Several days had passed since the wedding night. Apart from that first night, the other nights had been relatively peaceful between him and her.
Before the ice was made, Pei Ying would curl up with her own quilt to sleep, not letting him get close. Once the natural "air conditioning" was available, unfortunately, Pei Ying's monthly courses arrived.
And now, today...
Pei Ying once again felt that having a man with a good memory wasn't always a good thing. He remembered the timing of her cycle and the exact number of days.
It just so happened that her monthly visitor was always punctual, arriving on schedule, lasting a fixed number of days, and then leaving precisely on time.
"You've been traveling outside for days, aren't you tired?" He was heavy, and Pei Ying couldn't withstand his force. She stumbled and was pressed down onto the couch in front of her.
"Not tired," Huo Tingshan uttered the succinct two words.
His fingers, distinct knuckles visible, wound around the deep blue hair ribbon, lifting a slight curve of the satin, then slowly pulling the ribbon loose.
Once the knot loosened, her soft, dark hair spread out in a large fan across the couch.
Inside the bed curtains, it was dim. In a shadowed corner, occasional flashes of plain white would rise, like the white fin of a sea beast breaching the surface of the water.
A white undergarment drifted languidly to the floor, followed by a large, dark-colored inner robe.
The inner robe fell atop the undergarment, covering that flash of white underneath as completely as a mountain range.
Pei Ying's back pressed against the soft brocade quilt. She could feel the thin band of her belly wrap slithering away like a snake. The silken ribbon slid over her skin, and amidst the gradually quickening breaths by her neck, it actually stirred waves of tremors within her.
Pei Ying's hand rested on his waist. Her fingertips touched the lines of his muscles, firm and powerful, seeming to be packed with explosive strength in every part, making her heart flutter with alarm.
A few strands of his ink-black hair, half-draped after his bath, brushed against her jaw. Irritated by the slight tickle, Pei Ying turned her head to avoid it. "Huo Tingshan, the fish bladder."
"Help me put it on, wife," his voice was muffled.
"Then you have to get up first," Pei Ying patted him.
Unexpectedly, this caused his breathing to grow suddenly heavy, like a beast in the forest ending its period of silent waiting.
The veins on his arm stood out. The next moment, that long arm slid under Pei Ying's waist, encircling it. As he rose, he also pulled the person beneath him into his embrace.
Pei Ying was brought to the head of the bed.
There was a small cabinet by the bedhead. At some point, a small porcelain bowl had appeared on it.
Pei Ying turned to look at the bowl. At first glance, she thought she was mistaken. Otherwise, why did she feel like there was more than one fish bladder soaking in the bowl?
"Huo Tingshan, how many fish bladders did you soak?" Pei Ying asked, puzzled.
Huo Tingshan: "Not many."
Pei Ying tried to push the head nuzzling her neck away. "Loosen up a bit, I need to get one."
He did let go somewhat, but then buried his face lower.
Pei Ying reached a hand towards the bowl. Considering this man's current restlessness, she didn't bring the entire bowl over, to avoid accidentally spilling the water inside onto the couch.
She reached directly inside to fish one out. Pei Ying retrieved a fish bladder.
But after pulling this one out, she noticed the bladders in the bowl were quite densely packed. They didn't seem to have become sparser because she had taken one.
Pei Ying was stunned. While holding one in her palm, she used her fingers to fish inside again and pulled out another one.
After removing two, three-layered stacked fish bladders, Pei Ying finally saw clearly how many he had soaked.
He had actually soaked four at once.
"Huo Tingshan, you're mad..." Pei Ying's beautiful face flushed crimson.
Seeing she already had a fish bladder in hand, the man immediately pulled her down with him again. "We don't have to use them all, just preparing for contingencies."
Pei Ying still wanted to scold him a little, but by then he had already covered her.
The kiss was as domineering as ever, the kind of overwhelming force that seemed intent on devouring her whole—a raging storm, capturing territory.
