"Why are there only three of you?" Huo Tingshan's expression turned cold.
Ning Qingying's voice trembled with tears, "Brother-in-law, I don't know either. I woke up to find myself locked inside a trunk. Luckily, Village Chief Qin rescued me later, otherwise I would have had to spend the whole night in that temple."
Huo Tingshan looked at Qin Yang, who understood his unspoken question and shook his head. "Great General, we've searched everywhere else in the temple. There were only three trunks, and no trace of Lady Pei was found."
Huo Tingshan turned and strode out. "Qin Yang, come with me to White Light County."
White Light County—that small town where Pei Ying and Huo Zhizhang had gone before. It was the shortest distance from Xiaojiang Prefecture, less than half a day's journey.
Qin Yang acknowledged the order and instructed several guards to first escort Ning Qingying and the other two back to the Governor's mansion.
"Brother-in-law, aren't you going to ask me about the situation then?" Ning Qingying looked incredulously at the man's retreating back.
Huo Tingshan did not look back.
Cavalry galloped through the night, the sound of hooves pounding the official road, shattering the silence.
The guards at White Light County's city gate had just changed shifts when they heard the thunder of approaching horses. A guard squinted into the darkness and saw a troop of riders charging towards them. "Cavalry!" he exclaimed in alarm.
"Open the gates!"
When Pei Ying woke up, she thought she would be in a carriage, or perhaps on a moving boat.
But she wasn't. She was lying on a bed. The ground was steady, and her surroundings were dim. She could faintly make out the plain silk bed curtains hanging overhead.
A dull pain throbbed at the side of her neck. Pei Ying let out a soft moan as her memories gradually returned.
Ning Qingying, Yunxiu Tower, the fitting attendant...
Pei Ying tried to lift her hand. It moved freely; she wasn't bound. She pushed herself up to sit, noticing no other pain except the ache in her neck.
It seemed her life was not in immediate danger.
She had thought that since Huo Tingshan had taken control of Xiaojiang Prefecture and conducted several rounds of inspections, the area would be peaceful. She hadn't expected such an unconventional method to be used.
Pei Ying thought back to last winter when she was still in Yanmen. She had encountered an assassination attempt by a scout team back then. The assailants had been fierce, attacking with blades and arrows from the start.
Until today, Pei Ying had never been sure whether that assassination attempt was aimed at Chen Yuan or at her.
Firstly, because the rumors hadn't spread yet and Prince Huikang hadn't arrived at that time, and secondly, because Huo Tingshan never mentioned a word about it to her afterwards.
But now, finding herself in this unknown place, she understood.
She was being targeted.
By people from all sides, forces both overt and covert.
Perhaps, because of the rumors, they had connected the changes in Youzhou over the past half year to her and identified her.
Pei Ying stared at the plain white bed curtains and suddenly wondered if, after divorcing Huo Tingshan, she could remain intact in Youzhou or Jizhou.
It seemed she could not...
A headache began to throb at Pei Ying's temples.
"Creak." It sounded like a heavy door being pushed open.
Light spilled in from one corner.
Pei Ying saw two young women, roughly twenty years old. One held a lamp, the other carried a wooden box.
"My timing was correct. You are indeed awake," said the woman who spoke. She had a heart-shaped face and looked utterly charming when she smiled.
"Since you're awake, Madam, please have your meal," said the other, placing the food box on a nearby table.
Seeing their gentle demeanor, Pei Ying felt slightly reassured. "What time is it now?"
"It's already the hour of Xu (7-9 PM)," the heart-faced woman replied quite eagerly.
Pei Ying recalled the towns around Xiaojiang Prefecture.
She had been unconscious. If they had left Xiaojiang Prefecture by carriage, they could only have reached White Light County before the curfew. But entering White Light County would require registration, which would easily reveal their tracks.
"I'm still within Xiaojiang Prefecture, aren't I?" Pei Ying said.
"You are clever, Madam," the heart-faced woman replied again.
After setting down the lamp, she walked right up to the bed and sat down beside it. Her bright eyes fixed intently on Pei Ying.
Pei Ying felt uneasy under that gaze. "Since you haven't left Xiaojiang Prefecture, it's even more impossible for you to take me away. If you let me go now, I will just pretend..."
