Chapter 379: Bloodstained Palace Walls

Hua Tianyou was telling jokes to amuse Zhao Ling’er, and when he turned his head, he was stunned by the scene in the distance.

In the distance, on the concrete road, a mighty procession was winding past.

The ragged refugees were supporting the elderly and holding the young, pushing creaky wheelbarrows, struggling forward in the sunlight.

Sunlight pierced through the flying dust, casting mottled shadows on their weary faces.

“This is…” Hua Tianyou squinted his eyes, guessing the identity of those people in his heart, when Zhao Ling’er beside him suddenly let out a soft cry.

He turned to look and saw the young girl’s bright smile was particularly captivating in the sunlight, her almond eyes curved into crescent moons.

“Tianyou, look!” Zhao Ling’er excitedly tugged at his sleeve, her fair fingers pointing to the refugees, “Those people are all poor folks, they must be coming to seek refuge in Canzhou!”

Hua Tianyou looked at her sun-kissed healthy-profile these days, feeling a warmth in his heart.

Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Ling’er had already lifted her skirt and ran like a nimble swallow towards the field bank.

Hua Tianyou quickly followed, the two bypassed the lush cornfield, and saw Zhao Zun’s trusted aides sitting high on horseback.

The procession stopped at the poultry farm, and the curtain of the carriage protected by trusted aides was lifted, Zhao Zun’s agile figure was the first to leap down, then he carefully helped Han Lei off the carriage.

“Zhao Zun! It’s Zhao Zun.” Hua Tianyou’s eyes lit up, he rushed forward in quick strides.

“Brother!” Zhao Ling’er also shouted, following behind Hua Tianyou.

Hearing Zhao Ling’er’s shout, Zhao Zun turned his head. Seeing Zhao Ling’er running clumsily on the field bank, a pampering smile appeared at the corner of Zhao Zun’s mouth.

“Ling’er, slow down.”

Before the siblings could say a word upon reaching Zhao Zun, Hua Tianyou grabbed Zhao Zun’s arm without any explanation and pulled him away.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Zun frowned.

“Come with me over here, I have something urgent to tell you!”

“Humph!” Zhao Zun snorted coldly, “You don’t need to say, I already know what you want to say.”

“Hmm?” Hua Tianyou paused, turning back to look at him, his wheat-colored face full of surprise, “How do you know what I want to say?”

Zhao Zun did not immediately answer but instead turned his gaze to Zhao Ling’er, who was talking to Han Lei not far away.

Hua Tianyou followed his gaze, saw the spring breeze brushing the girl’s temples, and the light pink hairband gently fluttering in the sunlight.

He suddenly realized something, his earlobes burning instantly.

“You… you already know?” Hua Tianyou stammered, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes.

Zhao Zun snorted lightly, flicking nonexistent dust from his sleeve, “I have no objection to this matter, but…” he paused meaningfully, “you have to first pass my mother’s approval.”

“Really?” Hua Tianyou’s eyes lit up, his previous awkwardness vanished, he was so excited he almost jumped up, “So you agree?”

“You two are like that…” Zhao Zun suddenly lowered his voice, gritting his teeth and leaning closer, “like that, what use is my agreement?” While speaking, Zhao Zun made an ambiguous gesture.

Hua Tianyou’s face turned red instantly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

“What do you mean by like that? Zhao Zun, you need to clarify!” He waved his hands in defense, “Though I, Hua Tianyou, may be reckless, I know my limits. My feelings for Ling’er are honorable and restrained!”

Zhao Zun suddenly moved swiftly, grabbing his collar.

Hua Tianyou felt his collar tighten, the whole person was lifted to tiptoe.

On the handsome face so close, the deep eyes overflowed with dangerous light, “It better be like that. Otherwise…” Zhao Zun squeezed a few words through his teeth, “I’ll make sure your father won’t even recognize you.”

“Re… rest assured!” Hua Tianyou stiffened his neck, although being held by the collar, he still tried to straighten his back, “I, Hua Tianyou, swear to the heavens, absolutely no overstepping!”

Zhao Zun stared at him for a moment then suddenly let go, even smoothing out the creases on Hua Tianyou’s collar, “That’s more like it.”

“Hehe!” Hua Tianyou immediately became lively again, rubbing his hands and leaning closer, “As long as you give the nod, it’ll be easy with auntie. I’ll write home soon, tell my dad to prepare the betrothal gifts…”

“Wait.” Zhao Zun suddenly squinted, scanning him up and down like a hunter assessing prey, “When did you manage to coax Ling’er? Truly, a household thief is hard to guard against even day and night.”

Hua Tianyou was displeased upon hearing this, placing his hands on his hips, “Listen to yourself! Isn’t this just being at the right place at the right time? Besides…”