After the capping ceremony on the 24th of June, time seemed to accelerate, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the 30th of June.
The army would march tomorrow. On this final day before departure, Pei Ying found herself surprisingly unbusy.
Meng Ling'er once again ran to Pei Ying's courtyard. "Mother, I want to go with you and father."
The closer the parting, the stronger the attachment. Pei Ying couldn't bear to be separated from her daughter either and wanted to take her along. But in the end, she only said, "Stay at the mansion, my dear. This campaign won't last long. Your father and I will return by the end of the year at the latest."
If she insisted on letting her daughter follow the army, Huo Tingshan would most likely agree.
But her daughter suffered from motion sickness. The hardships of military travel would be arduous, and she would surely endure great discomfort if she went. Not to mention the crude conditions outside the camp. Since there was a choice, it was more appropriate for her to stay safely in the Governor's mansion.
Meng Ling'er looked dejected. "Mother, I'll miss you. Second Brother can go. Please let me go too."
Since her birth, she had never been separated from her mother for such a long time.
Pei Ying chuckled. "Your Second Brother is going to fight on the battlefield. You and your eldest brother will stay at the mansion."
Just as Meng Ling'er was about to plead further, she suddenly heard greetings from outside the courtyard.
Huo Tingshan had returned.
Meng Ling'er, who had been clinging to Pei Ying, gave a slight start at the sound, straightening her previously languid spine.
"Greetings, Father." Meng Ling'er stood up.
Huo Tingshan gave a hum of acknowledgment. "Here to bid your mother farewell?"
Meng Ling'er first affirmed this. She had originally intended to ask Huo Tingshan for permission to join the campaign, but meeting those imposing black eyes that held authority even without anger, the request stuck in her throat, stubbornly refusing to come out.
Meng Ling'er's small face flushed red. Finally, she said to Pei Ying, "Mother, I just remembered I have some unfinished schoolwork. I'll go back first."
Pei Ying did not keep her.
After she left, Pei Ying turned to look at the man beside her, her gaze carrying a measure of scrutiny.
Huo Tingshan knew what she was scrutinizing and immediately laughed. "My lady, I didn't frighten the little girl."
Pei Ying: "You're too intimidating. You scared her into running off as soon as you arrived."
Huo Tingshan stroked his beard. "Not intimidating. It's just that our daughter is timid. I'll speak to Mingji tomorrow, have him take the little girl out to more banquets in the future to build her courage."
Pei Ying: "You are intimidating."
"Where am I intimidating?" Huo Tingshan raised an eyebrow.
Pei Ying looked him over from head to toe, then nodded as if confirming once more. "Intimidating, and very much so."
The man had deep-set brow bones, his two long eyebrows thick and dark as swords. Even when not angry, his unsmiling face looked particularly stern and imposing.
Huo Tingshan paused the hand stroking his chin, then lifted his arm to pull Pei Ying close. "Why would my lady say that? I have never been intimidating towards you."
Pei Ying averted her eyes. "You have."
Huo Tingshan thought for a moment and remembered.
That time she had run off to Baiguang County with that rascal Huo Zhizhang without a word, he had indeed lost his temper. But that was only the one time.
"Just that one time," Huo Tingshan cleared his throat lightly. "And besides, my lady isn't afraid of me."
"Who says I'm not?" Pei Ying muttered.
Of course she was afraid of him. At the very beginning, she had been terrified. But later, having gained some leverage and at least knowing her own and her daughter's safety was secure, her heart had settled somewhat.
Huo Tingshan glanced at the person beside him. "Judging by the occasional audacity you show, I truly don't see where you're afraid."
She might appear obedient on the surface, but he knew her mind was full of schemes.
Pei Ying fell silent.
Huo Tingshan changed the subject. "The little girl is just not familiar with me yet. After we return from the campaign, I'll organize a winter hunt. She won't be so reserved then."
Pei Ying pondered future plans. "That's good. We can invite many people then, preferably lots of young ladies around Ling'er's age, so they can play together."
Back in Yuanshan Commandery, her dear daughter had Qiu Banxia as a companion. After returning to Xuantu Commandery, there hadn't been other girls of similar age to play with.
