Love Lock

Chapter 199 Bloodstained Palace Walls

Hua Tianyou was telling jokes to amuse Zhao Ling'er when he turned his head and was stunned by the scene in the distance.

In the distance, a long procession could be seen winding its way along the cement road.

Those ragged refugees, supporting the elderly and carrying children, pushed creaking wheelbarrows, struggling forward under the sun.

Sunlight filtered through the swirling dust, casting dappled shadows on their weary faces.

"This is..." Hua Tianyou narrowed his eyes, trying to guess the identities of those people, when Zhao Ling'er beside him suddenly let out a soft gasp.

He turned his head and saw that the girl's bright smile was particularly captivating in the sunlight, and her almond-shaped eyes curved into crescent moons.

"Brother Tianyou, look!" Zhao Ling'er excitedly tugged at his sleeve, pointing her slender white finger at the refugees. "Those people are all poor folks; they must have come specifically to seek refuge in Cangzhou!"

Hua Tianyou looked at her profile, which had developed a healthy tan from being in the sun these past few days, and felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He was about to speak when he saw Zhao Ling'er lift her skirt and run towards the edge of the field like a light swallow.

Hua Tianyou quickly followed, and the two walked around the lush green cornfield and saw Zhao Zun's personal guards sitting upright on tall horses.

The procession stopped at the chicken and duck farm. The curtain of the carriage, which was guarded in the center by the guards, was lifted, and Zhao Zun's agile figure jumped down first. Then he turned around and carefully helped Han Lei get out of the carriage.

"Zhao Zun! It's Zhao Zun!" Hua Tianyou's eyes lit up, and he rushed forward in three steps.

"Brother!" Zhao Ling'er shouted, following behind Hua Tianyou.

Hearing Zhao Ling'er's call, Zhao Zun turned around. Seeing Zhao Ling'er stumbling along the ridge, a doting smile appeared on Zhao Zun's lips.

"Ling'er, slow down."

Upon arriving, before the brother and sister could even exchange a word, Hua Tianyou grabbed Zhao Zun's arm and dragged him away without a word.

"What are you doing?" Zhao Zun frowned.

"Come with me here, I have something important to tell you!"

"Hmph!" Zhao Zun snorted coldly: "You don't need to say anything, I know what you're going to say."

"Huh?" Hua Tianyou stopped and turned to look at him, his wheat-colored face full of surprise. "How did you know what I was going to say?"

Zhao Zun did not answer immediately, but instead turned his gaze to Zhao Ling'er, who was talking to Han Lei not far away.

Hua Tianyou followed his gaze and saw the spring breeze brushing against the girl's temples, the light pink hair ribbon swaying gently in the sunlight.

He suddenly realized something, and his ears immediately burned.

"You...you knew all about it?" Hua Tianyou stammered, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes.

Zhao Zun snorted and dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeve: "I have no objection to this, but..." He paused meaningfully, "you have to get past my mother first."

"Really?" Hua Tianyou's eyes lit up, his previous unease vanished, and he was so excited he almost jumped up. "So, you agree?"

“You two are like that…” Zhao Zun suddenly lowered his voice, gritted his teeth and leaned closer, “What’s the use of my consent if you’re like that?” As he spoke, Zhao Zun made an ambiguous gesture.

Hua Tianyou's face immediately turned red, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"What did we do? Zhao Zun, you better explain yourself!" He waved his hands in protest, "Even if I, Hua Tianyou, am a scoundrel, I know my limits. My feelings for Ling'er are all within the bounds of propriety!"

Zhao Zun suddenly moved with lightning speed, grabbing his shirt.

Hua Tianyou felt his collar tighten, and he was lifted up onto his tiptoes.

With his handsome face so close to Zhao Zun's, a dangerous glint flashed in his deep eyes: "It had better be that way. Otherwise..." Zhao Zun squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, "I'll make sure even your father wouldn't recognize you."

"Don't...don't worry!" Hua Tianyou said, his neck stiffening, trying to straighten his back even though he was being held by the collar. "I, Hua Tianyou, swear to God that I have not overstepped any bounds!"

Zhao Zun stared at him for a long time, then suddenly let go, smoothing out the wrinkles on his clothes as he did so: "That's more like it."

"Hehe!" Hua Tianyou immediately perked up again, rubbing his hands together and leaning closer. "As long as you, brother-in-law, nod your head, things will be much easier with your aunt. I'll write a letter home right away and have my father prepare the betrothal gifts..."

"Wait a minute." Zhao Zun suddenly narrowed his eyes, scanning him up and down like he was sizing up prey. "When did you manage to win Ling'er over? You can guard against anything, but it's hard to guard against a thief in your own home."

Hua Tianyou was displeased upon hearing this, and put his hands on his hips, saying, "Look at what you're saying! I'm just taking advantage of my proximity, aren't I? Besides..."

