Pei Ying pondered her daughter's words for a moment before asking, "Did Young Master Zhao mention why he wishes to see the General?"
This caught Meng Ling'er off guard. She frowned in regret. "I'm sorry, Mother. I forgot to ask. I'll go inquire right away."
Pei Ying stopped her before she could rise. "Never mind, dear. Let him explain it to the General himself later."
Meng Ling'er immediately understood her mother had agreed. "You're the best, Mother."
Pei Ying patted the girl's head gently. "But he’ll have to wait a little. I’ll speak to him later."
Meng Ling'er beamed. "That’s fine, Mother. Take your time."
After all, when she promised Zhao Ziyao, she hadn’t guaranteed an immediate resolution.
When Pei Ying said "later," she meant during the evening meal at you shi (around 5–7 PM), when food tended to lighten one’s mood and make conversations easier. Besides, these days, she always dined with Huo Tingshan.
At you shi, Chen Yuan came to escort Pei Ying.
After her mother left, Meng Ling'er belatedly sensed something odd. Why did that man only seek her mother? And when had they grown so close?
She called out to Chen Yuan before he could depart and voiced her confusion. The man replied impassively, "It’s likely just habit. Ever since the young lady left for the Honghu medicinal fields, Madam has been dining with the General."
Meng Ling'er muttered, "I see…"
But something still felt off.
With the earthquake-damaged houses deemed unsafe, the Youzhou relief troops had set up military tents, much like during ordinary campaigns.
When Pei Ying arrived, Huo Tingshan was studying a sheepskin map spread across the desk.
The map depicted the area around Sanxiang County, with several marked locations—places with dense populations that required urgent rescue efforts.
Hearing footsteps, Huo Tingshan looked up. "You’re here, Madam. Please, have a seat."
A simple meal was already laid out on the adjacent table: a plate of chilled soy-braised chicken and another of shredded chicken with pea shoots—just two main dishes.
Disaster relief demanded austerity, a far cry from the luxuries of the Governor’s residence. Yet, compared to the meager gruel the survivors subsisted on, this was a feast.
Pei Ying sat but didn’t immediately pick up her chopsticks. "General, have there been more earthquakes in the nearby counties?"
Huo Tingshan shook his head.
A glimmer flickered in Pei Ying’s eyes. "Then it must be thanks to you that the relief efforts are proceeding smoothly."
Smooth was good. Smooth meant everyone’s spirits were lifted.
She had promised her daughter to relay the request, but it wasn’t just about asking—she wanted him to agree. She’d heard later that Young Master Zhao was decent, already half a friend to Ling'er.
How could she let her daughter lose face in front of a newfound companion?
Pei Ying had a peculiar competitive streak.
"Madam, is there something you wish to discuss?" Huo Tingshan suddenly asked.
Pei Ying blinked in surprise.
How had he known?
The next moment, she met his gaze. The man’s narrow eyes held a teasing glint. "In my experience, whenever Madam starts flattering me, she inevitably follows it with a request."
Pei Ying flushed instantly and averted her eyes. "It’s not as exaggerated as you make it sound."
Huo Tingshan nodded sagely, feigning understanding. "Ah, I see. My apologies for misjudging you, Madam."
"W-well, not entirely." Pei Ying lowered her eyes in chagrin.
Her fair complexion made the blush on her cheeks all the more vivid—a rosy hue that spread from her face to the delicate curves of her ears, then further down her slender, porcelain neck.
There were no peach blossoms in March here, yet Huo Tingshan felt that if there had been any, they would have perfectly embodied the phrase, "the peach blossoms mirroring the blush on her face."
"What is it, my lady? You may speak freely," Huo Tingshan said as he picked up his chopsticks.
Pei Ying had originally planned to wait until after the meal to bring it up, but since he asked, she decided to address it now. "General, do you remember the Zhao family who cultivates the Honghu medicinal fields? Young Master Zhao wishes to meet with you."
Huo Tingshan paused mid-motion as he reached for a dish. "Did he seek you out?"
Pei Ying didn’t understand why his focus had shifted to that detail, but she replied, "No, I heard of it from Ling’er."
Huo Tingshan understood and resumed his meal. "After we finish, I’ll have him summoned."
Pei Ying’s heart lightened with relief. Truly, a good meal improved one’s mood—today, he was being unusually agreeable.
Once dinner concluded, Pei Ying prepared to leave, but Huo Tingshan stopped her. "Since it was you who wished for me to see him, you should stay and hear what he has to say."
Pei Ying pressed her lips together but ultimately returned to her seat.
