When her cheek was pinched in that moment, Pei Ying thought he wanted to do that again.
After all, the phrase "rest early" coming from his lips could easily carry another meaning—especially given his past behavior.
But no.
The man merely smirked, withdrew his hand, and turned toward his own room. Judging by his retreating figure and light footsteps, his mood seemed quite pleasant.
Pei Ying lingered at the door for a moment before slowly closing it.
Lying on the bed, gazing at the intricate patterns above, she reaffirmed her earlier suspicion.
He really had grown tired of her.
Curled on her side, clutching the embroidered quilt, Pei Ying exhaled slowly, feeling as though the weight in her chest dissipated with that breath.
How wonderful—he was bored of her.
Unbeknownst to herself, the fear that had coiled tightly in her heart since the "Five-Night Pact" began to unravel the moment she confirmed this realization. Gradually, her boldness returned, the same audacity she once wielded when teasing the tiger, now emboldened once more.
That night, Pei Ying slept soundly again.
Huo Tingshan had mentioned a banquet in two days, but Pei Ying paid it no mind. The local magnates, however, were buzzing with anticipation.
Since the change of power in Ji Province, with the Youzhou army firmly establishing dominance, invitations from the great families had flooded the Governor’s Mansion like a tidal wave.
As the saying goes, sending invitations is no feat—getting someone to accept them is the real challenge.
Countless invitations arrived daily, piled so thick at the gates that the Youzhou guards could have used them as firewood.
Though delivered, every one sank like a stone into the sea.
The magnates scratched their heads in agitation, restless and uneasy, wondering what the Youzhou Governor’s silence meant.
No banquets, no connections—were they next on the chopping block? Was this new ruler of Ji Province planning to make an example of a few to intimidate the rest?
Local magnates and officials were always intertwined. Even if no ties existed before, the wealthy families would move heaven and earth to forge them—be it through gold, jewels, or offering their daughters as concubines. A bridge had to be built, for only under the shade of power could they thrive.
With Ji Province’s power structure reshuffled, the magnates wasted no time in making their moves.
Cartloads of treasures, chests of rare curios, and delicate beauties were all sent to the Governor’s Mansion.
Yet everything was returned untouched.
This left the magnates in despair.
If gifts were refused, what else could they do?
Well, they could only keep trying—sending more gifts, more invitations.
Days passed, and still no response came to their endless stream of invitations. Instead, another piece of news reached them.
This Huo of Youzhou was targeting farmland. He intended reform.
When the edict was posted, the magnates reacted with mixed emotions.
Land was privately owned, freely bought and sold. Their ancestors had long entrenched themselves in Ji Province, accumulating wealth early and purchasing vast swathes of land.
They leased these lands to those without property—tenant farmers—who toiled in exchange for a portion of the harvest. The magnates sat back and collected rent.
These tenant farmers were bound to their landlords in more ways than one. Beyond farming and paying rent, they were also subject to forced labor and, when needed, could be armed as private militia.
Once a tenant, always a tenant. Leaving wasn’t as simple as walking away.
Freedom required a lengthy process of manumission or self-redemption.
As the primary beneficiaries of this system, the magnates naturally opposed any changes to land policies.
Yet now, this Huo of Youzhou was meddling with farmland. Though he hadn’t touched the leasing system itself, his actions were enough to set off alarm bells.
If he could decree what crops to plant today, what was stopping him from altering leasing terms tomorrow?
And leasing terms—those were untouchable!
---
Xiao Residence, Yuanshan County
"Brother Xiao, what do you make of this Huo Tingshan’s intentions?" A middle-aged man in a traditional quju robe frowned.
Xiao Xiong twisted the ring on his finger. "This Governor Huo is one who values reputation. First, there was the disaster relief in Changping Commandery, now this order to plant wheat—even selling seeds at low prices. The wheat harvest won’t come until next year, so most can’t see that far ahead. All they notice now are the cheap seeds, praising his ‘loyal heart unchanged.’ After seizing Ji Province, he’s making such a show of it, as if afraid the world won’t know he’s ‘for the people.’"
Hua Jinzhong lowered his voice. "There’s no harm in him wanting prestige, but if it comes at our expense, we can’t just accept it."
Xiao Xiong rubbed his temples. "For now, it’s just a crop change. Nothing else is affected. That’s manageable."
Hua Jinzhong disagreed. "Brother Xiao, how do we know this isn’t just the beginning? Today, Huo Tingshan orders a change in crops. Tomorrow, for the sake of reputation, he might target land leasing. That’s our lifeblood. It cannot be touched."
