Pei Ying's heart was heavy with doubts, but this matter was not something to discuss with outsiders, so she could only suppress it for now.
She wanted to continue listening, hoping to gather more information. However, at that moment, an angry tiger's roar erupted from deep within the forest.
"ROAR—!"
Birds took flight in alarm, forest leaves trembled, and snow shook loose from the branches, falling in flurries.
Pei Ying stared in astonishment towards the depths of the woods. "There really is a tiger..."
After a brief moment of surprise, Lin Huaping was overjoyed. "Madam Pei, let's go take a look."
Pei Ying thought to herself that the northern frontier indeed had fierce customs; hearing a tiger's roar didn't prompt avoidance but rather a desire to watch the spectacle.
Perhaps sensing Pei Ying's slight hesitation, Lin Huaping reassured her, "Never mind that Huo Youzhou brought many men; the Governor's prowess is witnessed by the entire Youzhou. Please set your mind at ease."
Pei Ying was not comforted in the slightest.
Youzhou was located in the north, and the tigers in this region were Siberian tigers. A wild adult male could weigh up to three hundred jin, while females, though lighter, could still reach two hundred and fifty jin.
A single swipe of its paw could easily snap a sturdy tree branch, let alone a body of flesh and blood.
Pei Ying glanced back at the dozen or so guards following her. It wasn't a small number. "Very well, let's go and see."
On the way deeper into the woods, Pei Ying encountered young masters arriving from other directions. They were all in high spirits, and some were even betting on whether the great beast was male or female.
Upon seeing Pei Ying, the young masters hurriedly ceased their playful banter and bowed in greeting.
"Governor's Lady."
"Governor's Lady."
Their horses carried various game: pheasants, roe deer, and one young man's horse even had a lifeless wild boar tied behind it.
Pei Ying remarked with admiration, "Each generation brings forth new talent. The young men of Youzhou have a promising future."
The young masters couldn't help but smile at the corners of their mouths. "You flatter us, Madam. We merely had good fortune."
One of them asked, "Governor's Lady, are you also going to see the tiger hunt?"
Pei Ying nodded. "Indeed, that is my intention."
A young lad added, "We are as well, Governor's Lady. May we accompany you?"
Pei Ying naturally did not refuse.
On the journey, the tiger's roars grew increasingly ferocious, like the rage of a trapped beast. Its thunderous fury seemed to strike down, making one's heart uneasy with trepidation.
The red bay horse Pei Ying rode grew hesitant from the roars, its steps slowing more and more. Guo Dajiang, who had been following behind her, exchanged a glance with another guard. They simultaneously urged their horses forward, positioning themselves half a length behind the red bay, flanking it on left and right.
As they drew closer, the roars gradually faded. After walking a stretch further, Pei Ying saw a circle of people gathered not far ahead.
There were guards, servants from various households, and other hunters who had arrived earlier. Something must have happened within the circle, as someone suddenly shouted loud praises, followed by a wave of cheers and applause.
Lin Huaping expressed regret, "It seems we are a step too late."
Just then, someone noticed Pei Ying's arrival.
"Madam Pei is here!"
At this call, many turned to look, and the circle automatically parted to create an opening.
It was only then that Pei Ying saw the scene within.
Huo Tingshan stood beside an orange-furred, black-striped great beast, the surrounding snow stained crimson. The tip of the ring-pommeled saber in his hand pointed downwards, fresh blood dripping along the blade, gathering at the tip before falling into a small, growing pool.
Chen Wei stood to the side, holding a longbow Huo Tingshan had just used.
The fallen, wide-eyed tiger had three arrows lodged in it: one piercing each eye, and another that had entered through its nose, slanting downwards, piercing through its lower jawbone and exiting in a manner that seemed to seal its mouth shut.
Huo Tingshan gave the saber a shake, then sheathed it. "Madam has arrived."
Pei Ying was still on horseback. As he approached step by step, she scrutinized him from head to toe.
