"How could I possibly disrupt any family harmony?" Pei Ying felt this person was being utterly baffling. "As you know, I've met very few of the Meng family members."
Huo Tingshan also stood up as Pei Ying rose. "The current situation is delicate. This visitor may not come with good intentions. In any case, Madam must not take his words at face value."
However, his words did remind Pei Ying of something. "What you said earlier is right. Jingzhou and Jizhou do not share a border. Moreover, Beichuan County is located in the north of Jizhou, near the frontier bordering Youzhou. To travel from there to Chenyuandao, one would have to cross the entirety of Jizhou and Sizhou..."
Unless this Meng cousin had been conducting business away from home for a very long time.
Huo Tingshan glanced at Pei Ying, listening to her muttering to herself, his long brows relaxing slightly.
Regardless, this person indeed needed to be received, as he was still their daughter's paternal uncle.
Meng Congnan first met Meng Ling'er.
The seventeen-year-old young lady was a world apart from the chubby little girl in his memory. Now she was graceful and slender, as delicate and fresh as a newly bloomed lotus.
"It's been so many years. Does Ling'er still remember your Uncle Nan? I was still with the Meng family before you turned seven, and I often bought pastries for you to eat," Meng Congnan said with a smile.
Looking at his smiling face, Meng Ling'er couldn't help but feel a momentary daze.
Her father had one younger brother by the same mother, three paternal cousins, and one maternal cousin. Among all these younger male relatives, this paternal uncle resembled her father the most. The two were about seventy percent alike, both having fair skin, gentle eyes, and a full curve beneath the eyes that made their gaze bright and spirited.
What he said, she truly did have an impression of.
She started remembering things early, from around the age of two. In the early years, after her father was recommended and went to the capital for assessment, only she and her mother remained in Beichuan County.
At that time, her grandfather and granduncle were still alive, and the two families lived next to each other. She couldn't really play with the boys from the second branch, so she would often go to play with Xiao Rou, the daughter of Uncle Nan's family. Sometimes she would miss meal times and simply have dinner at Uncle Nan's house before returning home.
The year she turned six, her granduncle and grandaunt passed away from illness. After handling the funeral matters, a good friend of Uncle Nan's proposed going into business together in the south. Later, their two families went south, and after that, there was no more news.
"Of course I remember. How have you been all these years, Uncle Nan? How are Auntie and Xiao Rou?" Meng Ling'er was very happy to see a relative, especially one who not only resembled her late father but had also treated her quite well in childhood.
"All well, all well," Meng Congnan said repeatedly, then added, "Your cousin Xiao Rou just got married at the beginning of the year, to a minor official. It can be considered a good match for our family."
For a merchant's daughter to marry into an official's family was indeed a step up in status.
Meng Ling'er asked curiously, "An official from which region?"
Meng Congnan replied gently, "From Yizhou. After I left Beichuan County, I moved around many places and finally settled to do business near the border of Yizhou and Jingzhou. How have you been all these years, Ling'er?"
"Aside from the time after father was gone, everything else has been fine..." Meng Ling'er said softly. Looking back now, everything before the turmoil of war felt like a lifetime ago.
Just as Meng Congnan was about to speak again, footsteps were heard.
One light, one heavy; from the sound, it seemed two people were approaching.
Meng Congnan hurriedly straightened his attire once more.
A moment later, indeed, two people emerged from the direction of the side corridor. The man was tall and powerfully built, with a sternly handsome face. He wore a dark black robe, with a black-sheathed ring-pommel sword at his left waist. On the right side of his belt hung a green bamboo pouch. Though his expression was neutral, he exuded a palpable, heavy pressure.
If the man's sharp aura made one hesitant to look at him too much, the beautiful woman beside him was completely the opposite. Her face, fair as a lotus or jade, resembled a pile of snow upon flowering trees. Her presence was as gentle as fragrant orchids, and when her gaze shifted, it was like a clear mountain spring flowing slowly, her brilliance captivating and hard to look away from.
However, in just an instant, Meng Congnan swiftly averted his eyes and bowed respectfully. "Your humble servant, Meng Congnan, pays his respects to the Grand General, and to the General's Lady."
Huo Tingshan's deep, unfathomable black eyes swept over the man not far away, showing no reaction to his bow.
He remained silent, but Pei Ying could not do the same. She pondered the form of address, realizing that calling him 'Master Meng' would be too distant, smacking of "times have changed" and turning one's back on old ties. Moreover, Nannan's face had clearly shown nostalgia just moments before; being too cold would be inappropriate. Thus she said, "Uncle Nan, there's no need for such formality. Please, have a seat."
After she said this, the man beside her glanced at her sideways. Pei Ying pretended not to notice.
