My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 20: Madam Dai Is Missing!

Chapter 20: Madam Dai Is Missing!

A burly black shadow stretched by lamplight fell upon the carved wooden screen, which was painted with elegant birds and flowers. Yet now, those delicate patterns seemed armed with intimidating fangs and claws under the shadow’s imposing pressure, making it difficult to meet its oppressive gaze.

In the side chamber, Dai Li heard Taoxiang’s greeting outside, followed by a deep, firm voice dismissing her with a You may leave.

Dai Li abruptly looked down at herself, attempting to fasten her loosened garments. Compared to modern clothing, ancient attire was far from simple—Waist Wrap, inner robes, outer skirts, and deep garments—each layer had its own ties, and once disarrayed, mistakes came easily.

The side chamber lacked shadowless lamps. As footsteps drew nearer, the faint elongated shadow entered her vision like a leisurely stalking tiger in the woods.

Her long, thick eyelashes fluttered slightly. Instead of frantically retying her robes as before, Dai Li slowly lifted her gaze to the man standing just steps away.

With no one else present, he no longer needed to restrain his aura as he had previously. The authority of a leader forged in bloodshed weighed heavily in the air, his presence formidable and unapproachable.

It seems my timing is unfortunate, interrupting your bath, Madam, he said, though not a trace of apology laced his words.

Dai Li wore a stone-blue cross-collar deep robe with rolling cloud patterns, its belt untied and collar loosened, revealing more of her snow-white décolletage than usual.

He advanced step by step, finally standing before her, his shadow enveloping most of her figure.

Qin Shaozong reached out and took hold of her belt, winding the long ribbon twice around his fingers. A gentle tug would immediately unravel the already loosely fastened tie. I heard you dismissed the guards today. Why is that?

The side chamber held far fewer lamps than the main room. The bean-sized flames flickered uncertainly in the steam-filled space, the dimness breeding an indescribable intimacy—like two towering trees whose roots had entwined over time, inseparable.

Might the guards Lord refers to be the one with the… Dai Li gestured a square shape on her face, …whom I sent back to attend to the Lord’s wife?

Qin Shaozong watched her gesture, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, but instead of answering, he countered, What do you think, Madam?

I suppose so, Dai Li replied, lowering her gaze. She used both hands to grasp his large hand that held her belt, slowly unwinding the satin from his long fingers.

However, our conflict upon entering the estate led to my angry departure, and it wasn’t until noon the next day that you assigned me maidservants. This suggests the dispute was no trivial matter. Those of a willful and arrogant nature tend to hold grudges. My resentment hasn’t faded so quickly, and it’s only natural I wouldn’t wish to see your soldiers while strolling outside, Dai Li said softly.

Today marks the seventh day. Any conflict between us should have dissipated by now, Qin Shaozong declared, his fingers suddenly tightening around the belt.

With that movement, the not-yet-fully-loosened belt was drawn taut in his palm.

Yet, Dai Li’s heart settled considerably.

His coming to discuss this matter felt less like an accusation or punishment and more like a warning. Like many in power, he disliked subordinates exploiting his name or fabricating orders without basis.

Indeed, it’s about time. Tomorrow I shall continue visiting the market outside the estate, where I will extravagantly purchase jewelry and fabrics, and continue leaving your military captain waiting aside to vent my grievances. I hope the Lord won’t blame me for this.

Dai Li’s soft fingers first skimmed lightly over the scar on his hand like a dragonfly touching water, then attempted to pry open his fingers that were clutching her garment sash.

She didn’t use much force, merely giving a gentle scratch, yet the large hand that was hard as a tiger’s paw slowly loosened its grip. Dai Li hooked her own sash and retrieved it: By tomorrow evening, it will be exactly seven days since my Monthly Blood began. By then my body will be clean, and we can enjoy each other’s company. Any disagreements can be resolved in bed, letting things follow their natural course so we may reconcile.

Qin Shaozong stood nearly a head taller than her, his gaze falling downward from above.

The woman before him had cheeks flushed pink, hair dark as ink, eyebrows like distant mountains, and a vermilion mark between her brows that was red as fresh blood – radiant beyond compare.

Her dress was in disarray, the overlapping collar loose enough to reveal a dazzling expanse of creamy white skin, like premium milk fat illuminated by moonlight, or like the most captivating magnolia blossom in spring exuding rich fragrance. With each rise and fall of her breathing, one could glimpse the trembling snow-white skin.

A bean-oil lamp in the room suddenly went out, and Qin Shaozong’s eyes darkened considerably.

Yet looking at the woman before him, that astonishing richness of her beauty hadn’t diminished in the slightest. Instead, as the light shifted from bright to dim, it gained an additional lazy allure that invited imagination.

When Dai Li still hadn’t heard him speak after retrieving her sash, she looked up and nearly gasped in alarm at Qin Shaozong’s expression.