Huo Tingshan chuckled. "That might be somewhat difficult."
"Why?" Pei Ying asked, surprised.
Huo Tingshan took the hand of the person beside him, his long fingers threading through hers, clasping tight then loosening. "Young ladies of our daughter's age, in other families, are either awaiting marriage or already married. They probably wouldn't play together."
Pei Ying was stunned.
Huo Tingshan pinched her fingers, the bud-like tips tinged pink. "A situation like ours in our family is probably unique in all of Xuantu Commandery."
Pei Ying furrowed her delicate brows and looked at him for a moment, then suddenly said, "Huo Tingshan, you promised me you wouldn't interfere in Ling'er's marriage. Do you intend to go back on your word now?"
Huo Tingshan: "You misunderstand, my lady. I have no intention of interfering. I am merely stating a fact."
Pei Ying said quietly, "She's still young now. In the future, if she likes a young man and wants to marry, she can. If she doesn't want to marry, she doesn't have to. After all, marriage and children are just an option, not an inevitable path."
Huo Tingshan felt a twitch in his temple.
Sure enough, given the choice, she would have preferred not to marry at all.
But in the end, he said nothing. After all, she was already in his mansion. Everything else paled in comparison.
The sun set and rose again, a day passing in a flash. The next day, just as the golden crow peeked over the horizon, Pei Ying was awakened.
"My lady, time to get up, wash, and have breakfast."
Pei Ying was still sleepy. Hearing the voice, she turned over, burying herself in the blankets.
Outside the bed, Huo Tingshan, who had already returned from his morning exercises, raised an eyebrow upon seeing this. He didn't call her again. Instead, he simply picked her up and carried her into the adjoining washroom.
By the time they came out, Pei Ying was awake.
Their luggage had been packed the day before. All that remained was to have breakfast before setting off.
Breakfast was served in the main hall. When Pei Ying and Huo Tingshan arrived, the three younger ones were already waiting.
"Father. Mother."
Huo Tingshan: "Sit, all of you."
Compared to dry noodles, Pei Ying preferred noodle soup. So, whenever they ate together, breakfast was usually noodle soup.
Today was no exception: minced meat noodle soup, plus a serving of donkey meat burgers, a suggestion Pei Ying had made to the kitchens. The Huo father and sons had hearty appetites. Soon, the food on the table was cleared.
Huo Tingshan set down his jade chopsticks and looked at his eldest son. "Mingji, while your mother and I are away, all affairs of the mansion and the commandery are entrusted to you. Report only on important matters."
Huo Mingji promptly assented. "Please set your mind at ease, Father. I will not fail this trust."
"One more thing." Huo Tingshan's gaze swept over Meng Ling'er sitting beside Huo Mingji. "Take your sister out to banquets more often. I don't want her to still have no playmates by the time I return from the campaign and hold the winter hunt."
Huo Mingji paused, then assented once more.
Meng Ling'er, whose name had been called, instinctively looked up, but her slight nervousness melted away upon seeing her mother's gentle smile.
After the meal, it was time to depart.
Among the many maids in the mansion, Pei Ying only brought two: Xin Jin and Wu Nanran.
As they were the only women on this journey, one carriage was sufficient. Wu Nanran was not only skilled at riding horses but also an exceptionally steady driver. She would be handling the reins for Pei Ying's carriage for the entire trip.
Setting out from Xuantu Commandery and marching northward, the army traveled for a full month and a half, arriving at the frontier town of Huhe County on the fifteenth day of the eighth month.
The fifteenth day of the eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Huhe County was far smaller in scale than Xuantu Commandery, roughly comparable to Beichuan County.
The county had only one official courier station with stables.
Given that it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, Huo Tingshan did not have Pei Ying stay within the county town. Instead, he brought her along to camp with the troops stationed south of Huhe County.
In these times, the Mid-Autumn Festival did not yet involve eating mooncakes; it was merely a day for "offering cattle in sacrifice to the sun, and sheep or pigs specifically to the moon." (Note 1)
Cattle were precious in a small county town, and a deceased ox was not easy to come by. Therefore, there was no beef today, only slaughtered sheep.
