"That lady must be Huo Youzhou's concubine, correct? Could you ask him to gift her to me? I’ll repay him handsomely in gold and silver."
Though the words slipped out impulsively, Tan Jin saw nothing improper about them.
As far as he knew, Huo Youzhou currently had no official wife in his household. If she wasn’t the wife, then she had to be a concubine. Concubines and favored courtesans were different from wives—they were mere playthings, often exchanged or gifted as one pleased.
The expressions of Xiong Mao, Qin Yang, and the others accompanying Tan Jin darkened instantly.
This man had taken a liking to Lady Pei?
But what a joke! Gongsun Liang had already declared that until the true "Child of the Qilin" was found, Lady Pei would serve as their stand-in. Did Tan Jin really think he could just waltz in and snatch away the Youzhou Army’s symbolic figure?
Gongsun Liang replied sternly, "The lady is not the general’s concubine. She is an honored guest of our army. I must ask Governor Tan to never bring this up again."
Tan Jin paused, his first instinct being that Gongsun Liang was lying.
An honored guest? A mere woman?
Since when did the Youzhou Army debase themselves to such a degree?
In his eyes, this was clearly an excuse—perhaps the woman was Huo Youzhou’s favored mistress, so cherished that he couldn’t bear to part with her, hence this absurd justification.
Tan Jin’s thoughts churned, already convinced that Gongsun Liang’s words were nothing but a flimsy cover. However, since he had yet to meet Huo Tingshan, he let the matter drop for now.
Not far away, Pei Ying took a few more steps forward before realizing that the man surrounded by the crowd wasn’t Huo Tingshan.
The stranger was similarly tall and powerfully built—a warrior’s physique—and standing at the center of the group, she had mistaken him at first glance.
Upon closer inspection, Pei Ying confirmed she had never seen him among the Youzhou Army’s inner circle. Likely an outsider, but since she didn’t know him, there was no reason to approach.
She whispered to Xin Jin, "Let’s take the back way around."
Xin Jin naturally had no objections.
As she turned away, Pei Ying sensed a faint, lingering gaze still fixed on her—cold yet unnervingly slick, like a serpent slithering out of dark waters.
Her delicate brows furrowed, and she quickened her pace.
Only when the graceful figure had completely vanished from sight did Tan Jin reluctantly withdraw his gaze and follow the others into the tent.
"...What? Huo Youzhou led troops to attack Guangping Commandery this morning?" Tan Jin was stunned.
The forces from their allied provinces had all stationed themselves around Guangping Commandery, yet none had made a move—partly waiting for someone else to take the first step and test the strength of the rebel Blue Scarf forces.
But the Youzhou Army had barely arrived before Huo Tingshan launched his assault.
Qin Yang nodded, then calmly dropped another bombshell: "We’ve just received word from the front—Guangping Commandery has fallen. The general has ordered us to prepare to enter the city."
"Guangping Commandery… has fallen?!" Tan Jin’s voice cracked in shock, his composure shattered. But he couldn’t care less, his mind wholly consumed by those five words: Guangping Commandery has fallen.
They had set out at dawn, and by noon, the commandery was taken. Such speed was unheard of. The Youzhou Army was renowned as the fiercest in the land, but Tan Jin’s own province had never clashed with them before. Now, he was witnessing their might firsthand.
After a brief hesitation, Tan Jin made up his mind. "I’ll accompany you into the city. How about it?"
Without seeing it for himself, a sliver of doubt remained.
The visitor was a guest, and Gongsun Liang agreed.
Pei Ying had also received the news about entering the city. Unlike Xiong Mao and the others, who were shocked, she had long anticipated that this battle would end swiftly. Thus, shortly after Huo Tingshan led the troops away, she had Shui Su begin packing their belongings.
Sure enough, by noon, news arrived from the army.
The carriage was already waiting outside the tent. Pei Ying held her daughter’s hand, standing by until Shui Su and Xin Jin finished loading their luggage before boarding.
"Mother, how long will we stay in Guangping Commandery?" Meng Ling'er asked curiously.
Pei Ying sighed softly. "I don’t know yet."
