Bingzhou, Xiaojiang County.
A swift horse galloped from the east, racing toward the city gates with the first light of dawn.
The guards at the gate, exhausted from their overnight watch, yawned wearily. Just as one was about to strike up a conversation with his companion to stay alert, he spotted the approaching rider and muttered, "Who would enter the city at such an early hour?"
Before the gates could fully open, the rider arrived.
"I am Gao Zhengming, a guard under the command of the governor," the man announced loudly. "I have urgent business to discuss with Lord Shi, the Governor of Bingzhou. Brothers, open the gates swiftly!"
The guards on the wall jolted awake at his words. After verifying his credentials, they hurriedly opened the gates.
The moment the gap was wide enough for a horse to pass, the rider urged his steed forward without hesitation.
Hooves kicked up dust as the horse dashed away, its rapid clatter fading into the distance.
One guard watched the retreating figure and wondered aloud, "In such a hurry—could he be bringing back medicinal herbs for Lord Shi?"
"Quite possible. It's no secret that Lord Shi is gravely wounded. That guard was likely rushing to arrange treatment."
"With Lord Shi in such a state… do you think Bingzhou might—"
"Shh! Don’t speak such words."
Xiaojiang County was the political heart of Bingzhou, home to the governor's residence. If comparisons were to be made, it held a status akin to Yuanshan County in Jizhou.
After Shi Lianhu was critically wounded by an arrow from Huo Tingshan, his three sons unanimously agreed to have him transported overnight to the governor's residence. Their reasoning was sound—Xiaojiang County offered better comforts, renowned physicians, and distance from the border, safe from the threat of Youzhou's forces.
On the surface, their decision seemed filial and well-considered. Yet the toll of such a journey on an injured man was something only the patient himself could truly understand.
Or perhaps not even he was aware—Shi Lianhu now spent more time unconscious than awake.
Gao Zhengming rode straight to the governor's residence. The guards at the gate recognized him and let him pass without delay.
Inside, he encountered a few servants finishing their morning cleaning. "Where is the eldest young master?" he asked.
"The eldest young master has not yet risen," a servant replied.
Gao Zhengming frowned.
It was already past dawn—how could he still be abed?
"What about the second and third young masters?"
The servant knelt. "This humble one does not know."
After questioning others, Gao Zhengming learned that the second son was still asleep, while the third, Shi Yuanhu, was awake—attending to his father.
Gao Zhengming approached the main courtyard and had a servant announce his arrival, stating he had urgent news.
The servant returned shortly. "Apologies, Commander Gao. Lord Shi has just awakened and is speaking with the third young master. Your matter—"
Before the servant could finish, Gao Zhengming's eyes flashed with determination. Raising his voice, he declared, "This subordinate, Gao Zhengming, has uncovered a critical secret regarding Youzhou's forces and requests an audience with Lord Shi!"
His voice, trained by years of martial discipline, boomed through the courtyard.
Moments later, another servant emerged to escort him inside.
The winter air was bitter, and the room was kept warm with charcoal braziers. To shield against drafts, the windows were barely open, leaving the chamber thick with the stench of medicine, blood, decay, and the stifling heat of the coals.
Shi Lianhu, once a burly and robust military man, now lay emaciated—his frame reduced to little more than bones in just a few days.
Beside the bed stood a man in his thirties, holding a bowl of medicine. Gao Zhengming recognized him as Shi Yuanhu, the governor's third son.
"What is it?" Shi Lianhu rasped.
Two simple words, yet they came out labored, his once-powerful voice now frail.
Gao Zhengming knelt in salute before reporting, "This subordinate was wounded during the retreat and fell behind. To evade Youzhou's pursuit, I took refuge in the woods, disguising myself as a stranded monk seeking shelter in a temple. I intended to return once healed, but there, I encountered Huo Tingshan and overheard something extraordinary."
Both men in the room stiffened.
"You… cough… you saw Huo Tingshan?"
"Commander Gao, what happened? Speak quickly!"
Gao Zhengming continued, "While clearing snow from a plum grove path, I came across a mother and daughter admiring the blossoms. The young girl praised her mother's ingenuity, mentioning soap, foot warmers, stirrups, and high-cantled saddles—all innovations attributed to her."
He then repeated Meng Ling'er's words verbatim.
Shi Lianhu clutched his chest, coughing violently. Shi Yuanhu, understanding his father's intent, pressed, "How did the woman respond?"