"How did you conceive so many ingenious ideas, Madam?" Xue Cha said. "Many men in this world who call themselves unparalleled talents don't possess a fraction of your brilliance."
Pei Ying was stunned.
"Xue Cha, let Madam eat first," the other woman reminded.
Xue Cha suddenly realized. "You're right, Jin Yu."
Still feeling somewhat weak, Pei Ying slowly got up. The woman named Xue Cha even helped support her arm.
Sitting at the table, Pei Ying looked at the undoubtedly sumptuous dinner before her, a flicker of astonishment passing through her eyes.
As Pei Ying ate, the two women watched her from beside her.
After the meal, Jin Yu gathered the utensils to take away. "Xue Cha, come out with me. Don't disturb Madam's rest."
"I want to stay here," Xue Cha said, not moving.
Jin Yu called her a few more times but, seeing she couldn't be persuaded, finally said, "Remember your position. Don't betray your master."
"My master's kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain. I would never do such a beastly thing," Xue Cha retorted, frowning in displeasure.
Jin Yu looked at her for a long moment, then left.
Pei Ying heard the heavy door slowly close.
"Madam, talk to me. How did you think of all those ingenious ideas? My master is one of the rare clever people in this world, and even he admires you greatly," Xue Cha said with feeling.
Pei Ying asked, "Who is your master?"
Xue Cha smiled. "I can't tell you that yet, Madam. When you come with us and return to my master's side, you will naturally find out."
Pei Ying shook her head. "You won't be able to leave with me. Although women are easily overlooked in these times, after the incident at Yunxiu Tower, your group has been exposed. Huo Tingshan won't focus his search solely on men."
"You also think women are easily overlooked, Madam?" Xue Cha's response took Pei Ying by surprise.
Pei Ying pondered for a moment. A flash of insight struck her, and she suddenly grasped something else. "While I don't believe women are inferior to men, the prevailing societal view is indeed as such."
Xue Cha sat by the table, resting her chin in her hands as she gazed at Pei Ying. Her expression held a naive and fervent quality that seemed mismatched with her age. "Madam, your thoughts align with my master's. He also says women are no worse than men, that women can achieve great things too. But most men in this world are arrogant and blind. They look down on everyone, always thinking women are like duckweed to be manipulated at will, or like dogs to be summoned and dismissed. They don't realize women can also be blades, capable of ending their arrogant, wretched lives. All those who look down on women must pay the price."
It was like buying slaves. If buying a male slave, they scrutinized him heavily—not just him, but his parents' backgrounds, wishing they could dig up his entire family genealogy.
But for female slaves, there were few requirements. As long as they were physically intact and looked honest, it was enough.
Wasn't this also a form of arrogance?
Pei Ying's temple twitched.
So that was it. The reason they treated her with courtesy was not only due to their master's orders, but also because, after establishing new perspectives, they felt she was different from other women, worthy of their mutual understanding and sympathy...
Pei Ying conceived a bold idea, but this method carried significant risk, making her hesitate once more.
"Madam, please rest assured and stay here for a few more days. When the time is right, you will leave with us," Xue Cha said with a beaming smile.
Pei Ying lowered her eyes.
She would wait two more days. If Huo Tingshan showed no movement within those two days, she would take action.
Huo Tingshan returned to the Governor's Mansion as dawn broke.
Having been out all night, the man showed no fatigue on his face, only a deeper gloom in his eyes. A group of military officers followed him into the study.
The entry registers of Baiguang County had been reviewed, and all carts carrying goods into the city had been thoroughly inspected, yet nothing was found.
Afterwards, with Xiaojiang County as the center, they searched along the official roads in all four directions. Although they did find many merchants lodging outside, upon detailed inspection, there was no trace of Madam.
They also sent people to check the ferry crossings. Many boats had arrived at Xiaojiang County yesterday, but surprisingly few passenger boats had departed. Furthermore, according to the ferry officials' records, all departing passengers were fully conscious; there were no unconscious patients among them.
She hadn't gone to the ferry.