Pei Ying gradually grew dizzy. She knew she was getting a bit oxygen-deprived, so she scratched his back once.
Huo Tingshan propped himself up slightly, gazing at the beautiful woman before him with her flushed, rosy cheeks.
Her frame was small. When clothed, she was graceful and curvaceous. Only when undressed and touched could one feel the obvious softness of her flesh, snowy white and tender, as if one would sink in with a bit more pressure.
At times, he felt as if he were touching a piece of milk cake, melting under his caress.
Snap.
The fish bladder, slightly stretched and then gathered, had reached its intended place.
Gripping the beautiful woman's slender waist, Huo Tingshan thrust down forcefully.
...
Since Pei Ying moved into the Governor's mansion, Xin Jin had much fewer night shifts than before. This was because the main courtyard now had more than just her as a maid; there were two others, one named Huaying and the other named Maidong.
Xin Jin went to bed normally, but after sleeping for a long while, she suddenly needed to use the privy and got up from her bed.
The maids' privy in the courtyard was in a corner on the other side. Getting up in the middle of the night, Xin Jin saw Huaying sitting to the side, her head propped on her hand, dozing off.
The master bedroom of the Governor's mansion used night pearls for lighting; pulling down the lampshade extinguished the light. The room was now pitch black, but upon listening carefully, one could hear some sounds coming from within.
A fragmented, tearful voice, and scattered, incoherent phrases. The sound wasn't actually loud, but in the silence of the deep night, the wind easily carried it whispering to one's ears.
The master and mistress had not yet retired.
After returning from the privy, Xin Jin saw Huaying beckoning to her. She walked over and asked in a hushed voice, "What is it?"
Huaying asked quietly, her words veiled, "Around what time do the master and mistress usually settle to sleep?"
She had served in the main courtyard for many years, but before, only the General lived there, and no others were allowed inside, so the schedule she knew was very regular.
Xin Jin thought for a moment, then finally shook her head. "It's hard to say. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later."
Huaying pressed, "What's the earliest?"
Xin Jin: "The hour of Zi (midnight)."
...
Inside the room.
The two layers of gauze curtains hanging on the jade hooks had fallen, concealing the scene within the bed.
Not long before, Pei Ying had turned over. She was now lying prone on the brocade quilt.
She saw a large, dark patch not far from her, near the outer side of the couch, and knew it was from earlier when Huo Tingshan changed the fish bladder. The old one had been neglected and accidentally fallen there.
This quilt was ruined.
Her wandering thoughts were cut off as the storm surged again. Pei Ying's thighs spasmed uncontrollably. At that moment, they tensed like a drawn bow, a smooth arc even forming at the back of her knees.
Amidst the tempest, that soft waist, slender as a young branch, trembled violently. Just as it seemed about to slip away to the side, it was recaptured by a large, dark hand.
Pei Ying gasped for breath, large patches of crimson blooming across her skin. Her eyes were moist, veiled by a thin layer of mist. She whispered, negotiating with him, asking him not to be so hurried.
So many times in the past, that man hadn't listened. Pei Ying thought he would once again dismiss it harshly as idle talk today, but unexpectedly, after thrusting fiercely a few more times, he actually slowed down.
Leisurely and methodical, a light touch, a slow rub, a gentle twist.
For the first time, Pei Ying was left suspended mid-air, neither here nor there. It was as if invisible feathers were lightly brushing her, an unbearable sensation spreading like a tide, turning into an indescribable itch deep in her bones.
"Huo Tingshan," Pei Ying scratched him.
He chuckled lowly, "You're the delicate and hard-to-please one. Fast wasn't good, and now slow isn't either. My lady, you still haven't called me 'husband'. Call me that once, and everything will be as you wish."
"Husband..."
And so, the fierce tiger was unleashed once more.
Huo Tingshan held her, slowly stroking her back to soothe her slight trembling after their intimacy. "Ming Ji is already twenty this year, it's time for his capping ceremony. A capping requires a courtesy name. What name do you think would be good for that boy, my lady?"
