After the meal, the two younger ones left.
Huo Tingshan unhurriedly refilled Pei Ying's teacup. "What is on your mind, my lady? You seemed distracted throughout the entire breakfast."
Pei Ying did not answer his question immediately. Instead, she said, "Should you go back and rest first?"
He had gone out in the middle of the night and been busy until morning.
"Missing an hour or two of sleep is no great matter," he replied, feeling no fatigue.
Pei Ying marveled at this man's seemingly boundless energy. If he were in the modern era, he'd undoubtedly be a top-tier workaholic.
Since he wasn't tired, they could discuss other things.
Pei Ying said, "Huo Tingshan, earlier, Zhi Zhang mentioned wanting the eyes of an eagle. In fact, 'eagle eyes' have become a reality in later times, though they are called 'telescopes' there. The best telescopes can see the craters on the surface of stars in the sky and even track their moving trajectories."
Huo Tingshan could not conceal his astonishment.
Craters on the surface of stars? How far away must that be? With such a telescope, would looking at the sky not feel like one could pluck the stars with one's hand?
"However, the construction of astronomical telescopes like that is extremely complex, with very stringent manufacturing requirements. They are far beyond our reach now, and frankly, unnecessary." Pei Ying clearly saw the keen interest spark in his eyes and smiled before continuing. "The simplest telescope can clearly see scenes from a kilometer away. I believe that would be sufficient."
A kilometer—that was two li.
'Seeing' and 'seeing clearly' were two different concepts. The former merely meant spotting a person in the distance, while the latter meant being able to discern their subtle movements.
"My lady, what material is required for this telescope?" Huo Tingshan asked seriously.
Pei Ying replied, "Glass."
Seeing Huo Tingshan's brow furrow slightly, Pei Ying paused, then amended, "Liu li (colored glaze)."
Now Huo Tingshan understood.
In this era, liu li was also called "glazed pottery." It came in many colors and was used for ornaments, decorative objects, and even burial goods. However, as its production was not high, its price surpassed even that of fine jade. It circulated mostly among royalty, nobility, and powerful aristocratic families.
Yet such items, rare for common folk, were not hard for Huo Tingshan to obtain. "My lady, how much liu li is needed? I can send someone to fetch it immediately."
But Pei Ying shook her head. "Not ordinary liu li. The kind I need is colorless, nearly transparent, and almost invisible when placed in water. It is not comparable to ordinary liu li."
"Colorless and nearly transparent?" Huo Tingshan pondered for a moment. "My lady, in my early years, I once attended a court banquet in Chang'an. A prominent family presented a gift—a large carved liu li ornament. It was different from the ordinary kind, having a semi-transparent appearance. Emperor Zhao was greatly pleased and praised it profusely. One of his favored consorts at the time even remarked that such a unique and rare liu li piece was unparalleled in the world, its crystalline clarity a fitting match for His Majesty."
Though the imperial house was in decline, the treasures it possessed were still among the finest in the world. If Emperor Zhao, then the sovereign, was so astonished by it, how many such semi-transparent liu li objects could exist in the world?
If the semi-transparent kind was so rare, how much more so would be the colorless, nearly transparent kind that was almost invisible in water.
Pei Ying naturally knew that liu li in this era was mostly opaque.
Liu li was invented during the Western Zhou period, initially producing various colored beads for adornment. By the Han Dynasty, production techniques had advanced somewhat, and its uses expanded beyond mere ornaments. Yet it remained a precious luxury, accessible only to high officials and nobles.
Later, during the Song Dynasty, liu li began to make its way from the lofty homes of the powerful into common society. By the Yuan Dynasty, factories capable of mass-producing liu li emerged. Later still, in the Qing Dynasty, liu li became glass for windows.
"If we don't have ready-made transparent liu li, then we start from the beginning and make it slowly." Pei Ying spoke of glass windows: "Once glass is successfully produced, it can not only be used for telescopes but also to replace window coverings in living quarters. Its ability to let in light is dozens of times better than mica sheets or thin paper. Even when staying indoors on a rainy day, one can clearly see the scenery outside."
Huo Tingshan had never seen the "glass" she described, but following her words, he could imagine the scene.
