Love Lock

Chapter 346 A touch of melancholy arose.

Cangzhou, Qingshui County.

At the beginning of the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), the sky was still not fully bright, with a hint of clarity emerging from the chaos.

"Thump thump thump—clang clang—"

A piercing noise shattered the morning tranquility as a dusty three-wheeled vehicle sped along the newly paved cement road in Qingshui County.

Some mud spots could still be seen on the edge of the three-wheeled vehicle's cargo bed. In the driver's seat, Hua Tianyou gripped the handle tightly, his mouth stretched to the back of his ears, his smile impossible to suppress, as if he had just found money on the street.

Along the roadside, the solar streetlights hanging from the tree branches were still on, emitting a soft, milky-white glow that not only illuminated the fast-moving "vehicle" but also reflected the joyful expression on Hua Tianyou's face, a mixture of excitement and exhilaration.

In the trailer at the back of the three-wheeled vehicle sat a former Duke who had once dominated the imperial court, and a dignified and elegant Duchess.

They were crammed into the cramped truck bed, swaying slightly with the minor undulations of the road.

The Duke of Hengguo gripped the railing tightly with one hand and rhythmically tapped his thigh with the other, squinting as he enjoyed the feeling of being pushed back by the high speed.

Lady Lin, the wife of the Duke of Heng, clung tightly to her husband's arm, a smug smile on her face.

Yes! The nobles in the capital probably haven't even seen one, let alone ridden in one! What are eight-bearer sedan chairs or four-horse carriages compared to this three-wheeled vehicle?

Lady Lin, the wife of the Duke of Heng, even secretly planned that when she returned to the capital, she would definitely get a car and show it off to her old friends, which would surely astound them.

"Suddenly..."

The three-wheeled vehicle emitted a wheezing sound similar to an old man's cough, and finally, with a neat drift, came to a steady stop in front of the magnificent Cangzhou Prince's Mansion.

The vermilion gates of the Prince's Mansion were tightly closed, and the stone lions in front of the gate stood solemnly. The entire mansion was still immersed in tranquility, and it was clear that neither the master nor the servants had gotten up yet.

Hua Tianyou jumped out of the car, quickly helped his eccentric parents down, and then rushed to the front door. Ignoring all etiquette, he grabbed the heavy door knocker and started banging on it.

"Who is it? It's not even dawn yet..." The doorman mumbled as he opened the door, still half asleep and tying his belt.

As soon as the latch was closed, Hua Tianyou's face, magnified by excitement, squeezed through the crack in the door.

"Young Master Hua...?" The gatekeeper was startled, his lingering sleepiness instantly vanishing. "What's wrong? It's not even fully light yet!"

Hua Tianyou had no time to explain in detail. He pushed open the half-open door and rattled off a string of words: "Hurry, hurry! Stop dawdling! I need to see the old lady! I need to see Ling'er! I have some incredibly good news!"

He didn't control his strength well, and pushed the gatekeeper so hard that he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

The gatekeeper steadied himself and then saw the Duke and his wife approaching with smiles on their faces. He quickly bowed and greeted them, "Your Excellency, Madam..."

Duke Heng waved his hand, his face beaming with barely suppressed laughter: "It's alright, it's alright, let us in quickly, it is indeed urgent."

As he spoke, he and his wife followed their son into the house in a brisk pace, even more so than when they usually attended palace banquets in the capital.

Hua Tianyou ran across the front yard, not caring whether he would disturb others, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Auntie! Ling'er! Come out quickly! Good news! Huge good news!"

He was asleep when he heard the message coming from the walkie-talkie.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhao Zun not only successfully captured the capital's palace, but Han Lei also gave him a son and a daughter. Upon hearing such incredible good news, how could he possibly sleep? He immediately went to wake his parents, who were still fast asleep.

When the Duke and Duchess of Heng first heard the news, they were utterly shocked, then overjoyed. In this world, following Zhao Zun was akin to being a benefactor who had helped establish a new dynasty!

At that moment, the family of three didn't bother with washing and dressing up. They jumped onto the royal three-wheeled vehicle in the courtyard and sputtered all the way to the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion.

It should be noted that Zhao Zun was secretly plotting something big, and he kept it a secret from the old lady to avoid causing her worry and anxiety.

After the great victory at Dongguan, Zhao Zun and Han Lei did send a letter home to let their families know they were safe. They only said that Han Lei was in her late pregnancy and that the long journey back to Cangzhou might cause accidents, so she stayed in the capital to prepare for childbirth.

