Huo Ling was practicing calligraphy in her room when a commotion from the front courtyard caught her attention.
She set down her brush, rinsed her hands with warm water, and asked her maid, Wu Mo, "What's happening up front?"
Wu Mo, who had just returned from the front courtyard, beamed with excitement. "The master has received a transfer order from the frontlines. Everyone is celebrating."
A sense of resolution washed over Huo Ling. Lifting her skirt, she stepped over the threshold. "Come, let’s go congratulate Father."
In the front courtyard, Huo Shiming sat in the seat of honor, with his second wife, Madame Fang, beside him.
To their right sat a young boy of twelve or thirteen—Huo Ze.
The boy animatedly recounted tales of the frontier he’d heard, gesturing enthusiastically and drawing hearty laughter from Huo Shiming and Madame Fang.
Noticing Huo Ling’s approach, Huo Shiming composed himself, his expression turning serious. "Ah Ling, your advice proved invaluable. General Zhou has granted my request."
Huo Ling first bowed in greeting to her father and Madame Fang, then exchanged a polite nod with her younger brother, Huo Ze.
"Congratulations, Father, on achieving your wish."
It was no wonder even a composed man like Huo Shiming couldn’t contain his excitement upon receiving the transfer order.
The Huo family had once been a renowned military dynasty, commanding armies and wielding great influence during the previous dynasty.
But in the final years of that era, the last emperor, weak and inept, ceded vast northern territories—including the city the Huo family guarded—to the Khitans.
In outrage, the Huo ancestors defected to the founding emperor of the current dynasty, aiding his rise to power and earning a noble title for their contributions.
Yet thirty years ago, the family fell out of favor with the late emperor, stripped of their title and exiled to Yong'an County.
Fortunately, the late emperor showed some mercy, confiscating only their properties in the capital and leaving the rest of their wealth intact.
With these remaining assets, the Huo family established themselves in Yong'an County.
Huo Shiming had been old enough to remember the family’s former glory.
For years, his sole ambition had been to restore the Huo name and return the family to the heart of imperial power.
But despite his efforts—bribing officials and proving his military competence—he had only risen to the rank of a sixth-grade captain, commanding a mere three thousand troops in Yong'an County.
Over time, he grew disheartened, shifting his focus to grooming his son for the future.
As the eldest daughter, Huo Ling had always been attuned to her father’s aspirations.
Yong'an County lay on the western border of Great Yan, neighboring the nomadic Qiangrong tribe.
In the early years of the dynasty, the Qiangrong, intimidated by Yan’s military might, had submitted as vassals.
A trading post was established along the border to facilitate commerce between the two peoples.
But as peace endured, the Qiangrong grew restless, repeatedly stirring trouble in mixed settlements of Qiang and Yan people.
While reviewing the family’s shop ledgers, Huo Ling noticed a sharp increase in transactions for essential goods like tea and salt over the past two months.
Piecing together the clues, she reached a conclusion:
The Qiangrong were preparing to rebel.
Following her advice, Huo Shiming wrote to Zhou Jiamu, the deputy general of Xingtang Pass, and sent a substantial bribe along with the letter.
Whether it was the letter’s reasoning or the bribe that swayed Zhou Jiamu remained unclear, but two weeks later, Huo Shiming received his reward.
"Where has Father been assigned?" Huo Ling asked.
Huo Shiming exhaled deeply, steadying himself before handing her the transfer order. "I’m to be stationed in Changle County."
Huo Ling smiled. "An excellent posting."
Of the fourteen cities in the western frontier, Yong'an County was remote, unlike Changle County, which lay directly behind Xingtang Pass.
Xingtang Pass had long been known as the "Barrier Between Civilizations," a critical stronghold shielding the heartland.
If the Qiangrong rebelled, it would be the first—and most vital—line of defense.
Changle County’s proximity to the pass made it a hub for troop rotations and a logistical center for supplying the frontlines during war.
Yet Huo Ling couldn’t help sighing. "This confirms it—the Qiangrong are indeed planning to rebel."
Though she had already deduced as much, it had remained speculation until now.
Zhou Jiamu’s generous assignment was clearly a reward for Huo Shiming’s foresight—tacit validation of her theory.
Huo Ze, listening in shock, gaped. "What? The Qiangrong are rebelling? Why haven’t I heard anything about this?"
Madame Fang, equally surprised but quicker to react, chided him. "Foolish boy, if rumors were already spreading, your father wouldn’t have earned General Zhou’s favor."