With the prior support of the Pei family's fragrant soap and fine liquor, and later the private coffers of the provincial governors of Ji and Bing Provinces as well as the Dream Fulfillment Master, Huo Tingshan's finances were now exceedingly ample. Hence, on this Mid-Autumn day, he ordered the slaughter of a hundred sheep.
To reward the soldiers.
As the sun set in the west and the sky darkened, large cauldrons were set up over fires throughout the camp. These marching cauldrons had openings about half a meter wide and depths of thirty centimeters. Now, with firewood stuffed beneath them, the mutton inside was boiling.
Pei Ying sat beside Huo Tingshan, joining him and the military officers seated on the ground around a cauldron.
"This is probably the best meal we'll have before the war starts," Xiong Mao said, staring at the just-boiled cauldron, his stomach rumbling.
Huhe County was a frontier town. Going north from Huhe County a little further, one would enter the grasslands.
Lan Zimu, sitting beside Xiong Mao, laughed, "Once we deal a heavy blow to the Xiongnu, the Grand General will surely hold a victory banquet. The wait won't be long."
Lan Zimu was originally an important officer in Bing Province, later pacified by Huo Tingshan. After accepting the amnesty, Huo Tingshan gave him a choice: to remain in Bing Province or to move his entire family with him back to You Province.
Lan Zimu pondered for a night and finally chose the latter.
If he stayed in Bing Province, life would be more stable from then on, but that was all; everything else would be inferior to before.
Previously, he had been an important officer under Shi Lianhu. A soldier naturally serves best right before his lord; otherwise, no matter how hard or well he works, his achievements might go unseen.
However, Shi Lianhu was already gone. To make his presence felt before a powerful lord, his only option was to follow Huo Tingshan to You Province.
The path to You Province was certainly not easy, but if navigated well, it would be a ladder to the clouds. Perhaps future generations would even benefit from his legacy.
After a night of tossing and turning in thought, Lan Zimu brought his wife and children to You Province. Upon arrival, he realized with a shock—
He had come too late.
Perhaps he should have come to pledge allegiance to Lord Huo of You from the very beginning.
Lord Huo of You was far more generous and open-handed than Lord Shi of Bing. Unlike Shi Lianhu, who would keep seven-tenths of any treasure for himself and reluctantly distribute the remaining three-tenths among his many officers—leaving each with truly very little—Huo Tingshan was different.
Following a powerful lord was not just about fulfilling one's ambitions; it was also about living a better life.
Lan Zimu was quite satisfied with his current life.
The mutton in the cauldron had boiled, its aroma wafting out. It was ready to eat.
Chen Yuan took pottery bowls and began ladling out the mutton stew. The first two bowls were given to Huo Tingshan and Pei Ying, then distributed in order.
Pei Ying had specifically changed into riding attire today, making it very convenient to sit on the ground. She accepted the pottery bowl handed by Chen Yuan, holding it in one hand and chopsticks in the other.
Huo Tingshan sat beside her, also holding a bowl. He did not start eating immediately upon receiving it. Instead, he glanced sideways at the person next to him, watching as she first took a sip of the broth and then slowly used her chopsticks to pick up pieces of meat.
He watched her for quite a while.
He knew she did not care for mutton, but she was eating it now, unlike before in the mansion when she would leave it untouched.
She actually had a good sense of the bigger picture and was quite easy to please.
Huo Tingshan withdrew his gaze and began his evening meal.
Compared to Huo Tingshan, Pei Ying's appetite was pitifully small. It took her a long while to finish just two or three pieces of the mutton Chen Yuan had served her, while the officers around her were already on their second bowls.
Just as Xiong Mao was about to ladle a third bowl of mutton from the cauldron, suddenly, someone blew a whistle.
"Beeeeep, beeeeep, beeeeep—"
Three long blasts in total.
Including Huo Tingshan, all the officers holding bowls froze simultaneously.
Three long whistle blasts meant an enemy attack.
"Damn it, can't even let a man eat his meal in peace," Xiong Mao cursed.
