can't keep them. Besides, I can't just shut him down, can I?"

Lin Yuanshan's words were very pertinent.

Han Lei nodded slightly upon hearing this. She thought Lin Yuanshan was a gentleman and should be very principled in doing business.

But Zhao Qiao'er sneered and said in a low voice, "Why not? Once he's finished decorating, we can have someone secretly burn it down tonight, isn't that enough?"

Upon hearing this, Han Lei was startled and clenched her fists.

She never expected that Zhao Qiao'er would remain so incorrigible and so vicious, even resorting to such despicable means.

Lin Yuanshan was clearly startled by Zhao Qiao'er's words. He quickly looked around and whispered a scolding, "Are you crazy? How can you just say such things? If someone hears us, our whole family will be finished!" Zhao Qiao'er curled her lip dismissively, "What's there to be afraid of? Nobody here knows us. Besides, I was just saying it; I didn't really intend to do it."

Lin Yuanshan sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"Qiao'er, I know you have high aspirations, but some things can't be taken too far. You should know very well who Young Master Wei's backer is, and it's not someone we can mess with."

Zhao Qiao'er snorted coldly, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.

"A powerful backer? Isn't he just a good-for-nothing who uses his family to swindle and cheat? What's so great about him?"

Hearing this, Han Lei already had a plan in mind. Judging from Zhao Qiao'er's disdainful look, she was still not giving up!
Who knows, one day she might actually secretly hire someone to burn down Jinxiufang's shops behind Lin Yuanshan's back.

Rather than letting her do things behind my back, which is impossible to guard against, it's better to take action first.

Now that we're back in the capital, let's get rid of Zhao Qiao'er as well.

Han Lei followed behind Zhao Qiao'er and her husband, passing through the bustling streets, and finally arrived at the entrance of Jinxiufang.

From afar, she saw Zhao Qiao'er pointing at the signboard of Jinxiufang, seemingly discussing something in hushed tones with Lin Yuanshan.

However, the Jinxiufang was under renovation, and there were constant clattering noises inside. Han Lei could only vaguely hear a few fragmented conversations, but she couldn't make out the specific content.

She looked down at her plump figure and thought that Zhao Qiao'er probably wouldn't recognize her looking like this.

So, she straightened her back and walked confidently into Jinxiufang.

Upon entering, the craftsmen, seeing Han Lei dressed in fine clothes and exuding an extraordinary air, all stopped their work and respectfully nodded and greeted her.

Han Lei nodded politely in return, and then began to carefully examine the interior decoration of Jinxiufang.

Jinxiufang has three floors, each about 200 square meters, which are spacious and bright.

As Han Lei walked, she secretly admired the shop, noting that it was not only in a prime location with high foot traffic, but also quite large in scale.

She had heard Yang Haibo say that the shop belonged to the Wei family and that Da Jiu had forced Wei Chengchao to give it to his father, Prime Minister Wei, by using the antidote.

Seeing that his son had recently shown great interest in business, and with the business of the Mandarin Duck Hairpins and Drunken Immortal Wine booming, Prime Minister Wei handed over the shop to Wei Chengchao without hesitation.

Han Lei walked around the shop and already had a plan in mind.

She walked out of Jinxiufang and found Zhao Qiao'er and her husband still standing at the door, peering into the shop.

Han Lei simply stepped forward and politely asked with a smile.

"Is there anything you two would like to buy? The shop is still under renovation, so you can come and visit after it opens."

When Zhao Qiao'er saw someone from Jinxiufang come out to talk to her, she quickly waved her hand.

"No, no, no, we're just looking around, just looking around."

After saying that, she tugged at Lin Yuanshan's sleeve and then hurriedly left, looking guilty.

Han Lei watched their departing figures, chuckled, and a meaningful smile flashed in her eyes...

At the same time, the Turkic delegation's convoy slowly came to a stop at the foot of Yinshan Mountain, the wheels rolling over the soft grass, making a soft rustling sound.

The weather was getting hotter in early May, and the sun was setting later.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the distant mountains, turning the sky a golden-red hue.

The elder tribal chief stepped down from the carriage, looked up at the outline of Yinshan Mountain, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were pondering something.

"Chief, we have arrived at the foot of Yinshan Mountain. Should we send someone to scout ahead?"

A young Turkic soldier stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

The chief nodded, his gaze still fixed on the distant mountains: "Go, but be careful. The princess is in the carriage; make sure nothing goes wrong."

The young soldier responded and turned to leave quickly with several Turkic soldiers.

The leader turned and walked to the center of the convoy, waving his hand to signal everyone to begin setting up camp.

The Turkic soldiers sprang into action, setting up tents, starting fires, and feeding the horses with practiced and orderly movements.

Meanwhile, at a high point on Yinshan Mountain, Wang Dali, a soldier of the Great Jing, was holding a telescope and keeping a close eye on the Turkic convoy at the foot of the mountain.

His brow was furrowed, and his expression was serious. After a moment, he put down his binoculars, picked up the walkie-talkie clipped to his waist, and pressed the call button.

"Number 2, Number 2, this is Yinshan No. 1. There is a Turkic caravan camped at the foot of the mountain, it looks like they are going to spend the night here. Over."

A hissing sound came from the walkie-talkie, followed by a deep, steady male voice.

"Yinshan No. 2 received. I will report immediately. Continue monitoring and do not take any rash actions. Over."

Wang Dali responded, put down the walkie-talkie, and continued to observe through the binoculars.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the telescope barrel, feeling somewhat uneasy.

The sudden appearance of the Turks at the foot of the Yin Mountains was clearly not accidental. What were they planning to do?
"Brother Dali, do you think the Turks are up to something again this time?" Zhang Hutou, a young soldier next to him, leaned over and asked in a low voice.

Wang Dali shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the Turkic caravan in the distance.

"It's hard to say. But judging from their appearance, they don't seem to be here to fight. They seem more like they're here to negotiate."

"Negotiation?" Zhang Hutou's eyes widened. "When did the Turks become so polite? Aren't they always the type to take direct action?"

Wang Dali smiled and patted Zhang Hutou on the shoulder.

"You brat, stop thinking about war all the time. The prince said that we should avoid fighting if possible. Besides, now that we have these things the princess gave us, the Turks will have to think twice before they make a move."

Zhang Hutou scratched his head and chuckled twice: "That's true. But Brother Tiezhu, how exactly did the Princess come up with all these things? Telescopes, walkie-talkies, and guns—it's simply amazing!"

Wang Dali nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "The Princess Consort is indeed an extraordinary person. If anyone dares to say that the Princess Consort is a monster again, even if the Prince doesn't get angry with him, I will."

As the two were talking, a clear voice suddenly came through the walkie-talkie.

"Yinshan No. 1, Yinshan No. 1, this is No. 2. The Prince has ordered that men be sent down the mountain to make contact with the Turks and find out their purpose. Over."

Wang Dali immediately picked up the walkie-talkie and pressed the call button: "Yinshan No. 1 received. I'll lead my men down the mountain right away. Over."

After tucking the walkie-talkie back to his waist, Wang Dali turned around and gave the order.

"Ergou, you're coming down the mountain with me. The rest of you continue to keep watch and report any developments immediately."