Huo Tingshan suddenly turned his head and looked over, just in time to see a few people turning out from the alley ahead. They walked together, chatting as they went.
His gaze returned to the elegant lady beside him, who was instructing the guards to load three wooden boxes onto the carriage.
“...Stack them neatly in the corner when the time comes. Huo Tingshan, what are you doing?” Pei Ying was caught off guard as he suddenly lifted her up, hurriedly grabbing onto the collar of the man in front of her in surprise.
The man being questioned seemed not to hear her. He walked a few steps to the horse named Wuye, gently placing her onto its back. Once she was seated, he swung himself up behind her.
Leaning back against a strong chest, her arms wrapped around his sides, Pei Ying watched as he took the reins and skillfully turned Wuye around, heading back the way they had come.
Pei Ying was stunned. “Huo Tingshan?”
Why were they going back?
Could it be that he thought they still needed to go to the southern barracks? But if he was busy, he could have gone alone—there was no need to bring her along.
“My lady, didn’t you want to buy some gifts? I suddenly remembered a shop that’s quite good. I’ll take you there now,” the man said.
Pei Ying furrowed her delicate brows. “No need to rush. We have the whole afternoon free; we can take our time browsing.”
He lowered his gaze to her, noticing her long lashes trembling slightly—he knew she was a bit afraid. “Afraid of what? You won’t fall. You’re always riding in carriages; your bones must be lazy enough already.”
Pei Ying was speechless for a moment. “...Does riding a horse really not jostle your bones to pieces?”
Huo Tingshan chuckled softly. “You have a point, my lady. How about this: from now on, I’ll do my morning exercises and bring you along.”
Pei Ying immediately refused. “No need, you get up too early—I can’t wake up that early.”
One day when he rose for his morning exercise, she happened to be awake too. At the time, he hadn’t brought the night pearl, and the room was shrouded in darkness. Curious about the time, she followed him outside to take a look. The sky was gray and hazy, only faintly brightening—probably around the early hours of the day.
He got up every day at five o’clock; she simply didn’t have that kind of energy.
The topic drifted naturally until Wuye came to a stop in front of a shop.
Unlike the previous street stalls, this was a proper storefront, displaying various ornaments. There were fox-fur hats favored by the northern Hu people, wolf-skin scarves, and short sheepskin jackets commonly worn by the Hu.
If other shops sold goods in the style of the Great Chu, this one seemed dedicated to catering specifically to the Hu people.
The Hu?
“Is there really a shop like this inside the Great Chu?” Pei Ying asked in surprise.
Huo Tingshan replied, “Of course. Wherever there’s profit to be made, there are merchants. The customers of such shops aren’t ordinary commoners but Hu traders.”
Though the northern territories had been tense lately, as long as there was money to be made, merchants would find a way. Some small Hu tribes or mixed-blood families had leveraged connections to obtain permits allowing them to enter the city.
They needed to shuttle back and forth between the two regions, and once outside the city and into the northern lands, they certainly wouldn’t be wearing Han-style clothing.
“I see,” Pei Ying said with understanding.
In the end, Pei Ying bought a small curved Hu knife from that shop.
After leaving the shop that specialized in Hu merchants’ clothing, they visited several other stores in succession. Time passed slowly until it was nearly dinnertime.
Pei Ying cast her gaze toward a nearby eatery. “Huo Tingshan, let’s have dinner outside tonight.”
The eatery was quite large and bustling with business. People came and went, mostly merchants or local well-to-do families.
“No.” Huo Tingshan refused. Meeting Pei Ying’s puzzled look, he said with a hint of disdain, “Many of the Hu merchants frequent the eateries here on the border. They carry a certain… scent.”
Pei Ying was speechless.
She hadn’t seen him so particular before.
Still, his reasoning convinced her, and in the end, she and Huo Tingshan returned to the stable quarters to have their dinner.
Dinner first, then rest.
For Pei Ying, an ordinary day passed just like that.
The next morning, everyone rose early. Today they had a journey ahead—they were to set off back to Xuantu Commandery. Their luggage had been mostly packed the day before. Pei Ying placed the embroidered pillows belonging to herself and Huo Tingshan into the chest, then closed the lid.
Everything was in order.
After a simple breakfast in the main hall on the first floor, the Youzhou army set off once more. Traveling from the border back to Xuantu Commandery took nearly a month and a half. As late autumn slipped away and winter approached, the army finally returned to Xuantu.
