The cold wind howled past, and the faint scent of soap from earlier seemed like her imagination.
Pei Ying couldn't resist. After being pulled onto the horse by Huo Tingshan, her hand instinctively rested on his arm, then subtly brushed against his sleeve before turning her fingers over.
Her fingertips were clean—no blood.
Had she not touched it, or had the blood already dried?
Pei Ying’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Just as she considered testing another spot, a large hand reached over, pressing the back of her neck and pulling her flush against the crook of his shoulder.
"Washed. If you don’t believe me, have a sniff, my lady."
Pei Ying couldn’t see him, but she heard the teasing laughter in his voice.
The black robe he wore wasn’t particularly thick, yet his body radiated warmth. Pressed against his neck, she felt the steady heat seep into her, flushing her cheeks.
Beyond the warmth, she noticed something else.
That faint fragrance earlier hadn’t been her imagination—he really had bathed.
Huo Tingshan glanced down just in time to see the delicate nose of the woman in his arms twitch slightly, like a rabbit inspecting its burrow for cleanliness.
His Adam’s apple bobbed.
Once Pei Ying confirmed everything was in order, her mind immediately shifted to another matter. "Huo Tingshan, tell Wu Ye to stop."
Sitting sideways on the horse, she felt the broad back of Wu Ye beneath her. Though the stallion was larger than most, its spine wider, and though her back pressed against Huo Tingshan’s arm while her hands clutched his robe, the position still left her uneasy.
"What are you afraid of? You think I’d let you fall?" Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue.
Before Pei Ying could protest again, she felt Wu Ye slow beneath her. No longer galloping at breakneck speed, the horse settled into a leisurely trot, barely faster than an electric scooter.
Pei Ying exhaled in relief. "General, I don’t want to wander anymore. Let’s go back."
"We’re here," he said instead.
Pei Ying turned her gaze and froze, her eyes widening in awe.
Early winter had brought a thin mist, but soon the sun broke through, its golden rays melting into the haze, dyeing the fog a soft, radiant gold.
Ahead lay a lake, its surface shimmering with pale golden light, as if draped in a monk’s golden robe. Where the morning light pierced through the mist and touched the water, small patches of the lake transformed into mirrors of liquid gold.
Fish flicked their tails beneath the surface, shattering the illusion, sending ripples of light dancing across the water—fleeting gold, submerged shadows.
This was nature’s masterpiece, a dreamlike scene no artist could ever truly capture.
"Still want to go back?" Huo Tingshan reached over, smoothing a few wind-tousled strands of hair behind Pei Ying’s ear.
She wanted to say yes, but the words stuck in her throat.
Back in the Governor’s residence, she had often wandered the city’s streets, taking in the sights, but those were man-made wonders—nothing compared to the raw beauty before her now.
"Even the sturdiest shield in the army isn’t as hard as my lady’s stubbornness. Your eyes are practically glued to the lake." Huo Tingshan lifted her down from the horse.
Pei Ying’s legs wobbled as her feet touched the ground, and she stumbled slightly. Huo Tingshan caught her with an arm around her waist, chuckling. "My lady needs more exercise."
"I’m fine now." She pushed at the iron band encircling her waist.
Huo Tingshan released her, letting her wander slowly along the shore.
Winter had stripped much of the greenery, leaving only sparse patches of grass by the lake. As Pei Ying strolled, she spotted fish nestled among the water plants—perhaps sunbathing, plump and lazy in the cold.
A pang of regret struck her.
Such fat fish. They’d make for excellent roasting—crisp skin, tender flesh. A shame she couldn’t catch them.
Huo Tingshan noticed her lingering gaze and followed it to the fish beneath the weeds. "Hungry for fish, my lady?"
Pei Ying countered instead of answering. "General, we won’t be returning to the city so soon, will we?"
"We can return today."
"Today?" she murmured, surprised.
Had he really dealt with those powerful families in just one night?
"Can we stay until tomorrow? I’d like to leave then," she bargained.
"Why?" Huo Tingshan frowned.
What was there to linger for? The camp was dull, covered in dust, without even a proper bathhouse. Did she find the barracks tolerable but still couldn’t stand him?
Pei Ying kept her eyes on the fish. "The fish here are plump. Later, we could find a net and catch a few. Roasted, they’d taste wonderful."
