26 Cao Xiong's Provocation

"Go back, get back! It is time for drills; all of you, get back to your training!"

The soldiers glared at Cao Xiong with fury, and Zhao Zun’s party felt their own anger rising. However, a local official is subject to his superiors, and as the newly appointed Marshal of the garrison, Cao Xiong held the authority that the soldiers were bound to obey.

Not wanting to bring trouble upon the men, Zhao Zun suppressed his rage and called out in a loud voice, "Brothers, stop seeing us off! Go back! I, Zhao Zun, will keep your friendship in my heart. If destiny allows, we shall meet again in the capital. When that day comes, we will drink until we are drunk!"

With reddened eyes, the soldiers shouted in unison, "Safe travels, Marshal! Take care, Marshal!"

Reluctant to part, the soldiers lingered for a long time before slowly turning back toward the barracks.

Cao Xiong let out a scoff, then immediately changed his expression, walking toward Zhao Zun with a wide, mocking grin.

"Hahaha... The Prince of Xiaoyao is renowned for his military might and great contributions. Since you are returning to the capital, why didn't you give me any warning? I could have prepared a farewell banquet to see you off!" Cao Xiong said with a tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Marshal Cao is too kind," Zhao Zun replied coldly, uttering the standard social pleasantries while showing no sign of his true emotions.

"Hey! Why the hell did you come here with that fake act?" Hua Tianyou, a pampered young noble, had no respect for Cao Xiong and retorted directly.

Cao Xiong was momentarily stunned, though a smile quickly returned to his face. He knew this was the young heir of the Duke of Heng; although the boy was currently just a low-ranking soldier under his command, he was someone Cao Xiong could not afford to offend.

Ignoring Hua Tianyou, Cao Xiong stepped around him and cupped his hands toward Zhao Zun.

"The Prince of Xiaoyao has achieved glorious military feats and successfully repelled the enemy. The Emperor will surely reward you handsomely upon your return to the capital. I congratulate you, Your Highness."

Zhao Zun remained cold. "I appreciate the well-wishes!"

Seeing Zhao Zun fallen from grace and lacking his usual fire—so different from the day he first received the imperial decree—Cao Xiong grew increasingly arrogant.

He let out a disdainful scoff and continued, "Well, I shall bid you farewell here, Your Highness. Rest assured as you return to the capital; I will see if Cao Xiong can hold the Northern Pass just as well without the Prince of Xiaoyao. Hahaha..."

"How excessive!" Han Lei muttered to herself.

"You!"

Hua Tianyou, infuriated, pointed at Cao Xiong’s nose and lunged forward. He was nothing but a petty, power-hungry villain; he felt he wouldn't be able to quell his rage without giving the man a sound beating.

Zhao Zun grabbed Hua Tianyou and shook his head slightly. Hua Tianyou snorted and stopped, though he continued to glare at the smirking Cao Xiong.

"Hahaha..."

Seeing Zhao Zun swallow his pride and act so submissively in the face of such provocation, Cao Xiong was in high spirits and swaggered away with a loud laugh.

"Small-minded villain! Just you wait," Hua Tianyou hissed through gritted teeth, unable to shake his anger.

"Since you have decided to relinquish military power, do not stir up trouble!" Zhao Zun patted his shoulder, his own temper having cooled significantly. Looking at Cao Xiong’s retreating back, he said calmly, "Rest easy. Cao Xiong won't be triumphant for long. With the Turkic, Ala, and Meng nations lurking like tigers, he lacks the capability to hold the position of Marshal at the Northern Pass."

"Hmph! I hope he falls to his death!"

"Come, we must set off." Zhao Zun took Han Lei's hand.

"Take care on the road, then. I will miss you." Hua Tianyou, feeling the weight of the parting, stepped forward and gave Zhao Zun a firm hug.

Zhao Zun tapped him lightly on the chest with his fist. "Go back. It’s not as if we won't see each other again."