Huo Tingshan tapped his finger forcefully on the desk. "Madam must still be within the county. Seal the city today; no one is allowed to leave. Open the north and east gates tomorrow, strictly inspecting all departing groups. Xiong Mao, you lead men to search inward from the city gates. Qin Yang, the north of the city has many bustling markets. Start your search there. Pay close attention to the women. Anyone who cannot give a clear account or raises suspicion must be recorded."
Xiong Mao: "Understood."
Qin Yang: "Understood."
Huo Tingshan looked at Chen Yuan. "Chen Yuan, the remaining minor servants at Yunxiu Tower are yours to interrogate. Dig out every detail about this silk shop's background."
Chen Yuan accepted the order.
"Great General..." Sha Ying called out softly.
He didn't want to provoke the tiger at such a time, but some things had to be said: "The Prince of Anxi is coming to court and will pass through Xiaojiang County."
In a few more days, it would be Emperor Zhao's milestone birthday. For the Emperor's birthday, many would come to offer congratulations, including envoys from states beyond Great Chu that had close relations with it.
When the Prince of Anxi comes to offer congratulations, he will undoubtedly bring a large entourage, including his own guards and accompanying Hu merchants.
Sha Ying's implication was that a full city lockdown couldn't last long.
Huo Tingshan naturally knew this. Setting aside the Prince of Anxi's visit, Xiaojiang County, as a major power center in Bingzhou, simply had too large a population for a prolonged lockdown to be advisable.
Huo Tingshan pondered for a moment. "Sha Ying, handle this matter. Add one more bulletin to all official gazette readings in the county starting today. Announce publicly that Blue Scarf spies have infiltrated the city. The spies include both men and women, predominantly women, numbering no less than a dozen. Anyone who reports suspicious individuals will receive a heavy reward upon verification."
Sha Ying accepted the order.
Huo Tingshan: "After the gazette matter is done, lead men to search places where women gather in the county, like brothels and embroidery workshops. Record anyone suspicious."
After the orders were issued one by one, the military officers left the study.
Gradually, only Huo Tingshan remained in the room.
The man walked to the small table by the window and looked down at the wooden chessboard placed there, the "Chu River and Han Border" clearly demarcated.
Huo Tingshan gently slid open the chessboard's lid, revealing the neatly arranged pieces inside.
"Horse," "Chariot," "General," "Pawn"...
Huo Tingshan's gaze slowly passed over them.
There were guards at the Governor's Mansion gate. Those assigned to guard duty had top-notch eyesight and memory; they would certainly drive away any suspicious individuals.
How did they know so exactly that Madam had left the mansion?
If not an external factor, could it be internal?
Looking at the "Pawn" piece, Huo Tingshan suddenly called out to the guard outside: "Summon the mansion's steward here."
A moment later, the steward arrived at the study.
"Great General, you..."
Huo Tingshan got straight to the point: "Have any new female slaves been purchased for the mansion recently?"
The steward didn't understand why but answered truthfully: "Yes."
As soon as the word fell, the steward sensed the atmosphere in the study change.
The man not far away seemed to have a storm brewing in his eyes, yet a slow smile curved his lips. "Excellent. Truly excellent. They've even infiltrated the mansion."
The steward, uneasy, immediately explained the whole story. "...Because four were injured, we bought four maidservants to fill the vacancies."
Huo Tingshan turned and headed out. "Have the guards bring them to the dungeon. I will interrogate them personally."
...
Qin Yang and Xiong Mao led men in searching outside all day, returning only as night fell. Upon their return, they heard Huo Tingshan had captured four spies within the mansion.
Both were shocked.
"Spies inside the mansion?"
"And the spies are newly purchased maidservants?"
Not only Xiong Mao, but even Qin Yang was stunned for a long moment.
"Why would a woman do such things instead of staying home to serve her husband and teach her children?" Xiong Mao frowned, puzzled.
Qin Yang mocked him. "You really are a blockhead. After suffering such a great loss, you still talk about serving husbands and teaching children? Keep underestimating women, and one day you might lose your head to a woman without even knowing why."
Xiong Mao frowned but said nothing. "I just don't understand. What woman does this sort of thing nowadays? Dangerous work like scouting is meant for men."
Qin Yang ignored him and asked Guo Dajiang: "Did the Great General interrogate anything out of them?"
