Counting the last game, Pei Ying had already won five consecutive matches against Huo Tingshan in chess.
Five victories in a row left her feeling lightheaded—ordinary wins might not have been so exhilarating, but the last two games had stakes attached.
Especially since the man she was playing against commanded armies and stood at the very pinnacle of power in this era.
Yet now, he had become her defeated opponent.
"How does the lady feel?" Huo Tingshan asked casually.
They sat on either side of a small table by the window, the breeze carrying faint murmurs from outside.
"Good—" Pei Ying, still basking in her triumph, had barely uttered the word when she caught snippets of voices beyond the window—perhaps someone requesting an audience with Huo Tingshan, or maybe just idle chatter between guards.
But in that instant, her elation shattered. She swiftly changed her tone:
"...It seems someone is here to see you, General. You must be busy, and I shouldn’t impose further. Let’s end the game here."
As if on cue, a guard announced, "Grand General, Sha Ying requests an audience."
Hearing the guard’s voice, Pei Ying sobered further.
As the adrenaline faded, she realized her palms were damp with sweat—a hollow aftermath of receding euphoria.
Beyond the emptiness, fear crept in.
It was like—
A mist had risen around her, conjuring illusions of breathtaking landscapes and the opulent splendor of Chang’an, each scene alluring enough to draw her closer. Unconsciously, she had stepped forward, entranced—only to snap awake and find herself teetering on the edge of a cliff.
Pei Ying had taught many students, and from her observations, Huo Tingshan was frighteningly sharp—his ability to extrapolate from minimal cues placed him at the top of her list.
At first, he might not have been able to beat her, but once he deciphered her strategies, the outcome was far from certain.
Perhaps the warning signs had appeared the moment stakes were introduced. The man was insatiable in bed, reckless and unrestrained. The way the games had unfolded, one after another, might have been a carefully laid trap—each move designed to lure her deeper, all to satisfy his greed.
If she lost the sixth game, she’d likely be dead on the bed.
Pei Ying mused to herself: No wonder they say gamblers have no future. The thrill of betting is too intoxicating—once hooked, reason flies out the window.
Had the guard not interrupted, she might have truly fallen into his snare.
"I’ll leave this chess set here in your study," Pei Ying said, then hurried off without waiting for a response.
Huo Tingshan watched her fleeing figure, his tongue pressing against his molars, jaw clenched.
She refused to suffer even the slightest loss—the moment she sensed danger, she bolted faster than a hare.
"Let Sha Ying in," he ordered.
When Sha Ying entered, he found Huo Tingshan by the window, packing away an unusual chess set. The wooden pieces were round, each carved with distinct characters.
Sha Ying’s gaze lingered, but duty came first. "Grand General, Qin Yang has sent word—he’s tailed Prince Huikang to Jianyun County and expects to reach Xiaojiang County in two days. He also mentioned encountering scouts from Bingzhou."
Huo Tingshan didn’t look up, his hands still arranging the pieces. "Bingzhou scouts?"
"Indeed. He stumbled upon them by chance. They seemed to assume Jianyun County hadn’t fallen to our forces, so they spoke carelessly. From their fragments of conversation, Qin Yang deduced they were heading for Yanmen County—likely to gather intelligence on Prince Huikang’s activities there."
The rumor had originated in Bingzhou, making its lord’s sons indirect architects of Prince Huikang’s presence in Yanmen.
After Pei Ying’s earlier brush with danger, Huo Tingshan had purged Yanmen County of foreign spies twice over. Now, with no outsiders left, fresh scouts had been dispatched—unaware that Prince Huikang had already departed.
Sha Ying relayed their numbers and descriptions.
Huo Tingshan’s orders were terse: "Inform Chen Yuan. Have him station himself at the city gates and capture those scouts."
Sha Ying bowed. "As you command."
With business concluded, curiosity got the better of him. "Grand General, what kind of chess is this? I’ve never seen it before."
"Xiangqi," Huo Tingshan replied, sliding the board back into place.
"What’s Xiangqi?"
Huo Tingshan finally looked up, his gaze oddly dark. "If you spent less time frolicking with women and more time reading, you’d know."
Sha Ying was stunned.
What had gotten into the Grand General today? He’d never cared about his dalliances before—why the sudden irritation?
Had he interrupted something when Pei Ying left earlier?
But surely not. Women had always been mere embellishments to Huo Tingshan—since when did they affect his mood?
