My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 11: Her Time Is Running Out

Chapter 11: Her Time Is Running Out

Jiang Mansion, Main Quarters.

Among the concubines in my rear courtyard and the newly arrived dancers, is there one named Fengchun? Jiang Chonghai asked his wife Yun Shi.

Yun Shi thought for a moment. There isn’t. Why do you ask, husband?

Yesterday at the banquet, Qin Shaozong suddenly asked me for this dancer, but then never mentioned it again. It’s quite peculiar. Jiang Chonghai stroked the thin mustache at the corners of his mouth and instructed his wife, Didn’t they request two maidservants? Find an opportunity to interrogate them thoroughly, make them report every detail about that Madam’s chamber affairs.

Yun Shi covered her lips with a light laugh. You needn’t tell me about such trivial matters. I’ve already given instructions. Just now, Taoxiang came by. I heard from Taoxiang that this Madam Dai possesses flower-like beauty, moon-like grace, with snow-white skin and peach-blossom cheeks—truly exquisite and radiant beyond compare, as if she stepped out of a painting. With such a peerless beauty by his side, even if Marquis Qin is momentarily attracted to wildflowers outside, it’s likely just a passing fancy. Who’s to say he won’t forget all others once he returns and sees Madam Dai again.

Is his favored consort truly that beautiful? Jiang Chonghai’s tone was unreadable.

Yun Shi paused. Though she knew her husband had always valued physical beauty—why else would he keep a mansion full of dancers—she still felt secretly annoyed that his focus lingered on such matters. Her voice cooled slightly: Well, Taoxiang described her with such rapturous eyes, I suppose it must be true. After all, Marquis Qin holds high status and power, having campaigned north and south for years. His discernment must differ from us who are confined to this small county. Having seen all beauties under heaven, for him to be so concerned about her, Madam Dai must indeed possess unparalleled looks.

Concerned? Why concerned? Jiang Chonghai snapped back to attention.

Yun Shi then explained how Dai Li had accidentally sprained her ankle and how Qin Shaozong had urgently summoned the mansion physician. She concluded: …Though Taoxiang says she’s utterly uneducated, willful and quite difficult to serve.

Jiang Chonghai found nothing inappropriate about this—what did it matter if a great beauty had a temper? It was only fitting. Did Qin Shaozong only bring this one favored consort on this trip?

Yun Shi nodded, saying most likely yes.

Jiang Chonghai paced around the room twice. This afternoon, personally bring gifts to visit this Madam Dai. If she has any other requests, try to accommodate them.

Yun Shi remained silent.

Jiang Chonghai saw her reluctance and scolded: Go when I tell you to go! Is this the time to stand on ceremony? So what if she’s a favored consort rather than the official wife? Qin Shaozong’s three thousand troops are still stationed outside the county. If you can befriend her, you might persuade her to whisper in his ear. We might be able to send Qin Shaozong—this formidable presence—on his way sooner.

Yun Shi had no choice but to agree.

The afternoon brought clear skies and gentle breezes. Spring wind carrying floral scents drifted through the carved wooden window into the chamber, lightly lifting the peony-patterned curtain. The swaying gauze created an almost dreamlike splendor.

But more captivating than this splendor was clearly the woman reclining on the soft chair by the window. Sunlight fell upon her, accentuating her rouged lips and snow-white skin until the vibrant spring scenery seemed nearly overflowing. She resembled a peony saturated with the essence of sun and moon, dew and rain—even the slight lift of her eyes at the sound carried a startlingly languid beauty.

Yun Rong stood frozen in place.

However, the woman in the room merely glanced away indifferently, treating her either as an insignificant ornament or a newly arrived servant—utterly unworthy of her attention.

Yun Rong snapped back to reality instantly, her expression darkening.

For many years she had held the prestigious position as the Lord’s wife. After weathering the storm of her mother-in-law’s reign, she had never again endured disdain from other women. Which noblewoman in the county didn’t show her deference and flattery upon meeting?

Yet today, she had been looked down upon by a mere favored concubine!

