She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

”Miss Han, about the matter you mentioned...”

”Mr. Luo, rest assured. As soon as the procedures on your end are finalized, I’ll start on my side.” Han Lei released Zhao Zun’s arm and gave Luo Hai a sweet smile, decisively making her point.

Upon hearing this, Luo Hai’s face was almost cracking with laughter. ”Good! Good! The procedures here are simple, I can get them done for you right away.”

”But...” Han Lei slightly furrowed her delicate eyebrows.

”But what?” Luo Hai’s heart, just settled, was raised again as he stared nervously at Han Lei.

”Mr. Luo, I’m not only going to cultivate wasteland here, but also open a restaurant and a pig farm. These projects will solve many people’s food problems. But can you keep it confidential for now, and not rush to report it to the court?” Han Lei asked Luo Hai very seriously.

”Why is that? These are all benevolent acts that benefit both the nation and the people.” Luo Hai was puzzled.

Zhao Zun also didn’t understand.

Han Lei glanced at Zhao Zun and explained earnestly, ”Mr. Luo, precisely because these are good deeds benefiting the nation and the people, I want to ask you to keep it from the court for now. If possible, don’t let it spread outside Qingshui County. You know Zhao Zun has been stripped of his military authority, and at this critical juncture, I don’t want the Emperor to accuse him of trying to win over the people’s hearts with ulterior motives. Additionally, we must guard against the aristocratic families, as they absolutely don’t want to see the common folk living good lives.”

”Oh!”

Luo Hai understood, feeling more respect for this Princess Consort of Zhao Zun.

Moved by how far Han Lei considered his situation, Zhao Zun gently pulled Han Lei’s soft hand into his palm.

”Miss Han, don’t worry. Zun’s current situation is indeed sensitive, and I will do my utmost to keep this matter hidden for now.”

Luo Hai strongly agreed with Han Lei’s approach, and the thoughts about political achievements that had been swirling in his mind vanished instantly.

He had only Zhao Zun as a dear friend from their family ties, even if he had to forsake political achievements and remain Qingshui County Magistrate for life, he must protect Zhao Zun.

”Thank you, Mr. Luo.” Han Lei stood up and bowed to Luo Hai.

”But Qingshui County is a passage between Canzhou and Jingzhou, and often has merchants passing through. I’m afraid it won’t stay secret for long.” Zhao Zun reminded.

”That doesn’t matter.” Han Lei gave Zhao Zun a reassuring look. ”I need just five days to arrange everything here, then I’ll leave Qingshui County with Zhao Zun. The later stages of the projects here will rely on Mr. Luo’s care. It will take at least a year, at most two, for Qingshui County to develop. By then, these achievements will belong to Mr. Luo and the people, and even if the court knows, they will only commend Mr. Luo and it won’t implicate Zhao Zun. So we only need to hide it until Qingshui County develops.”

”Miss Han, this... this...” Upon hearing this, Luo Hai was so excited he didn’t know what to say. Han Lei casually handed him prosperity of massive scale.

Han Lei’s plan was perfectly reasonable, protecting Zhao Zun while giving him a major achievement.

”Mr. Luo, the girl makes sense. We can’t stay here too long; we need you to handle the things afterwards.” Zhao Zun said contentedly, gently patting Han Lei’s nape like petting an adored creature, his eyes full of adoration.

If only playing for five days, let Han Lei enjoy herself thoroughly! Anyway, five short days won’t affect her return to be a proper bride.

At this moment, Zhao Zun had no idea that Han Lei had set a grand scheme in motion for his future starting today. He still thought Han Lei, having left the military camp, was just momentarily excited and playful!

After all, Han Lei, being a girl, was cultivating land, opening a restaurant, and raising pigs - how could that be possible?

After sorting out Luo Hai, Han Lei had Zhao Zun follow Luo Hai to help her with the land-related procedures. She returned to her room to plan the work for the next few days and prepare for it.

Early the next morning, just as Han Lei was washing up, Zhao Zun came over.

Han Lei changed into sportswear, put on a cloak, tied her hair into a low ponytail, and although she wore no makeup, she looked charming.

Zhao Zun handed a bundle he was holding to Han Lei, his face dark.

”Put this on.” Zhao Zun said in a commanding tone.

”What is this?” Han Lei was puzzled.

”I had Ping Chuan find men’s clothes matching your size. How can my Princess Consort expose herself to cultivate land and run a restaurant?” Zhao Zun was displeased.

”Ah?”

Han Lei’s mouth twitched fiercely, instantly understanding Zhao Zun’s idea.

In ancient times, men were in charge outside and women inside, and women exposing themselves outside was not acceptable. Women from high-born families were especially expected to not even show their teeth when smiling. If she exposed herself as a woman outside, both she and Zhao Zun would be criticized.

Dastardly feudal society!

”Didn’t I dress like this in the military camp too?” Han Lei couldn’t help but complain.

”In the camp, you were a military doctor treating injuries for the soldiers, and with me there, who dared to talk nonsense?” Zhao Zun insisted.

”Turns out you’re this old-fashioned.” Han Lei pouted, her face clearly showing her dissatisfaction.

”I’m not old-fashioned! I don’t think girls doing things is wrong.” Zhao Zun’s voice grew smaller, awkwardly turning his head aside, ”I just don’t want men outside coveting your beauty.”

Zhao Zun’s later words were spoken softly, but Han Lei heard them clearly.

”Alright! I understand.” Han Lei blushed and began opening the bundle to take out the men’s clothes.

Han Lei understood Zhao Zun’s little thoughts. In matters of the heart, men are selfish; their wife’s beauty should be seen by them alone, or else they’d get jealous.

Regardless of whether it’s because Zhao Zun is jealous or due to the dastardly feudal society, to walk outside freely, Han Lei felt it was necessary to change clothes; otherwise, it would indeed be inconvenient.

The men’s clothes Zhao Zun prepared fit well, and Han Lei couldn’t help but give him a big thumbs-up in her mind. Dressed in men’s attire, Han Lei looked like a handsome young gentleman. But her delicate skin still obviously appeared feminine.

This posed no problem for Han Lei; she took out makeup products bought from the system and applied dark foundation, thickened her eyebrows.

Soon, the copper mirror reflected a real handsome young gentleman. To match the habits of wealthy young men better, on a whim, Han Lei took out a folding fan from space and began fanning it even in winter.

”How’s this? Is this okay?” Han Lei twirled in front of Zhao Zun, confident in her new look.

”Hmm! Not bad. As long as you go out to have fun, dress like this.”

Sure enough, Zhao Zun was quite satisfied.

”Then call Ping Chuan in to help carry these, and we can head off!”

”So many? What are all these?” Zhao Zun looked at the two huge bundles wrapped in sheets on the ground, unable to help asking.

”Carry them and follow me, you’ll know then. We’ve delayed so much that Mr. Luo and the others must be anxious.” Han Lei said, stepping out, while Zhao Zun called Ping Chuan in to help him carry the load.

Outside the mansion’s main gate, the injured soldiers of the large and small character teams were already lined up neatly, waiting for Han Lei’s arrival. County Magistrate Luo Hai was rubbing his hands and pacing back and forth, also waiting anxiously.

Han Lei, with a folding fan in her hand, walked out alongside Zhao Zun and Ping Chuan.

Han Lei stopped at the top of the steps, ready to speak, but her peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a guard at the gate, and she walked over, fixated on his face.

”You... aren’t you the lad who stopped me yesterday?” Han Lei reached out with the folding fan to lift the guard’s chin. Curious, she asked, ”What happened to you? Why is your face bruised?”