Not only Pei Ying was surprised to see Huo Tingshan—Chen Yuan and the surrounding guards were equally stunned.
By all accounts, the general should have been leading troops to exterminate the Blue Scarf rebels. Why had he returned?
Unless...
The soldiers' eyes lit up.
The Youzhou army, having followed Huo Tingshan for years, held a blind faith in him. They assumed his return could only mean a great victory.
Chen Yuan straightened up. "General, once we finish off these stragglers, I'll immediately order the provisions to be transported into Changping Commandery."
Huo Tingshan merely gave an absentminded hum, his gaze still fixed on Pei Ying.
Dawn had broken, the dark veil over the sky lifting as daylight gently illuminated the beauty's jade-like face—soft, delicate, and incomparably refined compared to gaudy splendor.
Her complexion, usually rosy, was now unusually pale.
"Are you hurt?" Huo Tingshan frowned, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Finding no visible wounds on her front, he gripped her shoulders and forcibly turned her around to inspect her back.
She had likely risen hastily from sleep, her cascading black hair loosely tied with a deep purple ribbon, most of it left loose down her back, lending her an uncharacteristic air of languid grace.
Finding no injuries there either, Huo Tingshan raised a brow. "Ah, so the lady was merely frightened."
Pei Ying was momentarily dazed as he turned her by the shoulders.
The man had just galloped through the chilly autumn wind, yet his large palm was scorching hot, the searing heat penetrating her robes as if branding her skin. It felt like a red-hot iron pressed against her shoulder.
Perhaps because he stood too close, the metallic stench of blood thickened around them—dense, viscous, as if the very air might drip crimson.
The scent she once associated with him was now entirely eclipsed by this overwhelming smell of blood.
Regaining her senses, Pei Ying brushed his hand away, and the large palm obediently withdrew.
Only afterward did she notice the smear of dried blood left on the left shoulder of her ruqun.
Meng Ling'er hesitated. "Mother, your clothes..."
Pei Ying glanced down. A coin-sized bloodstain, darker than fresh blood and nearly dried, marred the purple silk of her upper garment.
She turned back to Huo Tingshan, her clear eyes flashing with unmistakable displeasure.
The man had ruined one of her dresses the moment he returned.
Yet Huo Tingshan smiled without a trace of remorse. "The Blue Scarf leader's stronghold has fallen. Changping Commandery is brimming with treasures—I'll compensate you with a new gown later."
Pei Ying first declined.
It was just a dress—hardly worth quarreling over.
Then she added, "General, you should attend to your duties. My daughter and I will return to our tent."
Chen Yuan and the surrounding Youzhou soldiers exchanged stunned glances.
Was Lady Pei actually dismissing the general?
And right in front of them?
As for the dismissed man himself—no trace of anger crossed his face. "We depart for the city in two hours. You may rest until then."
Behind Chen Yuan, the young soldier Ding Niu exchanged a meaningful look with his squadmate Li Jixiang.
The former looked smug; the latter, impressed.
Ding Niu: Didn't I say Lady Pei was likely Emperor Zhao's long-lost daughter? And you doubted me? Now see how unusually the general treats her—not even angered when publicly dismissed! What clearer proof could there be?
Li Jixiang: Impressive indeed. Your observational skills are unmatched. Do share more rumors with me in future.
Unaware of the gossip circulating about her, Pei Ying bid Huo Tingshan farewell and retreated to her tent with Meng Ling'er.
Two hours until departure meant four hours of sleep—enough for a nap.
After Huo Tingshan's return, the remaining "Blue Scarf bandits" in the camp were swiftly eliminated.
"These attackers weren't true Blue Scarf rebels but men from Sizhou. Chen Yuan, comb through the corpses thoroughly—find me proof of Sizhou's involvement," Huo Tingshan ordered.
Chen Yuan had initially believed them genuine rebels, but seeing Huo Tingshan's return made him reconsider.
With their stronghold destroyed, real Blue Scarf forces would be fleeing for their lives—not persistently harassing the rear.
After half an hour's investigation, Chen Yuan reported back: "General, we examined all corpses but found no traces. Their clothing, weapons—nothing links them to Sizhou's army."
