Pei Ying knew Huo Tingshan wasn't asking about Meng Ducang, but about her modern husband. However, discussing an ex with one's current partner was a first for her.
Pei Ying glanced at Huo Tingshan. The man appeared calm and composed, his expression normal, as if they were just having an ordinary chat.
"Can't say? I'm not looking to cause him trouble," Huo Tingshan noted her scrutiny.
Pei Ying was speechless for a moment. The way he said it made it sound like he could find him if he wanted. Finally, she shook her head, "He and I were not childhood sweethearts."
Huo Tingshan asked, "Not childhood sweethearts from the neighborhood, then how did you meet?"
Seeing his apparent disbelief, Pei Ying explained, "In my time, both men and women could receive an education. After their studies, they could find work. There was no strict division of labor by gender, nor was there a need to avoid each other. Men and women could work in the same place, so one's social circle wasn't limited to just the neighborhood."
His long eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if he found it hard to comprehend. Pei Ying gave an example, "It's like a medical clinic. There could be both male and female physicians inside, and they would consult patients together. For difficult cases, like suturing wounds, they would work together to treat the patient. Men and women could be colleagues."
"What work did Madam do before?" he asked.
Pei Ying: "I taught at a school."
The highest institution of learning now was called the "Imperial Academy," comparable to modern-day Tsinghua or Peking University. There were also the Palace School and the Hongdumen Academy, among others. Later, through evolution, the term "school" became synonymous with "learning."
Huo Tingshan gave a low chuckle, "So I married a female teacher. No wonder, when placed among a group of young ladies, Madam stands out like a crane among chickens."
Pei Ying: "..."
But the next moment, the curve of his lips flattened somewhat. "So, he was like Madam, also a teacher at a school?"
Pei Ying shook her head, "He was a physician."
The last trace of a smile vanished from Huo Tingshan's mouth. "Not from the neighborhood, not a colleague... Madam's social circle was quite extensive."
Pei Ying said helplessly, "We met by accident, that's all."
Back then, a colleague had acute gastroenteritis. She took her colleague to the hospital, and that's where she first encountered Qiao Wen. However, it was merely a passing meeting at the time; she didn't even notice what his surname was.
It was later, when her brother saw she still wasn't dating anyone, guessed she was still hung up on her first love going abroad, and so pushed her into a gathering akin to a blind date event. It was there that she met Qiao Wen again.
"What kind of accident?" Huo Tingshan asked.
Pei Ying looked at him again, "Why is your curiosity so heavy today?"
Huo Tingshan had a reasoned argument, "I was unfortunately unable to witness the era Madam once lived in, but hearing Madam speak of its various aspects, I feel both perplexed and intensely curious. Now that the topic is opened, I indeed have a bit more desire to inquire than usual."
After saying this, he continued on his own, "Since he was a physician, he must have worked at a medical clinic. For Madam to have encountered him, was Madam perhaps unwell at the time?"
Pei Ying had no choice but to say, "It wasn't me. It was my colleague who was unwell; I took her to the clinic."
Huo Tingshan's gaze darkened.
That man was quite the opportunist. Not focusing properly on the consultation, but specifically setting his sights on the friend accompanying the patient.
"It seems Madam has a particular fondness for the medical profession. Otherwise, back then, you wouldn't have specifically hidden away in a medical clinic," Huo Tingshan's tone was inexplicably strange.
Pei Ying was taken aback.
Hidden away in a medical clinic?
When did she hide in a medical clinic?
Looking into his deep, narrow eyes, a memory was triggered for Pei Ying. That was last year... no, a new year had already passed and it was spring now, so it should be the autumn of the year before last.
Back in Jizhou, she and Xin Jin had secretly boarded a carriage leaving the estate to escape. Later, when jumping from the carriage, she sprained her ankle and had to seek out a medical clinic.
How did it become, in this man's words, her specifically hiding in a medical clinic?
Pei Ying felt a bit of emotion now, "How was it specifically? Back then, I went to the clinic to seek treatment for my foot injury. Huo Tingshan, don't speak in such a sarcastic, insinuating way."
Huo Tingshan saw her pursed lips and unhappy expression. He paused briefly, his voice lowering a little, "Madam, don't be angry."
Pei Ying still didn't speak.
Huo Tingshan gave a light cough, "That was my misspeak just now."
"Those things happened many years ago, and even if I could go back, I wouldn't be able to see him anymore..." Pei Ying muttered.
The last sentence was spoken somewhat softly, but Huo Tingshan heard it. His long eyebrows raised slightly, and he made a questioning, upward-inflected "Hmm" sound through his nose. "Why wouldn't you be able to see him?"
Could it be that her former husband was also short-lived?
"He passed away from illness four years ago," Pei Ying said.
The medical profession isn't easy; working night shifts is the norm. Qiao Wen had finished a night shift and died suddenly on his way home.
Huo Tingshan felt relieved inwardly. Indeed, short-lived. But soon he noticed a trace of melancholy on Pei Ying's face. Apart from because of the little girl, this was the first time he had seen her show such clear sorrow.
