Love Lock

Chapter 26 Cao Xiong's Provocation
"Go back, go back. It's training time now, all of you get back to training."

The soldiers glared angrily at Cao Xiong, and Zhao Zun and his group were also filled with rage. But a county magistrate is not as powerful as a local official; Cao Xiong was now the garrison marshal, and the soldiers had to obey him.

Not wanting to cause trouble for his soldiers, Zhao Zun suppressed his anger and shouted, "Brothers, don't see me off anymore, go back! I will remember your kindness! If fate allows, we will meet again in the capital. Then, we will drink until we drop."

The soldiers' eyes were red, and they shouted in unison, "Marshal, have a safe journey! Take care, Marshal!"

The soldiers were reluctant to part, and it took them a while before they slowly turned around and walked back into the camp.

Cao Xiong snorted, turned around and his expression immediately changed. He walked up to Zhao Zun with a loud laugh.

"Hahaha... Prince Xiaoyao is renowned throughout the land and has made great contributions. Now that he's returning to the capital, why didn't you give us a heads-up? We could have prepared a farewell banquet to see him off!" Cao Xiong said sarcastically.

"Marshal Cao, you're too kind," Zhao Zun said coldly, though his face betrayed no emotion.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing here pretending to be all high and mighty?" Hua Tianyou was a spoiled brat who didn't take Cao Xiong seriously at all and directly started to argue.

Cao Xiong was taken aback, but quickly put on a smile again. He knew that this was the young heir of the Duke of Heng's family. Although he was only a soldier under his command at the moment, he could not afford to offend him.

Cao Xiong ignored Hua Tianyou, walked around him, and bowed to Zhao Zun.

"The Prince of Xiaoyao has achieved numerous military exploits and repelled the enemy. His Majesty will surely reward him handsomely upon his return to the capital. Congratulations, Your Highness."

Zhao Zun still said coldly, "Thank you for your kind words!"

Seeing that Zhao Zun had fallen from grace and lost his temper, unlike the day he first received the imperial edict when he was furious, Cao Xiong became even more smug.

He scoffed, a look of disdain on his face, and continued, "Well then, I'll bid farewell to Your Highness here. Your Highness can return to the capital in peace. Without the Carefree Prince, let's see if Cao Xiong can still hold Beiguan. Hahaha..."

"That's too much!" Han Lei cursed under her breath.

"you!"

Hua Tianyou was furious and pointed his finger at Cao Xiong's nose as he charged forward.

This guy is such a petty opportunist; I can't calm my anger without giving him a good beating.

Zhao Zun grabbed Hua Tianyou and gently shook his head at him. Hua Tianyou then snorted and stopped, glaring angrily at Cao Xiong, who had a smirking expression on his face.

"Hahaha……"

Despite Cao Xiong's provocation, Zhao Zun remained silent and kept a low profile. Cao Xiong was in high spirits and laughed as he strode away.

"You little brat who's gotten your way! You just wait!" Hua Tianyou was still furious, gritting his teeth.

"Since you've decided to hand over military power, don't cause trouble!" Zhao Zun patted his shoulder; he had indeed calmed down considerably after his anger subsided. He looked at Cao Xiong's retreating figure and said calmly, "Don't worry! Cao Xiong won't be smug for long. With the Turks, Ala, and Mengguo all eyeing him covetously, he won't be able to hold onto his position as Marshal of the Northern Pass."

"Yes! It would be best to kill him by throwing him!"

"Alright, we should get going." Zhao Zun said, taking Han Lei's hand again.

"Take care on your journey, I'll miss you." Hua Tianyou said reluctantly, and gave Zhao Zun a big hug.

Zhao Zun lightly punched him in the chest. "Go back. It's not like we can't see each other anymore."

"Then I'll watch you leave." Hua Tianyou released Zhao Zun and wiped away the tears he couldn't hold back.

"Okay! Let's go. See you in the capital." Zhao Zun led Han Lei into the carriage, then turned back for one last deep look at the military camp he loved so much. With a wave of his hand, the procession slowly moved forward.