Being seasoned by age, Yun Rong quickly plastered on a smile. I heard you accidentally sprained your ankle. Ah, it’s all my fault for not adding more lamps when I had the quarters arranged initially. I’ve caused you this trouble – truly my apologies.

Most people hearing this, while observing her attire, would generally deduce her status as the mistress of the mansion. Combined with her preemptive apology delivered with such humility, anyone would naturally return a smile and exchange pleasantries.

The woman on the soft chair did indeed look at her again, but things didn’t unfold as Yun Rong had anticipated.

Are you the steward’s wife? she asked.

Yun Rong saw black spots before her eyes, her smile slipping once more. Was this Madam Dai truly empty-headed, or was she deliberately putting her in her place?

Dai Li languidly straightened up, seemingly convinced of her own assumption, and began rapid-fire complaints: The residence you arranged indeed has problems. Never mind the lack of decorations – just look at what’s here! The vases aren’t gold-traced, they look downright cheap. They say spring is when peach blossoms bloom best, and clearly the peach blossoms are at their peak now, so why aren’t there any in the room? The peony patterns on the bed curtains are somewhat acceptable, but the color is too plain – utterly inauspicious. And this desk…

With each criticism, Yun Rong’s head throbbed louder. Finally, the woman had the audacity to add: Indeed, your arrangements were inadequate. The lack of lamps in the room caused me to not see the path clearly and twist my ankle. You may return and report for punishment to your superior.

Seeing the other woman standing motionless with a dazed expression, Dai Li waved her away. Did you remember everything I just said? Go handle it.

Yun Rong’s face turned livid. Her personal maid finally seized the opportunity to interject: My lady’s husband is Lord Jiang. Certainly not some lowly steward.

Dai Li feigned surprise.

Just as Yun Rong prepared to release the breath she’d been holding, she heard Dai Li click her tongue and actually blame her: Why didn’t you say so earlier?

Yun Rong: …

She suddenly recalled her maid Taoxiang’s earlier remark about this Madam Dai’s willful character. In her opinion, the woman wasn’t just willful and arrogant – she was also utterly lacking in social graces, frighteningly stupid.

Taoxiang, serve tea to the Lord’s wife. Dai Li still hadn’t risen from her soft chair, merely pointing opposite for Yun Rong to be seated.

Yun Rong stood rooted for several breaths, firmly suppressing her pent-up frustration before moving to sit.

You came to chat with me, yet you brought gifts? Dai Li looked at the brocade box in her maid’s hands.

My husband specifically sent me with gifts to check on you after hearing about your mishap in the mansion. See if you like them – if not, I’ll bring you something else. Yun Rong rephrased her approach.

When dealing with such shallow people, one couldn’t be too subtle. Otherwise, with their walnut-sized brains, they’d never grasp the implied meanings in her words.

Better to be straightforward, best to come right to the point.

Yun Rong secretly confirmed her own judgment was correct, as this Madam Dai finally showed some hint of a smile.

Dai Li opened the brocade box to reveal several pieces of jewelry: a gold hairpin with ruby drops, a honey-colored crystal gold hairpiece, twisted gold wire peony hair ornaments, and a pair of decent-quality bangle bracelets.

Her fair fingers hooked a tinkling bracelet, but Dai Li merely glanced at it before tossing it back into the box. Too big. This isn’t my size.

Yun Rong felt a twitch at her temple.

Gift boxes like these were usually either regifted as-is or had their desirable pieces taken out and replaced before being passed on—but she had never seen anyone so brazenly pick faults.

Taking a deep breath, Yun Rong silently reminded herself not to argue with a fool. A temper like this was far easier to manipulate than someone unshakable. She reached out affectionately, Let me see what size bracelet would fit you.

Dai Li didn’t avoid her.

Seizing the chance, Yun Rong lavished praise on Dai Li’s appearance. The latter smiled as if pleased, and the conversation gradually opened up.

Through their small talk, Yun Rong learned that aside from her sprained ankle, Dai Li was also feeling unwell. Shocked, Yun Rong pressed for details and sent a maid to fetch the mansion’s physician.

It’s nothing. My monthly blood has come, and I’m just feeling a bit off, Dai Li waved it away.

Yun Rong froze.

