My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 1: An Unfamiliar Era

Chapter 1: An Unfamiliar Era

Hey, wake up… Could she be dead? Why don’t you check if she’s breathing?

Qin Ji, you’re always urging me to do such filthy tasks. I won’t do it.

I heard the day before yesterday, the Lord brought back a group of Foreign Girls from the Northern Prefecture Governor. Those Foreign Girls are stunningly beautiful with snow-white skin, and their attire differs from the Central Plains. This woman matches all those descriptions—could she be one of them?

Probably not. I’ve seen a few Foreign Girls from afar, and their hair isn’t pure black. Anyway, whether she’s a Foreign Girl or not, let’s not bother with her. The mansion’s cleaning and tidying have been in full swing these past few days, likely because distinguished guests are arriving. They might already be here. This woman was probably discarded after being played to death by some noble. She’s frail—blame her ill fate.

Qin Ji lowered her gaze, staring at the woman lying by the pool’s edge with half her body submerged in the water, and remained silent for a long while.

The woman’s thick, dark hair was unbound, cascading over most of her face, only faintly revealing the elegant curve of her jaw. She lay face down by the pool, her ink-black hair spread out, while the hem of her ankle-length skirt floated and curled in the water, exposing a section of her fair, well-proportioned calf.

She lay motionless, like the most vibrant lotus blooming by the pool.

The dancer lifted her eyes. Let’s go. There’s no need to concern ourselves with this Beautiful Corpse. I’m sure someone will come to deal with it properly later.

In these times, even commoners with independent household registrations are as worthless as weeds, let alone concubines who can be gifted back and forth.

If a noble plays a woman to death, so be it—dead is dead.

Steward Sun has repeatedly emphasized lately that our artistic skills must not slacken, or we’ll face severe consequences. Given his demeanor, I suspect the guests are no ordinary figures.

Our Lord Jiang is a top-tier figure in Nankang Prefecture. For him to be this tense, could it be that the arriving guests hold even higher status than him?

I hope it’s someone of the highest rank. Even the scraps from their fingers would sustain us for a long time, not to mention if we catch their eye…

Chatting, the two dancers turned and walked away, completely unaware that the Beautiful Corpse they had dismissed had just twitched her fingers.

Dai Li felt as if she were floating among clouds until voices transformed into invisible threads, winding around her and dragging her downward.

She heard people speaking.

At first, the voices seemed distant and indistinct, but gradually, she could make them out clearly, though it all felt unreal.

Prefecture Governor? Foreign Girls? Nankang Prefecture?

As the voices faded, the threads binding her consciousness gave a sharp tug, as if her soul had reentered her body, and the ethereal sense of unreality finally solidified into reality.

Waves of chilliness washed over her. Struggling to open her eyes, Dai Li instinctively crawled ashore from the pool’s edge and looked around.

Bird songs mingled with distant human voices in her ears. Before her stood artificial hills, exotic flowers in vibrant bloom, and a vast pond planted with endless lotuses, spanned by a winding corridor pavilion.

Everything was utterly unfamiliar, like some bizarre dream.

Dai Li pinched her palm, murmuring in disbelief, How could this be…

Ever since her husband died in a plane crash three years ago, she had been raising their son alone, seeing him through from kindergarten to elementary school.

She remembered that on the day her son had the accident, the sky was overcast with dark clouds hanging so low it seemed they might crash down at any moment, but initially, there was no rain. She held the hand of the little boy wearing a red scarf, walked him to the school bus, handed him over to the teacher, and as usual, promised the child, Mom will wait for you to come home.

Not long after the school bus left, a downpour began, pounding so fiercely it seemed intent on piercing the earth. An inexplicable unease stirred within her, but she paid it little mind—until—

News came of the school bus accident on the cross-river bridge.

The bright red scarf remained vividly crimson, but it would never again await its young owner. When Dai Li leaped from that bridge, she felt relief and release, finally able to follow the bizarre dreams to reunite with Zhou Zhou.

The sky was too dark, causing the child to lose his way. Mom couldn’t wait for you to come home, so she had to go find you herself.

Dai Li thought it was the end, but the strange surroundings and the sharp, tangible pain radiating from her palm told her that this dream-like reality was genuine.

Could there truly be another world beneath the great river?

Or perhaps, after death, one could carry memories and their body to another place?

Dai Li had no answers.

But then, a voice swept through like a raging storm, akin to a spring rain reviving all that was withered, bringing boundless hope:

If she could wake here, couldn’t her child do the same? Those strange, recurring dreams she’d had might indeed have been omens.