When Zhao Ziyao received the summons from the guards, he could hardly believe it. He had only just asked Meng Ling’er for help, and within less than an hour, Huo Tingshan—now the de facto ruler of Jizhou—had agreed to see him.
Hurriedly straightening his attire, Zhao Ziyao followed the guards.
Upon entering the main tent, he dropped to his knees without lifting his gaze, performing a deep bow. "This humble one, Zhao Ziyao, pays respects to the Heavenly Strategy General. Your benevolence and compassion for the people are unmatched. That you would spare even a moment amidst the chaos of disaster relief to grant me an audience is an honor beyond measure. May your armies know nothing but victory wherever they march."
"Rise and speak," Huo Tingshan said. "What brings you here?"
Zhao Ziyao stood.
He had expected others to be present in the tent, but when his eyes briefly swept the room, his surprise was unmistakable.
There was a woman here.
A favored concubine?
Unlikely. Even the most corrupt officials wouldn’t flaunt their indulgences in the middle of a disaster zone, much less bring a concubine into the command tent.
Keeping his thoughts well-hidden, Zhao Ziyao swiftly laid out his purpose.
Pei Ying listened from the side.
Clearly, Zhao Ziyao had prepared his words carefully—his speech was structured, logical, and to the point.
This was an offer of allegiance.
The Zhao family had been merchants for generations. Zhao Ziyao’s father, Zhao Jiang, master of the Honghu medicinal fields, had been the family’s head. Though he had many younger brothers, Zhao Jiang had been the only one in his generation with a talent for business.
Zhao Ziyao’s uncles had spent their days indulging in wine, women, and gambling, only ever approaching Zhao Jiang when they needed money. Now that Zhao Jiang and his wife had perished overnight, Zhao Ziyao knew that if he didn’t act, his father’s hard-earned fortune would be seized by his uncles under the guise of clan authority.
War consumed silver like kindling. Zhao Ziyao was willing to provide funds in exchange for Huo Tingshan’s protection—the man he already saw as Jizhou’s new ruler.
Silence settled over the tent after Zhao Ziyao finished speaking. He remained bowed, a faint sheen of sweat forming on his brow.
"What does my lady think?" Huo Tingshan suddenly asked.
Pei Ying turned to him, eyes widening slightly. She hadn’t expected him to consult her.
But in her opinion, when someone came offering silver—and he was in need of funds—why refuse?
Unless he thought Young Master Zhao’s offer wasn’t enough?
Getting something for free was already a good deal, yet he still complained.
Pei Ying remained silent, but the words she wanted to say escaped through her clear almond-shaped eyes.
The man’s fingers tapped idly on the table. "Madam, do not underestimate the power of the clans."
Great families across the land were all connected.
When meeting someone of the same surname in a foreign land—even if one was from the Zhao clan of Hedong and the other from the Zhao clan of Yanbei—they could still clap each other on the shoulder and call each other brothers.
Clans stood together, supporting one another, and many became powerful local forces. Leaving aside the Zhao Emperor, there was now a high-ranking minister in Chang'an who bore the Zhao surname. And as far as he knew, this man’s ancestral home was not in Chang'an but somewhere in the northern territories.
It wasn’t that Huo Tingshan, leading thousands of armored cavalry, feared the Zhao clan’s influence—but some matters required careful consideration of gains and losses.
He had only just taken control of Ji Province. Unlike You Province, where he had already mapped out every detail and knew exactly how to approach even the larger clans, Ji Province was still unfamiliar territory.
Moreover, he had recently acquired the treasure hoard amassed by the Blue Scarf Bandits and the former Governor of Ji Province, so he was no longer as desperate for silver as before.
Simply put, the terms offered by this young man did not move him.
Pei Ying understood the unspoken meaning behind Huo Tingshan’s words but still wanted to help her daughter’s companion. "In that case, perhaps we should wait a little longer."
Wait until they had investigated thoroughly before making a decision.
Zhao Ziyao’s heart surged with shock—Governor Huo of You Province was actually seeking the advice of that young woman? Just what was her background?
He sensed that Pei Ying was inclined to speak in his favor, but he couldn’t pin all his hopes on her.
Wait? But how long?
If this matter dragged on, unforeseen complications might arise.
Zhao Ziyao knelt once more and kowtowed. "Great General, my father once told me of an incident over a decade ago when he traveled to Wukang County in Bing Province for trade. Just before entering the county, his caravan was ambushed by bandits. Everyone scattered in the chaos, and my father became separated from the group, fleeing into the woods with only a single servant by his side. At the time, he dared not enter the county immediately, fearing the bandits might be lying in wait along the road. By chance, he stumbled upon a cave in the mountains and took shelter inside, intending to wait out the night before moving on at dawn. But to his surprise, within the cave, he discovered numerous reddish-black stones."
