Love Lock

Chapter 342 I will definitely protect the princess.
Time flies like an arrow; it passes in the blink of an eye.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, the streets of Beijing were bustling with activity and filled with joy.

Various lanterns were hung in front of the shops early in the morning, and even though it was not yet night, one could already imagine the dazzling lights when they came on.

This era has mooncakes, but they are merely a form of flatbread; they have the meaning of mooncakes, but not the substance they contain.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked mooncakes, mixed with the mellow fragrance of osmanthus wine, and even the wind seemed to carry a touch of intoxicating warmth.

However, this hustle and bustle did not penetrate the depths of the palace.

In the Golden Palace, all the officials paid homage.

Although everyone wore a somewhat formulaic smile due to the approaching festival, Emperor Jing, sitting on the dragon throne, had a sullen face, as if someone had borrowed ten thousand taels of silver from him and failed to repay it on time, and had also run away with the gold and silver in his treasury.

Even when the Minister of Rites stepped forward, bowed, and reported that all preparations for today's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet were complete, and that the Empress had specially invited the most famous opera troupe from outside the palace to perform in order to add to the festivities and show consideration for her ministers, he only replied with a lack of interest, "I know."

The voice was flat and emotionless, showing no trace of festive joy.

He cared nothing for the grandeur of the palace banquet or which opera troupe was invited. What weighed heavily on his mind was the Cangzhou army that had invaded Qingzhou and Yizhou! It was the Cangzhou King Zhao Zun, a military genius known for his cunning and unpredictable actions!
He recalled the report from the commander of the secret guards yesterday: "Within the two prefectures of Qing and Yi, there has been no large-scale movement of the Cangzhou army, and there is no sign of them gathering for an expedition."

This unusual calm, instead of reassuring Emperor Jing, felt like an invisible rope tightening around his heart.

Zhao Zun is not one to be content with a small corner of the country. Since he was able to take over Qing and Yi provinces with lightning speed and greatly increase his power, how could he let go of this god-given opportunity to strike at the heart of the enemy?

Holding back is absolutely not in line with Zhao Zun's usual style!

What exactly is he planning? Beneath this calm surface, is there a turbulent storm brewing that could overturn the Great Jing Dynasty?
Emperor Jing was filled with unease. His sharp gaze swept over the civil and military officials on the imperial throne, finally settling on Da Jiu, who stood among the military generals.

Body.

"Da Jiu," he said in a deep voice, breaking the false peace in the hall, "how is the defense of the capital city being arranged?"

Da Jiu stepped forward in response, his armor clanging, his back straight, his chest thumping loudly.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured! The elite Imperial Guards transferred to the Huaqing military camp are training day and night, ready for battle! They are maintaining a tight defense of Qing and Yi prefectures. The city's patrol battalion and the new army have also temporarily canceled all rest days and are patrolling and guarding the city around the clock! All key roads and city gates have been reinforced with triple sentry posts, equipped with powerful bows and crossbows! I dare to guarantee that the capital is now as solid as a rock, as impregnable as an iron barrel!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing nodded in satisfaction. However, he did not notice that Da Jiu only said "I dare to guarantee it," but did not specify what he would use as collateral.

Da Jiu had just led the new army to repel the invasion of the Eastern Ming Empire and returned with the glory of a great victory. At this time, the morale was high and the confidence was overflowing.

Seeing his unwavering resolve, Emperor Jing's tense nerves naturally relaxed somewhat. Entrusting the safety of the capital's outskirts to this highly motivated new army certainly gave him a greater sense of confidence.

He pondered for a moment, then posed the question that had been lingering in his mind: "My lords, according to reports, the Cangzhou army in Qing and Yi prefectures is unusually calm, showing no signs of mobilizing troops. What do you think King Zhao Zun of Cangzhou intends to do?"

A murmur rippled through the hall.

One minister said, “Your Majesty, the Cangzhou army has captured two states in succession. Although their morale is high, their troops are exhausted and their food supplies have been greatly depleted. Now that autumn is here and the horses are fat, they must be resting and replenishing their supplies.”

Another minister chimed in, "Indeed, Your Majesty. The Cangzhou army may be accumulating strength, waiting for the best opportunity to strike decisively."

Emperor Jing remained noncommittal, turning his gaze back to Da Jiu: "Da Jiu, you have just returned from the border and are well-versed in military affairs. What is your opinion?"

Without a second thought, Da Jiu declared loudly, “Your Majesty! What the lords have said is all true. The Cangzhou army is indeed exhausted and needs rest. Furthermore, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and it is only natural for people to reunite during this festive season. Even if the King of Cangzhou is eager for quick success, he must consider the homesickness of his soldiers! In my humble opinion, the King of Cangzhou will certainly not attack the capital rashly at this moment! At the earliest, he will wait until after the Mid-Autumn Festival and before the harsh winter.”

