Chapter 148 - 124: Mother and Son Compete for Favor (Part 3)

Zhao Zun nodded, "Mother, the mountain paths are difficult to traverse, so I have ordered people to build that area of the mountain into a cemetery, allowing the brothers to rest in peace there. Once the cemetery is completed, I will accompany you to pay respects."

The old lady looked at her son with concern, "Good, good, I must personally go to offer incense to them and thank them."

At this moment, the old lady seemed to remember something and turned to bow towards Han Lei.

"Lei’er, I know that it was thanks to you this time that Zun could return safely. I thank you for saving his life."

Seeing this, Han Lei quickly supported the old lady and anxiously said, "Auntie, why are you doing this? You are embarrassing the younger generation."

However, the old lady insisted on bowing, and Zhao Ling’er couldn’t help but interject.

"Mother, you don’t need to keep thanking her! Han Lei and my brother are soon to be married. We are all one family, so no need to be so formal."

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Zun’s somber face rarely showed a hint of smile, while Han Lei blushed deeply, holding her forehead and not daring to meet anyone’s gaze.

Han Lei covered her rosy face with her hand, shyly saying, "Ling’er, Zhao Zun has more important things to do right now. The marriage...is not urgent."

Zhao Zun nodded and picked up the conversation.

"Yes, Mother, since we’ve just arrived here, once everything settles down, I wish to give Han Lei a grand wedding. I won’t let her be wronged."

Upon hearing this, the old lady finally revealed a reassuring smile.

"Alright, Ling’er, stop bothering your sister Han Lei. They just returned and must be starving, let’s eat first, before the dishes get cold."

The family finally sat together for a meal. The Prince had returned, and the new housekeeper Mr. Chen had ordered a few more delicious dishes to be prepared.

The table was filled with a sumptuous array of dishes, with the aroma permeating the air. The old lady sat at the head seat, with several juniors seated on either side.

Zhao Ling’er sat beside Han Lei, still enthusiastically chatting non-stop, while the old lady kept serving dishes to Zhao Zun and Han Lei, inquiring about their experiences on the battlefield.

To avoid worrying his mother, Zhao Zun exchanged a glance with Han Lei, and both chose to narrate only the mundane and non-dangerous parts.

Even so, the old lady listened with a worried heart, whereas the spirited and lively Zhao Ling’er listened with great interest, looking admiringly at Han Lei.

"Wow! Sister Han Lei, you are so amazing! I can’t even imagine how valiant you looked back then. If only I had half your skills!"

Indeed, ancient girls were not as worldly and insightful as modern girls. Zhao Ling’er was already at the age of marriage, yet she remained that innocent and pure.

As family, at this moment, the old lady was concerned about the dangers Zhao Zun and others faced on the battlefield and how they returned safely.

Yet Zhao Ling’er focused on how impressive and valiant Han Lei was at the time.

Zhao Ling’er’s words left Han Lei both amused and exasperated, as she put down her chopsticks and reached out to pinch Zhao Ling’er’s delicate cheek.

"Our Ling’er is great too! Ling’er can read and write poems, things that Sister Han Lei cannot do," Han Lei said admiringly.

"Really? I’m great too? Haha... We each have our strengths."

The simple girl, indeed, was easy to coax. Hearing Han Lei praise her, Zhao Ling’er burst out in cheerful laughter.

Zhao Ling’er’s laughter made the atmosphere of the dinner relaxed and warm, and Zhao Zun’s mood no longer seemed so heavy and sad.

After dinner, with nightfall, everyone tired from several days of travel retreated to wash up and rest.

Zhao Zun was originally holding Han Lei’s hand, intending to find a room for her to rest.

Unexpectedly, the old lady swatted away Zhao Zun’s rough hand, personally holding Han Lei’s hand and leading her to the room that had long been arranged for her. This left Zhao Zun staring at his empty hand, feeling as if his mother was competing for affection.

The room arranged by the old lady for Han Lei was in a quiet courtyard, where some orchids and crabapple flowers were planted. The old lady thought that, according to Han Lei’s nature, she should like these two types of flowers.

Upon opening the room’s door, it was also elegantly furnished with a faint scent wafting in the chambers.

"Do you like this room?"

The old lady pointed at the elegantly simple decor with a face full of pride.

"Yes! Thank you, Auntie."

Lei sweetly nodded and seemed to notice something behind the old lady’s unexpected hospitality.

"Good that you like it." The old lady kindly nodded, "We’ve just arrived here, you can make do with this for now. Once you two marry, you can move back to the Prince Mansion, which will definitely be more beautifully renovated."

"Yes! No hurry."

Han Lei nodded again, uneasily, touching the sudden droplet on her face, she promptly urged the old lady.

"Auntie, it’s started to rain. You should hurry back and rest!"

"Yes! No hurry."

Looking at the Love Lock string peeking from Han Lei’s collar, the old lady’s lips slightly curled, and she replied in kind, making the maids behind sneakily chuckle.

Holding on to Han Lei’s hand, the old lady was reluctant to let go, scrutinizing Han Lei from head to toe, becoming increasingly fond of this future daughter-in-law.

Han Lei, feeling a bit awkward under her gaze, was about to speak again to hasten things, when the old lady spoke in a kindly tone once more.