Chapter 90: Prince, Please Stay
Some see an object and think of a person, while others see a person and remember another.
As soon as Zhao Zun saw the guard asking for a beating, the scene from that day resurfaced in his mind—
Han Lei swallowed the food in her mouth, took off the jade ring from her neck, snorted, and tossed it at him.
"Hmph! What kind of lousy token is this, it’s useless."
The jade ring traced a perfect arc in the air, and Zhao Zun, realizing what it was, hurriedly caught it with one hand.
At that moment, his heart sank abruptly, as if a hole had opened within it.
Fortunately, the Love Lock landed firmly in his palm.
At that time, Zhao Zun let out a big sigh of relief.
He knew very well that this wasn’t some token. It was just a fabrication to trick Han Lei into wearing it around her neck...
Zhao Zun pulled back his thoughts, gave the guard a deep look, then supported the old lady as they walked into the County Magistrate’s residence, leaving others behind to handle the luggage.
What Zhao Zun didn’t see was that just after he stepped into the County Magistrate’s residence, a man dressed as a servant turned and left from around the corner of the street.
The night was like ink, with stars scattered across the sky.
Inside the County Magistrate’s residence, Zhao Zun’s courtyard was brightly lit.
Zhao Zun sat by the window, staring blankly into the distance, clutching the Love Lock tightly in his hand, and gently stroking its intricate yet beautiful patterns.
This was the only existing connection between him and Han Lei, yet at this moment, it had become an endless source of anguish in his heart.
Since Han Lei was abducted, his world seemed to have crumbled. For twenty-six years of his life, he had never been so enamored with any woman nor had any woman so deeply occupied his thoughts.
This past month, he had been searching everywhere to no avail, his spirit waning day by day, as if he had lost his soul.
The old lady and Zhao Ling’er watched him in such a state, their hearts equally anxious, yet they could only quietly stay by his side, offering him a hint of solace.
"Zun’er, you haven’t had a good rest for days. If this continues, your health will collapse," the old lady softly persuaded, holding a bowl of hot soup as she entered.
Zhao Zun didn’t turn around, just slightly shook his head and rasped, "As long as that girl doesn’t come back, I won’t find peace."
The old lady sighed, placed the hot soup on the table, and patted his shoulder.
"Han Lei is a good girl, and good people will naturally be blessed. She will be alright. Maybe she’s searching for you too, you need to pull yourself together to have a chance to find her."
Zhao Zun was silent for a moment, then finally turned his head, determination flickering in his eyes.
"Mother, Han Lei is different from other girls. She’s unfamiliar with and doesn’t understand the dangers here. I’m just worried she’ll fall into someone’s trap and won’t be able to save herself."
The old lady assumed Zhao Zun meant that in the eyes of love, everything seemed different, and so she comforted him accordingly, "Yes, Lei’er is different from other girls. She’s kind and generous, righteous and affectionate, I like her too. But you should rest well. With the energy, you can continue to search for her!"
Zhao Zun’s eyes flickered. He originally wanted to explain Han Lei’s background to the old lady, but after biting his lip, he ultimately said nothing. He just stood up and pushed the old lady towards the door.
"Mother, I understand. You should rest too! Tomorrow, I want to search the pig farm. That girl put a lot of effort into setting it up; if she’s escaped, that’s where she would go."
"Alright!" The old lady turned and patted his arm, her eyes full of heartache. "Then rest well tonight; tomorrow, I’ll accompany you."
Zhao Zun nodded. After seeing off the old lady, sleep eluded him. A faint glow again danced on the Love Lock in his hand as he stroked its patterns and murmured to himself.
"Girl, where are you?"
The moonlight outside the window shone upon Zhao Zun’s lonely face, until very late, very late...
The next morning at dawn, Xiao Zhengfei and the other trusted aides were sent out by Zhao Zun to search for Han Lei nearby.
Zhao Zun didn’t disturb the old lady or Zhao Ling’er, hurriedly washed up, dark circles under his eyes, and, with Ping Chuan, appeared in the front yard of the County Magistrate’s residence, gnawing on a biscuit while waiting for Luo Hai.
Luo Hai had returned late from the wasteland yesterday. When he came back, everyone in the residence had already rested. Only Ms Luo was waiting for him, and it was from her that he learned Zhao Zun’s group had arrived in Qingshui County and were temporarily staying at the County Magistrate’s residence.
Luo Hai emerged and, seeing Zhao Zun’s haggard appearance, was taken aback.
"Zun’er, why do you look like this? Still no news of Miss Han?"
Zhao Zun shook his head, "Mr. Luo, today I wish to go with you to the pig farm, perhaps that girl will be there looking for me."
"Okay!" Luo Hai’s tone was heavy. "Then let’s go together. I’ll also send some people to search elsewhere."
Last night, after hearing from Ms Luo that Han Lei had been knocked unconscious and abducted, his heart also felt hollow.
In the wasteland area, Han Lei had invested a lot of manpower and resources, and the project was now progressing vigorously and smoothly. Not only had it provided new avenues for Qingshui County’s farmers and craftsmen, but once the pigs entered the market, it would also improve many people’s living conditions.
Han Lei invested so much, yet offered this immense future as an achievement for him. She was indeed his benefactress in his career path, but now she was missing, leaving him feeling uneasy.
"Mr. Luo, no need. I’ve already sent out my trusted aides for the search." Zhao Zun forced a smile as a token of gratitude for Luo Hai’s kind offer.
Luo Hai sighed, didn’t press further, but remained heavy-hearted.
Upon leaving the County Magistrate’s residence, Luo Hai’s carriage was already waiting outside. Ping Chuan brought Zhao Zun’s glossy black warhorse, Jin Er Cong.
Jin Er Cong had accompanied Zhao Zun for many years, always by his side as they galloped in battles in Beiguan, sharing life and death, a truly intelligent being.
Jin Er Cong approached Zhao Zun, snorting, affectionately nudging its head against Zhao Zun’s chest. A rare smile appeared on Zhao Zun’s lips; he took the reins and petted its head before mounting the horse.
"Hya!"
The whip gently tapped Jin Er Cong’s side, and just as Zhao Zun was about to spur the horse onward, a woman’s call suddenly came from behind—
"Prince, Prince, please wait."
"Whoa!"
Upon hearing the call, Zhao Zun reined in stiffly, turned to look back, and saw a figure in splendid attire coming from afar at the end of the street.
Zhao Zun frowned, his gaze locked, and when he recognized the approaching person, a hint of displeasure flickered in his deep eyes.
Because the person who came was Princess Changle, who had verbally troubled Han Lei at the palace banquet.
Princess Changle quickened her pace, her extravagant and ostentatious gown dragging along the ground. As she walked, the blue stone path beneath seemed to be swept clean by her gown.
Behind her followed several maids and attendants, and upon careful observation, it would be noticed that one of the attendants was the very servant who had hurriedly left from the corner after seeing Zhao Zun’s group arrived yesterday.