Her son must be here!

This thought sent tremors of excitement through her. An indescribable vitality straightened her spine and pieced her shattered sanity back together.

A breeze brushed past, and feeling the chill, Dai Li sneezed. The pond was cold, the chill seeping up from her feet. Shivering, she struggled to her feet. Her limbs were stiff and uncoordinated from the cold, but her swollen mind grew somewhat calmer.

Were the voices she’d heard just an illusion? If not, her current situation was truly precarious…

Foreign Girl, skills, guests, important figures.

They hadn’t been terrified at the sight of a corpse, only surprised and annoyed. Were they unafraid of death, or was it simply commonplace to them?

Dai Li strongly suspected the latter.

This was a troubling sign. If even delicate performers could face a corpse without flinching, how much more so guards or laborers?

This might be an era far from peaceful.

Her shoes and the lower half of her skirt were soaked. Dai Li wrung out the hem of her skirt and stamped her feet lightly. Back in her world, it was midsummer; she wore a pair of emerald green strapped flat sandals with leather soles. Soaked through, they squelched and oozed water with each step.

I need to find a place to change clothes, or I’ll stand out too much, Dai Li muttered, looking down at herself.

The skirt was passable—long enough to reach her ankles when let down—but her top was a modern short-sleeved shirt with a small collar, not even remotely resembling traditional attire.

Recalling the direction the two women’s voices had faded, Dai Li remembered they’d mentioned that performers must not slack off. They were likely returning to their courtyard to practice. She could head toward the women’s quarters.

The rear garden was vast, and women probably frequented it often—along the way, Dai Li spotted a pale apricot handkerchief caught on a potted plant, fluttering gently in the breeze.

Her eyes brightened. She hurried over, plucked the handkerchief, and removed two black bobby pins from her hair. Using them, she fastened the cloth over her face.

It wasn’t secure, but it was better than nothing.

After finishing her task, Dai Li lowered her gaze and pondered for a moment before using her fingers to scoop up some mud and smear it on her forehead. At first glance, she resembled a dancer who had accidentally fallen into a pond, soiled her dress, made herself appear disheveled, and was now too embarrassed to be seen.

After roughly disguising herself, Dai Li continued walking. Her initial plan was to head toward the women’s quarters to change her clothes. The idea was sound, but as she stepped out of what appeared to be a garden, she suddenly realized she had underestimated the vastness of this estate.

Connected to the rear garden was a large courtyard that seemed to serve as a transitional space. The courtyard had four gates: aside from the arched gate she stood before, there were crescent-moon arched gates in the front, left, and right directions.

Dai Li furrowed her brows and immediately ruled out the front gate, focusing only on the left and right sides. Typically, gardens were located at the rear of an estate, so moving forward would likely lead to the front hall for receiving guests.

Left or right?

In ancient times, the precedence of left or right was not fixed. For instance, during the Qin and Han dynasties, the Western Han honored the right, while the Qin Dynasty and Eastern Han honored the left. Moreover, determining left and right required a reference point, which she lacked.

Dai Li took a deep breath.

Never mind, she would go right.

Pavilions, winding corridors, and eaves soaring like bird beaks—the further she walked, the more astonished Dai Li became. This estate was far more magnificent than she had imagined, suggesting that its owner was not only wealthy but also of noble status.

Whether by luck or because some other important event was taking place in the estate, Dai Li encountered no one as she passed through two long corridors.

This was a good thing.

After walking a bit further, Dai Li arrived in front of a pavilion courtyard. Most of the buildings she had seen so far were grand, and this place was no exception. It was difficult for her to determine whether this was the women’s quarters.

A breeze brushed past, lifting the hem of her skirt against her calves like a chilly garment. Dai Li pressed her lips together and finally stepped inside.

Before entering, she had mentally prepared herself to encounter others and had even rehearsed an explanation. To her surprise, however, the spacious, elegant courtyard was utterly silent, with only a few chirps of birds and no other sounds.

Dai Li glanced around to confirm. No one? Something feels off…

But at this point, she had no other choice. The absence of people suited her just fine. She quickly crossed the pavilion’s front courtyard.

This pavilion courtyard appeared to be a single-entry estate. After passing through the front courtyard, she saw low buildings on both the left and right, symmetrically arranged and surrounding the central building, which was clearly the main hall.

Dai Li did not enter the main hall. Instead, she headed toward the room on the right. The door was unlocked, and with a gentle push and a soft creak, she saw the interior setup.