Suddenly remembering something, Meng Ling'er's eyes sparkled. "I’ve heard Chang'an is incredibly lively—towers a hundred feet tall, vermilion pavilions with emerald tiles, and when night falls, countless lanterns light up the city. Oh, and there are so many merchants from the Western Regions with all sorts of strange and fascinating goods! Mother, will we go to Chang'an someday?"
Pei Ying pressed her lips together.
Huo Tingshan was the Governor of Youzhou. Without an imperial summons, he could not enter Chang'an. If she remained by his side, visiting the capital would remain an unattainable dream.
But her daughter wanted to go, and she would take her there—she just needed to wait for the right moment to slip away.
"We will. Someday, we’ll go to Chang'an," Pei Ying said, stroking her daughter’s cheek.
Meng Ling'er immediately beamed, about to throw herself into her mother’s arms for a hug, when she noticed her mother’s delicate brows furrowing. "Mother?"
Pei Ying paused, then smiled at her. "It’s nothing. I just remembered that prices in Chang'an are much higher than in Beichuan County. When we go, we’ll have to be careful with our spending."
She lowered her gaze, trying to ignore the greedy stare fixed on her from a distance.
Meng Ling'er clenched her fists with determination. "My embroidery is quite good! If we run short on money, I’ll sell my needlework."
Pei Ying chuckled. "That won’t be necessary."
After selling all the furniture, the now-empty Meng residence had fetched twenty-five taels of silver—a decent price, all things considered.
Beichuan County was a remote border town, where property values couldn’t compare to those in major cities. Moreover, the recent bandit raids had left many dead, turning some houses into ill-omened dwellings and further depressing prices.
Between the sale and pawning their belongings, she now had about forty taels. While this was a small fortune in a backwater county, it would barely make a dent in Chang'an.
Still, no matter how tight their budget, she wouldn’t let her daughter work as a child laborer.
"Madam, Young Miss, the carriage is ready," Xin Jin said respectfully.
Mother and daughter boarded.
Only once they were inside the carriage, shielded by its walls, did that loathsome gaze finally vanish.
The army set off.
Pei Ying’s carriage was securely guarded in the center of the procession, while Tan Jin rode alongside Xiong Mao and a few others.
Of course, he hadn’t come alone—several of his subordinates had accompanied him, though few noticed that one was now missing.
Midway through the march, a soldier from Yanzhou rejoined the ranks and shook his head subtly at Tan Jin.
Tan Jin’s eyes gleamed.
After being firmly rejected by Gongsun Liang, a calmer Tan Jin had begun to reconsider. Perhaps the lady was related to Huo Tingshan—a distant cousin, maybe.
If that were the case, directly asking for her hand would indeed be inappropriate.
Tan Jin's heart itched with restless thoughts, so he secretly sent someone to investigate. The results pleased him greatly—the lady in question was not a distant relative of Huo Tingshan.
Regardless of Tan Jin's inner excitement, the army marched southward and soon caught sight of the distant city.
From afar, Xiong Mao spotted the gruesome display outside the city walls—two towering piles of severed heads, one on each side of the gate, the blue scarves adorning them now soaked crimson with blood.
Beneath the macabre mounds, streams of blood pooled into rivulets, seeping into the earth and staining the yellow-brown soil a dark, ominous red.
Such scenes were nothing new to hardened warriors like Xiong Mao and his men. In their past battles against the Xianbei, they too had built such displays to intimidate their foes.
When dealing with barbarians, gentler methods were useless.
But remembering the delicate Lady Pei, who had fainted from fright the last time, Xiong Mao quickly rode to her carriage and advised, "The outside is unsightly, my lady. Please refrain from lifting the curtain."
Pei Ying, recalling the previous horror of "bodies broken at the waist," paled slightly. "Thank you for the warning."
While the Youzhou soldiers were unfazed, Tan Jin and his men from Yanzhou visibly recoiled. Accustomed only to minor skirmishes with neighboring provinces, they had never witnessed such a ghastly sight.
One Yanzhou soldier couldn't hold back and retched violently.
Xiong Mao laughed heartily. "Never seen anything like this, eh? No need to fear—they're already dead."
Tan Jin forced a stiff smile, though inwardly he seethed. These northern brutes were truly savage, acting without restraint or conscience.
The army entered the city.
Guangping Commandery, the birthplace of the Blue Scarf Rebellion, had naturally been occupied by the rebels, who took over the governor's residence.
