Love Lock

Chapter 212 This Jealous Person

Song Yuanqing was somewhat lost in thought as he watched her diligently taking notes.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating her face and outlining her delicate profile.

She would sometimes furrow her brow in thought, and at other times write quickly; her focused concentration on her work captivated Song Yuanqing.

"General?" Han Lei looked up and found Song Yuanqing staring at her. She called out in confusion.

Song Yuanqing snapped back to reality, his ears burning.

"Ah, sorry. I was thinking... let's start with the main road, then the training ground, and finally the soldiers' barracks."

Han Lei nodded and continued taking notes: "This arrangement is also reasonable. The cement paving needs to be done in layers. I estimate that the whole project will take about two months."

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the central military tent. Song Yuanqing personally lifted the tent flap for Han Lei: "Miss Han, please come in."

The tent was simply furnished, with a large table covered with a map in the center and several chairs on either side. Song Yuanqing invited Han Lei to sit down at the table, while he sat opposite her.

"Miss Han, just tell me what you need, and I'll have someone prepare it," Song Yuanqing said, instructing his personal guards to serve tea.

Han Lei shook her head: "The general has already explained it very clearly. I can calculate the specific price for you now."

She opened her notebook, picked up her phone, and began to calculate seriously.

Song Yuanqing looked at her quietly.

Every smile and frown, every subtle change in her expression, made Song Yuanqing's heart race.

A guard brought tea, and Song Yuanqing personally poured a cup for Han Lei: "Miss Han, have some tea and rest for a while."

Han Lei looked up and smiled, "Thank you." She took the teacup, took a small sip, and asked, "Is it chrysanthemum tea?"

Song Yuanqing nodded: "The Northwest is dry, and chrysanthemums are good for clearing heat and reducing internal fire. Does Miss Han like them?"

"It smells very refreshing." Han Lei took another sip and continued calculating with her head down.

Song Yuanqing looked at her lowered eyelashes, which cast a faint shadow on her face.

He suddenly remembered the marriage that his family had arranged for him—the daughter of the former General Zhennan, whom he had never met.

According to custom, he was to marry the woman when he had leave to return to the capital to visit his family. Thinking of this, he felt a surge of unease.

"General Song?" Han Lei's voice brought him back to reality. "The preliminary quote has been calculated."

Song Yuanqing forced himself to concentrate: "So fast? Miss Han, please speak."

Han Lei turned the notebook towards him, pointing to the figures on it and explaining, "Based on the area of ​​the military camp and the amount of cement used, the total cost is approximately this amount. This includes the costs of materials, labor, and transportation. If the general finds it suitable, we can sign a contract."

Song Yuanqing glanced at the figures; they were more reasonable than he had expected. "Miss Han's price is indeed very fair. However..."

He hesitated for a moment before speaking his mind: "Could Miss Han personally supervise the project, just like she did with Magistrate Cheng? I don't know much about cement construction..."

Han Lei thought for a moment and said, "Well... I can personally guide you for the first few days, but I'll have to hand it over to my assistant later. I can't stay in Ganluo County for long; there are still projects waiting for me in Fufeng County."

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanqing was somewhat disappointed: "Oh! Well, that's fine then!"

He quickly considered what excuse he could use to get Han Lei to stay a few more days, and remained silent for a moment.

"General Song?" Han Lei looked at Song Yuanqing, who had suddenly fallen silent, with a puzzled expression.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought." Song Yuanqing forced a smile. "Then let's do as you say. Please provide guidance in the early stages, and hand it over to a reliable person in the later stages."

Han Lei nodded and took out a contract from her cloth bag: "This is a standard contract, the same one that Magistrate Cheng signed. General, you can take a look at the terms. If you have no objections, we can sign and stamp it."

Song Yuanqing took the contract, and their fingers touched again unintentionally.

This time, Han Lei also noticed his instantly stiff expression and reddened ears. She subtly withdrew her hand, pretending not to have seen it.

Song Yuanqing flipped through the pages one by one, then picked up a brush to sign his name, but he probably didn't look at what was written on it very carefully.

After the contract was signed, Han Lei smiled and got up to take her leave.

"General, if there are no other issues, I'll head back now. I'll bring the construction team back in three days to begin the project."

Song Yuanqing quickly stood up: "Then I'll see you out, Miss." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "If Miss Han doesn't mind, please stay for lunch at the military camp. The food in our camp is quite good."

Han Lei initially wanted to refuse, but seeing Song Yuanqing's expectant eyes and glancing at her spatial watch, she realized it was already noon. Thinking that having lunch with a business client was perfectly normal, Han Lei agreed.

Han Lei nodded: "Then I'll have to trouble you, General."

During the meal, Song Yuanqing specially ordered clean tables and chairs to be prepared, and also brought out his treasured rice wine.

