She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Zhao Zun brought Ping Chuan and Xiao Zhengfei along, and the three accompanied Han Lei to Xuanwu Street to inspect locations.

On bustling Xuanwu Street, crowds surged, and a myriad of shops lined the streets in a lively scene.

Zhao Zun was worried that Han Lei might remember the Love Lock again, but upon arrival, the bustling street scenes made Han Lei forget all about it.

She looked at this shop and touched that one, fully immersed in her business inspection ideas.

Han Lei was still wearing the dress Zhao Zun had given her. Although it was of ordinary fabric and had a simple design, she had grown accustomed to it.

However, in this prosperous Capital City, Zhao Zun’s gaze inevitably fell on the fine silks and luxurious clothing.

”Girl, these clothes are not good enough; just wear them at home in the future!” Zhao Zun said with a smile, his eyes revealing a hint of apology. ”Come, let’s go and get you some new clothes.”

Han Lei felt warm inside upon hearing this and responded without pretense, ”Alright, let’s go and have a look!”

With that, Zhao Zun took Han Lei’s hand and walked into a lavishly decorated silk store. Ping Chuan and Xiao Zhengfei exchanged a glance and followed the two with tacit understanding.

Silk stores generally also sell tailored clothing. Han Lei’s body size was quite standard, and she tried on several outfits which all fit well. Zhao Zun thought she looked good in each and told Han Lei to wear one of the outfits directly.

The rest would be wrapped up and sent to Prince Xiaoyao’s mansion by the shopkeeper.

Once they had changed clothes, they strolled all the way to Tengyun Building. Han Lei stopped, gazing up at the grand and luxurious building. As they strolled along, it seemed like this restaurant had the best business.

At this time, the first-floor lobby of Tengyun Building was already packed, with several staff hustling around with food and drinks.

The waiter responsible for greeting guests at the door saw Han Lei and her party dressed in fine clothes and hurriedly stepped down the stairs to welcome them enthusiastically.

”Please come inside, there is still a private room facing the street on the upper floor.”

It was already mealtime, and they were tired from walking, so it was perfect to dine here and inspect the restaurant’s conditions.

Han Lei was just about to pull Zhao Zun inside when suddenly a man’s joyful voice rang out next to them.

”Zhao Zun, is that really you? Haha...”

Han Lei turned her head to see a young man not very tall but as round as a ball, already striding towards them.

Zhao Zun obviously knew him too, ”Big Fatty, how did I run into you here?”

The two long-lost friends meeting on the street were very happy and immediately gave each other a manly hug.

Unexpectedly, Big Fatty Zhang Hanlin’s round belly bumped Zhao Zun back two steps, making Han Lei standing by chuckle.

Zhang Hanlin twitched his lips, saying awkwardly, ”Sorry, I gained weight again.”

Zhao Zun, amused but helpless, waved his hand, ”No problem, I can still take it.”

Zhao Zun’s words amused Han Lei again, and only then did Zhang Hanlin notice Han Lei standing beside him.

”Zhao Zun, who is this...”

Zhao Zun took Han Lei’s hand, happiness flickering in his eyes, and introduced, ”Haha, Big Fatty. Call her sister-in-law.”

”Oh! Sister-in-law.”

Zhang Hanlin understood immediately, shouting exaggeratedly, making Han Lei blush.

”Hello, I’m Han Lei.” Han Lei nodded slightly to him, as a form of greeting.

”Haha, Sister-in-law. You can call me Big Fatty like Zhao Zun does.”

Big Fatty?

Han Lei had heard Zhao Zun mention this Big Fatty; he was the grandson of Mr. Zhang, a scholar at Hanlin Academy.

Mr. Zhang read voraciously all his life and was dedicated to scholarly pursuits, his sons were also diligent in their studies, becoming officials. Only this grandson was lazy, disinterested in studying or learning to read, and instead enjoyed some bizarre and frivolous amusements.

Mr. Zhang even deliberately named him Hanlin, hoping he would excel in literary pursuits and eventually become an official like his forebears, bringing glory to the family.

Yet, the name seemed to have no impact on him.

After greeting Han Lei, Zhang Hanlin punched Zhao Zun on the chest. ”When did you become married?”

”Not yet, the date is set for the second day of February. Remember, you must come and have a few drinks together with Mr. Zhang!”

Zhao Zun discreetly rubbed his chest, thinking silently to himself that Zhang Hanlin’s punch was getting heavier.

Mentioning Mr. Zhang, the joy on Zhang Hanlin’s face vanished, his expression instantly dimmed.

Zhao Zun noticed his change and asked, ”What’s wrong?”

Zhang Hanlin furrowed his brows and lowered his head.

”Recently, someone in court accused you of holding too much power at the border, possibly harboring rebellious intentions. Grandfather spoke up in your defense, but the Emperor... the Emperor has already ordered Grandfather to retire.”_

”What?” Zhao Zun’s expression darkened, his fists clenched tightly.

Han Lei noticed this, hurriedly moved closer to gently tug on his sleeve.

They were on a street in the Capital City; one could never be sure if there were eyes and ears of the Emperor lurking in the shadows. Zhao Zun’s situation was already precarious, and he needed to be cautious not to speak rashly.

Heeding Han Lei’s reminder, Zhao Zun took a deep breath, slowly unclenching his tightly held fist, but his eyes were reddened.

Mr. Zhang was his mentor, having later entered Hanlin Academy.

Mr. Zhang taught him knowledge and had watched him grow up until he went to the border. Now, having retired because of him, how could Zhao Zun repay that elder?

”Zhao Zun, since you rarely meet, you must have lots to talk about. Tengyun Building is right beside us, let’s go in and chat while eating,” Han Lei suggested, surveying the street bustling with people and vehicles.

”Alright!”

Zhao Zun rubbed his eyes, lowered his head, then looked at Han Lei again and showed a gentle smile.

The group followed the waiter into Tengyun Building.

Anyway, the dishes would take a while to arrive, and Han Lei didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, so she told Zhao Zun she’d have a look around on the first floor and join them upstairs later.

Zhao Zun knew she wanted to inspect Tengyun Building’s operations, so he agreed and headed upstairs with Zhang Hanlin.

Han Lei wandered around the first-floor lobby, glancing at each table. The dishes were arranged beautifully and seemed tempting, and the guests ate with relish, indicating the taste was good.

The waiters diligently rushed back and forth, and Han Lei called one over to inquire about the prices. Upon hearing them, she subtly raised her eyebrows.

The prices were indeed exorbitantly high.

The first floor mainly seated ordinary diners; at one table in a corner, someone was shaking a fan, composing poetry, clearly a literati. Yet seeing their opulent attire, they were certainly not ordinary scholars. Being able to dine at Tengyun Building meant their families were either wealthy or influential.

Han Lei then went to the kitchen to have a look. The cooks were busy, their feet not touching the ground. The ingredients on the stove mainly consisted of chicken, fish, and meat, all of which were lamb.

In ancient times, oxen were used for plowing and were very precious; privately slaughtering them was not allowed. Even in special circumstances where an ox died, the meat could only be eaten after reporting to the authorities.

Pork was considered lowly meat in ancient times, and these stylish aristocrats disdained eating it.

Han Lei had gathered a general understanding of Tengyun Building and was about to go upstairs to find Zhao Zun and the others when suddenly a lascivious voice came from the side.

”Oh, where did such a lovely young woman come from? How can you look so fresh? How come I’ve never seen you before?”