33 It is incredibly addictive.

The jade ring traced a perfect parabola through the air. Once Zhao Zun realized what it was, he lunged to catch it. In that split second, his heart sank, leaving a hollow ache in his chest.

Fortunately, the Love-Locking Pendant landed securely in his palm.

Zhao Zun let out a long, heavy sigh of relief. Of course, he knew this trinket wasn't some token of betrothal; he had just made that up to trick Han Lei into wearing it around her neck. But he couldn't exactly say that out loud! As long as they weren't married, he didn't dare tell her the truth about what it really was.

Han Lei was unlike any woman he had ever known. She came from another world, and though she was delicate and gentle, her mind was fiercely independent—she was not the type to live solely for her husband. He feared that their month-old relationship was still too fragile, and he feared even more that Han Lei might leave him at any moment. Thus, he felt he had to use the Love-Locking Pendant to provide a sense of security for their bond.

"Lass, what happened?" Zhao Zun asked.

"Hmph! Don't even ask!" Han Lei shot him a glare. "When we tried to come back earlier, the guards stopped us. I showed them your token, but it was completely useless."

"Oh! Is that all?" Once he identified the cause, Zhao Zun was relieved. "Come here, let me put it back on."

He walked over to place the pendant around Han Lei’s neck, but she ducked away, turning her head.

"I’m not wearing it!" Han Lei pouted, her face full of grievance.

"Lass, are you confused? This is Uncle Luo’s house; why would my token work here?" Zhao Zun had to continue spouting nonsense to coax her. "My token is naturally only meant to be used at my Prince’s estate. You can use it as you please once we’re back."

"Really?" Han Lei was skeptical.

"Of course, it’s truer than real gold. How could I ever lie to you?"

As he spoke, Zhao Zun swiftly slipped the pendant back onto Han Lei’s neck. In his heart, he made a mental note to find an opportunity to beat up that dim-witted guard who had no eye for status.

Luo Hai knew of the Love-Locking Pendant and had seen it before. The former Duke of the State—Zhao Zun’s father—had told him about its origin and purpose. Seeing Zhao Zun’s insistence on Han Lei wearing it, he realized just how much Zhao Zun cared for her.

Feeling awkward about watching Zhao Zun soothe his woman, Luo Hai stood up with his wife and daughter, Luo Yuanyuan, preparing to leave.

"Since Miss Han has returned, we can set our minds at ease. Dear, Yuanyuan, let us head back."

Seeing the Luo family about to leave, Han Lei suddenly remembered the project and hurriedly stood up to stop them.

"Uncle Luo, please wait a moment."

"Hmm?" Luo Hai turned his head toward her.

"Uncle Luo, there is something I would like to discuss with you."

"Very well! Speak your mind."

Luo Hai nodded and sat back down, signaling his wife and daughter to leave first.

Han Lei wiped her mouth. "Uncle Luo, I heard that in Qingshui County, whoever clears the wasteland owns the land. Is that true?"

Hearing her bring up the land, a shadow of worry crossed Luo Hai’s face. "Alas, yes. Cangzhou is vast but sparsely populated, and the soil is barren. Every county magistrate has mobilized the commoners to open up the land for farming, and I have put in a great deal of effort, but nothing grows in that soil. The people see no return on their labor and are unwilling to waste their time on such a risk. The wealthy families occupy the good land, and they turn their noses up at the wasteland."

"I see, I’ve heard as much," Han Lei nodded. "So, Uncle Luo, I would like to cultivate those lands. Do you know what procedures I need to follow?"

"You want to cultivate the wasteland?"

"You want to cultivate the wasteland?"

Zhao Zun and Luo Hai both exclaimed in unison, looking equally stunned.

"Yes! I am already recruiting a large number of farmers. Once they arrive, we can start clearing the land," Han Lei said lightly, completely oblivious to the expressions on their faces.

"A large number of farmers? Since when?" The worry on Luo Hai’s face vanished, replaced by sheer astonishment.

"Just this morning! I am providing the seeds and the silver to recruit those farmers to clear the land. This way, they don't have to bear any risks, and they can have a steady income."

Han Lei didn't think it was a big deal, but she had no idea the impact this had on Luo Hai.

"You are providing the seeds and the money? There's such a good thing?"

Luo Hai was so shocked he didn't know what to say. He looked at Han Lei and then turned to glance at Zhao Zun, giving him a thumbs-up and mouthing the words: "Your Princess is too incredible, isn't she?"

For him, this was nothing short of attracting investment to Qingshui County! He had served as an official here for years, dreaming of bringing in a major benefactor to develop the county and boost his political record. But that had been nothing more than a dream.

Cangzhou was remote, far from the imperial capital. His Qingshui County was a tiny, insignificant place. Even the minor branches of wealthy families here were considered elite, yet they were all notoriously stingy. Getting them to loosen their purse strings for the sake of the county's development was impossible.

In this godforsaken place, achieving any kind of political success was harder than climbing to the heavens.

While Luo Hai was secretly celebrating the arrival of a wealthy benefactor, Zhao Zun looked blank. "Lass, how come I didn't know about this? Why did you suddenly want to..."

"Weren't you sleeping all morning?" Han Lei slanted a look at him.

"Er..." That was true. "But we’re supposed to head back tomorrow! We need to return to the capital to see His Majesty, return the military seal, and get married!"

According to the military laws of the Great Jing, Zhao Zun had only handed over the position of Marshal to Cao Xiong. The military seal had to be returned to the Emperor in person upon their return to the capital, after which the Emperor would send a trusted messenger to deliver it to the border for Cao Xiong. This meant that until the seal reached Cao Xiong, he could manage and train the troops, but he had no authority to mobilize them.

Hearing this, Luo Hai immediately grew nervous, fearing that Zhao Zun would refuse. If they left with Han Lei tomorrow, his dream would once again come to nothing.

"I know." Han Lei understood that meeting the Emperor was a serious matter and that she couldn't force him to stay. She immediately put on a sweet, charming smile, grabbing Zhao Zun’s arm and swaying it playfully. "My Prince! Just stay a few more days! Five days, how about five days? When we get back, you can just tell His Majesty that the mountain roads were blocked by heavy snow and we were delayed! Please?"

Oh! Here it was again! That cloyingly sweet, intoxicating feeling. It was too much!

Zhao Zun covered his forehead, instantly surrendering.

"Alright, then. Five days as you said." His face suddenly darkened as he asked with displeasure, "What did you just call me?"

"Er..." Han Lei realized her mistake and laughed sheepishly. "I misspoke. Zhao Zun, Zhao Zun."

Facing their flirting, Luo Hai felt terribly awkward. His eyes darted around, not knowing where to look. He desperately wanted to escape, but the matter of the investment hadn't been finalized yet! He had to bite the bullet, set aside his dignity as an elder, and shamelessly remind her.

"Miss Han, about that matter you mentioned..."