My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 22: She Escapes, He Pursues

Chapter 22: She Escapes, He Pursues

Mo Yanyun stared blankly at the cold smile on Qin Shaozong’s face, his mind momentarily failing to process the situation.

Madam Dai… what did he mean by doing very well?

Why would the Lord say such a thing? And why had he suddenly asked about the duration of the lady’s monthly blood earlier, when he had never shown any concern for such matters before?

Hu Bao, send people to search the city where necessary and make inquiries where appropriate, Qin Shaozong instructed the square-faced soldier captain.

The courtyard wasn’t a suitable place for conversation, so he turned and returned to the main chamber.

Yan San immediately followed, while Mo Yanyun trailed behind as if his soul had left his body.

After Mo Yanyun, who was walking last, entered the room, Yan San noticed he still appeared dazed and turned to close the door. But the moment the door shut, he heard his companion speak: My Lord, this subordinate has a matter I don’t understand, and I boldly seek your guidance.

Qin Shaozong: Speak.

Mo Yanyun took a deep breath. That night seven days ago, when you suddenly left the main chamber—was it because Madam Dai’s monthly blood had arrived at that time?

He had previously speculated that Madam Dai had been unlucky with her timing, unfortunately experiencing her monthly blood and thus being unable to serve. But that was merely conjecture, and such matters weren’t appropriate to discuss openly. Now, however, the situation was different.

The Lord had specifically set a trap for Jiang and Li, with Madam Dai serving as the most crucial piece in the scheme. Yet when the plan was halfway through, such a situation had occurred. As his subordinate, some questions had to be asked no matter how awkward they might be.

Qin Shaozong replied expressionlessly, Correct.

Mentioning this matter made the fire in his heart burn even fiercer. Whether she had truly experienced her monthly blood seven days ago remained debatable, but one thing was certain: she genuinely didn’t want to serve him.

Her previous interactions with him had merely been acting—all her tender affections were false compliance meant to deceive him, so she could choose the right moment to escape.

She was truly audacious!

Connecting the dots, Mo Yanyun also reached the same realization, immediately becoming speechless with shock.

How dare a mere woman like Madam Dai behave this way? Could there be some misunderstanding in all this?

After a long pause, Mo Yanyun finally said, My Lord, I feel this matter is full of doubts and suspicious circumstances. Moreover, the current situation cannot proceed without her. Perhaps we should first bring her back for careful questioning. By the way, you previously arranged a talisman for her—she must have used it to leave the city and head to her old residence in the western part of the city! Please assign me a team of soldiers so I can go retrieve Madam Dai.

Qin Shaozong, standing by the window, remained silent but turned and walked toward the wooden box in the corner of the inner chamber.

Yan San suddenly uttered two words: The array.

Mo Yanyun slapped his forehead. Right, there’s also a maze array! I nearly forgot about that. The surrounding area has an array that can conceal the residence within the wilderness. Ah, it seems Madam Dai’s old residence in the western city is indeed an excellent hiding place.

Creek—a drawer in the wooden box was pulled open.

Hearing the sound, Mo Yanyun turned his head and saw an object flying through the air, which was swiftly and precisely caught by the quick-handed Yan San.

Looking closely, he saw it was a small bamboo plaque that looked somewhat familiar. Before he could ponder further, he noticed Yan San’s expression suddenly change. My Lord, this is…

Curious, Mo Yanyun moved closer to look and instantly stared in disbelief.

A talisman—it was Madam Dai’s talisman!

No wonder it looked familiar—Yan San had personally crafted it, and Mo Yanyun, who shared a room with him, had seen it several times.

Did she not leave the city? Or does she have another talisman? Yan San asked gravely.

Qin Shaozong let out a light scoff, She’s full of deceit and lies. Do you really believe that so-called old residence in the west of the city and the maze actually exist?

The world of martial arts and mystical arts is filled with all sorts of strange tricks—talismans and spells, summoning spirits and exorcising evil, inviting deities to possess, divination and fortune-telling by finger calculations, and so on—yet they all boil down to one word: deception.

They deceive the shallow-minded, unenlightened common folk, manipulating these ignorant masses at will. Whether it’s to temporarily pacify them and avoid chaos or to turn them into sharp tools in their own hands, it all comes down to one motive: profit.

He deeply despised and loathed those Taoist priests.

So when they couldn’t find the house she mentioned based on the address from the start, his first thought wasn’t that he hadn’t sent enough soldiers or that his subordinates had been careless and missed something, but rather… he suspected she was lying.