Huo Tingshan set down his bowl and stood up, calling out names, "Chen Yuan, Xiong Mao, Zhizhang, you three come with me."
The others were greatly alarmed. "Grand General, this is merely a minor raid. Why must you go personally?"
They were currently at the southern end of Huhe County. To the north was the Great Wall, which blocked the plains but could not encompass some rather steep mountain valley paths.
The main Xiongnu army could not traverse these mountain valley paths; only small squads could pass through. These were essentially hit-and-run raids, plundering and immediately retreating.
At that moment, a fast horse galloped into the camp. A scout raced to the side of the commander's tent and, not daring to delay for a moment, shouted loudly, "Grand General, a Xiongnu squad has launched a surprise attack on the northern end of Huhe County!"
"I understand your eagerness to fight, but this battle is the first engagement. I wish to personally crush the Xiongnu's arrogance," Huo Tingshan said to his officers.
He was a general forged on horseback. Even now, holding great power, he still relished going to the battlefield.
Having spoken, Huo Tingshan whistled. Wu Ye, grazing not far away, heard the sound and immediately sprang into action.
The three who had been named promptly went to muster troops.
Huo Tingshan mounted Wu Ye. Just before spurring his horse forward, he seemed to remember something. Looking down at the beautiful woman still sitting on the hemp cloth, he said, "My Lady, I go to destroy the Xiongnu. I will return before midnight tomorrow."
Pei Ying nodded. "I wish the General immediate success."
Huo Tingshan smiled slightly. "I accept your auspicious words."
The cavalry unit stood ready. At Huo Tingshan's command, several hundred cavalrymen moved as one.
Their hooves trampled the last faint light of day as they shot forth like a drawn longsword, its point aimed at the southern gate of Huhe County. Entering through the south gate, they cut straight through Huhe County and exited from the north gate.
As they approached the north gate, Huo Tingshan saw the Xiongnu in the distance.
The Xiongnu were a nomadic people. Compared to the developed agriculture and textile industry of Great Chu, they had far less cloth in their lands. Therefore, their clothing primarily consisted of animal hides.
Dressed in hides, with their long hair braided into numerous thin braids, they sat on their horses, each holding a curved saber. Some Xiongnu were fighting the guards at the city gate, while others, like wolves entering a sheep pen, charged at the merchants and commoners in the surrounding area.
As the curfew had not yet begun, the city gates were wide open. This suddenly appearing Xiongnu squad had killed their way into the city with lightning speed.
The guards' shouts for aid, the commoners' screams, and the Xiongnu's arrogant laughter interwove, forming a bizarre requiem for the dead, each sound seeming to summon the ox-headed and horse-faced demons of the underworld.
At a certain moment, someone roared with a voice cracking from wild joy:
"Reinforcements are here—!"
That ecstatic, strained shout caused the Xiongnu, who were slaughtering all around, to pause for a single breath.
But only for a breath. Many paid it no mind.
Reinforcements?
How many could there be?
Besides, what did it matter if reinforcements came? They had horses. They would finish this job and leave immediately. They didn't believe those garrison soldiers could catch up.
The Xiongnu raider, having reached a merchant and his daughter, bared his teeth in a grin and raised his sword to strike.
The blade reflected the last sliver of daylight, that glint transforming into a sharp edge in their minds, stabbing at the merchant and his daughter whose legs had given way, unable to flee any further, forcing them to close their eyes in despair.
Yet, the anticipated pain did not come.
They heard a scream, a very close one, as if right beside them.
Then followed a "clang," the sound of a weapon hitting the ground.
The young woman shielded in her father's arms opened her eyes and was astonished to see the Xiongnu brute before her topple straight from his horse, a long arrow having pierced clean through his chest.
The merchant's daughter followed the arrow's path and saw, against the darkening sky, a robust figure astride a large black steed. He held a longbow, the dying light of dusk lifting his black hair, making it appear cold and sharp.
Behind him was a dense formation of cavalry.
Several arrows flew in succession, one after another, Xiongnu raiders falling.
The cavalry behind simultaneously drew their ring-pommel sabers, their battle cries resounding.