Xiao Xiong fell silent.
Hua Jinzhong pressed on. "This Huo Tingshan is cunning too. Instead of stirring up trouble in his own Youzhou, he’s making waves here in Ji Province."
Xiao Xiong, head of the Xiao family and now in his sixties, had deep wrinkles around his eyes like layers of withered bark. Yet the occasional sharp glint in his gaze commanded respect. "And if Governor Huo does move against land ownership—what can we do?"
Hua Jinzhong slammed the table. "If he shows no mercy, then neither shall we!"
Xiao Xiong scoffed. "Brother Hua, how exactly do you propose we retaliate? Have you forgotten he commands the Youzhou army? Those cavalrymen even crushed the Blue Scarf Rebels."
Hua Jinzhong lowered his voice further. "Brother Xiao, I’m no fool. I know the Youzhou army’s might. Even if we combined the private forces of the Xiao and Hua families—no, even if every magnate in Yuanshan County pooled their militia—it would be like throwing eggs at a stone."
Had the court sent some powerless official to govern Ji Province, they wouldn’t be groveling like this, enduring rejection after rejection.
There was no dignity in pressing their faces against cold indifference.
But what choice did they have? The new ruler of Ji Province held military might.
They couldn’t fight him.
Hua Jinzhong continued, "Brother Xiao, I heard that during the joint campaign against the Blue Scarfs by You, Si, and Yan Provinces, the Yanzhou army was wiped out. Afterward, You and Si agreed to attack Changping together, but Si betrayed the pact. Youzhou alone took Changping Commandery."
This was no secret—anyone who dug a little could uncover it.
Xiao Xiong nodded.
Hua Jinzhong added, "Later, You and Si clashed over Ji Province, and once again, Youzhou emerged victorious. Rumor has it Huo Tingshan himself severed Liu Baiquan’s right arm in that battle."
The two exchanged a glance, understanding the unspoken implication.
Who Liu Baiquan was, they knew well—every magnate keeping tabs on Ji Province’s shifting tides did.
Though Liu Baiquan was merely a military governor, he was the son-in-law of Governor Li of Sizhou. With his right arm severed, the man was undoubtedly crippled. By maiming Governor Li’s son-in-law, Huo Tingshan had not only provoked the governor’s wrath over the loss of Jizhou but also inflicted personal anguish. This feud was now set in stone.
Without military power of their own to challenge Huo Tingshan, they would have to rely on those who did.
"Brother Xiao, I have a close friend in Sizhou who might help us maneuver this situation," Hua Jinzhong said with a smile.
"Excellent," Xiao Xiong replied, delighted, though he added cautiously, "But let’s not rush. Whether Huo of Youzhou will actually move on the land remains uncertain. We mustn’t act rashly and provoke him."
Hua Jinzhong nodded. "Naturally. Let’s hope Huo Tingshan accepts the invitation soon so we can gauge his intentions."
To Hua Jinzhong’s surprise, his casual remark at noon bore fruit by evening. A servant arrived with news—the newly appointed ruler of Jizhou, whom they had been painstakingly trying to court, had finally accepted the invitation.
Hua Jinzhong exclaimed in delight, "Good, very good! I was afraid he’d refuse indefinitely."
Then he asked the servant, "Which family’s invitation did he accept?"
Several families had sent invitations, and whichever one he accepted would determine where he would attend.
The servant replied, "The Qiu family."
Hua Jinzhong frowned. "The Qiu family..."
Yuanshan County was the heart of Jizhou, and thus all the major powerful families had established their roots there.
Among these families, there was a clear hierarchy. The Xiao, Hua, and Qi families stood at the top, with the Xiao family subtly leading the trio.
Beneath them were the Qiu, Jiang, Chang, and Li families, with the Qiu family holding the most influence among the four. Below them were numerous minor families hardly worth mentioning.
"Why the Qiu family?" Hua Jinzhong murmured to himself.
News of Huo Tingshan’s acceptance spread like wildfire through the noble households of Yuanshan County. Almost immediately, each family scrambled to send their representatives to the Qiu residence.
Regardless of why he had chosen the Qiu family, securing an entry ticket was their priority.
Upon hearing the news, Li Zhitao, the matriarch of the Qiu household, asked her husband Qiu Botong, "Husband, why would he choose our family?"
Qiu Botong frowned. "I don’t know. That man is inscrutable—no one can guess his thoughts. But no matter what, this banquet must be flawless. It must be grand, and we cannot afford to offend him."
