Huo Tingshan's tone was icy, his final words like blades forged from frost, each syllable piercing flesh and sending chills down one's spine.
Tan Jin had won several battles and considered himself a man of stature, yet at this moment, his muscles tensed, his body stiffening. He could even hear the thunderous pounding of his own racing heart—each beat deafening under the scrutiny of those sharp, unrelenting eyes.
His smile grew increasingly strained. "Lord Huo of Youzhou, I truly don’t understand what you’re implying. It’s merely a hair ribbon for women—my residence is full of such trinkets."
He had resolved not to admit anything.
Reaching into another man’s household was hardly honorable, after all. More importantly, the witness was gone.
He had locked Pei Ying in his chambers, intending to savor his prize after the banquet. Yet when he returned, the room was empty—both his wife and the maidservant had vanished without a trace.
Upon questioning the guards, he learned that a treasure-laden carriage had passed through during that time.
She must have escaped in the chaos.
At first, he had been furious at losing his prey, but now Tan Jin felt nothing but relief that Pei Ying was gone.
Without a witness, no matter how this matter was spun, he held the upper hand.
Tan Jin’s calculations were sound, but Huo Tingshan countered, "If you have 'plenty of such ribbons,' then produce them. And while you’re at it, summon the concubine who scratched you earlier. Attempting to harm an imperial official is unforgivable—she must be punished."
Tan Jin cleared his throat. "A mere dalliance, hardly worth mentioning. Let it go."
Though he had many concubines, none were with him now.
He had entered the city with the Youzhou army, while his troops from Yanzhou lagged behind. When they finally arrived, the limited quarters in the commandery’s estate meant only high-ranking officers could be accommodated. Even his generals struggled to find space—how could there be rooms for mere concubines?
As for sharing his own quarters with one? Preposterous. Only his lawful wife had that privilege. Taking a concubine to bed now would invite ridicule.
Huo Tingshan remained expressionless. "An assault on an imperial official cannot be overlooked. Xiong Mao, Chen Yuan—take men and search thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned until you find that woman."
"Aye."
"Aye."
Xiong Mao and Chen Yuan bowed.
"Lord Huo of Youzhou!" Tan Jin roared. "I am the governor of Yanzhou! By what right do you search my territory?!"
Huo Tingshan scoffed. "Tan Jin, you truly overestimate yourself. Your territory? If not for my Youzhou army seizing Guangping Commandery and showing mercy—unwilling to watch fellow subjects of the emperor freeze outside—do you think you’d be standing in this estate now?"
Tan Jin’s face darkened, but he had no retort.
The clatter of overturned furniture echoed from the next room. Out of the corner of his eye, Tan Jin saw Xiong Mao rummaging through his belongings with brazen disregard. The humiliation burned like acid in his throat. "Lord Huo of Youzhou, enough!"
The Yanzhou soldiers obeyed Tan Jin’s orders, but they were outnumbered and unable to stop the search.
As for drawing weapons? Unthinkable.
After all, this was a commandery seized by Youzhou. Even their governor dared only to shout—never to unsheathe his sword.
"A pity. I was never taught the words 'enough.'" Huo Tingshan’s smirk was glacial.
Tan Jin flung his sleeve in fury. "Fine! Search all you want! If you find anything, my head is yours!"
Huo Tingshan narrowed his eyes.
"My, my, what’s all this commotion so late at night?" Liu Baiquan arrived, having heard the commotion.
The moment his guards reported Huo Tingshan leading men toward the Yanzhou quarters, Liu Baiquan had gathered his own retinue. Such a spectacle was not to be missed.
At the sight of Liu Baiquan striding in, Huo Tingshan’s eyes flickered with calculation.
Tan Jin, however, saw salvation. "Governor Liu! You’ve come at the perfect time."
Liu Baiquan adopted an expression of earnest concern. "Governor Tan, what has happened? Is there discord between you and Lord Huo?"
A sly glint flashed in Tan Jin’s eyes as he seized the opportunity to humiliate Huo Tingshan. "Lord Huo has a favored concubine. Earlier, she became infatuated with me at first sight. During the banquet, when I excused myself, she waited in the side hall—pouring out her heart, begging for my affection."