Gao Zhengming replied, "She claimed to have learned these from an ancient text, though the text itself is now lost. Suspicious, I stepped out from behind the trees to confront this woman whose counsel had benefited Youzhou so greatly. But just as I considered taking her, I spotted Huo Tingshan approaching—his demeanor possessive, as if she were a treasure he couldn’t bear to lose. Knowing I stood no chance against him, I withdrew and rushed here to report."
Silence fell, broken only by Shi Lianhu's ragged coughing.
"Did you… cough… see her face clearly? Summon an artist—have her likeness drawn at once! Then… cough… give it to our scouts—"
A fit of coughing overtook him, blood staining his lips.
"Father!" Shi Yuanhu exclaimed. "Calm yourself—your health comes first! She’s just a woman, not worth such distress."
"Fool!" Shi Lianhu spat, furious at his son's shortsightedness.
Youzhou's recent advancements had drawn widespread attention—stirrups and saddles, the wildly profitable Pei soap, the terraced fields implemented in Jizhou…
Innovation after innovation, sprouting like bamboo shoots after rain in just one season.
He had long wondered how Huo Tingshan had transformed so dramatically, as if blessed by divine insight.
Now, the mystery had unraveled slightly. Whether the woman's "ancient text" was real or not, if the text was truly lost, she was the key.
If Bingzhou could seize her, they too might flourish as Youzhou had.
Shi Yuanhu shrank under his father's scolding.
Shi Lianhu fixed his gaze on Gao Zhengming, who seemed hesitant. "Gao Zhengming."
The guard lowered his voice. "My lord, the woman was… breathtaking. Her beauty outshines every woman in Bingzhou. No artist could capture even a fraction of her radiance."
The Shi father and son stared in disbelief.
Shi Yuanhu scoffed, "More beautiful than any in Bingzhou? And a mother, no less? Gao Zhengming, have you truly seen so few beauties that you’d spout such nonsense?"
Gao Zhengming remained silent.
Then Shi Yuanhu's expression shifted. "You’ve seen Lianji, my eldest brother’s concubine. How does this woman compare to her?"
His elder brother, Shi Yuanjiang, acquired a stunning beauty the year before last. That woman’s delicate face and slender waist were truly enchanting, her grace and allure almost otherworldly—as if she were a fox spirit in human form. Even the way her eyes flickered seemed to carry a tantalizing hook, stirring an itch in one’s heart.
This woman was peerlessly beautiful, and his elder brother named her Lianji, claiming that the character "Lian" (lotus) would temper her overwhelming radiance.
Shi Yuanhu, now thirty-four and the son of a provincial governor, had encountered countless beauties in his life. Yet, in his eyes, all the fair maidens in his garden paled in comparison to Lianji.
"She’s just a concubine—hardly someone we can’t comment on freely," Gao Zhengming coughed lightly. "Lianji is slightly less striking."
Though he said "slightly," privately, he believed the gap was far wider.
Even disregarding appearances, the difference in their gazes alone was stark. One carried a perpetual hint of desire, her eyes growing murky over time; the other’s eyes were exquisitely clear, shimmering like sunlight dancing on a lake at dusk. That single glance from her had made Gao Zhengming feel as though he were gazing upon a golden-dappled lake under the setting sun.
"How can this be? Are you exaggerating?" Shi Yuanhu was astonished.
If even Lianji was outshone, how extraordinary must this other woman’s beauty be?
Gao Zhengming remained silent.
"Send out a few scouting parties. Make sure to... cough... seize that woman," Shi Lianhu struggled to finish his words. "If capturing her proves impossible, find an opportunity to eliminate her. If she cannot serve Bingzhou, she is nothing but a liability. This matter shall be entrusted to..."
Shi Lianhu had initially intended to assign the task to his third son, but recalling the boy’s weakness for women, he doubted he could bring himself to kill her—no, that wouldn’t do.
His eldest son was no better—equally susceptible to feminine charms. Still unsuitable.
The second son seemed more restrained when it came to women. However, he was indecisive, lacking his elder brothers’ resolve.
Shi Lianhu had once been a formidable figure, yet now, bedridden, he found not a single outstanding heir among his sons.
No worthy successor!
Already unwell, the weight of these thoughts pressed upon him, and a surge of frustration overwhelmed his heart. His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
Shi Yuanhu cried out in alarm, supporting his father and calling for physicians, a flurry of activity ensuing.
Once Shi Lianhu was settled, Shi Yuanhu summoned Gao Zhengming. "You heard my father’s intentions—he meant to entrust this matter to me, though he collapsed before finishing. Gao Zhengming, since you’re injured, focus on recuperating. From now on, leave the matter of that woman to me. I’ll arrange for scouts to bring her back."