As for the subsequent dramatic coup attempt, Zhao Zun communicated with Cangzhou through a different channel, and the old lady was completely kept in the dark.

Now that the matter is settled and the outcome is decided, there is no need to hide it any longer.

Moreover, he and his parents had already chosen a fine house in Qingshui County some time ago, just waiting for it to be renovated and ready to welcome Zhao Ling'er into their home. But who would have thought that Zhao Zun and Han Lei would suddenly lead troops to Dongguan, and with the situation still unclear, everyone was on edge, so the wedding was naturally put on hold for the time being.

Now that Zhao Zun has seized the throne, not only has the status of these "ministers who followed the dragon" risen accordingly, but their return to the core circle of the capital is also just around the corner.

He then took Zhao Ling'er to the capital to get married, with the emperor as the witness. The scale and significance of the marriage were simply unparalleled!

In the inner courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, the old lady and Zhao Ling'er were awakened by Hua Tianyou's shocking shout. They thought something terrible had happened and their hearts were in their throats. They hurriedly put on their coats and rushed to the front hall without even having time to comb their hair.

"Tianyou, what's the matter that you're so panicked?"

The old lady's face was full of worry. Zhao Ling'er also looked nervous, her little hands clutching the hem of her clothes as she looked at Hua Tianyou.

Upon seeing the two, Hua Tianyou was so excited he could barely speak: "Auntie! Ling'er! What a wonderful thing! What a tremendous thing! Brother Zun... he's become the emperor!"

"What?!" The old lady suddenly felt dizzy and swayed, but fortunately the maid next to her caught her quickly.

Zhao Ling'er was so shocked that she covered her mouth and her eyes widened.

"My brother..." Zhao Ling'er's voice trembled, filled with disbelief and immense joy, "Really? Brother Tianyou, is it true? My brother's matter really came to fruition?"

“Absolutely true!” Hua Tianyou nodded vigorously. “Last night, Zhao Zun led his troops into the palace, and His Majesty… no, I mean the late Emperor, has already issued an edict to abdicate! The capital is now under Zhao Zun’s control!”

After confirming the authenticity of the news, the mother and daughter reacted very differently.

Zhao Ling'er was stunned for a moment, then cheered, her face beaming with a radiant smile: "That's wonderful! My brother has become emperor! From now on, the people of Dajing will have a good life! My brother and sister-in-law will definitely make it happen!"

She was simple-minded, and her first thought was always of the people. Her heartfelt joy was incredibly infectious.

After the initial shock, the old lady was overcome with lingering fear.

Her face was slightly pale, her hands were trembling, and she slowly sat down, holding onto the back of the chair, her voice still trembling.

"You...you...you kept such a big thing from me all this time...how could they...how could they..."

She never imagined that her son and daughter-in-law would do something so shocking and outrageous without a word! The danger involved was immense; a single misstep could lead to utter ruin!
She simply couldn't imagine how her son and daughter-in-law had accomplished this earth-shaking feat in such a short time.

Seeing this, Hua Tianyou quickly dropped a second bombshell, trying to ease the old lady's lingering fear: "Auntie, don't panic, there's another piece of great news! Han Lei, no, now the Empress! She gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl! Mother and children are safe and sound!"

Sure enough, upon hearing that her grandson and granddaughter had been born safely, the old lady's lingering fear dissipated considerably, her lips curved upwards, and a few tears welled up in her eyes.

She recalled the suspicion, suppression, and injustice Zhao Zun had suffered in the capital, those days of constant anxiety...

Now, her son, behind her back, secretly plotted and actually managed to seize that supreme position! Although she knew the process must have been thrilling, how could she, as a mother, not feel proud and happy for her son in the end?
"My dear in-law, you have raised a fine son! Hehehe!" Duke Heng smiled, his eyes crinkling.

"Good...good...good!" The old lady said several times, her voice choked with emotion, yet filled with immense joy. "Quickly, quickly give the order to prepare breakfast! Make it lavish! And fetch two jars of fine wine from the cellar! Today we must celebrate properly!"

The servants were also infected by the series of good news, and the mansion immediately became busy, with the whole mansion filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Breakfast was quickly served, and everyone sat around the table. Hua Tianyou couldn't wait to bring up the marriage proposal again.