Inside, there were square tables, paintings hanging on the walls, and a half-person-tall vase in the corner filled with vibrant flowers. A small arched doorway leading to the inner room was draped with a beaded curtain. The air was fresh and pleasant, with a faint hint of floral fragrance.

Without a doubt, this was a meticulously arranged room.

Silence spread, and even the birdsong seemed to fade after she entered. Dai Li gently closed the door and proceeded further inside. The inner room was a resting area. Given the careful decoration outside, she guessed there might be clothing inside.

The clothing chests were not hard to find. Dai Li opened all of them but found only gray, black, and blue straight or curved robes inside. Beside them were headwear like turbans and caps, and small boxes contained various belts and jade pendants. Even boots and socks were fully provided.

From head to toe, nothing was missing—but all were men’s clothing.

Dai Li frowned delicately, hesitating over whether to wear them.

These were indeed clean clothes, but if she were discovered wearing men’s garments, it would practically announce to others that her identity was unusual.

With esteemed guests arriving at the residence, if an unidentified person were to appear at this critical moment, merely being captured would be a light consequence.

Just as Dai Li hesitated, she suddenly heard noises outside.

Footsteps and voices—not just one or two people, but what sounded like a group heading in this direction.

My Lord, the carriage and luggage have been arranged in the adjacent courtyard. Both this place and the neighboring one were prepared by my elder brother for you. Since you and your party have traveled from afar, please rest here. Servants will arrive shortly; feel free to use them as you see fit. If they do not suit you, it is no trouble to dismiss them. As for the Dark Valiant Cavalry you left outside the city, my elder brother has dispatched troops to deliver a hundred sheep to their camp, striving to ensure the soldiers eat well and rest peacefully. The evening banquet is scheduled for the end of the Shen hour. My elder brother and I will await your esteemed presence in the main hall. The speaker paused, as if feeling his words were insufficient, and added, If there is any inadequacy in our hospitality, I hope you will not hesitate to point it out.

His tone was so reverent it bordered on obsequious, sending a chill down Dai Li’s spine. This was not only due to the number of people but also because of the form of address.

Straight and curved robes were attire from the Qin and Han dynasties, and this era operated under a twenty-rank nobility system, with the highest rank being referred to as Marquis. However, not all Marquises could be called Lord—only those with immense achievements or those who had risen to the position of Chancellor merited such a title.

It was at this moment that Dai Li understood why this exquisitely decorated courtyard stood empty.

Rooms were swept and cleared to welcome honored guests, and all unnecessary personnel had to withdraw.

As for whether servants would be used, it was entirely at the discretion of the guest. The fact that no servants had been left in the rooms suggested that Lord Jiang likely suspected the honored guest would not use his people.

Lord Jiang has been most considerate. Please convey my thanks to him, a deep male voice replied with polite remarks, carrying a hint of laughter that was difficult to discern as genuine or not. There is no need for servants. I have been away for some time and have grown unaccustomed to having attendants nearby lately.

Jiang Chongjiang hurriedly nodded in acknowledgment. Gazing at the faint smile on the imposing man’s lips, the tension in his heart did not ease in the slightest. He only wished to complete the task assigned by his elder brother and leave promptly.

This man was not like Dong Zhou in Chang’an, who had relied on political maneuvering to attain the position of Chancellor. He had climbed step by step to the highest nobility through solid military achievements.

The northern regions were once plagued by chaos, with tribes like the Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Wuhuan descending south like a parade of demons. The areas of Youzhou and northern Bingzhou were referred to by powerful lords as chicken ribs.

Chicken ribs—tasteless when eaten, yet a pity to discard. Those lands were once so barren that even the greediest mosquitoes could hardly draw blood from them.

Yet who could have imagined that such a harsh and bitter place would nurture the fiercest tiger? With jaws wide open, it devoured the northern hordes of monsters and demons, turning robust warhorses into nourishment that further strengthened his Dark Valiant Cavalry. This also laid a solid foundation for his forceful acting governance of Bingzhou a year ago.

It was no exaggeration to say that most of the northern territory now bore the surname Qin—his Qin, Qin Shaozong’s Qin.

Faced with such a wolfish, ambitious individual armed with iron-fisted methods, Jiang Chongjiang, who preferred a life of leisure and pleasure, had always kept his distance. Thus, after concluding with some polite inquiries, Jiang Chongjiang led his men away.

Dai Li heard the footsteps recede but felt no relief, for shortly after, voices were heard outside once more.

Jiang Chonghai is quite smooth—not a fool after all, someone remarked with a laugh.

His family only rose to prominence in his father’s generation. For Jiang Chonghai to later become the leader of Nankang Commandery—how could he have achieved that without some real capability?

