Love Lock

Chapter 55 Big Fat Head

Zhao Zun, along with Pingchuan and Xiao Zhengfei, accompanied Han Lei to Xuanwu Street to inspect potential sites.

On the bustling Xuanwu Street, crowds surged, and all kinds of shops were on display, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Zhao Zun was worried that Han Lei would think of the Love Lock again, but once they arrived, the lively scene on the street made Han Lei forget about the Love Lock completely.

She looked around at this shop and touched the items in that shop, completely absorbed in her own thoughts about investigating businesses.

Han Lei was still wearing the dress Zhao Zun had given her. Although the material was ordinary and the style was simple, she had already gotten used to it.

However, in this bustling capital, Zhao Zun's gaze involuntarily fell upon the exquisite silks and gorgeous clothes.

“Girl, these clothes are too cheap. Just wear them at home from now on!” Zhao Zun said with a smile, a hint of apology in his eyes. “Come on, I’ll go and get you some new clothes.”

Hearing this, Han Lei felt a warmth in her heart and didn't hesitate. "Okay, let's go take a look!"

With that, Zhao Zun took Han Lei's hand and led her into a lavishly decorated silk shop. Pingchuan and Xiao Zhengfei exchanged a smile and followed behind them in tacit agreement.

Silk shops usually sell ready-made clothes as well. Han Lei has a fairly standard figure, and several outfits she tried on fit her perfectly. Zhao Zun thought she looked good in every outfit, so he let Han Lei wear one of them directly.

The rest, have the shopkeeper pack them all up and send them to the Prince Xiaoyao's Mansion.

After changing their clothes, they strolled to the foot of Tengyun Tower. Han Lei stopped and looked up at the magnificent and luxurious Tengyun Tower. Along their journey, it seemed that only this restaurant was doing the best business.

At this moment, the lobby on the first floor of Tengyun Tower was already packed, with several waiters busily moving around carrying wine and dishes.

The waiter responsible for greeting guests at the door saw that Han Lei and her entourage were dressed in fine clothes, so he quickly came down the steps to greet them warmly.

"Please come in, esteemed guests. There are private rooms upstairs facing the street."

It's lunchtime now, and they're tired from walking, so they'll have a meal here and check out the restaurant.

Just as Han Lei was about to pull Zhao Zun inside, a man's surprised voice suddenly came from the side.

"Zhao Zun, Zhao Zun, is it really you? Haha..."

Han Lei turned her head and saw a short, fat young man, as round as a ball, walking quickly towards them.

Zhao Zun clearly recognized him too. "Fatty, what brings you here?"

Two friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time met on the street and were very happy. One of them immediately gave the other a hug.

As a result, before anyone could react, Zhang Hanlin's round belly pushed Zhao Zun back two steps, making Han Lei, who was standing next to him, giggle.

Zhang Hanlin's lips twitched, and he said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, I've gained weight again."

Zhao Zun waved his hand, both amused and exasperated, "It's alright, I can handle it."

Zhao Zun's words made Han Lei laugh again, and Zhang Hanlin then noticed Han Lei standing next to him.

"Zhao Zun, who is this...?"

Zhao Zun took Han Lei's hand, a hint of happiness welling up in his eyes, and introduced her, "Hehe, Fatty. Call her sister-in-law."

"Oh! Sister-in-law."

Zhang Hanlin immediately understood and shouted exaggeratedly, making Han Lei blush with embarrassment.

"Hello, my name is Han Lei." Han Lei nodded slightly to him, which was considered a greeting.

"Hehe, sister-in-law. Just call me Fatty, like Zhao Zun."

Fatty?

Han Lei had heard Zhao Zun mention this fat man before; he was the grandson of Zhang, a scholar of the Hanlin Academy. Zhang was a lifelong scholar, devoted to his studies, and his sons were all diligent in their studies and entered officialdom. Only this grandson was unlearned and had no interest in reading or writing, preferring instead strange and frivolous gadgets.

Grand Secretary Zhang even specially named him Hanlin, hoping that he would be good at literature and calligraphy, and that he would become an official in the court like his father, bringing glory to his ancestors.

However, the name had no effect on him.

After greeting Han Lei, Zhang Hanlin punched Zhao Zun in the chest. "When did you get married, kid?"

"Not yet, the date is set for the second day of the second lunar month. Remember to come and have a couple of drinks with Grand Secretary Zhang then!"

Zhao Zun rubbed his chest imperceptibly, thinking to himself, "This kid's hands are getting heavier and heavier."

Upon hearing the mention of Grand Secretary Zhang, the joy on Zhang Hanlin's face vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression.

Zhao Zun noticed his unusual behavior and asked, "What's wrong?"

Zhang Hanlin frowned and lowered his head.

"Some time ago, some people in the court said that you were hoarding troops on the border and harboring disloyal intentions. Your grandfather stood up for you and said a few words in your defense. His Majesty... His Majesty has already allowed your grandfather to retire and return to his hometown."

"What?" Zhao Zun's expression changed, and he clenched his fists tightly.

Seeing this, Han Lei quickly went over and gently tugged at his sleeve.

This is on the streets of the capital, and who knows if there are any spies of the emperor lurking in the shadows? Zhao Zun's current situation is already awkward, so he should be even more careful not to say anything that might cause trouble.

Reminded by Han Lei, Zhao Zun took a deep breath and slowly loosened his tightly clenched hands, but his eyes were already red.

Zhang Ge Lao was his mentor, and he later entered the Hanlin Academy.

The old minister Zhang taught him knowledge and watched him grow up before he went to the border. Now, however, he resigned his post and retired for his sake. How could he face that old man?
"Zhao Zun, since you two rarely get to see each other, you must have a lot to talk about. Tengyun Tower is right next door, let's go in and eat and chat," Han Lei suggested, looking around at the bustling street.

"it is good!"

Zhao Zun rubbed his eyes and looked up at Han Lei, then smiled gently.

The group followed the waiter into Tengyun Tower.

Since the food would take a while to arrive, and Han Lei didn't want to disturb their conversation, she told Zhao Zun to go upstairs to the private room to chat while she looked around on the first floor and would come up to find them later.

Knowing that she wanted to investigate the operation of Tengyunlou, Zhao Zun agreed and took Zhang Hanlin upstairs first.

Han Lei strolled around the lobby on the first floor, glancing at each table of guests. The dishes on those tables were beautifully presented and looked appealing, and the guests seemed to be enjoying their food, indicating that the food was also quite delicious.

The waiter was very diligent, running up and down the stairs. Han Lei called the waiter over to ask about the prices of the dishes, and was secretly astonished when she heard them.

This price is indeed ridiculously high.

The first floor was mostly occupied by ordinary diners, but at one table in the corner, some people were reciting poetry while fanning themselves—clearly literati. However, judging from their fine clothes and attire, they were definitely not ordinary scholars. To be able to dine at Tengyun Tower, their families must be either wealthy or powerful.

Han Lei then went to the kitchen to take a look. The cooks there were extremely busy. The main ingredients they had on the stove were chicken, fish, and meat, but the meat was all mutton.

In ancient times, oxen were used for draft purposes and were very precious; their slaughter was not permitted. Even if an ox died under special circumstances, it was necessary to report to the government before eating its meat.

In ancient times, pork was considered a cheap meat, and these richly dressed nobles disdained to eat it.

Han Lei had a general idea of ​​the situation at Tengyun Tower and was about to go upstairs to find Zhao Zun and the others when a sleazy voice came from the side.

"Oh my! Where did this beautiful young lady come from? She's so lovely. I've never seen you before, sir."

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(End of this chapter)