Pei Ying couldn’t help but exclaim, "Iron ore?"
The color was too telling—iron oxide was red.
Huo Tingshan’s fingers, which had been tapping the table, suddenly stilled.
Zhao Ziyao was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected this lady to recognize iron ore as well. She must be from a powerful family—perhaps even a cousin of Governor Huo’s.
He nodded. "Yes. My father also believed it was iron ore. The servant who accompanied him didn’t recognize it, and my father never spoke of it to anyone else—only to me."
The matter of iron ore was no trivial affair. While it could be used to forge farming tools, nowadays it was primarily used to craft weapons.
That was Bing Province’s territory, and Zhao Jiang was merely a merchant from Ji Province. Unwilling to involve himself in such a weighty matter, he had pretended not to notice the discovery and only told his son, keeping it as a potential lifeline in times of desperation.
By laying out his trump card without negotiation, Zhao Ziyao made it clear to Huo Tingshan that he had never personally visited the cave his father spoke of.
Huo Tingshan said, "I am aware of this matter now. Until the truth is verified, you need not concern yourself with those uncles of yours."
Zhao Ziyao was overjoyed. "My deepest gratitude, Great General."
With the important matter settled, Zhao Ziyao excused himself and withdrew.
Pei Ying sighed inwardly.
He was only a year or two older than her daughter, yet now he had to exhaust his thoughts planning for the future.
Huo Tingshan noticed Pei Ying still gazing in the direction Zhao Ziyao had left. "Madam, that Zhao boy is an orphan, and merely the son of a merchant. He is hardly a suitable match."
Pei Ying was stunned. "What are you saying?"
Huo Tingshan looked at her wide-eyed expression and recalled the three conditions she had set with him regarding Meng Ling'er. He added, "My words just now were not meant to interfere with your daughter's marriage prospects—merely a suggestion."
Young Master Zhao had asked Meng Ling'er to relay his message, and the girl had agreed, which meant she didn’t think poorly of him.
At her age, when youthful affections first bloom, it was only natural for her to develop some tender feelings upon meeting a boy close to her age.
Pei Ying's lips parted, but she found herself at a loss for words.
There was a generational gap between them—this man saw nothing wrong with marrying at fifteen.
Of course, he was separated from her by over two thousand years.
Three years made one generation gap; the chasms between them could have formed hundreds of trenches. Stacked together, they’d create a Mariana Trench of misunderstanding.
Huo Tingshan frowned. "Why do you look at me like that, Madam?"
Her expression now made him seem utterly unreasonable.
Pei Ying sighed. "General, you’re thinking too far ahead. My daughter is only fifteen. I don’t intend to consider her marriage before she turns eighteen."
Silently, she added: If her daughter didn’t wish to marry, then not marrying was also fine.
Huo Tingshan couldn’t comprehend it. This was the first time he’d met a mother so unconcerned.
Good young men and women were in high demand—hence the popularity of betrothals and arranged marriages from infancy, with weddings promptly held once they came of age.
Still, he had promised not to interfere with Meng Ling'er’s marriage, and arguing over this was pointless. So, he said no more.
After leaving the main tent and walking some distance, Zhao Ziyao still felt dazed.
He had succeeded.
Though he’d known the mention of the iron mine would pique Huo Youzhou’s interest, the process had gone suspiciously smoothly. Huo Youzhou hadn’t doubted his words and had granted his request outright.
Walking in a daze, he soon spotted Meng Ling'er strolling after her evening meal.
"Young Lady Meng," he called.
Meng Ling'er turned and saw him, then noticed the direction he’d come from. "Young Master Zhao, have you just returned from meeting the General?"
Zhao Ziyao nodded, then bowed deeply. "Thank you, Young Lady Meng, for bridging the connection. I have achieved my wish."
Meng Ling'er flushed at his earnestness. "You’re making me feel guilty. I only mentioned it to my mother and asked her to speak with the General."
Zhao Ziyao paused. "Your mother?"
"Yes. She often dines with the General, so I had her pass along the message." Meng Ling'er saw no reason to hide it.
Though he didn’t know how her mother had managed it, the fact remained that they were honored guests of the Youzhou army, treated with courtesy.
Zhao Ziyao recalled the lady in the main tent. At the time, he hadn’t dared to look closely, only noting her gentle voice and refined bearing. He hadn’t realized she was Young Lady Meng’s mother.