Guo Dajiang shook his head. "Those four were tough characters. When the guards came to arrest them, knowing they were exposed, they swiftly took their own lives."
Xiong Mao couldn't help but stare wide-eyed.
Guo Dajiang: "But it wasn't a complete loss. The Great General summoned everyone else from the courtyard where those maidservants stayed for interrogation. A young slave girl said she once saw a spy place a wooden pole tied with a red kite against the wall. The Great General had someone find that pole, repositioned it, and based on the pole's height, identified several tall buildings within the county. He led men out of the mansion at the Si hour and hasn't returned yet."
Qin Yang pressed his temples. "At least there's some clues now. Otherwise, searching like finding a needle in a haystack would have taken forever."
Footsteps sounded from behind. Qin Yang turned and saw it was Chen Yuan.
Chen Yuan had been assigned to investigate Yunxiu Tower today. Qin Yang originally thought this task would be relatively easy.
First, because some minor servants were still at Yunxiu Tower, and second, because business transfers like this involved contracts and documents, leaving many traces to follow.
But looking at Chen Yuan's expression now, Qin Yang felt something was off. "Chen Yuan, what did you find out?"
"The change of ownership of Yunxiu Tower... involves the Ning family," Chen Yuan said.
Qin Yang's pupils constricted for an instant. "The Ning family? Have they gone mad?"
Chen Yuan said in a low voice, "They're not from the main family, just a minor branch. It's possible someone set them up, but that's not important anymore."
Qin Yang exchanged a glance with him, understanding the meaning in Chen Yuan's eyes.
In a few days, the Grand General would take a wife. The Ning family, as the former wife's family of the Grand General, would inevitably face repercussions, the only question being to what extent.
At this critical juncture, a Ning family appearing behind the Yunxiu Pavilion, coupled with the former wife's younger sister returning completely unscathed, would undoubtedly displease the Grand General, no matter what.
But the problem was, this Ning family was also the maternal family of the two young masters.
Chen Yuan said, "This matter must wait for the Grand General to return before we decide."
Chen Yuan and the others did not return to their own courtyards either. They all made do in the main hall, and this wait lasted until the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), when Huo Tingshan finally returned under the moonlight.
Hearing the footsteps, everyone quickly roused themselves.
Having not slept for two nights, Huo Tingshan only had some extra red streaks in his eyes. His gaze swept over Xiong Mao and the others: "Sleeping here? Do you all have situations to report?"
Chen Yuan nodded: "There has been progress regarding the Yunxiu Pavilion matter."
"Speak," Huo Tingshan said, not going to the study but asking directly in the main hall.
Chen Yuan truthfully reported the findings. Upon hearing "the Ning family," Huo Tingshan's brow twitched slightly, but no emotion showed on his face: "Chen Yuan, inform Huo Zhizhang of this matter tomorrow."
Chen Yuan hesitated but finally nodded.
Huo Tingshan turned his gaze to the others: "What about you? How did your investigations go today?"
Qin Yang said, "Grand General, the meat market and cloth-and-food market in the northern district have been thoroughly inspected one by one. No trace of the lady was found."
Sha Ying and Xiong Mao gave the same answer.
"Grand General, we heard you followed the kite today to investigate the tall buildings. How did it go?" Xiong Mao asked curiously.
Huo Tingshan's expression remained unchanged: "Caught some people, but still need to distinguish commoners from spies."
After speaking a few more words, seeing the weariness in their eyes, Huo Tingshan said, "Alright, go back and rest."
Pei Ying had been smelling a faint scent of wine. She guessed the place she was in was previously used as a wine cellar, only now it had been roughly converted into a small side room.
She couldn't see the sky outside and could only keep track of time by meals.
Three meals a day. After six meals, she knew two days had passed.
Huo Tingshan still hadn't found her.
Pei Ying let out a breath and made a decision in her heart.
They didn't stay in the cellar all day and night. The one who came most often was the girl called Xue Cha, but she only delivered meals, chatted with her for a short while after, and then left.
After the person delivering the meal left, Pei Ying began to take off her clothes. She took them off and lay down on the floor.
The cellar was paved with stone bricks, and being underground, Pei Ying shivered as soon as she lay down.