Unlike the unfortunate magistrate of Beichuan County, the governor here had been sharp enough to flee with his family at the first sign of trouble.
Now that Huo Tingshan had seized Guangping, he occupied the vacant governor's residence.
As the carriage halted, Pei Ying heard Xiong Mao announce their arrival. Xin Jin stepped down first, helping the eager Meng Ling'er—who was desperate for fresh air—before turning to assist Pei Ying.
Tan Jin dismounted as well, tossing his reins to a subordinate and asking the Youzhou guard at the gate, "Is Governor Huo currently in residence?"
The guard confirmed he was.
Tan Jin declared, "Inform him that Yanzhou's Military Governor, Tan Jin, requests an audience."
Startled, the guard hurried inside to relay the message, nearly colliding with Pei Ying's group. She gracefully stepped aside, gesturing for him to proceed.
The guard, well aware of Lady Pei's standing among the troops, clasped his hands in gratitude before rushing off.
Tan Jin observed the exchange, a faint smirk crossing his face. So, she was indeed a concubine—and a cautious one at that.
Once the guard disappeared inside, Pei Ying followed another attendant to the rear courtyard.
In his study, Huo Tingshan received word of Tan Jin's arrival, along with the news that the man had earlier sought him at the camp in vain before joining the Youzhou army's march. His brow arched slightly. "Tan Jin of Yanzhou? Have him wait in the main hall. I'll be there shortly."
The guard bowed and left.
Through the open study door, Huo Tingshan spotted Xiong Mao and called him in. "While I was away, did anything noteworthy occur?"
Xiong Mao shook his head. The general had only been gone for a few hours—what urgent matter could there possibly be? But then, an image flashed through his mind, and his shaking head abruptly stopped.
Xiong Mao scratched his large head. "General, there is one thing, though it’s not particularly important."
Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue. "If there’s something, just say it. Did you grow a mouth just to eat?"
Xiong Mao hurriedly replied, "When Tan Jin came to the camp looking for you, he saw Lady Pei. He mistook her for your concubine and tried to claim her for himself."
Huo Tingshan sneered. "He wants everything, doesn’t he? Why doesn’t he just ask Emperor Zhao to hand over the throne while he’s at it?"
Xiong Mao instinctively glanced behind him.
The study door was open, but fortunately, this was now the territory of the Youzhou army—outsiders were all waiting in the front hall.
Xiong Mao let out a slow breath. Even after all these years, he still found himself startled by the general’s habit of speaking so recklessly.
"Never mind. No point arguing with a dead man walking." Huo Tingshan stood and strode out.
Tan Jin had been waiting in the front hall for some time when a tall figure emerged from the side. He quickly rose and bowed. "Tan Jin, Governor of Yanzhou, pays his respects to Lord Huo of Youzhou. Congratulations on your swift and decisive victory over the Blue Scarf rebels and the capture of Guangping Commandery."
Huo Tingshan’s position as Governor of Youzhou was equal in rank to Tan Jin’s superior, the Governor of Yanzhou. Both were subjects of Emperor Zhao, and by protocol, Tan Jin had no choice but to offer this formal greeting.
"No need for such courtesy, Governor Tan." Huo Tingshan raised a hand in a perfunctory gesture. "Today’s victory was minor—hardly worth mentioning."
Tan Jin’s lips twitched. He couldn’t tell whether Huo Tingshan was being modest or arrogant. If Guangping Commandery had been so easy to take, Huang Muyong and Yuan Ding would have seized it long ago.
Huo Tingshan took his seat. With no maidservants in the residence, he poured his own tea. "I heard you came looking for me at the camp this morning. What business brings you here, Governor Tan?"
Tan Jin smiled. "I had hoped to discuss battle strategies with you, Lord Huo. But it seems the Youzhou army is so formidable that no alliance was even necessary—you crushed the Blue Scarf rebels single-handedly."
Huo Tingshan’s eyes curved faintly in amusement. "It’s not that my Youzhou troops are exceptional. The Blue Scarf rebels are simply weak—nothing to fear. If you doubt me, Governor Tan, lead your own men against them next time. You’ll see they’re nothing but paper tigers."
Tan Jin was half-convinced, half-skeptical.
