Love Lock

Chapter 296 Zhao Qiao'er Disappears

Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and the streets of Beijing are decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with a festive atmosphere.

The crimson lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and the voices of street vendors calling out their New Year's goods rose and fell.

The warm sunlight shone through the thin clouds onto the bluestone path, but it could not warm the cold heart of Aunt Qin, Qin Yanran.

She wrapped her slightly worn, light purple cotton-padded coat tighter around her waist and lingered repeatedly in front of the tall, vermilion gate of the Dali Temple.

The faint sound of chains echoed from within the blue brick wall, each sound like a dull knife cutting into her heart.

Since Zhao Qiao'er met Princess Chang Le, her life and that of her mother had become much better. However, half a month ago, Zhao Qiao'er suddenly disappeared without a trace.

"Madam, you've been loitering around here for ages." An elderly woman carrying a shopping basket looked her over suspiciously. "Are you going to report a crime?"

Qin Yanran trembled violently, instinctively pulling her veil up even higher: "No, no, I'm waiting for someone..."

Her voice was barely audible. Only after the old woman had gone far away did she loosen her grip on the handkerchief, the silk already crumpled beyond recognition.

Yesterday, while washing clothes by the well in the Prince's mansion, she overheard two old women gossiping.

"I heard that Princess Chang Le was arrested by the Dali Temple and imprisoned in the dungeon."

"That's right, I heard the crime is colluding with rebels, which is punishable by death..."

She dropped the wooden basin with a thud, splashing water that soaked her embroidered shoes.

“Qiao’er…” Qin Yanran looked at the plaque “A Clear Mirror Hangs High” hanging under the eaves of the yamen, her lips trembling slightly.

More than half a month has passed. Apart from the Prince's Mansion where they live and Lin Yuanshan's house, where else in this vast capital city can Qiao'er go?
She had mustered the courage to go to the Lin residence to inquire, but the gatekeeper's sneer when he recognized her still echoed in her ears: "Tch! What are you thinking? How could a divorced woman still live in her husband's house? Get out of here!"

The Lin family's butler said with a mocking expression, "If the young mistress... no, if Miss Zhao were here, the master would have chased her out with a broom long ago."

When the constables on duty at the Dali Temple looked in this direction for the third time, Qin Yanran finally mustered up the courage to take half a step forward.

Since Zhao Qiao'er wasn't at Lin Yuanshan's house, she had no choice but to go to the Dali Temple to inquire. She wondered if Zhao Qiao'er had been arrested and taken to the Dali Temple along with Princess Chang Le.

She had just taken half a step when she suddenly heard a "clatter" of chains, and two jailers led out a disheveled prisoner.

The man's ankles were chafed raw and bloody from the shackles, leaving dark red marks on the ground.

"Get out of the way!" The bailiff's shout startled her, causing her to stumble back several steps and bump her back against the hitching post.

The cold stone pierced his flesh through his thin clothes, but it was nothing compared to the fear in his heart.

She's also Zhao Zun's family. If Princess Chang Le and Zhao Qiao'er were both arrested because of Zhao Zun's treason, then what if she were recognized...

Qin Yanran touched her veiled face, her throat tightening.

"Madam," a guard with a sword suddenly approached, "you look flustered, are you being wronged?"

Qin Yanran's heart pounded like a drum, her fingernails digging deep into her palms: "I...I'm looking for..."

She swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

If she were to say that she was looking for Princess Chang Le, wouldn't that be admitting that she was involved with the rebels? But if she didn't ask... She looked at the setting sun. Tomorrow would be the New Year, and Qiao'er was her only relative in the capital.

"My sister works at the Princess's residence..." she said hastily, her voice weak and trembling, "She hasn't returned for half a month, and I wanted to come and ask..."

The guard's eyes suddenly sharpened: "Princess? Which princess?"

"Chang..." Qin Yanran had barely uttered a word when she bit her tongue hard, the taste of blood spreading in her mouth. "The embroidery workshop in Chang Le Fang, I went to the wrong place."

