She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Miss Han’s understanding nature and that gentle, soft voice always managed to comfort his heart.

He had many shortcomings, perhaps, the appearance of Miss Han was his redemption!

Everyone changed out of their battle attire and fell into a deep sleep until dusk.

It was late March in the lunar calendar and already April in the solar calendar; the weather had gradually shifted from warm to hot.

Because he was carrying the bodies of Ma Cheng and his trusted aides, Zhao Zun dared not delay too long; everyone had a casual meal and continued on their journey.

Zhao Zun planned to take them all back to Fufeng County and find a place to bury them.

Miss Han had mentioned the development blueprint of Canzhou in her letter to him.

Now, he was the king of Canzhou, and he wanted the sacrificed brothers to witness the development of Canzhou, ensuring its people enjoy a good life.

Two days later in the morning, Zhao Zun and his group finally returned to Fufeng County.

Rather than rushing home, they first buried the sacrificed brothers in a scenic spot near the cement plant.

This place was on the mountainside, offering a view of the entire Fufeng County’s scenery.

Sixteen small graves were neatly arranged; without tombstones, branches were temporarily tied with cloth strips.

On these cloth strips, Zhao Zun personally wrote down each of their names.

The sky was gray and clouds gathered, the air was oppressive, as if rain was imminent. Standing on the hillside, the mountain breeze swept by, carrying a hint of chill, whispering the grief of the deceased.

Gazing at the newly erected makeshift gravestones, Zhao Zun’s heart was heavy as lead. He took a deep breath, eyes unwaveringly passing over each name.

"Brothers, go in peace. I, Zhao Zun, swear here. One day, I will ensure that this land will no longer know warfare and make sure the people of Canzhou live peaceful lives."

As clouds hung low, a somber haze seemed to envelop the world.

Zhao Zun took Alpi’s head from Xiao Zhengfei, and walked to Ma Cheng’s grave. His gaze was as sharp as ice, yet his brow subtly showed a hint of sorrow and determination.

Zhao Zun slowly knelt down, gently placing Alpi’s head in front of the grave, whispering, "Brother Ma Cheng, your revenge has been exacted. Alpi’s head is here, may you find peace in the afterlife."

His voice was low and rasping, seemingly suppressing an endless grief and anger.

The wind stirred up the dead leaves on the ground, making a "rustling" sound, as if Ma Cheng’s spirit was responding to his call.

He stood up and took a jug of strong wine from Miss Han, slowly pouring it before the grave.

The scent of the strong wine mingled with the earthy fragrance, creating a peculiar atmosphere.

Zhao Zun tilted his head and drank the remaining wine in the jug, then forcefully smashed the jug onto the ground, shattering it.

Ping Chuan hurried up from the cement plant at the foot of the mountain, followed closely by the head craftsman, Yang Qi Quan.

Yang Qi Quan was already past fifty, skin darkened. Perhaps it was the regular payment of silver putting him in a good mood; three months of high-intensity work did not age him; he appeared even more vigorous.

He approached Zhao Zun, respectfully cupping his hands.

"Prince, you need me?"

Zhao Zun nodded and pointed to the newly constructed mounds before them.

"Mr. Yang, these brothers died in battle against the Turkic invaders. I want to build a cemetery here, allowing them to rest peacefully as Canzhou gradually prospers."

Yang Qi Quan, having been busy in the cement factory these days, did not know of the Turkic invasion or that Zhao Zun had returned from the battlefield.

Upon hearing Zhao Zun’s words, he followed the gesture and looked, a hint of reverence flashing in his eyes.

"Don’t worry, Prince, leave it to me. I’ll ensure the cemetery is built solemnly, providing the brothers a dignified resting place."

Miss Han stepped forward, taking several photos of modern cemeteries from her sleeve and handing them to Yang Qi Quan.

"Mr. Yang, these are the cemeteries I’ve seen. Can you build according to these designs?"

Yang Qi Quan had previously seen similar photos while building a pig farm in Qingshui County, so he wasn’t surprised now.

He took the photos, scrutinized them for a while, and nodded.

"Miss Han’s design is very detailed, I understand it. We can accomplish this task."

"Good!" Zhao Zun nodded, "Recruit some more craftsmen, and fence off this area first, then build according to the design."

"Alright, I will start arranging this today."

Zhao Zun patted Yang Qi Quan’s shoulder again, speaking seriously, "Mr. Yang, these brothers are heroes; make sure the cemetery is built with care."