28 The Prince Finds Peace

Han Lei retrieved cleaning supplies from her space and wiped away the filth from the floor. She then took out an air freshener, sprayed the room thoroughly, and waited for the air to circulate before closing the doors and windows.

After tidying up the room, she looked at Zhao Zun, who had fallen into a deep sleep, and let out a soft sigh.

She sat on the edge of the bed, took warm water and a towel from her space, and gently wiped the stains from Zhao Zun’s cheeks and the corners of his mouth.

Perhaps finding the warmth on his face soothing, Zhao Zun shifted slightly, turning his face toward Han Lei. She carefully wiped his face twice more before wringing out the towel to clean his hands.

"Sigh," Han Lei whispered softly. "The imperial court has stripped you of your military command; I know your heart is heavy. But why torture yourself by drinking so much? You are only hurting your own body."

Setting the towel aside, she took Zhao Zun’s hand in hers, stroking it repeatedly with extreme tenderness, as if trying to convey her care and comfort through the gentle touch.

"I’m not very good at comforting people," Han Lei murmured to the sleeping man. "But I know that the end of one chapter in life can often be the beginning of another."

"What use is there in holding onto bitterness? You’ve surrendered your command and vented your frustrations here with Uncle Luo; that should be enough. Tomorrow, when you wake up, it will be a brand new day. You have been granted the title of a prince of a different surname; you can accept the rewards back in the capital and enjoy a few days of peace before deciding on your next steps."

"Perhaps you have already weighed the consequences yourself. If you had refused to surrender your military power, given the Emperor’s suspicious nature and the agitation of those who wish to stir up trouble, he would surely have branded you a traitor and sent troops to attack. With external enemies lurking outside the Northern Pass, you would have been caught in a pincer attack. Is that what you would have wanted?"

Zhao Zun groaned and curled up into a ball. Han Lei tucked the quilt around him, fed him a little water, and took his hand again, continuing her gentle, rambling monologue.

"The reason you are in pain, the reason you feel so stifled, is because your dedication and efforts were different from others—you were putting your life on the line! You and your brothers-in-arms used your youth and your very lives to defend the peace of the Great Jing Dynasty, yet all of this could not escape the manipulation of imperial power."

"I understand your grief and your sense of injustice. You wanted to lead your troops, yet you were stripped of command. Having your years of loyalty and sacrifice slandered and framed makes you feel regretful and cold-hearted. It’s much like a book I once read, titled 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.' Do you know what the greatest regret in that story is?"

As she spoke, her thoughts drifted back to the days of her youth spent watching the show.

"In 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' Duan Yu never wanted to practice martial arts, yet he became a master. Meanwhile, Kumarajiva pursued the ultimate martial arts his entire life, only to end up losing his skills and becoming a cripple. The goal Murong Fu chased his whole life was something Duan Yu possessed from birth, while the woman Duan Yu spent half his life chasing, Wang Yuyan, was someone Murong Fu could have had with ease. Qiao Feng hated the Khitan people most of all, only to discover he was one himself. Isn't that ironic?"

"It’s just like how many people dream of what others already possess. Many people’s lifelong goals are merely the starting point for someone else. Some even end up working merely to pave the way for others."

Han Lei’s thoughts wandered through the scenes of the story, completely unaware that the man curled up on the bed was shaking slightly, a soft, sobbing sound escaping his lips.

"The moon waxes and wanes; there will always be regrets in everyone’s life—nothing is ever perfect. Since you have decided to return to the capital, let the past remain in the past. When facing the setbacks and regrets of life, as long as you meet challenges head-on and swim against the current, you will not have lived this vibrant life in vain. You may have lost your position as a commanding general, but perhaps a better life awaits you ahead."

"Wuu-wuu-wuu..."

The whimpering suddenly erupted into heavy sobbing that echoed through the room, startling Han Lei. Zhao Zun, who should have been fast asleep, suddenly braced himself up and buried his head deep into Han Lei’s lap. Amidst her quiet words of comfort, he finally cast aside his masculine pride before the woman he loved and wept openly.

Han Lei regained her composure, looking at the head buried in her lap in a state of bewilderment.

"Hey, you... you... what’s wrong? Why are you crying? Is it... did I press on you too hard by mistake?"

Han Lei quickly pulled her hands away and raised them, thinking to herself that she had only been stroking his hand gently, not massaging him.

Zhao Zun held onto her legs and sobbed for a while. Perhaps after venting his emotions, he felt a bit better, and the loud weeping gradually turned into soft choking sounds.

He sniffled and looked up at Han Lei, his face showing a hint of embarrassment.

"You said you weren't good at comforting people, but you are very good at it! Girl, thank you! I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you."

"No, no, no," Han Lei said, waving her hands and shaking her head like a rattle.

What did it matter if he was a man? Even the strongest men have moments of emotional collapse. It was just a release of emotions; how could she ever look down on him?

They say men don't shed tears easily, only when they are truly heartbroken. She knew that the Emperor’s suspicion had truly shattered Zhao Zun’s heart.

"Now that you've let it out, do you... do you feel better?" Han Lei asked timidly, terrified of accidentally wounding this man's pride.

"Yes! Much better." Zhao Zun wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks and said with a sense of relief, "You're right. What’s done is done; there’s no point in feeling so bitter."

"Exactly. Losing your military command isn't your fault; it's the Emperor’s loss. He doesn't know how to use talented people, only how to be suspicious and jealous. He’ll have plenty of regrets in the days to come!"

Seeing that Zhao Zun seemed to have crossed this hurdle, Han Lei lost her hesitation and comforted him openly. After all, they were the only two in the room; scolding the Emperor to vent some frustration wouldn't be overheard by anyone else.

"You are right! No matter what the Emperor intends for me, I will simply face whatever comes my way. I am more than just a man who can lead troops in battle. As long as I put in the effort, I can live a good life just the same."

Han Lei’s words of consolation were effective; Zhao Zun felt a sudden sense of clarity in his heart.

"Yes! And I am here with you. Since I have come to your side, I will definitely fight alongside you. We will work hard together, and we will absolutely be able to create a wonderful life." Han Lei declared with conviction.

Since it was fated that she would be entangled with Zhao Zun for a lifetime, it was naturally fated that she would face all the storms and trials with him, standing shoulder to shoulder.

Zhao Zun gazed deeply into Han Lei’s eyes, remaining silent for a long time. He could feel the determination and encouragement in her words, and he could feel her acceptance and trust in him.

Han Lei felt embarrassed under Zhao Zun’s intense, affectionate gaze. She looked out the window, stood up, and took bread and milk from her system to hand to him.

"You emptied your stomach vomiting last night. Since you’ve cleared your mind, eat something to settle your stomach and get some rest. It’s already dawn." Han Lei said softly.

Zhao Zun looked toward the window; the sky was indeed turning pale with the coming dawn.

"I will send you back to rest first; you’ve had a tiring night as well." Zhao Zun said, tossing aside the quilt to get out of bed, only for Han Lei to press him back down and pull the covers over him.

"Don't bother going back and forth; I’m just in the neighboring courtyard, it’s not far."

"Then... alright!"

Zhao Zun stopped insisting and lay back down obediently, clutching his palm tightly as if he could still feel the warmth of Han Lei’s touch.

Han Lei walked out, pulled the door shut behind her, stretched, and walked away.

She did not return to her own courtyard to rest. Instead, she took deep breaths and did some chest-expanding exercises as she walked toward the courtyard where Ah Mao and the others were staying.