Han Lei was surprised to find such exquisite food in the military camp. Song Yuanqing explained that it was prepared to entertain distinguished guests.

"Is Miss Han from the South?" Song Yuanqing asked tentatively.

Han Lei answered vaguely, "I guess so. I travel around and have no fixed abode."

"It is truly admirable that this young lady is traveling alone in the world," Song Yuanqing exclaimed sincerely.

Han Lei smiled and said, "I'm used to it. Besides, with the construction team around, I'm not really alone."

Meanwhile, Han Lei stayed at the military camp for lunch, chatting with Song Yuanqing. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, illuminating her smiling face and making her appear even more gentle.

Over there, Zhao Zun was busy at the construction site until noon.

He personally led the construction team's leadership team, his back soaked with sweat.

Under the blazing sun and amidst the flying dust at the construction site, he remained oblivious, focused intently on every detail of the construction.

"Your Highness, it's time for lunch," the guard, a man with pockmarks, whispered, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Zhao Zun then came to his senses and looked up at the sun: "Is the Princess Consort over at the temporary housing?"

"I don't know."

Zhao Zun dusted off his hands and strode towards the prefabricated housing area. From afar, he saw Uncle Li squatting on the ground installing the frames.

"Uncle Li, where is the Princess?" Zhao Zun's voice carried a hint of urgency that he himself was unaware of.

Uncle Li quickly stood up and bowed: "Your Highness, the Princess Consort said she is going to the military camp today, saying she has something to discuss with General Song."

"General Song?"

Zhao Zun's fingers involuntarily clenched. "Could it be Song Yuanqing from the Xuzhou military camp?"

"I don't know General Song's name," Uncle Li shook his head. "But the general spoke with the princess for a long time yesterday."

Zhao Zun suddenly felt as if something was clenching his chest. He remembered the handkerchief embroidered with the character "Song" that he had seen last night.

He subconsciously reached for the love lock hanging in his arms, a long-lost unease spreading through his heart like a tangled mess that only got more chaotic the more he tried to untangle it.

He believed that after spending several months together, Han Lei had developed feelings for him, but he wasn't sure what Song Yuanqing was really up to.

"Your Highness, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?" Uncle Li asked with concern. Zhao Zun forced a smile: "It's nothing. Have the laborers all eaten?"

"Your Highness, they are all eating under the thatched shed over there. You should go and have your meal as well."

Zhao Zun's gaze swept over the laborers who were eating, but he had no appetite whatsoever.

The warm touch of the love lock reminded him of Han Lei's gentle and sweet smile, but now, would that smile also be given to someone else?
"Your Highness? It's time for your meal." Seeing him lost in thought, Ma Zi called out softly.

Zhao Zun snapped back to reality: "Go prepare the horses."

"Huh?" Pockmarked man was taken aback, rubbing his empty stomach as he asked, "Where is Your Highness going?"

"The military camp." Zhao Zun's voice was low and resolute. "I want to see what important matter could possibly warrant the Princess's special trip to the military camp?"

Seeing that Zhao Zun's expression was not good, Ma Zi did not dare to ask any more questions and quickly went to the shade of the tree to fetch the brocade-eared horse.

The glossy black horse seemed to sense its master's anxiety, pawing restlessly.

Zhao Zun mounted his horse and asked Magistrate Cheng, who had rushed over for his meal, "Where is the military camp?"

Magistrate Cheng wiped his sweat: "Your Highness, it's ten miles to the west. However..."

"But what?"

"The meal has already been served. Would Your Highness like to wait until after your meal before proceeding?"

"No need." Zhao Zun's anxious expression became even more obvious: "I just happened to be going to General Song's place to ask for a drink."

With that, he spurred his horse, and the brocade-eared steed shot off like an arrow. Pockmarked man's lips twitched, and he quickly spurred his horse to follow.

On horseback, Zhao Zun's mind became increasingly chaotic.

He realized he'd been too busy lately and rarely had a chance to talk or be affectionate with Han Lei.

She remembered when Song Yuanqing had met Han Lei, and she remembered the handkerchief embroidered with the character "Song" that had been placed next to Han Lei's clothes last night.

Recalling these details was like being pricked by fine needles, causing him pain.

"What's wrong with me..." Zhao Zun thought to himself with a self-deprecating smile, "A prince of such high status, acting like a young boy who's jealous."

But reason could not suppress the surging emotions in his heart.

The once invincible Marshal of the Northern Garrison is now thrown into disarray by a woman.

The lock of affection, burning hot against his chest, seemed to mock his insecurity...

In the military camp, Han Lei and Song Yuanqing chatted casually while having their meal. Han Lei, who had just finalized a business deal, was very relaxed, but Song Yuanqing was quite nervous.

