Chapter 39: The Tiger Tally

After the meal, and once the chickens and ducks had been fed, it was finally time to sneak in a bit of leisure. Bao Ning dragged Pei Yuan to the backyard vegetable garden to relax and cool off.

The garden wasn’t large, but it had a rich variety of plants. On the east side were two rows of green onions; next to them were cabbages, chives, and cherry tomatoes. Farther west stood a cucumber trellis—Ah Huang’s favorite.

The northern courtyard didn’t get as much sunlight as the southern one, so it wasn’t as warm, but it wasn’t cold either. The breeze that blew through was cool and refreshing.

Bao Ning lowered her eyes and began trimming her nails.

Pei Yuan lay on a lounge chair with the soft little dog tucked under his arm. He played with its whiskers, brushing one against its nose. Ah Huang sneezed and tried to dodge, but stuck under Pei Yuan’s arm, he couldn’t escape and gave a low, embarrassed growl.

“Stop fooling around. Give me your hand,” Bao Ning nudged him with her elbow, palm up. “I’ll trim yours too.”

“Finally, it’s my turn. I’ve been waiting forever,” Pei Yuan laid his left hand on hers and instructed, “Cut them short. I hate long nails—bald and clean is best.”

Bao Ning snipped the air twice with the scissors and smiled: “You said it. Don’t blame me if I go too hard.”

Pei Yuan raised an eyebrow. “Would I? A real man’s word is his bond.”

He scratched Ah Huang’s chin. “Right, little pup?”

Ah Huang disliked that nickname and turned his back. Pei Yuan ruffled his fur with a faint smile.

Bao Ning smoothed out his fingers. “Where did you even learn that slang?”

“From the military camp. When I was with the Northern Border Army, the soldiers came from all over—what they said was even rougher than that. At first, I disdained it, but later I got used to it. Found it kind of fun, actually.” Pei Yuan turned to her and chatted idly.

“Doesn’t it sound nice to you?”

Bao Ning focused on her task and replied distractedly, “Mm, yeah, sounds nice.”

Pei Yuan, sensing her disinterest, stopped talking and looked around the vegetable garden. He hadn’t visited the backyard much before, and without realizing it, the crops had grown tall. The lush green sight was pleasing to the eye. But in one corner, a patch of wild grass stood out as an eyesore.

“What’s that?” he asked. “Why haven’t you cleared it?”

“They bear fruit. They’ll ripen in the fall and are edible.” Bao Ning glanced over and answered softly, then muttered, “Your nails are impossible to cut—so hard. You can do it yourself next time.”

Pei Yuan ignored her complaint. “What kind of fruit? Does it have a name?”

“They’re called ground cherries. When unripe, they’re small and green. You can squeeze the pulp out and make little whistles. They don’t have a tune, but they’re loud. When ripe, they turn orange-yellow, like little persimmons. They’re big, and both sour and sweet.” Her mind was still on his nails. “Next time soak your hands in warm water. It’ll soften them.”

She gripped his finger and snip—a loud crack.

“Ow, ow, ow!” Pei Yuan hissed and yanked his hand back. He checked—no blood—but still turned and grabbed Bao Ning’s earlobe. “You really went all in. Trying to kill your husband for enlightenment?”

Bao Ning’s lashes fluttered, feeling a bit guilty. “You told me to…”

“Still talking back?” Pei Yuan tossed the scissors to the ground, pulled her onto his lap, and pinched her cheeks. Her lips puckered, and Pei Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled, gently biting her lower lip. “Dare to do it again?”

…

That was when Qiu Mingshan arrived—just in time to see the scene.

The front yard was empty. He had called a few times without response and, worried something might’ve happened to Pei Yuan, had gone to the backyard. There he saw the young couple teasing each other.

Qiu Mingshan froze in awkward embarrassment. He wanted to slip away quietly, but Ah Huang had already spotted him.

“Woof!”

Pei Yuan and Bao Ning turned at the same time.

Bao Ning blushed in shock and shame, quickly climbing off Pei Yuan’s lap and nervously smoothing her skirt.

Pei Yuan’s face darkened instantly, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

“I…” Qiu Mingshan opened his mouth, his fingers tightening awkwardly around the hilt of his sword. “I’ll come back later.”

“No need,” Pei Yuan said coolly. “Say what you came to say here.”

“Well… alright.” Qiu Mingshan hesitated, but it was rare for Pei Yuan to be this civil, and he was grateful. He walked over and Bao Ning gave up her seat for him.

Pei Yuan introduced them. “This is Qiu Mingshan, the National Protector General.”

Bao Ning smiled and curtsied.

“My wife, Ji Bao Ning,” Pei Yuan continued.

When he said that, Bao Ning clearly saw Qiu Mingshan’s eyes brighten. He rubbed his hands together and said repeatedly, “Good girl, good girl…”

He started patting his pockets, a bit flustered. “I came in a hurry and didn’t bring a proper gift. I’ll make it up next time. Don’t take offense, Bao Ning.”

He pulled a jade pendant from his sleeve.

“If you don’t mind…” Qiu Mingshan smiled, handing the pendant to her. “Please accept this.”