Huo Tingshan made it sound so effortless, and the battle had indeed ended quickly. Could it be true that the Blue Scarf rebels were all bark and no bite?
"Lord Huo, are you aware that forces from Sizhou have also arrived?" Tan Jin changed the subject.
Huo Tingshan nodded. "They’re stationed in Changshan Commandery. In fact, I sent word to them this morning."
Tan Jin’s expression shifted slightly.
Huo Tingshan had already dispatched messengers to Sizhou? And only to Sizhou? Had Youzhou and Sizhou grown so close without his knowledge?
Huo Tingshan waited until Tan Jin’s face cycled through another round of unease before leisurely adding, "Of course, I also sent men to Heqing Commandery. By my estimate, your forces should arrive soon as well."
Heqing Commandery—where the Yanzhou troops were stationed.
Tan Jin’s expression eased. Calculating the distances between the commanderies, he suggested, "If the message was sent this morning, the Sizhou forces should reach Guangping Commandery by evening. Why not host a banquet tonight, Lord Huo? A celebration of victory, and a welcome for the troops."
Guangping Commandery had fallen, and the people from several neighboring provinces were bound to gather. Since there was no time like the present, today was chosen as the perfect occasion.
Huo Tingshan was of the same mind.
After exchanging a few more words with Tan Jin, Huo Tingshan found the man reasonably well-mannered. Seeing that Tan Jin made no further mention of Pei Ying, Huo assumed he had wisely retreated from the pursuit.
......
The leader of the Sizhou forces was a man named Liu Baiquan. Like Tan Jin, he held the rank of commander, but unlike Tan Jin, he had another layer of connection with his superior, the Governor of Sizhou—he was the governor’s son-in-law.
Liu Baiquan arrived at the commandery office near dusk, only to discover that the troops from Yanzhou had already arrived. Upon hearing that Tan Jin, the Yanzhou commander, had reached the office by noon, he couldn’t hide his surprise.
Heling Commandery was even farther from Guangping Commandery than Changshan Commandery, yet Tan Jin had arrived by midday. Unless he had set out early or had already established contact with the Youzhou forces, such speed would have been impossible.
His mind churning with suspicions, Liu Baiquan maintained a genial smile as he exchanged pleasantries with the deputy generals from Youzhou.
As the sun dipped westward, the main hall of the commandery office buzzed with activity. Fortunately, the Guangping Commandery office was spacious enough to accommodate rows of low tables in its grand hall.
Whether in taverns or residences, the main hall always had a hierarchy of seating—the most prestigious position being the one facing the entrance with a solid backing, symbolizing stability and authority.
Tonight’s banquet placed Huo Tingshan at the head, both for his status as a provincial governor and because his forces had conquered Guangping Commandery. To his left and right sat Liu Baiquan and Tan Jin, respectively.
Liu Baiquan was displeased with the seating arrangement. Since the right side was traditionally the more honorable position, why had Tan Jin been placed there? Did Yanzhou and Youzhou share some undisclosed alliance?
Fine wine and delicacies adorned the tables—steaming millet rice, fragrant roasted meats, fish stew, cured mutton, and dried rabbit, all accompanied by silver platters of fruits like apricots.
To ensure ample lighting, oil lamps shaped like beasts hung in the four corners of the hall, their mutton-fat flames casting a warm glow over the silver dishes.
Huo Tingshan raised a wine cup filled to the brim, his broad hand steady as he addressed the assembly. With three provinces gathered, and the forces of Jizhou likely to join soon, he declared, “Like all of you, I stand in Guangping Commandery today to quell the rebellion. As loyal subjects, we must forget personal gain for our lord and forsake family for our country. His Majesty has commanded, and we must answer without hesitation. May all go as Emperor Zhao wills, and may the people of Jizhou find peace and prosperity.”
It was a flawless speech—patriotic, polished, and politically correct.
Everyone knew it was mere formality, but as long as Emperor Zhao remained on the throne, such formalities had to be observed.
Thus, the representatives from Yanzhou and Sizhou promptly echoed his sentiments. First, they condemned the heinous crimes of the Blue Scarf rebels, then lamented the suffering of Jizhou’s people. Once the obligatory sentiments were expressed, they reaffirmed their resolve to eradicate the rebellion.