Huo Tingshan had marched at dawn yesterday, attacked Changping Commandery by night, and rushed back upon hearing of the rear assault—a full day without rest.
Still armored, the man stood before a massive sheepskin map in the command tent, his keen eyes scanning the terrain without fatigue, only the blazing ambition for imminent conquest.
"Unsurprising. Liu Baiquan can be cautious when it suits him," Huo Tingshan said mildly. "No matter. If we can't find proof, we'll manufacture some."
The world already knew of Yanzhou's fallen soldiers and Sizhou's cowardly retreat.
Should rumors spread that some "Blue Scarf bandits" attacking Youzhou's granaries wielded Sizhou blades, people would naturally suspect the already-disgraced Sizhou forces—either of colluding with rebels or framing Youzhou to salvage their reputation.
Either interpretation would justify Youzhou's next move.
Chen Yuan's eyes gleamed. "At once!"
True to his word, Huo Tingshan gave the order to march exactly two hours later.
"Mother, I saw them throwing all the dead bodies over there," Meng Ling'er said as she climbed into the carriage.
Pei Ying, who had been transferring tangerines from a bag to a tray, paused to study her daughter. The girl spoke matter-of-factly, her face showing little fear.
"Aren't you scared, sweetheart?" Pei Ying asked, puzzled.
Meng Ling'er nodded, then shook her head. "They're dead—they can't hurt us anymore."
Pei Ying was taken aback that her daughter only feared living threats. After a long pause, she murmured, "But they were people..."
Meng Ling'er blinked. "Dead people, yes. But Mother, it's not our first time seeing them."
She'd witnessed public executions since childhood—merchants beating runaway slaves to death in the streets, blow after bloody blow.
For two nights afterward, she'd had nightmares until her father explained: runaway slaves could legally be killed under Chu law.
Similar scenes recurred throughout her upbringing, alongside fatal street brawls.
Death was nothing new.
Pei Ying looked at her daughter and found herself momentarily speechless.
She suddenly felt a rift between eras—in this unfamiliar dynasty, death seemed nothing extraordinary. Even her sheltered daughter appeared to know and accept that such encounters were inevitable.
Perhaps this was for the best. The world would only grow more chaotic, and it was good that Ling'er could remain unshaken.
Yet, in the deepest recesses of her heart, Pei Ying felt an inexplicable loneliness.
Meng Ling'er, who looked identical to her modern-day daughter, might be her reincarnated past self, but she was not of the modern era.
No one knew Pei Ying's origins, nor could anyone understand her accustomed peace, her fear of death, slaughter, and all forms of chaos.
Noticing Pei Ying's pallor, Meng Ling'er asked anxiously, "Mother, are you all right?"
Pei Ying forced a smile. "It's nothing. I'm just a little tired."
As she spoke, a dark shadow flickered at the edge of the lifted carriage curtain. Pei Ying turned and glimpsed the familiar black armor.
Realizing he had been spotted, Huo Tingshan raised his hand and hooked the curtain higher.
The armor's deep hue concealed any bloodstains, yet an inexplicable chill emanated from it, making Meng Ling'er's scalp prickle.
But Pei Ying was no longer afraid of Huo Tingshan. To her, he was now a toothless, clawless tiger—intimidating in appearance only. "General, is there something you need?"
Huo Tingshan's gaze lingered on her face.
A few corpses had frightened her so much that she hadn't recovered even after two hours.
Before he could speak, a dazzling crimson glint caught his eye. He tilted his head slightly and saw the familiar ruby bracelet now adorning Meng Ling'er's wrist.
The man narrowed his eyes.
"That bracelet—does Madam not like it?" Huo Tingshan asked bluntly.
Pei Ying was momentarily taken aback. She hadn't expected this to be his concern. The ruby bracelet was beautiful, but she felt neither particular fondness nor dislike for it.
After a pause, she replied carefully, "I hadn’t yet thanked you, General. The bracelet is lovely. My gratitude."
Though she hadn’t worn it herself, she had accepted it.
Meng Ling'er froze, realizing the bracelet might carry significant meaning. Her left wrist suddenly burned where the bracelet rested. She raised her right hand, hesitating—removing it now would seem odd, but keeping it on felt equally awkward.