A flicker of envy and melancholy passed through his eyes.
That the lady would go to such lengths for her daughter’s sake must mean she loved her dearly. He, too, had once been blessed with parents who adored him just as much, though now they were forever separated by life and death.
Zhao Ziyao straightened his expression. "Please convey this to your mother, Miss Meng: should there ever be a need for my humble services in the future, I would gladly offer my assistance, even if it means laboring like a horse or a dog."
"Ah, Young Master Zhao, you’re too kind."
Days passed one after another. With Sanxiang County as their base, the Youzhou army gradually expanded their disaster relief efforts outward. Later, they moved to another county, joining forces with the local Jizhou garrison to continue rescue operations.
Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye, marking the end of the relief mission.
Huo Tingshan had said it would take no more than ten days, and he was true to his word. On the tenth day, the troops began their return march to Yuanshan County.
Pei Ying and her daughter sat inside the carriage. The journey was slow, and Meng Ling'er, sniffing orange peels to stave off nausea, managed well enough to keep up a conversation. "Mother, how much longer until we reach Yuanshan Commandery? I can’t wait to get there."
Pei Ying’s delicate hands, resting on her lap, tightened slightly, wrinkling the fabric of her skirt.
"Mother, don’t you also wish to return to Yuanshan Commandery sooner?" Meng Ling'er continued, then nodded to herself. "I’m sure you do. I heard from Xin Jin that the Governor’s residence in Yuanshan is even grander and more beautiful than the Prefect’s mansion in Changping..."
After rambling on for a while, Meng Ling'er suddenly realized Pei Ying hadn’t responded.
Puzzled, she asked, "Mother, are you feeling unwell from the journey too?"
That couldn’t be. Her mother had always had a stronger constitution and never suffered from motion sickness before.
"Not unwell, just a little tired," Pei Ying murmured softly.
Meng Ling'er quickly adjusted the cushions for her. "Then rest for a while. I think we’ll arrive at Dichun County by mid-afternoon. I’ll wake you then."
Dichun County was a small border town under Yuanshan Commandery.
Entering Dichun meant they had returned to Yuanshan’s territory, though the Governor’s residence was still half a day’s journey away.
Barring any delays, they would reach the Governor’s residence by mid-afternoon the next day.
The carriage rumbled to a stop in front of the largest post station in Dichun. A servant inside hurried out at the sound of approaching horses, and upon seeing the towering steeds, let out an exclamation before rushing forward to greet them.
Sha Ying dismounted. "We’ll take all your available rooms."
The servant bowed deeply in acknowledgment.
After her daughter stepped out, Pei Ying picked up a veil hat and prepared to exit as well.
At the carriage door, she spotted a tall figure standing to the side. He raised his hand, palm upturned, bearing faint scars.
Pei Ying’s lashes fluttered, but after a brief hesitation, she finally placed her hand in his.
Huo Tingshan, weathered by years on the battlefield, had skin darker than wheat, his calloused palm now cradling a delicate pink-and-white hand—like a snow-white bird alighting on a weathered branch.
For a fleeting moment, the dark branch seemed to come alive, curling around the little white bird like a vine.
Pei Ying’s heart raced. When his large hand tightened, she instinctively tried to pull away.
But he held firm, his gaze unfathomable. "Madam should grow accustomed to this sooner rather than later. Otherwise, how will you manage when we return to the Governor’s residence tomorrow?"
Though the veil shielded her, Pei Ying still turned her head slightly, avoiding his eyes. "I understand."
Ahead, Meng Ling'er had hurried forward, taking deep breaths as if finally able to breathe freely again before turning back.
At the sight before her, she froze.
When had that man approached the carriage?
And why was he standing so close to her mother?
For some inexplicable reason, Meng Ling'er felt a flicker of unease. But upon closer inspection, though they stood near each other, there was no physical contact.
Muttering to herself, Meng Ling'er said, "Seems like riding in this carriage for too long is making me restless—my thoughts are all over the place."
The group entered the inn.
It was dinnertime, and the main hall was sparsely filled with diners. When Huo Tingshan and his entourage walked in, some of the chatting guests immediately hushed.
In these times, commoners knew better than to provoke officials—especially ones armed with blades.
Meng Ling'er had little appetite and asked to dine in her room. Pei Ying agreed, and the mother-daughter pair went upstairs.
Xin Jin brought their meal. She was a woman of few words, setting down the dishes before quietly withdrawing.
Pei Ying watched Xin Jin for a long moment after she left, then suddenly turned to Meng Ling'er. "Eat first, sweetheart. I’ll step out for a bit and be back soon."