"Destroy the Xiongnu!"
"Destroy the Xiongnu!"
The reinforcements' momentum was overwhelming, and they were uniformly cavalry, a configuration that greatly startled the leading Xiongnu.
How could this be?
How could such a small county town afford so many cavalry? When had the Great Chu become so prosperous?
In the next instant, across the considerable distance, he met a pair of narrow, long eyes.
Those eyes were black as the deep sea, tempered with a cold, murderous intent like dark ice. A single glance was enough to make the Xiongnu leader's hair stand on end.
It so happened that the Xiongnu captain leading today's raid had, seven years ago, belonged to the Left Virtuous King's faction and had personally witnessed the Left Virtuous King being shot through the chest by an arrow before having his head severed.
He recognized Huo Tingshan.
After seven years, the man who haunted his nightmares had appeared before him once more.
"Disaster! Huo Tingshan is here! Retreat with me, now!" he shouted loudly.
His shout only made things worse. The moment that name was uttered, even greater panic spread through his squad.
As the distance closed, Huo Tingshan set aside his bow and said to Chen Yuan beside him, "Chen Yuan, you and Xiong Mao attack from the front. I'll take Zhizhang and flank them from the side."
The cavalry following him split apart as swiftly as tearing paper, dividing into two forces.
His ring-pommel saber drawn, Huo Tingshan coldly watched the Xiongnu fighting while retreating and without hesitation urged his horse forward in pursuit.
From the moment they met, he had never considered letting this Xiongnu squad return alive.
Night's curtain enveloped the heavens, darkness descending. On a patch of land beneath this darkness, a slaughter commenced.
The flash of blades and shadows of swords, flying blood, rolling heads.
Huo Tingshan cleaved the Xiongnu brute before him from his horse with one slash. As he withdrew his blade, its edge caught the attack from a raider to his side, then he used brute force to press down the opponent's scimitar.
Disengaging and attacking again, another head tumbled to the ground with a thud.
Huo Tingshan's gaze swept over the field, quickly locking onto the one who had shouted "retreat with me." He saw the man, surrounded by several others, fleeing towards a dense forest.
"Bow," Huo Tingshan commanded.
Huo Zhizhang swiftly passed the longbow to him.
Huo Tingshan drew the bow to its full draw and released an arrow with force. A figure ahead fell with the sound.
After finishing her evening meal, Pei Ying returned to the main tent. She and Huo Tingshan were married, and throughout their journey to the borderlands, they had shared a tent.
It was now early autumn. Early autumn nights were cooler than the days, but Pei Ying disliked the heat. She had brought plenty of saltpeter for making ice, making the journey quite comfortable.
The attack at the northern end of Huhe County—Pei Ying believed Huo Tingshan could easily handle such a minor raid. But she also knew that eliminating the invading Xiongnu didn't mean he could return immediately.
There would be many subsequent matters: comforting the civilians, taking stock of the garrison forces, and likely cleaning the battlefield.
Pei Ying arranged the ice jars and prepared to rest first.
Just as she was drifting into sleep, she seemed to hear the sound of hoofbeats, which soon faded away.
The tent flap was lifted. Pei Ying's drowsiness lessened. She rubbed her eyes. "Huo Tingshan?"
"Hmm." Someone responded within the tent.
Pei Ying heard rustling sounds, as if he was rummaging for something.
Soon, he approached holding a night-luminous pearl.
Pei Ying sat up from the bed. Her plain white undergarment and cloud-like black hair cascaded down her back in a gentle curve.
As the light drew near, Pei Ying squinted, adjusting to the brightness before she saw that Huo Tingshan was holding a white fox fur cloak. He shook out the snowy fur and then draped it over her.
Pei Ying was somewhat bewildered. "Huo Tingshan, what are you doing?"
Why use a fox fur cloak in this weather?
"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. I gift my wife this white fox fur, wishing her health and peace through all seasons."
Pei Ying was stunned, suddenly remembering that in this era, the Mid-Autumn Festival did indeed have a custom of gifting fur garments.
Only, she hadn't prepared anything...