After a brief hesitation, Gao Zhengming acquiesced.
As he turned to leave the main courtyard, Shi Yuanhu added, "My elder and second brothers have been preoccupied lately. There’s no need to mention this to them."
"Understood."
Bingzhou, Governor’s Manor of Yanmen Commandery.
Unaware that she had been marked, Pei Ying was preoccupied with plans for castrating pigs.
The cold weather reduced the risk of infection compared to summer, and the pigs were likely less restless in this season.
She discussed the idea with Huo Tingshan. "...General, we could start with an experiment—purchase some piglets, castrate them, and observe how they differ from ordinary pigs once fully grown."
After much deliberation, Pei Ying remained convinced that pig farming was worthwhile.
Not in large numbers—just a few at first, mainly to demonstrate the benefits of castration to Huo Tingshan.
The advantages might seem abstract, especially to a commander currently facing food shortages. But scarcity was temporary. Once wheat was planted next year, supplies would gradually stabilize.
Pigs took time to mature. By castrating them now, Huo Tingshan would witness the benefits just as food shortages eased.
As for her own gain? She’d get to enjoy pork without the usual gaminess sooner.
Huo Tingshan watched her feigned composure, her eyes betraying excitement, and couldn’t help but chuckle.
She was greedy for food, indifferent to gold and silver, obsessed with flavors. If he could sustain someone as finicky as her, a few more pigs were hardly a burden.
Huo Tingshan: "No great matter. Do as you please, my lady."
The words were agreeable, but his dismissive tone irked her. "When those pigs are grown, General, don’t let the aroma of their meat knock you off your feet."
Huo Tingshan snorted. "I’ll look forward to it."
"I’ll visit the market today," Pei Ying declared, eager to begin.
Castration required specific conditions—young, healthy piglets. Given how much her future meals depended on this, she insisted on handling it personally.
"My lady wishes to go to the meat market? Unnecessary. If you want piglets, have the servants fetch them," Huo Tingshan frowned.
The meat market was filthy. For someone like her, it’d be like a phoenix landing in a chicken coop.
Pei Ying stood firm. "I want to oversee this myself."
Huo Tingshan studied her for a moment, then understood.
She was restless, itching to leave the manor. Only five days had passed since their return from Changling Temple, and she was already bored.
Still, it wasn’t a major issue. Huo Tingshan relented. "I’ll have Chen Yuan select guards to accompany you."
Satisfied, Pei Ying rose from her seat, murmuring, "My thanks, General," before hurrying off to her tasks.
"My lady." His voice was deep, tinged with displeasure.
Pei Ying turned, puzzled. "Is something wrong, General?"
Huo Tingshan tapped the desk with his long fingers. "This habit of yours—using me and then discarding me—can you work on it?"
She came to him solely for the pig matter, then left without a second thought. The tea he’d poured for her remained half-full. Was she busier than him?
Pei Ying’s delicate brows knitted in displeasure. "General, don’t slander me. I’ve done no such thing! And castrating pigs concerns the future nourishment of thousands of soldiers—it’s of utmost importance. If anything, I’m solving your problems. Instead of thanking me, you accuse me of crimes I didn’t commit!"
Huo Tingshan’s temple twitched.
Of course. One remark from him, and she retaliated with ten.
"I’m not accusing you," he said, resigned.
"Then what do you mean?" she pressed.
For once, Huo Tingshan was at a loss for words.
After a brief standoff, Pei Ying averted her gaze. Even seated, his presence was overwhelming. "General, carry on with your duties. I’ll take my leave."
Watching her retreating figure, Huo Tingshan clicked his tongue.
That rabbit of hers was growing bolder by the day.
...
Pei Ying found Chen Yuan, informed him of her plans, and within moments, he had guards and a carriage ready.
Her daughter was in lessons, so Pei Ying didn’t mention her outing.
The carriage departed the governor’s manor, heading for the market.
At the entrance, Pei Ying donned a veil before stepping out.
It was still morning, and there were goods at many stalls in the market. In the meat section, the stalls selling fish and mutton were the most numerous. Occasionally, there were also rabbits, and there were also some stalls selling shrimp.
There were fewer shrimp than fish. Since it was rare to see shrimp, Pei Ying didn't hesitate and bought some.
The market was crowded and bustling. However, Pei Ying had guards beside her. The soldiers from Youzhou had swords on their waists and sharp eyes. When the commoners nearby saw them, they subconsciously stepped aside. So Pei Ying didn't have to squeeze through the crowd on her way.