Before the troops arrived, news of the great army’s triumphant return and the pacification of the northern lands spread like wildfire throughout the entire Xuantu Commandery.
The common folk hurried to spread the word, preparing to line the streets in celebration, eager to catch a glimpse of their Youzhou governor’s presence. Preparations were plentiful: baskets brimming with melons and fruits, and skillful young women even folded numerous flowers from silk cloth.
Everything was ready; the city gates opened to welcome their victorious army.
The people waited and waited. The army did indeed arrive, and the proud, valiant generals appeared at the front ranks. Many were present, including their governor’s second son.
Yet, no sign of their governor himself.
Had Lord Huo not returned?
Could it be that the great general was still on the battlefield...?
This thought caused many faces in the crowd to change dramatically.
The once cheerful crowd grew noisy, and the clamor escalated. A loud-voiced burly man shouted, “Where is the great general?”
The scene left Huo Zhizhang helpless, but deep down, he felt genuine pride for his father. These people, protected by his father, had not forgotten the man who had upheld the border’s safety.
Huo Zhizhang raised his voice and said, “Father said he’s grown weary of the endless yellow sands of the northern plains and misses the Danping Peak outside the city. He went ahead to visit the mountains beyond the city.”
The unspoken message: he’s on leave, not returning with the main force.
These words were spoken as instructed. At first, hearing this, many found it unbelievable, thinking it too casual.
The crowd on both sides of the street fell silent.
Some turned their gaze toward the generals. They saw men with flushed faces, not a trace of sorrow, clearly victorious and triumphant.
The loud-voiced burly man suddenly burst out laughing, “General Huo truly lives up to his reputation as a divine commander. A small patch of northern land is clearly beneath his concern.”
They’ve all gone off sightseeing and enjoying themselves—doesn’t that show how little they actually care?
As soon as this was said, the people around chuckled and nodded in agreement.
“Absolutely, absolutely. The Xiongnu are nothing but a minor nuisance. When Lord Huo goes, it’ll be a swift victory—unstoppable on the battlefield!”
“I heard that the Governor’s wife went with the army. Could it be she’s not even with the troops right now?”
This immediately sparked the crowd’s curiosity. People leaned forward, some asking the soldiers for confirmation.
After a moment, the gathered townsfolk got their answer. The Governor’s wife was indeed not with the army; she had gone sightseeing with Huo Tingshan.
“Hahaha, our Lord Huo truly loves his wife. Taking her along on a military campaign—this time, wherever he goes, he insists she come with him.”
“After all, Lady Pei is no ordinary woman. The Pei family name in Chang’an is revered by many powerful figures. I still remember that grand wedding just a few months ago as if it were yesterday.”
“Speaking of which, it’s lucky that our Youzhou is far from Chang’an. Otherwise, with the late emperor’s passing, Lord Huo’s wedding might never have happened.”
“Exactly! Thankfully, our Youzhou is distant from the capital. Otherwise, the marriage between Lord Huo and Lady Pei would have been postponed until next year.”
...
With Huo Tingshan absent, the townsfolk remained lively, though their enthusiasm had dipped from a full ten to about eight.
In front of the Governor’s mansion.
Huo Mingji and Meng Ling’er were already waiting by the gate, their gazes fixed on the street entrance. At a certain moment, the soldiers sent earlier galloped back.
This was the signal—they both knew the main army was approaching.
But the soldiers brought back unexpected news: the Governor and his wife had not returned.
The brother and sister, who had been preparing to welcome their parents, were stunned.
The soldier continued, “Second Young Master says the Lord and Lady went out to the mountains beyond the city to enjoy the scenery.”
Huo Mingji frowned involuntarily.
Going to enjoy the scenery in the mountains at such a critical time? Father had never done anything like this before. Could he be injured?
Compared to Huo Mingji’s concern, Meng Ling’er felt more disappointment.
Mother went to enjoy the scenery too? That means we won’t see her soon. When will they be back...?
The sound of galloping hooves grew louder.
A group of riders appeared at the alley across the street—it was Huo Zhizhang returning from the campaign.
From afar, Huo Zhizhang saw the rarely opened main gate of the Governor’s mansion. His elder brother and sister were both there, waiting expectantly. A smile broke across his face as he urged his horse forward.
“Brother, sister, I’m back!” Huo Zhizhang swung down from his horse, grinning broadly. “Sorry to keep you waiting. How long have you been standing here?”
Meng Ling’er answered honestly, “An hour.”