After the formalities, the feast truly began.
Most of those present were military men, far less restrained than civil officials, and saw no issue with talking while eating.
Amid fine wine, discussions of the dishes, and networking, the atmosphere grew lively—as if the undercurrents of rivalry between the provinces had never existed.
After several rounds of drinks, most of the guests were somewhat intoxicated. Liu Baiquan suddenly sighed, "The wine is excellent, and the evening feast is sumptuous, but it’s a shame there are no beautiful women to dance and sing."
His remark drew immediate agreement from many.
"Fine wine and fair maidens by one’s side—spring breezes bring delight, and sorrows fade away."
"Hahaha! Commander Liu, why such melancholy? Surely you’ve seen your share of beauties in your time?"
Tan Jin sneered, "Even if he has, he wouldn’t dare act on it. Everyone knows Lady Liu is fierce and refuses to share her husband with other women. And with Li Sizhou doting on his daughter like a precious jewel, Commander Liu has to tread carefully under his father-in-law’s watch. If his wife were to complain to her father, he’d be in deep trouble."
Liu Baiquan’s already flushed face turned even redder—partly from embarrassment, partly from anger. Though his father-in-law had promoted him and shown him great favor, such mockery was infuriating. Resentment simmered in his heart—not just toward his jealous wife, but also toward Tan Jin for using the matter to provoke him.
Seated at the head of the table, Huo Tingshan observed Liu Baiquan’s expression, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. The man drained his wine cup in one go, as if too absorbed in the fine liquor to bother smoothing over the tension.
Seeing that Huo Tingshan made no move to mediate, one of Liu Baiquan’s subordinates hastily changed the subject. "Weren’t we just discussing beauties? Let’s continue. In my opinion, the most exquisite women are found right here in our own commandery..."
Before he could finish, someone scoffed. "The commandery? No, they pale in comparison to Chang’an. The women of the capital compete in beauty and grace—each one a vision. Concubine Li herself hails from Chang’an. Five years ago, I had the fortune to attend a royal autumn hunt and caught a glimpse of her."
"Well? What was she like?"
"They say Concubine Li was born from the spirit of a peach blossom—is she truly that breathtaking?"
The man deliberately prolonged the suspense before exhaling, as if lost in drunken reverie. "Let’s just say there’s a reason she reigns supreme in the imperial harem. A peerless beauty indeed—His Majesty is a fortunate man."
As he listened, Tan Jin couldn’t help but recall the lady he had seen earlier that day.
Peerless?
He had never laid eyes on Concubine Li, but he was certain the lady from earlier surpassed even her.
Stealing a glance at Huo Tingshan at the head of the table, Tan Jin mused silently: No wonder Huo Youzhou showed no interest in discussing beauties. With such a stunning woman in his arms, it was only natural he’d lose appetite for others.
The wine emboldened him, and his thoughts grew increasingly restless. Suddenly, an old court rumor came to mind.
During the reign of Emperor Leyuan, a favored concubine was groped in the dark by a general during a banquet. She tore off the general’s cap tassel and reported the offense to the emperor. Yet instead of punishing the man, the emperor ordered all military officers to remove their tassels, letting the matter pass. Later, when that general distinguished himself in battle, the emperor even gifted the concubine to him.
Now that was the magnanimity of a true man.
Huo Tingshan was no emperor, and Tan Jin wasn’t directly under his command—but surely the man wouldn’t make a public scene over a mere woman?
Besides, he only wanted a taste—a single night of pleasure.
Convinced the plan was foolproof, Tan Jin stood and excused himself to relieve himself.
His absence went unnoticed as the revelry continued unabated. Time crept by until Huo Tingshan, seated at the head of the table, finally frowned.
This trip to the restroom had taken far too long.
Scarred fingertips tapped idly against the wooden desk, but at a certain moment, the motion halted mid-air. Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue in irritation.
Had that fool Tan Jin wandered off to the rear courtyard?
He considered sending Xiong Mao to check, but then, as if remembering something, he set down his wine cup and stood, claiming he too needed to relieve himself.
While the main hall was occupied with dinner, the rear courtyard was no different.
Having spent less time in the carriage today, Meng Ling'er ate more than usual.