Lady Hengguo smiled and chimed in, "Yes, my dear in-laws, now that Zun'er has established herself in the capital, we were thinking that if Tianyou and Ling'er's wedding could be held in the capital, with the Emperor and Empress personally presiding over it, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

The old lady was in a very good mood at the moment, so she readily agreed: "Good, good! That's exactly right! Holding it in the capital is prestigious and respectable! It will also let the young couple share in the good fortune of their elder brother and sister-in-law!"

Hua Tianyou immediately patted his chest and assured her, "Auntie, don't worry. I've been working hard these past few days to hand over the affairs in Cangzhou to my capable subordinates. Cangzhou's development is now on track, and all industries have established rules and regulations. Even if we leave, there won't be any problems. Once everything is settled, our two families will head to the capital together!"

As they were talking, another commotion arose outside the door. It turned out to be Luo Hai, the prefect of Cangzhou, who had rushed over in a flurry with his wife and Luo Yuanyuan.

Luo Hai hadn't even finished putting on his official robes yet, clearly having rushed out of his house as soon as he received the news.

"Congratulations, sister-in-law! Congratulations, sister-in-law!" Luo Hai bowed as soon as he entered the door, his face flushed. "Your Highness... no, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is blessed with great fortune and has established the dynasty in one fell swoop! My family just received the news and didn't even have time for breakfast before rushing over to congratulate you, sister-in-law!"

The old lady found everyone agreeable at that moment, and hurriedly greeted them with a beaming smile: "Lord Luo, Madam Luo, Yuanyuan, please sit down! It's just in time, breakfast has just been prepared, please have some! Please bring more bowls and chopsticks!"

Everyone sat down again, and the atmosphere at the table became even more lively.

Luo Hai took a sip of hot porridge to calm his excited heart and said, "When I return to the government office later, I will immediately arrange the work at hand. My whole family must go to the capital to attend His Majesty's enthronement ceremony and pay our respects to the Emperor in person!"

As he spoke, he sighed inwardly.

Thank goodness! Back then, I stood firm on Zhao Zun's side without hesitation, closely following his lead. Look at me now, how long has it been? In just over a year, I've gone from a minor prefect of a border state to a close advisor to the emperor. My meteoric rise and meteoric success are just around the corner!
This move was truly the most correct and brilliant one he ever made in his life!
Meanwhile, at the Yong'an City military camp.

The sun was high in the sky, shining brightly on the drill ground and gilding the dust kicked up by the soldiers during their drills with a layer of gold.

Big Fat Head, who was sleeping soundly, was awakened from his sleep by a sudden cheer.

He'd been temporarily staying at the military camp, helping with the water supply project in Yong'an City. To meet the project's deadline, he and several apprentices worked until late last night, and his walkie-talkie, which he'd forgotten to charge, had automatically shut down. Therefore, he hadn't received any messages.

He yawned, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and stepped out of his temporary tent, only to be startled by the scene before him.

The entire camp erupted in cheers! Soldiers tossed their hats around, hugged each other, and pounded their chests, their faces beaming with almost manic joy. Cheers and laughter blended together, nearly lifting the roof off the camp.

"What...what happened? Did we win the battle? Didn't Dongguan win a long time ago?" Big Fatty scratched the back of his head, completely bewildered.

He grabbed a soldier who ran past him, grinning from ear to ear: "Brother! What's got you so happy? Did you find a gold ingot?"

The soldier was so excited he was almost incoherent: "Fatty! Your Highness! It's our Highness! Your Highness has taken the capital and become the emperor!"

Big Fatty's heart skipped a beat. His first thought was, "You can't say things like that! It's a capital offense!"

But when he looked around, everyone seemed to be celebrating. His heart began to pound. Could it be... true?

He dared not delay and ran towards the main tent of Li Erniu, the garrison commander of Yong'an City. Before he even reached the tent entrance, he saw Li Erniu, fully armored and helmeted, striding out.

On that dark face, the smile was as bright as a blooming sunflower, and the wrinkles deepened several inches with laughter.

"General Li! Is...is what's being said outside true?" The fat man hurriedly stepped forward to ask.

Li Erniu slapped Big Fatty on the shoulder, making him stumble. "Hahaha! It's true! Absolutely true! Marshal Pingchuan personally confirmed the news via walkie-talkie! Our Prince, oh no, His Majesty! His Majesty led his troops into the palace last night, and the late Emperor issued an edict of abdication! Now, our Great Jing has a new era!"