Liu Baiquan’s eyes bulged.
So, Lord Huo’s own concubine had betrayed him for Tan Jin? And now Huo Tingshan was here to confront his rival?
Liu Baiquan’s excitement swelled—he wished he had an extra pair of ears.
Tan Jin continued, embellishing how the woman had been irresistibly beautiful, how she had thrown herself at him, and how he—bound by honor—had refused her out of respect for Huo Tingshan. Heartbroken, she fled, only for Huo Tingshan to storm in with accusations.
The latter half of Tan Jin’s account was truthful, recounting Huo Tingshan’s actions without exaggeration.
But paired with the earlier tale, it painted Huo Tingshan as a man scorned, lashing out in petty vengeance.
Liu Baiquan absorbed every word, savoring the scandal.
Tsk. Who would have thought? The mighty Lord Huo of Youzhou couldn’t even keep his own woman in line—letting her cause such a disgraceful scene at this critical juncture.
"General, we’ve searched inside and out. The lady is nowhere to be found," Chen Yuan reported.
Tan Jin had known they’d find nothing. He sighed dramatically for Liu Baiquan’s benefit. "Governor Liu, what injustice is this? I spared Lord Huo’s dignity by rejecting his concubine, yet here we are. Had I known, I might as well have—ah!"
That final sigh carried volumes of unspoken regret.
Liu Baiquan stole a glance at Huo Tingshan, but the man’s expression betrayed nothing.
Was he truly unbothered, or merely masking his fury?
Regardless, it was time to mediate. "Lord Huo, this seems a misunderstanding. It’s hardly worth straining relations over a mere woman."
Huo Tingshan studied Tan Jin until the man stiffened anew, then turned on his heel and left without a word.
Only when the last of the Youzhou soldiers had vacated his quarters did Tan Jin exhale in relief, as though he’d narrowly escaped calamity.
Then he smirked.
Escaped calamity?
Huo Tingshan’s power ended at Youzhou’s borders. Beyond that, even a dragon must coil tightly and submit.
......
"This afternoon, a batch of treasures was distributed. Given the temperaments of Tan Jin and Liu Baiquan, they will undoubtedly rush to transport them out to secure their gains. Chen Yuan, take your men to investigate all the post stations and brothels in the commandery, specifically checking for lodgings and transactions after the hour of Shen. Also, send someone to inquire whether any unfamiliar women have arrived at the encampment of Yanzhou's troops," Huo Tingshan said expressionlessly.
Chen Yuan accepted the order.
Huo Tingshan then instructed, "Xiong Mao, lead your men in a thorough search of the commandery office. If nothing is found, dredge the small pond in the rear garden as well."
Xiong Mao paused briefly before bowing in acknowledgment.
Huo Tingshan turned to Qin Yang and continued, "Jizhou's forces should arrive soon. Qin Yang, leave the city tonight and reach their camp by tomorrow. The main force can follow later, but first, bring Huang Muyong and Yuan Ding—though Yuan Ding is likely still recovering from his injuries and may not move. In that case, invite Huang Muyong and his deputy first and escort them to Guangping Commandery as quickly as possible."
As for the pretext, any plausible excuse would suffice—for instance, that the forces of You, Yan, and Si Provinces had already arrived, and since Guangping Commandery was part of Jizhou, their prolonged absence would be inappropriate.
Huo Tingshan didn’t need to spell it out; Qin Yang knew how to handle such matters.
Huo Tingshan then addressed Sha Ying, "Sha Ying, order the city guards to strictly inspect any women leaving the city. Also, keep a close watch on Miss Meng Ling'er in the residence. If she disappears as well, you need not return to the battlefield—go back to your hometown and till the land instead."
Sha Ying stiffened, quickly bowing in acknowledgment.
Was the general suspecting that Lady Pei might seize this opportunity to flee again?
It wasn’t entirely impossible. She was already outside the residence now, and if she were willing to abandon Meng Ling'er, she might just have a chance to escape.
As Sha Ying turned to leave, Huo Tingshan called him back, "Sha Ying, there’s one more crucial task for you. Come closer."
Sha Ying leaned in.
"I recall there’s a man in the army skilled in vocal mimicry..."