Huo Tingshan chuckled. "Do not worry, Madam. All is well. A pity we encountered a female tiger this time, likely just matured, so its size is a bit small."
Pei Ying looked at the over-two-meter-long female tiger, feeling a slight scalp-tingling sensation. "...Are you serious?"
"Of course." Huo Tingshan's lips curved into a smile. "I said I would hunt it to make a cloak for you, Madam. I would not go back on my word."
Lin Huaping overheard their conversation, her heart filled with envy.
To remarry with a child and become the principal wife of the Huo family was already extraordinary. Not only was her husband a man of high rank and power, but he had also cleared his rear courtyard, devoting himself to one woman alone.
Among the heads of households present today, who didn't have several concubines in their rear courtyards? Even illegitimate sons and daughters were plentiful.
Many among the noble ladies envied the harmony between husband and wife, saying that her own household had only one illegitimate daughter, her husband was a childhood sweetheart, and their affection was undoubtedly deep. Yet only she herself knew that the 'understanding flower' in her own rear courtyard was no easy character. But such matters could only be swallowed down, not spoken of to outsiders.
"Has Madam also come to hunt?" Huo Tingshan had noticed the small bow hanging behind Pei Ying's horse.
With many people around, Pei Ying felt embarrassed to admit she had entered the woods to escape the flattery of the noble ladies. "Yes. Having learned archery, it would be a waste not to use it."
Huo Tingshan's brow lifted slightly.
This lazybones was actually willing to ride and hunt herself? Had something happened at the camp?
"In that case, I shall accompany you, Madam." Huo Tingshan mounted his black steed, Wu Ye, and ordered the guards to first carry the fallen tiger back to camp.
Upon hearing he intended to hunt with Pei Ying, the others promptly made excuses to leave with cheerful smiles.
"Since the Governor has taken care of this tiger, I must seek other game. Returning empty-handed would earn me an earful from my wife."
"Brother Li, I'll head east with you. The tiger was hunted in the west, so likely many animals fled east to escape it."
The gathered crowd quickly dispersed.
Lin Huaping had seen her husband here, and having just heard Huo Tingshan's plan to hunt with Pei Ying, she simply followed her own spouse. "Madam Pei, until we meet again."
Pei Ying smiled and nodded. "Until then."
After the others had left, Pei Ying let out a quiet sigh of relief. Turning her head, she saw Huo Tingshan looking at her with an amused glint in his eyes, as if he saw through everything.
"What is it?" Pei Ying glanced at him.
Huo Tingshan: "Just thinking that Madam's courage is indeed somewhat... petite."
Pei Ying retorted in a low voice, "It is not. If I were truly timid, I would not have come to investigate upon hearing the tiger's roar earlier."
"True. A mere tiger's roar is nothing. Madam has not been shy about tweaking the tiger's whiskers before." Huo Tingshan's words carried a hint of meaning.
Pei Ying: "..." This man, really.
"Did Madam not find a single kindred spirit among those noble ladies?" Huo Tingshan asked.
Pei Ying was being honest with him at this moment: "Their praises flowed endlessly, never repeating, which was quite embarrassing. Moreover, many wanted to inquire about the marriages of the three children at home. Regarding our sons' marriages, I believe you already have plans in mind, so it wasn't convenient to say much. But they seemed unwilling to give up, even bringing their daughters forward to greet me. It's all just speculation at this point. I was truly worried that saying something might give them the wrong idea, raising their hopes in vain."
Huo Tingshan gave an acknowledging hum, saying the sons' marriages were not urgent, then added, "If there are any ladies who catch your eye, feel free to socialize with them more in the future. This winter hunt was precisely for you to make friends."
He said it casually, but Pei Ying was stunned. "For me to make friends?"
"Otherwise, my lady stays cooped up at home all day, practically growing little mushrooms from boredom," Huo Tingshan said with a laugh.
Pei Ying, hearing him tease her about growing mushrooms, felt both annoyed and a complex mix of emotions.
Although she had been giving evasive answers to the noblewomen, privately she had indeed thought he organized this winter hunt before his northern campaign to find potential matches for their two sons.