"That’s all?"
She turned to him, her almond eyes silently asking, What else?
Huo Tingshan strode off without another word. "No need for later. We’ll do it now."
The lakeshore had no shortage of plants.
Pei Ying watched as he walked a short distance, then selected a straight, sturdy branch. Instead of using a blade, he snapped it off with sheer strength—a branch as thick as an egg, broken cleanly with a single motion.
The crisp snap made her think, inexplicably, of something being snapped in half.
She averted her gaze.
Huo Tingshan pulled out the short knife from his person and swiftly trimmed away the excess twigs from the branch. With a few more precise cuts, he sharpened the tip into a cone.
In less than a quarter of an hour, a makeshift fishing spear was ready.
Huo Tingshan raised his brows, glancing toward the faint silhouette in his peripheral vision. He expected to meet her gaze but only caught her profile.
She was still staring at the lake.
Just a worthless lake—nothing but fish swimming in it. What was so fascinating?
Expressionless, Huo Tingshan carried the spear to the lakeshore and stopped at the water’s edge. Spotting a school of fish, he calculated the angle before thrusting the spear downward with force.
His target was clear—only the plumpest one would do.
"Splash—"
Water droplets sprayed into the air, and before Pei Ying’s astonished eyes, a fat carp was skewered and lifted from the water.
The man stood firmly on the shore, deftly dodging the splashes to keep his robes dry even as he struck.
Huo Tingshan turned his head and finally saw her wide-eyed surprise. The corner of his mouth lifted. "How many does my lady want?"
...
Two quarters of an hour later.
Pei Ying still hadn’t fully processed the scene before her—the crackling fire, the fish skewered and roasting above it.
Only two fish were being grilled.
The fire popped and sizzled, occasional drops of fish oil causing the flames to leap higher. Under the glow, the fish slowly turned a perfect golden brown.
"You know how to roast fish?" Pei Ying asked in surprise.
This man was a regional governor, commanding thousands of soldiers and undoubtedly attended by countless servants. Yet here he was, not just capable of roasting fish but clearly skilled at it.
Huo Tingshan shrugged. "It’s just roasting fish—hardly difficult. Youzhou is remote, with plenty of mountains and forests. Hunting yields fine game in all seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. When we return to Youzhou, my lady, I’ll roast you a bear’s paw without breaking a sweat."
Pei Ying lowered her gaze.
Return to Youzhou? She didn’t want to go back. She wanted to go to Chang’an with Ling’er.
But he would never allow it.
Before she could dwell on the melancholy thought, a roasted fish was pressed into her hands.
"Try it."
The fish was large—even gutted and dried from roasting, it still had a satisfying weight.
The aroma was enticing. Pei Ying took a tentative bite.
With the innards removed and the pristine water quality, the first taste was unexpectedly delightful. Though unseasoned, it was far less fishy than expected—only a faint earthiness, well within tolerance. It surpassed anything she’d tasted at roasted fish stalls.
"Well?" Huo Tingshan asked.
Pei Ying answered truthfully. "Delicious."
Huo Tingshan hummed in satisfaction. "Naturally. My lady should consider herself fortunate—no one else gets to enjoy my cooking."
Pei Ying choked slightly, then silently continued eating.
Perhaps it was better not to speak. At least this way, her appetite remained intact.
The serene mountains, the tranquil lake, and the delicious meal made for an uncommonly pleasant morning.
When Meng Ling’er woke, she found the space beside her empty. At first, she assumed Pei Ying had stepped outside, but upon leaving the tent and running into Xin Jin, she realized Xin Jin was also searching for someone.
Meng Ling’er frowned. "Where’s my mother?"
The two exchanged glances. Worry was unnecessary—with Youzhou soldiers everywhere, nothing could have happened.
"Captain Chen, have you seen my mother?" Meng Ling’er asked Chen Yuan.
Chen Yuan replied, "I saw her earlier."
Meng Ling’er recalled overhearing soldiers mention the general’s return. Connecting the dots, her heart skipped a beat. "Is my mother with the general now?"
Chen Yuan’s face remained impassive. He neither confirmed nor denied it.
Strangely, Meng Ling’er understood.
Her mother really was with that man. Where had they gone?
She finally saw Pei Ying near the end of the morning, alerted by Shui Su’s report. Rushing out of the tent, she spotted her mother—and not far behind, a much taller figure.
