Love Lock

Chapter 358 Killing Intent Emerges

Days flow by silently, like a stream.

Hua Tianyou has not been seen in the classroom converted from the side hall for two consecutive days.

His seat was empty, and Zhao Ling'er's gaze would always drift in that direction involuntarily.

Outside the classroom, the sky over Beijing was overcast, with dark clouds hanging low, as if pressing down on her heart, reflecting the indescribable sense of loss and emptiness within her.

On the podium, Han Leiqing's soft and gentle voice was describing the symptoms of a cold. Her explanation was so clear and easy to understand that even the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital could grasp it immediately.

"If a person first catches a cold, and the pathogenic factors are on the surface, what are the external manifestations?" Han Lei's gaze slowly swept across the classroom, finally landing on Zhao Ling'er, who was lost in thought. "Ling'er, you tell us."

Zhao Ling'er seemed not to hear, still staring blankly at the empty seat, her mind filled with Hua Tianyou's profile, whether deep in thought or with a slight smile on his lips.

It wasn't until the maidservant at the same table quietly tugged at her sleeve from under the table that she suddenly woke up and hurriedly stood up.

"Uh...performance..." She opened her mouth, but her mind was blank. She hadn't heard a single word of what had just been said; only Hua Tianyou's somewhat unruly face remained in her mind's eye.

A blush of embarrassment instantly spread across Zhao Ling'er's cheeks, burning with shame.

Seeing her absent-minded look, Han Lei knew she was thinking about Hua Tianyou. She found it amusing and did not scold her. She simply said gently, "Sit down. After class, copy the chapter on differentiating the pulse and symptoms of Taiyang disease in the Treatise on Cold Damage three times and carefully study it."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room again, drawing everyone's attention back to the lesson, "In the early stages of a cold, the Taiyang meridian is primarily affected, with symptoms including chills and fever, headache and neck stiffness, and a floating pulse..."

Zhao Ling'er sat down hesitantly, feeling both grateful for Han Lei's forgiveness and increasingly worried about Hua Tianyou.

Meanwhile, Hua Tianyou had already taken the fat man to the textile factory that had been completed earlier. They were busy with the final adjustments these past two days and it would be officially operational soon.

As the core technical expert and actual person in charge of the entire project, it was common for Hua Tianyou to take leave and not attend court, let alone take the "elective" course at the Imperial Medical Academy.

Inside the factory area, water flows gently. The originally calm moat water has been cleverly introduced and transformed into powerful and stable kinetic energy through a huge waterwheel and a series of precision gears and drive shafts provided by Han Lei.

The rumbling of looms replaced the former tranquility. A dozen or so improved, water-powered new textile machines were neatly arranged, tirelessly operating under the impetus of nature.

The shuttle weaves swiftly through the yarn, making a rhythmic clanging sound, creating a fabric of unprecedented fineness in this era.

In the past, when the female workers were trained in the backyard of the shop, they relied entirely on hand-cranked and foot-operated pedals, which was inefficient. Although they had heard Sister Li describe the magnificent scene of water-powered systems many times, it was ultimately just hearsay.

Now, standing in this spacious and grand factory with its towering beams and pillars, witnessing this colossal wooden and iron structure operating on its own with the power of water, its warp and weft interwoven, their faces reveal an almost devout amazement and an irrepressible joy.

This means less effort in their work, higher efficiency, and the ability to weave more cloth to earn a more prosperous and stable life. Perhaps, it also means that their children can have a few more full meals and an extra winter coat.

Hua Tianyou, dressed in a simple blue cloth robe, moved among the roaring machines, patiently instructing the female workers on adjusting the tension of the spindles or correcting the force and angle of the shuttle.

His expression was focused, and although his brows bore the marks of fatigue from days of hard work, his eyes, which always carried a hint of cynicism, now burned with a burning flame, the flame of a creator.

Thanks to the rigorous training they received beforehand, these women from impoverished backgrounds quickly got the hang of things under the guidance of Hua Tianyou and Sister Li. They worked carefully, their eyes filled with hope for this new job.

Before long, a piece of fabric, with a quality clearly superior to ordinary linen and a unique supple luster, slowly flowed out from the other end of the machine, like a trickle of water, gathering into a single bolt.