So it wasn't for that after all...
Pei Ying slowly lowered her gaze. "Actually, it's fine. I'm not that bored. Finding compatible friends is difficult; it can't be forced."
Huo Tingshan: "It's alright. Looking around more never hurts."
Just as Pei Ying was about to reply, she caught movement from the corner of her eye. She instinctively looked over and just glimpsed a flash of grayish-white, like a rabbit's tail.
"There's a rabbit!" Pei Ying exclaimed.
Huo Tingshan followed her gaze. "Didn't you say you wanted to hunt, my lady? The prey has come to you. Go ahead."
Pei Ying actually went, taking her small bow and the black-furred hunting hound she had brought from the Governor's residence. "Wuyun, follow me."
The hound's tail wagged furiously. Just as it was about to dash forward, it heard the male master say, "Just block its path, don't kill it."
The hound barked in acknowledgment, then dove into the thicket.
Pei Ying, holding her light bow, urged her horse closer. The rabbit, driven by the hound, couldn't manage to burrow into the bushes. Pei Ying drew an arrow from her quiver and nocked it.
Huo Tingshan glanced at her posture.
Hmm, the posture was very proper.
"My lady is an excellent student," he said.
That slender finger released, and the arrow on the bowstring flew out with a whoosh, landing a distance of about two horse-lengths away from the rabbit.
Huo Tingshan: "..."
Pei Ying stiffened slightly, then turned to look at Huo Tingshan. The man cleared his throat lightly. "Getting a feel for it on the first try is normal. Next time, aim a bit further ahead and you'll hit it."
Pei Ying nocked another arrow, aimed, and let it fly.
With another whoosh, this time the arrow landed about one horse-length away from the rabbit.
The tips of Pei Ying's ears began to feel hot. She was too embarrassed to look at him, but he spoke up anyway. "That's an improvement from before. My lady is a teachable pupil."
Pei Ying's ears turned completely red. "Huo Tingshan, don't talk."
The man clicked his tongue lightly. "Why can't I speak?"
Pei Ying ignored him and nocked a third arrow.
Just then, Wuyun suddenly made a burst of speed, leaping in front of the gray rabbit. The startled rabbit instinctively slammed on the brakes, trying to dart to the side, and Pei Ying released her arrow at that very moment.
This time, she did hit it.
She hit the rabbit's back, but because the arrow's force was insufficient, the arrowhead only penetrated halfway.
Just as Pei Ying was about to rejoice, she saw the already precarious arrow fall off.
The beautiful lady pursed her lips.
"Whoosh—"
A streak of light flashed by, accurately pinning the rabbit's leg. Only then did Pei Ying see clearly that what pinned the rabbit was a short dagger.
She looked at Huo Tingshan, who had already dismounted. He walked over in a few strides and picked up the rabbit, which was not yet dead.
"My lady has quite the impressive record today," he said with a laugh.
Pei Ying: "...This doesn't really count as mine."
"Husband and wife are one. Why wouldn't it count?" Huo Tingshan retrieved his short dagger.
When Huo Zhizhang returned to the camp with his game, he heard that his father had hunted a tiger. He wasn't particularly surprised.
Earlier in the forest, when he heard the tiger's roar and how it soon weakened, he had guessed it was likely his father who had taken down the beast. It wasn't anything new; in previous years' winter hunts, his father had also hunted tigers.
Huo Zhizhang was more concerned with something else. He had made a bet with his sister, and now that the hunting time was almost up, it was time to tally the results.
Right at the designated time, a group emerged from the forest, led by Meng Ling'er. Behind her, besides Chen Yuan and two guards, were also two young masters in fine silks.
Huo Zhizhang walked over to settle accounts with his sister, but just then, one of the young masters in silks took the game hanging from his own horse and gave it to Meng Ling'er.
"Sister, you cannot have outside help for our competition," Huo Zhizhang quickly said.
Meng Ling'er: "Not so. All of this was hunted by me. Commandant Chen can vouch for me."