Meng Ling’er still felt a trace of fear toward Huo Tingshan and instinctively restrained herself. Only when Pei Ying drew near did she whisper, "Mother, where were you?"
Pei Ying answered, "Just walking around the camp."
Meng Ling’er took her hand. "There’s nothing but mountains here. What’s there to see?"
Pei Ying thought of the lake at dawn and found it had its merits.
Meng Ling’er tugged her toward the tent. "Mother, let’s have breakfast. Today it’s flatbread."
Pei Ying’s lashes fluttered rapidly.
Flatbread was fine—but she couldn’t eat another bite.
"Ling’er, I’ve already eaten," she admitted.
Meng Ling’er halted, studying her mother’s face before stealing a glance past her. Her expression turned complicated.
For some reason, it felt like her mother was being taken away.
Pei Ying had left the city after noon the previous day. By midday, she was already riding back in a carriage.
On the return journey, she lifted the curtain slightly, stealing glimpses of the city that had endured a night of chaos.
The town of Yuanshan County appeared much more desolate today, with many residents choosing to stay indoors. Only a few bold souls cracked their windows open slightly, peering out with half their faces visible from behind the curtains.
The streets had been cleaned, with no corpses in sight, though traces of the recent turmoil remained—broken blades and spears, tattered scraps of clothing, and lone shoes scattered here and there.
Pei Ying let the carriage curtain fall back into place.
The carriage didn’t stop until it reached the main courtyard of the Governor’s residence. When Meng Ling'er stepped out and realized where they were, she blinked in surprise. "Why are we stopping here directly?"
The soldier driving the carriage replied, "The main gate is still in disarray. We didn’t wish to offend your eyes."
The main courtyard, situated deeper within the compound and away from the outer walls, had been spared from the chaos—no jars of oil had been hurled this far.
Pei Ying alighted from the carriage.
Xin Jin and Shui Su carried the luggage back to their rooms.
"Mother," Meng Ling'er asked hesitantly, her voice dropping to a whisper, "what do you think will happen to those powerful families…?"
Pei Ying looked down at her daughter, seeing only the top of her dark-haired head. She knew the girl was really asking about the Hua Family.
"They’ll likely be held accountable," Pei Ying said.
Now that Huo Tingshan held all the power, he could easily have them executed if he wished.
But mere execution seemed too simple.
Huo Tingshan needed the people’s support—what better way to earn their favor than to publicly punish those who had oppressed them for so long?
Pei Ying could think of none.
She patted her daughter’s head gently. "The leaders will probably face death, but their followers may not share the same fate."
Meng Ling'er nodded, though she didn’t fully understand.
After seeing her daughter off, Pei Ying returned to her room. There was still one task weighing on her—embroidering a pouch.
The thought of it made her head throb.
Xin Jin was a patient and excellent teacher, but Pei Ying was a hopeless student in this regard—her eyes understood the steps, but her hands refused to cooperate.
Twenty days. Twenty days to finish an embroidered pouch. It felt impossible.
Pei Ying braced herself for the challenge.
In the Governor’s study, scrolls and documents sprawled across several desks. Aside from Huo Tingshan, a group of advisors were also present, all buried in their work, too busy to even take a sip of water.
There was simply too much to process.
If justice were to be served strictly by the law, the Xiao Family’s crimes alone would fill multiple volumes—let alone the other prominent clans. If they dug further into the past, the records would be endless.
The entire afternoon passed without anyone leaving the study except for brief necessities.
Once the battle in the city had concluded, Qin Yang had been tasked with cleaning up the aftermath—clearing the streets of debris.
Corpses were dumped in mass graves, broken weapons collected where possible, and bloodstains washed away with buckets of water to avoid drawing too much attention.
From dawn until dusk, the work continued before Qin Yang finally reported, "General, the city has been thoroughly cleansed."
Huo Tingshan, still poring over documents, acknowledged with a mere hum before adding after a pause, "Tomorrow, have the soldiers resume distributing the court bulletins as usual."
Qin Yang’s eyes flickered with thought. "General, should we announce a date for the trials?"
Huo Tingshan considered briefly, his gaze sweeping over the towering stacks of records. His brows furrowed slightly. "Ten days from now."
Qin Yang bowed. "Understood."
