Love Lock

Chapter 159: Rebellious Officials and Traitors
Beijing.

After trying hot pot once, the brothers in the Big Character Team fell in love with the food. They kept talking about it to Han Lei, saying they even dreamed about eating hot pot.

Han Lei found it amusing, so she took them to Lao Yi Lao Hot Pot Restaurant for another meal.

Right now, everyone is sitting around in a private room at Lao Yi Lao Hot Pot restaurant, enjoying hot pot. The steaming hot pot is emitting an enticing aroma.

Just as everyone was enjoying their meal, Big Fatty pushed open the door and walked in, his face showing a hint of excitement.

"Sister-in-law, I've found out!"

Big Fat Head plopped down without any sense of reason, grabbed a piece of beef, and stuffed it into his mouth.

“Princess Chang Le’s birthday is indeed May 25th. The Marquis of Champion has decided to hold a grand birthday banquet at home for her marriage. I heard that they have already sent out invitations according to the guest list.” Big Fatty said while eating.

Han Lei put down her chopsticks, raised an eyebrow, and became interested.

"Oh? Ten more days? Then Princess Chang Le's birthday banquet will be held at the Marquis of Champion's residence?"

Big Fatty nodded, swallowed the meat in his mouth, and continued, "That's right! I heard that this banquet has invited all the royal relatives, nobles, and high-ranking families, and young talents from the capital and surrounding areas will also be present."

"That's wonderful." Han Lei nodded slightly.

"Our family will definitely be on the invitation list. I'll take you with me, how about that?"

"Okay then! Uh..." Han Lei thought for a moment, then gently shook her head: "Never mind, I won't go. Just knowing the news is enough."

Big Fatty was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

"Why not go? This is a rare opportunity to meet many important people! Didn't you say you were going to give Princess Chang Le a big gift?"

Han Lei shook her head firmly.

Grand Secretary Zhang was Zhao Zun's mentor, and she didn't want to have anything to do with Grand Secretary Zhang's family regarding the Marquis of Champion's affairs.

Han Lei smiled slightly, turned her head and gazed into the eyes of the chubby man, and said in an unusually serious tone, "Chubby man, promise me. On the day of the birthday banquet, you and your family won't stay at the Marquis of Champion's mansion for too long. Leave early, okay?"

Big Head was stunned. "Sister-in-law, why?"

"Don't ask. Just remember to find an excuse to leave as soon as possible." Han Lei didn't want to say more; the less Da Pangtou and the others knew about this kind of thing, the better.

"Oh! Okay! I've got it."

Seeing that Han Lei was unwilling to say more, the fat man didn't press further. After all, he trusted Zhao Zun, and naturally, he trusted Han Lei as well.

Seeing that he agreed, Han Lei breathed a sigh of relief and changed the subject.

"Big Fatty, when are you planning to go to Cangzhou?" Han Lei asked.

Big Fatty stuffed another piece of mutton into his mouth before looking at Han Lei: "I'm already quite familiar with this shopkeeper, so I can go anytime. How about we wait until after Princess Chang Le's birthday banquet?"

Han Lei lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then couldn't help but urge him on.

"Couldn't it have been a little earlier? There are many strange and ingenious things in Cangzhou that you need to go there to handle. The later you go, the later Cangzhou will develop."

When Big Fatty heard the phrase "ingenious skills and ingenious tricks," his eyes lit up immediately, as if he had smelled something new and interesting.

In particular, when Han Lei said that only he could handle it, he immediately felt valued.

He leaned closer to Han Lei and asked with great interest, "Oh? What do you want me to do?"

Han Lei knew that Big Fatty was always curious about these new things, especially those opportunities that would allow him to show off his skills.

She cleared her throat, her tone tinged with anticipation.

“I think people’s lives are too inconvenient now. Carrying water to bathe and cook every day is time-consuming and laborious. I was thinking, could we bring river water into every household to make it easier for everyone to use water?”

Big Fatty nodded repeatedly, his excitement growing even stronger.

"Bringing water into homes? That's a great idea! But how exactly will it be done?"

Seeing his interest, Han Lei continued, "Also, I want to make some honeycomb briquette stoves and manufacture honeycomb briquettes at the same time. That way, people won't need to burn firewood for cooking anymore, and they can keep warm by the fire in winter so they don't freeze to death."

"Great! This is a fantastic idea!" The fat man slapped his thigh excitedly. "If it could really be done, it would truly be a blessing for all living beings!"

However, in just a moment, he looked troubled.

"That's a good idea. But... what does this stove look like? I've never seen one before!"

Han Lei took out a roll of blueprints from her sleeve and handed it to the fat man.

"Take these blueprints back and study them first. I'll explain the details to you when you leave. The actual implementation will still depend on you."

Big Fat Head took the blueprints and eagerly unfolded them to look at them.

The dense lines and markings on the drawings dazzled him, but the more he looked at them, the more excited he became.