"If Madam dislikes it, then so be it. Once we reach Changping Commandery, I shall select something more to your taste," Huo Tingshan said flatly.
Pei Ying nearly insisted she didn’t dislike it but feared he would press further—if she liked it, why wasn’t she wearing it? So she merely hummed in acknowledgment.
Huo Tingshan added, "The road to Changping Commandery is now clear."
Pei Ying wasn’t sure what he meant.
Clear?
Was he boasting about the invincibility of his Youzhou army, now equipped with stirrups?
She decided that must be it.
If he wanted praise, she would oblige. "The Youzhou army is indomitable, brimming with elite soldiers—a testament to the General’s leadership."
Huo Tingshan fell silent.
He had meant to reassure her that there would be no more corpses along the way. What was this nonsense she was spouting?
When he didn’t respond, Pei Ying assumed her flattery hadn’t sufficed.
Indulging him once was fine, but she wouldn’t make a habit of it. Offering him a polite smile, she reached out and lowered the curtain he had lifted moments ago.
The fabric fell, separating the carriage's interior from the outside world. Meng Ling'er finally breathed freely again, though inwardly stunned.
How could her mother be so bold? Wasn’t she afraid of angering that brute?
Nearby, Chen Yuan discreetly averted his gaze, pretending not to witness Madam Pei shutting the curtain on the General.
A vein throbbed at Huo Tingshan’s temple. He stared at the curtain for a long moment before turning away with a darkened expression.
In warfare, severing ties between the frontlines and rear was disastrous—equivalent to cutting off supplies or burning granaries.
Thus, it didn’t take long for the army to arrive at Changping Commandery.
Overnight, the traces of the previous night’s slaughter seemed erased. Only the dark blood still seeping between the stone tiles hinted that this city, long held by the Blue Scarf rebels, had changed hands.
Huo Tingshan took residence in the commandery’s governor’s mansion.
The mansion had changed occupants several times. By the time its last owner, the Dream Fulfillment Master, claimed it, the place had undergone extensive renovations.
The front courtyard was paved with white jade tiles, each subtly engraved with intricate patterns. The halls were opulent, adorned with exquisite furniture and ornaments. A winding stream encircled a jade-green lake, spanned by a crescent-shaped white bridge resembling a new moon.
The rear garden overflowed with vibrant blossoms, many of which Meng Ling'er had never seen before. She gaped, overwhelmed by the sight.
"Mother, this is even grander than the governor’s mansion in Guangping Commandery," she marveled. "The Dream Fulfillment Master lived in such luxury?"
Pei Ying nodded in agreement.
Chen Yuan led them to the rear chambers. "Madam Pei, this is your room."
Pei Ying glanced at the neighboring quarters—unsurprisingly vast, likely the master suite.
That man would probably stay right next to her again.
Chen Yuan pushed the door open and directed several Youzhou soldiers to carry Pei Ying’s belongings inside. Once everything was settled, he turned to Meng Ling'er. "Young Mistress Meng, please follow me."
Meng Ling'er frowned. "Can’t I stay with my mother?"
Chen Yuan’s expression remained impassive, as if his facial muscles had atrophied. "During the march, accommodations were limited, hence the inconvenience for you and Madam Pei. But now, there’s no need for such arrangements."
Meng Ling'er sensed his unyielding tone but pressed on. "It wasn’t inconvenient. I’d prefer to stay with Mother."
Ignoring her, Chen Yuan gestured for the soldiers carrying her luggage to proceed.
Meng Ling'er choked back her frustration.
Meanwhile, in the main hall.
Sha Ying announced, "Great General, we have eliminated fifty-five thousand Blue Scarf rebels and captured thirty-three thousand."
The officers erupted in celebration.
Fifty-five thousand killed and thirty-three thousand captured—fewer than ninety thousand in total, barely a quarter of the Blue Scarf army’s purported four hundred thousand.
But seasoned commanders knew better than to count mere numbers. What mattered was the elite forces, not the rabble armed with hoes and makeshift weapons.
The rebels stationed at their stronghold were the cream of the crop—veterans of the earliest uprisings, incomparable to later recruits.
This battle had dealt a crippling blow to the Blue Scarf rebellion. Even if their leader, the Dream Fulfillment Master, escaped to another stronghold, it would take at least a year or two to rebuild their former might.
