The sky had yet to brighten, but the Huo household was already bustling with activity.
Not just the Huo family—every household in Yong'an County with a loved one heading off to war had lit their stoves early, sending wisps of smoke curling into the predawn darkness.
By the time dawn broke, Huo Shiming had eaten the farewell dumplings, mounted his horse, and ridden off to muster the troops at the military camp.
Clad in armor, he looked every bit the valiant and imposing general, his spirits undimmed despite a sleepless night.
"Father looks so majestic," Huo Ze remarked as he watched Huo Shiming depart, turning to Madame Fang with admiration.
But Madame Fang seemed distracted. Only after Huo Ze repeated himself did she murmur an absentminded reply before retreating indoors to rest.
"What's wrong with Mother?" Huo Ze wondered aloud. "Father just left, and she’s already so worried she can’t even focus?"
As he muttered to himself, someone lightly tapped his head. "Why are you standing around like a fool? If you don’t leave for school now, you’ll be late."
Huo Ze blinked in surprise. "Elder Sister, I’m so worried about Father that I can’t even think straight. Can’t you let me take the day off to recover?"
Huo Ling: "..."
Couldn’t he at least come up with a better excuse?
Father had only just left and hadn’t even exited Yong'an County yet—what was there to worry about?
Only a few days after Huo Shiming’s departure, tensions on the front lines erupted.
The Qiangrong chieftain rebelled, leading fifty thousand troops to attack Xingtang Pass. Fortunately, the pass had been prepared and repelled the invaders.
Yet the sheer ferocity of the Qiangrong forces left the defenders stunned.
Soon, fear spread like wildfire across the fourteen cities of Yanxi. In towns where Qiang and Yan people lived side by side, the streets grew eerily quiet as many Yan households barred their doors.
Madame Fang had been in low spirits during this time. Even Huo Ze’s attempts to cheer her up failed to bring a smile to her face, and before long, she fell ill with a chill.
"Thank you, Doctor."
Huo Ling personally escorted Doctor Chen out of the estate, then instructed Wu Mo to accompany him to the pharmacy to fetch the prescribed medicine.
Just as she turned to go back inside, a clear, youthful voice called out from behind her.
"Sister Huo Ling."
She turned to see a young man standing at the end of the alleyway, his arrival unnoticed until now.
Fang Jianbai sat astride a sleek black steed, slightly breathless as if he had ridden here in haste.
A stray lock of hair swept across his eyes, accentuating their clear, gentle warmth—a sight that would make anyone praise his striking appearance.
"Cousin Fang, what brings you here?"
Fang Jianbai dismounted with a smile and patted a bundle of herbs hanging from his saddle.
"I heard Uncle had gone to war some time ago and wanted to visit, but matters kept delaying me."
"Today, I finally had time, and when I learned Aunt had taken ill, my parents packed some medicinal herbs and urged me to come at once."
Huo Ling welcomed him inside. "Uncle Fang and Aunt Fang are too kind."
Leading his horse, Fang Jianbai slowed his pace to walk beside her. "I know how capable you are. With you managing things, the household is in good hands. But I needed to see for myself to feel at ease."
His words betrayed a hint of deeper concern.
Huo Ling smiled. "Mother will be delighted to see you. But she’s just fallen asleep. Let’s have some tea in the hall first, and I’ll take you to her when she wakes."
Fang Jianbai deferred to her arrangements. As they walked, he asked, "I saw you seeing off the doctor earlier. What did he say?"
Huo Ling sighed. "He said Mother’s illness isn’t just the chill—she’s also burdened by unresolved worries. To recover quickly, she must ease her heart."
Fang Jianbai looked surprised. "How so? Is she anxious about Uncle’s safety?"
Before they could sit down for tea, Wu Mo came rushing in empty-handed. "Miss! Wonderful news! The most wonderful news!"
She nearly tripped in her haste, and Huo Ling steadied her. "Is it word from Father?"
Gasping for breath, Wu Mo nodded. "Doctor Chen and I had just reached the main street when we met a messenger sent to deliver the news!"