He could almost see the water diversion system and honeycomb briquette stoves he had built himself springing up all over the land of Cangzhou.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Big Fatty exclaimed repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation. "Sister-in-law, your idea is so ahead of its time! I've never encountered such an interesting challenge in my life! I love it."

Seeing his excitement, Han Lei couldn't help but laugh and say, "Then you'd better hurry up, the people of Cangzhou are all waiting for you."

Big Fat Head patted his chest, exuding heroic spirit.

“Alright, I’ll get everything sorted out in the next day or two, and I’ll head to Cangzhou first thing the day after tomorrow! This time I’m determined to show my skills and let my grandfather see me for who I am, so I can bring honor to my ancestors.”

Han Lei nodded in satisfaction, then casually left everyone in suspense.

"I'm relieved to hear that. You'll find even more wonderful things when you get to Cangzhou."

"Really?" Big Fatty's eyes lit up.

"Hmm!" Han Lei blinked slightly. "You'll know when you get there."

After the two finished discussing their business, they enjoyed a hearty meal with their brothers from the Big Character Team.

The private room was filled with laughter and conversation, and the steam from the hot pot seemed to shut out the outside world.

After lunch, Big Fatty went back to arrange his own affairs, while Han Lei led her brothers on a detour to Youjia Inn.

May 25th is Princess Chang Le's birthday banquet, a rare opportunity. Han Lei decided to "greet" the Marquis of Champion's family on that day.

When Han Lei and her group entered Youjia Inn in Tongzi Alley, the innkeeper, Uncle Liu, assumed they were guests and came up to greet them warmly.

The freshman captain stepped forward to negotiate with Uncle Liu for three guest rooms. Han Lei then retreated to the door, looked around, and seeing that no one was following her, she walked up to Uncle Liu.

She asked softly in her gentle voice, "Uncle Liu, how are you feeling?"

Uncle Liu was taken aback. He clearly heard the princess's voice, but he didn't recognize the chubby boy speaking to him. What was going on?

Da Jiu was staying at a certain inn. Just as Uncle Liu was completely bewildered, Da Jiu came downstairs and immediately recognized the brothers from the Big Character Team.

"Freshman Captain? You... what are you doing here?" Da Jiu asked in surprise.

"Da Jiu, do you know them?" Uncle Liu was even more confused.

“They are all under the Princess’s command, just like me,” Da Jiu said.

The princess's subordinates?
Suddenly, Liu Bo realized something. He turned to look at the plump young man in front of him and tentatively asked:

"You...you are the princess?"

Han Lei giggled, "Uncle Liu, it's me, Han Lei. How are you doing?" Uncle Liu was overjoyed, "Yes, yes. Your Highness, you still remember me. Come, come with me to the backyard."

Uncle Liu handed the counter over to the waiter to watch over, while he and Da Jiu led Han Lei and her group to the backyard.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while in the house in the backyard, they began to secretly discuss their next plan.

No one outside knew what they were doing inside, nor did anyone know what would happen next...

It wasn't until nightfall that Han Lei and the others came out of the house in the backyard.

Han Lei was about to lead her brothers back to the inn where they had stayed when she suddenly heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats coming from afar.

Han Lei frowned, looked warily in the direction the sound came from, and then gestured for Uncle Liu to go ahead and take a look.

A moment later, Uncle Liu returned to the backyard with a look of delight.

"Your Highness, Your Highness. Look who's here!" Uncle Liu said happily as he walked.

Han Lei looked up and saw that the newcomers were Xiao Zhengfei and four bodyguards.

"Commander Xiao, what brings you here? Is there something you need from the Prince?" A hint of worry flashed in Han Lei's eyes.

Although they had already heard about it from Uncle Liu, Xiao Zhengfei and his four bodyguards still couldn't help but laugh as they looked Han Lei up and down at her new look.

"Hehe, Your Highness, you really have a way with things. The Prince was worried that the remaining seven assassins were coming to kill you, so he sent us to the capital to protect you. Now it seems that even if the assassins come here, they won't recognize you!" Xiao Zhengfei said with a smile.

“That’s right, we rushed as fast as we could and finally made it into the city before the gates closed. Turns out all our worries were unnecessary. Hahaha.” Another guard chimed in with a laugh.

Hearing that Zhao Zun had sent them to protect her, Han Lei felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She smiled and said, "Commander Xiao, you've come at just the right time. I'm short-handed."

Xiao Zhengfei nodded, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Please do not hesitate to give your orders, Your Highness."

"Okay, let's eat and chat."

Since everyone here is one of our own, Han Lei didn't hold back. As she spoke, she bought a sumptuous feast from the system and placed it on the table.

When Han Lei produced food and wine out of thin air, apart from Uncle Liu who was astonished, everyone else was already used to it.

Uncle Liu wanted to ask Han Lei where she got the food and drinks, but seeing that everyone seemed to be used to it, he didn't want to make a fuss.