Meng Ling'er blinked, about to ask where she was going, but Pei Ying had already risen, her movements slightly hurried.
Once outside, Pei Ying called Xin Jin back just as she was about to return to her own room.
Xin Jin hurried over, bowing respectfully as always. "What does Madam require?"
Pei Ying took her hand and led her to a secluded corner of the hallway. "Xin Jin, tomorrow after we return to Yuanshan County, don’t accompany the carriage all the way to the Governor’s residence. Get off midway and buy something for me."
Xin Jin asked, "What would Madam like?"
Pei Ying’s ears flushed pink, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Contraceptive herbs. Go to an apothecary and get me five doses."
Xin Jin was stunned.
Pei Ying pressed silver into her hands. "I’m counting on you."
Xin Jin quickly schooled her expression. "Madam needn’t thank this servant. I’ll keep my lips sealed and handle it discreetly."
Hearing her matter-of-fact tone, Pei Ying exhaled quietly in relief.
The herbs were a necessity.
Even if her affair with Huo Tingshan was fleeting—and even if it weren’t—given the primitive medical conditions and the fact that Ling'er had been an only child for so long, she had no intention of bearing another child.
After settling the matter with Xin Jin, Pei Ying returned to the room.
Her heart still raced. She turned to the window, where dusk had faded into night, the moon rising steadily higher as time passed.
"Mother, what are you looking at? Is there something interesting outside? Come eat." Meng Ling'er craned her neck curiously but saw nothing except the bright moon.
Pei Ying only smiled.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the main hall, the military officers—including Sha Ying—were having their evening meal.
Since they weren’t on campaign, alcohol wasn’t forbidden, and Huo Tingshan had ordered some wine.
This was their first night at a posthouse since the relief efforts ended. Xiong Mao and the others ate heartily, clearing the table in no time.
Full and slightly tipsy, Xiong Mao noticed Huo Tingshan heading upstairs ahead of them. "Master, retiring so early?"
"Been busy lately. Turning in early," Huo Tingshan replied without looking back.
Xiong Mao grumbled, "But there’s nothing urgent tomorrow. Sleep is just closing your eyes and opening them again—feels like a waste to call it a night this soon."
Qin Yang teased him: "Sha Ying has many beauties to keep him company at night, so he’s stingy with his rest. When did you, a blockhead with no charm, start having such restless thoughts?"
Xiong Mao snorted. "You’re the one with no charm. My wife says I’m wonderful."
Sha Ying also mocked him: "Your wife only likes those warrior-exclusive muscles of yours, not your personality."
Xiong Mao flew into a rage and lunged at him.
As they bantered, the topic shifted to women.
"Speaking of which, our lord hasn’t sought out any women in a long time. Yuanshan County isn’t some backwater like Beichuan—there are several high-class brothels here, with beauties more stunning than the last," Sha Ying mused, stroking his chin.
Qin Yang smiled as he poured the last drops of wine from his jug. "What, are you thinking of making introductions for our lord? Back then, it might’ve worked, but have you seen anyone catch his eye after he met Lady Pei Ying?"
He paused, then added, "If you can find someone who even comes close to Lady Pei Ying’s beauty, maybe then you’d have a chance."
Sha Ying’s mouth twitched. "I’d love to, but where would I even look?"
Qin Yang sighed. "So stop worrying about our lord’s affairs. Adding legs to a snake only ruins the painting."
The moon rose and set, and the night passed in silence.
Burdened with thoughts, Pei Ying had slept poorly and woke the next morning feeling drained, while Meng Ling’er was full of energy after a good night’s rest.
After resting and regrouping, the convoy set off again.
After hours of exhausting travel, Pei Ying’s party finally returned to the Governor’s Mansion in the early afternoon.
As usual, Meng Ling’er hurriedly disembarked, while Pei Ying took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and then moved to the carriage door.
"My lady, please." That familiar large hand reached out to her.
Pei Ying hesitated but eventually placed her hand in his.
"I’ll come to you tonight," Huo Tingshan said as he helped her down, his thumb brushing lightly over the delicate skin of her wrist.
Pei Ying stiffened. Though she had expected his visit, she hadn’t thought he would mention it the moment they returned.
Her gaze fluttered nervously, her voice soft and lacking conviction. "General, the journey has been tiring. I’m rather exhausted today. Perhaps… tomorrow?"
Huo Tingshan nodded.
Pei Ying’s eyes brightened momentarily—until he chuckled and said, "But it’s only early afternoon. You can rest for a few hours and be refreshed by nightfall."