He suddenly put on a fawning smile, leaned over and bumped Zhao Zun's shoulder, "We've always been friends who've been through thick and thin together. Now we're even closer, you've become my brother-in-law, isn't that a wonderful thing?"

Zhao Zun looked at his childhood friend, whose usually playful demeanor was now unusually serious.

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly clenched his fist and waved it in front of Hua Tianyou: "Marrying Ling'er is fine, but if I find out you've made her suffer even the slightest grievance..."

Zhao Zun's knuckles made a crisp cracking sound: "When the time comes, don't blame my fists for being merciless."

Hua Tianyou was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he smiled so broadly that his eyes disappeared.

He solemnly clasped his hands in a salute: "Brother-in-law, rest assured! I, Hua Tianyou, hereby swear that I will cherish Ling'er like a precious jewel for the rest of my life. If I break this vow, may I be struck by lightning!"

The spring breeze swept across the fields, creating waves of wheat.

Zhao Ling'er, who was not far away, seemed to sense something and turned around, only to meet Hua Tianyou's burning gaze.

The girl blushed and hurriedly turned her face away, but couldn't hide the sweet smile on her lips.

Hua Tianyou and Zhao Zun returned to their original spot and greeted Han Lei. Han Lei smiled sweetly and instructed the guards on horseback, "Take these refugees to rest under the corrugated steel roof first, or show them around. I'll make the arrangements later."

Xiao Zhengfei and his guards obeyed the order and led the ragged refugees toward several corrugated steel sheds ahead.

After the crowd dispersed, Zhao Zun patted Hua Tianyou on the shoulder and said to Han Lei, "Let's look around and let Tianyou tell us about the progress these past few days."

Hua Tianyou straightened his clothes and began to report with a serious expression.

"The pig farm and chicken and duck farm are ready and can be put into use at any time. The five hundred soldiers have undergone rigorous training and are now showing initial results. The newly built military camp has also been completed, and the soldiers are packing their bags to move in."

Upon hearing this, Han Lei's eyes flashed with admiration, and she said softly, "Tianyou has become more and more composed in handling matters. I remember when we first met in Yong'an, he was just a spoiled young master who only knew how to whistle at people."

"Of course. I'm perfectly capable now!" Hua Tianyou said, proudly raising his chin at Han Lei.

But as soon as he finished speaking, he was slapped on the back of the head.

"Slap!" "Who are you calling 'young master'? That's your sister-in-law." Zhao Zun glared at him unhappily. "Go on."

"Oh!"

Hua Tianyou shrank back, like a mouse seeing a cat. This made Han Lei and Zhao Ling'er burst out laughing.

Hua Tianyou continued, "Last month, I received your order that a large number of beggars were coming from the capital. We worked overtime to speed things up. But..."

He glanced at the refugees who had already walked away, and hesitated slightly. "Although concrete can be poured quickly, there are limited craftsmen here, and only a few hundred houses have been built so far."

Zhao Zun frowned slightly, his fingers lightly tapping the pistol at his waist: "There are more than 20,000 people here, including refugees, and several hundred houses... This is indeed a bit tricky."

Han Lei's eyes lit up, and she suggested, "How about this: allocate the existing housing according to how much work people do. Anyway, it's all recorded in the payroll, so we should give priority to those who are hardworking and have no home. This will both motivate everyone and seem fair."

Standing to the side, Zhao Ling'er immediately chimed in, "That's a good idea. Those who do the most work should get the assignments first. I'll go back and organize the ledgers and compile the first batch of occupants as soon as possible."

“Good idea.” Zhao Zun nodded in agreement, then thought of something else.

"However... that's not enough. We need to select capable people from the two existing construction teams and form several more construction teams to start work at the same time. Winter is just a few months away, and we must settle these refugees before winter arrives."

Hua Tianyou's eyes lit up: "Zhao Zun is right, we should form more construction teams."

Han Lei straightened her sleeves and said gently, "The pig farm and the chicken and duck farm should be up and running by now. Why don't we go to the cement plant now and call a meeting with the managers from all the departments to arrange the next steps? We should also assign the new migrants to suitable positions so they can work instead of being employed."

As they talked, they walked along the cement road toward the factory area, the setting sun casting long shadows of them...

The last rays of the setting sun stained half the sky like blood.

The tall trees lining the official road stretched out their dense branches in the twilight, like pairs of large hands trying to grasp something but failing in vain.

The Liangzhou King's entourage traveled slowly along the official road leading to Liangzhou, the wheels making a dull sound as they rolled over the gravel.

In stark contrast to the magnificent procession that followed their arrival in the capital, the ranks were now scattered and disorganized, the guards were dejected, and the horses drooped their heads, their hooves making a chaotic and disorderly sound.