Mentally scrambling for answers, Sha Ying resolved to seek Gongsun Liang’s counsel later. For now, he adopted a chastened expression. "You’re right, of course."
---
Xiaojiang County
A servant hurried through the estate, finally locating Shi Yuanjiang in the rear courtyard.
At that moment, Shi Yuanjiang lounged on a divan with Lian Ji nestled against him.
Though winter had settled in, Lian Ji wore only a sheer crimson robe, its hem deliberately shortened.
Barefoot, she pressed her pale toes against Shi Yuanjiang’s leg, occasionally teasing him with a playful scratch.
"My lord, how do you find the dried plums I fed you?" Her voice was honeyed, languid with amusement.
Shi Yuanjiang chuckled. "Delicious, my dear. Though they pale in comparison to your own... sweeter offerings."
Lian Ji’s laughter tinkled like bells, her low-cut robe revealing generous curves.
The servant halted outside the open door, eyes downcast. "Young Master, Prince Huikang has come to visit."
Inside, Shi Yuanjiang froze.
Had he misheard?
Prince Huikang was supposed to be with Huo Tingshan—what was he doing in Xiaojiang County?
Even if he had arrived, where were the formalities? Protocol demanded a written notice before any visit.
"Are you certain it’s Prince Huikang?" Shi Yuanjiang sat upright.
The servant confirmed, "It is indeed the royal insignia, Young Master. Would you like to go out and see for yourself?"
Shi Yuanjiang released his arm from around Lian Ji's waist. "Regardless of whether it's genuine, we must attend to this. I am aware now—go and inform my second and third brothers."
Prince Huikang, the youngest son of the late emperor and the only remaining uncle of the current Emperor Zhao, was not someone to be slighted.
The servant bowed and withdrew.
Prince Huikang was first ushered into the main hall for tea. He hadn’t waited long when a square-faced man in lavish robes entered from the side corridor.
The prince had met Shi Lianhu before—though it had been many years—and he still retained some memory of that broad face. Seeing Shi Yuanjiang now, faint echoes of the past resurfaced.
"Which son of Governor Shi are you?" Prince Huikang remained seated.
The man before him appeared to be in his forties, older than himself, but in terms of status, the son of a mere provincial governor was not enough to warrant him standing in greeting.
Shi Yuanjiang smiled and clasped his hands in salute. "I am the eldest son, Shi Yuanjiang, styled Yunpeng. Greetings to Your Highness, Prince Huikang."
At first glance, Shi Yuanjiang knew this man was likely truly the emperor’s uncle.
Setting aside his attire, the imposing, sharp-eyed guards standing behind him were not the kind ordinary families could afford.
As Shi Yuanjiang finished introducing himself, Shi Yuanhe and Shi Yuanhu arrived.
The two brothers each paid their respects to Prince Huikang.
As the eldest, Shi Yuanjiang took the lead in pleasantries. "We were unaware of Your Highness’s arrival and failed to welcome you properly. We beg your forgiveness."
Prince Huikang chuckled. "No need for formalities. I shared some camaraderie with Governor Shi in the past. Hearing of his injury pained me greatly, and since I happened to pass through Xiaojiang County, I felt compelled to visit."
A flicker of doubt crossed Shi Yuanjiang’s eyes.
Passing through Xiaojiang County?
From Sizhou to Yanmen County, then to Xiaojiang—this was anything but a direct route.
Prince Huikang was lying.
He claimed to be here to visit his father, but could those words be trusted? If not, what was his true purpose?
Mulling it over, Shi Yuanjiang bowed again. "Your Highness’s concern for my father moves me deeply. However, he is currently indisposed and unable to thank you in person. As his sons, we shall express our gratitude on his behalf."
Shi Yuanhe and Shi Yuanhu bowed once more.
Prince Huikang feigned concern. "Is Governor Shi’s injury so severe?"
Shi Yuanjiang hesitated, sidestepping the question. "He will need to remain bedridden for some time."
Prince Huikang nodded. "I recently acquired a century-old ginseng root. Since Governor Shi is gravely injured, I shall gift it to him in hopes of his swift recovery."
With that, a guard behind him stepped forward, presenting an ornate box.
Though flattered, Shi Yuanjiang couldn’t shake his suspicion.
Had Prince Huikang traveled all this way just to deliver ginseng? When had his father forged such a bond with this man? He had never mentioned it before.
