Chapter 257 - 159: Traitorous Officials and Rebels (Part 2)

Big Fatty took the blueprint eagerly and unfolded it to look.

The dense lines and annotations on the blueprint made him dizzy, but the more he looked, the more excited he became.

He seemed to already see the water diversion system and honeycomb coal stove he personally created flourishing all over the Canzhou land.

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant!" Big Fatty exclaimed repeatedly, his eyes full of eagerness, "Sister-in-law, your idea is truly ahead of its time! In my lifetime, I’ve never encountered such an interesting challenge! I love it."

Seeing his excitement, Han Lei couldn’t help but laugh, "Then you’d better hurry, the people of Canzhou are waiting for you."

Big Fatty thumped his chest with pride.

"Alright, I’ll get my affairs in order today and tomorrow, and set off for Canzhou the day after! This time I’ll show my skills and let my grandfather see that I too can bring glory to the family name."

Han Lei nodded in satisfaction, throwing in a teaser.

"With your word, I’m at ease. When you reach Canzhou, you’ll find even more good things waiting."

"Really?" Big Fatty’s eyes lit up.

"Yes!" Han Lei blinked slightly, "You’ll know when you get there."

With matters settled between them, they joined the Big Word Group brothers for a hearty meal.

The room was filled with laughter and conversation, while the steam from the hot pot filled the air, as if sealing them off from the chaotic outside world.

After the lunch, Big Fatty went back to arrange his affairs, while Han Lei led the brothers to the Youjia Inn, taking a detour.

May 25th was the birthday banquet of Princess Changle, a rare opportunity. Han Lei decided to "greet" the Champion Marquis’s family on that day.

When Han Lei’s group entered the Youjia Inn in Tongzi Lane, Shopkeeper Mr. Liu thought they were lodging guests and warmly welcomed them.

The Big Word Group’s leader stepped forward to negotiate for three rooms with Mr. Liu, while Han Lei retreated to the entrance, observing around to ensure no one was following, then approached Mr. Liu.

She asked softly in a gentle voice, "Mr. Liu, is your health still good?"

Mr. Liu was taken aback, recognizing the Princess Consort’s voice but unfamiliar with the chubby person speaking before him. What was going on?

Da Jiu was staying at the Youjia Inn. As Mr. Liu stood confused, Da Jiu came down the stairs and instantly recognized a few of the Big Word Group brothers.

"Big Word Leader? Why... why are you here?" Da Jiu asked in surprise.

"Da Jiu, you know them?" Mr. Liu was even more perplexed.

"They’re just like me, subordinates of the Princess Consort," Da Jiu said.

Subordinates of the Princess Consort?

Mr. Liu suddenly realized something, turning to the chubby person in front of him, cautiously asking:

"Are you... are you the Princess Consort?"

Han Lei giggled, "Mr. Liu, I’m Han Lei. Is your health well?"

Mr. Liu was overjoyed, "Good, good. The Princess Consort still cares about your humble servant. Please, come with me to the backyard for a seat."

Mr. Liu handed the counter over to the waiter to watch, and along with Da Jiu, he led Han Lei and her group to the backyard.

Together they spent some time chatting in the house and then started secretly planning the next steps.

No one outside knew what they were doing inside, nor did anyone know what was going to happen next...

Until nightfall quietly descended, only then did Han Lei and the others emerge from the house in the backyard.

Han Lei was about to lead the brothers back to their original inn when suddenly, the urgent sound of horse hooves came from the distance.

Han Lei frowned, looking alertly in the direction of the sound, signaling Mr. Liu to go and see.

A moment later, Mr. Liu returned to the backyard, full of joy.

"Princess Consort, Princess Consort. Look who’s here," Mr. Liu said excitedly as he walked.

Han Lei looked up to see it was Xiao Zhengfei and four trusted aides who had arrived.

"Mr. Xiao, why have you come? Is there something urgent from the Prince?" A trace of worry flashed in Han Lei’s eyes.

Even though Mr. Liu had already informed them, Xiao Zhengfei and the four trusted aides couldn’t help but laugh as they sized up Han Lei’s new look.

"Haha, Princess Consort, you really have a knack. The Prince was worried that the remaining seven assassins were coming to kill you, so he sent us rushing to the Capital City to protect you. Now it seems even if the assassins were here, they wouldn’t recognize you!" Xiao Zhengfei said with a laugh.

"Exactly, we rushed as fast as we could and managed to enter the city before the gates closed, only to find our worries were unnecessary. Hahaha," another trusted aide chimed in with laughter.