Chen Yuan nodded. "Indeed, it was all hunted by the young lady."
Huo Zhizhang was incredulous.
Meng Ling'er said with a smile, "We hunted too much on this trip. Commandant Chen and the others couldn't carry it all. It just so happened that Young Master Zhao and the others passed by, so I asked them to help carry some."
Hearing his sister's explanation, Huo Zhizhang belatedly noticed that both her and Chen Yuan's horses were laden with quite a lot of game.
There were pheasants, rabbits, plump field mice, and a rather large roe deer...
Aside from the large roe deer, the other prey weren't huge, but they made up for it in quantity. If calculated according to the previously set rule of one large animal equaling three small ones, he stood no chance of winning.
Huo Zhizhang's face turned pale, then flushed.
Seeing his defeated expression, Meng Ling'er couldn't help but feel triumphant. "Second Brother underestimated me, didn't you? Don't look down on young ladies from now on."
Elsewhere.
Huo Tingshan and Pei Ying, who had returned from hunting earlier, were already roasting meat—specifically, the rabbit Pei Ying had shot.
Venison, hunted by Huo Mingji, was also on the grill. The rabbit meat sat beside it, a stark contrast in size. Soon, the meat sizzled, fat bubbling out.
Pei Ying sat on a spread-out rug on the ground, watching Huo Tingshan roast the meat. After watching him for a moment, she suddenly remembered the conversation she had overheard in the forest.
No discussing politics.
It was just a winter hunt. Why forbid discussing politics?
Unable to figure it out herself, Pei Ying simply asked him, "Huo Tingshan, why is discussing politics forbidden during the winter hunt?"
The mountains were high and the emperor far away; Chang'an's reach was long but limited when it came to Youzhou's affairs. Especially now, with the imperial authority weakened. Huo Tingshan was a notoriously bold man; she didn't think he feared imperial power.
Huo Tingshan, who was roasting the meat, paused slightly. "Where did you hear about forbidding political talk, my lady?"
Pei Ying didn't hide it from him: "I overheard a snippet in the forest earlier. Someone said Jingzhou and Yizhou had gone to war, and she was worried about her cousin who married far away to Jingzhou. Another person said discussing politics was forbidden and told her to stop talking."
Huo Tingshan continued turning the meat, his expression unchanged. "Indeed, it was my order. This winter hunt is meant for leisure. If people everywhere are discussing politics, it loses its flavor."
Pei Ying frowned slightly, finding this explanation a bit odd. But just then, she heard him call out loudly to the younger ones not far away, summoning them all over.
The younger generation had arrived, and all of them looked pleased, so Pei Ying felt it inappropriate to continue the previous topic.
Huo Tingshan pointed at the pot over the fire. "Come, taste your mother's spoils from today's hunt."
Huo Zhizhang, who hadn't fully recovered from losing the archery contest to his younger sister, was utterly astonished. "You actually hunted a deer? Mother, you are not only profoundly learned but also the reincarnation of the Martial Star. I failed to recognize your true prowess before."
Pei Ying: "..."
Huo Tingshan's lips curved into a smile, not bothering to correct his son.
Suppressing her embarrassment, Pei Ying pointed to the rabbit beside her. "The deer was shot by Mingji. I only got this little rabbit."
Huo Zhizhang scratched his head awkwardly.
Huo Mingji, who was standing nearby, spoke up. "A son serving his mother is only natural. The deer can also be considered Mother's."
"Elder Brother is right," Huo Zhizhang immediately added. "For your first hunt, managing to take down this plump rabbit is truly remarkable. You must know, mediocre beginners often can't even get close to a rabbit's fur at first."
Pei Ying: "..."
Huo Tingshan chuckled under his breath.
Pei Ying turned and shot a light glare at the man beside her. "Huo Tingshan!"
Seeing her fair cheeks tinged with pink and her watery eyes holding a mix of reproach and annoyance, Huo Tingshan felt a tickle in his heart. "Don't take this foolish boy seriously, my lady. He has always been rather dull."
