Love Lock

Chapter 300 My money needs someone to manage it.

As evening fell, Han Lei returned from visiting Luo Hai's residence for the New Year. Feeling utterly exhausted, she sank lazily into the soft, plush beanbag chair as soon as she entered her room.

Zhao Zun followed behind her and, seeing her tired expression, immediately approached her with concern, his warm hand touching her forehead.

"Are you tired?" His voice was low, filled with undisguised heartache. "I shouldn't have let you stay in Luohai Prefecture for so long."

Han Lei shook her head slightly, a faint smile curving her lips. "It's nothing, just a little tired." She said softly, her hand unconsciously resting on her lower abdomen. It's strange, really. Before she knew she was pregnant, she didn't feel anything while busy taking care of herself, but now that she knows, she's become quite delicate.

Zhao Zun sat down on the carpet next to her and took her hand. "You're not being delicate. It's just that you're pregnant, so it's natural to feel tired easily."

His gaze was gentle. "Rest for a while. I'll call you again when it's time for dinner."

Han Lei took out her phone from her sleeve and tapped it lightly. "Let's watch some dramas. I've accumulated quite a few episodes but haven't had time to watch them. It's perfect to have some free time these next few days."

Zhao Zun chuckled, but still got up and brought her a plate of peeled melon seeds and some delicate pastries.

Han Lei leaned against the cushions, watching a show and snacking. Zhao Zun simply sat down next to her on the carpet, putting his arm around her shoulder so she could comfortably lean against him.

The mobile phone screen is showing a scene from modern China in the 1950s and 60s, depicting a bustling construction site where the government encourages people to have more children and increase production to serve the country.

Han Lei suddenly had a thought and turned to look at Zhao Zun: "I remember now, isn't Cangzhou also short of people? Cangzhou is vast and sparsely populated. Reclaiming wasteland, building roads, digging canals... what doesn't require a shortage of labor?"

Zhao Zun followed her gaze and looked down, gently placing his palm on her still flat stomach, his eyes deep.

"Yes, if every household can have more new babies, in more than ten years, there will be countless strong laborers."

“It’s not just about labor,” Han Lei said, her eyes bright. “With more people, the market will be bustling, the fields will be cultivated, and the border regions will be able to be defended.”

Zhao Zun understood, "You mean it's easier to get things done with more people!"

“Yes!” Han Lei nodded seriously. “We should also set a strategy to reward childbirth—for example, women who are pregnant can receive subsidies, be exempted from labor, and take good care of themselves.”

A smile appeared in Zhao Zun's eyes as he brushed his fingertips against her nose. "And what about you? You're pregnant now, do you want to get a subsidy too?"

Han Lei raised an eyebrow. "Of course! Your Highness can't treat me unfairly."

"Hahaha..." Zhao Zun laughed heartily.

He suddenly leaned closer, his breath brushing against Han Lei's ear, his voice carrying a hint of doting solemnity: "I will go and inform Mother that I will hand over the power of managing the household affairs to you. From now on, the money in the mansion... will all be at your disposal, and you can subsidize as much as you wish."

Han Lei couldn't help but laugh out loud, poking his chest with her fingertip, "Who wants your management? I don't want to be that kind of little woman who just sits in the backyard counting money."

Zhao Zun gripped her fingers tightly, his gaze intense. "Of course you're not. But my money... needs someone to manage it."

After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed the corner of her lips, his tone becoming increasingly deep and gentle, "Not just this one, but two more, three more... In the future, Cangzhou will surely be the most prosperous and wealthy place on the frontier."

Han Lei nodded gently in his arms. Dusk was falling outside the window, while the lamplight was getting warmer. The two figures nestled together on the carpet, blending into a warm and intimate scene.

He discussed the specific terms of having more children with Han Lei in detail. Han Lei added details from time to time. When they got excited, Zhao couldn't help but pull her into his arms. She laughed and pushed him away, but he kissed her.