The colossal threat that once robbed Emperor Zhao of sleep had effectively ceased to exist.
Chen Shichang entered from outside at this moment and bowed to Huo Tingshan. "My lord, I have already sent a letter to Yuanshan Commandery and ordered notices to be posted in Changping, Yuanshan, Guangping, and several other commanderies, informing the world of the Si Province Army's treachery. I believe Huang Muyong will soon make his choice."
Nowadays, spreading news to the public was typically done by posting notices, which would then be read aloud by the first batch of messengers. The common folk would pass the word along, and soon the news would spread far and wide.
Huo Tingshan nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now we wait."
Next, it was up to Huang Muyong to decide.
In truth, Huang Muyong had no choice. Notices had already been posted everywhere, clearly exposing the actions of the Si Province Army.
If he insisted on keeping the city gates closed when the Youzhou forces arrived at his walls, it would be tantamount to declaring to the world that he, Huang Muyong, had chosen to shield the Si Province Army, which had been implicated with the Blue Scarf Rebels.
He had been sent by Emperor Zhao to suppress bandits in Ji Province. His position inherently forbade him from associating with the Si Province Army, now branded with the mark of the Blue Scarf.
The Youzhou generals understood this perfectly, so they could now wait with ease.
They would wait for word from Yuanshan Commandery, where Huang Muyong would likely cooperate with them from within.
After his initial excitement, Xiong Mao remembered something else. "Earlier, rumors were everywhere that the Dream Fulfillment Master possessed divine powers, capable of summoning earthquakes at will. Now it seems nothing but nonsense. If he truly had such abilities, how could he have been so thoroughly defeated by the Grand General?"
Qin Yang chuckled and chimed in, "In my opinion, he was simply taking advantage of the situation to boast. Some common folk are gullible, believing whatever they’re told. Perhaps there really was an earthquake in Ji Province, but it had nothing to do with the Dream Fulfillment Master. He merely seized the opportunity to claim credit, using it to intimidate the ignorant."
The others nodded in agreement, finding his reasoning sound.
"By now, that scoundrel Liu Baiquan must be green with regret."
And indeed, that was exactly the case—
Clang!
A teacup was violently swept off the table, shattering into pieces on the floor.
Liu Baiquan glared at the broken shards, still seething, and kicked the table over. "Useless! All of you, useless!"
His subordinates in the hall stood frozen, not daring to utter a word.
Liu Baiquan’s face was livid. "I thought the Dream Fulfillment Master was some great power, but he turned out to be nothing but a fraud—defeated by Huo Tingshan in a single night! If I had known… if I had known…"
He panted heavily, muttering "if I had known" over and over. His subordinates from Si Province understood his unspoken words.
If he had known, he would have joined Youzhou in attacking Changping Commandery. Had they done so, they would now share in the spoils of victory.
Liu Baiquan’s temples throbbed painfully, his head pounding.
He was only a military governor, not a provincial governor with full authority over Si Province. News of this would soon reach Si Province, and he could already imagine the fury of his father-in-law, the Governor of Si Province.
He would surely say Liu Baiquan was good for nothing but failure.
Though his father-in-law’s influence would prevent him from being stripped of his position, this incident would be enough to earn him cold treatment for some time.
"Governor, what’s done is done. Our only option now is to deny everything—claim that Youzhou is slandering us, trying to pin the blame on us," one subordinate finally ventured in a hushed voice.
Liu Baiquan murmured, "Deny it… deny it… Yes! The ambush wasn’t our doing. It was all the work of the Blue Scarf Rebels. Si Province had nothing to do with it. Youzhou has no right to slander us. If they continue to spew nonsense, falsely accusing us, then don’t blame us for retaliating."
By the end, his voice was firm and resolute, his spirits lifted as if he had suddenly found a way out.
Liu Baiquan’s plan was sound, but he momentarily forgot that Huang Muyong, observing the situation, had no intention of siding with him.
It was true that Yuanshan Commandery was easy to defend—but only if the gates were shut and the drawbridge raised. If the gates were thrown open and the drawbridge lowered, even the best defenses would be useless.
Huo Tingshan received Si Province’s response.
He wasn’t surprised.