After accepting the gift, Shi Yuanjiang invited Prince Huikang to stay the night, which the prince gladly accepted.
With such an esteemed guest, Shi Yuanjiang ordered the kitchen to prepare a lavish feast—fine wine, delicacies, and all manner of exquisite dishes.
Beyond the food, he also summoned dancers to entertain. Prince Huikang’s fondness for women was well-known, so the performance ought to please him.
Yet soon, Shi Yuanjiang realized he might have misjudged. Prince Huikang’s expression darkened. "Yunpeng, don’t hold back."
At first, the three Shi brothers were puzzled.
"Forgive my ignorance, Your Highness. What do you mean…?" Shi Yuanjiang ventured cautiously.
Shi Yuanhu quickly added, "Our humble abode has many shortcomings. We would be honored if Your Highness could enlighten us."
Their deference pleased Prince Huikang, so he cut to the chase. "I’ve heard your household harbors a peerless beauty. Might I have the pleasure of meeting her?"
The brothers exchanged glances.
A peerless beauty?
All three immediately thought of Lian Ji.
Shi Yuanhu suppressed a smirk. Well, well, Elder Brother’s concubine is truly something—she’s even drawn Prince Huikang’s attention.
Shi Yuanjiang hesitated.
Noting his silence, Prince Huikang frowned. "Do you fear my appearance might frighten the lady, hence your reluctance?"
Shi Yuanjiang hastily denied the accusation and finally instructed a servant, "Bring Lian Ji here."
"Lian Ji—what a fitting name." Prince Huikang’s lips curled in satisfaction.
Shi Yuanjiang’s mouth twitched, but he said nothing further.
After an agonizing wait, Prince Huikang finally saw a crimson-clad figure glide through the doorway.
The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, clad in a sheer vermilion gown, her slender waist cinched with a scarlet silk sash that accentuated its delicate curve. The gauzy fabric draped over her fair neck, hinting at the fullness beneath.
Her face was like polished jade, her eyes shimmering with allure even when she wasn’t smiling.
Prince Huikang stared, then slowly furrowed his brow.
This woman was indeed stunning, but compared to Lady Pei, she fell short of "peerless." Moreover, her features didn’t match the face he sought.
"Yunpeng, is this Lian Ji? Are you certain?" Prince Huikang pressed.
Seeing the prince’s frown, Shi Yuanjiang’s heart lurched with foreboding.
...
At the same moment, by the side gate of the governor’s estate—
Qin Yang, leading five Youzhou soldiers, strode boldly toward the entrance.
Addressing the Bingzhou guards, Qin Yang declared, "I am Prince Huikang’s personal guard. There is urgent business requiring His Highness’s attention."
The gatekeepers eyed the six men—tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding an air of lethality—and noting their attire closely resembled that of the prince’s earlier escort, they waved them through without question.
Qin Yang and his men advanced unhindered, stopping a servant along the way to inquire about Prince Huikang’s quarters.
The six stuck together, and the patrolling Bingzhou soldiers, assuming they were the prince’s retinue, paid them no mind.
Qin Yang circled the courtyard once, memorizing the guards’ patrol patterns.
At one point, they encountered actual members of Prince Huikang’s guard, who questioned their lingering presence.
Calmly, Qin Yang replied, "Prince Huikang is an honored guest. Young Master Shi Yuanjiang ordered heightened vigilance in this area to ensure His Highness lacks for nothing."
The guards nodded, praising the young master’s thoughtfulness.
Seizing the opportunity, Qin Yang added, "Earlier, I spotted a stray cat slipping into the courtyard. Would you permit me to retrieve it?"
With his gentle, peach-blossom eyes, Qin Yang cut a far less intimidating figure than Xiong Mao or Chen Yuan.
The prince’s guard agreed. "I’ll accompany you."
Qin Yang smiled in acknowledgment.
...
Back in the main hall—
Prince Huikang shook his head. "Not her. While this woman is beautiful, I know your household shelters one far more exquisite. Yunpeng, bring her out at once."
Shi Yuanjiang was baffled: "Your Highness, Lian Ji is already the most beautiful woman in my humble abode. Her beauty is renowned far and wide—not just in Xiaojiang County, but she is also unparalleled across Bingzhou."
