Pei Ying stared at Huo Tingshan, motionless, her mind blank.
He stood at the doorway, a ring-pommeled saber in his hand, its blade crimson with blood. His broad frame blocked most of the open door—tall, unyielding, like a mountain that could shield her from all the chaos outside.
When Pei Ying didn’t move, her gaze lingering on his weapon, Huo Tingshan glanced down at his own blade, his brow twitching slightly before he flicked the saber sharply.
A streak of blood splattered onto the ground.
Once the blade was clean, he sheathed it and strode into the private chamber, stopping right in front of Pei Ying.
She sat on a cushioned seat, watching as he approached, tilting her head back to meet his eyes the closer he got.
"Scared stiff?" Huo Tingshan reached out, brushing his thumb beneath her eye, his lips quirking. "Not bad—at least you didn’t cry."
The skin there was sensitive, and Pei Ying’s lashes fluttered. "Why are you here?"
"Heard some thugs were after a little rabbit—one that belongs to my household. Of course I had to come." He grasped her hand and pulled her up.
Since entering the chamber, Pei Ying had remained seated, listening to the clamor of battle outside—the clashing of steel, the occasional scream.
The cries had gradually faded, as if the wounded had either been silenced or lost the strength to scream.
Each sound had seeped into her, freezing her blood with dread. The door was shut, hiding the carnage, leaving her to wonder who might burst in—and when.
Now, as Huo Tingshan hauled her to her feet, her legs gave way. But before she could collapse, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
He wasn’t wearing his heavy cloak—just a dark robe despite the winter morning. Pei Ying’s cheek pressed against his collarbone, the heat of his body seeping into her, thawing the ice in her veins.
"Where’s all that bravery you show when arguing with me?" Huo Tingshan chuckled.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the fabric at his waist.
Then, without warning, he lifted her into his arms. "Close your eyes if you don’t want to see the mess outside."
Before she could respond, he carried her out.
His soldiers had followed him here, and by now, the remaining assailants had been dealt with.
The bodies hadn’t been cleared yet. Blood pooled across the ground, merging into rivulets that snaked between the fallen.
Huo Tingshan’s black boots splashed through the scarlet puddles as he strode forward with Pei Ying in his arms.
Her carriage was still usable—the wheels intact—but the horses had been struck by arrows. Huo Tingshan ordered a soldier to bring another horse.
Listening to his commands, Pei Ying murmured, "I... I shouldn’t have left the estate, should I?"
He had half a mind to tease her, to tell her to stay put, but the sight of her pale fingers clutching his robe made his usual carelessness fade. "There’s no ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t.’ If I’ve conquered Yanmen Commandery only for you to be confined, what was the point? But next time, tell me before you go out—and take guards."
He set her down on the carriage’s cushioned seat.
Pei Ying opened her eyes slowly. The seat was at her back, the carriage wall to her side—and he was right in front of her, close enough to trap her in this small space.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Huo Tingshan watched as her gaze drifted away.
She gave a small nod.
He studied her for a moment, then pressed a hand lightly to the top of her head before straightening—only to pause when he felt a tug on his robe.
Looking down, he saw her slender fingers clutching the fabric. Her wrist peeked out from her sleeve, soft and rounded, adorned with the yellow jade bracelet he’d chosen for her.
Huo Tingshan leaned down again. "Something else, my lady?"
Pei Ying hesitated. "General... I bought five piglets at the market. When the attack happened, I couldn’t take them. They’re still in the carriage at the market entrance. Could you send someone to fetch them?"
His lips thinned. "No."
Always thinking about food. Couldn’t her little head focus on anything else?
Pei Ying blinked, bewildered by his sudden shift in mood.
Had she done something to upset him?
Yet later that day, back at the commandery estate, she did see the piglets again.
Only four—one had been unlucky enough to take an arrow.
Pei Ying found a courtyard to keep them in, deciding to let them settle for a few days before castration. Pigs, like cats and dogs, needed time to adjust.
While she tended to her swine, Huo Tingshan retreated to his study. An hour and a half later, the door opened again, and Gongsun Liang and others filed out.
As they left, more than a few cast glances toward the main courtyard where Pei Ying resided.
Chen Yuan was summoned next.
"General, only two survivors. After interrogation, one finally talked—they’re scouts from Bingzhou. Their mission was to bring Lady Pei back to Xiaojiang Commandery."