His analysis, combining military and emotional factors, sounds reasonable.

The court officials nodded in agreement, all agreeing that General Da Jiu was indeed exceptionally insightful.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing's furrowed brows finally relaxed somewhat, and he nodded in deep agreement.

Yes! Family reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a natural human sentiment.

Zhao Zun has just won several great victories, so shouldn't he let his soldiers celebrate?
Perhaps, I can finally put my mind at ease and spend this Mid-Autumn Festival peacefully...

In stark contrast to the oppressive festive atmosphere within the palace and the undercurrents in the court, the Zhao family residence in Xilin Hutong presented a scene of outward relaxation but inward tension and orderly conduct.

From the outside, the house looked no different from any other wealthy household. The vermilion gate was ajar, and bursts of laughter could be heard from inside the courtyard.

In the courtyard, several square tables were put together, and they were filled with flour, fillings, and all kinds of mooncake molds.

Accompanied by Li Sao, Han Lei sat in the shade of the corridor a little further away, watching the servants and the four famous midwives from the capital who had been specially invited busy with their work.

"Your Highness, look, the red bean paste filling needs to be kneaded until it's smooth, and the skin shouldn't break when you wrap it in..." Aunt Li demonstrated skillfully while patiently instructing a slightly inexperienced midwife.

The midwife, surnamed Wang, was a talkative woman. While learning, she couldn't help but glance at Han Lei's prominently protruding belly.

She clicked her tongue in amazement and said, "Oh my, in all my years of delivering babies, I've rarely seen a belly as big as yours. Look how round and full it is, it might be twins!"

Another midwife, surnamed Zhang, also came over, her words carrying a cautious tone of experience.

“Aunt Wang is right. However, this is Madam’s first pregnancy. If it is twins, the delivery will probably be more difficult than for an ordinary woman. She will need to move around more often so that she can give birth more easily.”

Han Lei smiled gently, one hand lightly stroking her belly as she felt the little one inside occasionally causing mischief. She nodded readily, "Thank you for reminding me, aunties. I've got it."

Beside Han Lei, Zitan and Jinju carefully supported her, one on each side. She seemed to be chatting casually with the midwives, but her eyes kept glancing at the study on the east side of the courtyard, where the doors and windows were tightly closed.

That place was the true heart of the mansion, the source of all the tension. King Zhao Zun of Cangzhou and his core guards were inside, making final preparations and awaiting their arrival.

On the surface, the Zhao family mansion appeared harmonious and joyful, filled with the aroma of flour and the anticipation of a festival. However, aside from the four midwives who had been promised high fees and knew nothing of the situation, everyone in the mansion, from the masters to the servants, and even the seemingly ordinary housekeepers and guards, knew perfectly well what was going on—

Tonight will be a sleepless night, as a storm that will decide our fate is about to break.

Zhao Zun had already issued a strict order: from this moment until tomorrow afternoon, no one in the house, no matter what, is allowed to step out of the gate! This includes the four midwives, who must all stay here to "celebrate the festival".

Therefore, Zhao Zun not only offered the four "outsiders" an irresistible threefold reward, but also specially arranged a variety of activities for them.

In addition to making mooncakes, the kitchen also prepared far more dishes and various exquisite and delicious snacks than usual, as instructed.

Zhao Zun's public explanation was that his wife was nearing her due date and needed a lively atmosphere to distract herself. In the evening, everyone would enjoy the moon and drink wine together in the courtyard to celebrate the festival.

Although the four midwives felt that the young master of the Zhao family was a bit too nervous about his wife and that his manners were somewhat strange, they were happy to stay because of the generous reward and the host family's hospitality. They even felt that the host family was exceptionally kind.

As they made mooncakes, they enthusiastically shared their strange and wonderful stories about delivering babies, filling the courtyard with a joyful atmosphere.

At lunchtime, everyone had some simple soup noodles and snacks. The sun was blazing, so everyone found a shady spot to rest or went back to their rooms for a nap.

Just then, Liu Bo, the owner of an inn, came over with several well-dressed men, carrying several boxes of exquisite pastries, to "visit" the inn, ostensibly to "make a festive visit and add some liveliness."

Zhao Zun and Han Lei warmly welcomed them, saying that it would be nice to enjoy the moon and drink wine together that night, and that it would be more lively with more people.

Once the noise outside subsided and the courtyard returned to quiet, Zhao Zun discreetly invited Han Lei and Uncle Liu into the study.

The atmosphere in the study instantly became heavy.

"Have you made sure your walkie-talkies are fully charged?" Zhao Zun's voice was deep and steady as he glanced at Uncle Liu and Han Lei.