Huo Tingshan and his advisors worked well past midnight.
When the study doors finally opened again, the advisors stumbled out, dizzy and exhausted, their minds half-numb from fatigue.
Gongsun Liang’s face was pale, his head pounding as if a nerve throbbed incessantly behind his temples.
He glanced back—Huo Tingshan remained seated at his desk, expression unchanged, showing no signs of weariness. It reminded Gongsun Liang of five years ago.
Five years ago, when Huo Tingshan led the campaign against the Xiongnu, he had pursued the Left Sage King’s elite forces for three days and nights, reportedly sleeping less than five hours in total. Under the cover of rain, he had finally succeeded in beheading the Left Sage King.
Upon returning from the grasslands, even hardened warriors like Sha Ying needed over a day to recover. Yet Huo Tingshan had rested only an afternoon before returning to his usual vigor.
Now, five years later, he showed no signs of slowing down—still in his prime.
Gongsun Liang marveled at this, his heart swelling with admiration.
Had the Governor of Jizhou, Yuan Ding, lacked ambition?
Of course not.
But his frail body couldn’t endure the strain. His death had turned Jizhou into another’s prize overnight.
As the moon rose and set, some spent the night in restless anxiety while others slept soundly. Time flowed on, and soon, morning arrived.
Today, Yuanshan County was livelier than the day before. When residents heard soldiers beating gongs to announce the city’s safety and encourage them to venture out, doors gradually began to open.
By the time the sun climbed to its zenith, the streets had regained about eighty percent of their usual bustle.
The teahouses and eateries reopened for business, and at the busiest hour of noon, the Youzhou soldiers reappeared at the usual spot where official bulletins were announced, carrying their rattan paper scrolls.
"Here is today's Yuanshan County Daily."
At these words, the hall fell silent.
Ears perked up all around, and passersby who had merely been strolling outside immediately stepped in to listen to the bulletin.
The Youzhou soldier raised his voice and declared, "Yesterday, a group of families led by the Xiao Family conspired together, seeking to assassinate the Tiance Grand General for their own selfish gains. As of today, thirteen households have been implicated in this incident, with their accumulated crimes including but not limited to: forming factions to deceive, entrapping officials through schemes, seizing commoners' fertile lands, and forcing them into tenant farming..."
One crime after another was recited, and the diners in the hall flushed with suppressed excitement, wanting to discuss but afraid of missing any details.
When the soldier finally finished, the hall erupted in an uproar.
"The Xiao Family is finally getting what they deserve—I've had enough of them!"
"Good heavens, I just counted—there are thirteen charges listed, and that's not even all of them!"
"What a relief! Those tyrants are finally facing justice. I’ll have to light an incense stick for my late uncle later—he can rest in peace now."
The Youzhou soldier continued, "In ten days, the Xiao Family’s case will be tried at the magistrate’s office."
The hall buzzed with astonishment.
The townsfolk were abuzz with discussions about the Xiao Family, making it the hottest topic in Yuanshan County.
But for Pei Ying, who had already foreseen the downfall of these powerful families, she had little interest in the matter.
These past few days, she had continued learning embroidery from Xin Jin and had finally grasped the basics, occasionally even finding some enjoyment in the craft.
However, Pei Ying was not one to push herself too hard. Burning the midnight oil or pricking her fingers with needles—none of that existed for her.
Without eyeglasses in this era, straining her eyes would leave her vision blurred for life. So, late-night embroidery was out of the question. She took her time with every stitch, careful not to prick herself, even if it meant working slower.
When she grew tired of embroidery, she would take a stroll.
Pei Ying had once loved wandering the rear garden. The governor’s residence had an expansive garden, already lush with flowers, but after Huo Tingshan ordered rare blooms transplanted from the magistrate’s estate in Changping County, it became even more vibrant.
But that was before. The fire attacks during the Xiao Family’s rebellion had destroyed most of the garden, leaving it desolate, its once-bright colors reduced to ashes.
"Madam Pei, the Grand General requests your presence at the side gate," a guard announced.
Pei Ying blinked. "Now?"
The guard nodded.
Pei Ying pressed her lips together but went anyway.
Huo Tingshan had been absent these past two days, not even summoning her for meals. She guessed he was busy wrapping up the case against the powerful families.
Now that he was calling for her, had the Xiao Family’s matter been settled already?