Those brown eyes had darkened almost to black, with turbulent dark flames swirling within that seemed ready to leap from his eyes. For a moment, Dai Li thought she was looking at a starving tiger sharpening its fangs and claws while waiting to devour bones and flesh.

She instinctively lowered her head to avoid his gaze, but this downward glance made her notice the pronounced tenting of his black robe.

Dai Li immediately felt her scalp prickle.

Perhaps she had pushed things a bit too far just now…

You should leave now, otherwise the maids outside might grow suspicious, Dai Li urged softly.

Seeing him standing motionless as if he hadn’t heard, Dai Li simply raised her hand to take his arm and guided him outward. I shall await the Lord’s esteemed presence in my chambers tomorrow evening.

As they exited the side room and reached the main door, Dai Li heard a hoarse response: Agreed.

Dai Li: …

The door opened and quickly closed again.

Finally having seen him off, Dai Li heaved a deep sigh of relief. Knowing he wouldn’t return tonight, her mood instantly became exceedingly light.

After taking a comfortable bath and happily climbing into bed, Dai Li curled up in her blankets and quickly fell asleep.

A night without dreams, a night of sound sleep.

*

The morning sun rose in the east, dawn breaking clear.

Spring rain is always precious as oil, but today, like the previous few days, was clear and cloudless. The sky was azure like crystal, and anyone could tell it would be fine weather.

Using the clear skies as perfect for market visits as her excuse, Dai Li once again dragged Yun Rong out of the estate early.

They started browsing from the East Market crowded with food stalls, eating as they shopped, then made their way to the West Market in search of foreign merchants selling Western Civet Cats. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t with them – they walked from one end of the street to the other without finding any.

In her earlier years, Yun Rong had not only served her mother-in-law but also borne two sons and two daughters, while managing the vast rear courtyard. All this mental and physical exertion had long since weakened her constitution.

After wandering outside for a while, her complexion had taken on a faint bluish pallor again. Genuinely exhausted, Yun Rong couldn’t help but call for a stop. Sister, I’m rather tired. Didn’t you extend your stay at Secluded Orchid Courtyard yesterday? How about I wait for you at the courier station like yesterday?

Dai Li knew it was about time. Sister Yun, didn’t you mention there’s another courier station called Breeze Tower yesterday? I’ve tried the other two already—how could we let Breeze Tower slip through the net? Why don’t we rest there instead?

Yun Rong’s mind was wholly occupied by the word rest, caring little about anything else. Wherever Dai Li suggested resting, she would agree.

Thus, the entourage changed course and returned to the Eastern Market. This time, they arrived at Breeze Tower, located on another street in the Eastern Market.

The two main streets of the Eastern Market formed a cross shape, with Breeze Tower situated at the southern end of the vertical line. Both Bright Moon Residence and Secluded Orchid Courtyard were on the horizontal line—Bright Moon Residence to the east and Secluded Orchid Courtyard to the west, with the former closer to the eastern city gate.

After securing a room at Breeze Tower and having some refreshments, Dai Li glanced at the square-faced military captain with disdain. There’s no need for you to follow me. Stay by Lord’s wife’s side today as before—I’ve no use for you there.

Yun Rong couldn’t suppress a chuckle. Sister, are you still upset with Marquis Qin?

Dai Li turned her head away, muttering under her breath, Who told him to pretend compliance while defying me when I warned him not to drink? If I don’t show some temper, he’ll truly think I’m easily fooled.

Yun Rong’s lips twitched, half in contempt yet with a vague, indescribable envy.

The current lords were mostly civil officials who had advanced through ranks, with Qin Shaozong being the sole exception hailing from the vast borderlands. Though younger than her own husband, his status was already beyond reach.

Born of a prestigious clan, possessing a military general’s physique, virtually ruling the entire Northern Territory, and currently at the peak of a man’s power—yet this Dai Li, with nothing but a pretty face, had somehow bewitched Marquis Qin into utter infatuation. And here she was, still putting on airs and acting spoiled—truly unaware of her own insignificance.

Just a favored concubine after all… Her abandonment was inevitable, merely a matter of time…

Dai Li paid no mind to Yun Rong’s inner thoughts, departing Breeze Tower with the exact same attendants as yesterday. She subsequently visited numerous places as the crimson sun gradually dipped westward, its rays softening from their earlier intensity, until the hour slowly approached late afternoon.

Oh! I nearly forgot—the day before yesterday I ordered seafood from a fishmonger in the Western Market. You three, make haste to the Western Market and transport the seafood back to the mansion, Dai Li suddenly exclaimed.

These three weren’t Qin Shaozong’s soldiers—ordinary guards carried only meager coins, and Dai Li had only paid a deposit earlier, with a balance still due.

The guards looked troubled.

Where would they get the silver? But Madam Dai hadn’t provided them with funds…

Taoxiang, having served for years at Jiang Mansion, was familiar with the household guards. Seeing their dilemma, she offered, Madam, shall I advance my silver for them to pay the balance?

This was both a reminder and an offered compromise.