Meng Congnan sat down nervously.
Pei Ying began with the formal pleasantries. "Though it has been many years since we last met, Uncle Nan seems as vigorous and enterprising as ever. It appears these years have treated you well and peacefully."
Huo Tingshan tapped his fingertips on the armrest of his chair, changed his sitting posture, and said nothing.
Below, Meng Congnan smiled elegantly. "With the world in decline, there have inevitably been some setbacks, but overall, it has been acceptable. I recently heard that Madam had come to Jingzhou with the Grand General, and remembering that I haven't seen Ling'er in ten years, I took the liberty of coming to visit. I hope you do not find my presence bothersome."
Pei Ying had no memories of the past; Meng Congnan was a complete stranger to her.
When conversing with such strangers, apart from the initial pleasantries, the only topics are points of connection between the two.
If from the same hometown, talk of the homeland; if there are mutual acquaintances, talk of them.
Pei Ying had originally intended to steer the conversation towards her daughter, and she hadn't expected Meng Congnan to be so perceptive. Thus, she naturally began talking about her daughter as well.
They sighed together about how time flies, and how children grow up in the blink of an eye.
From the details of their conversation, Pei Ying pieced together some information. Meng Congnan's branch of the family had gone south to trade in the early years, which, by a twist of fate, allowed them to avoid the catastrophe that wiped out the main family.
Meng Congnan had a son and a daughter. The son worked in business with him. The daughter was two years younger than her Nannan and had just gotten married at the beginning of this year.
Her Nannan was seventeen this year, so the other girl, being two years younger, was fifteen.
Married right upon reaching the age of pinning up her hair.
Pei Ying fell silent for a moment at this age, finding it hard to continue the conversation.
Huo Tingshan beside her showed no intention of joining in. He hadn't spoken a single word since entering the main hall, merely lounging lazily in the seat of honor, his power restrained but present, like a tiger or leopard lying at rest.
Meng Congnan below didn't know why Pei Ying had fallen silent. The man with refined features lowered his eyes for a moment, then raised them again and shifted the topic to his own wife. "My humble wife unfortunately caught a chill recently, so she could not accompany me today. Once she recovers, I'm afraid she may come to bother the General's Lady another day."
"It's no trouble at all. Ling'er also misses her kin dearly. She was overjoyed that you could come," Pei Ying said, having not failed to notice the look of nostalgia on her daughter's face. "By the way, where are you staying now?"
Meng Congnan replied, "In Linjiang County."
Linjiang County was located on the border of Jing and Yi provinces, but leaned more towards Jingzhou. It was some distance from Chenyuandao, about two days' journey by carriage.
It is a joy to have friends come from afar. Pei Ying invited Meng Congnan to stay for the meal, and he politely accepted as was customary for a guest.
After the meal concluded, Meng Congnan took his leave.
Pei Ying had always been used to taking a midday rest. On her way back to her room today, an extra set of footsteps joined hers. She turned to see the man who should have been in his study. "With military matters imminent, Huo Tingshan, how do you seem so idle?"
The man replied, "You are quite right, my lady. I am indeed not busy at the moment. Li Xiaotian is dead, and Sizhou is now in my grasp. The Shenyuan Pass has been breached, and our forces are at the gates of Huaigu Pass and Dongmen Pass. If I were Cong Liuqi, I would swiftly send someone to negotiate peace with me and then reinforce the remaining two strategic points."
Pei Ying thought of the other half of the Sizhou troops. Back then, Li Xiaotian had split his forces, sending half eastward. "What about the remaining Sizhou soldiers? You only killed Li Xiaotian and the Sizhou generals by his side. Aren't you concerned about those other dispatched generals? If you don't pull up the grass by the roots, beware that others may resent you for killing their lord and make you capsize in a ditch one day."
A smile tugged at Huo Tingshan's lips. "There's no need for you to worry on my behalf, my lady. I have already sent word to Governor Lei of Yuzhou. Letting the wolf chase the tiger—the remaining Sizhou soldiers can be left for him to handle."
How could one tolerate others snoring beside one's bed? That contingent of Sizhou troops was tailing Lei Chengshuang; Governor Lei would certainly have to deal with them. And for Yuzhou to dispatch troops would be much faster than him leading soldiers there from Shenyuan Pass.
Pei Ying detected the leisure and confidence in his tone but couldn't help her curiosity. "Now that Shenyuan Pass is broken, won't you continue pushing further into Jingzhou?"
"Leaving aside the fact that the newly taken Sizhou still needs consolidation, my lady, don't tell me you think your husband truly wishes to be a loyal subject?" The words rolled off his tongue effortlessly.