Without waiting for the fat man's reaction, he suddenly turned around, knelt on one knee facing the direction of the capital, clasped his hands and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

His shout was like a spark thrown into a boiling oil pan, instantly igniting the entire scene!
The surrounding soldiers, officers and commoners alike, followed suit, kneeling down in unison like waves of wheat bent by the wind, their deafening cheers echoing through the sky.
"Long live my emperor! Long live! Long live!"

The soldiers' shouts rose higher and higher, soaring into the sky, and even the clouds seemed to be shaken apart by this soaring momentum.

Big Fatty stood there, staring at the spectacular scene. He was stunned for a moment, and then an indescribable feeling of sorrow welled up from the bottom of his heart and rushed to his nose and eyes.

He wasn't crying; he was crying tears of joy! It was the immense joy and relief of "I knew I hadn't misjudged him" and "We finally succeeded!"
In the eyes of his grandfather, Grand Secretary Zhang, they were nothing but traitors who followed Zhao Zun in "fooling around," engaging in "strange skills and tricks," and even showing signs of "separatism."

Although Grand Secretary Zhang now teaches at Cangzhou Academy, every time he sees his grandson, his eyes still look at him with disdain, as if he is "not on the right path".

Now everything is alright! Zhao Zun has become emperor! They are no longer rebels, but founding heroes! They have followed the will of Heaven! He can finally hold his head high and face his grandfather with a clear conscience!

Moreover, the "water diversion to households" project he spearheaded in Cangzhou has benefited countless people and solved a major issue concerning people's livelihood. Surely his achievements and success will earn his grandfather's approval?
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves echoed outside the camp. Tang Xiaotong arrived in a grand procession, leading a retinue of followers and herding dozens of fat sheep.

He also received the news through the walkie-talkie, which was a double blessing for him! He had just stabilized his position as the Turkic Khan with Zhao Zun's support, and now his biggest backer had become the Emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty. Trade between the Great Jing Dynasty and the Turks would surely reach new heights in the future.

"Young Master Hanlin! General Li! You've all heard the good news, haven't you?" Tang Xiaotong dismounted, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement. "I bought sheep, and I also had someone go to that pig farm in Yong'an City that they copied and bought a few big, fat pigs! Today, let's slaughter pigs and sheep right here in the military camp, and drink until we drop! Let's have a proper celebration!"

The atmosphere in the barracks became even more lively. Wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, and the aroma of meat quickly filled the air, mingling with the soldiers' laughter and chatter, creating a scene full of hope and vitality.

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching every corner of Cangzhou through the extensive Cangzhou communication network.

When the news reached the honeycomb briquette factory, Zhang Shiyang, the former Minister of Works, and his colleagues from the Ministry of Works were first stunned, then looked at each other in disbelief, secretly marveling.

It's only been a little over a year! Zhao Zun, the King of Cangzhou who was relegated to the frontier, has really become the master of this vast land?
At first, they thought they were under house arrest, but now it seems like a blessing in disguise! Now that the world has fallen to Zhao Zun, don't they have a chance to return to the capital, or even be reinstated... or perhaps go even further?
Thinking of this, everyone's hearts couldn't help but burn with excitement.

The entire Cangzhou was soon engulfed in a sea of ​​jubilation. From government offices to military camps, from workshops to fields, people spread the news, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

They firmly believed that under the leadership of this prince (His Majesty), who led them to build roads, produce coal, divert water, and use all sorts of novel gadgets, good days were yet to come!
The gaze shifted to the military camp in Xuzhou.

The autumn sky was clear and cloudless.

On the command platform, after the downfall of Qing He, the former marshal of the Xuzhou garrison, the newly appointed marshal Song Yuanqing stood with his hands behind his back, looking solemnly at his deputy general Gu Haixing drilling the soldiers below the platform.

The soldiers stood in neat rows, their battle cries echoing through the air, displaying an impressive military bearing.

Suddenly, a sentry at the camp gate ran up quickly, knelt on one knee, and reported: "Marshal! There is a group of men outside the camp requesting an audience with you. They say they are soldiers from Cangzhou."

"From Cangzhou?" Song Yuanqing raised an eyebrow.

The soldiers from Cangzhou were Zhao Zun's men. Their arrival now—could it be that Zhao Zun had given some instructions? He dared not delay and immediately said, "Quickly, invite them in!"

A short while later, a troop of about a hundred cavalrymen, travel-worn but spirited, arrived at the command platform and nimbly dismounted.

The captain at the head stepped forward, took a bundle off his back, and presented it with both hands: "Marshal Song, we have come to deliver this item on the orders of Marshal Pingchuan."