Seeing the success of the experiment, everyone present cheered and began to officially start production, accumulating a batch of goods before the auspicious day for the opening of the sales store.

……

An auspicious day according to the Chinese calendar does not necessarily correspond to a sunny and breezy day.

On the day the shop opened, the sky was terribly overcast, and a biting wind swept across the empty street, swirling up scattered withered leaves and dust with a mournful sound, foreshadowing an unexpected blizzard.

However, in front of the newly renovated shops on the main street of Xishi, there was a different, bustling scene of lanterns and decorations, trying to dispel the gloom.

Colorful balls made of bright red silk flowers hang on both sides of the brand-new black signboard with gold lettering, while indigo shop banners flutter in the cold wind, striving to spread joy.

Inside the store, the wooden shelves are spotless, and the fabrics displayed on them are neatly folded. Each fabric has a small wooden tag next to it with the price clearly marked in vermilion, and the numbers seem quite affordable.

Despite the freezing weather and sparse pedestrians on the street, the opening of this new shop still attracted some passersby to stop and watch.

The most eye-catching thing at the shop entrance was not the colorful silks, but a new type of spinning machine being demonstrated. And sitting behind the spinning machine, performing this "customer attraction show," was none other than Princess Chang Le, who had been specially arranged here by Sister Li because of her leg ailment that made her unable to walk.

Zhao Qiao'er, who had a hand disability and was unable to operate the equipment, was assigned to do light work in the factory, such as inspecting fabrics and tidying up loose threads.

Assigning such light work to the two of them was Li Sao's way of taking care of them. But little did Li Sao know that making the once pampered and high-ranking princess perform weaving on the street like an ordinary craftsman, especially on this bitterly cold day, filled Princess Chang Le's heart with humiliation and anger. The cold loom chair seemed to be burning her dignity at all times.

Whenever the cold wind pierced through her not-so-thick cotton clothes, the chilling cold mixed with overwhelming hatred would surge wildly through her body, almost freezing her blood.

However, she gritted her teeth and endured it.

A few days ago, when Li Sao was arranging the work, she inadvertently revealed that Her Majesty the Empress cared about the Textile Bureau and might come to see it on the opening day. She told them that everyone must perform well and not let down the hopes that Her Majesty the Empress had created for them.

This information, like the only ray of light in endless darkness, guided her to endure until that bitch Han Lei appeared.

She even went out of her way to find a plain veil and carefully covered most of her face, revealing only a pair of eyes that had accumulated too much gloom.

This was partly to avoid being recognized by those powerful figures from the past, which would bring ridicule and trouble, and partly to avoid being recognized by Han Lei.

However, this veil, combined with the noble and elegant demeanor that Princess Chang Le had been cultivated since childhood, carried a rhythmic quality that was different from that of ordinary female workers, almost like art, which added a touch of mystery and visual appeal to the textile display, attracting a few onlookers to marvel.

At the same time, an ordinary-looking blue cloth carriage, surrounded by several palace guards disguised as ordinary servants, quietly stopped by the roadside.

Inside the carriage, Zhao Zun wore a dark blue satin robe with a black fox fur cloak, dressed like a wealthy merchant. Han Lei wore a brocade cotton dress and a moon-white cloak embroidered with orchids. Her face, made up with special effects makeup, was plain and unremarkable, except for her eyes, which remained bright and clear.

Because he had promised Han Lei that he would take her out to have some fun when the textile shop opened, Zhao Zun, who still had many documents to finish, put them aside and accompanied Han Lei to the shop.

To ensure everything went smoothly, Zhao Zun not only had Ma Zi bring his most elite subordinates to accompany him, but also had dozens of secret guards who had already silently blended into the sparse crowd and streets around them, watching every move with vigilance.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Zhao Zun nimbly jumped off the carriage shaft. His movements were agile and steady. He then turned around and reached out his large, well-defined hand to help Han Lei down.

Han Lei steadied herself, looked up, and gazed past the sparse crowd to the brand-new plaque. She softly read, "Weaving Feather Pavilion..."

She turned to look at Zhao Zun, her eyes seeking confirmation, "Brother Zun, what do you think of this name?" Zhao Zun's gaze swept steadily over the three gilded characters, and he nodded slightly, "Hmm! Very good!"