Standing in the main hall, Lian Ji covered her lips with a delicate laugh and cast a flirtatious glance at Shi Yuanjiang. Her enchanting eyes then briefly swept over Prince Huikang, who sat across from Shi Yuanjiang.
This man was a prince—younger than the eldest son of the Shi family and far more handsome. If she could attach herself to him, it would be a splendid fate.
Yet when her gaze reached him, Lian Ji realized he wasn’t looking at her at all. Instead, he was eyeing Shi Yuanjiang with suspicion.
"Let me speak plainly," Prince Huikang said. "Bring out the younger sister of Lady Pei."
Shi Yuanjiang gaped. "L-Lady Pei’s younger sister?"
Of course, he knew who Lady Pei was—she was Huo Tingshan’s woman and the unsung hero behind the Youzhou army.
But how could Lady Pei’s sister be in the residence of the Bingzhou governor?
"Lady Pei informed me that her younger sister married into your Shi family," Prince Huikang stated with a nod.
Shi Yuanjiang’s heart sank. This was bad. He hurried to explain, but Prince Huikang refused to believe him, convinced that this Lian Ji was not the one he sought—that Shi Yuanjiang was hiding the real woman out of greed.
The banquet ended in discord.
Afterward, Prince Huikang returned to his quarters in a huff, vowing to force Shi Yuanjiang to produce the woman the next day.
That night, Shi Yuanjiang unusually did not retire to any of his concubines’ chambers. Instead, he gathered his two younger brothers, Shi Yuanhe and Shi Yuanhu, in his study to discuss how to explain the situation to Prince Huikang.
Above, dark clouds shifted. Under the pretense of attending to the honored guest, several figures replaced half of the guards stationed outside Prince Huikang’s courtyard.
Night passed in the blink of an eye. The eastern horizon lightened with the first hints of dawn.
As the city gates creaked open, merchants eager to conduct business lined up to leave Xiaojiang County—a prosperous hub of power in Bingzhou.
Among the crowd of merchants was a trade caravan with two horse-drawn carriages, claiming to be heading to Yanzhou for business.
Once outside the city, the caravan swiftly abandoned their wagons and goods, rendezvousing with another small party waiting beyond the walls.
Qin Yang and five others mounted their horses and galloped toward Yanmen County.
Prince Huikang, accustomed to nights of revelry, typically woke late—a habit his guards were well used to.
Tranquility lingered in the Shi residence until corpses were discovered in the garden—four bodies, all belonging to Prince Huikang’s personal guards.
When servants pushed open the door to the prince’s chambers, they found the room empty. A frantic search ensued, and by midday, Prince Huikang was located.
The irony was bitter—he had been beneath his own bed the entire time.
He was dead.
Slain within the governor’s mansion of Xiaojiang County.
Yanmen County, Governor’s Study.
Since that day, Pei Ying had resolutely refused any form of gambling. When playing chess, she insisted on playing purely for leisure, with no stakes involved. If Huo Tingshan disagreed, she simply wouldn’t play with him.
Huo Tingshan attempted to persuade her, offering tempting incentives that nearly swayed her. Yet in the end, she held firm—she would not be a gambler.
So they played chess without wagers.
Now, Pei Ying sat by the window, draped in a thin rabbit-fur cloak, cradling a hand warmer. Her delicate fingers hovered over a chess piece—the "chariot"—as she pondered her next move.
Huo Tingshan sat across from her, patient, letting her take her time.
His gaze lingered on her hands—soft as scallion shoots, fingertips tinged with the pampered pink of nobility. Even the rough wooden chess piece seemed refined beneath her touch.
Winter had added a touch of softness to her jawline, and her cheeks seemed fuller than in autumn. And then there was…
Huo Tingshan’s throat moved slightly.
"General, Qin Yang requests an audience," a guard announced.
Hearing Qin Yang’s name, Huo Tingshan knew the matter had been settled. Seeing Pei Ying about to rise, he said, "No need to trouble yourself, my lady. Stay here. Qin Yang won’t linger longer than a cup of tea."
Pei Ying hesitated.
Huo Tingshan raised a brow. "Unless my lady intends to flee now that she’s on the verge of losing?"
Pei Ying settled back into her seat, clutching the hand warmer. "Do not boast so soon, General. The outcome is far from decided."
Huo Tingshan chuckled. "Then I shall wait and see."
Qin Yang entered, dust-streaked and weary. Spotting Pei Ying in the study alongside Huo Tingshan, his steps faltered for a fraction of a second.