Huo Tingshan’s brows lowered. "Bingzhou, not Sizhou?"
Last time, the incident with Pei Huizhou had been Sizhou’s doing. Now Bingzhou was involved?
Chen Yuan nodded. "Confirmed."
After a pause, he added, "My apologies, General. One might have escaped. The scout said their group had forty men, but counting the bodies and the two captives, we only have thirty-nine."
"Did you order the city gates sealed?"
"Immediately."
Huo Tingshan twisted the jade ring on his finger. "Search the city first. The missing rat might still be here. Did the scout say why they wanted Lady Pei?"
Chen Yuan shook his head. "He claimed ignorance—just following orders from Shi Yuanhu, the third son of the Bingzhou Governor."
Huo Tingshan sifted through his memory. He knew Shi Lianhu had three useless sons. This Shi Yuanhu was clearly no exception.
"Dig up everything on Shi Yuanhu."
Chen Yuan bowed. "At once."
By afternoon, a detailed dossier on Shi Yuanhu lay on Huo Tingshan’s desk. He skimmed it before tossing it aside.
A fool who only knew how to compete for his father’s favor—and had an insatiable appetite for women.
Upon recalling Shi Yuanhu's lustful nature, Huo Tingshan's gaze turned cold. "Chen Yuan, Shi Lianhu's dogs at his estate are running low on food—go feed them. There was chaos in the city today. In tomorrow's official report, give a brief explanation: truthfully state that scouts from other provinces came to carry out assassinations. Those scouts have now been eliminated, and since commoners were never the target, reassure them there’s no need for concern."
Chen Yuan accepted the order.
Xiaojiang Province, Governor's Mansion.
"Young Master, the scouts sent to Yanmen have returned," a servant reported.
Shi Yuanhu's eyes brightened. "Bring him in at once."
Before even seeing the scout, Shi Yuanhu was already imagining the scene he would soon hear about.
What kind of beauty could surpass even Lian Ji?
Back then, his subordinates had curried favor with his eldest brother by presenting Lian Ji to him. The thought of it still made Shi Yuanhu itch with envy and resentment.
Those spineless sycophants, just because his eldest brother was the firstborn, had showered him with gifts—women, horses, anything of value. But was he not also a legitimate son, and no less capable?
If he could obtain a woman more stunning than Lian Ji, the look on his eldest brother’s face would be priceless…
Just the thought of it excited him.
But his exhilaration didn’t last long. When the scout arrived, disheveled and battered, Shi Yuanhu’s anticipation burst like a bubble finally surfacing—only to pop instantly.
Before Shi Yuanhu could speak, the scout knelt in apology. "This subordinate has failed. The mission was not accomplished. Punish me as you see fit, Young Master."
Shi Yuanhu was first stunned, then erupted in fury. "Forty men, and you couldn’t even bring back a single woman? Are you all useless?"
The scout hurriedly explained that Pei Ying was guarded by elite soldiers, handpicked and far from ordinary.
Shi Yuanhu suddenly remembered something. "Did you at least see the woman’s face? How does she look?"
The scout hesitated, then answered, "She was breathtaking—like a celestial being, not of this world."
Shi Yuanhu clutched his chest, as if trying to soothe an inexplicable itch. Before he could ask more, the scout continued.
"Young Master, I am the only one who returned. The rest of the team… they must have perished."
Shi Yuanhu’s heart sank.
This scout unit wasn’t entirely his private force. Losing four or five men could be brushed aside, but only one survivor? His eldest brother would surely investigate.
The day passed in uneasy tension, and Shi Yuanhu thought the matter might fade. But the next morning, the mansion was thrown into uproar by a gruesome discovery.
Dismembered limbs and severed heads were piled by the gate, attracting wild dogs that fought over the remains. The guards recognized some of the faces—they were familiar figures.
The entire household was shaken. When Shi Yuanhu heard, he knew disaster had struck. Then a servant arrived, summoning him to his eldest brother’s study.
His dread deepened. Upon entering, he saw his eldest brother Shi Yuanjiang, second brother Shi Yuanhe, and Gao Zhengming. Any last hope he harbored vanished.
Gao Zhengming reported directly to their father and didn’t side with any of the three brothers.
If his eldest brother had traced the scouts to Gao Zhengming, he must already know about the beautiful woman.
