She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The cement factory isn’t large at present. The bauxite carried by the laborers a few days ago and the amount brought by the tricycles yesterday is enough for the cement factory for several days.

Therefore, the road from the mine to the cement factory can be spared for a few days, allowing road construction to begin first.

Yang Qi Quan and the craftsmen had already built pigsties and paths in wastelands with concrete when they were in Qingshui County; they knew what to do.

When Zhao Zun and Han Lei inspected the cement factory and rushed to the mine, Yang Qi Quan and the craftsmen had already mixed the cement and sand left by Han Lei along the road, but they had no clear water to mix with the concrete.

Han Lei asked Zhao Zun to take her to the riverbank of Qu Linjiang. The road from the mountain to the riverbank was only a few hundred meters, but the bank was high above the water, making it inconvenient to draw water.

After pondering for a moment, Han Lei directly purchased a small pump and engine from the system, along with many Gallen barrels. After drawing the river water into the barrels, they transported it to the mountain road edge with tricycles.

With Zhao Zun and Han Lei hauling water tirelessly, Yang Qi Quan and the others smoothly started road construction.

Transporting water like this for a long time isn’t feasible. After all, developing a pig farm, chicken and duck farm, and military camp here all require water sources.

After discussing with Zhao Zun, Han Lei decided to have Yang Qi Quan lead the craftsmen to build water channels to divert water from Qu Linjiang once the mountain road was completed.

Zhao Zun and Han Lei were so busy every day that their feet barely touched the ground, leaving early and returning late. Sometimes, they couldn’t even meet the old lady or Zhao Ling’er.

That day, the old lady was meticulously pruning the branches of beloved flowers in the courtyard with silver scissors and watering them.

Sunlight filtered through the dense leaves of the date trees in the courtyard, casting a faint glow on her graying temples.

Zhao Ling’er was playing shuttlecock with the maids in the yard. Her laughter rang clear like bells, and her dress fluttered lightly in the breeze like a dancing butterfly.

Suddenly, the steward led a young gentleman, adorned in fine clothes, into the scene.

"Why did you all run off to Fufeng County? I had quite a time finding you!"

With a bundle slung over his shoulder, Hua Tianyou strode in and laughed loudly, his voice carrying the distinctive flamboyance of a young gentleman from the Capital City.

Though his smile remained unrestrained, having shed the border soldier’s attire and armor for fine garments, Hua Tianyou reverted back to the demeanor of a charming gentleman, his sun-darkened face exuding maturity.

"Tianyou?"

The old lady turned in faint surprise.

Though she knew Hua Tianyou and Zhao Zun were close since childhood, she couldn’t help but be surprised to see the Duke Heng’s only son in the remote Fufeng County.

Hua Tianyou was a prominent figure among the young dandies of the Capital City, rarely leaving the bustling metropolis. His dusty arrival in this backwater was quite astonishing.

"Auntie."

Hua Tianyou was polite; he bowed respectfully to the old lady before turning his gaze to Zhao Ling’er, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.

"Is this... Ling’er, the younger sister?"

The old lady nodded with a smile, "Indeed, it’s Ling’er."

Hua Tianyou scrutinized her closely, his tone carrying a touch of wonder.

"Since Zhao Zun went to the military camp, I haven’t set foot in your noble residence. I didn’t expect Ling’er to have grown so graceful and poised."

Hearing this, Zhao Ling’er’s cheeks flushed as she quietly hid behind the old lady, lowering her head without speaking and clutching the shuttlecock tighter.

"Auntie, where is Zhao Zun?" Hua Tianyou glanced around, not seeing Zhao Zun, and asked.

The old lady hesitated slightly, glanced at the evening glow, and said casually, "He went to work by the mountain; he should be back by now."

Though the old lady didn’t know what exactly a cement factory was, Hua Tianyou was, after all, a notable figure among the young dandies of the Capital City.

And with Zhao Zun relegated to a Vassal King here, she still held a grudge, unwilling to let any news of her son be gossiped about by people from the Capital City.

Thus, she did not want to reveal Zhao Zun’s actual situation here to Hua Tianyou.

"By the mountain?"

Hua Tianyou raised an eyebrow, evidently surprised by the answer.

Just as he was about to ask further, the old lady instructed servants to arrange refreshments and asked, "Why did you suddenly come to Fufeng County?"

Sitting down and lifting the teacup, Hua Tianyou’s tone carried a hint of pride.

"My father asked me to get some military merits in Zhao Zun’s camp, so I could be arranged to a position in the Ministry of War or Imperial Army on my return. Now that I’ve achieved great success, I’m preparing to return."

Secretly glancing at Hua Tianyou, Zhao Ling’er’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, noticing his lively demeanor and confident, carefree expression. Unable to help herself, she smiled discreetly, her eyes flashing with curiosity and admiration.

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