Chapter 42: Flirty Sparring
The next day, Han Lei’s group still delayed their departure back to the capital until almost noon.
Before dawn, before the farmers arrived at the wasteland, Han Lei instructed Zhao Zun to lead all his trusted aides and wounded soldiers to construct a solid large fence with bamboo and round logs on the wasteland.
Then, she purchased a hundred sows and fifty boars, along with three hundred fifty half-grown piglets and adult pigs from the system, totaling five hundred pigs, and put them into the fence.
After settling the pigs, Zhao Zun assigned people to guard them. Han Lei also bought enough feed for the pigs to last three months, all piled up in several thatched huts.
Of course, these pigs weren’t only fed pig feed; they also needed to be supplemented with leftover food from restaurants, pig grass, and small fish and shrimp caught from the river.
Han Lei also prepared all the necessary tools for cutting pig grass and catching fish and shrimp for them.
Last night, Han Lei and Luo Hai had agreed that until the pig farm and warehouse were completed, the pigs, feed, and seeds could only be kept outside, relying on the brothers of the Dazi team and the government officials from the county office to stand guard in shifts with electric batons.
Since the wall around the wasteland wasn’t completed yet, making it difficult to guard, Han Lei bought them two large wolves.
After doing all this, she waited until Luo Hai and the county office people arrived with the farmers. Once Luo Hai took over everything, Zhao Zun and Han Lei’s group set off back to the capital.
With no wind and snow disturbances, the winter weather was still strong, with the sunlight warm but not dazzling.
The carriage traveled on the official road, the wheels rolling rhythmically, echoing with the occasional bird song in the distance.
The driver sat in front, focused on maneuvering the carriage.
After getting on the carriage, Han Lei laid down on a soft cushion and fell asleep immediately. Having stayed up late and risen early for the last few days, coupled with intense busyness, she was indeed very tired. Beside her, Zhao Zun sat guarding her, occasionally lifting the curtain to look at the scenery outside, his face filled with joy and tranquility.
The whole scene was peaceful and harmonious, as if even time had slowed its pace at this moment.
Han Lei slept soundly until the afternoon when the sun began to set in the west, slowly waking up.
"Where are we?" Han Lei rubbed her eyes, stretched lazily.
"You’re awake? We’ve passed Mianning County in the Jingzhou border, and now we’re in Prince Jingzhou’s territory."
Zhao Zun chuckled, affectionately ruffled her hair, making it look even more like a bird’s nest due to the sleep dishevelment.
Han Lei lifted the curtain to look outside; it was already sunset.
"I slept for so long, with no one to talk to you, weren’t you bored?" Han Lei took out a comb from the space and messily ran it through her hair.
"When I traveled before, I always rode a horse and never felt bored; riding in a carriage with you makes me sore all over. Especially this arm, it might be ruined." Zhao Zun’s tone had a hint of teasing, extending his arm in front of Han Lei. "You need to massage it for me."
Hearing this, Han Lei looked up at Zhao Zun, seeing his exaggerated expression, she couldn’t help but laugh, retorting playfully: "You should blame the driver! It’s the driver who jostles the carriage; let the driver massage you."
Seeing her bright laughter, Zhao Zun’s heart stirred, and he curved his lips into an amused smile: "Oh my! Poor me! Since the Princess Consort refuses to share some of the burden, then I shall help myself." With that, he pretended to stand up, but intentionally staggered, nearly falling.
Seeing this, Han Lei quickly reached out to support him, only for Zhao Zun to grab her wrist and pull her closer: "With such a caring Princess Consort, how can I not cherish you?"
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere suddenly became subtle. Han Lei’s cheeks flushed with a tint of red, and she tried to withdraw her hand, only to find Zhao Zun holding it tighter.
"Prince, are you bullying me?" Han Lei playfully sulked, pretending to pout angrily.
Zhao Zun’s expression darkened slightly, moving closer to Han Lei, an intimidating presence rushing towards her. "What did you just call me? Hmm?"
"Uh... hehe." Han Lei’s heart fluttered, swallowing hard, she awkwardly smiled: "I forgot, it’s Zhao Zun, Zhao Zun."
Since they had clarified their feelings for each other, Zhao Zun often did some affectionate actions toward her.
After more than a month together, she gradually understood that this prince, who appeared cool on the surface, was just like all other typical men, having a hint of subtlety; she feared Zhao Zun might take it further.
If Zhao Zun’s battle spirit was provoked again, he would surely pursue her relentlessly, and she was afraid she might accidentally cross that final line.
However, she couldn’t always let Zhao Zun bully her!
She had to turn the tables!
A sly glint flashed in Han Lei’s eyes as she decided to retaliate in kind and give Zhao Zun a "lesson."
"Didn’t you want me to give you a massage? Come on!" Saying this, Han Lei suddenly exerted force, grabbing Zhao Zun’s wrist, then lightly flipped backward. Unprepared, Zhao Zun was easily pushed down, pressed against the mat by her.
"Girl, you know martial arts?"
Zhao Zun looked at Han Lei pressing on him with a trace of surprise in his eyes.
He only knew Han Lei had amazing medical skills, and the weapons she used were powerful, but he didn’t expect her to also know martial arts despite her delicate appearance?
"Hehe, are you scared? This isn’t martial arts, it’s Grappling Skill. If you dare bully me again, see if I don’t toss you over my shoulder to the ground."
Han Lei laughed, her elbow pressing hard on his chest for emphasis, a touch of triumph in her voice.
Are you kidding? Did they think she was weak? Before crossing over, in the military, she gritted her teeth to persist in every day’s training, whether combat, sparring, or five-kilometer cross-country running.
"Fine, fine, cough cough, your husband is scared of you! Hahaha..."
Zhao Zun raised his hands in front of him, making pitiful gestures, but his laughter was unrestrained. He enjoyed teasing Han Lei like this, relishing in the playful fights with her.
"What husband, huh? Annoying! I haven’t even married you yet."
Han Lei playfully pouted, undisputedly giving a light kick to Zhao Zun’s ankle.
"Oh dear! Here we go again. Your husband’s little heart!" Zhao Zun scrunched his features, clutching his chest, making exaggerated gestures as he rolled into Han Lei’s embrace.
"Get off! Get off now!"
Han Lei pressed with force, but her voice was soft and sweet, making Zhao Zun laugh uncontrollably.
Inside the carriage, they playfully bantered back and forth, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere. Outside, the trusted aides, hearing the laughter from within, shared a look and a smile among themselves, feeling happy for their master.
As the carriage continued its journey, the distance between the two grew closer.
Zhao Zun began recounting his past experiences, stories of guarding the borders and galloping across the battlefield, leaving Han Lei utterly engrossed. Meanwhile, Han Lei shared her life in the modern world, tales of technology, culture, and freedom, opening Zhao Zun’s eyes.
Dusk descended, with a clear moon and few stars.
Zhao Zun’s party arrived at the post station very late. After a simple meal and freshening up, everyone retired to rest.
Close to dawn, the weather suddenly changed, with the outside howling with gusts and heavy snow.