"You scoundrels! This court is full of sycophants and opportunists!"

A furious shout came from the most magnificent carriage, startling the crows perched in the roadside trees.

The King of Liangzhou suddenly lifted the carriage curtain, his once handsome and refined face now contorted with rage.

His brows still faintly revealed the majesty of his royal bloodline, but at this moment his eyes were bloodshot and flashing with a dangerous light.

"Your Highness, please calm down," the accompanying strategist Zheng Wenqian cautiously advised. "Now that the situation is settled, we should..."

"Calm down?" The Prince of Liangzhou grabbed Zheng Wenqian by the collar, gritting his teeth as he said, "I am the legitimate son of the late Emperor. In terms of talent and bloodline, in what way am I inferior to that illegitimate son? Just because he has that old fox Wei Mingyuan backing him up?"

Zheng Wenqian's face turned blue from being strangled, but he dared not struggle. The King of Liangzhou suddenly released his grip, pushed him down into the carriage, and then grabbed a wine jug from the small table and took a big gulp.

"Those blind men in the court are all opportunists, snobbish and petty. They didn't choose me, a man of impeccable lineage and ability, but instead chose that good-for-nothing illegitimate son. Blind men!"

"Since they've been in cahoots with that illegitimate son all along, why did they put on an act in front of me? They flattered me before entering court, but as soon as that illegitimate son made his move, they all sided with him. How despicable!"

The King of Liangzhou slammed the empty wine jug against the wall of the carriage with a loud bang, and the force in his hand loosened as a result.

Zheng Wenqian quickly stepped back, panting heavily.

"And then there's Wei Mingyuan," the Prince of Liangzhou said, his gaze shifting to Zheng Wenqian, "that bastard is a complete treacherous villain. On the surface, he appears perfectly respectable, but behind the scenes, he's been forming cliques with court officials for personal gain!"

"Your Highness, please calm down!" Zheng Wenqian gripped the carriage wall, watching him warily, afraid that he would go on a drunken rampage and pounce on him again, but he still tried to persuade him earnestly, "What's the use of saying all that now?"

At the head of the convoy, the captain of the guards glanced at the already dark sky. He knew his master was in a terrible mood, but after a moment's thought, he still mustered his courage and rode up to the carriage.

"Your Highness, it is getting late. Shall we find a flat place to camp and rest?"

"Rest?" came the furious voice of the King of Liangzhou from inside the carriage. "Do you want me to wait to die in this desolate wilderness? Keep going! No one is allowed to stop until we reach Liangzhou territory!"

The guard captain looked troubled: "But Your Highness, the brothers have been traveling all day, and we need horses..."

"Shut up!" the King of Liangzhou interrupted sharply. "Did you also accept bribes from them and try to delay my journey?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the carriage curtain was lifted, and a teapot was thrown out violently. The guard captain, who was too close, was unable to dodge in time, and the teapot hit him on the forehead.

"Snapped!"

The guard commander's expression changed, and he quickly bowed his head and clasped his hands in a fist: "This humble general dares not! This humble general will urge the troops to speed up immediately."

As night deepened, a crescent moon hung in the sky, casting a pale, pale light.

The caravan moved forward carrying torches, the flames flickering in the darkness and illuminating the weary faces of the guards.

Inside the carriage, the King of Liangzhou was still cursing incessantly, but his voice was much softer than before.

"Your Highness, have some tea to sober up," Zheng Wenqian said cautiously, handing over a cup of hot tea.

The King of Liangzhou took the teacup but did not drink it; he simply stared at the tea swirling in the cup, lost in thought.

When the new Emperor Jing ascended the throne, the princes who had been vying for the throne were detained in their princely residences for several days and were forbidden from leaving.

These past few days, they've been living in constant fear and anxiety at the Prince's residence. They're terrified that the new emperor will not tolerate them after his ascension to the throne and will eliminate them directly.

After the coronation ceremony was held and the news was announced to the world, the new dynasty began its official operation.

Yesterday evening, they suddenly received an imperial edict from the new Emperor Jing, allowing them, the princes, to return to their respective fiefdoms.

They dared not delay, packed their belongings overnight, and left the capital before dawn, heading to their respective fiefdoms with trepidation.

“Wenqian,” the King of Liangzhou suddenly raised his head, “do you think that illegitimate son will really let us brothers go?”

Zheng Wenqian was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "The King of Xuzhou... no, the new emperor has ascended the throne. Since he has let you leave, according to custom he should treat his brothers well to show his benevolence."

"Benevolence?" The Prince of Liangzhou scoffed. "Don't you know how my father ascended the throne? Didn't he still end up with blood staining the palace walls..."

Before he could finish speaking, the carriage suddenly jolted violently.

Immediately afterwards, a chaotic chorus of neighing horses and shouting people came from outside.

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