Dai Li was tense. These people were clearly heading into the courtyard residence. Judging by their voices, there were at least three of them. The leader would undoubtedly take the main room, leaving the other two to occupy the side rooms on either flank.

Her room would soon have someone entering.

Dai Li lowered her gaze to the men’s clothing in her hands. She had been hesitating earlier, but now the choice was no longer hers to make.

There wasn’t enough time to change.

Setting the clothes aside, she glanced toward the open window on the other side of the room, considering slipping out through it.

But as she took her first step, a faint squeak escaped from her water-soaked sandals. Dai Li froze instantly.

They probably didn’t hear that, she reassured herself. I closed the door when I entered, and I’m in the inner chamber. Besides, people are talking outside.

After mentally steeling herself, she continued toward the window.

One step, two steps, three steps…

The carved wooden window drew nearer.

Just as she was only two steps away, the outer door suddenly swung open. Dai Li’s pupils contracted slightly. Before she could seize the moment to run, a deep male voice thundered beside her ear like a bolt of lightning:

Who’s in there? Come out.

Dai Li felt as though she had plunged into an abyss.

Had she been discovered? Even with a door between them, how could he have detected her presence inside…

Footsteps sounded outside, as if confirming whether someone was in the outer chamber.

You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit.

A flash of silver shot inward, slicing through a beaded curtain with such force that it severed a string of hanging beads, embedding both the blade and beads into the wall behind the small door.

The dagger hummed and vibrated. Turning at the sound, Dai Li caught her own terrified reflection in the gleaming blade.

Author’s Note:

Deng Deng is back! Wondering how many familiar treasures I’ll see in the comments—looking forward to it! [shrugs]

Teaser for an upcoming story:

After Transmigrating Into the Nation-Wrecking Seductress

Xie Wangye inherited a small kingdom from his forefathers. He devoted his life to conquest, annexing states, pacifying the realm, unifying the empire, and ultimately ushering in the prosperous Jingming Era of peace and stability.

But before he could fully savor this golden age, Xie Wangye woke up to find he had… become his own ancestor.

Jing Henggong, the fifth-generation descendant of Grand Duke Jing, was a tyrant who levied exorbitant taxes. Enamored with the enchanting Consort Xia, he emptied his harem for her, built lavish palaces, neglected state affairs, executed loyal officials, and further weakened the already crumbling Kingdom of Jing.

In the summer of the 35th year of the Jianqing Era, the capital of Jing fell to the Kingdom of Yi. Jing Henggong fled with the seductress Consort Xia and his eldest son, who died during their exile.

Hearing the clashing of weapons outside, Xie Wangye realized with a start that he had arrived in the summer of the 35th year of Jianqing.

Well then. The Kingdom of Jing was experiencing the catastrophe that had nearly destroyed it.

Beside him was a boy sobbing like a piglet—likely the crown prince. Xie Wangye hoisted the child with one hand, intending to rally his troops and retreat to avoid the enemy’s advance.

The seductress? Hah! Women only hindered his ambitions of conquest. And this Consort Xia, in particular, had brought ruin to the nation and deserved to die a thousand deaths. If he ever encountered her, he would carve her into eight pieces to appease the people’s wrath.

Consider her lucky for now—let her fend for herself!

But before he could escape the palace, a chilling realization struck Xie Wangye.

Wait—his lineage didn’t descend from the eldest son. His great-great… grandfather was the second son of Jing Henggong and the seductress Consort Xia.

The eldest son existed, but the second son had yet to be born.

If the enchantress died, the future versions of him, his father, his grandfather, and so on would never be born.

Xie Wangye: …

After general surgeon Xia Fu died suddenly on duty, she found herself transported to an unfamiliar dynasty.

The palace was magnificent, adorned with countless jewels and precious jades. The maidservants addressed her as Madam and treated her with utmost respect.

Good news: It seemed she had transmigrated into an upper-class noble who wouldn’t have to endure hardship.

Bad news: A quarter of an hour later, the enemy army attacked the city, and it looked like the kingdom was about to fall.

Before Xia Fu could even decide where to flee, her palace doors were kicked open. A furious, dark-faced man stormed in, hoisted her over his shoulder, and ran off with her.

Xia Fu: ?

Hah, it’s all for the sake of my past self

Oh no, the code phrase doesn’t match—seems he’s not a fellow transmigrator

Today, Father King and Mother Consort are still acting strangely

Lately, Father King keeps asking me how he used to win Mother Consort’s favor in the past