4 A Meeting Gift

“Listening to you, I can’t help but feel there’s a traitor among your personal guards.”

At these words, Zhao Zun and Xiao Zhengfei abruptly looked up at Han Lei. In Zhao Zun’s eyes, alongside astonishment, there was admiration.

What a clever woman!

Zhao Zun withdrew his gaze and continued, “The moment the iron chain bridge broke, I immediately suspected such a possibility, though I hoped it was just an accident. But when we were ambushed, I became certain there was a traitor. Yet the broken bridge lies within the boundaries of Yong’an City; we must return to deal with it.”

“Your supplies have been lost. What are your plans now?”

“Since we’ve come this far, I intend to first inspect the battlefield at Yong’an and then decide our next move.”

Saying this, Zhao Zun propped himself up and cupped his hands. “I thank you, Lady Han, for your rescue. I will remember your kindness. Until we meet again.”

“Oh, no need, no need. It was just a small effort. However…”

Han Lei hastily waved her hand, her face clouded with inner conflict.

Saving lives was her duty—no need for thanks—but seeing Zhao Zun’s urgency, who now wished to leave immediately with the still unconscious Ping Chuan, she felt lost. Having just crossed over to this world and unfamiliar with her surroundings, she didn’t even know where to go.

At least for now, she needed Zhao Zun’s help, but she didn’t know how to ask.

After the ambush, she feared Zhao Zun might misunderstand her intentions and think she was deliberately trying to get close to them.

Seeing her troubled expression, Zhao Zun guessed the situation.

“Lady Han, your medical skills are extraordinary. Would you be willing to serve under my command?”

Zhao Zun’s invitation was sincere.

Putting aside that strange weapon that killed without a trace, Han Lei’s superb medical expertise alone made Zhao Zun unwilling to have her fall into enemy hands.

“Hehe, really?” Han Lei was delighted at last to have a place to settle. Yet she remained pragmatic. “But there are no women allowed in your camp. Is that… really appropriate?”

This young woman was not only skilled in medicine but also wise and tactful. Zhao Zun’s fondness for her grew even stronger.

“Hmm… it is indeed troublesome, but I will handle it.”

---

“That’s wonderful!”

Having a place to stay and a temporary job, Han Lei couldn’t help clapping her hands, her natural charm shining through. Zhao Zun thought she must be a lively young lady, a smile barely touching his lips.

Xiao Zhengfei was also charmed, laughing and cupping his hands to Han Lei. “I congratulate you, Lady Han. We shall serve the prince together.”

“Then I’ll be counting on Brother Xiao to take care of me from now on,” Han Lei mimicked their gestures, awkwardly clasping her fists in salute, her manner endearing and a bit comical.

“Hehe! Don’t mention it,” Xiao Zhengfei smiled warmly.

Since Zhao Zun had taken her in, Han Lei felt she ought to contribute something. Then she remembered her system.

They lacked food—why not buy some and offer it as a gift?

“Prince, since I am now your army medic, how about I drive you to the battlefield? You and Ping Chuan can’t walk in your current state,” Han Lei said boldly after a moment’s thought. “Luckily, I have some food in my vehicle—it might help in an emergency.”

“Is that true?”

“Ha, Prince, that’s wonderful! It seems heaven hasn’t abandoned Yong’an City!”

Now Zhao Zun and Xiao Zhengfei were both excited.

“Lady, are you really telling the truth? You actually have food?”

At that moment, Ping Chuan, just waking, overheard their conversation. Ignoring the pain in his left arm, he eagerly sat up.

“Yes!” Han Lei smiled and nodded at him. “We can deliver the food right now. How are you feeling? Can you hold on?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

Hearing there was real food, Ping Chuan’s smile stretched almost to his ears.

Zhao Zun waved his hand, unable to hide his excitement. “Good, then let’s depart at once.”

“All right! Prince, Ping Chuan, lie down. I’m driving now,” Han Lei said, immediately heading to the driver’s cabin. “Brother Xiao, sit beside me to help with directions.”

As the engine roared to life, Han Lei drove the ambulance toward the north gate of Yong’an City.

---

Meanwhile, outside the north gate of Yong’an City, the battlefield was locked in fierce combat between the Turks and the Great Jing forces. The Great Jing army had been cut off from supplies for days; the soldiers were exhausted and morale was low. Yet they continued to struggle and resist.

“Any news from Buja and the others?” Alpi, the Turk general with two braids, asked a bodyguard by his side.

“They have returned safely, General. They’re waiting for you in the main tent.”

Alpi nodded and descended from the observation platform, heading toward the commander’s tent.

Since Buja and his group had returned safely, surely they brought good news. Alpi’s lips curled into a sly smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

---

Inside the main tent—

A three-legged drinking vessel made of beast bone was slammed onto the floor with a sharp crack.

“Crack!”

“What did you say? Peanuts?”

Alpi’s eyebrows furrowed in anger, his face contorted with rage.

He strode up to Buja and raised his hand as if to slap him to death.

“You say Zhao Zun’s reinforcements killed several of our men in the blink of an eye using peanuts, and your worthless lot fled without a fight? How many reinforcements did they bring?”

Buja trembled in fear, stammering as he raised one finger.

“Just… just… just one.”