Their conversation was not loud, but during the occasional breaks in the cold wind, Han Lei's clear, soft, and unique voice was like a thunderclap piercing through the gloom for those who were demonstrating their skills at the spinning machine but had all their senses on high alert!

Princess Chang Le suddenly looked up, and through the gaps in the swaying crowd, she immediately saw the man she had admired for many years, but could never have.

That figure, that bearing—she would never mistake him, not even if it meant death! —It was Zhao Zun!

Princess Chang Le's heart suddenly raced out of control, and her gaze, like a poisoned arrow, instantly shifted to the ordinary-looking woman beside him.

Although her face was unfamiliar and she had never met her before, her cheeky voice and the natural intimacy she displayed when standing next to Zhao Zun...

It's Han Lei! She really came! And, as expected, she's changed her appearance again!
Enemies are extremely jealous when they meet.

In an instant, the resentment of losing his family, the profound humiliation of his own fall to such a state, and the burning jealousy of Han Lei monopolizing Jun's heart...

A torrent of emotions surged and boiled within Princess Chang Le's chest like long-suppressed magma. She gripped the smooth wooden shuttle tightly in her hand, her eyes flashing with murderous intent, but the veil concealed her deep-seated hatred.

“Brother Zun,” Han Lei pointed with great interest to the crowd gathered at the entrance and the textile machine used for the demonstration, her tone filled with excitement, “that’s the method I told you about, attracting customers by showing them weaving on-site. Look how many people are gathered here, it seems to be working well! Come on, let’s go take a look.”

As Han Lei spoke, she naturally reached out and took Zhao Zun's arm, walking towards the crowd with a girlish eagerness and curiosity.

"Come on! Please make way, please make way."

Han Lei pushed through the crowd and stood directly in front of Princess Chang Le as she operated the spinning machine, only a few feet away.

Chang Le quickly lowered her eyelids, gritted her teeth and forcibly suppressed the surging hatred in her heart, forcing herself to focus on the spindle and warp in her hands. She even deliberately made her movements smoother and more stable, as if she were just an ordinary textile worker who was single-minded and immersed in her work.

Han Lei's eyes lit up when she saw the veil on Princess Chang Le's face. She turned to Zhao Zun and whispered her praise: "Sister Li is really thoughtful. Having the female workers in charge of the display wear veils not only saves them the embarrassment of showing their faces, but also adds a touch of mystery to the display, attracting people to investigate. It's a good idea. Creative!"

Zhao Zun's gaze swept steadily across the room, finally settling on the veiled female worker for a moment before he slowly nodded, his tone carrying a hint of the common understanding of men of this era.

"Yes, it is indeed well thought out. Ordinary men would not want their female relatives to be too conspicuous in public. This move protects their dignity and avoids a lot of gossip." He did not pay much attention to the "ordinary female worker" in front of him, but focused more on observing the new textile machine and the surrounding environment.

At this moment, Li Sao, who was working in the shop, saw a lot of people gathered at the door. She quickly raised her voice, put on a warm and sincere smile, and called out loudly.

"Dear fellow villagers, congratulations on your grand opening! Please come in and take a look! Warm up! The fabrics displayed here were woven on the machines right outside. They're sturdy, durable, breathable, and warm to wear, and the prices are very reasonable!"

The onlookers initially peeked in cautiously, hesitant to go in, as the shop looked quite "high-end" and they were afraid that it would be embarrassing if they went in and didn't buy anything.

A bold man shouted, with a hint of probing, "I'm just looking, I'm not buying!"

Aunt Li's smile remained unchanged, and her voice became even more amiable: "Please feel free to look around! We welcome all guests with open arms! Even if you don't buy anything, it would be wonderful if you could help us spread the word and let more neighbors know about our 'Weaving Feather Pavilion'! We've also prepared some hot tea to warm you up, so please come in and have a bowl!"

This friendly and unassuming attitude completely dispelled people's concerns, and people began to enter the shop in twos and threes, with curiosity and slightly embarrassed smiles.

Zhao Zun and Han Lei exchanged a smile, whispering about how well Li Sao had taken care of them and how business-minded she was, before following the flow of people into the shop.

Princess Chang Le breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that they were no longer paying attention to her.