Estimating the time, when the next meal was almost due, Pei Ying put her clothes back on.
In less than a day, after finishing the evening meal, she began to feel dizzy, heavy-headed, and unwell.
Xue Cha was clearing away the utensils.
Pei Ying leaned against the side of the bed: "When do you plan to move?"
Hearing this, Xue Cha turned her head. The lamp was placed on the table, its light reflecting in her eyes, her gaze as bright and sparkling as ever: "In three days, when the Prince of Anxi comes to Xiaojiang County, we'll leave then. Is my lady anxious?"
Pei Ying, leaning against the bed, didn't answer her question and asked softly, "Things are unsettled outside now, right?"
Mentioning the outside, Xue Cha's smile faded a little: "That Huo of Youzhou is quite capable. He quickly narrowed it down to a few major districts, but three days isn't enough to search all three thoroughly."
"Xue Cha," Pei Ying called softly, her voice gentle, the endearing tone lingering.
Xue Cha immediately stopped her actions: "What's wrong, my lady? Are you thirsty? Let me pour you some water..."
"Xue Cha, I don't feel well. My head is very dizzy. Am I sick?" Pei Ying whispered.
Xue Cha was startled and hurried over with the lamp. Seeing the flush on Pei Ying's cheeks, her heart sank.
Reaching out reluctantly to feel Pei Ying's forehead, upon touching the unusual heat, her heart completely sank: "My lady, you are ill."
Pei Ying raised her hand to hold Xue Cha's: "I used to get sick often before. It's nothing serious. I can tough it out."
"How can a high fever like this be toughed out?" Xue Cha said anxiously. "My lady, please wait a moment. I'll go call Jin Yu. She knows a little medicine."
A flicker passed through Pei Ying's eyes: "Alright, thank you for the trouble."
Soon, Jin Yu arrived.
She first felt Pei Ying's forehead, then took her pulse: "The pulse is floating and tight, a sign of cold entering the body. Does my lady have head and body pain now?"
Pei Ying: "Dizzy and heavy-headed, whole body feels weak."
Jin Yu pondered for a moment: "I understand. Please wait a moment, my lady. I will prepare some medicine for you."
Pei Ying: "I appreciate your effort."
About two quarters of an hour later, a bowl of dark, thick medicine was brought before Pei Ying. Xue Cha had even specially found two pieces of preserved fruit.
Pei Ying drank the bowl of medicine readily. Perhaps because she was ill, someone stayed in the cellar tonight. It was Xue Cha who stayed.
Normally, after taking medicine, one should rest well to recover quickly from illness.
Pei Ying lay on the bed under the covers, her eyes also closed, appearing quite cooperative, but she struggled not to fall asleep.
Time passed slowly. Finally, the lamp on the table went out. Pei Ying opened her eyes, silently pushed the covers aside, and then closed her eyes again.
She didn't know how much time had passed—maybe one hour, maybe two—when Pei Ying felt someone hurriedly covering her with the quilt again.
But Pei Ying knew it was no use. Her body temperature was rapidly soaring. Xue Cha soon discovered it too and rushed out. When she returned, there was more than one set of footsteps.
"How did a high fever come on so suddenly?" It was Jin Yu asking.
Xue Cha said remorsefully, "It's all my fault for not paying attention and letting my lady kick off the covers. Jin Yu, please prepare another dose of medicine for her."
Jin Yu scolded Xue Cha a couple of times but went to prepare the medicine nonetheless.
After the medicine was brewed, Pei Ying cooperated and drank it.
This time, they didn't go back to rest but stayed in the cellar with Pei Ying. However, this dose of medicine proved useless.
Pei Ying's high fever still did not subside.
"Jin Yu, I remember you studied medicine for less than three years. Should we invite an old physician? Otherwise, she might get seriously ill."
"Inviting an old physician carries the risk of exposure."
"It won't. The lady is already delirious now. We can lower the gauze curtain when the old physician takes her pulse. If we don't invite one, this can't go on."
Jin Yu gritted her teeth: "I'll prepare one more dose of medicine for the lady. If there's no improvement by noon, we'll invite an old physician."
Pei Ying's hand under the covers slowly clenched.
She drank another dose of medicine, but Pei Ying's condition still showed no sign of improvement.