After a long while, Zhao Zun loosened his grip slightly, his forehead still pressed against hers, and whispered:

"We can discuss these matters tomorrow... Now, you should rest well."

Han Lei tugged at his sleeve, her eyes shining, "No rush, stay with me a little longer."

So Zhao Zunyou sat down again and pulled her back into his arms.

The series is still airing, but the things they whisper together are now all about the blueprint for Cangzhou's future and warm plans for the continuation of life.

As night fell, the front hall was brightly lit, filled with people, laughter, and chatter.

Various dishes were laid out on the large round table, the steam rising and filling the air with their aroma, blending with the warm atmosphere of the hall.

Hua Tianyou and the Duke of Heng's group had already returned from their shopping trip to choose a house. They were now surrounded by people, and Hua Tianyou was recounting what he had seen and heard that day.

Lady Lin, the wife of the Duke of Heng, was radiant. She covered her lips with a handkerchief in her hand, but her voice was so loud that it almost drowned out the laughter and conversation in the hall.

"I only realized today that I'm a country bumpkin who's come to the city! Haha! You guys didn't see it!" Her voice was filled with the amazement of someone who had discovered a new continent.

"Those streets aren't like the bluestone slabs in our capital. They're so smooth they're practically like a giant inkstone. Carriages travel on them steadily and cleanly, without even a speck of dust being kicked up!"

She took a sip of tea, and before the old lady could interrupt, she eagerly continued, her eyes shining.

“The things running on the street are really something else! Tianyou said they’re called three-wheeled vehicles. They go on their own, 'putt-putt-putt,' without being pulled by horses or people. They can carry a lot of goods in the back, and they’re not slow at all! Wow! It’s really an eye-opener.”

The old lady smiled without saying a word, observing Lin's exaggerated expression. This expression was exactly the same as when she first saw the cement road in front of the Zhao family mansion.

“And this too.” Madam Lin put down her teacup and pointed to several solar-powered lights hanging from the roof beam. “I thought only the Prince’s mansion had these solar-powered lights, but I didn’t expect to see them all over the streets today.”

"This is too extravagant! It's brighter than the palace. I can't imagine that at night, there's no need to light lanterns on the streets! Those rows of solar-powered lights are like hanging luminous pearls, illuminating the entire street so brightly that it's almost like daytime!"

"The vendors set up their stalls under those lamps, selling glassware that was as clear as crystal, yet the prices were shockingly cheap!"

She spoke until her mouth was dry, then took a sip of tea, her tone filled with genuine admiration.

"What's most reassuring are the Cangzhou soldiers patrolling the city. They're all tall and straight, walking with a brisk pace, their eyes bright and clear. They're not arrogant when they see people, but rather they're very polite, which makes you feel at ease. This is nothing like the poor, harsh, and fiercely independent border region I imagined. It's clearly a peaceful and orderly place where people can live and work in peace! The people all have smiles on their faces and are full of energy! No wonder my Tianyou doesn't want to go back here."

Her string of boasts, interspersed with exaggerated tone and gestures, made everyone in the room burst into laughter, filling the hall with a joyful atmosphere.

Big Fatty smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits, his belly sticking out, and he took over the conversation with a rather smug look.

“Auntie, what you’ve seen is just the surface, the superficial glamour! You haven’t seen the ‘substance’ I’ve worked on with my team—the ‘water supply to every household’ project is truly amazing! Clear mountain spring water, through PVC pipes and cement channels buried underground, goes directly to the stoves of every household. Just turn on a switch, and it’s ready to use! No more hard work fetching water from wells or rivers every day! If you saw it, I guarantee you’d be even more amazed and realize that Cangzhou has truly changed!”

Lin was amazed and was about to say something when the Duke of Heng interrupted her with a smile. "Alright, alright. Let's get down to business."

Then, he stroked his beard and looked at the old lady with a smile.