She recalled her husband mentioning at noon that Marquis Qin had asked him for a dancer named Fengchun during the banquet. Could it be that Marquis Qin wanted the girl because Madam Dai was unable to serve him?

Connecting this with how Marquis Qin had searched the entire mansion for someone last night, Yun Rong sensed an air of private affairs. She comforted, Madam Dai’s elegance is unparalleled—how could ordinary beauties compare? Even if those dancers catch Marquis Qin’s eye, it’s merely a fleeting favor. With the bright moon overhead, how dare the stars compete for brilliance?

Yun Rong was certain her words would be well-received, and indeed, the woman across from her smiled—just…

A bit too radiantly. It didn’t seem like the smile of someone comforted, but rather one laughing at her for misspeaking.

Yun Rong was baffled.

Who told you a dancer caught the Lord’s eye? Dai Li picked up a small bamboo talisman from the table to fiddle with. If you don’t believe me, go search the rear courtyard. I guarantee you won’t find anyone named Fengchun even if you turn the entire Jiang Mansion upside down.

Yun Rong listened in stunned silence.

What did she mean by that?

It was true that Marquis Qin had explicitly asked for someone by name at the banquet, so why was she so adamant that no such person existed?

Yun Rong leaned forward. Why do you say that, Madam?

Dai Li grinned. Because there is no Fengchun. The Lord made up a girl to make me behave because I was throwing a tantrum on the way here. But I’m not falling for it. Who told him to be so devoted to me and even swear a poisonous oath to the heavens? After I questioned him thoroughly last night, it turned out to be true—this ‘Fengchun’ is pure nonsense. He was bluffing me. But you mustn’t spread this, or Qin Chang Geng will surely be furious.

Yun Rong was dumbfounded.

Earlier, her husband had clearly described this Marquis Qin as shrewd and cunning. Could it be that his reputation was unearned, his famed brilliance merely a facade to intimidate others?

Otherwise, she could hardly imagine a figure of such caliber swearing a poisonous oath to the heavens for this empty-headed fool. Were poisonous oaths something to be taken lightly? Offending the gods could lightly affect one’s fortune, or heavily invite divine retribution!

Or perhaps all men were the same—willing to say anything for a moment of pleasure in bed.

Hearing no response for a while, Dai Li frowned. Why are you making that face? Don’t you believe me?

Yun Rong stiffly tugged at the corners of her mouth. How… how could I not?

Dai Li affectionately stroked the small bamboo plaque before flipping it over to show it off. Look, this is the token of love between me and the Lord.

Yun Rong looked closely and recognized it—

It was a Talisman.

All those who were neither servants nor displaced people possessed Talismans.

It was at this moment that Yun Rong suddenly realized why the other woman was so proud—likely because she had originally been a servant without household registration. It was Qin Shaozong who had obtained the Talisman for her, hence the claim of it being a token of love.

After offering some perfunctory praise, Yun Rong casually remarked, Such a valuable item should be kept safe.

I carry it with me at all times, so it won’t get lost. Dai Li cheerfully hung the small bamboo plaque from her waist.

Yun Rong tentatively steered the conversation toward Qin Shaozong, and the latter smiled triumphantly, holding nothing back.

An hour later, Yun Rong emerged from the room looking dazed, nearly tripping over the doorstep as she left.

Taoxiang, go to the garden and pick some fresh flowers to replace these old ones in the room. Dingxiang, head to the storeroom and bring back the vase the Lady mentioned. Dai Li assigned tasks to the two maids.

After the two women had left, Dai Li let out a long sigh and wearily pressed her fingers to her temples.

Playing a role was exhausting—it seemed even being a simple-minded vase wasn’t easy…

Her gaze fell on the small bamboo plaque at her waist, and her eyes darkened.

If Zhou Zhou wasn’t in Nankang County, she would definitely head south to check near her home. Whoever wanted to go to that Ying County infested with salt smugglers could go ahead—it had nothing to do with her.

The excuse of her Monthly Blood wouldn’t last more than a few days. Her time was running out.

Author’s Note:

Just a transition qaq

My darlings, are you stockpiling chapters? Don’t do that sobbingsobbingsobbing