Pei Ying, who had been drowsy, instantly lost seven-tenths of her sleepiness at his sudden question. "You're asking me?"
"You're his mother. Who else should I ask?" Huo Tingshan said matter-of-factly.
Pei Ying thought for a moment, then decided to kick the matter back to him. "You choose it yourself. I haven't been his mother for long."
It was still June, and she and he had been married for less than ten days.
Huo Tingshan said leisurely, "I'm not asking you to directly bestow the name, my lady. I'm merely seeking your suggestion."
Pei Ying didn't answer, intending to sleep. But not long after she closed her eyes, she felt him starting to stir again.
A sensation like an electric shock climbed up her spine, as if a spark had fallen onto embers about to die out. The slight tremors Pei Ying had just calmed instantly resurged with a vengeance.
She stiffened, then began to tremble uncontrollably.
Huo Tingshan gently kissed that crimson mole, his hands not neglecting other duties.
Pei Ying let out a sweet, muffled hum from her nose. The next instant, she clearly felt his renewed arousal.
Pei Ying kicked him. Seeing it had no effect, she hurriedly said, "Huo Tingshan, let me think, let me think..."
This time, he stopped.
Pei Ying's red lips parted slightly as she exhaled delicate breaths, staring blankly at the canopy above. It was a patch of darkness, nothing visible, and held no answers.
"My lady."
"Don't rush me," Pei Ying said irritably.
He gave an acknowledging hum.
Pei Ying thought for a good while before speaking. "Ming Ji carries the meaning of clear skies after rain. For a courtesy name, then... Chu Lang. Huo Chulang." (First Bright/Clear)
Huo Tingshan chuckled lowly. "The name my lady has chosen is excellent. Let it be this one."
Pei Ying was momentarily stunned, then said in surprise, "Just this one? I was only giving a suggestion. You could think of a few more."
A man's capping at twenty was a major event. The courtesy name bestowed upon him would accompany him for life, little different from his given name. Moreover, in these times that emphasize filial piety, there was no changing a name bestowed by an elder.
"My lady even considered the meaning of his given name before settling on 'Chu Lang'. I believe none could be more fitting," Huo Tingshan said.
Pei Ying furrowed her delicate brows. "If you truly favor this name, then use it. But don't tell Ming Ji I was the one who chose it for him."
The capping ceremony was a significant affair, especially since she and Huo Tingshan had been married for less than a month. If Huo Mingji learned that the decision for the name that would define his life had been so casually handed over by his father, it might inevitably lead to complicated feelings in the young man's heart.
"Set your heart at ease, my lady," Huo Tingshan said, patting her back.
Pei Ying's brow twitched slightly.
What did 'set your heart at ease' mean? Was that a promise or not?
"Huo Tingshan..."
She had just called his name when the palm on her back patted her gently again. "Rest now, my lady. Unless you wish to do something else."
Pei Ying fell silent. But later, unable to swallow her irritation, she slapped his arm a few times.
Huo Tingshan took it all as mere tickles.
Huo Tingshan planned to set off on his campaign on the first day of the seventh month.
War was no trivial matter. Returning within a few months would be remarkably swift. Therefore, in case he had not returned by year's end, Huo Mingji's capping ceremony was set for the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month.
The capping ceremony would be followed by a banquet for guests.
The attendees included members of the Huo clan and some local dignitaries. Compared to the wedding day, the number of guests for Huo Mingji's capping was not large, all accommodated in the front hall.
Huo Tingshan and Pei Ying sat in the seats of honor, with the guests below.
The auspicious hour arrived.
Huo Tingshan rose from his seat and delivered a few words to commence the ceremony.
After the opening rites, Huo Mingji, the central figure of the ceremony, stepped into the center of the main hall, where an elder of the clan combed his hair.
