“Second Brother, how could you not know whether you like her or not?” Meng Ling’er asked, finding it difficult to understand.
Huo Zhizhang hesitated, his expression troubled as he tapped his forehead with the blunt end of his jade chopsticks.
He truly didn’t know how to broach the subject, as he had never discussed such matters with his family before. Before his parents’ marriage, the communication between father and son had always revolved around the same few topics.
Academic progress, training results, military achievements...
They only ever spoke of “matters of importance,” things concerning his development and the family’s prosperity. Everything else was deemed trivial. His father was a busy man who would never waste precious time on insignificant details.
However, since his parents had wed, the household had been filled with a casual chatter that was previously unknown. At the dinner table, they could talk about anything under the sun, from imperial court affairs to a delicious sesame flatbread bought at a street corner.
Huo Zhizhang had never told anyone, but he absolutely adored the current atmosphere of their home!
In the past, he would never have brought this up; he would have kept his thoughts to himself and struggled alone. But things were different now.
Seeing his younger son hesitating, Huo Tingshan would have normally snapped at him. But he couldn’t do that now; the boy had found himself an ancestral-level shield in his mother. Suppressing his irritation, Huo Tingshan said, “There must be a reason. Why are you so intent on taking this woman as your wife?”
Huo Zhizhang hung his head, his voice barely a whisper. “I... I compromised her.”
Pei Ying’s eyes widened slightly.
“Compromised.” If it were a minor transgression, there would be no need for marriage, unless it was... that kind of compromise.
The young girl wore the same expression as her mother. As the gazes around the table shifted, Huo Zhizhang grew so flustered that not only were his ears burning, but his face had turned as red as a beet.
Of the four people at the table, only Huo Tingshan remained composed. “If that is the case, you may simply take her as a concubine.”
“But Father, she said her father is the patriarch of the Shi clan. Making her a concubine might be inappropriate,” Huo Zhizhang murmured.
In truth, it wasn’t just about her status. There was another point Huo Zhizhang didn’t dare mention: he felt that having one woman in his inner court was enough, just like his father and mother now—harmonious, relying on each other, peaceful and warm.
Huo Tingshan’s dark brows knitted together. “Have you verified her claims?”
“I have already dispatched Chen Wei to Jiaozhou,” Huo Zhizhang replied, “but he has yet to return.”
That event had happened recently, and Jiaozhou was far away. Between the travel and the investigation, it would take some time.
The veins on Huo Tingshan’s forehead throbbed. “So, without even knowing the facts, you come to me saying you want to marry an unidentified woman? Huo the Second, where is your brain? Did the Imperial army snatch it from your skull during the battle the other day?”
How had he raised such a foolish son?
With every word Huo Tingshan spoke, Huo Zhizhang’s head sank lower, until he was nearly buried in his bowl.
Pei Ying looked at Huo Tingshan and shook her head in disapproval. The latter let out a soft huff but ultimately fell silent.
“Zhizhang, tell us slowly what happened recently,” Pei Ying said gently. “Your father just promised me that he won’t offer any more opinions until he has heard the whole story.”
Huo Tingshan: “...”
The phrase “a doting mother spoils the child” flashed through his mind, yet he found himself completely powerless against this particular doting mother.
Upon hearing Pei Ying’s comforting words, the tension in Huo Zhizhang’s shoulders eased slightly. Like a wolf cub driven back into its den by a predator, he poked his head out once the initial fear had passed to gauge the situation.
The young man slowly raised his head, his eyes darting sideways to steal a quick glance at his father.
When Huo Tingshan caught his son’s tentative look, his brow twitched with renewed irritation. Unable to scold him, he simply looked away and continued eating.
Out of sight, out of mind—it saved him from a headache.
Seeing that his father truly intended to remain silent, Huo Zhizhang breathed a sigh of relief.
“Second Brother, what exactly happened after you rescued that young lady?” Meng Ling’er asked. She had also read the letters he’d sent home and knew well of his recent good deeds.
