Chapter 380: Blood-Stained Palace Walls (Part 2)

He suddenly put on a flattering smile, bumped Zhao Zun’s shoulder, “We’re originally brothers who risk our lives for each other, now with a marriage alliance, you’ve become my brother-in-law, isn’t that a wonderful thing?”

Zhao Zun looked at this brother, who grew up with him, and his always mischievous smile was particularly serious at this moment.

He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly clenched his fist and shook it in front of Hua Tianyou: “You may marry Ling’er, but if I find out she’s been wronged even the slightest bit…”

Zhao Zun’s knuckles made a crisp cracking sound: “At that time, don’t blame my fists for showing no mercy.”

Hua Tianyou was not afraid; instead, he grinned widely.

He earnestly clasped his fists in salute: “Rest assured, brother-in-law! I, Hua Tianyou, swear here, in this life, I will treat Ling’er like a treasure, and should I ever break this vow, let the heavens strike me!”

The spring breeze brushed the fields, stirring the wheat waves.

Not far away, Zhao Ling’er seemed to feel something, turned and looked over, meeting Hua Tianyou’s passionate gaze.

The young girl’s pretty face turned red, hurriedly turned away, yet couldn’t hide the sweet smile at the corner of her mouth.

Hua Tianyou and Zhao Zun returned to the original spot, greeted Han Lei, then Han Lei sweetly smiled and instructed the trusted aides on horseback: “You guys first take these refugees to rest under the corrugated iron sheds, or show them around, I’ll make arrangements later.”

Xiao Zhengfei and the trusted aides took their orders and led the ragged refugees towards several corrugated iron sheds ahead.

After the crowd dispersed, Zhao Zun patted Hua Tianyou’s shoulder, said to Han Lei: “Let’s look around, let Tianyou talk about the progress these days.”

Hua Tianyou straightened his lapel, began to report seriously.

“The pig farm and chicken-duck farm are ready and can be put into use at any time. Five hundred soldiers have undergone rigorous training, now showing initial results, the newly built military camp is also completed, the soldiers are packing to prepare for moving in.”

Han Lei heard this, a hint of appreciation flashed in her eyes, and she softly said: “Tianyou is handling things more steadily, I remember when first we met in Yong’an, he was just a scoundrel who would whistle at people.”

“Of course. I’m quite capable now!” Hua Tianyou said, proudly raising his chin at Han Lei.

But as soon as he finished speaking, the back of his head received a slap.

“Bang!”

“Who are you calling ‘young master’? That’s your sister-in-law.” Zhao Zun glared at him discontentedly. “Continue.”

“Oh!”

Hua Tianyou shrank his neck, like a mouse seeing a cat. It amused Han Lei and Zhao Ling’er so much that they let out a giggle.

Hua Tianyou continued: “Last month we received your order that the Capital City will send a large number of beggars. We’ve sped up construction. It’s just…”

He looked at the refugees who had walked away, slightly hesitant, “Though concrete pours quickly, there are limited craftsmen here, currently only a few hundred houses have been built.”

Zhao Zun furrowed his brow slightly, fingers lightly tapping the pistol by his waist: “Counting the locals and refugees, there are already over twenty thousand people here, a few hundred houses… It’s indeed a bit troublesome.”

Han Lei’s eyes turned, suggested, “How about this, allocate existing houses based on work done. Anyway, there’s a record in the payroll book, prioritize those who are diligent, hardworking, and homeless. This can both motivate everyone and seem fair.”

Standing aside, Zhao Ling’er immediately chimed in: “This method is good, those who work more get houses first. I’ll go back to sort the accounts soon and quickly list the first batch of occupants.”

“Good idea.” Zhao Zun also nodded in agreement, then thought of something else.

“However… that’s not enough. We need to select capable people from the existing two construction teams and form more teams to start construction simultaneously. Just a few months until winter arrives, we must settle these refugees before then.”

Hua Tianyou’s eyes lit up: “Zhao Zun is right, form more construction teams.”

Han Lei adjusted her sleeves, spoke warmly: “The pig farm and chicken-duck farm should also start operating. Why not go to the cement factory now, gather the managers everywhere for a meeting, and arrange all upcoming plans properly. Arrange for new refugees to suitable positions, work for labor.”

As they spoke, they walked along the cement road towards the factory area, the sunset stretched their shadows long…

The last trace of sunset soaked half the sky like blood.

The big trees beside the official road stretched their dense branches in the twilight, like pairs of large hands, wanting to grab something yet in vain.

King Liangzhou’s convoy slowly traveled on the official road leading to Liangzhou, the wheels crushing the gravel, producing a dull sound.

In stark contrast to the banners waving and majestic spectacle when entering the Capital City, the troop now was scattered and disordered. The guards were dejected, the horses hung their heads, and the hoofbeats were chaotic.