After hearing Huo Tingshan’s instructions, Sha Ying was momentarily stunned before his eyes lit up with understanding. "Understood!"
Sha Ying soon departed.
Huo Tingshan lifted his gaze to the bright moon hanging high in the sky, its glow like a luminous disk. Yet, his eyes remained as dark as an unfathomable abyss.
He had originally planned to send certain individuals to meet the King of Hell at the fifth watch, but it seemed some were in a hurry to be reborn.
...
At the same time, in a medical clinic.
Pei Ying took out a small silver ingot from her pouch and handed it over, but the elderly physician across from her hesitated. "Madam, I don’t have change for this!"
Pei Ying replied gently, "That’s alright. Keep it for now. My sprained ankle and her internal injuries will require your attention over the next couple of days. She’s still young, and internal injuries should not be taken lightly. Please use the best medicinal ingredients for her."
She had sprained her ankle while jumping from the carriage. Coincidentally, she and Xin Jin had landed near the entrance of an alley, where she spotted a clinic not far away.
With her leg in pain, Xin Jin helped her to the clinic, only for Pei Ying to notice that Xin Jin’s lips had turned pale, as if she might collapse at any moment.
The poor girl had gritted her teeth the entire way without uttering a single complaint.
Pei Ying immediately had her examined by the physician, attending to their injuries one after the other.
Fortunately, she had previously bought two small pouches—one for herself and one for her daughter—each containing small silver pieces worn close to the body, ensuring they weren’t left completely penniless.
The old physician, seeing Pei Ying’s gentle demeanor, stroked his long beard and smiled. "Then I’ll accept this for now. Once the treatment is complete, any excess will be returned to you."
Pei Ying thanked him.
After the examination, they should have left. But Pei Ying’s injury made walking difficult, and Xin Jin, drained of strength, couldn’t support her. For the moment, they were stuck.
The physician hesitated.
Normally, he would have returned home by this hour. If he delayed any longer, he’d be caught past curfew. In the past, he would have shooed out any lingering patients.
His clinic wasn’t a charity—he had no patience for freeloaders.
But with the silver weighing heavily in his hand, the physician couldn’t bring himself to chase them out. After a moment’s thought, he even came up with a small money-making idea. "Since neither of you can walk easily, if you don’t mind, you may stay overnight in this humble clinic. There’s a small room inside—crude, but it should suffice for a night’s rest."
Pei Ying hesitated.
The physician added, "Rest assured, Madam. Aside from myself and my young grandson, no one else stays in the clinic after we leave."
This wasn’t an act of kindness—it was a transaction. Thus, he continued, "Of course, since this will serve as your temporary lodging, I’d ask for half the standard rate of a post station as payment."
Hearing the physician’s demand for payment, Pei Ying felt reassured and agreed.
The small deal was quickly settled. When the physician left, he locked the clinic’s door as usual.
No one could enter from outside, and no one could leave from within.
The locked door suited Pei Ying just fine—she had been worried about thieves sneaking in during the night.
The physician hadn’t lied. The inner room was indeed simple, containing only a bed, a small table, and a few cabinets storing medicinal herbs—likely used for afternoon naps.
Seated on the bed, Pei Ying finally relaxed, her gaze unfocused as she stared blankly into space.
"Madam..."
It took Pei Ying a long moment to turn her head, noticing Xin Jin’s hesitant expression.
"Xin Jin?" Pei Ying asked, puzzled.
Xin Jin clenched her teeth and spoke, "Madam… do you still wish to leave?"
Pei Ying stiffened slightly.
Leave? Of course she wanted to leave Huo Tingshan. She was out of the commandery office now, but Ling'er was still inside.
"I do… but Ling'er is still there," Pei Ying murmured, lowering her eyes. "If only she could escape too."
Meng Ling'er, who looked and acted exactly like her daughter from the modern world, was the only reason she could endure living in this unfamiliar era.
As long as Ling'er remained trapped, she couldn’t leave.
Xin Jin said, "Madam, please hear me out. Miss Meng is extremely clever. As long as she doesn’t hear news of your death and the residence fails to find you, I believe she’ll soon realize you’ve escaped."
Pei Ying’s delicate hands slowly clenched into fists.
