My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 15: A Conclusion Regarding Your Son's Matter

Chapter 15: A Conclusion Regarding Your Son’s Matter

The two maidservants dared not delay and quickly left the room.

With a creaking sound of the door closing, Dai Li, lying on the bed, stiffened. The darkness before her eyes gradually dissipated after a few breaths. Through the thin peony-patterned bed curtain, she saw a faint candle flame flickering.

The candlelight cast the silhouette of a towering figure beside her. His shadow stretched long in the glow, eventually merging completely with the darkness, as if transforming into a majestic and oppressive peak.

At this point, pretending to sleep was useless, and remaining on the bed would only be more dangerous. Dai Li sat up.

She had slept in her clothes, so rising was quick. Her soft fingers lifted a corner of the bed curtain, hooking it onto a jade hook. Dai Li turned to face forward, placing her legs on the footstool beside the bed as she prepared to get up. But as she lowered her gaze, she saw a pair of black boots at the edge of her vision.

Her eyes traveled upward: first, the wide sleeves edged with silver thread, then the deep blue belt.

Dai Li paused slightly. He stood less than half a step from the footstool. If she continued to rise, it would be like throwing herself into his embrace.

She couldn’t advance, and retreating…

Qin Shaozong stood before the bed, his gaze falling from above. She wore a peach-red round-collared dress, her fair skin and red robes illuminated by the bean-sized lamp, making her brows and eyes appear even more enchanting. In the stillness of the night, she resembled a midnight epiphyllum in full bloom.

She had removed her brocade socks before sleeping, and her delicate feet, adorned with rouge, had slender ankles. The skin on her insteps, even in the dim light, carried a lustrous pearl-like hue, exuding elegance. They stood out strikingly against the dark footstool.

Suddenly, those bare feet slipped like fish into the folds of her skirt. When she looked up again, she was sitting cross-legged at the edge of the bed, leaving an empty space beside her.

Dai Li feigned nonchalance and patted the spot next to her. Please, come sit. This humble one will tell you about the day’s outing with Lord’s wife in the market.

Whether it was the dulled awareness from drinking or his mind was elsewhere, he did not move immediately after she spoke.

Dai Li’s heart trembled. Are you unwell from the drink? Should this humble one ask Taoxiang to prepare a bowl of kudzu root soup?

As she spoke, she quickly stood up, intending to pass by him, but he suddenly grabbed her arm.

Unnecessary. Again, those overly deep two words.

Qin Shaozong pulled her back onto the bed, pressing her down to sit before taking a seat beside her. Speak. How was your day with her, and what happened after you left the banquet?

He still hadn’t released her, only shifting his grip from her arm downward until his hand rested over her wrist.

It felt as if a sheet of scorching sandpaper covered her wrist—intensely hot and rough—making Dai Li’s heart race. She pressed her lips together firmly before beginning to recount the day’s events.

Dai Li knew that Yan San had accompanied her during the day’s outing and likely reported everything to him. Thus, her account could not deviate in the slightest from what Yan San had said.

Dai Li faithfully described the day’s events, carefully omitting any mention of the Talisman incident in the carriage.

After holding nothing back, she cautiously added, On the way back to the residence today, this humble one made plans with Yun Shi to go out to the market again tomorrow. Given how unpleasant our interaction at the banquet was tonight, and with this humble one’s willful temperament, it would be natural to take out my frustration on your soldiers. Could you please instruct them not to accompany this humble one tomorrow?

The air grew still, and Dai Li felt sweat forming in her palms. What she intended to do must not be witnessed by his men—otherwise, given his profound cunning, he would quickly deduce that she had ulterior motives.

The large hand covering her wrist shifted as she turned, four fingers slipping beneath her palm as if to lift and toy with it. But halfway through the motion, Qin Shaozong paused, his tone unreadable. Why so nervous?

Dai Li knew he had always been perceptive—had he not been, he would never have discovered her hiding behind the carriage back then. Yet she hadn’t expected his sharpness to remain undiminished even after drinking, leaving her momentarily speechless.

The atmosphere froze.

It seems you truly are nervous. Can’t you tell me? Is it because you want to go somewhere tomorrow, or are you planning to secretly discuss something with Yun Shi? I suspect the former is more likely, since Yun Shi has been visiting you frequently lately. If you wished to speak privately with her, you could do so within the estate. Qin Shaozong turned her hand over, exposing her palm.

They sat beside the couch, the candlelight falling unimpeded upon Dai Li’s palm, casting a faint sheen.

It was evident—a thin layer of sweat had gathered there.

Qin Shaozong slowly brushed his thumb across her palm, wiping away the nearly imperceptible moisture. What is my lady hesitating about?

My Lord sees everything clearly—indeed, nothing escapes your notice. Dai Li lowered her eyes, her thick lashes casting shadows beneath her lids. Today’s visit to the ruined temple in the eastern part of the city reminded me of my son, who still has not returned home. Thus, I wished to seek out a Broker Guild tomorrow to inquire if there is any news of him.

Broker Guild—this was another name for intermediaries involved in the trade of livestock and servants.

As she spoke, she glanced up at him briefly, continuing only after confirming no anger on his face. My Lord previously promised to help me find my son, so by rights, I should not trouble you further. But the thought of him drifting alone out there torments me—it feels like a knife twisting in my heart, and I can neither eat nor sleep peacefully. I truly cannot soothe my anxiety without taking some action.

What kind of lie is hardest to detect?

One interwoven with truth.

Her desperation to find her son was genuine, and her plan to visit the Broker Guild tomorrow was real—none of that was fabricated.

As for the rest… that was another matter entirely…

Dai Li sighed softly. I did not tell you because I feared displeasing you.