A year ago, the Qiu patriarch had passed away, and as the eldest son, Qiu Botong had naturally taken over the family business, assisted by his three younger brothers.
"Of course. The servants are already preparing for the banquet," Li Zhitao said hesitantly. "Husband, should we arrange for dancers?"
Qiu Botong answered without hesitation, "Naturally."
As the Qiu family busied themselves with preparations, the other families also deliberated over the upcoming banquet. Some were so preoccupied they couldn’t sleep.
Only Pei Ying remained untroubled. She retired early the night before.
Though she had given Huo Tingshan a disclaimer earlier, Pei Ying wasn’t one to slack off. The next morning, she rose earlier than usual and had Xin Jin style her hair.
Pei Ying usually tied her hair with ribbons—a simple method where two ribbons intertwined to hold her tresses, easily undone at bedtime.
But today demanded more effort. The most popular hairstyle these days was the "fallen horse bun," worn by eight out of ten noblewomen.
After some thought, Pei Ying instructed Xin Jin to fashion her hair into a "serpentine bun" instead.
Huo Tingshan was already prepared—though "prepared" was hardly the word. He had merely changed into a black swallow-tailed gauze robe, leaving everything else unchanged.
Standing in the courtyard, he listened to Xiong Mao’s report on the intelligence gathered by scouts.
Xiong Mao said, "General, before you accepted the invitation, the Xiao and Hua families were in frequent contact—their leaders met every other day. Once news of your attendance spread, the Qiu residence was practically overrun. The Xiao, Hua, and Qi families even sent envoys directly to Qiu’s doorstep, likely probing whether the Qiu family had any prior connection with you."
At the end, Xiong Mao muttered, "The eldest son of the East family marries the youngest daughter of the West family, the youngest son of the West family weds the youngest daughter of the South family, and the eldest daughter of the South family marries the son of the North family, becoming sisters-in-law with the daughter of the East family. These local gentry are all tangled up through marriages."
Marriage was the best way to solidify alliances.
A daughter married into another family would bear children with blood ties to both clans—the most unshakable bond.
Over time, even if these families bore different surnames, they would stand as one.
Huo Tingshan did intend to reform Jizhou’s land policies.
Tenant farmers suffered greatly, entirely at the mercy of the heavens. If the harvest was poor, the income from selling their crops might not even cover the rent owed to the landowners.
His earlier investigations revealed that land rents in Jizhou were exorbitant. Even in a good year, after paying rent, tenant farmers were left with meager scraps.
Of course, beyond sympathy for the farmers, Huo Tingshan had his own motives.
Tenant farmers, controlled by the gentry, could be mobilized as private militias if needed. Left unchecked, this was no different from allowing the gentry to raise private armies.
As the gentry grew wealthier, they would inevitably seek to acquire more land, turning more farmers into tenants—tools for their use.
Thus, Jizhou’s land system had to be reformed.
The door next to them creaked open.
Huo Tingshan turned his head and, upon seeing Pei Ying emerge, grinned. "My wife is radiant today. It seems I must take you to more banquets in the future."
Pei Ying paused mid-step, obliging their mutual flattery with professional courtesy. "The general is also dashing and full of vigor."
She thought the exchange was over, but then—
Huo Tingshan raised a brow. "My wife’s eyesight is sharp today—finally seeing clearly for once."
Pei Ying: "..."
The carriage was ready, and the two set off.
By the time their carriage left the Governor’s residence, the Qiu family had already made all preparations.
The great hall of the Qiu residence was packed with nobles from every prominent family.
The main gate, rarely opened, now stood wide, the tiles spotless, the courtyard devoid of even a single fallen leaf.
Suddenly, a rider galloped down the street and reined in sharply before the gate. "Inform your masters—he has set out!"
A servant sprinted inside to deliver the message.
The great hall erupted into chaos.
The assembled nobles hurried to the main gate.
As the host, Qiu Botong stood at the forefront, followed by Xiao Xiong, Hua Jinzhong, and the rest.
"Has he arrived yet?"
"Ah, my old legs can’t stand for long."
"Brother Jiang, perhaps you should rest inside. We’ll call you when he arrives."
"Why don't you go back? Always coming up with terrible ideas."
"My legs aren’t sore."
Amidst the waiting crowd, murmurs and laughter rose and fell. After what felt like an eternity, someone suddenly called out, "Looks like they're here!"
The group perked up immediately. Those who had been chatting or discreetly rubbing their sore legs quickly straightened their attire.