Markets like this usually had their own small stalls.
These stalls were very simple, with wooden frames setting up a small platform. The stall owners stood behind it, and the goods to be sold were placed on the small wooden platform, not much different from those in later generations.
After walking most of the way, Pei Ying still didn't see any stalls selling piglets. She kept muttering, "Could it be that there are none today?"
By now, the method of pig - raising in pens had emerged. Pigs were penned up and fed, and then killed and sold for money when they grew up. But these were already big pigs, not the piglets that Pei Ying wanted.
Just when Pei Ying was disappointed, she heard a few grunts.
"Selling piglets! Does anyone want to buy piglets? Just caught outside the city today. The price is reasonable."
Hearing the shout, Pei Ying was overjoyed and immediately followed the sound.
Not far away, there was a strong man dressed like a hunter holding a rope in his hand. The rope extended backward and tied the feet of five black - skinned piglets.
The five little black pigs were grunting on the ground. Each of them was as round as a small melon, which showed that they had had a good diet before.
Seeing the black - skinned piglets, Pei Ying wasn't surprised at all.
At that time, all pigs had black skin and teeth. White - skinned pigs were introduced and bred at the end of the 20th century.
"How much are these five piglets?" Pei Ying asked the price.
The hunter, seeing Pei Ying dressed in luxury, originally wanted to cheat her. But then he saw that Chen Yuan and the others had swords on their waists and didn't look like ordinary people, so he had to give an honest quote.
After hearing the price, Pei Ying turned to Chen Yuan and asked, "Captain Chen, is this price reasonable?"
Chen Yuan replied, "It's about right."
The hunter secretly swallowed his saliva, glad that he hadn't asked for an exorbitant price just now.
"I'll take all five of these piglets," Pei Ying said, clearing the hunter's stock directly.
"Alright, good," the hunter said happily.
The five piglets were handed over to the guards. Two tall and strong guards picked up the piglets and carried them.
Having bought the piglets she wanted, Pei Ying planned to leave. But when she turned around, Chen Yuan beside her suddenly said, "Madam, something's not right."
Pei Ying was puzzled. "What's wrong?"
Pei Ying looked around. She was in the meat market, where people were coming and going. There were stall owners shouting to sell meat, and there were also customers who wanted to buy meat.
It was very lively, no different from the market that Pei Ying knew.
Chen Yuan scanned the surroundings. Everything seemed normal, as if that moment just now had been just his illusion.
However, having learned from the previous incident where Pei Huizhou was captured by the scouts from Sizhou, Chen Yuan didn't dare to relax at all now.
Last time, Pei Huizhou was captured by mistake. Actually, even if they couldn't rescue Pei Huizhou, it wouldn't have much impact on the general. After all, Pei Huizhou was just a small merchant and had no connection with their Youzhou Army.
But if Madam Pei were taken away...
"Madam Pei, please come with me," Chen Yuan said in a deep voice.
Chen Yuan still had a poker face, but Pei Ying somehow sensed a hint of solemnity on his face.
Without asking any more questions, Pei Ying simply nodded.
Chen Yuan made a gesture to the surrounding guards, then escorted Pei Ying and sent her all the way to the market entrance and onto the carriage.
Before the curtain of the carriage was completely lowered, out of the corner of his eye, Chen Yuan caught a glimpse of a cold glint flying from afar.
Chen Yuan quickly drew out his sword from his waist and blocked the flying arrow with a clang. Then he turned to the guard holding the piglets and said, "You go back to the prefect's mansion quickly and inform the general of this matter."
The guard responded decisively. He had been holding the piglets. Now he stuffed the piglets into the carriage behind that was specially used for carrying supplies.
After putting down the piglets, the guard mounted his horse. However, at this time, two long arrows flew towards him from each side.
Since he had been selected by Chen Yuan, the guard was naturally battle - hardened. He quickly drew his sword to block one arrow and leaned back with his back against the horse's body to narrowly avoid the other.
The attackers didn't just shoot two arrows. More arrows came one after another.
One long arrow hit the horse. The guard's horse immediately went crazy.
When the first arrow was shot, the market was in chaos.
The peddlers who used hemp cloth as mats for their stalls quickly gathered up the four corners of the cloth, picked up their packages and left. The butchers who sold meat on small wooden platforms quickly gathered the meat towards themselves with both hands and then put it into the wooden baskets below. They carried the baskets and ran away in a hurry.
Needless to say, the customers who wanted to buy meat just turned around and fled.
It was a complete mess.