But at the time, she remained calm and composed, even proactively set a time to lead them to the old residence, and later submitted the talisman. So he suppressed his doubts, thinking he might as well wait for her for three days.

Yet this wait ended with him losing track of her!

His first impression hadn’t been wrong after all—she was no docile rabbit, but clearly a cunning fox with more tricks up her sleeve than a honeycomb.

My Lord, what should we do now? Mo Yanyun was utterly bewildered and tentatively suggested, Shall we search the city? It’s the You hour now, the city gates are closed. Without a talisman, she can’t leave the city. If we trap her like a turtle in a jar, we’re sure to capture Madam Dai.

She may not be without a talisman, Yan San suddenly interjected.

When the Lord gave something to the lady, he gave it freely and never bothered to ask for it back. The fact that this talisman had now returned to the Lord’s hands must mean Madam Dai had voluntarily returned it.

Knowing full well that her deception would enrage the Lord, and knowing that without a talisman she couldn’t leave the city, why would she willingly return it?

Clearly, she had a backup plan!

Qin Shaozong said in a deep voice, Mo Yanyun, go summon one of Yun Shi’s personal maids. I have questions for her.

Mo Yanyun cupped his hands in acknowledgment and quickly left.

Qin Shaozong twisted the thumb ring on his finger, his gaze as dark as a black sea. Many conjectures flashed through his mind, but he swiftly dismissed them one by one.

Nankang County, Eastern Suburbs.

The donkey cart traveled through the desolate outskirts of the city, passing the ruined temple in the east from a distance, and finally arrived at White Horse Ford. As the only ferry within ten li of Nankang County, White Horse Ford was undeniably bustling.

The crescent-shaped ferry was clearly organized: the area closer to the upstream was concentrated with cargo ships, though by now, with the sun setting in the west, there weren’t many ships coming or going.

Further downstream, there were many multi-storied warships, large and small, new and old. Passengers could be seen continuously boarding the ships via long planks from the shore.

We’re here, the stout man in short attire said.

Perhaps because he had earned a particularly generous sum for this trip, he didn’t mind chatting a bit more with Dai Li: The large multi-storied warships are all capable of long voyages, the farthest reaching White Wave Ford in the Kingdom of Haijian. If you’re planning a long journey and aren’t short on funds, I suggest you board a newer ship… there, that one.

He pointed toward a two-story warship. The helmsman of that ship is the son of the County Deputy. His family lacks no silver, so he runs this ferry purely out of interest—he loves being a ‘white streak in the waves’ on the river. Because of that, he’s more straightforward compared to other helmsmen.

Since he had opened up, Dai Li seized the opportunity to ask, If I want to head south to Qiantang, which route from White Horse Ford would get me there the fastest?

Hangzhou’s ancient name was Qiantang. If she directly said Hangzhou, she feared no one would understand. Yet even so, the young man in his early twenties scratched his head and asked in confusion, Where is Qiantang?

Dai Li was momentarily stunned, then realized that in this era, due to inconvenient transportation, ordinary people rarely traveled far except for merchants who traveled extensively for business and some wandering knights or tourists.

For most, visiting a few nearby commanderies was likely the limit—they wouldn’t venture thousands of miles to a foreign land.

The older, sturdy man said, I don’t know where Qiantang is either, but since you’re heading south, you can take a boat to Riyue Ford. It’s only half a day’s journey from here. Once you reach Riyue Ford, head south, and you’ll soon arrive at Taiping Commandery. Pass through Taiping Commandery and continue southward until you see a ferry called Zhuya Ford. There, the Qi River flows from north to south, and you can change course to head south from there.

Beneath her veil, Dai Li curved her lips into a smile and bowed slightly to the two men. Thank you.

Jiang Mansion, guest courtyard.

Mo Yanyun made a quick round trip and soon returned with the maidservant.

Qin Shaozong, Mo Yanyun, and Yan San—each of them had emerged from a world of blades and bloodshed. They had beheaded others, built corpse mounds, and taken countless lives.

The maidservant had never faced such an interrogation-like scene. Standing before them, under the gaze of three pairs of eyes as cold as icy blades—eyes that looked at her as if she were already dead—she nearly fainted from fear.

There was no need for threats or bribes. She answered whatever Qin Shaozong asked, trembling as she confessed that Dai Li had lost her Talisman, then borrowed Yun Rong’s help to reapply for one—and had even applied for two Talismans in a row.

Qin Shaozong had long stopped twisting his jade thumb ring, and as the questioning deepened, fine, web-like cracks appeared on its surface.