The man rotated the thumb ring on his finger. "It seems Madam's former husband was a decent man. It's been four years since he's gone, yet Madam still remembers him fondly."
Pei Ying looked at him. The man's tone had returned to normal, but these words coming from his mouth still carried a hint of sarcasm.
Yet she had no proof.
Pei Ying said softly and gently, "He was a very good father."
She and Qiao Wen had met through a blind date. She had just been through a physically and emotionally exhausting relationship and held little expectation for love anymore. Qiao Wen was six years older than her, and his mother was pressuring him heavily to marry.
Their union was rushed; they were married in less than a month. Their married life was plain, stable, and secure. Although he was busy, after Lingling was born, Qiao Wen didn't become an invisible father like in many families. He even attended more of their daughter's parent-child activities in her early years than she did.
Huo Tingshan's thumb-ring-rotating motion stopped.
A very good father?
"Only a very good father, not a good husband. It seems he still had quite a few shortcomings."
"Great General, the meal has been delivered." Someone outside happened to speak.
The two voices overlapped. Because Huo Tingshan was inside the tent, his voice sounded louder and clearer to Pei Ying.
Pei Ying thought to herself that the army cooks had arrived at the perfect time. She used this as an opportunity to stand up and go out to greet them.
Discussing the past with an ex in front of one's current partner was indeed too strange, especially since her current partner was a feudal patriarch.
The Youzhou army was no longer short on provisions now and ate much better than before, let alone the commander's tent. What was presented included cured mutton and roasted pork. The millet rice almost filled the entire small earthenware pot, and besides that, there were also flatbreads stuffed with minced meat.
With the food placed before them, it was no longer appropriate to continue the previous topic. Huo Tingshan fell silent for a moment, then turned to look at Pei Ying.
Pei Ying knew what he meant—he simply wanted her to respond to his last remark.
Lowering her long eyelashes slightly, the beautiful lady pretended not to notice. Seeing him not moving, she placed the bamboo chopsticks in his hand. "Let's eat."
Huo Tingshan: "Madam, have some as well."
Pei Ying originally had no appetite, but perhaps due to the earlier minor episode, or perhaps something else, a mountain range seemed to rise as a barrier, pushing that terrifying scene of flashing blades and bloodshed into the distance.
The aroma of meat wafted through the tent, stirring a hint of hunger in Pei Ying's stomach. She picked up her bamboo chopsticks and began to eat slowly.
When she was about a third through her meal, Huo Tingshan said, "Madam, at the earliest tonight, and at the latest before the allied forces from other provinces arrive, our army will most likely face a night raid."
"A night raid?" Pei Ying was startled. "From Si Province?"
Huo Tingshan nodded. "Although we are now at the border of Jing Province, we haven't officially engaged in battle yet. This place is desolate, not adjacent to any counties or towns. If they attack us here tonight, news won't get out for a while."
"Not getting out for a while doesn't mean it will never be known. Attacking an ally—does he not care about his reputation?" Pei Ying exclaimed in surprise.
Huo Tingshan gave a slight smile. "Li Xiaotian is no fool. Since his own son could be killed by 'Jing Province troops,' then this night raid can also be blamed on the Jing Province army."
That day, when he mentioned there were guests from Chang'an at the Provincial Governor's residence, Li Xiaotian must have realized he had informants in Luoyang. That's point one.
There had already been friction between You Province and Si Province before. That's point two.
Thirdly, Madam initially declined Madam Zhuang's invitations to the pleasure outing and plum blossom viewing, and later refused the farewell banquet. Although she gradually 'opened up' after some interaction, linking this to the subsequent death of his son, Li Xiaotian probably suspects I knew everything from the start, and Madam's change in attitude was part of setting up a later scheme.
Fourthly, and most importantly, the stench of the corpse.
Extending backwards from this fourth point, Li Xiaotian will definitely suspect that I knew about their 'fish eyes for pearls' trick and was turning their scheme against them.
Of course, these are all just suspicions. Li Xiaotian has no proof.
But for a night raid disguised as the Jing Province army, no proof is needed. They can just pin everything on Jing Province afterwards.
"Then you must prepare well. If our provisions are burned, we'll be trapped and doomed in Si Province later," Pei Ying said worriedly.
Huo Tingshan remained very calm. "Don't worry, Madam. The provisions were moved to the center of the camp long ago. Their taking action is actually a good thing. What I fear is them holding back this resentment and secretly joining forces with armies from other provinces to deal us a major blow later."
Madam Zhuang only bore one son and one daughter. With this pair—one dead, the other with a ruined husband—I don't believe Madam Zhuang can resist blowing the pillow wind to Li Xiaotian.
Pillow wind...
Huo Tingshan turned to look at Pei Ying, who noticed his gaze.
"What is it?" Pei Ying felt his current gaze was somewhat strange.
Could he still be thinking about what happened earlier?
"Does Madam have anything she desires?" Huo Tingshan asked.
"Not really. Why bring this up again?" Pei Ying was puzzled.
Huo Tingshan's expression remained normal. "It's just that Madam's desires seem exceedingly faint, more like a Buddhist monk than many of the so-called monks in temples."