"Third Brother, you’re here," Shi Yuanjiang said with a cold smile.
The second brother, a concubine-born son, knew better than to compete and usually kept his head down. But the third brother, born of their father’s second wife, was ambitious—always vying for more.
Shi Yuanhu feigned ignorance. "What matter brings you to summon me, Eldest Brother?"
Shi Yuanjiang sneered. "With the Youzhou army rebelling and Father bedridden, as the eldest legitimate son, I shoulder the burden of Bingzhou’s leadership. Yet instead of aiding me, you stir trouble behind my back?"
Shi Yuanhu’s anger flared.
Shouldering Bingzhou’s burden? If it’s so hard, why not step aside? Hypocrite.
But outwardly, he put on a wounded expression. "Eldest Brother misunderstands me. I was acting on Father’s orders. Gao Zhengming can attest to that."
The moment the words left his mouth, Shi Yuanhu saw his eldest brother smirk and turn to Gao Zhengming. "You heard him. The Third Young Master bids you speak. Now, will you finally answer?"
Shi Yuanhu paled. "Eldest Brother, you—"
Shi Yuanjiang didn’t even glance at him.
Gao Zhengming bowed his head and recounted everything that had transpired in the main courtyard.
Shi Yuanjiang’s eyes flickered with surprise. "So the Youzhou army’s recent successes owe much to a woman?"
He already knew only one scout had returned. Now, connecting the dots, he understood why his third brother had sent men to abduct her.
After a pause, Shi Yuanjiang mused, "This woman is too intriguing to simply kill."
Shi Yuanhe seemed about to speak but held back when his third brother unexpectedly sided with the eldest.
"Eldest Brother, that was my thought as well—which is why I sent the scouts. But Huo Tingshan guards her too closely. We failed," Shi Yuanhu sighed. "After this, she likely won’t leave the mansion easily."
Shi Yuanjiang chuckled. "Third Brother, broaden your perspective. Don’t fixate solely on Youzhou and Bingzhou."
Mocked again, Shi Yuanhu seethed, but his brother’s tone hinted at something more. "Do you have a plan, Eldest Brother?"
"Have you heard of Prince Huikang?" Shi Yuanjiang asked.
Shi Yuanhu nodded. "Of course. He’s the late emperor’s youngest son—though young, he’s technically the current Emperor Zhao’s uncle. I’ve heard he’s a leisurely prince who enjoys traveling. Why mention him?"
Shi Yuanjiang smiled meaningfully. "Prince Huikang has a keen interest in women. Rumor has it he’s currently in Sizhou—not far from Yanmen."
A single sentence was enough. Shi Yuanhu understood.
If Prince Huikang demanded the woman from Huo Tingshan, the latter would likely refuse. But rejecting a royal uncle could be framed as disrespect to the Great Chu imperial family.
At the very least, it would trouble Huo Tingshan.
And if the harassment grew unbearable, forcing Huo Tingshan to secretly relocate the woman, they could ambush her en route.
"Eldest Brother is truly wise," Shi Yuanhu praised.
Yanmen Province, Governor’s Mansion.
After days of care, the piglet had fully adapted to its surroundings. Seeing the time was right, Pei Ying approached Huo Tingshan to request a soldier skilled in butchering.
Huo Tingshan couldn’t recall any former butchers among his men. "My lady, killing men and pigs can’t be too different."
Pei Ying: "...How insightful."
The order was finally passed down, and a soldier skilled in pig slaughtering was quickly found. Coincidentally, Pei Ying had seen this soldier before—he was the guard who had accompanied her to the market to buy piglets that day.
The man had an amusing name, Guo Dajiang, and his face was as long as a river, making him instantly memorable to Pei Ying.
"Madam Pei wants the pigs castrated? Leave it to me," Guo Dajiang said, patting his chest confidently.
After making his promise, Guo Dajiang headed toward the small courtyard where the pigs were kept. Seeing this, Pei Ying took a step forward to follow.
"Madam."
Pei Ying turned to look at Huo Tingshan. "What is it?"
"He’s going to castrate the pigs. You don’t know how to do that—why follow him?" Huo Tingshan eyed her.
Pei Ying replied, "I know a bit of theoretical knowledge, and I can help with some preparatory work."
Huo Tingshan raised an eyebrow. "Where did you learn such theories?"