Liu Bo nodded solemnly: "Your Highness, rest assured, as you instructed, all equipment has been repeatedly checked and the power supply is sufficient."

As he spoke, he took out a small, black object from his pocket—a communication tool that should never have existed in this era.

Han Lei nodded slightly and patted her spatial watch: "I've prepared everything here too." She looked at Zhao Zun, her eyes filled with undisguised worry.

Zhao Zun walked up to Han Lei, placed his large hand on her large belly, then listened closely and said, "Baby, be good. Don't bother your mother these next few days. When Daddy comes back, you can bother Daddy."

Han Lei chuckled softly, but tears welled up in her eyes.

Zhao Zun straightened up and took her slightly cool hand in his. His gaze was calm but fixed on Han Lei's delicate face, as if he wanted to imprint her sweet face in his mind forever.

“Girl, don’t worry. These next two days, make sure the walkie-talkie is always available. Once the palace banquet begins tonight, things will definitely change in the city. Uncle Liu will stay here with his men. If… if I receive any bad news, or if the situation changes beyond our control, before anyone outside reacts, Uncle Liu will immediately lead the guards to escort you and the four midwives out of the capital and head straight to Yizhou to meet up with Xiao Zhengfei.”

Zhao Zun's explanation was clear and logical, showing that he had already considered all possibilities and countermeasures.

"Mmm!" Han Lei answered softly, her eyes welling up with tears. As a woman about to give birth, she wanted to ask Zhao Zun to stay, but as the words were about to leave her lips, she bit them tightly.

Liu Bo's expression was solemn as he clasped his hands in a deep fist salute: "Your Highness, rest assured! Even if it costs me my life, I will protect the Princess Consort!"

His gaze toward Zhao Zun was incredibly complex, containing concern, worry about the perilous road ahead, heartache at seeing a junior taking risks, but above all, an unreserved trust that had settled after weathering many storms.

Han Lei sniffed, then gripped Zhao Zun's hand tightly in return. She suppressed her wildly beating heart, her voice trembling slightly: "Brother Zun... you must be careful! Your safety is paramount! If things are hopeless, don't force it, find a way to escape immediately! As long as you're alive, there's always hope!"

Perhaps because of her pregnancy, Han Lei's emotions became somewhat fragile. But after planning with Zhao Zun for so long, she knew she couldn't let Zhao Zun be distracted at this crucial moment. Although she didn't ask him to stay, she couldn't help but blurt out her words of advice.

Zhao Zun looked deeply into her eyes, where there was dependence, fear, but even more so, a resolute determination to stand together through thick and thin.

He raised his hand and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Han Lei's forehead, a movement so tender it seemed out of place with the impending bloodshed. Then, he pulled her tightly into his arms.

“I know. You just need to take care of yourself, focus on your pregnancy, and follow Uncle Liu’s arrangements. That will be the greatest help you can give me. As for the rest, I know what I’m doing and how to get out of this mess.” Zhao Zun’s tone was firm, carrying a reassuring quality.

The two embraced in silence, a thousand words unspoken in their intertwined gazes.

Outside the window, the last chirps of cicadas filled the air, adding to the melancholy and tension of impending parting.

At the beginning of Wei Shi (around 1 p.m.), the sun was beginning to set slightly in the west.

Zhao Zun changed into an inconspicuous blue silk robe, dressed as a wealthy merchant, and, accompanied by several guards who had also changed into casual clothes and dressed as servants, quietly boarded an ordinary black flat-headed carriage parked at the side gate while everyone was taking a break.

The carriage wheels turned, and it slowly drove out of Xilin Hutong, merging into the still bustling crowds of Beijing in the afternoon, heading towards the outskirts of the city.

At almost the same time, several seemingly unrelated inns in different areas of the capital city saw a number of agile and sharp-eyed men emerge.

They were either alone or in small groups, some traveling by carriage and others by horse, but all heading toward the same goal—the secret passage in the outskirts of Beijing.

Then, they will slip through that secret passage, like ghosts in the night, silently infiltrating the imperial city that symbolizes supreme power, to carry out the thunderous strike that will decide the fate of the world.

Inside the Zhao family mansion, the sweet aroma of mooncakes still lingered, and the laughter of the midwives could be faintly heard. Supported by Zitan and Jinju, Han Lei walked back to the corridor and gazed in the direction of the palace for a long time without saying a word.

She instructed Zitan and Jinju to help her move slowly in the courtyard, but she tightly gripped a walkie-talkie in her hand, as if that would bring her closer to the man who was heading to the dangerous place.

The sky over the capital was a clear, deep blue, bathed in the golden autumn sun. Yet, an invisible, chilling atmosphere, like the gradually spreading twilight, had quietly enveloped this bustling imperial city.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon is full, no one is destined to be able to truly enjoy the moon in peace.