It had only been two days—that seemed too quick.
With a hint of curiosity, Pei Ying arrived at the side gate, where Huo Tingshan was already waiting.
He was clad in his usual black robes, a ring-pommeled sword at his waist. Even standing in the sunlight, he exuded the sharp, cold aura of a hawk perched on a shadowed cliff.
But the moment she stepped through the small arched gate, his gaze landed on her, and the faintest smirk tugged at his lips, softening his intimidating presence.
"Madam is here. Let’s board the carriage," Huo Tingshan said, opening the door.
Pei Ying approached but didn’t step inside. "Where are we going?"
Huo Tingshan replied, "Just get in. You’ll find out when we arrive."
Pei Ying teased, "No, what if you have someone take me to the market and sell me off?"
Huo Tingshan arched a brow. "Who would dare? I’d make sure their grave sprouts grass a zhang high by next year."
Pei Ying’s eyelid twitched.
Had he gone blood-drunk from the recent executions? His words were all about killing these days.
"Don’t worry, I won’t sell you. We’re just visiting the Xiao Family’s estate," Huo Tingshan said, helping her into the carriage.
Once inside, Pei Ying noticed he had boarded as well. "Aren’t you riding your horse today?"
Huo Tingshan sat across from her. "The past two days dealing with the traitors have been exhausting. I’ll take the carriage today."
Pei Ying mused silently—power and responsibility were indeed inseparable, especially when the ruler refused to be complacent.
"Is the case settled?" she asked.
Huo Tingshan chuckled. "Madam holds unusually high expectations of me."
From his tone, she knew the answer was no. "I was just asking casually. These families have been entrenched for years, hiding all sorts of filth. A thorough purge would take time."
"So what Madam really wants to know is whether I intend to wipe them out completely," Huo Tingshan said leisurely.
Pei Ying stiffened, startled by his sharp perception. After a moment’s thought, she decided to be direct. "Am I not allowed to ask?"
"You may. I’ll answer anything," he replied, his gaze amused.
Pei Ying twisted her handkerchief before finally asking, "What will happen to Second Master Hua of the Hua Family?"
Huo Tingshan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Did my daughter ask you to inquire about this?"
"No, no. My girl didn’t mention it. I was just curious myself," Pei Ying quickly replied, not wanting her daughter to take the blame.
Yet Huo Tingshan’s expression remained unreadable. "Why would Madam concern herself with that Hua Family’s boy? That pretty-faced dandy is neither impressive nor useful."
"...I was merely asking," Pei Ying murmured.
Huo Tingshan studied her for a moment before speaking. "He hasn’t yet come of age and is still studying at the local academy. For now, he behaves well enough. According to Great Chu’s laws, exile will suffice."
Pei Ying had a sudden inkling. "Surely not to Youzhou?"
Huo Tingshan smirked. "Precisely."
Pei Ying fell silent.
What difference did it make? It was like pouring water from one hand to the other.
As they spoke, the Xiao Family’s estate came into view.
Pei Ying had previously visited the prefectural office of Changping Commandery and the governor’s mansion of Yuanshan Commandery—both were extravagantly luxurious. But now, standing before the Xiao Family’s residence, she realized it was no less grand.
Carved beams and jade ornaments, towering pavilions layered like mountains—even the pathways were paved with intricately patterned white jade bricks. Truly befitting a century-old aristocratic family, their accumulated wealth was undeniably vast.
Once bustling with distinguished guests, the Xiao Family’s estate now stood desolate and silent, guarded only by a few soldiers from Youzhou. The family’s masters and some of their most influential servants had been imprisoned, while the rest were temporarily sent home.
"General, why have you come to the Xiao Family’s estate?" Pei Ying asked, puzzled.
Huo Tingshan answered succinctly. "To confiscate their property."
Pei Ying: "..."
"Come with me, Madam." Huo Tingshan led the way inside. It seemed he had either visited before or studied the layout, as he navigated effortlessly to the rear garden.
With a slight tilt of his chin, he said, "Pick whatever you like. Point out what catches your eye, and the guards will carry it back for you."
Earlier, she had been so quick to negotiate terms with him, listing one condition after another without pause. But now, with most of the flowers in their own residence burned to ashes—leaving only an unsightly, glaring mess—her words seemed to have deserted her.