Once the meal was finished, Pei Ying pulled her daughter up from her seat. "You shouldn't sit right after eating. Get up and take a walk to help digest."
"Mother, let me rest a little. I won’t go today—tomorrow, I’ll gather my strength and accompany you, alright?" Meng Ling'er didn’t want to move.
Sitting was far more comfortable. After a full meal, one ought to sit—if not for maintaining some semblance of decorum, she would’ve preferred lying down.
Pei Ying could only sigh in resignation and took Xin Jin with her to stroll in the rear garden.
The last traces of dusk lingered, the sky painted in fading hues of gold, the sunset scattering its brilliance like molten treasure.
Pei Ying took a deep breath.
This world knew no industrial pollution—the air was crisp, the heavens clear, and as night began to fall, faint stars peeked through the twilight.
Footsteps sounded from the rear gate. At first, Pei Ying paid them no mind, but the slightly unsteady tread grew closer.
"My lord, do you require assistance?" Xin Jin initially assumed it was one of Youzhou’s military officers.
After all, this garden lay within the quarters reserved for Youzhou’s generals, so anyone encountered here ought to be one of their own.
The man didn’t answer, only continued advancing toward them.
His burly figure emerged from the shadows, the faint remnants of daylight catching half his face—revealing features that were almost unfamiliar.
"Almost," because Xin Jin had glimpsed him once before. At noon that day, he had been surrounded by Youzhou’s officers, and she later heard he was a commander from Yanzhou visiting the camp.
This must be him.
Xin Jin quickly corrected herself. "Commander, the Yanzhou quarters are next door. Allow me to escort you."
Pei Ying instinctively turned. Knowing most officers were at the banquet in the main hall, she hadn’t bothered with a veil when coming to the garden.
Tan Jin stared at the beautiful woman whose face had gone pale, thinking to himself—earlier, in the main hall, people had said Emperor Zhao was fortunate in his consorts. But in his opinion, the truly fortunate one was Huo Youzhou.
Her hair was lush as clouds, her gaze luminous. Even in her fright, the woman’s beauty remained undiminished. The fading light gilded her features, her delicate lashes catching the gold like feathers, making her seem almost celestial.
Tan Jin swallowed hard, his gaze lingering on the mature curves wrapped in dark emerald robes, heat stirring within him. "Madam, you look at me so—do you remember me?"
Xin Jin stepped in front of Pei Ying. "Commander, this is Youzhou’s designated residence."
She was shorter than Pei Ying, unable to block the man’s view. Tan Jin’s eyes fixed greedily on Pei Ying, desire burning in them. "I admire you, Madam. I only wish to grow closer."
"Commander—"
Xin Jin tried to intervene again, but Tan Jin swept his arm out, sending her sprawling to the ground.
"Xin Jin!" Pei Ying reached out to help, but barely had she bent down when a large hand seized her arm.
A strong wave of alcohol assaulted her senses, mingled with the sour stench of sweat that had been trapped for far too long.
Her arm felt as though it had been coiled by some damp, slithering serpent. Pei Ying's stomach churned. "I advise the Commander to leave at once. Trespassing into the Youzhou Army's quarters—aren’t you afraid of being accused of spying on military secrets?"
Tan Jin couldn't help but laugh at Pei Ying's repeated invocation of the Youzhou Army. "Madam certainly knows how to borrow authority from the mighty. But a mere favored concubine is hardly worth mentioning—do you really think Huo Tingshan would turn against me over a woman? And who’s to say it wasn’t you who fell for me at first sight this afternoon, unable to forget me, and arranged this secret rendezvous in the garden tonight?"
Pei Ying was stunned.
How dare he twist the truth like this!
Pulling her arm, he yanked her into his embrace. The soft fragrance of her body only stoked the fire in him further. Tan Jin’s grip slid down from her arm to her delicate wrist, then crept beneath the sleeve of her robe.
The skin beneath his fingers was impossibly smooth, so plush that it seemed to spill slightly between his fingers when he tightened his grasp. His eyes burned with hunger, and just as he lowered his head to claim her lips, a blur of movement caught his eye—the maidservant, Xin Jin, had scrambled up from the ground and was charging toward him.
"Madam certainly keeps a loyal hound." Before the words had fully left his mouth, Tan Jin lashed out with a kick, striking Xin Jin squarely in the abdomen and sending her flying like a snapped kite string.