At the end of the street, a carriage appeared, broad and imposing, escorted by cavalrymen at the front and guarded by soldiers at the reins. The carriage rolled forward slowly before finally halting before the main gates of the Qiu residence.
The carriage door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.
Qiu Botong and the others had never met Huo Tingshan before. They only knew he was a military man of extraordinary strength. Before seeing him in person, the gathered elites had imagined the new ruler of Jizhou as dark-skinned like a bear, with coarse, unruly features—perhaps even bristly hair.
Now, face to face with the man, they were stunned.
This Governor Huo of Youzhou was indeed towering, with sharp, defiant brows and phoenix eyes as deep and unfathomable as a midnight sea. A single sweep of his gaze sent a chill down their spines—his aura of authority was undeniable.
The silence grew heavier.
As the host, Qiu Botong should have stepped forward first to offer his greetings. But just as he was about to speak, the new ruler of Jizhou turned and extended a hand toward the open carriage door.
The crowd froze.
A moment later, a delicate, fair hand adorned with a yellow jade bracelet emerged, resting atop his rough palm. Then, a graceful figure stepped out—slender yet curvaceous, her presence illuminating the surroundings like a burst of light.
Her skin was porcelain, her lips crimson, and her features exquisitely refined. The beautiful woman’s cheeks were tinged with a soft blush, and the pearls dangling from her ears swayed gently.
Her raven-black hair was coiled into an elegant serpentine bun, fastened with a golden butterfly hairpin, its wings inlaid with ruby-red carnelian. The jewel shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight, a perfect match for the woman’s lush, rosy lips.
Behold a beauty, radiant and enchanting, whose sight could make one forget even hunger.
The assembled elites gaped in astonishment.
Huo Tingshan’s cold gaze swept over Qiu Botong, jolting him back to reality. He hastily bowed deeply. "This humble one, Qiu Botong, welcomes the Grand Marshal of Heavenly Strategy to my humble abode."
The other elites followed suit, bowing in unison.
Flattery poured forth like an unending stream—one might have mistaken Huo Tingshan for their savior.
"No need for such formalities," Huo Tingshan said. "Treat today as an ordinary gathering. No need to stand on ceremony."
Qiu Botong smiled and nodded in agreement, only to feel a subtle tug at his sleeve. Glancing sideways, he saw it was his brother-in-law, Li Lianyun.
"Seating arrangements," Li Lianyun whispered.
Qiu Botong’s pupils constricted. This is bad.
He had assumed Huo Tingshan would attend alone, so only one table had been prepared at the head. But now, the man had brought a woman.
How should the seating be arranged?
She couldn’t possibly be placed below. Yet adding another table at the head—equal in rank—was equally inappropriate.
If a second table were placed beside the first, it would imply equal status. But there had been no word of Governor Huo having a wife—how could such an arrangement be made?
Cold sweat trickled down Qiu Botong’s back.
Seeing his pallor, Li Lianyun knew he was at a loss and quickly suggested, "Why not replace the head table with a larger one?"
Qiu Botong’s eyes lit up.
Perfect. A larger table would leave the choice to Governor Huo. If he led the woman to the head table, the space would suffice for them to share. If not, she would sit below—but that would be his own decision, not a lapse in the Qiu family’s hospitality.
Qiu Botong swiftly excused himself and relayed the order to a nearby servant, who dashed off to make the change.
Once the table was seen to, another issue struck him—with a female guest present, their side, composed entirely of men, seemed unbalanced.
He summoned another servant and sent word to his wife, Li Zhitao.
As Huo Tingshan and Pei Ying proceeded toward the main hall, surrounded by the elites, Qiu Botong’s back grew damp with sweat. He was grateful his front courtyard was spacious—though now he wished it were even larger.
Pei Ying’s steps were small, and Huo Tingshan slowed his pace to match hers.
By the time they reached the hall, the head table had been replaced.
Many of the elites stole glances at Huo Tingshan, curious about his next move. To their surprise, the new ruler of Jizhou strode straight to the head table, his companion following without hesitation.
The beautiful woman showed no sign of discomfort as she took her seat beside him.
Meanwhile, in the inner quarters, Lady Qiu was startled by her husband’s message but wasted no time hurrying to the main hall. Fortunately, she had already dressed for the occasion, sparing her the need for last-minute preparations.
Similar scenes unfolded across the Qiu household as the other wives received their summons. Though puzzled, they swiftly made their way to the front hall.