However, after she returned from Xuzhou with her parents, perhaps because they were traveling and would soon be reunited, or perhaps for some other reason, they hadn’t received any more letters from Huo Zhizhang.
“After I rescued her, she introduced herself as a daughter of the Shi clan from Jiaozhou,” Huo Zhizhang explained. “The Shi clan is well-known, and I figured Father would eventually have dealings with Jiaozhou anyway, so I thought there was no harm in helping. I brought her back to the camp so the military physicians could treat her wounds. Later, as she recovered, she confessed that she had fled an arranged marriage. She begged me not to send her back, claiming she wouldn’t survive if I did.”
Meng Ling’er grew pensive. Her mother and father had been married for nearly three years now, and having spent a significant amount of time with Huo Zhizhang, she understood her second brother’s character very well.
Although he led troops to slay enemies on the battlefield, leaving many Xiongnu and soldiers from other provinces as souls beneath his blade, he was still very kind-hearted at his core. Therefore, Meng Ling’er guessed that since the young lady had said she wouldn’t survive if she returned to Jiaozhou, her second brother would never force her into a difficult position.
Sure enough, Meng Ling’er soon heard him say, “Since she has her difficulties, I cannot force her. Moreover, she and her three servants are all quick and capable workers. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to let her stay for a while, and then I would send her away once she finds a place to go in the future.”
Huo Ting-shan placed a morsel of food into Pei Ying’s bowl, signaling her to ignore the brat’s affairs for now and fill her stomach first.
But unfortunately, Pei Ying’s attention was no longer on the delicious food.
Huo Zhizhang continued in a low voice, “Miss Shi looks delicate, but she is actually very resilient and diligent. After her injuries healed, she took the initiative to go to the military medical camp to tend to the wounded, doing everything within her power. She isn’t the kind of young lady who refuses to lift a finger. It was all my fault. That day, after I captured Sihei City, I thought that since we had finally made some progress, I would hold a banquet in the army. I drank a lot of wine...”
Seemingly too embarrassed to continue, Huo Zhizhang’s head drooped again.
Huo Ting-shan said expressionlessly, “We will discuss this matter further once Chen Wei returns.”
Wine was served at dinner today as well. Huo Ting-shan loved strong liquor, so a fine vintage—a high-proof white spirit—had been brought out. Pei Ying stared at the wine cup beside his hand, momentarily lost in thought.
There was a phrase for it: "lust fueled by wine."
But anyone with a bit of life experience knew that if a man was truly drunk, he couldn't actually perform; the "hardware" would go on strike, making it impossible to act. Those who actually managed to follow through weren't really drunk at all; they were merely using alcohol as an excuse to do what they had always wanted to do.
Her stepson was usually well-behaved and shouldn't be as keen on the affairs of men and women as his father. After all, back in Youzhou, she had never heard of him having any concubines in his inner courtyard.
However, Pei Ying also knew that men often possessed a certain base nature, not to mention that this era was remarkably lenient toward them.
So she really wasn't sure what the truth behind this "offense" was. Was it a case of going with the flow, or had he been set up?
“Madam?”
Pei Ying snapped back to reality. “What?”
Huo Ting-shan smiled slightly. “Nothing. I just said you should find an opportunity to go and meet that Miss Shi.”
Pei Ying readily agreed.
After dinner, exhausted from a day of travel, Pei Ying looked at the sky and decided to arrange the visit to Miss Shi for tomorrow. She was tired today and wanted to return to her room to rest.
She turned to look at Huo Ting-shan, only to see him heading toward the study. While marveling at his boundless energy, she also knew he wouldn't be returning to the main courtyard with her.
After their parents left the table, Huo Zhizhang remained seated, looking somewhat dazed.
Meng Ling’er’s eyes flickered. “It’s late now. Mother will probably wait until tomorrow to look for Miss Shi.”
Huo Zhizhang suddenly stood up. “Sister, I just remembered I have some unfinished business. I’ll take my leave first.”
The young girl said with a smile, “Mhm, go ahead, Second Brother.”
He walked with large strides and vanished in the blink of an eye. Meng Ling’er watched the direction he disappeared, stroking her chin. “Is it not obvious? I’d say he’s more than a little smitten.”