After saying that, she swallowed hard, curtsied hastily, and left, almost fleeing in panic.

Turning the corner, she slumped down on the edge of a well.

The setting sun dyed the black tiles of Dali Temple blood red, and the copper bells on the eaves jingled in the wind like a death knell.

Qin Yanran buried her face in her palms, and hot tears seeped through her fingers...

The New Year is approaching.

While Qin Yanran was frantically trying to figure out Zhao Qiao'er's disappearance, the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion in Qingshui County, Cangzhou, was bustling with activity and filled with joy.

The winter sun shone into the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, making the cement ground feel warm and cozy.

Last year at this time, Cangzhou was ravaged by wind and snow, but this year the weather has been surprisingly kind, with even the icicles hanging from the eaves turning into glistening water droplets that dripped and tapped on the stone steps.

The Prince's mansion was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, with brand-new "福" (good fortune) characters pasted on the vermilion gates and red lanterns hanging under the eaves.

Steam filled the kitchen as the cooks busied themselves preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. The aroma of cured meat mingled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus wine, filling the entire courtyard.

"Madam, do you think these paper-cut window decorations are done well?" The little maid stood on tiptoe, adjusting the paper-cut on the window frame. It was a lifelike magpie that heralded the arrival of spring.

The elderly lady, her hair completely white, twirled the prayer beads in her hand and nodded with a smile: "Good, very good. The children are all back; this year is much more lively than in previous years."

She gazed at the figures coming and going in the courtyard, wrinkles of satisfaction forming at the corners of her eyes.

Zhao Zun, Han Lei, Hua Tianyou, Zhao Ling'er, Da Pangtou, and others all rushed back to the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion. Xiao Zhengfei, Ma Zi, and the guards, who lived near Qingshui County, also all went to the Prince's Mansion to celebrate the New Year.

Pingchuan is currently the marshal of the garrison at Beiguan and cannot easily leave the Beiguan military camp, so he has to stay alone in the Yong'an City military camp.

Zhao Zun was directing his servants to bring over several pots of blooming red plum blossoms, Han Lei was hanging colorful ribbons under the eaves with her maids, and Big Fat Head was squatting on the stone steps counting the New Year's money he had just received.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves grew louder as they approached. Zhao Ling'er rode a chestnut horse into the courtyard, her fox-fur-trimmed cloak fluttering like a butterfly.

"Mother!" She nimbly dismounted and untied a bundle from beside the saddle. "I brought the latest storybooks from the street. I'll read them to you tonight while we stay up to welcome the New Year!"

Just as the old lady was about to speak, Hua Tianyou emerged from the corridor, holding half a couplet in his hand: "Ling'er, you've come back just in time! Come quickly and help me take a look at this couplet..."

Before he could finish speaking, seeing the girl's cheeks red from the cold, Hua Tianyou quickly took off his fox fur cloak and draped it over her.

"Brother Tianyou always treats me like a child," Zhao Ling'er complained, but her eyes crinkled into crescent moons with laughter.

She suddenly stood on tiptoe and used her sleeve to brush the gold powder off Hua Tianyou's forehead: "Look at you, you can even get your face covered in it just by pasting up a couplet."

Just then, Han Lei clapped her hands and walked over: "Stop busy, everyone, the garden party is about to begin!"

Han Lei had plenty of modern park activities in mind! She prepared some programs that everyone could participate in, such as using chopsticks to pick up ping-pong balls or using bamboo rings to toss dolls, and so on.

In the center of the courtyard, various games had been set up, and maids were drawing lines for pitch-pot on the bluestone slabs.

Big Fatty was the first to rush to the ring toss game, yelling that he wanted the biggest Xiong Er (a character from Journey to the West)...

As the sun set, the twenty mahogany round tables in the main hall were fully set, and the guests, having enjoyed themselves to the fullest, took their seats.

To ensure the women could enjoy themselves, no "Drunken Immortal Wine" was served; instead, osmanthus wine was provided.