Lady Qiu arrived first. Spotting Huo Tingshan and Pei Ying seated together at the head table, she paused for only a heartbeat before smiling warmly and joining her husband.
The tables had already been set, and adding new ones would be troublesome. But with the precedent of "sharing a table" already set, a husband and wife sitting together no longer seemed out of place.
Qiu Botong murmured, "When will the others arrive?"
His wife replied, "Soon, I expect."
Pei Ying, seated at the head table, listened to their exchange with half an ear—her body present, her mind long wandered elsewhere.
Huo Tingshan noticed her lowered gaze fixed on the teacup and knew she was lost in thought. Earlier, she had taken a sip, leaving a faint trace of lipstick on the rim.
He picked up the teapot and refilled her cup.
The sound snapped Pei Ying out of her reverie, and she turned to him.
"Are you hungry, my lady? Should we have the meal served?" Huo Tingshan asked.
Pei Ying blinked. "Have you finished discussing?"
Huo Tingshan replied, "There was never much to discuss."
Their quiet exchange, conducted as though no one else were present, left the elites below both bewildered and uneasy.
Who is this woman? A favored concubine?
But that didn’t seem right—concubines served their masters, not the other way around.
Pei Ying murmured, "Then let’s eat."
Huo Tingshan signaled Qiu Botong to begin the banquet.
Just as Pei Ying was about to look away, a vaguely familiar figure caught her eye.
She looked closer—it was indeed Ming Lianxin, the woman she had met at White Colt Temple two days prior. Ming Lianxin sat beside a man at a middle table, his features strikingly similar to Qiu Banxia’s.
Ah, the Qiu family.
Ming Lianxin had mentioned her husband was the fourth son of the Qiu household.
Pei Ying smiled at her.
"What has caught your eye, my lady?" Huo Tingshan noticed her faint smile.
The hall was filled with old men—hardly a sight worth lingering on.
Pei Ying answered truthfully, "An acquaintance."
Huo Tingshan’s brow arched. "You have acquaintances here?"
Pei Ying was rather displeased—this person made it sound like she had no friends at all. "We met on the Ghost Festival. Her daughter got along well with Nannan. What, can’t I have acquaintances?"
"Not at all."
Ming Lianxin, seated below, hadn’t expected Pei Ying to notice her, let alone greet her. Overwhelmed by the unexpected attention, she was about to mention it to her husband when the man at the head of the table cast a glance her way.
His gaze was icy, laced with scrutiny, sending a chill creeping up from her feet.
Fortunately, it lasted only a moment before he looked away.
The dishes were served, and the banquet began.
For this midday feast, the Qiu family had spared no effort—delicacies from the sky, the land, and the waters were all laid out on the tables.
A lavish spread of regional specialties and seasonal delicacies, prepared through roasting, boiling, frying, and drying, was accompanied by fine wines and fresh fruits.
The long tables were laden with an abundance of exquisite dishes.
Since they had come for the banquet, there was no reason to dine in silence. Huo Tingshan raised his cup first and shared a toast with the guests.
The assembled magnates, delighted that Huo Tingshan didn’t put on airs, eagerly took turns offering him drinks.
Huo Tingshan refused none.
Seated beside him, Pei Ying focused on eating—sampling this dish, trying that one, thoroughly enjoying herself.
Once basic needs were met, people inevitably sought higher pursuits. A beggar only wanted to fill his belly, but the wealthy craved finer flavors and culinary pleasures.
Though iron woks weren’t yet widespread, families like the Qius could use bronze cauldrons to prepare meats.
After tasting another dish, Pei Ying’s eyes landed on a plate of Baodi silver fish, but unfortunately, it was placed on Huo Tingshan’s other side, out of her reach.
She was about to look away and try something else when the man beside her spoke. "Which one do you want?"
Pei Ying lifted her gaze to him, puzzled.
Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue. "You’ve got a mouth just for eating, huh? Can’t use it to ask for what you can’t reach?"
Pei Ying pressed her lips together.
This man’s words were truly unpleasant.
But in the end, she still said, "I want that plate of fish."
Huo Tingshan reached over and placed the Baodi silver fish right in front of her before picking up his wine cup again to share a drink with Hua Jinzhong, who was staring in astonishment.
After several rounds of wine, Qiu Botong grew a bit tipsy. He felt like he’d forgotten something, but no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn’t come to him.
Only when a troupe of alluring dancers filed into the main hall did he realize what it was.
Oh no—he’d forgotten to tell these dancers not to come up.