Just as Zhao Zun and Han Lei stepped into the store and left their backs to the street, Princess Chang Le, who was standing in front of the spinning machine behind them, seemingly casually stopped what she was doing.

She slowly stood up, stretched lazily, and moved her stiff waist and injured leg, which had become stiff from sitting for a long time. The movements were natural and smooth, as if it were just a normal stretching exercise after a long day of work.

However, in that instant of stretching and seemingly unintentionally extending her arms upwards, she quickly and precisely pointed her right hand at Han Lei's back, then, as if her neck was uncomfortable, she very naturally withdrew her hand, scratched the back of her head, and limped into the shop.

The shop became bustling with customers as they poured in, and the once empty store was suddenly filled with people.

People curiously stroked the fabrics on the shelves, feeling the delicate texture that was different from the rough linen they usually wore, whispering about the price and quality, and exchanging opinions with their companions.

Princess Chang Le also took the opportunity to drop her theatrical act, limped into the shop, and pretended to help serve customers.

She first handed a cup of hot tea to an elderly man who was carefully touching the fabric, and said gently, "Grandpa, it's cold. Have some hot tea to warm up before you look at it slowly."

Then, she poured herself a cup of warm tea and walked unsteadily toward Han Lei, who was picking up a piece of fine blue cloth and turning to Zhao Zun to introduce its advantages, such as its tight weave and even dyeing.

"Madam, it's freezing cold. Please have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up." Chang Le deliberately lowered her voice, her tone slightly ingratiating as she handed the teacup to Han Lei.

Han Lei turned her head at the sound, her gaze shifting from the fabric to the teacup offered to her. She was about to wave her hand to politely decline, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary..."

Just then, a sudden change occurred!
Whether it was because Chang Le's crippled leg truly couldn't stand steadily, or because she had deliberately calculated the angle and timing, she suddenly stumbled, accompanied by a deliberately raised, panicked cry of "Ouch!" The warm tea in her hand, with force, spilled most of it onto Han Lei's raised arm, the tea quickly spreading on the lotus-colored sleeve.

"Ah!" Han Lei was caught off guard and let out a soft cry from the sudden warmth and impact.

Her hand loosened, and the fine blue cloth nearly slipped from her grasp. Zhao Zun reacted swiftly, his arm, which had been resting beside Han Lei, instantly reaching out and nimbly catching the cloth before it fell to the ground.

At the same time, his sword-like eyebrows suddenly furrowed, and his sharp, hawk-like gaze, filled with icy coldness, instantly locked onto the perpetrator!
Princess Chang Le hurriedly lowered her head and apologized repeatedly, her voice trembling with exaggerated sobs: "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, Madam! I didn't mean to! My legs are weak, I lost my balance... I'll get you a handkerchief to wipe it clean right away! Please don't blame me!"

As Princess Chang Le spoke, she turned around hastily, making a move to retrieve a clean handkerchief from the counter not far away. But this series of actions, though hurried, revealed a deliberate attempt to avoid contact.

"Wait!" Zhao Zun shouted in a deep voice. His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable pressure, like ice shattering.

The moment the veiled woman bowed her head to apologize, Zhao Zun keenly noticed that the fleeting look in her eyes wasn't pure panic, but rather a deliberate attempt to avoid eye contact.

A kind of instinctive alertness honed through countless battles and conspiracies made Zhao Zun immediately call out to her.

That cold "Wait!" resounded like a thunderclap in Princess Chang Le's ears.

Suddenly stopped, Princess Chang Le knew something was wrong. Zhao Zun was very perceptive; if he stopped her and asked her a few more questions, her identity would definitely be exposed.

Princess Chang Le dared not meet Zhao Zun's gaze. Her first instinct was to flee, and she abruptly turned and retreated.

Zhao Zun noticed something was wrong with the woman, his pupils contracted, and almost at the same instant her body moved slightly and her heels left the ground, he reached out with lightning speed! His five fingers formed a claw, carrying a sharp gust of wind, and went straight for Princess Chang Le's Jianjing acupoint!
"call out--!"

Just then, with a "whoosh," a short but incredibly powerful crossbow bolt shot in from a high place outside the shop, grazing the edge of Zhao Zun's outstretched arm as he made his grabbing motion, and flew straight toward Han Lei's chest beside him...

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