If Liu Baiquan had admitted guilt, he wouldn’t be Liu Baiquan. But it didn’t matter—Si Province’s excuses were irrelevant.
Huo Tingshan had already mobilized his forces and now led the Youzhou army in a grand march.
Unlike previous campaigns where he had concealed the high-bridge saddles and stirrups, this time Huo Tingshan made no effort to hide them.
This battle against the Si Province Army had to be a victory—an overwhelming one. They had to crush the enemy, leaving them no chance to fight back.
Only then would the imperial faction and the remnants of the Ji Province forces watching from the sidelines truly fear Youzhou. Only then would Ji Province be fully under his control.
Scouts from Si Province quickly relayed news of Youzhou’s advance.
On his side, Liu Baiquan hastily prepared for battle.
He was currently stationed in Yuanshan Commandery, a strategically advantageous location. But he had failed to consolidate absolute control there. When he learned that Huang Muyong refused to close the gates for him, Liu Baiquan nearly spat blood in fury.
What kind of battle was fought without closing the city gates?
Huang Muyong sighed regretfully. "Governor Liu, this conflict is between Si Province and Youzhou. As an official of the court, I was sent by His Majesty to Ji Province solely to suppress the Blue Scarf Rebels. I cannot interfere in other matters."
At those words, Liu Baiquan knew there was no hope.
Huang Muyong had even invoked the Emperor’s authority. If Liu Baiquan pressed further, the man would surely turn around and accuse him of defying imperial orders—a charge he could ill afford.
Liu Baiquan stormed out in a rage.
With Yuanshan Commandery out of the question, the Si Province Army could no longer stay there. They needed another defensible position.
But where could they find one at such short notice?
There was nowhere!
After much hesitation and delay, Liu Baiquan’s forces finally clashed with Huo Tingshan’s army not far from Yuanshan Commandery.
In a direct confrontation, neither side held a clear advantage.
Huo Tingshan, clad in black armor, sat astride his steed Wu Ye, gripping a pitch-black longsword whose blade gleamed coldly.
Behind him stood rows of Youzhou cavalry, similarly armored. The massive army banner fluttered in the wind, the character "You" emblazoned upon it like a roaring tiger baring its fangs.
Huo Tingshan fixed his gaze on Liu Baiquan and declared in a booming voice, "Governor Liu, the matter of your Si Province ambushing our supply convoy must be settled today. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, let this grudge be put to rest. After today, Youzhou will seek no further quarrel with Si Province."
Liu Baiquan gritted his teeth inwardly. Damn it! Huo Tingshan had struck first with these seemingly magnanimous words.
Furious but maintaining his composure, Liu Baiquan snorted coldly. "Your supply convoy was not attacked by Si Province. But since you insist on believing otherwise, further explanations are pointless. If words fail, then let blades speak. Men—charge!"
The war drums thundered, and the battle flags fluttered in the wind. The iron cavalry kicked up clouds of dust, presenting a magnificent sight.
Suddenly, the soldiers from Sizhou saw that the cavalry from Youzhou all took out longbows and drew them to full stretch on their horses.
Liu Baiquan's pupils suddenly constricted.
In an instant, arrows rained down. The cavalry from Sizhou who were hit by the arrows let out endless wails, and many of them tumbled off their horses before even truly engaging in the battle.
After the first round of arrow - shooting, the forces from Sizhou were in great disarray.
Huo Tingshan led the charge on his horse, brandishing a black long - knife as he charged into the Sizhou army. Wherever he passed, the blade was stained with blood, and heads frequently rolled to the ground. Seeing this, the morale of the Youzhou cavalry behind him soared even higher, and the sound of the battle cries suddenly became louder.
Huang Muyong and several high - ranking officers of the Jizhou army hiding in the dark were sweating profusely and felt a chill all over their bodies.
The Youzhou army was extremely fierce, like tigers descending the mountain. That cavalry was like an invincible blade, which could easily cut through Sizhou's defense.
Moreover, what on earth had the Youzhou cavalry assembled? How could they take their hands off the reins and generally wield such heavy weapons?
"Great General Protecting the Nation," a voice trailed off.
But Huang Muyong still heard it. The Jizhou army general, once a subordinate of Yuan Ding, finally murmured four words: "Invincible."