“Sister-in-law, today we went to see a three-courtyard house. The courtyard was spacious, and there were several old plum trees planted in front of it. If it were winter, there would surely be a faint fragrance in the air. The corridors and verandas were very well repaired, and the paint was all fresh.”

Madam Lin quickly nodded in agreement, then glanced at Zhao Ling'er, who was nestled beside Hua Tianyou.

Madam Lin said gently, "Most importantly, it's only two streets away from the Prince's mansion. After we get married, if Ling'er misses home, she can come back to visit in just a few steps."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ling'er blushed and shyly lowered her eyelashes, but her fingertips clasped Hua Tianyou's even tighter.

Hua Tianyou was beaming with joy, his lips curving upwards. His mind had been preoccupied with the wedding all day, and he was now chattering on and on.

“Auntie, I’ve already decided. I’ll turn the east wing into a study, where the window offers a perfect view of greenery. I’ll leave the west wing, a warm room for Ling’er to do needlework in the winter, where there’s plenty of sunlight and it won’t hurt her eyes…”

His words were earnest, and his eyes shone brightly; anyone could see his eager joy.

Seeing his expression, Madam Lin couldn't help but smile. She turned to the old lady and said softly, "Since the two children are already in love, why not choose an auspicious day as soon as possible and get things done? That would put your mind at ease. What do you think, sister-in-law?"

The laughter in the room paused slightly, and everyone's eyes turned to the old lady.

The old lady did not respond immediately. She slowly fiddled with the prayer beads in her hand, looked up at Hua Tianyou, and spoke in a calm yet unavoidable tone.

"I've heard that Tianyou already has a concubine in the capital. Why haven't I seen her when you came to Cangzhou?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Hua Tianyou's face turned pale.

He unconsciously tightened his grip on Zhao Ling'er's hand, stealing a glance at her to make sure she wasn't showing any displeasure.

Hua Tianyou's heart pounded wildly.

He knew that, as a mother, the old lady would certainly not want her daughter to share a husband with another woman.

The concubine was merely a title given to him by his parents when he was young and foolish, in order to keep him in line; in reality, it was just a formality.

For several years, he was a dissolute young man who knew nothing of the world. He spent his days calling friends, carrying caged birds, and frequenting brothels. He never even stepped into the woman's room.

After arriving at the Beiguan Army, he had long since forgotten about that person.

Now, suddenly asked by the old lady, he felt as if cold water had been poured over his head, and he really didn't know how to answer. He was afraid that if he didn't say something carefully, he would ruin the marriage that he had worked so hard to obtain.

Hua Tianyou was filled with trepidation, but the Duke of Heng laughed heartily, breaking the brief silence. "What my sister-in-law says is true, Tianyou did indeed have a concubine."

Upon hearing this, Hua Tianyou became even more anxious and hurriedly winked at his father, his forehead almost sweating.

Seeing her son's panicked state, Mrs. Lin found it amusing but still gave him a reassuring look.

The Duke of Heng continued calmly, "However, Tianyou and she have no affection for each other. Over the years, they have been like strangers, leaving her alone in the empty courtyard. This time, our family went to Cangzhou, but we were surrounded by imperial troops on the way. We were in great danger, but fortunately, Zhao Zun's subordinates came to our rescue in time."

"Alas! After this incident, my wife and I have come to a realization." He paused slightly, his tone turning to sigh. "When we were stranded in Jingzhou, that woman showed great interest in the business affairs of the Jingzhou Prince's Mansion. Seeing that she was still young, my wife and I couldn't bear to waste her time any longer, so we discussed giving her her freedom. It just so happened that Shen Daohong also appreciated the woman's talent, so he adopted her as his goddaughter. Now she stays in Jingzhou to assist the Prince's Mansion in managing its business."

Upon hearing this, the old lady finally smiled with relief. She then made the decision and asked someone to choose an auspicious day.

Hua Tianyou and the Duke and his wife were overjoyed, and the hall was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Hua Tianyou was beaming from ear to ear, eager to spread the good news throughout the entire mansion immediately.