On a day of torrential rain, with a gale like a mountain being uprooted and a downpour like a bursting river, the interior of the room would be quiet and peaceful. Through that layer of seemingly enchanted "glass," one could see the rain beating against plantain leaves outside—two separate worlds, inside and out.
Once such a novel object came into existence, the powerful in Chang'an would likely fight over it.
Huo Tingshan sighed with regret. "Sometimes I truly wish I could visit the world you once lived in."
"Better not," Pei Ying stopped him.
The man raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Pei Ying's expression was complicated. "Where I'm from, killing people leads to a prison sentence. In severe cases, it demands life for a life. For someone like you, even life imprisonment would be a light sentence."
Huo Tingshan chuckled lowly. "My lady speaks as if killing people in Great Chu doesn't lead to imprisonment."
Pei Ying said, "How is it the same?"
Huo Tingshan countered with a question instead of answering. "Were there wars in your homeland?"
Pei Ying answered truthfully, "Not within my country, but sometimes wars broke out between nations."
"Well, there you have it. Wars inevitably cause casualties. Just think of me as a border guard. Protecting home and country—why would I be sentenced to life imprisonment?" He had even thought of an identity for himself.
Pei Ying: "..."
It made sense, yet there was an indescribable strangeness to it.
Would a feudal patriarch like him really obediently follow orders in a modern military unit? Was it not more likely he'd scheme to eliminate his superiors and take their place?
Pei Ying was deeply skeptical.
"What materials are needed to produce the 'glass' you speak of, my lady?" Huo Tingshan asked.
Pei Ying replied, "There are quite a few. I'll need to slowly make a list."
The main component of glass was silicon dioxide, identical to sand. However, sand had an extremely high melting point, around 1650°C, difficult to achieve with ordinary heating methods. Therefore, various auxiliary agents had to be added to lower the melting point of the sand.
"By the way, Huo Tingshan, the primary raw material, quartz sand, needs to be found first," Pei Ying said. Since this era already had liu li products, albeit with crude techniques, the usefulness of quartz sand had been discovered. Therefore, quartz sand must exist.
Yet Huo Tingshan asked, "My lady, where can this quartz sand be found?"
Pei Ying fell into thought. What was quartz sand called in this era?
The two of them talked in riddles for a good while without reaching a clear understanding. Finally, they summoned several military officers of humble origins and only then clarified the contemporary term for quartz sand.
It was currently called 'ma gu'.
"Assign the task of collecting ma gu to Xiong Mao. Have him set out immediately after receiving his punishment," Huo Tingshan ordered.
After finishing the report on quartz sand, Qin Yang began another matter. "Grand General, the scouts sent out earlier have returned. The troops from Yuzhou and Yongzhou are expected to arrive tomorrow or the day after; Yizhou is farther, but they should also arrive within the next five days."
Huo Tingshan looked at Sha Ying. "Have someone keep a close watch on those dozen or so prisoners. Make sure they don't die. Also, send a verbal message to Li Xiaotian. Say we were attacked by Jingzhou forces last night and captured some prisoners. Invite Governor Li to come observe the interrogation tomorrow."
"Clang—"
A bronze vessel was swept violently off the table. Li Xiaotian's eyes were bloodshot. "Huo... Tingshan. Truly detestable. To deceive me like this."
Inside the tent, Li Xiaotian's several deputies remained silent.
They all understood that once the troops from the other provinces arrived, there would be absolutely no chance for a reckoning with Youzhou.
It was now nearing dusk, sunset approaching. Soon it would be dark. Time always seemed to pass faster after nightfall than during the day. In the blink of an eye, the next day would arrive.
The time for tomorrow's joint observation of the interrogation drew closer and closer.
Should they go to this interrogation or not?
If they went, the humiliation and frustration they would suffer went without saying. They could already imagine how smug the Youzhou side would be, every crease of their smiling faces mocking their being constrained.
But if they didn't go, there seemed to be no reason to refuse. An ally capturing Jingzhou soldier prisoners and inviting a companion to jointly observe the interrogation—how perfectly reasonable...
Just then, Deputy Commander Zhao came in from outside. His expression was peculiar. "Lord Li, some messengers have arrived outside the camp."