Huo Tingshan toyed with a discarded chess piece and spoke first. "Were there any casualties on this mission?"
Qin Yang clasped his hands in salute. "By your esteemed fortune, General, all went smoothly. Every man returned unharmed."
Pei Ying turned to look at Qin Yang.
Huo Tingshan had many officers under his command, but few were as silver-tongued as Qin Yang—save perhaps Battalion Commander Sha. Both commanded large battalions, each overseeing a thousand men.
Pei Ying’s gaze lingered a moment longer than usual. Qin Yang’s pulse quickened, and he saluted again. "And by your grace as well, my lady."
Pei Ying: "…"
She averted her eyes.
Huo Tingshan smirked. "With Prince Huikang dead in Shi Lianhu’s governor’s mansion, chaos must have erupted there. Now we need only wait. You’ve all worked hard. Once you’ve rested, go to Advisor Chen for your rewards."
Qin Yang’s spirits lifted. "My deepest thanks, General."
After Prince Huikang’s death, their team had not dared to rest, fearing the enemy might dispatch messenger hawks or riders to spread the news. They had ridden day and night without pause.
Now, standing in the study, Qin Yang’s bloodshot eyes betrayed his exhaustion.
Huo Tingshan dismissed him swiftly, true to his word—Qin Yang didn’t even stay for a full cup of tea.
Turning back, Huo Tingshan met Pei Ying’s gaze. Her eyes held surprise—and something else.
"You had Prince Huikang killed?" she murmured, astonished.
The framing was masterful. She suspected he would now ensure the world knew of Prince Huikang’s death—not just the location, but the conflict preceding it.
Once the Chu Royal Family learned a prince had been slain by the son of the Bingzhou governor, who would dare openly support Bingzhou?
If Huo Tingshan wished to be ruthless, he could even brand the Shi father and son as traitors. Anyone who followed their orders would be labeled rebels. Who would obey them then?
Some Bingzhou officers might defect in fear, or even switch sides to Huo Tingshan.
Without lifting a blade, he might annex Bingzhou entirely.
"Yes, he’s dead," Huo Tingshan said, the curve of his lips deepening. "A traitor has no claim to the people’s hearts. To me, this war is already over."
Pei Ying thought as much, yet she still offered congratulations. "My felicitations, General."
But then his tone shifted. "Since the war is ending, my lady should begin preparing."
The turn of events was so sudden that Pei Ying was caught off guard. "Prepare for what? Is it about packing up and getting ready to go to the prefectural governor's mansion over there?"
But it couldn't be this soon, could it? Rumors needed time to spread, and he had just told Qin Yang to wait patiently.
Huo Tingshan raised the corner of his eye with a meaningful smile. "The war is over, and there's no need to abstain from women anymore."
Pei Ying's fair face flushed instantly. It took her a long time to stammer out, "Why are you talking about this..."
"My lady, I've been patient for too long. Even the Buddha would call me a kindred spirit and address me as a fellow practitioner." Huo Tingshan drawled.
Pei Ying twitched the corner of her mouth. This man was really outspoken. She whispered in protest, "We haven't even moved into the prefectural governor's mansion yet. How can you say the war is over?"
Huo Tingshan said, "Well, don't say I'm not giving you a chance. Let's play another game of Chinese chess. If I win, my lady, go back and get ready. I'll come to you tonight."
Pei Ying didn't expect that after all the talk, she still had to make a bet with him. But it seemed she had no other choice. "If I win, then..."
"I'll come to you tomorrow night." Huo Tingshan interrupted her forcefully.
Pei Ying was stunned on the spot.
"How about it?" Huo Tingshan asked.
The faint blush that had just faded from Pei Ying's face crept back up again, but this time it was more out of annoyance. How could he still have the nerve to ask?
"My lady, if you win one game against me, I'll postpone it for one night." Huo Tingshan said with a smile in his eyes.
Pei Ying finally agreed. It seemed she had no other option.
They set up the chessboard again.
Pei Ying was on high alert. Half an hour later, she was checkmated. Huo Tingshan used the same move of double horses locking the general that she had used that day.
Huo Tingshan smiled and said, "Sorry to trouble my lady to work hard tonight."
Pei Ying stared into his eyes for a moment, and suddenly a thought popped into her head. He had really been trying to set her up that day.