"One shouldn't say that. It's not that my desires are faint, but rather that what I lacked before, I now possess." Pei Ying's eyes curved into a smile.
Before, I lacked money and had to sell the Meng family house. Now, I don't lack it. Previously, I wanted my daughter to read and write, and that was later achieved too.
She felt things were quite good as they were now.
Huo Tingshan's slightly furrowed brow did not relax. He spoke less afterwards, seemingly lost in thought.
Li Kangshun's death seemed like nothing more than a small stone tossed into a pond, creating only faint ripples that could hardly be called waves. Afterwards, everything appeared to return to calm.
Days passed one by one. In the blink of an eye, five days had gone by since the incident.
"Day five, and still no movement from over there. I'm getting a bit impatient." Sha Ying looked towards the east and clicked his tongue twice. "They sure can endure."
Chen Yuan said, "What's the hurry?"
Qin Yang counted the days. "In a few more days, the troops from other provinces will probably arrive. Once they do, they'll definitely have no chance to act."
Lan Zimu stroked his chin. "Maybe they're preparing, or maybe they're waiting for us to let our guard down. This isn't bad either. While they prepare, it gives us plenty of time too."
"Hope they hurry up," Xiong Mao said.
At these words, the others all looked at him.
"You, blockhead, have the nerve to say that?"
"So, Xiong Mao, you've now gained a profound understanding?"
"I haven't been punished yet. How does the General punish people? Although I probably won't experience it in the future, I should ask just in case."
The men spoke one after another. Xiong Mao's large face flushed bright red instantly.
"There's a battle to fight in a few days, we need him. So, it's just noted down for now, not punished yet," Sha Ying answered Lan Zimu's question.
Qin Yang patted Xiong Mao's shoulder. "Just accept being called 'blockhead' from now on. Your brain just doesn't work well."
Chen Yuan nodded in agreement.
Xiong Mao fell silent. For such a burly, strong man, he now seemed to want to shrink into the ground.
"You, blockhead, better pray Si Province waits a few more days to move. If they act tonight, you'll get your punishment tomorrow," Sha Ying also patted Xiong Mao's shoulder.
Xiong Mao didn't utter a word.
"If they don't act soon, I reckon Zhi Zhang and Chen Yang will be carried off by mosquitoes. They're out there on watch every day and can't even light mugwort to drive them away."
"They can endure a few more days at most."
The golden crow sank in the west, the sky quickly darkened, and night spread over the land. Clusters of torches were lit within the You Province army camp. Viewed from above, the torches connected into a vast expanse, like a long, winding dragon coiled upon the ground.
Pulling the view higher and farther, one could see a large number of soldiers moving rapidly within a distant camp. Two long dragons faced each other, one still, the other moving with fierce momentum.
Li Xiaotian was mustering his troops.
The resentment lodged in his chest had not dissipated with the passage of time. His wife wept daily, her sobs depressing and irritating him.
Amidst his wife's tearful complaints, Li Xiaotian replayed the events from the beginning.
The more he recalled, the more convinced Li Xiaotian became that the story about someone arriving during the gap and tampering with the scene was a lie.
His legitimate son was killed by Huo Tingshan.
The other side had known about his cooperation with Du Liang all along, and everything that followed was just going with the flow. In a few days, the armies from other provinces would arrive. If he didn't act now, it would be even more impossible to make You Province suffer then.
Unable to contain the fury in his heart any longer, Li Xiaotian decided to act tonight.
When they first set up camp, both sides had used hills as cover, choosing locations only if they were high and near rivers. This created some distance between their camps, preventing them from being right next to each other.
You Province had one hundred and fifty thousand troops. Li Xiaotian naturally knew he couldn't swallow all of them in one go. This operation wasn't about annihilating the entire You Province army, but rather a swift strike to vent his anger.
Li Xiaotian looked up at the sky.
The moon tonight seemed excessively bright.
Not good. This is not good.
Just as he thought this, clouds shifted across the sky. A large mass of dark clouds drifted over, obscuring the disc-like moon.
Li Xiaotian couldn't help but feel in high spirits; it seemed heaven was aiding him tonight.
Pei Ying, as usual, had retired early for the night. Halfway through her sleep, she was abruptly awakened by the clamor outside the tent.
Startled from her dreams, she sat up hugging her blanket, for a moment thinking she had been transported back to the initial bandit attacks in Beichuan County.
In the darkness, she heard a familiar, deep voice, "Did my lady have a nightmare?"
A broad, warm hand gently stroked her back, soothing her like a skittish little animal. "Nothing to fear. Just some insignificant pests."
Only then did Pei Ying realize with a start that the man who should have been lying beside her was already fully dressed, looking as if he were about to go out.
She instinctively reached out and grasped the hem of his robe. "Huo Tingshan, is it the Si Province army? Have they come?"
Huo Tingshan took her hand, gently detaching it from his robe. "Go back to sleep, my lady. It should all be over by the time you wake."
"You... be careful," Pei Ying whispered.
Huo Tingshan curled the corner of his mouth. "Without hearing my lady call me a 'good husband,' even with one foot already in the King of Hell's hall, I would have to turn back and return."