Mo Yanyun couldn’t help but wipe his face.

What a masterful deception!

Good heavens, this Madam Dai truly had a heart of exquisite cunning—perhaps a bit too cunning.

Two Talismans—it seemed highly likely that Madam Dai had already left the city. No, not just likely—she must have left! Otherwise, staying in the city would only mean certain capture.

Just as they finished questioning the maidservant, Hu Bao arrived to report that he had found some traces of Dai Li.

Hu Bao: Lord, we visited several major markets besides the Southern Market, investigating the jewelry shops, bookstores, cloth and silk shops, eateries, teahouses, and Courier Stations that Madam Dai had visited over the past few days. The proprietors of both Bright Moon Residence and Secluded Orchid Courtyard stated that Madam Dai had stored and retrieved packages at their Courier Stations, though the timing differed slightly.

Mo Yanyun exclaimed in astonishment, When were the packages stored? Who stored them for her?

Hu Bao continued, The proprietor of Bright Moon Residence said the package was stored at the end of the Shen hour the day before yesterday and retrieved at the first quarter of the Shen hour today. The proprietor of Secluded Orchid Courtyard said the package was stored at the end of the Shen hour yesterday and retrieved at the Shen hour today. As for who stored them…

The cold gaze from directly ahead remained fixed on him, and though Hu Bao knew it wasn’t directed at him, his square face paled slightly. Both Courier Station proprietors said the young woman who stored the packages wore a veil, making her features unclear, but her attire was very plain, likely that of a maidservant.

Mo Yanyun blurted out, She had accomplices? Could it be those hidden servants from the old residence in the western part of the city?

Does that fifty-tael head of yours only remember the old residence in the western part of the city? Or is everything else just deadwood and weeds to you? Qin Shaozong couldn’t be bothered to look at him.

Mo Yanyun choked on his words, stammering and not daring to respond.

If she had accomplices, she wouldn’t have waited until today. Yan San recalled Dai Li’s schedule: Before today, Madam Dai had left the residence for three consecutive days, each time wandering through streets and alleys. This looks very much like preparation for today. If she had helpers, why would she need to go through such trouble for three full days?

Qin Shaozong turned to look out the window, where only a faint trace of twilight remained visible through the carved wooden lattice. The Golden Crow had set in the west, dusk was fading, and night was about to fall.

More than an hour had passed since Yun Rong returned to report Dai Li’s disappearance, and soldiers were sent out to search and bring back messages from the Courier Station.

The city gates closed at the end of Shen hour and the beginning of You hour. By this time, the gates had long been shut.

After pondering for a moment, Qin Shaozong instructed Hu Bao, Take a squad and bring along her two former personal maids. Have them identify all the maids from the silk and cloth shops she contacted in recent days, and question them about their whereabouts at the end of Shen hour yesterday and the day before. Those who can’t give a clear account—send them all to the two shopkeepers and have them identify each one.

Hu Bao cupped his hands and accepted the order.

Mo Yanyun said quietly, Lord, Nan Kang County borders Yu Lin to the east, Chi Zhou to the south, Gu Han to the west, and Tian Wu to the north. There aren’t too many cities and counties nearby, but they’re not exactly few either. If she really left the city, there are plenty of places she could go. It’s like the sky is vast enough for birds to fly freely—maybe… just forget it.

By the time he uttered the last two words, his voice had dropped several notches, barely louder than the buzzing of a mosquito.

The sky is vast enough for birds to fly freely? Hah, I’d like to see where she can fly to. Dark clouds churned in Qin Shaozong’s eyes.

With a soft crack, Qin Shaozong’s jade thumb ring shattered into pieces. The man opened his hand, and fragments of jade scattered down.

Mo Yanyun fell silent, not daring to respond.

Qin Shaozong asked, If you were her, which way would you go after leaving the city?

To Gu Han County in the west. She mentioned before that her old residence was in the western part of the city. I always felt there might be a grain of truth in that—she might have headed west… Mo Yanyun muttered.

Qin Shaozong clicked his tongue lightly. With a brain like yours, it’s no wonder you keep getting swindled out of all your money by women. You deserve it.

Mo Yanyun seethed but didn’t dare voice his anger.

Yan San said seriously, White Horse Ford. If Madam Dai truly left the city, I suspect she would head east to White Horse Ford. Your Lordship’s forces are strong and well-equipped, with countless sturdy horses. She likely travels by donkey cart, and a donkey cart is far slower than horses, let alone unburdened steeds. Her departure would be fully exposed in at most an hour and a half. If she chooses the land route, it’s only a matter of time before she’s caught, and it’s unsafe for a woman to travel alone at night. However, the water route is different.