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, Zhao Zun walked in slowly, his arm around Han Lei's waist. He carefully protected the person in his arms, as if he were holding a rare treasure.

Hua Tianyou was in high spirits, so he quickly stepped forward and proudly showed off to Zhao Zun.

"Zhao Zun, now you're definitely going to be my brother-in-law! Hahaha..."

Zhao Zun was naturally happy for him, and a rare smile appeared on his usually stern face.

He patted Hua Tianyou on the shoulder: "You've finally waited for this day. But..."

He changed the subject, deliberately darkening his face, "If you ever dare to let Ling'er suffer even the slightest grievance in the future, I will beat you to a pulp."

"How could I dare?" Hua Tianyou quickly waved his hand and said with an embarrassed smile, "I'm too busy doting on Ling'er!"

Hua Tianyou's cowardly behavior drew laughter from the entire room, and even the usually serious old lady couldn't help but chuckle.

Big Fat Head pouted and rubbed his belly, complaining, "Alright, alright, hurry up and take your seats! I'm starving while waiting for you. On this holiday, you still make me go hungry."

The old lady smiled and invited everyone, "Please take your seats and begin your meal!"

As she spoke, she looked at Han Lei with concern, "How are you feeling now?"

Han Lei smiled sweetly and gently stroked her flat stomach: "Thank you for your concern, Mother. Everything is fine. I will pay close attention."

Zhao Zun carefully helped Han Lei to her seat, his movements as gentle as if he were handling fragile glass.

His gaze remained fixed on Han Lei, and he paid extra attention even when serving the food.

Knowing that Han Lei didn't like pickled cucumbers, they carefully picked up a piece of braised pork, which was Han Lei's favorite dish.

Unexpectedly, just as Han Lei brought the meat to her lips, she suddenly frowned, covered her mouth, stood up abruptly, and rushed out the door.

Zhao Zun was startled, his expression changed drastically, and he quickly dropped his bowl and chopsticks and chased after him.

"Uh-uh--"

Outside the hall, the moonlight was like water, and Han Lei was leaning against the flower bed, vomiting violently.

Zhao Zun was so anxious he didn't know what to do, and could only gently pat Han Lei's back again and again, his voice full of heartache.

"If I had known that being pregnant would make you feel this uncomfortable, I shouldn't have urged you to have a child. I'll send someone to call the doctor right away."

Han Lei was so vomiting that she couldn't speak, and could only weakly wave her hand.

Zhao Zun saw this and his heart was breaking; he wished he could take her suffering upon himself.

He carefully gathered her stray hairs and gently wiped the cold sweat from her forehead with the corner of his sleeve, his movements as tender as if he were wiping a rare treasure.

Once Han Lei had caught her breath, her maid Zitan quickly brought her warm water to rinse her mouth.

"How are you? Feeling better?" Zhao Zun personally took the teacup and carefully fed it to Han Lei's lips, his eyes filled with deep concern.

Han Lei, weak and leaning on Zhao Zun, returned to the hall, where everyone looked at her with concern.

The old lady sighed, "It's really not easy for a woman to carry a child for ten months. Zun'er, you must take good care of her."

Lady Lin, the wife of the Duke of Heng, also turned to Hua Tianyou and instructed him, "You must learn from Zhao Zun how to take care of her. When Ling'er is pregnant in the future, you must be just as considerate."

Hua Tianyou stuck out his tongue and agreed repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration as he looked at Zhao Zun.

At this moment, Zhao Zun was completely devoid of his usual ruthless decisiveness; he had become gentle. All his attention was focused on Han Lei, as if he were a different person.

Han Lei was pale and slumped against the back of her chair, looking at everything with no appetite.

"Girl, what do you want to eat? I'll have the kitchen make you something light." Zhao Zun saw this and was anxious.

He frowned, and was about to instruct the kitchen to change some dishes when Xiao Zhengfei suddenly rushed in.

"Your Highness, a message has just arrived from the communications station!"

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