Zhao Zun personally poured warm osmanthus wine for the old lady, and everyone raised their glasses to celebrate the New Year. Suddenly, a commotion arose outside the door. "The Duke of Heng has arrived—"

Everyone was stunned. As they stood up in surprise, they saw the Duke of Heng and his wife step into the hall, followed by a group of servants carrying gift boxes.

Hua Tianyou dropped his wine glass on the table, the wine splashing onto his clothes without him even noticing.

He had received a message from the communications station that his parents and others had arrived at the Prince of Jingzhou's residence.

A few days ago it snowed and the roads were difficult to travel. He thought his parents would come after the New Year in Jingzhou, but he didn't expect them to arrive in Cangzhou on New Year's Eve.

The communication stations along the way were completely useless; they didn't send him a single message.

What Hua Tianyou didn't know was that the Duke of Heng and his group saw many new and interesting things at the Jingzhou Prince's Palace, and also heard the Jingzhou Prince talk about many things about Cangzhou.

When they left the Jingzhou Prince's Palace, they made a point of informing the Prince of Jingzhou to tell the communication stations along the way not to notify Hua Tianyou, as they wanted to come today to give everyone a surprise.

Hua Tianyou stood up, looking at the newcomers with surprise and delight. "Father? Mother? What are you doing here..."

The Duke of Heng ignored him, strode up to the old lady, and bowed solemnly: "Mother-in-law, please forgive us for coming uninvited."

The Duke of Hengguo immediately addressed his mother-in-law as his daughter-in-law, which caught the old lady off guard.

Before she could react, the Duke of Heng had already turned around and taken the gilded gift box from the servant. "This is a set of pearl jewelry from the South China Sea. I have come here specifically to ask for the hand in marriage of my son Tianyou to your daughter, Miss Ling'er."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Zhao Ling'er's long eyelashes fluttered, and her cheeks burned even redder than the "福" (fortune) character in the hall.

"Really? Really?" Hua Tianyou was overjoyed when he heard that his parents had come to propose marriage.

He strode forward and grasped Zhao Ling'er's hand; both of their fingertips trembled slightly.

Hua Tianyou led Zhao Ling'er by the hand to their parents. Happiness came so suddenly that his eyes were almost overflowing with joy.

Finally, the Hengguo Duke's family proposed marriage, and the old lady was finally relieved.

She wiped her eyes, pointed at Hua Tianyou and Zhao Ling'er, and smiled at the Duke of Heng, "Then... I'll call you in-law from now on. These two young ones have such a close relationship..."

"Mother!" Zhao Ling'er stamped her feet in embarrassment, but Hua Tianyou pulled her to her parents.

His face was flushed, and he stammered like a naive young boy experiencing his first love, "Father, I'll go and prepare a house tomorrow, and I'll make sure Ling'er marries in with great fanfare..."

"What's the rush?" Lady Lin, the wife of the Duke of Heng, glared at him, then smiled and took Zhao Ling'er's hand, putting the jade bracelet on her wrist. "Good child, if Tianyou bullies you in the future, just come and tell your mother."

"Whoosh~" This time it was Han Lei's turn to whistle, and she joked, "Tianyou and Ling'er are getting married."

The room erupted in laughter and chatter.

Big Fatty started urging everyone to drink the nuptial wine. Han Lei busied herself having more bowls and chopsticks prepared. After Zhao Zun and the Duke and Duchess of Heng greeted each other and introduced Han Lei to them, he quickly ordered the kitchen to add more dishes.

The two families were already quite familiar with each other when they were in the capital, and now that their children have become in-laws, their relationship has become even closer.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone sat down again and raised their glasses to celebrate the New Year.

Duke Heng sat next to Zhao Zun, who specially ordered the Drunken Immortal Wine to be served to him.

"My dear nephew!" Duke Heng took a sip of the Drunken Immortal Wine and put down his cup. "On the way here, I have truly broadened my horizons. Seeing the cement-built fortress in Tuomugou, I finally understand why the imperial army suffered such a crushing defeat."

