Chapter 362: Who Is Your Beloved Consort? (Part 2)

“You really are a troublesome girl, how could you be gone for so long?” His voice was slightly choked, “Do you know that I worry about you every day?”

Han Lei buried her face in his chest, tears soaking his lapel.

“I’m sorry… for making you worry. But I’ve come back safely, haven’t I?” she said softly, gesturing towards the refugees entering the city, “Look, I’ve brought quite a few people back for you…”

The two of them embraced for a long time before Zhao Zun reluctantly let go. He carefully examined Han Lei’s delicate and sweet face, heartbroken to find that she had lost weight and had faint dark circles under her eyes.

“Was the journey tough?”

“Yes! A bit.” Han Lei nodded, then flashed a bright smile: “But it was worth it.”

Zhao Zun understood and smiled, affectionately tapping Han Lei’s forehead, his eyes full of tenderness.

“You! Remember not to leave my sight again in the future. Let’s head back to the city so you can rest well. We can talk slowly about everything.”

“Alright!”

Han Lei smiled sweetly and naturally took Zhao Zun’s arm.

The two walked closely arm in arm, passing by the refugees.

Though the refugees were weary, they couldn’t help but widen their eyes at the sight of the intimate couple, their eyes full of curious gossip.

They secretly guessed in their hearts who this handsome man was to Han Lei.

Inside the city gates, the sound of voices was deafening as disaster victims lined up in long queues, waiting for porridge.

Luo Hai was rolling up his sleeves, serving porridge to a frail old woman, when he suddenly caught a glimpse of a pair of lovers approaching the city gate from the corner of his eye.

“Miss Han?” The moment he saw Han Lei, Luo Hai smiled broadly.

Han Lei still looked so delicate and sweet, her casual sportswear making her appear vibrant and capable.

Beside her, Zhao Zun was dressed in a dark brocade robe, looking spirited and bright.

Han Lei was holding Zhao Zun’s arm, and the two seemed very close.

Luo Hai tossed the wooden ladle in his hand into the porridge barrel with a loud “clang,” splashing a few drops of scalding rice soup.

Ignoring his hands stained with porridge, he rushed forward in three strides. “Prince! Miss Han. Oh! Miss Han, you finally came back.”

“Mr. Luo.”

Han Lei released Zhao Zun’s arm and bowed gracefully. Sunlight filtered through the strands of hair scattered around her ears, casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. She had a smile on her lips, but her eyes were filled with fatigue.

Luo Hai glanced around, seeing the disaster victims focused on lining up, while the nearest government official was about thirty feet away. He lowered his voice, his beard trembling along with it.

“Miss Han, something big has happened in the Capital City! An explosion occurred at the Champion Marquis’s residence, and evidence points directly to the Wei Family. Wei Dabao’s entire family has been summoned to the Capital City for a confrontation! Did you encounter any trouble?”

“What?” Han Lei’s pupils contracted abruptly, “You said Wei Dabao’s whole family went to the Capital City? How long ago?” Han Lei’s voice betrayed a hint of excitement.

Luo Hai counted on his fingers: “It’s been almost twenty days. The Emperor has issued edicts to all counties, and the Wei Family has also sent letters.”

Han Lei suddenly let out a soft laugh, one that made Luo Hai’s back feel cold. “Don’t worry, he most likely won’t be coming back.”

“Why?” Luo Hai and Zhao Zun asked in unison.

Zhao Zun furrowed his brows, unconsciously moving half a step closer to her, as if he wanted to shield her from all danger.

Han Lei looked around, pointing to a secluded corner by the city wall: “Let’s talk over there.”

The three of them came to an old tree, the dappled shadows dividing their silhouettes into fragments.

Han Lei took a deep breath, her voice very low: “Because the explosion at the Champion Marquis’s residence was caused by me pretending to be Wei Dabao, it’s only natural that he won’t return once he reaches the Capital City.”

“What? You did it?” Luo Hai nearly bit his own tongue.

Zhao Zun pursed his lips, trying hard to hold back a smile that almost spilled from the corners of his mouth. He had already heard this from Xiao Zhengfei, and his initial reaction had been no better than Luo Hai’s.

“Listen to me.” Han Lei’s eyes sparkled with cunning, “I used Wei Dabao’s jade pendant to sneak into Princess Changle’s birthday banquet, and conveniently delivered them a few bottles of hand grenade wine.”

Luo Hai sucked in a breath, sweat beading on his forehead. Zhao Zun, meanwhile, stared fixedly at Han Lei’s profile, his Adam’s apple moving up and down.

“I told the Champion Marquis couple that the wine was incredibly precious and scarce, that they absolutely must keep it for themselves to enjoy.” Han Lei’s lips curled into a cold smile, “And it seems they really didn’t share it with anyone.”

Luo Hai’s legs felt weak, forcing him to lean against the rough tree trunk: “Miss Han, you… you…”

“Conspiring to harm the royal family, a crime punishable by death,” Zhao Zun said solemnly, yet his eyes shimmered with a strange light, “But Wei Dabao won’t be able to clear his name this time.”