"Three days ago, the Qiangrong sent two thousand elite troops to raid Changle County, trying to burn the granaries. But Lord Huo was prepared—not only did he extinguish the fires and save the supplies, but he also wiped out the entire enemy force!"
Even Huo Ling, usually so composed, couldn’t hide her joy.
She had anticipated the Qiangrong’s attack and warned her father, but such a flawless victory still came as a thrilling surprise.
Fang Jianbai slapped the table in approval, pressing for details.
But Wu Mo only knew what the messenger had relayed and soon found herself flustered under his questioning.
With such glad tidings, there was no need to wait for Madame Fang’s nap to end. Huo Ling and Fang Jianbai went straight to her chambers to share the news.
Madame Fang was indeed overjoyed to see Fang Jianbai, and upon hearing of her husband’s triumph, she struggled to sit up.
Fang Jianbai hurried to support her, tucking a soft pillow behind her back. "Uncle is not only safe but has achieved a great victory. Now you can rest easy and focus on recovering, Aunt."
His thoughtfulness brought a bittersweet ache to Madame Fang’s heart.
Her recent melancholy had stemmed only partly from concern for her husband. The greater weight came from the words he’d spoken before leaving.
Earlier in the year, when the Fang family visited for the New Year, Huo Shiming had been thoroughly pleased with Fang Jianbai and open to deepening their familial ties through marriage.
Yet in just a few months, his enthusiasm for the match had cooled.
And why?
Because Huo Ling had proven herself so capable that he now deemed it a waste for her to marry into the Fang family!
The thought of her husband slighting her own kin filled Madame Fang with sorrow, but she could never voice such grievances—not to her family, nor in a way that might strain relations between the two households.
Now, hearing Fang Jianbai’s reassurances and seeing Huo Ling standing behind him, an impulsive frustration surged within her.
"Your uncle is always so eager to chase glory on the battlefield. As a woman, I care less about honor and more about his safety. When Huo Ling urged him to send that heavy bribe to General Zhou just to secure a post at the front, I thought it unwise."
"Who in their right mind spends a fortune just to suffer in war?"
Fang Jianbai had heard of this matter. He glanced awkwardly at Huo Ling and tried to smooth things over. "But if not for Sister Huo Ling’s advice, how could Uncle have achieved such a feat?"
His defense of Huo Ling only stoked Madame Fang’s irritation. "I’m saying the letter alone would have sufficed—there was no need for that exorbitant sum. You’ve no idea how much it was."
"Aunt," Fang Jianbai said helplessly, not wanting her to misunderstand Huo Ling further, "have you wondered why I’ve been so busy these past months?"
The diversion worked. Madame Fang’s thoughts shifted. "Yes, you used to visit often. Why haven’t you come in two months?"
As it turned out, Fang Jianbai had been away on a mission—leading a campaign against bandits.
The two groups of bandits had been entrenched in the mountain pass for a long time, growing formidable, each one a ruthless outlaw hardened by bloodshed. Yet Fang Jianbai had managed to wipe them out without losing a single soldier. Now promoted to captain, he commanded over a hundred men.
Madame Fang nodded repeatedly, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward Huo Ling, who stood quietly behind them. "My, my, this is truly remarkable," she remarked.
Huo Ling raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing something beneath the surface.
Fang Jianbai continued, "There’s more. Because of my performance, Uncle managed to secure an opportunity for me."
Madame Fang paused, warmth flickering in her heart. Her husband hadn’t forgotten to support her family after all.
"What opportunity?"
Even though no outsiders were present, Fang Jianbai lowered his voice. "I heard a noble is coming to oversee the frontlines. General Zhou at Xingtang Pass is concerned for the noble’s safety and wants to assign more guards. Uncle recommended me to General Zhou, and he agreed."
Madame Fang brightened. "This is truly an honorable assignment!"
"Exactly," Fang Jianbai chuckled. "Aunt, think about it—if Uncle had only sent a letter to General Zhou without that hefty bribe, would General Zhou have granted him such favor?"