Pei Ying: "..."
Pei Ying's gaze instinctively darted to the side.
He had closed the door earlier. Besides him and her, there was no one else in the room. Not that it would matter much if there were; the entire residence was now filled with people from Youzhou.
Pei Ying withdrew her gaze. "Since you are rarely at leisure, you should take a nap and get some proper rest."
"What do you think of that... Uncle Nan of yours?" he suddenly asked.
Pei Ying's hand, which had been about to undo her hair ribbon, paused. "Huo Tingshan, speak properly."
He was being sarcastic again.
"You were the one who called him that. I'm merely repeating it. How is that not speaking properly?" Huo Tingshan had his reasons.
Pei Ying narrowed her eyes slightly and suddenly said, "Then, husband, what do you think of that Second Sister Ning of yours?"
Huo Tingshan: "..."
"Husband was the one who called her that back then," Pei Ying raised a delicate eyebrow. Seeing him at a loss for words, she pressed her advantage: "I'm just following your lead. If you find my address improper, husband, you should reflect on whether you set a bad example."
Huo Tingshan gave a light cough, sidestepping the issue of address. "My lady, although that Meng Congnan or whatever is a kinsman of Nannan's, his seeking us out at this time may not be without ulterior motives. One must be more vigilant in all matters."
"He has been conducting trade in Jingzhou and Yizhou. Now that he's heard we've come to Jingzhou, a visit is quite normal." Pei Ying removed her hair ribbon and got onto the bed. "However, I won't have too much contact with them. It would be troublesome if our secret were exposed."
Huo Tingshan gave an acknowledging hum and helped her lower the bed curtains. "That is very well."
Huo Tingshan had never been in the habit of napping. After Pei Ying fell asleep, he left the master bedroom for his study.
"General, a letter from Governor Lei of Yuzhou." Chen Wei presented the missive.
Huo Tingshan opened the letter, skimmed through it rapidly, and scoffed. "This Lei Chengshuang is certainly eager."
In the letter, the other first thanked him for the warning, saying the Sizhou troops had been dealt with. After a string of flattery that Huo Tingshan found utterly useless, he got to the point.
Lei Chengshuang said he had a legitimate daughter, sixteen years of age, exceedingly beautiful and also known for her virtue within Yuzhou. The daughter admired the heroes of Youzhou and wished to marry one of Huo Tingshan's sons.
As to which son, the letter didn't specify, implying any would do. However, according to the custom of prioritizing the elder, if Huo Tingshan agreed to this marriage, the one to wed would undoubtedly be Huo Mingji.
The letter was passed around among the advisors.
Gongsun Liang stroked his beard. "My lord, I actually think a marriage alliance with Yuzhou is worth considering."
Huo Tingshan raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that, Taihe?"
Gongsun Liang explained: "Firstly, the Lei family ancestors once held the rank of 'Three Excellencies' for four generations. Although they have declined somewhat compared to a century ago, the foundation of a noble house remains, and the Lei family still boasts a considerable number of disciples and former officials. Secondly, Yuzhou's terrain is rich with waterways, its rivers and tributaries too numerous to count. Their naval forces are exceptionally prosperous and valiant, and I've heard they possess a fleet of warships as formidable as sea dragons. While our Youzhou men are as brave as tigers and wolves, they are not adept at watermanship. An alliance with Yuzhou would complement our strengths. Thirdly, among the remaining provinces, Yuzhou borders your lordship's territory most closely. The others are either too distant or lack Yuzhou's value. Since your two sons are not yet wed, I assume your lordship intends for them to form marriage alliances. I believe the timing is now most opportune."
Huo Tingshan twisted the thumb ring on his finger, remaining silent.
That afternoon, Huo Tingshan and his advisors stayed in the study until dusk, when the study door finally opened again.
After the evening meal, Pei Ying went for her usual stroll in the garden. Having digested her food, she returned to the master bedroom to continue organizing the account books.
Now that the business was growing larger with positive growth every month, Pei Ying spent much more time managing the accounts.
"My lady, there's something I need to discuss with you." Huo Tingshan entered the room, casually closing the door behind him.
Pei Ying looked up. "What is it?"
"Governor Lei of Yuzhou has a legitimate daughter, sixteen years old, who wishes to marry one of my sons, to form an alliance with Youzhou." Huo Tingshan sat down beside Pei Ying. "I find it acceptable. What do you think, my lady?"
Pei Ying asked: "What is the young lady's name? Do you have a portrait of her? What is her character and temperament like?"
Huo Tingshan: "..."
Pei Ying was displeased: "You know nothing about any of it. How dare you say it's acceptable?"
Huo Tingshan: "..."