"Once she knows you’ve left, Miss Meng will surely find a way out. She might even leave hidden messages for you in taverns or other places," Xin Jin exhaled.
Before, she had thought it best for Pei Ying to stay with Huo Tingshan. But after today’s events, Xin Jin had changed her mind.
Huo Tingshan surrounded himself with nobility, and among the elite, exchanging concubines was common practice. Though Pei Ying was beautiful, she wasn’t the legal wife—there was no guarantee she wouldn’t be gifted to another noble someday.
Even if she avoided that fate and was taken back to Youzhou by Huo Tingshan, her striking beauty would surely torment his lawful wife. Pei Ying wasn’t the scheming or domineering type—how could she possibly win in such a battle? One misstep, and she might end up dead with no place to bury her.
After seeing Pei Ying unhesitatingly spend silver on her treatment, Xin Jin felt she owed it to her mistress to help plan for the future.
After much contemplation, Xin Jin finally brought up the topic of "leaving" once more.
Pei Ying nodded. "You're right. The child is clever—she'll understand. For now, we’ll wait and act as the situation demands."
For many, this night was destined to be sleepless.
...
The sun rose, painting the eastern sky with pale light.
The quiet commandery stirred awake under the morning glow. On the second day after Youzhou’s army breached the city, the people of Guangping Commandery found life continuing as usual and resumed their daily routines.
Vendors began their day’s work—those with established shops flung open their doors to welcome customers, while those without shouldered their carrying poles and headed to their usual spots.
"Clip-clop, clip-clop—"
The sound of hooves shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Some townsfolk, startled like birds at the twang of a bow, grabbed their belongings and made to flee.
"Da Zhuang, don’t run! It looks like Jizhou’s army!"
"Ah, it really is Jizhou’s forces entering the city!"
Qin Yang rode atop his horse, exhaustion faintly lining his face after a night of travel. But the men riding beside him were brimming with energy—a vigor born of exhilaration.
The man astride the chestnut steed was none other than the Guardian-General of the State, Huang Muyong, personally appointed by the Son of Heaven. Riding the gray horse was Chen Guangling, a trusted lieutenant under Jizhou’s Governor Yuan Ding.
Dozens of guards followed in their wake.
In essence, representatives of both old and new powers in Jizhou had gathered here.
They rode straight to the commandery’s administrative hall. The moment Chen Guangling and Huang Muyong dismounted and stepped through the gates, they were met by a tall, strikingly handsome man striding toward them.
Chen Guangling recognized him at once—he had crossed paths with Huo Tingshan years ago. "Governor Huo of Youzhou, it’s been many years. You’ve grown even more imposing."
Huang Muyong’s eyes lit up. "So this is Governor Huo! I’ve long heard of your fame. When you defeated the Xianbei with just twenty thousand men and slew their Chanyu, the court was overjoyed. Every official hailed you as a true hero. Seeing you now, I must say—your divine bearing proves you’re the reincarnation of the Martial Star!"
Huo Tingshan inwardly scoffed.
Overjoyed?
More like wary. Not long after that battle, the grain shipments to Youzhou began arriving moldy—six out of ten portions unusable. Soon after, the court didn’t even bother pretending, cutting off military provisions entirely.
Yet none of his thoughts showed on his face. He exchanged pleasantries with the two men before leading them to the main hall.
Chen Guangling and Huang Muyong frowned upon finding the hall empty of others. Displeasure flickered in their hearts.
They’d heard that Yanzhou and Sizhou’s forces had arrived the day before—why hadn’t they come to greet them?
Don’t speak of rising late; Governor Huo had clearly been waiting here at dawn. Youzhou’s army, the first to breach Guangping Commandery, hadn’t put on airs—yet these two were already flaunting their pride.
Over an hour later, Liu Baiquan finally appeared. Aware of his tardiness, he offered excuses the moment he entered. "My apologies—a stomach ailment delayed me slightly. Lieutenant Chen, it’s been years! And this must be…?"
He turned to Huang Muyong.
"I am Huang Muyong, styled Leqing, originally of Chang’an," Huang Muyong declared loudly.
Liu Baiquan clasped his hands. "Ah, the Guardian-General! My humble respects."