"Xin Jin!"
Tan Jin sneered. "Madam should worry less about others and more about—ah!"
A sharp knee drove into the vulnerable spot below his abdomen, the pain twisting his face into a grimace.
Already flushed from drink, his face now paled with agony, and his grip on Pei Ying slackened.
Seizing the moment, Pei Ying shoved him away and fled without a backward glance, sprinting toward the arched gate of the rear garden. Neither she nor Xin Jin stood a chance against a warrior like him—she needed to find the guards.
"Best not let me catch you, Madam, or you’ll face severe punishment," the man behind her growled.
Pei Ying heard the initial venom in his voice, but by the end, it had noticeably smoothed out.
Had he recovered that quickly?
Panic surged in her chest. Gritting her teeth, she ran with all her might, the garden’s arched gate now within sight.
Once past it, finding Youzhou’s patrols wouldn’t be difficult.
Hope flickered in Pei Ying’s eyes.
Yet in the next instant, a terrifying force seized her from behind—first catching her sleeve, then yanking hard.
Stumbling backward, she fell into Tan Jin’s arms.
The moment his body pressed against hers again, the hairs on her neck stood on end. Her blood turned to ice, her stomach convulsed, and a wave of nausea and dread threatened to overwhelm her.
In all his years, no one had dared strike him there. Tan Jin had fully intended to teach her a brutal lesson once he caught her—to make her understand the consequences of defying a man. But now, with the fragrant beauty back in his arms, he reconsidered.
Punishment was still due—but perhaps of a different kind.
"Madam is certainly full of spirit. Let’s see if you can keep it up… once we’re in bed," Tan Jin murmured with a dark chuckle.
Seeing no possibility of escaping through the arched gate, Pei Ying opened her mouth to scream.
Tan Jin noticed her intention and swiftly covered her face with his hand. A military man’s palm was large, and his hand engulfed most of her face.
Tan Jin was about to tease her further when his sharp ears caught a sound. Having risen to the position of Governor of Yanzhou, he was no ordinary man—his battlefield experience had honed his hearing to exceptional acuity.
He heard someone approaching.
Pei Ying lacked his keen hearing but sensed his pause, realizing someone must be coming.
Someone was coming.
This was the territory of the Youzhou army—whoever approached was undoubtedly one of them.
A glimmer of hope reignited in Pei Ying’s eyes. Her hands were still free, and she clawed frantically at the back of Tan Jin’s hand, leaving red scratches in their wake.
Tan Jin frowned, knowing this couldn’t continue. Without hesitation, he struck Pei Ying’s neck with a swift chop.
Her pupils contracted, then slowly dilated as her eyelids drooped, and she collapsed limply into his arms.
Glancing back at Xin Jin, who lay unconscious on the ground, Tan Jin turned decisively, hoisting both women—one under each arm—and swiftly carried them away.
Shan Le had suffered a bout of stomach trouble earlier, slipping away to the latrine during his patrol. It had taken no more than the time to finish a cup of tea, and since they were within the safety of the commandery’s estate, he assumed nothing could go wrong.
After completing his assigned route, he regrouped with his four comrades to report to their squad leader. Just then, the squad leader spotted a figure approaching and immediately straightened his posture. "General," he greeted.
The other four followed suit.
They expected Huo Tingshan to pass by, but instead, he stopped before them. "Any irregularities during the patrol?"
The squad leader shook his head. "None, sir."
Huo Tingshan paused, then asked, "Did you patrol the rear garden?"
"Reporting to the General, we did. No issues found," Shan Le answered truthfully.
They had indeed patrolled the area—though Shan Le had taken a brief detour to the latrine after the shift change before continuing his rounds.
Huo Tingshan stroked his thick beard, then turned silently and retraced his steps—not toward the main hall, but toward the nearest latrine.
There, he encountered Tan Jin, who was just about to enter.
"Governor Tan, paying a second visit to the latrine?"
Tan Jin stiffened slightly before turning to face Huo Tingshan. "Drank a bit too much earlier. My stomach’s unsettled—no choice but to return."
Huo Tingshan was about to reply when his gaze fell on the fresh red scratches marring the back of Tan Jin’s hand.