Huang Muyong was shocked.
Yes, invincible.
If it were the Jizhou army on the battlefield at this moment, or the batch of imperial troops allocated to him by the emperor, would they really have the strength to fight against the Youzhou army?
Huang Muyong knew very well that they didn't.
Not to mention fighting alone, given the current ferocity of the Youzhou army, it was even uncertain whether all of them combined could defeat Youzhou.
The result of this battle was within Huang Muyong's expectation, but the process and the time it took far exceeded his anticipation.
The Youzhou army crushed the Sizhou army with absolute overwhelming strength. Even Liu Baiquan was cut off his horse by Huo Tingshan, and his right arm was severed at the root.
Huang Muyong felt a tingling sensation on his scalp and seemed to feel a dull pain in his own arm.
After the battle ended, just as Huang Muyong was about to lead his men back secretly, he suddenly saw Huo Tingshan looking in his direction.
There was clearly a distance between them, and he and his men were hiding in the woods. But this look made Huang Muyong feel that Huo Tingshan knew he was there watching the battle.
Huang Muyong was extremely frightened.
"Great General Protecting the Nation?"
Huang Muyong came back to his senses and only felt his throat dry: "Let's, let's go back."
Huo Tingshan withdrew his gaze and began to assign tasks: "Sha Ying, Qin Yang, you two lead the East and West Second - Class Garrisons and go to Yuanshan Commandery first. Xiong Mao, you lead your men to clean up the battlefield here. I'll go back with Chen Yuan and the others."
Huo Tingshan was giving orders, not having a discussion. So after giving the instructions, he rode his horse forward first.
Chen Yuan immediately followed.
Xiong Mao frowned: "Why does the general have to go back? Anyway, we'll all end up in Yuanshan Commandery. Wouldn't it be faster to go there directly now?"
Sha Ying rolled his eyes: "You stupid oaf who doesn't understand the situation. The general is going back, of course, for Lady Pei. Anyone with eyes can see that the general has been very fond of Lady Pei recently. Tut, it's thanks to your father's foresight in arranging a finger - in - the - womb marriage for you. Otherwise, no good - family girl would be willing to marry you."
Xiong Mao was furious and immediately retorted: "I'm honest and treat my wife well. Even without the finger - in - the - womb marriage, there would definitely be good girls willing to marry me. But you, you're a fickle person who's used to being a playboy. Good girls won't go to your place to suffer."
Qin Yang watched them bickering with a smile, enjoying it very much.
Huo Tingshan returned to Changping Commandery. First, he went back to the main room to take a bath to wash off the blood all over his body. After the bath, he changed into his usual clothes and then slowly walked out.
He found Pei Ying in the back garden.
Today, Pei Ying was wearing an apricot - colored straight - hemmed robe with fine silver threads outlining the collar and cuffs, and a thin gauze outer layer. In the sunlight, the beautiful woman's hair was as black as lacquer, and her skin was as white as jade. Among the rare and precious plants, she seemed to have the spirit of a snow - soul flower.
Changping Commandery had been captured, and Gongsun Liang and other strategists were free again. Meng Ling'er went to class as usual today. Now, there was only Xin Jin beside Pei Ying.
"Greetings to the general," Xin Jin saw Huo Tingshan first.
Huo Tingshan waved his hand at Xin Jin, signaling her to step back.
Xin Jin didn't dare to hesitate and quickly stepped aside.
Pei Ying turned around helplessly: "You came back so early. I suppose you've won a great victory. Congratulations on your triumphant return."
She had heard in the morning that he had led the troops to battle. Now, before noon, he was back in Changping Commandery. It seemed that the battle had been won easily.
"The Sizhou army was no match at all," Huo Tingshan had no interest in talking about the Sizhou army. Suddenly, he grabbed Pei Ying's wrist and pulled her along: "Come with me, my lady."
Pei Ying instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but his palm was as firm as a pair of shackles: "Where are we going? I can walk by myself."
Huo Tingshan ignored her and continued walking forward.
"Huo Tingshan!" Pei Ying frowned.
Huo Tingshan stopped in his tracks, turned his head to look at her, and said in an unclear tone: "Sometimes, I really think you're quite bold, my lady."