"From books," Pei Ying said seriously. "I once came across a book detailing the lives of eunuchs from the previous dynasty. It was quite interesting."
Huo Tingshan: "..."
What kind of bizarre books was she reading?
In the end, Huo Tingshan followed along as well.
Guo Dajiang held the castration knife, confident he was ready to begin, but Pei Ying stopped him.
"First, sterilize the knife with hot water. This will increase the pigs’ survival rate," Pei Ying instructed.
Without modern antiseptics like iodine, this crude method of sterilization was the best they could do.
Guo Dajiang scratched his head, having never heard of such a method, but he complied.
The four piglets had been deliberately deprived of food and water beforehand, so they were less energetic than usual. Guo Dajiang pinned one down and flipped it over.
A single cut.
Two small round orbs were removed.
Seeing that Guo Dajiang was about to stop, Pei Ying quickly added, "You must also clean out the small string-like strands nearby. Only then is the job truly complete."
Those were the spermatic cords—appendages of the testicles—and they needed to be fully removed as well.
Huo Tingshan glanced sideways at her. "You really know this?"
Pei Ying lifted her chin slightly. "Of course I do."
Of the four piglets, three were male, and one was female.
The males only required an external incision, but the female needed a small abdominal surgery to remove the ovaries. Afterward, Pei Ying instructed Guo Dajiang to stitch up the sow’s wound with thread.
Watching the thread weave through the pig’s abdomen, Huo Tingshan narrowed his eyes. "Madam, do you think this suturing technique could be applied to humans?"
Pei Ying paused, impressed.
Some minds were simply sharper than others, capable of drawing parallels from the simplest things. She had merely told Guo Dajiang to stitch up a pig, and Huo Tingshan had already thought of applying it to people.
"Of course, but there are considerable risks," Pei Ying said after a moment’s thought. "The abdomen and chest are vital areas. Once opened, they’re vulnerable to infection. If harmful qi spreads inside, recovery becomes impossible."
Huo Tingshan mused, "Earlier, you had Guo Dajiang sterilize the knife to prevent infection?"
Pei Ying nodded. "Exactly."
The sow was separated for special care, and Pei Ying checked on it frequently over the following days.
Pei Ying stayed within the estate afterward, assuming that external affairs wouldn’t reach her. But unexpectedly, a rumor suddenly spread from Bingzhou, swiftly reaching neighboring Sizhou and Jizhou, and even threatening to reach Yongzhou and the capital, Chang’an.
The rumor claimed: Huo, the Governor of Youzhou, had acquired a celestial maiden descended from the heavens—a peerless beauty surpassing even Concubine Li, the so-called "most beautiful woman in Chang’an." This woman carried rare treasures, possessed medical skills, and could even revive the dead. The soap that had recently appeared was said to be her creation.
"General, this rumor is extremely dangerous," Gongsun Liang said with rare solemnity. "Such fame will inevitably attract predators, especially the claim of 'reviving the dead.' Emperor Zhao, recently obsessed with immortality and rumored to be in declining health, might issue an edict to take Madam Pei if this reaches his ears."
Though Emperor Zhao’s authority had weakened, the principle of "all land under heaven belongs to the sovereign" still held nominal weight.
And if the emperor merely wanted a woman—not your military power—would you refuse?
Huo Tingshan sat expressionlessly on a cushioned seat, holding a teacup. After Gongsun Liang finished speaking, the man set the cup down on the side table.
A soft click—the empty cup cracked from the base, its fragments strangely holding together without scattering.
"I underestimated Shi Lianhu’s sons," Huo Tingshan said, gazing out the window.
This winter’s snow had come too early, multiplying the burden of marching troops. A single misstep could freeze soldiers to death.
Truly, the heavens favored Bingzhou this season.
Huo Tingshan ordered, "First, dispel the rumors. Mobilize our agents in Si, Bing, and Yongzhou to steer the narrative in another direction."
Gongsun Liang pondered. "My lord, forgive my bluntness, but dispelling rumors may not be effective. The rumor links Madam Pei not only to you but also to Concubine Li in Chang’an. Such scandalous tales are precisely what people love to spread."
Human curiosity was insatiable, especially when it involved a renowned beauty like Concubine Li.
"Not to mention the mention of soap—a product that generates immense wealth. What noble wouldn’t covet it? Now that there’s a lead on its creator, they won’t let go easily." Gongsun Liang rubbed his temples in frustration.