"Hey! Father, Mother. What you saw on the road was just a drop in the ocean." Hua Tianyou was in a good mood today. He suddenly stood up, raising his wine glass, his cheeks flushed with the alcohol.

"After we get married in the spring, I will definitely take you two to travel all over Cangzhou!" he said, drawing a large circle in the air with his finger, "and show you two what true awe is!"

His words immediately drew laughter from everyone at the table. Zhao Zun, his eyes full of smiles, twirled the rim of his wine cup and praised the Duke and Duchess of Heng, saying, "Tianyou has become quite accomplished now, capable of doing many things!"

"Of course! Don't you know who I am?" Hua Tianyou patted his chest without any modesty, the brocade fabric making a dull thud.

As he spoke, he suddenly left his seat and walked to the center of the hall, mysteriously instructing his servants to bring in a mahogany box. "Today I'll entertain everyone! I'll show you all my skills."

He opened the wooden box and took out various crystal-clear glass items one by one.

The glass artifacts, each uniquely shaped, refracted a rainbow of colors under the solar-powered lights. The most eye-catching was a palm-sized horse, its mane clearly defined, appearing as if it were about to leap into the air under the candlelight.

As the Duke and Duchess of Hengguo gasped at the beautiful works of art, Zhao Zun chuckled and whispered, "These things look pretty, but they're not worth much."

The old lady smiled and wiped the corner of her eye with a handkerchief: "This child has taken a liking to the work of a craftsman."

The banquet atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

As Han Lei said, everyone can go up and showcase their talents tonight, not to please anyone, but simply to create a lively atmosphere. It's Chinese New Year! It should be a festive occasion.

Zhao Ling'er played a piece called "Spring River Flower Moon Night," the Duchess of Heng sang a folk song from her hometown, and even the usually serious old Duke stroked his beard and recited a poem.

When it was Zhao Zun's turn, he took off the jade pendant from his waist, placed it on the table, and performed a set of boxing techniques.

His dark brocade robe fluttered with the force of his punches, and before the hem of the robe had even fallen down when he finished, the cheers from the audience were thunderous.

"Where's my sister-in-law?" Hua Tianyou suddenly asked loudly, his cheeks flushed even more from the smell of alcohol. "It's my sister-in-law's turn to perform!"

Han Lei didn't mince words; she smiled, the coral beads dangling gently from her ears.

"Let me go change my clothes." Han Lei smiled mysteriously and turned to walk into the inner room.

She has prepared a performance for tonight.

A moment later, the tinkling of jade pendants came from the hall door.

Everyone turned to look, and saw Han Lei wearing a peacock blue gauze dress, the hem adorned with silver-embroidered feathers. The peacock tail feathers in her hair trembled slightly with each step, like a proud peacock raising its head as it approached.

Press the play button on the karaoke speaker, and the song "Phoenix Tail Bamboo Under the Moonlight" begins to play.

"Huh? Where did this tune come from? Why is it so beautiful and pleasant to listen to?" Duke Heng murmured, staring wide-eyed at the karaoke speaker on the table.

Lady Lin, wife of the Duke of Heng, pointed to the karaoke speaker: "Well, it sounds like it came from that box."

While the Duke and his wife were wondering what was going on, Han Lei had already lifted her skirt and started dancing gracefully, drawing everyone's attention to her.

As soon as the music started, her neck seemed to come alive, tilting left and right, the silver headdress shimmering like starlight.

Suddenly, she twisted her waist, and her skirt billowed open. Then, she stood on one leg, hooked the other leg behind her, and pushed her arm out like a wave, her wrist bending three times, just like a peacock stretching its neck to drink water.

Han Lei's dance moves perfectly imitated the peacock's movements, drawing praise from everyone at the table.

As she played the hulusi (a type of flute) at a fast tempo, she suddenly spun around, the sequins on her pleated skirt flashing like a silver river.

Just as she completed her final spinning motion, her skirt unfurling like a peacock's tail, she suddenly swayed and collapsed to the ground.