After having a simple meal with Han Lei, Song Yuanqing, with mixed feelings, felt his vest was soaked with sweat. He seemed even more nervous than when he was leading troops into battle.

After lunch, Han Lei took her leave. Song Yuanqing personally escorted Han Lei to the gate of the military camp, where the carriage was still waiting.

"Miss Han, see you in three days." Song Yuanqing said goodbye with a somewhat reluctant bow.

Han Lei returned the greeting: "General Song, please wait. I will arrive with the construction team in three days."

Han Lei turned around to get into the carriage, but suddenly remembered that the rice wine she had just drunk didn't taste good, not as good as her own Drunken Immortal Brew.

Following Magistrate Cheng, Song Yuanqing became the second major client for the project. With the idea of ​​maintaining the client relationship and promoting Zuixian Wine, Han Lei planned to give the client some gifts.

Han Lei stopped and turned around, saying, "Oh, by the way, General Song. This is our first time working together, so I don't have much to give you. But I happen to have a few jugs of fine wine from the capital in my carriage, called Drunken Immortal Brew. Please have the General try it!"

"Give...give me a gift?" Song Yuanqing was incredulous. Miss Han actually wanted to give him a gift?

"Yes!" Han Lei nodded. "This wine tastes excellent, General, please wait a moment."

After speaking, Han Lei boarded the carriage and took out several jugs of Drunken Immortal Wine from her spatial storage. She then handed the wine to Song Yuanqing with both hands.

Han Lei smiled sweetly. "General Song, this is just a small gift, nothing more."

Song Yuanqing was somewhat excited. He wiped his hands on his clothes and solemnly accepted the wine pot. The wine pot still carried the faint fragrance left by Han Lei's fingertips.

Then he asked the question he had been pondering.

"Miss Han, I wonder... has your family arranged a marriage for you?"

He had barely finished speaking when he suddenly felt a gust of wind coming from behind him.

"careful!"

The person arrived very quickly. Han Lei had just caught a glimpse of a leg and her gasp was still stuck in her throat when Song Yuanqing was kicked hard from the side.

He staggered forward and fell, the two jugs of Drunken Immortal Wine in his hands crashing onto the gravel with a "smack." The clear wine instantly soaked into the dry soil, and the rich aroma of the wine exploded in the air.

"Song Yuanqing, you bastard!" The voice boomed in Song Yuanqing's ears like a thunderclap.

Before Song Yuanqing could figure out what was going on, a fist filled with anger slammed into his left cheek.

Caught off guard, Song Yuanqing's lips immediately began to bleed. He turned his head sharply, staring incredulously at the newcomer—it was none other than Zhao Zun, the King of Cangzhou!

"Zhao Zun?" Song Yuanqing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his thumb, his eyes blazing with anger. "What's wrong with you?"

Han Lei recognized Zhao Zun who had suddenly appeared, and stared in surprise, her eyes widening: "Hey! Zhao Zun, what are you doing?"

Zhao Zun ignored Han Lei. His handsome face was contorted with anger, and his phoenix eyes, which usually looked at Han Lei with affection, were now burning with a fierce jealousy.

He stepped forward and grabbed Song Yuanqing by the collar, his voice low and dangerous: "I'm warning you, don't you dare do anything reckless."

Before he could finish speaking, another punch was thrown.

Song Yuanqing was, after all, a military officer, and he quickly became prepared. He dodged to the side and then delivered a backhand elbow strike to Zhao Zun's ribs.

Both were martial artists, and in the blink of an eye they were locked in combat, exchanging blows with every punch and kick landing squarely.

Han Lei shouted a couple of times, but they didn't listen at all. Just as she was about to step forward to break up the fight, Zhao Zun's bodyguard, Ma Zi, hid behind a tree and desperately tried to wink at her.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, come here quickly!" The pockmarked man beckoned to her in a low voice, his pockmarked face scrunched up like a bitter gourd.

Han Lei glanced at the two locked in a fierce battle, bit her lip, and strode towards Ma Zi: "What's going on? Why are you and the Prince here?"

Ma Zi wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "I don't know either! The Prince said he came to ask General Song for a drink. But when he got to the camp gate, he refused to go in and kept pacing behind the tree. Just now, he saw the Princess giving General Song wine, and then the Prince suddenly..."

He made a tiger pouncing on its prey gesture, and then charged out.

Upon hearing this, Han Lei's eyebrows gradually rose, and a look of realization flashed in her eyes.

Then he turned to look at the two fighting. Zhao Zun's dark blue brocade robe was covered in dust, but he was still relentlessly chasing after Song Yuanqing.

Song Yuanqing's military uniform was also torn open at the collar, and his face was covered in bruises, but he stubbornly refused to admit defeat.

"This jealous person..." Han Lei murmured, both amused and annoyed.