By noon, Xue Cha carried Pei Ying out of the cellar. The long-missed sunlight fell on her face. Pei Ying's eyelashes fluttered, and after a while, she slowly opened her eyes.
It was an ordinary, unremarkable small courtyard. A loom was placed in the yard. Looking at that long loom, understanding dawned on Pei Ying.
She recalled a passage from the "Han Dynasty: Treatise on Food and Money" which recorded: In winter, after the people have returned indoors, women gather at night to spin and weave, thus the women's work gains forty-five days in a month.①
"Women gathering at night to spin" meant they would keep each other company weaving cloth at night. They would disperse to their own places during the day but could gather together because of this at night.
Xue Cha carried Pei Ying on her back to the inner chamber, while Jin Yu went to fetch the old physician.
It was not suitable to have too many people in the room, lest it arouse suspicion from others. Therefore, by the time the old physician arrived, only Jin Yu, who had brought him, and Xue Cha, who was waiting by the bedside, remained in the chamber.
The gauze bed curtains on both sides of the couch had been let down by Xue Cha.
"Old Physician, my aunt has developed a high fever. I must trouble you to treat her," Jin Yu ushered him in.
Xue Cha said, "Aunt, the old physician is here. Please let him take your pulse."
Through the gauze, Pei Ying saw another blurry figure; it must be the old physician approaching. After Xue Cha finished speaking, she reached her hand into the gauze curtain, took Pei Ying's hand, and brought it out.
Pei Ying's hand emerged, and along with it, the yellow jade bangle on her wrist.
It was only out for a couple of breaths when Pei Ying suddenly felt her hand being wrapped up and shoved back inside the curtain.
"Madam, you actually tried to trick us!" Pei Ying heard Xue Cha's voice, tinged with gritted teeth.
Her bangle had clearly been on her left wrist before, but now it was on her right.
Pei Ying gave a low chuckle, then without concealing her volume, said, "Let me go back. Huo of Youzhou is searching the entire city for me. He will find this place sooner or later."
The old physician stared wide-eyed, took two stumbling steps back with his medicine chest on his back.
"Bang." The door was shut by Jin Yu.
Pei Ying continued calmly, "The old physician keeps records of his house calls. Killing him would be of no use."
"Aren't you afraid we might kill you, Madam?" Xue Cha lifted the gauze curtain.
Pei Ying lay on the couch, but her gaze towards Xue Cha was surprisingly gentle. "Will the you who spoke to me about how women are no less than men ultimately kill me?"
Xue Cha's pupils trembled slightly.
Pei Ying continued, "I might consider changing sides one day, but not now. The plan is exposed. You should leave now. Spare my life, and I will have Huo Tingshan let you go as well. How about that?"
A long silence fell upon the room.
"My master only said to bring you back. He never said to kill you. He values talent so greatly, Madam. Why must you persist in staying by that Youzhou brute's side?" Jin Yu spoke up.
Pei Ying decided to placate them for now. "Help me convey a message to your master: not now. We shall see later."
After another long pause, just as cold sweat was dripping from the old physician's brow, he heard a single word drop heavily.
"Go!"
Pei Ying smiled slowly.
They were well-trained and retreated swiftly.
Pei Ying turned her head to look at the old physician in the room. "Please, help me summon the guards."
The old physician staggered out.
After the old physician left, Pei Ying slowly pushed herself up from the couch. Not long after, she heard the sound of hoofbeats. But the hoofbeats and footsteps stopped outside the courtyard. In less than a quarter of an hour, hoofbeats sounded again from outside.
Pei Ying slowly stood up and walked step by step towards the outside.
Just as she was about to exit the small room, a tall, imposing figure appeared in the doorway.
The man was large of stature. Standing in the doorway, he blocked a large swath of light, like a tiger or leopard coiled in the forest, his aura heavy, cold, and carrying a hint of terrifying sharpness.
The newcomer was now right before her. Pei Ying saw him reach out his hand towards her.
For the first time, Pei Ying did not dodge. "Huo Tingshan…"
Huo Tingshan encircled her in his arms. A smile spread in his eyes, which were lined with bloodshot veins. "Haven't washed for several days. It's rare you don't mind."