Huo Shiming fixed his son with a stern look. "Keep this to yourself. Not a word to anyone."
Huo Ze clamped a hand over his mouth and nodded vigorously.
Huo Shiming then turned back to Huo Ling, his gaze contemplative.
He had always known his eldest daughter was clever—
Her calligraphy was impeccable, she managed the household alongside her stepmother, she pushed her brother to study, and she skillfully oversaw the lands and shops left by her late mother.
Under her stewardship, the shops’ profits had doubled in just two or three years.
But to Huo Shiming, such talents were merely the shrewdness of a well-bred young lady—useful for securing a comfortable marriage.
Only now, with the Qiangrong crisis, did he realize her abilities might extend far beyond the inner quarters.
"Ah Ling," he said gravely, "in your judgment, when will the Qiangrong strike?"
Huo Ling had already pondered this at length. Without hesitation, she replied, "Soon. Very soon."
Huo Shiming frowned. "Your reasoning?"
She picked up a fruit, split it in two, and handed half to her father. "The Qiangrong are no match for our dynasty in strength. Prolonging their preparations only weakens their position."
Huo Shiming accepted the fruit. "But they’ve only just begun stockpiling supplies. Can they truly be ready so quickly?"
Huo Ling’s eyes narrowed. "Why wait until they’re fully prepared?"
"If the early battles go well, they can sustain their campaign by plundering our lands."
Her words carried such cold calculation that the others froze.
The Qiangrong had been subdued for so long that they’d almost forgotten the savagery of nomadic warfare.
If the Qiangrong broke through, every one of the fourteen western cities would become their supply depot.
After a long silence, Huo Shiming exhaled heavily, the forgotten fruit still in his hand. "You’re right. The Qiangrong wouldn’t need extensive preparations."
Huo Ling finished her share of the fruit, daintily wiping her fingers with a handkerchief. Her voice was measured.
"Speed is their ally—not just in launching the attack, but in securing a swift victory."
"The Qiangrong’s economy relies heavily on the trading post, especially their major tribes. They’ve profited immensely from it."
"The current Qiangrong chieftain is a formidable figure. With their rebellion, our dynasty will inevitably close the trade markets. For a short while, the chieftain’s prestige may still suppress the discontent among the major tribes."
"But as time drags on and the war falters, their unity will surely crumble."
Huo Shiming nodded; his strategic insight was sharp. "Their best chance is indeed a swift victory—to leverage their momentum and force our dynasty into negotiations, compelling us to recognize their sovereignty and allow them to establish their own regime."
Huo Ling’s lips curved slightly. "So, Father, do you now see the significance of Chang’an County?"
Huo Shiming’s eyes brightened, and he clapped his hands in delight. "You’ve already grasped this layer of strategy."
Huo Ze and Madame Fang were utterly lost, unable to follow the conversation.
"Father, what are you talking about?" Huo Ze couldn’t help but ask.
Huo Shiming shot him a disapproving glance. "If only you spent more time studying military texts and analyzing the situation in Yanxi. I never taught your elder sister these matters, yet she understands the Qiangrong so well, while you can’t even follow the discussion."
After the reprimand, Huo Shiming still had Huo Ling explain it to Huo Ze.
Huo Ling spoke gently, "Xingtang Pass is easy to defend but hard to attack."
"The Qiangrong lack supplies and time. If they can’t take Xingtang Pass quickly, what do you think they’ll do?"
Huo Ze had a sudden realization. "They’ll attack Chang’an County to cripple our supply lines."
Huo Shiming’s expression softened slightly—at least his son wasn’t completely slow.
Madame Fang, uninterested in military matters, voiced her primary concern. "When will you depart?"
Huo Shiming replied, "Tomorrow, I’ll notify the men at the barracks. We set off at dawn the day after."
Madame Fang gasped. "So soon?"
Huo Shiming: "Better early than late."
Yet Madame Fang remained uneasy. "When you were sidelined in Yong’an County, I worried for your future. Now that you have a chance to prove yourself on the battlefield, I fear the unpredictability of swords and arrows."
Huo Shiming shook his head dismissively. "You women always fret over nothing."
Huo Ling offered reassurance. "Mother, set your heart at ease. For a military man, glory is won on the battlefield—this is Father’s lifelong ambition."
"Perhaps this campaign will not only secure our family’s future but also earn you a noble title, Mother."
Huo Shiming laughed heartily. "Ah Ling understands me best."
