She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

When Xiao Zhengfei returned to the County Magistrate’s residence, the night was already deep, but Zhao Zun had not yet rested.

Zhao Zun sat under the dim candlelight, bearing heavy eyelids, anxiously waiting for news from Xiao Zhengfei.

"Prince!"

Xiao Zhengfei’s voice carried a trace of urgency as he hurriedly walked in, blue veins protruding on his forehead, his fists clenched tightly, his eyes flashing with the same anger as when Princess Changle departed.

If it weren’t for their different statuses, if it weren’t for the need to avoid alerting the enemy, he would have captured that venomous woman, Princess Changle, on the spot.

"How is it?"

Zhao Zun immediately stood up, staring intently at Xiao Zhengfei, his voice deep and powerful.

Xiao Zhengfei took a deep breath, trying hard to calm his emotions, "It’s outrageous! Prince, the abduction of the Princess Consort was indeed done by Princess Changle."

Bam!

Zhao Zun slammed his fist on the table, the wooden table instantly collapsed, splinters flying everywhere. His eyes were filled with anger and disbelief.

"Damn it!"

Xiao Zhengfei continued, "Prince, it wasn’t just Princess Changle, there was someone else involved."

"Who?"

Zhao Zun’s voice became even deeper, as if he might erupt at any moment.

"The son of Mr. Wei, Wei Chengchao. He colluded with Princess Changle..." Xiao Zhengfei relayed what he had heard in full to Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun’s mind spun, quickly understanding the ins and outs of the situation.

Princess Changle harbored jealousy towards Han Lei due to her affection for him. Meanwhile, Wei Chengchao, that coward, coveted Han Lei’s beauty.

These two conspired together for their own desires, resorting to despicable means to abduct Han Lei after drugging her.

Zhao Zun was filled with irrepressible anger, a hint of murderous intent flashed in his deep eyes.

He wanted to rush back to the Capital City immediately, and tear Princess Changle and Wei Chengchao to pieces. But his worry surpassed his anger, concerned about Han Lei’s safety, and fearful that rash actions might bring her further harm.

Moreover, Princess Changle is a member of the royal family, her status is noble, and moving against her wouldn’t be easy. Although Wei Chengchao is merely the son of a Prime Minister, the Wei Family’s influence in the court couldn’t be underestimated either.

This matter required careful planning, but no matter what cost, he was determined to rescue Han Lei.

As for Princess Changle and Wei Chengchao, no matter their status, if they dared harm his woman, he would make them pay the price.

Calm, must remain calm!

Zhao Zun kept advising himself, gradually calming down. He closed his eyes, contemplating how to act, as if momentarily restored to his wise and strategic self when facing innumerable troops in battle.

After a long time, Zhao Zun suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp gaze within them.

"Zhengfei." Zhao Zun looked at Xiao Zhengfei, decisively issuing orders. "You immediately take a few brothers whom Princess Changle has never seen, and monitor her every move. As soon as she leaves the boundaries of Canzhou, you will disguise as bandits to abduct all of them and temporarily hide them. If necessary, use Princess Changle to exchange for Miss Han."

"Yes, Sir!"

Xiao Zhengfei immediately accepted the order and left, his eyes unusually solemn.

"Ping Chuan." Zhao Zunyou looked at Ping Chuan, "Leave a few brothers to protect the old madam and Ling’er, and immediately call together the rest of the brothers, bring the gear, and follow me to the Capital City to rescue Miss Han."

"Yes!"

Ping Chuan also promptly took the order and left, his whole body boiling with fighting spirit. Han Lei, this future mistress, once saved his life, now, even if it cost him his life, he was going to follow the Prince to bring the kind Miss Han back.

The night was as black as ink, all was silent, only the occasional chirping of insects broke this oppressive silence.

Zhao Zun didn’t have much luggage to pack, just waiting for Ping Chuan to return, they could set off.

He slowly paced to the courtyard, the moonlight like water, draping over his lonely figure, casting a long shadow.

He looked up at the half-hidden bright moon in the sky, a trace of indescribable tenderness and sadness revealed in his eyes.

Zhao Zun was burning with anxiety in his heart, his mind full of Han Lei’s delicate and sweet figure. The vastness of the Capital City, where exactly was she hiding? Was she safe?

Every moment of waiting was like a torment of knife cuts. They had to be fast, faster! Han Lei in captivity, her safety entirely encompassed in his being.

"Girl, you must wait for me."

Zhao Zun whispered softly, as if this way he could transcend time and space, conveying this determination to Han Lei.

Ping Chuan soon returned with the remaining trusted aides. The aides were clad in armor, fully armed, each filled with fighting spirit, as if preparing to go to battle against the enemy.

The chaotic footsteps of the aides passed through the County Magistrate’s residence, awakening County Magistrate Luo Hai and Ms. Luo from their sleep.

Mr. and Ms. Luo hastily dressed and followed the footsteps to Zhao Zun’s courtyard in a hurry.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw dozens of armored aides crowded, looking ready to set off.

Was there another war?

The Luo couple was startled, exchanged glances, then Mr. Luo asked, "Zun’er, what’s going on? What are you going to do?"

"Mr. Luo, Ms. Luo." Zhao Zun turned his head seeing it was Mr. and Ms. Luo, and quickly greeted them. "We have news about Miss Han, she was abducted by that old scoundrel Wei Chengchao’s son, and is now in the Capital City. We are just about to rescue her."

"What? Mr. Wei’s son?" Mr. Luo was astonished, obviously not expecting such an answer.

"I’ve long heard that Mr. Wei is a scoundrel, bullying the weak, full of sins, but I didn’t expect him to be such a sordid person. Just... don’t know if Miss Han is alright now?" Ms. Luo also wore a worried expression.

"I don’t know." Zhao Zun shook his head solemnly, "We just learned this information from Princess Changle."

"Princess Changle?" Ms. Luo covered her mouth in shock, "This... a dignified Commandery Princess, how is she involved in this?"

This touched a nerve in Zhao Zun, he didn’t answer Mrs. Lo’s question, instead gritting his teeth and letting out a low hum.

"Zun’er." Mr. Luo pointed to the intimidating aides beside him and asked Zhao Zun, "You plan to just go and rescue Miss Han this way?"

"Yes!"

"You are now a Vassal King, entering the Capital without an edict is forbidden, don’t you know that?" Mr. Luo frowned.

"I know." Zhao Zun’s pupils contracted, but his determination remained unchanged. "But I can’t care about that anymore, the girl’s life is uncertain, and I must rescue her."

"Are you crazy?" Mr. Luo got anxious, even raising his voice by eight degrees. "A Vassal King entering the Capital without an edict is equivalent to rebellion, you may not care, but what about your mother? And the others?"

Zhao Zun lowered his gaze, his fists clenched tightly making creaking sounds.

"Mr. Luo, you must believe me. Before entering the Capital, we will all disguise ourselves, and no one will recognize us."

He certainly knew the severity of a Vassal King entering the Capital without an edict. But he really couldn’t care that much, only he knew, Han Lei was all alone in this time period.

Now, perhaps it was the time when the girl felt most helpless, he must go to rescue her. Losing Han Lei, he didn’t know how he would continue to live.

Seeing Zhao Zun’s resolute attitude, Mr. Luo sighed deeply. He also was fond of Han Lei, not unwilling to rescue her, just hoped Zhao Zun could think it over.

Eventually, Zhao Zun entering the Capital affected not only Han Lei, but countless people around.

While Mr. Luo was in a quandary, the guard at the door hurriedly came in.

"Sir. You’re here! There’s a travel-worn man outside requesting to see you."

Someone seeking a meeting in the dead of night?