Dai Li took the cue, glancing sidelong at Dingxiang to signal handing over the money pouch.

Though the guards received the money, they still hesitated, concerned about leaving the marquis’s favored concubine unguarded. Yet sending just one or two might prove insufficient for the task, since carriages meant for nobility could never be used to transport seafood.

Dai Li waved her hand impatiently to shoo them away. Go quickly. I’ll wait for you in the Prosperity area. Hurry up—if we’re late and the fish seller thinks I’ve gone back on my word, selling the goods to someone else and dashing my hopes, I’ll have the Lord punish you for negligence.

The guards exchanged glances. Recalling how this favored concubine had remained unharmed during their long stay at the bookshop yesterday, they figured her leaving briefly wouldn’t matter.

Besides, even if all three of them departed, Dingxiang and Taoxiang would still be with her… surely that would be alright?

With this thought, the three guards bowed and accepted the order.

After they left, Dai Li led her attendants to the Gold and Jade Jewelry Shop, deliberately selecting the most expensive items until she spent every last coin from the purse Taoxiang carried.

Taoxiang, we’re running short on silver. Return to the mansion and fetch some more, Dai Li ordered, not letting the other speak before adding, Dingxiang and I will wait for you at the Prosperity Silk Shop. Remember to come back quickly—don’t leave me without money to pay later.

She walked off without another word, ignoring Taoxiang’s expression entirely. After hesitating briefly, Taoxiang ultimately complied.

Upon arriving at the Prosperity Silk Shop and trying on two outfits, Dai Li fished a few coins from her small pouch. Dingxiang, go to the old man with the goat beard at the end of Pinghe Street and buy me two hu cakes. I tried his cakes yesterday—they’re better than most places, and I’ve been craving them. If I’m still trying on clothes when you return, don’t rush me. I’ll come out to eat when I’m finished.

Dingxiang clutched the coins. Madam…

Dai Li clicked her tongue lightly. The shop assistants here can attend to me for now—I don’t need you. Really, all this dawdling and ignoring your mistress’s orders—what kind of behavior is that? It seems I’ll have to complain to Sister Yun on our way back, telling her I can’t manage the Jiang Mansion servants and she needn’t assign anyone to wait on me. Having them or not makes no difference anyway.

Dingxiang shuddered and dared say no more, hurrying off to buy the hu cakes.

Watching Dingxiang’s retreating figure, Dai Li let out a long sigh of relief.

Finally, it was done!

Almost immediately after Dingxiang left, Dai Li swiftly exited the silk shop.

While fabric and silk shops clustered in the North Market, the Courier Station lay in the East Market. After leaving the Prosperity Silk Shop, Dai Li hurried toward the East Market.

Her heart pounded the entire way. Though Yun Rong and her retinue were resting at the Breeze Tower, and the guards and maids had been dismissed, who knew if some mishap might occur?

If she were unlucky enough to be spotted by Jiang Mansion servants before changing her clothes, escape would be difficult.

The Bright Moon Residence stood at the eastern end of Cross Street. To reach it, she had to pass the Secluded Orchid Courtyard at the western end.

Dai Li ducked directly into the Secluded Orchid Courtyard.

A quarter-hour later, a figure in a veiled hat emerged wearing dusty gray robes—utterly ordinary in every way.

This figure continued eastward, crossed the intersection, entered the Bright Moon Residence, and soon left carrying a bundle.

As arranged, a carriage would wait for her at the entrance of Donghe Street from 4 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

It was now 4:15 p.m.

Donghe Street, located in the East Market, was a small lane beside Cross Street—far more modest than the main thoroughfare.

Rounding the corner, Dai Li spotted a donkey cart loaded with goods. Two men in brown short jackets stood beside it—one young, barely twenty, the other looking about forty.

Dai Li stepped forward, holding half a carriage ticket. Is this carriage headed to White Horse Ford?

So it’s you? Quite punctual. Get on.

The donkey cart’s wheels rolled over the stone-paved street, heading toward the eastern city gate. Upon reaching the gate, the Talismans were inspected, everything went smoothly, and they passed through the gate out of the city.

Seated in the donkey cart, as the wheels rolled beyond the city barrier, Dai Li suddenly felt a wave of relief, as if a great weight had finally been lifted from her shoulders. She turned to look back at the city behind her; under the sunlight, the city appeared ancient and solemn, a silent witness to the passage of time.

Farewell, Nankang County!

Author’s Note:

After setting one last fire for Qin Shaozong, Dai Li is making her escape, haha.

By the way, Deng Deng noticed several dear readers in the comments saying Pei Ying couldn’t escape, using Pei Ying next door as a reference, so Dai Li won’t escape either, lol.

First, their family backgrounds are vastly different, and their personalities and ways of thinking aren’t the same. Second, the terrain of Beichuan is very different from the area around Nankang County—there are no rivers there, so land travel is the only option, and a donkey cart absolutely can’t outrun a horse (shrugs).