Song Yuanqing took the bundle; it felt heavy in his hand, which deepened his doubts.

I heard that Zhao Zun took the Princess and his soldiers to Dongguan to support the war effort. Could it be that Zhao Zun brought me some local specialties?

Or... what novelties were seized in Dongguan?

Full of curiosity, he untied the bundle, only to find a dozen or so small, square, and exquisitely packaged cardboard boxes inside.

"What is this...?" Song Yuanqing picked up a box, turned it over and over, and looked at it from all angles, completely puzzled.

The messenger captain smiled and announced loudly, "Marshal Song, my lord led his troops into the palace and captured the capital last night. The late emperor has voluntarily abdicated. Marshal Pingchuan has ordered us to travel day and night to deliver this item. This is a 'walkie-talkie,' Marshal Song. With this in Xuzhou, communication with the capital or other prefectures will be instantaneous, without any delays!"

"what?!"

Song Yuanqing was so shocked by the sudden news that his hand trembled and he almost dropped the exquisite cardboard box.

Just over two months ago, he heard that Zhao Zun had led his pregnant wife Han Lei and a mere five hundred soldiers to support the battle at Dongguan. Xuzhou was remote, and the imperial court's gazette had just reported a great victory at Dongguan. In the blink of an eye... Zhao Zun had turned around and taken the capital.

That speed, that efficiency, that audacity!

Song Yuanqing was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, muttering under his breath, "This kid! He's a damn... monster!"

But on second thought, it seems to make sense.

Zhao Zun possesses a powerful weapon called the M16, whose terrifying power allowed him to instantly turn the tide against 300,000 enemy troops at Dongguan. The defensive forces of the capital city would likely be no match for him.

However, he was really curious about how Zhao Zun managed to do it.
storm?

Or outsmart it?

It seems that once things settle down here, I'll have to make a trip to the capital myself and give this kid a good talking to!
He was of course unaware that the crucial elements in the coup were Da Jiu, whom Zhao Zun had planted beforehand beside Emperor Jing, and the secret passage.

Suppressing his shock and curiosity, Song Yuanqing smiled and unpacked the walkie-talkie in his hand.

The team leader immediately stepped forward and explained in detail the usage method, charging precautions, and channel settings.

The captain told Song Yuanqing that their team of soldiers would remain in Xuzhou temporarily as technical backbone to help establish and maintain communication stations throughout Xuzhou.

Song Yuanqing played with the small, exquisitely crafted black object in his hand, completely captivated by it.

When Han Lei sent people to lay cement floors at the military camp in Ganluo County, Xuzhou, he saw the foreman using this thing. He even tried it out of curiosity. The clear communication effect and the convenience of traveling thousands of miles in an instant amazed him. He felt that it was many times more advanced than the slow and easily lost carrier pigeon.

Over this long period of time, Zhao Zun sent people to build a sturdy and smooth cement road for them, and also agreed to let them buy honeycomb briquettes and stoves in Cangzhou, which made the winter much easier for the soldiers.

Now, Zhao Zun has proactively delivered this walkie-talkie, which can be described as a strategic artifact... This shows that Zhao Zun is gradually regarding him as one of his own, incorporating him into this new and efficient core system.

Of course, he knew that these incredible advanced gadgets, whether it was the M16 or the walkie-talkie, all originated from the charming and sweet Han Lei. And Zhao Zun did not disappoint Han Lei, nor did he disappoint his followers, ascending to the throne of supreme power in such a short time.

Han Lei's charming and lively figure involuntarily reappeared in his mind. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, feeling a little melancholy, but he quickly let it go.

Such an extraordinary woman could probably only be truly worthy of a daring and ambitious figure like Zhao Zun, who could stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

Song Yuanqing gripped the walkie-talkie tightly, a slight smile playing on his lips. His gaze drifted towards the capital, and he had already made his decision.

From now on, Xuzhou will be one of His Majesty's strongest defenses.

"Gu Haixing!" he shouted in a deep voice.

"Your subordinate is here!" Vice General Gu Haixing immediately stepped forward.

"Pass down the order: the entire army gets a bigger meal! To celebrate... the new emperor's ascension to the throne!" Song Yuanqing's voice boomed, tinged with barely perceptible excitement. "Also, get these brothers to build our communications station in Xuzhou as soon as possible!"

"Yes! Marshal!"

Under the autumn sun, the military camp in Xuzhou is about to usher in a new era.

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