She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The sparrows in the courtyard chirped noisily, as if celebrating the arrival of a new day.

Zhao Zun walked the damp stone path into Han Lei’s courtyard. The courtyard was quiet, with only Jin Ju nodding off under the eaves.

She held a broom in her hand, apparently having fallen asleep while cleaning.

Zhao Zun glanced at the tightly closed door, knowing Han Lei was still asleep, and chose not to disturb her, instead turning to head towards the dining hall.

In the dining hall, the old lady and Zhao Ling’er sat at the table having breakfast. The table was set with a few light dishes and steaming porridge, its fragrance filling the air.

Outside the dining hall, trusted aides squatted in a circle, holding bowls and noisily drinking hot porridge.

Seeing Zhao Zun approach, the aides stood up, holding their bowls and chopsticks to salute.

”Prince.”

”Good morning, Prince.”

Zhao Zun nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the aides, finally resting on Xiao Zhengfei.

He stepped forward and whispered, ”Zhengfei, after breakfast, gather the brothers and count numbers. I have matters to discuss.”

”Yes, Prince.”

Xiao Zhengfei responded promptly, his expression solemn.

Zhao Zun nodded in acknowledgement, turned, and entered the dining hall to accompany the old lady and Zhao Ling’er for breakfast.

The old lady saw him enter and warmly beckoned, ”Zun, come sit down quickly, the porridge is still hot.”

Zhao Zun sat down, picked up a bowl, and took a sip of the hot porridge, its warmth spreading from his throat to his stomach.

As he ate, he listened to the idle chat between the old lady and Zhao Ling’er, occasionally joining in, creating a warm and harmonious family atmosphere.

After breakfast, Zhao Zun walked out of the dining hall, where the aides had already assembled.

Xiao Zhengfei quickly stepped forward to report.

”Reporting to the Prince, inclusive of myself and Ping Chuan, seventy aides have gathered. Twenty-three were sacrificed, two captured, and five are guarding Princess Changle in Qingshui County.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zun frowned slightly, then patted his forehead.

”That’s right, I almost forgot about Princess Changle.”

He paused, then patted Xiao Zhengfei’s shoulder seriously, ”From today onwards, you will personally be responsible for recruiting five hundred mansion soldiers and replenishing the aides, intensifying training. Remember, you personally must train them.”

Xiao Zhengfei nodded, Zhao Zun drew him closer and whispered a few words in his ear.

A moment later, Xiao Zhengfei stood tall, committing confidently, ”Rest assured, Prince, the subordinates will manage it properly.”

Zhao Zun nodded with satisfaction, then took off his half of the Love Lock from his neck, holding it aloft, and scanned every aide present, his voice steady and firm.

”Brothers, from today on, what you call Miss Han will be Princess Consort. Look closely, this is the token I gifted the Princess Consort. Henceforth, if the Princess Consort presents the token, her words are my words, her orders are my orders. Understood?”

On the way back from Beiguan, he heard from Ping Chuan that Han Lei had commanded Mr. Meng to go to Qingshui County, instructing Luo Hai to block all messages from Canzhou.

He knew it was for his benefit; the one in the Capital City was already suspicious of his glory overshadowing the ruler, wielding power independently.

If the one in the Capital City discovered Han Lei used the mysterious weapon on the battlefield, it would surely be troublesome.

After last night’s bathing incident with Han Lei, he’d thought long and hard about it.

Having decided to ”engage,” he and Han Lei would often be in the same room, discussing matters privately.

The Prince Mansion was still under construction, not yet able to host a marriage, but it didn’t affect his decision to alter Han Lei’s title.

Han Lei was already bestowed as his Princess Consort by Emperor Jing himself, with a royal decree in hand.

Once the title changes, even if they coexist in the same room, strangers outside would simply assume they’re husband and wife, without further gossip.

And to ”support him,” Han Lei must have the actual authority to command others, or she would be restricted in actions.

Han Lei saved him twice, his life is owed to her. Thus, he publicly announced the ”token” in this manner.

As Zhao Zun finished speaking, the aides, lacking comprehension of his intentions, playfully shouted in unison.

”Understood, we obey!”

Low laughter arose from the crowd, someone joked, ”Seems like the Prince can’t wait!”

”How could the Prince not be anxious with a beauty around? Hahaha.”

”The Prince is mighty indeed!”

”You’re talking too much; just call her Princess Consort.”