He had promised to help her search, and she had previously shown complete trust in him. Yet now she intended to secretly investigate on her own. No matter how one interpreted it, this move implied distrust, so her desire to conceal it was only natural.

Qin Shaozong suddenly dropped a bombshell. This afternoon, my men reported that none of the boys in the local Slave Market match your son’s description.

Dai Li froze.

Are… are you certain? Her voice trembled noticeably when she spoke again.

Qin Shaozong gently squeezed her slender, bamboo-shoot-like fingers. Every boy of similar age and height was thoroughly questioned. Each could account for their origins; none had lost their past due to illness or injury. Since your son was kidnapped locally, he likely hasn’t gone far. We’ll search outward from Nan Kang Prefecture, investigate the Kidnappers in each commandery, and eventually uncover clues. Following the trail to find him won’t be difficult—it’s merely a matter of time.

Dai Li could no longer hear his subsequent words. Her mind was filled solely with the fact that Zhou Zhou’s traces were nowhere to be found in Nan Kang Prefecture.

Could it be that Zhou Zhou was not in the same place as her? If he wasn’t in Nan Kang Prefecture, she needed to return home.

To Hangzhou.

She had to return to Hangzhou!

A slightly heavy rubbing sensation came from within her wrist. Coming back to her senses, Dai Li instinctively looked up and inadvertently met the gaze of the man beside her.

Perhaps because the lamplight in the room was rather dim, the brown of his eyes appeared much deeper than usual, almost becoming the black of thick ink. At first glance, it seemed like an unfathomable sea. Ripples gradually stirred on the sea’s surface as a massive sea beast slowly rose, first revealing the colossal fin of the iceberg’s tip, followed by a mouth full of fangs capable of swallowing her whole.

Time seemed to be violently pulled back by an invisible hand, and Dai Li felt as if she had returned to the banquet not long ago.

She stood below, while he sat above. The way he had looked at her then was just as blatant, though now it was even more intense than before.

Dai Li instinctively shifted slightly to the side, attempting to put some distance between them.

Yet this movement instantly shattered a balance that was already precarious. The man’s large hand, which had been gripping her wrist, suddenly loosened—but not entirely. Instead, it moved around her waist from behind, encircling her, and then clamped firmly on the small of her back. With just the strength of his arm, he pulled her onto his lap.

In Dai Li’s perception, the scene was utterly absurd, taking less than two breaths.

Beneath her was a firm, fiery heat, and the raised area nestled perfectly between her thighs. Through the thin layers of clothing, they pressed closely together, leaving no change concealed. Heat silently spread and mingled, eventually giving rise to an uncontrollable tremor.

“Today is the fourth day.” His fingers, still wrapped around her waist, hooked forward and took hold of her belt, tugging gently and slowly.

“It’s the third full day,” Dai Li corrected, not stopping his hand but asking softly, “Does the Lord know how many days a woman’s Monthly Blood lasts?”

His movements abruptly halted.

The man’s face was expressionless, most of it shrouded in shadow, his deep brown eyes heavy and intense.

For the first time, Dai Li did not find him frightening.

He truly didn’t know!

Without hesitation, Dai Li fabricated a lie to deceive him. “Seven days. Any healthy woman’s Monthly Blood will last a full seven days.”

As soon as the number left her lips, Dai Li, seated on his lap, faintly saw a vein twitch on his forehead. Rare delight bloomed in her heart.

But the next moment, her heart sank, for she distinctly felt a push against her back—his arm tightening, pressing her toward him from behind.

No longer a young girl, Dai Li knew well that relief could be found even without going all the way. She quickly raised her hand to press against his chest and said softly, “It’s still uncertain whether the maids outside have truly left. At the banquet, I showed you no favor, yet now I welcome you into my room and endure the discomfort of my Monthly Blood for such activities—it hardly matches my willful and unruly nature. Lord, impatience in small matters can ruin great plans.”

Dai Li remained calm and confident she would succeed.

These past days of interaction had made it clear to her that he was a man whose rationality always prevailed over desire.

Just as she expected, the massive sea beast submerged back into the depths. The man in front of her took a deep breath and slowly released her. “It’s only a few days. I can wait.”

In his low, hoarse tone, Dai Li heard the turbulent waves that would come after four days. The woman gently lowered her eyelashes, concealing the myriad thoughts in her eyes.

The warm afternoon sunlight fell upon the trees, filtered through layers of branches and leaves, eventually casting a dappled, radiant pattern on the ground.

Dai Li was admiring the flowers in the back garden, surrounded by a vibrant display of blossoms and willow shadows in every hue imaginable. The sight alone lifted her spirits, and this already pleasant mood soared to its peak when Yun Rong arrived.

Since they hadn’t left the mansion, only maidservants from Jiang Mansion followed behind Dai Li. With no need for secrecy around them, Yun Rong spoke openly, Little sister, I’ve managed to get what you asked for. It was no easy task—rushed through overnight. Official Zhuo didn’t sleep a wink for this, but since it was my husband’s strict order, he had to see it through perfectly even if it drained him dry.

Suddenly remembering that this young lady was rather dense and might not grasp her roundabout way of claiming credit, she quickly added, Little sister, you must remember my kindness in this. If I ever need your help in the future, you can’t refuse me.

Dai Li took the two small bamboo tokens, caressing each one fondly. The information on them was identical to the Talisman she had hidden away, even the official seal was an exact match.

These were government-issued identity documents with valid travel authority.

If Sister Yun ever encounters difficulties in the future, feel free to come to me. If I can’t handle it myself, I’ll have Qin Chang Geng help me manage it, Dai Li promised, drawing her a verbal feast to stave off hunger.

Yun Rong was overjoyed.

Amid laughter and cheerful conversation, both parties were pleased.

Author’s Note:

Dai Li’s preparing to make a run for it