Unaware that his sister had just subtly tested him, Huo Zhizhang left the main hall and turned into the western corridor. After walking for a while, he arrived at a certain courtyard.
The courtyard was quiet and secluded. Looking in from the entrance, the lights inside were as bright as day.
She hadn't gone to bed yet.
Having reached her doorstep, Huo Zhizhang couldn't help but hesitate. Ever since that incident happened, he never knew how to face her.
“Master Huo?”
A woman’s voice suddenly drifted out from inside. The voice was incredibly soft, like it was infused with honey; even though it was just two words, they were steeped in sweetness.
Despite having heard it many times, the back of Huo Zhizhang’s neck still prickled with goosebumps as if struck by an electric current.
He still wasn't used to it, but there was nothing he could do. Miss Shi had told him that many young ladies in Jiaozhou had this kind of voice and tone—it was natural and couldn't be changed.
Huo Mingji stood rooted to the spot like a block of wood.
Soon, a petite figure emerged from within.
Moonlight fell upon her, as if draping her in a thin, translucent veil. The young woman walked up to the young man and looked up at him. She had large, round eyes with slightly upturned corners, much like a cat’s. They were shimmering with moisture and overflowing with affection, reflecting the figure before her as if he were her entire world.
Huo Zhizhang met her gaze for a split second before quickly looking away. He was about to speak when she beat him to it:
“Master Huo, you haven't come to see me these past few days, and I could never find you. Are you angry with me? I'm sorry. It's all my fault for hesitating that day. In the end, I followed the voice in my heart that said ‘I like Master Huo’ and didn't push you away. But if I had known you would be so regretful, I would have left, no matter how heartbroken or full of regret I might have been later...”
Her voice was light and sweet, as if soaked in a jar of honey. Sparks seemed to explode in Huo Zhizhang’s mind, and a wave of numbness washed over his back.
He used to find it a bit difficult to adjust to the way Miss Shi spoke, but he could manage well enough. However, after he had offended her, hearing her speak now—especially when she was so openly baring her heart to him—left Huo Zhizhang with a sense of panic, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.
You... you mustn't overthink it. I am not angry, Huo Zhizhang said, reluctantly turning his gaze back to her.
He saw tears shimmering in her eyes and couldn't help but say more: I spoke to my parents about us at dinner today. I expect my mother will want to speak with you tomorrow or the day after.
A flicker of astonishment crossed Shi Shi’s eyes, and she quickly lowered them to hide her emotions.
Huo Zhizhang thought she was afraid and comforted her, Do not be afraid. My mother is very easy to get along with. Besides, this matter is my fault; she will not make things difficult for you.
Shi Shi kept her head lowered, fidgeting with her slender, white fingers. Lady Pei has a wonderful reputation; she is naturally kind. But when I think of her as your mother, Master Huo, I cannot help but feel nervous. I worry I will not make a good impression and will reflect poorly on you.
Huo Youzhou’s remarriage three years ago was known to all. And as everyone knew, stepmothers and grown stepchildren were rarely close, often even finding themselves in a competitive relationship.
Huo Zhizhang smiled. Mother is not one for strict formalities. Just treat it like a casual chat.
Shi Shi suddenly relaxed. She looked up again, her eyes curving into crescents under the moonlight. Alright, I will listen to you, Master Huo.
Huo Zhizhang looked away again and said stiffly, I am going back. You should get some rest early as well.
With that, Huo Zhizhang departed quickly. As a martial artist, his senses were sharp; even after turning away, he noticed there were no footsteps behind him.
Was she still standing there?
There was a side corridor ahead. At the moment he turned the corner, he stole a quick glance back and saw her petite figure still standing by the courtyard gate.
She was still watching him.
For a moment, his emotions were complicated beyond words. He couldn't quite identify the feeling, only that a part of his heart felt strangely soft and tingling.
Only after Huo Zhizhang had completely disappeared did Shi Shi leisurely turn and head back to her room.