Madame Fang, recognizing the rarity of this opportunity, forced a smile, not wanting to dampen her husband’s spirits.
Meanwhile, Huo Ze’s eyes sparkled with longing, and he begged Huo Shiming to take him along for experience.
Huo Shiming hesitated but refused. "You’re not even thirteen. That’s too young for the battlefield."
Huo Ze pouted and turned to Huo Ling. "Elder Sister, let’s go horseback riding outside the city in a few days to relax."
Before Huo Ling could respond, Huo Shiming glared. "While I’m risking my life on the front lines, you’d rather idle about and seek amusement?"
Huo Ze groaned. "If Elder Sister goes out, I don’t want to stay cooped up in the manor alone!"
Huo Shiming scoffed. "Simple solution. If you don’t want to study military texts at home, get yourself to the academy."
Huo Ze protested, "Father, you’re so unfair!"
Huo Ling’s teacup paused mid-sip.
No one noticed her momentary stillness. Huo Shiming only grew more irritated by his son’s backtalk.
"Your elder sister is nothing like you. She’s a woman, soon to be wed in a year or two. Her days of freedom are numbered—let her enjoy them while she can."
"You’re a man. The weight of the Huo family’s legacy rests on your shoulders. You must strive for excellence daily. Have you forgotten your grandfather’s dying wish? The family’s principles?"
Huo Ze inwardly groaned—here we go again with Grandfather’s wishes and the family creed.
Huo Shiming turned to Huo Ling. "Ah Ling, keep an eye on him for me. Don’t let him neglect his studies."
Madame Fang intervened on her son’s behalf. "Must you be so harsh? He’s your son, not a subordinate. Speak gently, and he’ll listen."
Huo Shiming rubbed his temples. "If he had even a third of Ah Ling’s steadiness, I wouldn’t need to lecture him constantly."
Huo Ze opened his mouth to argue, but a sharp look from Madame Fang silenced him.
Seated across from Huo Ze, Huo Ling observed his sullen expression clearly as she finished her tea.
Huo Shiming’s departure for war was the Huo family’s foremost priority.
Given that he might be gone for half a year—or even one or two years—preparations had to be thorough.
Madame Fang rose early to pack his belongings.
Huo Ling visited an apothecary and returned with medicinal supplies for wounds, insisting Huo Shiming take them along.
Medicine was always scarce on the battlefield. Better to have it and not need it than to lack it in a crisis.
Even the usually mischievous Huo Ze stayed home dutifully, helping where he could.
When Huo Shiming returned from the barracks late at night and learned of their efforts, his heart warmed.
His family’s care and unity assured him—with such support, the Huo family’s future was bright.
Madame Fang approached, helping him out of his outer robes and into casual attire before guiding him to sit on the bed. "There’s something I’d like to discuss."
Huo Shiming smiled. "Good timing. I also have something to tell you."
Madame Fang gestured for him to speak first.
Huo Shiming obliged. "It’s about Ah Ling."
"After I leave, you’ll manage household affairs, but for matters beyond the manor, seek Ah Ling’s counsel."
Madame Fang was momentarily surprised, but recalling Huo Ling’s recent insights, she understood.
"Don’t worry. I’ve spent far more time with Ah Ling than you have."
"I know her virtues better than anyone."
Precisely because she recognized Huo Ling’s merits, Madame Fang had long hoped to match her with her nephew.
"What I wanted to discuss also concerns Ah Ling. Yesterday, you mentioned her marriage prospects."
"Jianbai and Ah Ling grew up together. His affection for her is plain to see."
"My sister-in-law adores Ah Ling—she’s always wished for a daughter-in-law as sensible and filial as her. I only wonder what you and Ah Ling think of this."
Madame Fang had broached the subject with Huo Shiming before.
At the time, he had been amenable.
After all, Fang Jianbai was a boy he’d watched grow up—reliable, familiar, and without fault.
Even if Huo Ling’s beauty and intellect could secure her a more prestigious match, Huo Shiming had never considered pushing his daughter into an advantageous marriage.
But now, hearing Madame Fang revisit the topic, Huo Shiming hesitated.
Years of marriage had attuned Madame Fang to his moods, and her heart sank at his expression.
After a pause, Huo Shiming spoke carefully. "Ah Ling has a mind of her own. When it comes to her marriage, we must hear her thoughts."
"If A-Ling is willing, as her father, I would be more than happy to see my daughter and her cousin make a match."