Then, noticing the absence of one figure, his eyes darted shrewdly. "Where is Commander Tan? Surely he isn’t still abed?"
Huo Tingshan called for a guard. "Summon Commander Tan. Inform him the Guardian-General and Lieutenant Chen of Jizhou have arrived."
The guard returned swiftly—as if he’d run into Tan Jin along the way.
Upon entering, Tan Jin paled slightly upon realizing he was the last to arrive. "My deepest apologies. Last night’s banquet left me deep in my cups—I overslept."
Introductions followed.
Chen Guangling waved it off, exchanging courtesies.
But Huang Muyong’s disdain only grew. A military man undone by drink? Even a child wouldn’t believe that. Rumors of rebellious sentiments in certain regions clearly held weight. As the Emperor’s personally appointed Guardian-General, he wouldn’t tolerate such disrespect from a mere commander.
With a sneer, Huang Muyong remarked, "If Commander Tan lacks tolerance for wine, perhaps he should retire early tonight—lest he embarrass himself before the feast ends."
Tan Jin’s face darkened. "You—"
Huang Muyong scoffed, turning away as if further words were beneath him.
Given their arrival, another banquet was inevitable. Considering their journey, the welcoming feast was set for evening.
The spread mirrored the previous night’s—exquisite delicacies and aged wines.
But one stark difference stood out: the seating arrangement.
Tonight, Huang Muyong occupied the seat of honor. To his right sat Huo Tingshan, followed by Jizhou’s Lieutenant Chen Guangling. To his left was Liu Baiquan of Sizhou—with Tan Jin relegated to the lowest position.
Tan Jin’s expression soured further; the meal passed in stifled discomfort.
Huo Tingshan lavished praise on Huang Muyong, while the opportunistic Liu Baiquan echoed every flattery. Even Chen Guangling, perhaps acknowledging Huang Muyong’s temporary authority, occasionally chimed in.
Buoyed by their adulation, Huang Muyong’s irritation toward the sole holdout—Tan Jin—grew. He pressed drink after drink upon him.
Tan Jin downed each cup, finding none of yesterday’s merriment in the air. At last, he set his wine vessel aside, claiming a need to relieve himself, and left the feast.
Few paid him any mind.
Not long after, Huo Tingshan also rose. "I’ll step out briefly as well."
Liu Baiquan grinned. "Return swiftly, Governor Huo. The Guardian-General’s capacity is boundless—without you, I fear I’ll soon be under the table."
Huo Tingshan smiled in acknowledgment.
Outside the privy, Tan Jin encountered Huo Tingshan.
"Commander Tan," Huo Tingshan began smoothly, "might we speak privately? Regarding last night’s matter—there may indeed have been a misunderstanding."
Tan Jin’s spirits lifted. So Huo Tingshan sought to mend ties rather than sever them over a woman. His chest swelled with pride—if the man felt compelled to explain himself, Yanzhou’s influence must indeed be formidable.
Eager now, Tan Jin gestured. "That pavilion sees little foot traffic. We’ll talk there."
Huo Tingshan agreed.
But the moment they reached the pavilion, Tan Jin’s smug grin froze. A flash of steel pierced his vision—then agony exploded in his chest.
His pupils contracted violently, as if glimpsing some vast conspiracy. "You—you mean to wage war against Yanzhou—"
Huo Tingshan suddenly smiled, his narrow eyes glinting with ruthless ambition. "War is coming to Yanzhou, indeed—but not from Youzhou."
Tan Jin coughed blood, mouth gaping to shout—but a powerful hand clamped around his throat, silencing him forever.
The veins on the back of that hand bulged faintly as Tan Jin gasped like a broken bellows, his breath ragged and wheezing.
A moment later—
Thud!
A heavy weight crashed to the ground, and crimson quickly pooled beneath it.
Huo Tingshan tossed aside the short blade his men had discreetly taken from the Sizhou army’s arsenal. "What kind of trash are you, Tan Jin? I’ve spent days and nights by her side, and even she hasn’t confessed her heart to me. Are you saying I’m beneath you?"
Before leaving, he deliberately left behind two more weapons—one from Youzhou and another from Yanzhou—then turned and walked away.