The smile on Huo Zhizhang’s lips grew wider. He scratched the back of his head and laughed heartily, chuckling as if he’d drunk several jars of rice wine, a little dizzy. “Brother and sister, you’re too polite. We’re family—there’s no need for all this formality.”
After two months campaigning in the northern lands, he was noticeably darker than before. When he smiled, his two rows of bright white teeth stood out strikingly.
Huo Mingji’s brow twitched slightly, realizing his younger brother had once again drifted off. Not bothering to argue, he directly asked, “Why did Father and Mother go outside the city? Did they say when they would return?”
Huo Zhizhang replied, “I don’t know. Father never feels the need to explain his actions to me.”
Huo Mingji pondered for a moment. “Let’s head back to the manor first.”
Just as he spoke, a carriage turned out from the opposite end of the street. Earlier, Huo Zhizhang had come from the north, but this carriage was traveling south.
Today, the people of Xuantu County all knew the Youzhou army had returned. They had flocked to the North City Gate to welcome them, leaving the other three gates—especially the South City Gate, directly opposite—far less crowded than usual.
Because of this, although the carriage took a detour, it arrived at the Prefect’s residence just moments after Huo Zhizhang and the others.
Huo Mingji had only glanced casually, but when he recognized the driver, his pupils constricted sharply.
It was Chen Yuan.
“Brother?” Meng Ling’er noticed he had suddenly stopped moving.
Huo Mingji hurriedly straightened his clothes. “Father and Mother have returned. Go greet them quickly.”
The younger siblings were momentarily stunned.
At that moment, Huo Mingji had already returned to his previous spot, only facing the other direction. Huo Zhizhang and Meng Ling’er followed his gaze and saw the carriage without the family’s emblem hanging on the wooden plaque.
The carriage was simple and unassuming from the outside, but they all recognized the driver sitting atop it.
“It’s Captain Chen!” Meng Ling’er exclaimed with joy.
Huo Zhizhang was puzzled. “Didn’t Father say he and Mother went outside the city? Why have they come back by a detour?”
No one answered him.
The carriage stopped in front of the Prefect’s residence.
The door to the carriage opened, and the first figure to step out was a tall and imposing man. He had long since shed his armor and now wore a plain dark robe—nothing extraordinary in itself—but his broad frame and commanding presence made him seem dignified and steady.
“Father.”
“Father.”
Huo Tingshan did not glance at the few people waiting not far away. Instead, he reached out to help a beautiful woman inside the carriage down.
With his support, Pei Ying stepped down from the carriage. Her cloud-patterned embroidered shoes just touched the ground when a crisp voice called out, “Mother!”
At that moment, Pei Ying’s eyes reddened. It had been two months since they last met. Her daughter seemed to have grown taller—now a slender and graceful sixteen-year-old, blooming like a flower at the perfect age.
Though she longed for her daughter, Pei Ying noticed her stepson waiting nearby. She could only say, “Mingji, my dear, your father and I have returned.”
Meng Ling’er had been eager to see them, but seeing Pei Ying’s reddened eyes stirred emotions within her as well.
Since Mother and Father left, only she and her eldest brother remained in the manor. Although her eldest brother treated her very well—taking her to banquets several times and even specially arranging gatherings with young ladies in the mansion—nothing could replace a mother’s love.
Huo Tingshan glanced at Pei Ying.
Her eyelids were so thin she simply couldn’t hold back the tears—only two months apart and she was already crying. If the little girl were to marry in the future, wouldn’t she flood the entire household with her tears?
Since they were waiting in anticipation, auspicious words naturally couldn’t be left out. As the eldest brother, Huo Mingji cupped his hands and bowed first. “Son congratulates father on pacifying the northern lands and returning safely. The ancients say that time may pass, but history never fades. Father, your great achievements will be remembered by all Han people and never forgotten.”
Huo Tingshan glanced at the townsfolk peeking from the street corner and stopped Meng Ling’er, who was about to follow his elder brother in offering congratulations. “As one family, let’s not speak of these matters now. Your mother has endured a long and tiring journey. Let her rest inside the residence first.”
Pei Ying, who had just taken a nap in the carriage and now looked refreshed, paused and turned to the man beside her.
Since when was she ever truly exhausted? Even she herself wasn’t aware of it.
Huo Tingshan took Pei Ying’s hand and led her into the house, while addressing the three younger ones, “Having returned from the northern lands this time, your mother has brought some gifts for you all.”
