She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

”Go back, go back. It’s time for training, all of you get back to training.”

The soldiers glared angrily at Cao Xiong, and Zhao Zun’s group was also burning with rage. But since county officers can’t compare to the county magistrate, Cao Xiong is now the stationed Marshal, and the soldiers have to obey him.

Unwilling to cause trouble for the soldiers, Zhao Zun suppressed his anger and shouted loudly, ”Brothers, don’t see me off, just go back! Zhao Zun keeps the camaraderie in his heart! If fate allows, we’ll meet in the Capital City. Then, we’ll drink to our hearts’ content without rest.”

With reddened eyes, the soldiers shouted in unison, ”Marshal, have a safe journey, and take care!”

The soldiers lingered before slowly turning back into the camp.

Cao Xiong snorted, then his expression immediately changed, and he walked up to Zhao Zun with a big smile.

”Hahaha... Prince Xiaoyao is renowned everywhere, with great achievements, as you return to the Capital City, why not give us more notice? At least let me prepare a farewell banquet to see Prince Xiaoyao off!” Cao Xiong said with a strange tone.

”Mr. Cao, you’re too kind.” Zhao Zun spoke coldly. His face showed no emotion.

”Hey! Why the hell are you pretending to be sincere?” Hua Tianyou, a playboy, did not care for Cao Xiong and directly lashed out.

Cao Xiong was momentarily stunned but quickly piled up a smile again. He knew this was the young prince of Duke Heng’s family. Although now just a small soldier under his command, he couldn’t afford to offend him.

Cao Xiong ignored Hua Tianyou and bypassed him, cupping his hands towards Zhao Zun.

”Prince Xiaoyao has exceptional war achievements, with merits in repelling the enemy. After returning to the Capital City, His Majesty will surely reward you greatly. Congratulations here, Prince.”

Zhao Zun still responded coolly, ”Thanks for your kind words!”

Seeing Zhao Zun as a tiger fallen to the plains, without his initial anger that came when he received the imperial edict, Cao Xiong felt even more pleased.

He snickered with disdain, continuing, ”Then, let me bid farewell to Prince here. Prince should just return to the Capital City at ease, without Prince Xiaoyao here at Beiguan, let’s see if I, Cao Xiong, can keep Beiguan secure just as well. Hahaha...”

”Outrageous!” Han Lei just cursed under her breath.

”You!”

Hua Tianyou was infuriated, and rushed forward, pointing at Cao Xiong’s nose.

This is simply a shifty character. If he doesn’t get a good beating, his anger won’t be appeased.

Yet Zhao Zun grabbed Hua Tianyou, gently shook his head at him. Only then did Hua Tianyou snort and stopped, just glaring at the sneering face of Cao Xiong.

”Hahaha...”

With Cao Xiong provoking so blatantly, Zhao Zun continued to swallow his pride, tuck his tail, making Cao Xiong very pleased as he laughed heartily and strode away.

”Arrogant and complacent! Just you wait.” Hua Tianyou roared on with gritted teeth.

”Since deciding to turn over military power, don’t stir up trouble!” Zhao Zun patted his shoulder, calming down significantly. Watching Cao Xiong’s back, he calmly said, ”Don’t worry! Cao Xiong won’t boast for long. With the Turkic, Ala, and Meng Country eyeing him like tigers, he won’t be able to hold the Marshal position at Beiguan steadily.”

”Mm! I hope he falls to his death!”

”Now, we should set off.” Zhao Zun said as he took Han Lei’s hand.

”You all take care on the road, I’ll miss you.” Hua Tianyou said wistfully, coming forward to give Zhao Zun a big hug.

Zhao Zun gently punched his chest, ”Go back, it’s not like we won’t meet again.”

”Then I’ll watch you leave.” Hua Tianyou released Zhao Zun, wiping away unrestrained tears.

”Mm! We’re leaving. See you in the Capital City.”

Zhao Zun took Han Lei onto the carriage, looked back deeply at the army camp he loved, waved his hand, and the group slowly moved forward.

Hua Tianyou waved goodbye from the back, watching the thin group move slowly through the snow, looking exceptionally forlorn...

The carriage traveled slowly with luggage, and due to the snow and difficult roads, Han Lei’s group reached the first stop, Jinxi County, when night had already fallen.

This was the first time Han Lei had entered the Da Jing Dynasty’s county city since her crossing. Zhao Zun originally wanted to take Han Lei around, but because of the cold, the stalls outside were packed up early, and the shops had shut down. Plus, they had rushed through a day of snow, all were exhausted. Thus, after having dinner at the inn, they washed up and rested early.

Zhao Zun said their next stop is Qingshui County. When they reach there, they can rest for two days before continuing. Then, they can take a stroll around Qingshui County.

The border stations were simple; during the last month of the lunar calendar, it was already bitterly cold, with biting cold air. The quilts in the station were too thin, so Han Lei bought enough blankets for everyone from the system per person, ensuring everyone had a good night’s sleep.

The next morning, the breakfast provided at the station was rice porridge and steamed buns.

With the military camp behind them, and only reliable people following, without many people, Han Lei could afford it. So she decided to improve the food, buying many meat buns, steamed rolls, soy milk, fried dough sticks, and other sumptuous breakfasts from the system for everyone to fill up.

Han Lei could buy things out of nowhere, which was already no surprise to them. As long as there was food and clothing, they were too lazy to ask more. Also, they’d heard before that a soldier guessed Han Lei was a demon and was pummeled for it. So they sensibly dared not ask.

They happily discussed how fortunate they are, to follow a new master eating and drinking lavishly, as if life had fallen into a pot of honey, without mentioning anything else.

After breakfast, Zhao Zun gathered all the blankets, which Han Lei then stored away in her space, as they continued on their journey.

Today the snow had stopped, and a warm sun emerged. Everyone had slept well the night before, and set off early today.

Perhaps due to ill mood, Zhao Zun spoke little all the way, keeping the curtain up and watching the scenery. Han Lei understood that the court’s withdrawal of military power had hit Zhao Zun hard. So she didn’t disturb him, letting him view the scenery and relax.

Han Lei reclined with closed eyes, contemplating her future.

At noon, Han Lei bought two meat and two vegetable box meals for everyone from the system. Box meals seen everywhere in the modern world were a delicacy here.

The group arrived at Qingshui County just in time for dinner. They didn’t stay at the station but headed towards Qingshui County Magistrate’s residence.

Upon hearing Prince Xiaoyao had arrived, Qingshui’s County Magistrate brought his family to personally welcome them.

”This official greets Prince Xiaoyao with his whole family.”

From afar, County Magistrate Luo Hai cupped his hands to Zhao Zun.

”Greetings to Prince Xiaoyao.” Luo Hai’s family also paid their respects.

”Mr. Luo, you’re too courteous.” Zhao Zun returned the salute and introduced Han Lei, ”County Magistrate of Qingshui is an old family friend, named Luo Hai, and this is Ms Luo.”

”Han Lei greets Mr. Luo and Ms Luo.” Han Lei copied the manners of ancient daughters to give a small bow, sneaking a glance at them.

Luo Hai was around fifty, dressed as a scholar with a kind face. Ms Luo was also around fifty, with an ordinary appearance but graceful posture, her smile gentle and kind.

”Wow! Zun, who is this? Such a beautiful girl!”

Just as Han Lei finished her polite greeting, a chubby girl about fifteen or sixteen standing next to Ms Luo walked over to Han Lei, staring at her face with a surprised cry.