"I’ll watch you leave," Hua Tianyou said, letting go and wiping away a tear he couldn't hold back.

"Indeed. See you in the capital."

Zhao Zun helped Han Lei into the carriage. He took one last, lingering look at the military camp he loved so deeply, then gave a signal, and the procession began to move slowly.

Hua Tianyou waved goodbye from behind, watching the thin, solitary procession as it moved through the wind and snow—a truly desolate sight.

The carriages, laden with luggage, moved slowly, and with the heavy snow making the road difficult, it was already nightfall by the time Han Lei’s group reached their first stop, Jinxi County.

This was the first time Han Lei had entered a county seat of the Great Jing Dynasty since her transmigration. Zhao Zun had intended to take her around, but due to the cold, the street vendors had already packed up and the shops had closed for the night. Exhausted from a day of traveling through the storm, they ate dinner at the post house, washed up, and retired early.

Zhao Zun mentioned that their next stop was Qingshui County. Once there, they could rest for two days before continuing, and they would have time to explore the town.

The frontier post house was simple, and as it was the twelfth lunar month, the cold was biting. The quilts provided were too thin, so Han Lei purchased enough cotton blankets from her system for everyone to change into, and the whole group slept soundly.

The next morning, the post house provided a breakfast of clear congee and steamed buns.

Now that they had left the army, everyone with them was a trusted confidant. Since the group was small, Han Lei could afford to treat them. She decided to improve their diet, using her system to buy plenty of meat buns, flower rolls, soy milk, and fried dough sticks, ensuring everyone was well-fed.

The fact that Han Lei could conjure items out of thin air was no longer a surprise to them. As long as they had food and clothing, they were too lazy to ask questions. Besides, they had heard that when a soldier once suspected Han Lei of being a demon, she had given him a sound thrashing, so they had the self-awareness to stay silent.

They only chatted happily about how fortunate they were to follow a new master who provided such fine food. Life felt as sweet as honey, and they spoke of nothing else.

After breakfast, Zhao Zun had them gather the quilts. Han Lei stored them in her space, and they set off again.

The wind and snow had stopped, and a warm yellow sun had emerged. Having slept well, they started their journey early.

Perhaps because he was in a somber mood, Zhao Zun spoke little, spending much of the time lifting the carriage curtain to look at the scenery. Han Lei knew the loss of military power had been a heavy blow to him, so she didn't disturb him, thinking it best to let him find peace in the view.

Han Lei closed her eyes to rest, contemplating her future.

At noon, she bought box lunches—two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes—for everyone from her system. These common modern meals were considered delicacies here.

The group reached Qingshui County just at dinnertime. Instead of staying at the post house, they headed toward the County Magistrate’s office.

Hearing that the Prince of Xiaoyao had arrived, the Magistrate of Qingshui, accompanied by his family, came out personally to greet them.

"Your humble official, along with my family, pays respects to the Prince of Xiaoyao."

Luo Hai, the Magistrate of Qingshui, bowed deeply to Zhao Zun from a distance.

"Greetings to the Prince of Xiaoyao," his family followed suit.

"Uncle Luo, you are too formal." Zhao Zun returned the gesture and introduced them to Han Lei. "The Magistrate of Qingshui is a long-time family friend, Luo Hai. This is Aunt Luo."

"Han Lei pays her respects to Uncle Luo and Aunt Luo." Han Lei imitated the manners of a traditional noblewoman, offering a slight curtsy while stealing a glance at them.

Luo Hai was about fifty, dressed like a scholar, with a kind demeanor. Madam Luo was around the same age; though plain in appearance, she carried herself with grace and wore a warm, friendly smile.

"Wow! Brother Zun, who is this? What a beautiful young lady!"

No sooner had Han Lei finished her polite greeting than a plump young woman of about fifteen or sixteen, standing beside Madam Luo, walked up to her and exclaimed, staring at Han Lei's face in amazement.