Traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty: Picking up a princess as my wife

Despite some setbacks along the way, thanks to the advanced truck and a bit of luck, the group made it back to Tangyin County safely, albeit with minor mishaps.

Li Zhen didn't enter Tangyin City. Instead, he drove his dusty truck straight to the secluded Li Family Village. Compared to the bustling and crowded Tangyin City, Li Family Village was more like a haven gently treated by time, offering a sense of tranquility and peace, becoming their most solid support at this moment.

It was already the end of the twelfth lunar month, and the Spring Festival was just a few days away. The people in the village began to prepare supplies for the New Year, and the whole village was already filled with a festive atmosphere.

Upon seeing the two trucks approaching, the sentries guarding the stronghold opened the gates without even asking any questions. In this era, only the chieftain and a few other leaders could use trucks; aside from anything else, the yellow liquid that made those massive machines move was something unavailable elsewhere.

Knowing that Li Zhen and the others had returned, Zhao Yingluo ignored the advice of others and walked out despite her large pregnant belly.

Zhao Ji jumped off the truck, and as soon as he got off, he saw Zhao Yingluo standing in the cold wind. Although the father and daughter had been separated for a long time, he recognized his precious daughter at a glance.

He strode to Zhao Yingluo's side, his voice trembling with disbelief: "Yingluo, my little girl, I never thought I would see you again in my lifetime. Are you pregnant?"

Faced with this sudden surge of emotions, Zhao Yingluo was stunned. The middle-aged man in front of her had an unfamiliar face, yet there was a hint of familiarity in his features. His long-lost childhood nickname was like a warm current that traveled through time, gently brushing against her heart and awakening the most tender corner of her memory.

Zhao Yingluo asked softly, "You, are you Father Emperor? How come your appearance has changed?"

At this moment, Li Zhen arrived, his face full of concern and reproach. He said softly but firmly, "It's freezing cold here. Go back quickly, lest you hurt yourself."

His words conveyed both his affection for Zhao Yingluo and a subtle reconciliation of the complex emotions he felt about the scene before him.

The three of them are intertwined with emotions. Although there are doubts and unfamiliarity, the deep bond of kinship is quietly surging, making this winter afternoon no longer cold.

Li Zhen gently helped Zhao Ji remove his hood, as if unveiling a veil. Zhao Ji's true face gradually became clear in the soft light, reflected in Zhao Yingluo's tearful eyes.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and all the longing and anticipation transformed into a silent embrace.

Ignoring her slightly protruding belly, Zhao Yingluo, driven by a reckless impulse, rushed into Zhao Ji's long-lost and warm embrace.

Her eyes were already brimming with tears: "Father, this...this isn't a dream, is it? You've really come back?"

A gentle light shone in Zhao Ji's eyes as he gently embraced Zhao Yingluo, his movements full of doting affection and tenderness, as if she were still that little girl who needed protection.

He gently stroked Zhao Yingluo's hair with his palm, a gesture that conveyed a thousand words, enough to express all his longing and care at that moment without needing to say more.

Everything around seemed to quiet down, leaving only the unspoken emotional exchange between the father and daughter, flowing gently in the air, warm and touching. At this moment, all the waiting and anticipation transformed into the most sincere embrace, frozen into an eternal image.

In the warm room, Li Zhen poured wine for Zhao Ji while recounting the rescue of his father-in-law in Wuguo City. When he heard the dangerous parts, Zhao Yingluo couldn't help but whisper and call out, as if she and Li Zhen were there together.

In a safe environment, Zhao Ji and the old eunuch Wang Cheng relaxed and couldn't help but drink a few more cups.

Keep in mind that this was Erguotou from the modern era. Even Li Zhen, who had a high alcohol tolerance, could only drink about half a liter. As a result, the two elderly people were carried into their rooms to rest.

In Li Zhen's warm and elegant study, soft candlelight cast a gentle glow, adding a touch of warmth to the tranquil night.

A gentle smile played on his lips as he gazed affectionately at Zhao Yingluo beside him. He said softly, "Yingluo, look how beautiful the night is. Just as I wished. Is this 'surprise' I've carefully prepared for you tonight to your liking?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yingluo's cheeks flushed red, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of shyness and gratitude.

She parted her lips slightly, her voice as soft as a whisper, yet filled with deep affection: "My husband, thank you for rescuing Father from that dangerous place. I can never repay your kindness in this lifetime."

After speaking, she slowly turned to the side and leaned against Li Zhen's strong and warm arm in an almost snuggling posture, as if she had found the most solid support in the world.

Her voice held a newfound tenderness and determination: "My husband, I truly thank you. Thank you for stepping forward and risking your own safety to rescue Father from his dire straits. If it weren't for you, we might never have seen each other again in this lifetime."

Hearing this, Li Zhen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He gently embraced Zhao Yingluo, their shadows elongated in the candlelight, creating a tender and touching scene. He whispered, "Yingluo, there's no need for thanks between us. Your happiness is my greatest wish. No matter what the future holds, I will walk alongside you, protecting you and our home."

This conversation not only revealed the deep affection between the two, but also filled the small study with warmth and sweetness, as if even the air was filled with the scent of happiness.

Li Zhen lingered in the mountain stronghold for two days, his heart already racing like an arrow, eager to fly back to the Tangyin City that haunted his dreams. There, his roots lay, the foundation of his enterprise; even a brief separation was filled with lingering longing. Time flew by, and his heart stirred with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. He wondered if Tangyin City had become even more prosperous, or if it had taken on a new look.

Stepping into the county government office, Li Zhen's steps were steady and dignified. He called out softly, and Wang Changdao and Yue Ying arrived in response, like two swift winds, each carrying the hard work and achievements of a period of time, but also mixed with inexplicable undercurrents.

The two exchanged a glance, and an inexplicable tension and awkwardness filled the air. Their eye contact was like a close-quarters battle on an ancient battlefield, not with flashing swords, but with a deep-seated hatred, as if each of the other's breaths was an invasion of their most cherished territory.

Seeing this, Mr. Bad couldn't help but chuckle, a playful smile curving his lips. He slowly asked, "Gentlemen, the atmosphere here is rather subtle. Could there be some misunderstanding? Or perhaps the recent management matters have left you both exhausted, so that you've lost your usual amicable demeanor when you meet?"

After speaking, Li Zhen's gaze swept gently over the two men, his eyes revealing both worldly wisdom and care and consideration for his subordinates.