Madame Fang was both exasperated and amused. So this was his roundabout way of explaining things to Huo Ling.
"Enough, enough. I’m not blaming Huo Ling. It’s just that this child is too free with money. Every year, she begs her father to fund soup kitchens, repair bridges and roads—and her father, ever indulgent, agrees the moment she asks."
"Jianbai, when you reach the frontlines, you must perform well. If you can catch the noble’s eye and earn their favor, even better."
"Distinguish yourself with merit, and people will take notice. Only then can we arrange your marriage when you return."
In just a few sentences, Madame Fang had made up her mind.
The Fang family’s status was indeed slightly lower than the Huo family’s—otherwise, she wouldn’t have married Huo Shiming as his second wife.
But marriage wasn’t solely about status.
Jianbai was outstanding to begin with, and now he had secured such a prestigious assignment. She refused to believe that a clever girl like Huo Ling would choose anyone else over him.
At the mention of "marriage," Fang Jianbai instinctively wanted to glance at Huo Ling but feared the gesture would be too forward.
After hesitating, he finally turned—only to find that the quiet figure who had been standing there had already slipped away unnoticed.
Huo Ling stood in the courtyard, taking in the fresh air while pondering Fang Jianbai’s words.
That brief exchange had revealed much.
As Fang Jianbai said, the fact that her father could recommend someone to General Zhou—and have it accepted—proved they were on good terms.
But what intrigued Huo Ling most was the noble coming to oversee the war.
The early winter sun was lazy, its light offering little warmth, merely a faint glow to deceive the senses. Yet in the bitter cold, even illusions were welcome.
When Fang Jianbai found her, this was the scene before him:
Pale light spilled through the clouds, piercing the icy mist, illuminating the floating dust in the air.
Huo Ling stood in a crimson dress, her raven-black hair tied back with a red ribbon, cascading over the delicate curve of her shoulders.
A breeze rustled through the withered courtyard, causing the ribbon—embroidered with a single black feather—to flutter like the only vibrant stroke in a world of gray, untouched by the surrounding decay.
Fang Jianbai held his breath, afraid to disturb her.
But Huo Ling heard him anyway and turned.
His chest tightened. "I wanted to apologize on Aunt’s behalf."
Huo Ling replied, "It’s fine. I didn’t take it to heart."
Looking at her serene, jade-like face, Fang Jianbai knew she meant it.
"That’s good."
He smiled bitterly, unsure why.
Her indifference should have been a relief.
Yet, having grown up with her, he had rarely seen her lose composure—never once seen her anger.
She was as beautiful as a celestial flower, her breathtaking loveliness leaving onlookers wondering: How could such a radiant beauty bloom in the desolate lands of Yanxi?
But even more elusive than her beauty was her presence.
Though she stood within reach, Fang Jianbai often felt she was like the wind—unpredictable, untouchable, merely passing through the fourteen cities of Yanxi, never meant to stay.
In front of elders, he was steady and reliable; before subordinates, he commanded respect.
But with her, he was just a reckless youth, longing to draw near yet fearing to trespass.
Fang Jianbai had only one day of leave and would depart for the frontlines at dawn. After lunch at the Huo residence, he bid a hurried farewell.
Huo Ling had intended to nap, but as she opened her wardrobe to change, she caught sight of the brand-new bow tucked beneath her clothes.
She turned to Wu Mo. "We haven’t left the house much since Father went to war. Why not take advantage of the weather and go hunting?"
As the daughter of a military commander raised in the rugged lands of Yanxi, Huo Ling had trained in martial arts—though mostly for fitness. Her true passion was archery.
And she had a natural talent for it. Over time, her skill surpassed even Huo Shiming’s.
Once outside the city gates, Huo Ling and Wu Mo followed the main road east to a forested area, her usual hunting ground.
Arriving at the spot, Huo Ling drew the bow from her back.
Wu Mo blinked. "Miss, I’ve never seen this bow before."
