She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Han Lei raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing this.

Cao Xiong didn’t get punished even for that?

Both Mr. Su and Mr. Song come from two great families, yet they were reprimanded. Could this mean that Emperor Jing is intentionally suppressing the aristocracy?

Before Han Lei could figure it out, a soft laughter drifted over from the next table.

Han Lei leaned in to listen and heard one person say, ”Everyone outside is saying that Princess Changle will turn twenty-four in a little more than ten days. Who knows if it’s true.”

Another person, eyes gleaming with gossip, responded, ”Of course it’s true, though no one knows the exact age of Princess Changle. But she’s famously an old maid in the Capital City.”

”Turning twenty-four soon, probably even the minor sons wouldn’t want to marry her now,” another joined in, with a hint of mockery in his voice.

”I heard the Champion Lord’s family is as anxious as ants on a hot pan, and the Lady Champion is asking around everywhere for matchmaking for Princess Changle. But who would want to marry a bride that old?”

Another person laughed along, prompting a round of laughter from those at the table.

Han Lei’s eyes flashed with a quick glint upon hearing this.

Princess Changle is the daughter of the Champion Lord, has such a noble status, yet she still becomes the subject of casual gossip among these people.

This news is undoubtedly a great opportunity for her to approach the Champion Lord.

She sipped her drink lightly, plotting in her heart.

Tomorrow, she would send someone to inquire about Cao Xiong and Princess Changle’s specifics to aid her plans.

After a long day on the road and some drink, Han Lei and her company returned to the inn, washed up briefly, and fell into a deep sleep as soon as they lay down, not waking until late the next day.

Han Lei’s special makeup was rather intricate, and by the time she finally finished, it was already noon.

The group stepped out of the inn, outside was bright and the glaring sunlight made her squint her eyes.

Han Lei retreated back into the inn to inquire at the counter.

”Shopkeeper, can you kindly tell me how to get to Lao Yilaao Hot Pot Restaurant?”

The innkeeper warmly gave directions and couldn’t resist saying more.

”Lao Yilaao Hot Pot Restaurant is really popular now, everyone in the Capital City knows it. Even Tengyun Building’s business can’t rival it. The taste is simply superb! It’s not expensive either, my family goes often.”

Han Lei smiled, offering her authentic modern Sichuan hot pot base; how could the taste not be good? Just the peppercorns, chilis, and spices are unmatched in this era.

However, the restaurant’s reputation in the Capital City satisfied her greatly.

After thanking the innkeeper, Han Lei and her group headed straight for Lao Yilaao Hot Pot Restaurant.

Turning at a street corner, Han Lei could see from a distance that people were queuing up at the restaurant entrance.

Big Fatty Zhang Hanlin was standing with a man half his size at the door taking numbers for waiting guests.

Han Lei walked over and lightly patted Big Fatty on the shoulder.

Big Fatty turned around to see a chubby fellow slightly smaller than himself, assuming she was a guest coming for hot pot, he greeted her enthusiastically.

”Hello! How many are in your party? There’s no seating for now, please take a number and wait in line.”

Han Lei stifled a laugh and whispered, ”Big Fatty, not bad! Business is good.”

Big Fatty was stunned, carefully sizing up this unfamiliar chubby person, then glanced at the few burly men behind her, puzzled.

Though clearly unacquainted, the voice sounded intimately familiar.

Seeing his still confused expression, Han Lei couldn’t help but laugh.

She cautiously looked around to confirm no one was paying attention, then whispered again, ”Big Fatty, it’s me, Han Lei.”

Big Fatty’s eyes widened, still not responding. Han Lei had no choice but to add, ”Zhao Zun’s Princess Consort.”

Big Fatty then suddenly understood, smacking his forehead, nearly shouting.

He quickly covered his mouth, and although he didn’t call out Han Lei’s name, her look amused him to laughter.

Han Lei glared at him annoyedly before he could suppress his laughter and asked, ”Sister-in-law! Why... why are you looking like this?”

”Keep it down.” Han Lei admonished and gestured, ”Let’s go inside first.”

Big Fatty nodded quickly, turned and gave a few instructions to the skinny man beside him, then led Han Lei and her entourage around to the rear courtyard of the hot pot restaurant.