Seeing his strange look and thinking of the approaching troops from other provinces, Li Xiaotian asked, "Messengers from which province?"
Deputy Commander Zhao replied, "Jingzhou."
Li Xiaotian was taken aback.
Jingzhou?
They had marched south this time to campaign against Jing. For Jingzhou messengers to seek him out...
Li Xiaotian paced back and forth in the tent twice, then finally said, "Bring them here."
Deputy Commander Zhao left and soon returned, followed by several men. The leader had smiling eyes, perpetually crinkled with mirth, making him look like a docile dog wagging its tail.
"This humble one is Feng Wei, paying respects to Governor Li." Feng Wei and the others who came with him performed a deep kneeling bow to Li Xiaotian.
Li Xiaotian did not bid them rise immediately, instead staring at them intently. He said nothing. Feng Wei and his men remained in their kneeling posture, not getting up.
A full cup of tea's time later, Li Xiaotian finally spoke blandly, "Rise. I know of your name. I wonder what wind has blown a famous persuader like you into my army."
Feng Wei stood up upon hearing this, his face still beaming with a smile, showing no dissatisfaction at having been made to kneel for so long. "My lord heard that Governor Li has been troubled in heart recently. Recalling the deep camaraderie, profound as a thousand-foot pool, he shared with you, Lord Li, during your early years in Chang'an, his heart burned with immediate worry and concern. He specially sent this humble one to deliver a message, hoping to alleviate your distress, Lord Li."
Li Xiaotian sneered inwardly.
He and Cong Liuqi had indeed both held posts in Chang'an in their early years, but they were merely casual acquaintances, exchanging only pleasantries when they met.
But...
Li Xiaotian asked in a low voice, "What does Governor Cong know?"
Feng Wei this time put away his trademark smile, speaking solemnly, "Huo Tingshan plotted and killed Eldest Young Master Li. The Eldest Young Master was young and capable. Who wouldn't sigh in admiration at such a promising youth? Given time, he would surely have become a renowned hero of the land. It is hateful that that Huo villain cut short his future and his life. The murder of a son is an enmity that cannot share the same sky. Ten years ago, my lord also had a cherished eldest son, placed with high hopes. However, the young master died unexpectedly from illness. My lord wept bitterly at the time, overwhelmed with grief, unable to recover for months. Such was the pain for a son lost to accidental illness. How much more furious must a father be if his son is killed by a villain? He must wish to personally kill that Huo villain, devour his flesh, drink his blood, and crush his bones. Hearing of your plight, Lord Li, and recalling his own helplessness at his son's death, my lord also wept uncontrollably. He deeply feels your pain and regret, and wishes to assist you, Lord Li, in avenging your son's murder."
After saying this, Feng Wei bowed deeply once more.
A muscle twitched at Li Xiaotian's temple.
Li Xiaotian glanced at Lieutenant Liu, who understood and immediately spoke up, "Cong Liuqi is not the Governor Cong of old. People outside now scorn him as the rebel Cong. Allying with you—how would that make our Lord Li face the people of the world?"
Feng Wei straightened up and let out a long sigh. "Ever since Ji Xianbai seized the young emperor to command the nobles, the world has been in chaos. Local heroes rise everywhere, each relying on their own abilities to contend for the authority of the realm. Is Lord Li truly willing to remain constrained by so-called reputation and submit to others? History is written by the victors. If you win, all such matters will be erased. Lord Li, those who achieve great things do not fuss over minor details."
Li Xiaotian narrowed his eyes, his tone flat and unreadable. "Governor Cong has already declared himself emperor. Would allying with him not still mean submitting to another?"
Feng Wei revealed a smile. "My lord is willing to share the realm with you, Lord Li."
Li Xiaotian neither agreed nor disagreed, instead saying, "Huo Tingshan has an army of one hundred and fifty thousand. His soldiers come from the poorest northern lands. Every soldier has a third of the ferocity of a starving wolf. Your Governor Cong hides behind his passes, leaving me to face Huo Tingshan and the other provinces alone. That's quite a clever scheme."