Huo Ling ran her fingers over the pearwood weapon, her expression softening.
"Father gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday. I never had the chance to use it until now."
Wu Mo didn’t recognize pearwood, but she could tell craftsmanship when she saw it.
"This is no ordinary bow. The master must have spent a long time preparing it."
Huo Ling smiled faintly.
Wu Mo grinned back, teasing, "Miss, what did the young master say when he spoke to you alone earlier?"
There was no reason to hide it. "He apologized on his aunt’s behalf."
Wu Mo sighed. "The young master is truly fair-minded."
Huo Ling chuckled, pretending not to notice the jab at Madame Fang.
"Did you talk about anything else?" Wu Mo’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Huo Ling shook her head. "Just the usual—be careful, stay safe, that sort of thing."
Wu Mo deflated. "That’s all?"
"What did you expect?"
Wu Mo lowered her voice. "Everyone can see how the young master feels about you. Who knows how long he’ll be gone this time? And it’s obvious the master and mistress want to match you two. So I thought..."
"You’re mistaken," Huo Ling said, plucking a white-fletched arrow from her quiver. "Mother may be eager to arrange it, but Father? That’s another matter."
Wu Mo was taken aback, but she knew her young mistress well—she rarely spoke without certainty. "Why is that?"
Huo Ling replied, "Perhaps because Father suddenly recognized my worth."
Wu Mo widened her eyes, even more confused.
Wasn't her young mistress's goodness obvious to everyone?
Still, while she could subtly criticize Madame Fang, it wasn't her place to comment too much on the relationship between father and daughter.
"What does the young mistress think? Whether this marriage comes to pass depends most on your own feelings."
The sound of hooves crushing dried leaves echoed crisply. Huo Ling fell silent, as if pondering how to answer.
After a long pause, she finally spoke, though her response seemed unrelated: "If Cousin Fang Jianbai were to become your master, what would you think?"
Wu Mo hesitated. "If I speak honestly, will the young mistress think I’m not on your side?"
Hearing this, Huo Ling already knew Wu Mo’s answer. "Speak freely. I want to hear it."
Thus reassured, Wu Mo spoke boldly: "Actually, I think it would be quite good."
She began listing Fang Jianbai’s virtues one by one: "Handsome, gentle in temperament, talented, from a simple family background, and utterly devoted to the young mistress."
"Most importantly—"
"If the young mistress married him, life afterward would likely be even more comfortable than it is now."
Huo Ling’s lips curled slightly.
Wu Mo flushed. "Young mistress, did I say something wrong?"
Huo Ling raised a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Everything you said is true. Yet, I still don’t wish to marry him."
Wu Mo nodded knowingly. "The young mistress has no romantic feelings for Cousin Fang."
"It’s not because of that."
"Then why?"
"If I don’t marry Fang Jianbai, who else do you think I could marry?"
Wu Mo was utterly stumped.
She thought and thought but couldn’t come up with a better candidate than Cousin Fang.
Was he truly irreplaceable?
...Of course not.
But within Yong'an County and the surrounding towns, he was indeed the best match Wu Mo could imagine.
Huo Ling sighed at Wu Mo’s answer. "Must my choices be limited to Yong'an County and its neighbors?"
A snow-white hare suddenly darted out from behind a tree.
Huo Ling slowly drew her bow, but her thoughts drifted far away.
When her younger brother was small, Father would often hold him on his lap, tirelessly recounting the Huo family’s past glory, the ancestral teachings, regardless of whether the boy understood.
She would always drag a small stool over and sit beside them to listen.
Back then, she didn’t fully grasp what terms like "meritorious service to the throne" or "title of a count" truly meant. She simply loved seeing Father like that—
Full of vigor, eyes blazing with passion, exuding the boldness of a hero and the defiance of one who refused mediocrity.
Just like the protagonists in storybooks.
Father would say: "Our family will return to the capital."
Her brother would echo: "Return to the capital!"
And Father would laugh, his eyes crinkling with joy.
She once interjected: "What’s so great about the capital?"