Watching the proceedings below, Pei Ying felt a pang of melancholy.
When she had arrived, her own daughter was already fifteen; she had missed her hair-pinning ceremony.
Pei Ying didn't notice that, as she drifted slightly in thought, Huo Tingshan glanced at her.
The hair combing concluded.
Huo Tingshan rose once more. At the same time, an assistant holding a ceremonial headband stepped forward.
Huo Tingshan adjusted his eldest son's attire slightly, and Huo Mingji bowed his head respectfully.
An assistant nearby chanted: "On this fine and auspicious day, we first add the adult cap. Cast off your childish ambitions and follow the path of virtuous conduct. May you enjoy longevity and good fortune, and receive great blessings."
Many of the observing guests were visibly moved.
Pei Ying particularly noticed a group of male guests, either Huo Mingji's age or slightly older, who were so stirred their eyes reddened.
Pei Ying guessed these were likely Huo Mingji's own subordinates.
Ancient capping ceremonies were exceedingly complex, requiring three additions of caps and three rounds of bows. After it concluded, Huo Mingji straightened up. Huo Tingshan then proclaimed in a clear voice, "A man is capped at twenty and receives his courtesy name. Ming Ji, today I shall also bestow upon you a courtesy name."
Huo Mingji bowed again. "I await my father's instruction."
Huo Tingshan smiled. "'Ji' carries the meaning of clearing skies after rain, of brightness and clarity. I wish for your future path to be as open and bright as your name implies. Therefore, I give you the courtesy name 'Chu Lang'."
Huo Mingji's body trembled. He bowed once more, deeply. "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this name."
Chu Lang. Huo Chulang.
This was his father's hope for him.
With the bestowal of the name complete, the newly capped young man retired to change into slightly more formal court robes, then returned to bow once more.
At this point, the capping ceremony was essentially over. What followed was the banquet for the guests.
Given that today's guests were fewer than at the wedding, a single pig could adequately serve them all. Therefore, Pei Ying had the kitchen slaughter a pig.
When a pot of braised pork belly was served, the arriving guests were astonished.
Attending such a capping banquet, anyone with sense knew not to feast heartily. Everyone understood the subsequent banquet was largely ceremonial; the true importance lay in the capping rites. But...
Looking at the aromatic, steaming braised pork on the low tables before them, many guests swallowed hard in unison.
The aroma was irresistible, seemingly designed to lure out every greedy worm in one's belly.
Once they could pick up their chopsticks, all guests unanimously reached for that dish of braised pork.
One taste, and the banquet hall fell quiet.
They didn't know what kind of meat this was. Not only was it richly fragrant with the sauce, but a single bite revealed tender, smooth skin and meat, with not a hint of gaminess.
A celestial delicacy!
Some had initially felt conflicted, thinking it undignified to bury their heads in eating at the capping banquet of Huo Youzhou's eldest son. But glancing from the corners of their eyes and seeing others doing the same, they instantly cast aside their hesitation.
Being the sole one acting improperly would be conspicuous, but if everyone did it, it seemed less noticeable.
Thus, the guests all forgot about conversation, focusing intently on eating.
After the banquet, the guests departed, thoroughly satisfied.
Huo Mingji was now capped, considered a grown man in the eyes of the world. Huo Tingshan unhesitatingly tasked him with seeing off the guests.
Feng Yuzhu returned to his own courtyard after the banquet. Just as he had finished brewing a pot of tea and was about to savor the newly acquired tea leaves, he suddenly heard greetings from outside the courtyard.
The words "Grand General" reached his ears, startling Feng Yuzhu. He hurriedly rose to welcome the visitor.
"Greetings, my lord," Feng Yuzhu said, ushering the man inside.
The tea was freshly brewed, not yet tasted. Feng Yuzhu fetched a new cup and served tea to Huo Tingshan.
As he poured the tea, Feng Yuzhu's mind raced, trying to guess why Huo Tingshan had come to seek him out.