Hua Tianyou waved goodbye from behind, watching the thin, sparsely packed group slowly making its way through the wind and snow, a sight that seemed particularly desolate...

The carriage carrying their belongings moved very slowly, and with the snow making the roads difficult to travel, it was already nightfall when Han Lei and her group arrived at their first stop, Jinxi County.

This was Han Lei's first time entering a county town in the Great Jing Dynasty since her transmigration. Zhao Zun had intended to take Han Lei sightseeing, but because of the cold weather, the vendors had already packed up and the shops were closing time. In addition, they had been traveling all day in the wind and snow and were exhausted. So, after having dinner at the inn and washing up, they went to rest early.

Zhao Zun said their next stop was Qingshui County. After arriving in Qingshui County, they could rest for two days before continuing their journey. They could then explore the county.

The border post station was rudimentary, and it was already the coldest time of the year in December, with a biting chill. The blankets in the post station were too thin, so Han Lei bought enough cotton blankets for everyone from the system, and everyone slept soundly.

The next morning, the inn provided congee and steamed buns for breakfast.

Now that she had left the military camp, those following her were all trustworthy people, and their numbers were small enough that Han Lei could afford to hire them. Therefore, she decided to improve their meals, buying a large quantity of meat buns, steamed rolls, soy milk, fried dough sticks, and other hearty breakfasts from the system, enough to fill them up completely.

These people were already used to Han Lei being able to buy things out of thin air. As long as they had food and clothing, they couldn't be bothered to ask any more questions. Besides, they had heard that last time a soldier guessed Han Lei was a monster, he was beaten up by her. So, they consciously dared not ask any questions.

They only chatted happily about how lucky they were to be living the high life under their new master. Life was like living in a honey pot; they didn't mention anything else.

After breakfast, Zhao Zun asked them to gather all the quilts together. Han Lei put the quilts into her spatial storage and continued on her way.

The snow stopped today, and a warm, golden sun shone through. Everyone slept well last night and set off early this morning.

Zhao Zun was perhaps in a bad mood, as he spoke very little throughout the journey, constantly lifting the carriage curtain to look at the scenery outside. Han Lei knew that the court's revocation of military power had been a great blow to Zhao Zun. Therefore, Han Lei did not disturb him, letting him enjoy the scenery and clear his mind.

Han Lei kept her eyes closed, resting and contemplating her future.

At noon, Han Lei bought two meat and two vegetable boxed lunches for everyone from the system. Boxed lunches, which are common in modern times, are a delicacy here.

The group arrived in Qingshui County just in time for dinner. Instead of staying overnight at the post station, the group headed towards the Qingshui County government office.

Upon hearing that the Prince of Xiaoyao had arrived, the magistrate of Qingshui County personally came out to greet him with his family.

"This humble official and his family have come to pay their respects to the Prince of Xiaoyao."

From afar, Luo Hai, the magistrate of Qingshui County, bowed respectfully to Zhao Zun.

"Greetings, Prince Xiaoyao." Luo Hai's family members also bowed.

"Uncle Luo, you're too kind," Zhao Zun said in return, then introduced Han Lei: "The magistrate of Qingshui County is a family friend of mine, his name is Luo Hai, and this is Aunt Luo."

"Han Lei greets Uncle Luo and Aunt Luo." Han Lei gave a slight curtsy, mimicking the manner of an ancient lady, and secretly glanced at them.

Luo Hai was about fifty years old, dressed as a scholar, with a kind face. Madam Luo was also around fifty years old, with an ordinary appearance but a graceful demeanor, and a very friendly smile.

"Wow! Brother Zun, who is this? What a beautiful girl!"

No sooner had Han Lei finished her polite greeting than a plump girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old, standing next to Madam Luo, walked up to Han Lei, stared at Han Lei's face, and exclaimed in surprise.

Thanks to Burning Earth for the votes, I feel like I'm the top vote-getter!

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(End of this chapter)