Father turned to her: "Imperial power is supreme. And the capital is where one stands closest to it."
She didn’t understand, nor did she press for an explanation. She simply committed those words to memory.
But returning to the capital proved far harder than expected.
Even a hero like Father could only drown his sorrows in wine, resigning himself to the thought that if he failed, his son would carry on the effort.
Watching her brother scribble illegible characters—worse than her own childhood attempts—she worried for Father.
Back then, her longing for the capital stemmed solely from Father’s own yearning.
That changed when she was twelve, during a visit to the prefectural capital with Father. In the residence of the governor, she saw a map of the Great Yan.
From the western deserts to the eastern seas.
From the northern frontiers to the southern jungles.
For the first time, she grasped the vastness of their empire.
The endless expanse of Yong'an County, which she could never traverse on foot, was reduced to an insignificant speck on the map.
The disparity between Yong'an and the capital struck her with visceral clarity.
Yong'an lay on the fringes, while the capital occupied the very heart.
The emperor’s majesty radiated outward, touching every corner of the land.
—What’s so great about the capital?
The question she’d carried for years suddenly found its answer. Father’s lifelong ambition became her own silent obsession.
After years of scheming, Father finally seized an opportunity to prove his talents and fulfill his aspirations.
As Wu Mo had said, Fang Jianbai was indeed a fine match—an excellent man by all accounts.
Marrying him, with her shrewdness and understanding of his character, would guarantee a comfortable life.
But marrying Fang Jianbai meant staying in Yanxi.
Though Fang Jianbai was talented and might one day rise to a position in the capital, it could take decades.
Why should she resign herself to such a fate?
She had witnessed firsthand the torment of deferred dreams in Father’s struggles.
She had strategized for Huo Shiming, managed household affairs for Madame Fang, and pushed Huo Ze to train harder—all for more than just a "good enough" future.
"Most importantly—"
Huo Ling’s voice was soft, almost lost to the wind, yet carried an unshakable weight.
"I refuse to let my life have only one path."
The first snow of early winter began to fall.
Tiny flakes dusted the world. The hare, sensing danger, leaped aside.
Wu Mo nearly cried out in warning.
Huo Ling released her bowstring.
It missed. She knew the moment the arrow flew.
Before she could nock another, a black-feathered arrow streaked into view, piercing the hare’s left ear and pinning it to the ground with a sharp thud.
Huo Ling whirled around.
On the nearby road stood a grand procession.
At its head was a man in brocade robes and jade crown, exuding nobility, a half-drawn bow still in hand.
He had been watching for some time, his gray cloak dusted with snow, his striking features framed by the icy flakes.
Noticing Huo Ling’s gaze, the nobleman put away his bow and murmured to an attendant, who dismounted and retrieved the still-struggling hare.
Presenting it to Huo Ling, the attendant said, "My lord offers this as apology for interrupting your hunt. He hopes you’ll forgive the intrusion."
Huo Ling arched a brow.
Spotting a formation of wild geese overhead, her fingers brushed her quiver and swiftly drew a white-fletched arrow.
The shot struck the trailing goose.
She lowered her bow and took the hare by its long ears. "That goose is my reply to your lord. Kindly retrieve it for him."
She made no effort to lower her voice, ensuring the nobleman heard every word.
He chuckled silently, about to speak, when Huo Ling spurred her horse and rode off with Wu Mo in tow.
"Master."
A subordinate knelt on one knee before the richly dressed man, presenting a still-breathing wild goose.
The man lowered his gaze, his eyes narrowing.
There, wrapped around the white arrow shaft, was a red hair ribbon embroidered with black feathers.
Despite the added weight, the arrow's precision remained flawless—its tip embedded firmly in the goose's left wing without endangering its life.
"Impressive marksmanship."
The man praised with a smile as he pulled the arrow free.
The ribbon, now unbound, slipped from the shaft.
A lingering trace of subtle fragrance drifted in the air. He lifted a finger, catching the delicate feather, and gathered the ribbon into his palm.
"Let's go!"