Inside, her servant Hongdan was tidying up the dinnerware. Seeing her mistress return, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Miss, the spring nights in the north are chilly. You shouldn't stay outside for so long. What if you catch a cold?
Today was the same as the past few days. Miss Shi had finished her meal in a hurry and gone to the courtyard. She didn't leave, but simply waited there, watching the gate.
Hongdan knew the young lady was waiting for Second Master Huo, yet she didn't understand—if she wanted to see him, why not go to the entrance of his courtyard? Why wait in her own?
If he never showed up, wouldn't she have waited for nothing?
I am fine. My health is excellent, Shi Shi said with a smile.
She did indeed have a naturally soft and sweet voice. But if Huo Zhizhang were here, he would have noticed a difference. When she spoke to him, the sweetness was at a full ten; now, it was perhaps a seven.
Shi Shi sat on the soft couch by the window, feeling the cool breeze. She happily recalled the moments just passed.
He said he had mentioned their situation to his parents at dinner today.
This was truly beyond her expectations, but it only proved that her previous choice had been correct. He was even more responsible than she had imagined. Her efforts to manufacture a love at first sight narrative and her days spent lingering in the military medical camp had not been in vain. Every step had been calculated.
When she had first encountered the Youzhou Army, a plan for revenge had immediately taken hold of her mind.
The blood feud of her parents' and eldest brother's deaths had to be avenged. But she and her hidden younger brother were certainly no match for her uncle, who had murdered his own brother to seize power and now held the reins of the Shi family firmly in his hands.
The Youzhou Army was a blade. Encountering them was perhaps her only chance.
To her surprise, the leader of the troops was remarkably young—a spirited and handsome youth. She later learned he was actually the second son of Huo Youzhou.
She had secretly inquired and found that this Second Master Huo was not yet married and was stationed at Chenyuan Pass by his father's orders.
With a powerful background, the position of his primary wife still vacant, a tall and handsome appearance, and a chivalrous heart—aside from being a bit dense at times, he had no vices. Only a fool would let a man like this go.
She was going to marry him.
Such a man would be the perfect father for her future children.
Huo Youzhou would surely march on Jiaozhou in the future. She could provide maps of key locations and even introduce him to her father's former subordinates. In exchange, the treacherous Shi Qirong, who had murdered his own brother, had to die. Furthermore, Huo Youzhou would need to support her younger brother to become the new head of the Shi family.
Shi Shi considered this a fair trade.
Miss, why are you so happy? Hongdan asked, seeing the lingering smile on Shi Shi's face. Ever since the patriarch had been murdered, she had not seen a true smile on the young lady's face for a long time.
Shi Shi’s eyes curved into crescents. “How wonderful. The little puppy is so blunt, and so easy to trick.”
Hong Dan did not understand the meaning behind her words.
Shi Shi had no intention of explaining further. “Go and prepare; I wish to bathe.”
Huo Mingji seemed to have a particular respect for that Madam Pei, so she had to do her best to ensure Madam Pei did not feel any resentment toward her. There was a tough battle to be fought in the next day or two, and she needed to conserve her energy. She absolutely could not allow anything to go wrong at the critical moment.
*
Pei Ying was still unaware that someone was trying to curry favor with her. She had a very peaceful night's sleep, and after finishing her breakfast in the morning, she began to contemplate her meeting with Shi Shi.
Regardless of the circumstances, it was a fact that Huo Mingji had offended the young lady. Therefore, after much deliberation, Pei Ying ordered Xin Jin to go to the storehouse and fetch a set of jewelry, then sent word to invite Shi Shi over.
Not long after, Pei Ying saw this daughter of the Shi family from Jiaozhou.
The girl was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a petite frame, a sweet face, and a pair of eyes as bright and lively as a cat's. She wore a light blue round-collared shirt over a pale pink long skirt. Her long hair was pinned up with only a simple wooden hairpin, and she wore no other ornaments.
When she had told Huo Mingji that “Madam Pei’s beauty is well-known,” Shi Shi had not been using empty flattery. She truly had heard of this lady’s reputation.