The curve of Feng Wei's smile deepened. "Set your mind at ease, Lord Li. My lord would naturally not have you face the enemy alone. That Youzhou army may seem fierce, but it is not invincible. This humble one has a method to make them dispirited and weak. When the starving wolves turn into little lambs, how to slaughter them will be entirely up to you, Lord Li."
Night fell. To reward the soldiers for the great victory in last night's raid, the Youzhou army held a bonfire feast.
Pei Ying sat with Huo Tingshan, watching him personally roast venison.
The logistics corps kept livestock, bringing them along on the march, though most were sheep, with castrated pigs being next. This deer was encountered by chance—it ran out of the woods by itself and later became a meal.
Pei Ying had eaten Huo Tingshan's grilled fish before. Though it had few seasonings, the flavor was truly exceptional. Now she watched as he used a short blade to slice the venison thinly and placed it on the grill. The meat cooked quickly.
He flipped it over to cook the other side.
Golden fat sizzled and popped, its aroma wafting out. Others knew Huo Tingshan was skilled at roasting meat, and now the fragrance made them glance over frequently.
Sha Ying's Adam's apple bobbed, his mouth nearly watering. "Grand General, for this wild deer to leave its herd and jump out of the forest, it's truly foolish beyond measure. Your subordinate suspects something is amiss. Perhaps I should test it for poison for you first?"
Huo Tingshan didn't even lift his eyelids, placing a perfectly roasted slice of venison into Pei Ying's bowl. "If you want to eat, roast it yourself."
Qin Yang laughed at Sha Ying. "Testing for poison? As if the cooks haven't seen ordinary deer before? What a load of nonsense."
"Don't you want to eat it?" Sha Ying retorted.
Qin Yang's laughter instantly ceased.
Ahem, of course he wanted to eat it.
Speaking of which, before the mistress came along, whenever the Grand General went on campaign, they would always get a share of the roasted meat. Now, that was gone.
Pei Ying held a small bowl, using bamboo chopsticks to pick up a piece of venison and eat it slowly.
The venison had been seasoned; its texture was tender and its flavor delicious. Paired with crushed pepper, a single bite made the meat feel like flowing fire on the tongue, warming the throat all the way down even after swallowing.
Before she could finish one slice, another freshly grilled piece of venison was placed in the small bowl beside her. Seeing this, she hurriedly said, "Don't just mind me, you should eat too."
The man holding the short dagger paused briefly, then curled the corner of his mouth in pleased acceptance. "My lady's command, I dare not disobey."
For a moment, Pei Ying felt something was off, but when she looked at him again, he had already put down the dagger and started eating the venison.
Pei Ying was silent for a long moment, unable to figure out what was strange, and continued eating the roasted meat.
After the bonfire feast, it was time to retire for the night.
Pei Ying had just finished washing up when she heard Xin Jin's greeting outside the tent and knew Huo Tingshan had returned.
She fastened her undergarments and had just put on her inner robe when she heard the sound of the tent flap being lifted. Seeing a folding wooden screen set up in one corner of the tent, Huo Tingshan knew she was bathing.
"My lady..."
Before he could finish, she emerged from behind the small wooden screen.
Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue lightly.
Pei Ying glanced at him. "You're back? There's still a bucket of clean water inside. You can go bathe."
Huo Tingshan walked forward while undoing his belt. He was tall and his strides were long, reaching the side of the wooden screen in a few steps. First, he hung the small pouch on the screen, then the belt, followed by his outer robe.
"My lady, this screen here is superfluous."
Pei Ying walked to the soft bed without looking back. "Why do you care? It's not in your way."
He continued on his own, "There are no outsiders in the tent. It could be removed. I don't mind my lady looking at me."
Pei Ying: "..."
The sound of splashing water came from over there, especially distinct in the night. Pei Ying turned over on the soft bed, facing away from that side.
Huo Tingshan was swift and efficient, washing up quickly. He emerged not long after. It was still early spring with a chill in the air, yet he only casually draped a loosely fitting inner robe, not bothering to fasten it properly, leaving a deep expanse of his robust chest exposed.
He got onto the soft bed, embracing Pei Ying from behind. His scorching breath brushed against her fair ear. "My lady caused me such torment tonight. You ought to take responsibility."