After everyone sat down, Han Lei repeated the plan. Xiao Zhengfei and his four bodyguards were secretly amazed, but also very excited.

It wasn't until the moon was high in the sky that Han Lei dragged her tired body back to the inn where she used to stay.

Everyone else stayed at Youjia Inn.

Because, starting tomorrow, the guards and the brothers of the Big Boss will begin their own plans.

Han Lei's job is to use these few days to ensure the clothing store can open smoothly.

...I am a lazy dividing line...

The Yinshan Mountains, located between Yong'an City and the Turkic steppe, are marked on Han Lei's mineral map as rich in coal.

While overseeing the construction of the fortress, Zhao Zun sent a letter to the city lords of Yong'an City and Ling'an City.

Zhao Zun ordered them to release all the prisoners from the jail, supervised by soldiers from the Yong'an City military camp, and then throw the prisoners into the Yinshan Mountains to work in the coal mines.

Let them contribute their labor value to the development of Cangzhou.

Because of years of war in Beiguan, the people's lives were difficult.

Therefore, most of the prisoners held in these two cities were robbed because they couldn't afford to eat, and they were not particularly evil people.

Zhao Zun, in his capacity as the King of Cangzhou, ordered that the prisoners be provided with food and labor. If they performed well, they could be released from prison and return to normal life. He also promised to help them live a better life.

Upon receiving this order, the prisoners in both city jails cheered with joy.

The scorching May sun beat down on the coal mines at the foot of Yinshan Mountain.

The air was thick with the smell of coal dust, mixed with the stench of sweat, making it almost suffocating.

However, even in such dusty and harsh conditions, the prisoners rolled up their sleeves and worked with great enthusiasm.

The prisoners were all trying to make good behavior in hopes of gaining their freedom as soon as possible.

The sounds of shovels striking coal, heavy breathing, and occasional shouts mingled together, creating a busy and noisy scene.

However, among this group of busy figures, three people stood out conspicuously.

They worked listlessly, their shovel movements extremely slow, their eyes constantly darting around as if searching for some opportunity.

If you get closer, you'll find them disheveled and filthy, no different from other prisoners.

But you wouldn't know unless you were told, and what you find out is quite surprising.

Of the three, two had been marshals and garrison commanders of Beiguan, and the other was Zhang Shiyang, the Minister of Works who had disappeared without a trace.

Zhang Shiyang, acting on Emperor Jing's orders, led the Ministry of Works to Beiguan to assist in the construction of defenses to resist foreign enemies.

However, these officials, who were used to a life of luxury in the capital, mostly did not know how to ride horses. After they entered Cangzhou by carriage, they completely missed the Jingzhou army that was heading back home at the fork in the road on the way to Yong'an City.

Therefore, they were unaware that the crisis at Beiguan had been resolved, and even less aware that the garrison at Beiguan was now under Zhao Zun's command.

When they finally arrived at Yong'an City by carriage, they saw that Zhao Zun, whose military power had been taken away by Emperor Jing, had once again taken command of the garrison at Beiguan. They immediately sensed something unusual.

They jumped up and down, accusing Zhao Zun of being traitorous and a rebel.

Like the Imperial Guards, they clamored that once they returned, they would report to His Majesty and ask him to send troops to punish Zhao Zun.

Go back and report?
How could Zhao Zun possibly let them go back and report?

Cangzhou is developing, and Zhao Zun doesn't support any idle people; he simply packed them all up and dumped them here to mine coal. This includes the Imperial Guards who were shot.

"Lord Cao, we're doing this hard labor every day, when will it ever end! Do you think we'll ever have a chance to escape if we keep going like this?"

Minister of Works Zhang Shiyang raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and asked Cao Xiong in a trembling voice.

He was disheveled, his face covered in coal dust, and his voice was filled with indescribable exhaustion, but his eyes were slyly eyeing Gou Sheng in the distance.

Gou Sheng and another soldier who had fought with Han Lei were both sent here by Zhao Zun to supervise prisoners digging coal.

Zhao Zun told them that they were now overseers, and if they dared to speak ill of the princess again, they would be demoted from overseers to laborers and made to dig coal with the prisoners.

In the distance, Gou Sheng was smugly pacing back and forth, carrying an M16 automatic rifle, watching the prisoners work.

Upon hearing Zhang Shiyang's words, Cao Xiong impatiently retorted, "What's the rush?"

He casually shoveled a few times with the shovel in his hand, but his eyes kept wandering around, and then he nodded at Gou Sheng.

"Did you see the weapon in that soldier's hand?"

Zhang Shiyang nodded: "I saw it."

Cao Xiong swallowed hard, a hint of fear in his voice. "That's called a gun, even more powerful than a bow and arrow. Several of my men and the Imperial Guards were wounded by that weapon. If only we could have seized it..."

"hiss!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shiyang gasped.