It was said that Madam Pei possessed breathtaking beauty, that the Pei Trading Company had been established by her own hand, and that she was both talented and intelligent, earning her the deep love and respect of Huo Youzhou.
Before seeing her in person, Shi Shi had felt a sliver of doubt. After all, by age, the woman had to be at least thirty-five.
But now...
The young girl froze in place, rarely showing her true emotions. She stared blankly at the beautiful woman with lush hair not far away. Time seemed to have settled into a lingering, gentle tenderness around her. The bright sunlight drifted in from the window, falling upon her as if her entire being were glowing.
Pei Ying smiled. “Miss Shi is here. Please, have a seat.”
The Shi family was a large clan. Shi Shi’s father alone had six younger brothers, and her grandfather also had many brothers, so she had grown up in a crowd. Regarding her experience in reading people, Shi Shi believed she far surpassed other girls her age.
The kindness of the person before her was genuine. Shi Shi’s heart relaxed slightly, yet she did not sit down immediately as Pei Ying had suggested. Instead, she performed a respectful salute, trying her best to keep her voice from sounding too sweet. “Shi Shi, daughter of the Shi family of Jiaozhou, greets Madam Pei. Just now, upon seeing you for the first time, I felt as if I had glimpsed a celestial fairy descending to the mortal realm and was momentarily dazed. I hope you will not take offense.”
Pei Ying replied, “There is no need for such ceremony.”
Shi Shi straightened up, gave Pei Ying a shy smile, and then took her seat with small, graceful steps.
“I heard from Huo Mingji that you have been a great help to the medical camp these past few days. It must be difficult for you to be a guest in the army and yet find no rest,” Pei Ying said with a smile.
Shi Shi hurriedly replied, “Madam’s words overwhelm me. If it weren't for Second Young Master Huo Mingji saving me from dire straits, my servants and I would have long since passed into the next life. How could we be as safe as we are now? I can never forget the kindness of saving my life. I am only too happy to be able to help where I can in the army.”
Pei Ying feigned ignorance about why she had left Jiaozhou. “Jiaozhou is a place of outstanding people. Why did you leave your hometown, Miss Shi?”
Shi Shi fidgeted with her fingers as if conflicted, but soon seemed to make a certain decision. “Given a choice, perhaps no one would want to leave their home and the land that raised them. To be honest with you, Madam, my father was once the head of the Shi clan, upholding the glory of our lineage. But two years ago, my father fell ill, and at that time, he intended for my eldest brother to gradually take his place. However, my uncle harbored ulterior motives and coveted the position of clan leader. Later, he plotted the murder of my parents and my brother, and even wanted to marry me off as a second wife to a fifty-year-old man with foul habits. I... I could not survive in Jiaozhou, so I had no choice but to leave...”
They would surely investigate her identity. Rather than being thoroughly exposed and then confessing, it was better to complete the story she hadn't finished before.
She had told Huo Mingji that her father was the clan leader and that she had fled a marriage. Those words were not lies; they were just incomplete.
Pei Ying had not expected the girl to be so honest. When she asked, the young girl told her everything.
There is a saying that “sincerity is the ultimate trump card.”
Looking at Shi Shi, whose eyes were now red, Pei Ying saw a girl only sixteen or seventeen, not much older than her own daughter. She sighed. “It is good to be alive. Perhaps there will be a day when your luck turns for the better.”
After speaking, Pei Ying picked up the jewelry box beside her. “Whenever a young lady visits, I usually give a small gift. However, as we are traveling with the army, everything is simplified. It might not be as exquisite as usual. See if you like it.”
A gift from an elder should not be refused. Shi Shi thanked her repeatedly, took the box with trepidation, and opened it in front of Pei Ying.
It was a set of pearl ornaments, totaling nine pieces. Each pearl was large and round, shimmering with a pearly luster under the sunlight.
Shi Shi was slightly stunned.
The other party had only mentioned a female guest visiting and had not mentioned Huo Mingji at all. This set of jewelry was not meant to dismiss her or pay her off.
Puppy’s family was even more wonderful than she had imagined.