Others might not grasp the severity, but Gongsun Liang recognized the brilliance of this move—it struck directly at the general’s weakness!
Before Huo Tingshan could devise a perfect countermeasure, his residence received a formal visit request.
A visiting card from Prince Huikang.
The card arrived just as Huo Tingshan was about to have lunch with Pei Ying.
They were having hot pot. The kitchen had bought shrimp that day, and Pei Ying had instructed the cook to prepare shrimp paste, even adding an egg to the mixture.
The resulting shrimp balls lived up to their reputation.
Huo Tingshan, who had never tasted shrimp prepared this way, found it novel and delightful, eating most of the plate himself.
Pei Ying teased him, "I wonder who once criticized me for indulging in food. Seems he’s no different."
Huo Tingshan glanced at the faint curve of amusement at the corner of her eye and quipped, "How many pages has that grudge ledger in your heart filled by now?"
Pei Ying averted her gaze. "There is no ledger."
Just as Huo Tingshan was about to respond, Chen Yuan entered. "General, Prince Huikang has sent a visiting card."
Huo Tingshan stilled.
Pei Ying, seated beside him, immediately sensed the shift in his imposing aura.
She glanced between Huo Tingshan and Chen Yuan.
Prince Huikang?
Who was that?
Huo Tingshan said, "Bring it here."
Chen Yuan presented the card, which Huo Tingshan accepted.
The requested visit was scheduled for two days later.
Prince Huikang was a member of the imperial clan, and moreover, he was Emperor Zhao's uncle. This formal visit request was not one that could easily be refused.
Tossing the invitation aside carelessly, Huo Tingshan turned to Pei Ying and said, "My lady, Prince Huikang will be visiting our residence the day after tomorrow. As the emperor's uncle, he has an infamous reputation when it comes to women. On that day, I must ask you to remain in the main courtyard for your own safety."
Pei Ying hadn’t expected such a situation. "Very well. I won’t step out that day."
Though she agreed, Huo Tingshan’s expression remained tense.
The appointed day arrived swiftly. True to her word, Pei Ying did not leave the main courtyard even once, and she instructed her daughter to stay within the compound as well.
Time passed slowly, and as night fell, Pei Ying sat by the latticed window on a soft divan, reading a book.
Knock, knock. The sound of rapping at the door interrupted her.
Pei Ying paused, recognizing Huo Tingshan’s presence. "The door isn’t locked."
With a creak, the door swung open.
Pei Ying inhaled subtly—it wasn’t her imagination. The scent of alcohol lingered in the air.
He had been drinking.
"General, has Prince Huikang left?" Pei Ying lifted her gaze to the man now standing before her.
Huo Tingshan looked down at her, his dark eyes like turbulent depths of an abyss. "No."
Pei Ying was surprised. "Why not?"
She couldn’t imagine Huo Tingshan inviting the prince to stay overnight.
Huo Tingshan explained, "That Prince Huikang is a slippery one. After the banquet, he pretended to be too drunk to continue and collapsed. His servants played along, insisting he must stay the night."
Pei Ying’s brow twitched slightly. "Then there’s nothing to be done."
What could one do when a prince insisted on lodging in your home?
"My lady, are you aware of the rumors circulating outside these days?" Huo Tingshan abruptly changed the subject.
Pei Ying truly didn’t know. She had been preoccupied with tending to the piglets, and no one had mentioned anything to her. "What rumors?"
Huo Tingshan slowly relayed the gossip to her.
After hearing it, Pei Ying fell silent, finding it utterly absurd—yet beneath the absurdity lay an inexplicable sense of dread.
"My lady, His Majesty’s health is failing. If these rumors reach his ears, there’s no telling whether he might take a fancy to you and demand your presence in the imperial harem. If he were to ask me for you, what should I do?" Huo Tingshan’s gaze never wavered from the beautiful woman on the divan.
Pei Ying’s face paled. "General… would you hand me over?"
"As a subject of Great Chu, if my sovereign were to request a woman who merely resides under my protection, I would have no grounds to refuse." Huo Tingshan watched as the color drained from her face.
Then he leaned down, taking her delicate hand in his larger one, enclosing it firmly. "But for an emperor to seize his subject’s wife defies all propriety. Right now, Youzhou lacks a lady of the house. What do you think, my lady?"