Rumor had it that the National Protector General was ruthless and battle-hardened, undefeated in over twenty years of war, and a fearsome presence on the battlefield. Bao Ning had expected someone stern and imposing—certainly not this affable. It surprised her.

As for the jade pendant, she didn’t know whether to accept it or not, and looked to Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan had been expressionless, but when he saw the carving on the pendant, his brow furrowed. He made the decision for her: “That’s something meant for your future daughter-in-law. How can Bao Ning accept it? We appreciate the thought, General, but it’s unnecessary.”

Qiu Mingshan’s intention had been seen through. He clenched his fist around the pendant, smiled awkwardly at Bao Ning, and said, “Next time then. Next time Uncle will find a better gift for you.”

His smile was a bit forced. Bao Ning sensed the odd atmosphere and didn’t linger. She made an excuse, “I’ll go make some tea.”

After a few steps, Pei Yuan suddenly grabbed her wrist. “Did the general bring troops with him?”

Bao Ning blinked in confusion.

Qiu Mingshan nodded. “A small unit.”

Pei Yuan relaxed slightly, turned to Bao Ning, and said in a low voice, “Stay in the courtyard. Don’t wander.”

Only then did Bao Ning realize he was still worried about what had happened that day—and wanted to ensure her safety. Her heart warmed. She smiled and curtsied, then left.

Qiu Mingshan watched her go, resting his wrist on his knee, and muttered softly, “She’s a good girl…”

“No need for the general to worry,” Pei Yuan interrupted with a smile on his face, but his eyes were devoid of emotion. “What brings you here today, General?”

He was still rejecting him. Qiu Mingshan’s eyes turned slightly moist. Ever since that matter had been exposed, Pei Yuan had fought with him and then, before dawn, rode off alone back to the capital without even a word of farewell.

They didn’t meet again until three days ago, when Pei Yuan came to him asking for help finding someone.

Today, this jade pendant—had it been before, Pei Yuan would’ve accepted it with a hearty laugh. They had once been as close as father and son. But now, even a smile was forced.

Qiu Mingshan reined in his emotions and got to the main point. “The Tiger Tally of the Bashu Army has gone missing.”

Pei Yuan suddenly sat up straight.

The Bashu Army had originally been under the control of Pei Che. The Tiger Tally was also in his possession. A year ago, there was a campaign in the south, and Pei Che took the tally with him as he went to oversee the army. After the battle ended, he returned to the capital, but left the tally with the army, placing it in the care of Deputy General Zhou Jiangcheng. Later, Pei Che committed a crime and was imprisoned—then disappeared. The Bashu Army got a new commander: Zhou Jiangcheng himself. Logically, the tally should still be with him.

So how did it go missing now?

Qiu Mingshan said, “The tally went missing on the day the former Crown Prince returned to the capital. But Zhou Jiangcheng was afraid to report it and tried to cover it up himself. A few days ago, we received news that Nanyue may be preparing to invade again. Zhou could no longer keep it quiet and secretly wrote to me.”

Pei Yuan gritted his teeth. “Useless idiot!”

“On my way here, I thought long and hard—if someone did steal the Tiger Tally, what would they want it for? The tally is split into two halves—one held by the commander, the other by His Majesty. Even if they have one half, they can’t mobilize troops without the other.”

Pei Yuan said, “Unless there’s unrest at the border and His Majesty sends out the other half for defense.”

Qiu Mingshan shook his head. “Even that doesn’t explain it. At most, that person could move troops to repel invaders. The Bashu Army was raised by the former Crown Prince—if the thief had ambitions of rebellion and wanted to turn the troops toward the capital, the other deputy generals would never follow him.”

Pei Yuan narrowed his eyes. “But if the tally is missing, Zhou Jiangcheng will surely be held responsible. Those deputy generals loyal to the former Crown Prince will also be implicated. If nothing unexpected happens, there will be a massive reshuffling of Bashu’s leadership.”

“So the thief’s true aim is…”

Both spoke at once: “To seize military command.”

Pei Yuan asked, “Does Zhou Jiangcheng suspect anyone?”

“He’s not sure,” Qiu Mingshan sighed. “The night the former Crown Prince returned to the capital, there was a celebration in camp. He got drunk and doesn’t remember who entered his tent and took the tally.”

“Useless, only good at messing things up!” Pei Yuan’s eyes were blazing with fury. Qiu Mingshan frowned. “But there is one highly suspicious person, at least in my opinion.”

Pei Yuan asked, “Who?”

“His concubine, named Luyun. Zhou said she died of sudden illness three days after the tally went missing. Isn’t that a bit too coincidental? But Zhou was very fond of her and swore on his life that she would never betray him. It’s just my speculation.”

Pei Yuan caught a detail: “He’s back in the capital?”

Qiu Mingshan nodded. “He’s in my manor.”

Before Pei Yuan could speak, Qiu Mingshan continued, “Yuan’er, I know you don’t like me, that there’s a wall between us. But Pei Xiao has already made his move. I’m afraid staying here might be dangerous for you. This is a remote mountain with not even a trace of civilians. If he truly intends to harm you, even your martial skills might not be enough. And now… you’re married.”

Qiu Mingshan tried to persuade him, concern mixed with hope: “Why not… just like before, come and stay at my manor for now?”

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