Since the battle at Yanmen, his lord had not returned to the battlefield, so it shouldn't be about war wounds. Could this visit be to inquire about the studies of Zhi Zhang and Ling'er?
Just as Feng Yuzhu's thoughts were churning, he suddenly heard the man opposite him speak: "Minister Feng, is it dangerous for a woman in her thirties to bear a child?"
This question startled Feng Yuzhu considerably.
A woman in her thirties, bearing a child?
The other man hadn't named names, but every word seemed to point to the Provincial Governor's wife.
Was his lord considering having an heir with his lady?
Given his lord's deep regard for his lady, if she were to give birth to a son, wouldn't the line of succession potentially be altered?
After all, his lord was only thirty-seven this year, in the prime of life, healthy and robust, likely to remain vigorous for another twenty years. And twenty years would be enough for an infant to reach adulthood.
On one hand, there was the eldest son, whose birth mother had passed away, but whom his lord had personally nurtured for nearly twenty years. On the other, there would be the youngest son, whose birth mother commanded vast resources and enjoyed immense favor, and who would likely be taught everything by his lord's own hand in the future.
Just imagining the future, Feng Yuzhu felt as if he could see a tremendous, invisible storm brewing.
Yet, it was common for married couples to want children. What newlyweds didn't desire offspring?
What shocked him was that his lord had actively come to consult, as if he would forgo this child—destined to be cherished from birth—if childbirth posed a danger.
Seeing Feng Yuzhu slightly lost in thought, Huo Tingshan knew his earlier words had caused quite an impact. He did not rush him, merely picking up the brewed tea before him and taking a sip.
Coming back to himself, Feng Yuzhu realized with a start that he had been silent for too long and hurriedly apologized to Huo Tingshan.
"Minister Feng, there's no need for such formality. Today, let's just speak as if having an ordinary conversation," Huo Tingshan said with a slight smile.
Feng Yuzhu returned to the main topic. "My lord, determining whether childbirth is dangerous for a woman does not depend on a single factor. For instance, a woman with a strong constitution, even in her thirties, would be safer in childbirth than a young lady who is perpetually ill and reliant on medicine."
Huo Tingshan's lips curved slightly.
Her constitution was excellent. Apart from that time she suffered from snow blindness and the recent intentional chill, she had no other illnesses.
But the next moment, he heard Feng Yuzhu continue: "However, for the same woman, her physical condition in her thirties is indeed not as robust as in her twenties. The risks would naturally be somewhat higher."
Huo Tingshan's gaze suddenly darkened, turning almost icy and palpable. "Higher by how much? If there is a difficult birth, are there any foolproof methods?"
Feng Yuzhu's breath tightened slightly. "My lord, it's difficult to quantify 'how much higher.' It depends on the specific fetal position, diet, and the woman's constitution. As for a foolproof method during a difficult birth..."
Under that intense gaze, Feng Yuzhu felt his scalp prickle. "Generally, women give birth without major issues. But if a truly difficult birth occurs, I beg your pardon for my limited knowledge, but I am unaware of any method that guarantees absolute safety. It would be fortunate if either mother or child survives; more often, both are lost."
The last four words were uttered extremely softly, as if afraid to disturb him.
Yet, Feng Yuzhu clearly saw the man before him, as imposing as a mountain, tremble almost imperceptibly.
For a moment, his always straight spine seemed to bend slightly.
Both men fell silent, the room enveloped in stillness.
It was too quiet, so quiet that Feng Yuzhu began to feel restless. He felt compelled to find something else to say.
"Were the words you just spoke true?"
"However, my lord, difficult births occur in less than one out of ten cases."
Their voices sounded simultaneously.
Feng Yuzhu was taken aback, realizing Huo Tingshan was asking about his earlier statements. He quickly nodded. "Absolutely true."
Huo Tingshan closed his eyes. "Regarding the questions I asked you today, Minister Feng, I ask that you keep them confidential for me."