Pei Ying added, “Your father has brought some too. Everyone will receive their share.”
Even Huo Mingji, now practiced in keeping his emotions in check, was stunned upon hearing this.
Father brought back gifts?
Gifts for them?
He understood every word, yet the meaning when put together shook him deeply.
“I-I have some too?” Huo Zhizhang stammered.
The Huo brothers exchanged glances, each seeing complexity in the other’s eyes.
They had received countless gifts growing up—from clan members, from their maternal family, and from those eager to curry favor. But gifts directly from their father? In their memories, those could be counted on one hand.
He was not one to give rewards lightly, only when great merit was achieved.
Regardless of the three youngsters standing outside, dazed, Huo Tingshan led Pei Ying inside.
*
In the main hall.
Pei Ying asked Chen Yuan to bring over three boxes containing wood carvings. “These are the gifts for you—one for Mingji, one for Zhizhang, and one for Nannan. Both your mother’s and your father’s gifts are all packed inside.”
Huo Tingshan watched the beautiful woman beside him distribute the boxes one by one. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Seeing the younger ones accept the gifts with solemn respect, he said, “Keep them well. Your mother selected each with great care.”
The three nodded earnestly.
After handing out the gifts, Pei Ying remembered something else. She took out a rolled-up piece of parchment from her small purse. “Captain Chen, this is the design for a juice extractor. Please find a blacksmith to craft it according to the plans.”
Chen Yuan unfolded the blueprint and glanced over it, roughly estimating the time needed. “Mistress, it will take about three days to complete.”
This device was unfamiliar and delicate; the blacksmith must not rush and risk losing precision.
Pei Ying nodded in understanding.
They had returned during the Shen hour, and from the moment they arrived, it was as if a meteor suddenly flared up or boiling water hit hot oil—the entire Zhoumu residence buzzed with lively excitement.
The butcher in the servant’s quarters began slaughtering pigs with swift, decisive strokes. The steward of the mansion, having received orders, distributed copper coins among the guards and household servants to spread the joy of the general’s triumphant return.
Before mealtime, Pei Ying made her way to the rear garden.
Most of the sugarcane brought back from the south had been planted, but she had deliberately set aside a small portion.
Sugarcane could actually be stored underground. As long as the soil around the root wasn’t completely stripped away, one could dig a pit, place the sugarcane inside, cover it with its leaves, and then cover it with earth.
Stored this way, the sugarcane could remain edible even after several months.
Pei Ying retrieved a few stalks from across the river and examined their condition.
They were in good shape—suitable for juicing.
“Bury them back for now. Once the juicing machine is built, we’ll dig them all up,” Pei Ying said as she returned the sugarcane to the earth. She then turned to the man beside her. “Huo Tingshan, I forgot to ask earlier where Captain Chen is building the juicing machine. If you see him later, could you ask for me?”
Huo Tingshan asked, “Why does the madam want to know?”
Pei Ying explained, “Honestly, I’m not sure if the machine’s design is truly as depicted in the drawings, so I was thinking of visiting the blacksmith’s workshop in the next few days.”
Huo Tingshan’s gaze flickered slightly.
Since there was no forging equipment in the mansion, if she wanted to visit the blacksmith, she would have to leave the estate.
Huo Tingshan said, “Madam, it’s better to wait here in the mansion. The blacksmith’s shop is filthy and disorderly, which is one thing, but until the machine is fully completed, just looking at the parts won’t reveal much. It’s only three days—it will pass in the blink of an eye. There’s no need to rush.”
Pei Ying furrowed her brows but said nothing.
Huo Tingshan continued, “If the machine really has issues when it’s done, we can just dismantle it. That way, we’ll still know exactly where the problems lie.”
Pei Ying pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Dinner that evening was sumptuous—braised pork, stir-fried meat, and an ancient-style soup.
Meng Ling’er, who hadn’t seen her mother in a long time, chatted with Pei Ying, asking about the northern lands. The little girl then said, “Mother, you’ve been away so long. There are many interesting shops in the county now. Shall we visit some entertainment houses tomorrow?”
Pei Ying replied, “Alright.”
Huo Tingshan, who was holding his jade chopsticks, paused and looked at Meng Ling’er. “Gongsun Tai and the others have returned. You and Zhizhang should keep up with your studies.”
Meng Ling’er dared not disobey.
Pei Ying turned to look at Huo Tingshan, a trace of deep thought in her eyes.
There was something off about him.