Huo Zhizhang looked utterly bewildered.
The other hunters gradually returned. Initially, everyone gathered to marvel at the giant tiger displayed before the main camp, exclaiming in awe, before finally taking their own game back to their family's campsites.
They roasted meat, drank wine, played pitch-pot and archery games. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air—a scene of pure delight.
Pei Ying was also enjoying the roasted meat. The rabbit was cooked just right, and dipped in a bit of sugar, it was deliciously sweet and caramelized. The newly refined sugar was scarce, so the family of five used it discreetly among themselves, without drawing attention.
Huo Zhizhang sighed contentedly. "Such a delicacy belongs in heaven; how rarely is it tasted on earth?"
Pei Ying looked at Huo Zhizhang, lost in thought.
They had set out for the hunt in the early afternoon. From the time the sun was high in the sky until it began to set in the west, they stayed until the wine was finished and everyone was full, then returned to the city bathed in the afterglow of the sunset.
Back at the Governor's mansion, the younger generation bid their parents farewell and returned to their own courtyards.
Seeing Huo Tingshan head towards his study, Pei Ying waited for him to leave before also exiting the main courtyard.
She wasn't going to the rear garden, nor was she following Huo Tingshan to his study. Instead, she made her way to Huo Zhizhang's courtyard.
Unbeknownst to Pei Ying, not long after she left, the man who was supposed to be going to his study seemed to remember something halfway there, turned around, and headed back to the main courtyard.
"Where is my lady?" Huo Tingshan didn't see Pei Ying, but he spotted Xin Jin in the courtyard.
Xin Jin replied, "My lady has gone out."
Hearing she had gone out, Huo Tingshan's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly realized she must still be within the mansion grounds. With sunset approaching, it was unlikely she would leave the residence at this hour.
But why hadn't she taken her maid?
Huo Tingshan turned and walked out of the courtyard, questioning the guard at the gate.
Huo Zhizhang had just returned to his room when a maid came to report that Pei Ying had arrived. The young man was greatly surprised. He hastily put down the half-drunk cup of tea and hurried out to greet her.
"If Mother had any instructions, you could have summoned me. There was no need for you to come all this way yourself," Huo Zhizhang said, bowing in greeting.
Pei Ying smiled. "It's nothing urgent. Besides, a walk after a meal aids digestion."
If it wasn't urgent, it still meant there was something. Huo Zhizhang decided to be direct. "Please speak freely, Mother."
"Zhizhang, I heard there's fighting in the south. What is this war about?" Pei Ying asked.
Perhaps because he was full and content after the meal, or perhaps because Pei Ying's voice was too gentle, Huo Zhizhang answered quite naturally. "The Governor of Jing Province, Cong Liuqi, has declared himself emperor. Such a rebellious traitor emerging naturally calls for a reckoning. But please don't worry, Mother. That's a matter of the south. It has nothing to do with our You Province for now."
Pei Ying stood rooted to the spot, completely stunned.
Declared himself emperor?
A provincial governor declaring himself emperor?
Emperor Zhao is still alive in this world. How dare he proclaim himself emperor? Does he care nothing for his reputation?
Unless...
A sudden chill ran down Pei Ying's spine. "Zhizhang, tell me truthfully. Has Emperor Zhao... passed away?"
After she spoke, she saw hesitation, regret, and conflict flash across his face. In that instant, her heart missed a beat.
Huo Zhizhang hadn't forgotten his father's orders.
His father had forbidden mentioning the late Emperor's passing. Since Pei Ying's initial question wasn't about the former Emperor, he had answered. He never expected that a casual remark would lead her to such a sharp deduction.
What should he do now?
Huo Zhizhang felt miserable inside when he suddenly noticed a tall figure arriving at the entrance to his courtyard.
"Zhizhang, tell me the truth. Is Emperor Zhao still..." Pei Ying saw his fearful expression as he stared behind her and instinctively turned around.
In that moment, her eyes met Huo Tingshan's.