After the commoners had all run away, the disguised attackers emerged like stones under a dried - up river.
Chen Yuan took a quick look and estimated that there were at least thirty of them.
There were more of them than their own people, but now they were in the busy downtown area of the city. This commotion would soon attract the city guards.
They just needed to hold on until the city guards arrived.
"Madam Pei, don't get out of the carriage," Chen Yuan said to Pei Ying inside the carriage.
Pei Ying replied, "Okay."
The curtains on both sides of the carriage were lowered. Pei Ying couldn't see outside, but she could hear.
She heard people screaming, the clanging sound of weapons colliding, the sound of stalls being smashed, and also the sound that was probably swords piercing into flesh.
"Whoosh - "
An arrow pierced through the curtain and flew in through the window, taking away most of the curtain. The cold wind lifted Pei Ying's veil hat and finally the arrow was stuck in the side panel of the carriage.
Pei Ying closed her eyes and didn't dare to look outside.
At this time, the carriage she was in suddenly started moving. Someone was driving the horse in front at full speed.
The carriage moved so fast that Pei Ying grabbed the armrest beside the soft seat to steady herself.
"Madam Pei, it's not easy to hide in the open market. I'll take you to a nearby teahouse or restaurant," said Chen Yuan.
His voice was calm, as if the assassination attempt just now was nothing serious.
Pei Ying calmed down a bit and replied, "Okay."
The horse pulling the carriage was a good one and soon carried Pei Ying to a restaurant.
Chen Yuan got off from the driver's seat in the front. "Please take shelter here for the time being, Madam Pei," he said.
When Pei Ying got out of the carriage in a hurry, she forgot to put on her veil hat. But now that time was pressing, she didn't have time to go back and get it.
In addition to Chen Yuan, there was also a guard beside him protecting Pei Ying.
When the "commoners" who were chasing from behind saw Pei Ying getting out of the carriage, many of them were stunned for a moment.
*
At the prefect's mansion.
Guo Dajiang rushed to the study and asked to see the general.
The door of the study was closed. The guard on duty said to Guo Dajiang, "The general is discussing important matters with Mr. Gongsun and others in the room. If it's not urgent, come back later to report."
Guo Dajiang was stunned for a moment, frowning.
The general and Mr. Gongsun and the others must be discussing something important. But what about the matter of Madam Pei being attacked...
Which was more important?
A sudden flash of inspiration crossed Guo Dajiang's mind. He raised his voice and said, "Since the general is busy, please report the incident of Lady Pei being attacked in the bustling market later."
After shouting these words, Guo Dajiang felt quite proud of himself.
The message had been delivered, and surely the general would know about it. He thought that the general would...
"Creak." The study door suddenly opened.
Huo Tingshan strode out of the study. "Did you just say that the lady was attacked? Where did it happen and what's the situation?"
Guo Dajiang was stunned.
He was facing the study, and through the unclosed door, he could see all the gentlemen inside.
The gentlemen were still sitting there, not looking like they had finished their discussion.
"Answer." Two heavy words were uttered.
Guo Dajiang quickly came back to his senses. At this time, Huo Tingshan was walking outside, and he quickly followed, simultaneously telling him all the things that had happened before he left.
Huo Tingshan went directly to the stable to get his horse, Wu Ye, and rode out through the side - door, galloping towards the bustling market that Guo Dajiang had mentioned.
This area of the street was now empty, and the busy traffic had disappeared. As he was approaching the place Guo Dajiang had described, Huo Tingshan saw a familiar carriage on the side street.
The carriage was parked in front of a restaurant, and there were many corpses lying across the entrance of the restaurant.
Huo Tingshan rode his horse to the side of the restaurant, dismounted, and as soon as he entered the restaurant, he saw several commoners holding sharp swords fighting with the guards.
He drew his ring - pommel sword, and a line of blood splashed onto the wooden table. Huo Tingshan turned the sword expressionlessly and stabbed a "commoner" through from one side to the other.
Wherever he passed, corpses fell one after another.
As he walked from the first floor to the second floor, Huo Tingshan met Chen Yuan at the second - floor staircase.
Chen Yuan stood at the staircase, looking like he was ready to hold the pass single - handedly. When he saw Huo Tingshan, he sheathed his sword and bowed with clasped fists. "General, Lady Pei is in the innermost private room and is unharmed."
Huo Tingshan said nothing and walked straight towards the private room at the end.
"Bang." The door of the private room was pushed open forcefully.
Huo Tingshan met a pair of terrified and tremulous beautiful eyes. His expression softened. "Come here. Let me take a look at you."