Traveling by water means traveling by boat, and boats have owners.

Boat owners collect fares from passengers and, for the sake of stability or to protect their reputation, must ensure a certain level of safety for their passengers.

Mo Yanyun turned to look at the sky outside. At this hour, the boats have long since departed. Besides, there are several docks east of White Horse Ford. We don’t know at which dock she would disembark.

Qin Shaozong pondered for a moment. The maidservant from Jiang Mansion attended to her closely. The only time she left in recent days was during her fittings at the silk and cloth shops. It must have been then that she seized the opportunity. In such dressing areas for noblewomen and young ladies, male servants would never be present. As long as we find that maidservant and follow the trail, we can uncover how she left the city, whose carriage she used, which ship she boarded at White Horse Ford, and whether she disclosed any information along the way.

Mo Yanyun suddenly understood.

Indeed, as long as they found the loophole and traced these clues, there would inevitably be leads. Qin Shaozong turned and instructed Yan San, Go inform Jiang Chonghai to prepare a multi-storied warship for me.

Yan San did not leave. Instead, he bowed respectfully to Qin Shaozong. My Lord, please entrust the task of retrieving Madam Dai to me.

No, I will go personally, Qin Shaozong refused.

Mo Yanyun exclaimed in alarm, My Lord, you must not! With Jiang and Li colluding beforehand, Jiang Chonghai will surely tip off Li Zan. Ying County lies east of Nankang County. Although we don’t yet know Madam Dai’s destination, venturing into enemy territory with their preparations in place is extremely dangerous. We are men of honor—perhaps we should not trouble ourselves with a mere woman’s schemes.

Yan San also advised, Madam Dai’s current actions contradict her earlier portrayal as uneducated. This piece has become useless. Retrieving her now would be futile. It would be better to readjust our plans. My Lord, I urge you to reconsider.

But Qin Shaozong curled his thin lips. Do you remember when I said that using decoy troops to split the central and lower routes would make Jiang Chonghai eighty percent convinced?

The two nodded, acknowledging they remembered.

Qin Shaozong’s smile deepened. The remaining twenty percent has now delivered itself to our doorstep. Why should I turn it away?

Mo Yanyun frowned in confusion, while Yan San seemed thoughtful.

Qin Shaozong continued, Jiang Chonghai uses Yun Shi as his eyes and ears, so he must know she has been my favored concubine for only a short time. Since their understanding of her is shallow, why couldn’t she be a hidden stake planted by someone else beside me? Now that the hidden stake has succeeded, why wouldn’t she retreat with confidential information? At this point, how she did it is no longer key—what matters is my subsequent attitude and actions.

The more reckless and foolish he appeared, the more besotted he seemed by beauty, the more others would believe there truly was a Master Junzi lurking behind him with hidden achievements, and that the information she had previously disclosed was genuine.

After all, he and this hidden stake belonged to opposing camps—she would eagerly wish for his downfall. After this episode, Jiang Chonghai would likely not harbor the slightest doubt anymore.

Have Jiang Chonghai prepare a multi-storied warship for me, Qin Shaozong reiterated, then added, Mo Yanyun, you will accompany me. Yan San remains at Jiang Mansion.

Seeing Mo Yanyun hesitate to speak, Qin Shaozong scoffed, Years ago in the Northern Territory, I hunted down the Wuhuan prince Langye, took his head amidst twenty thousand Wuhuan jackals, and after succeeding, was pursued for a hundred li—yet I still managed to withdraw unscathed. Even if Li Zan has many capable followers with both wisdom and courage, could the local terrain here possibly be more treacherous than the Northern Territory?

The Northern Territory’s grasslands were vast, where nomadic tribes followed water and pasture. There were no dense forests—only yellow sands or sparse low grasses. With no cover, one could see far into the distance, leaving nowhere to hide.

But inside the Great Wall was different—undulating mountains and endless forests provided ample hiding places.

Mo Yanyun and Yan San exchanged a glance, both simultaneously recalling an old incident from years past.

Back when the Qin family hadn’t yet grown so powerful, there was once a prominent Wu clan in the Northern Territory that rivaled the Qins in strength and influence. Normally, two prominent families like these would resolve their conflicts through marriage alliances, fostering harmonious relations for mutual benefit.

But the Qin and Wu families were an exception, for they bore a blood feud stemming from their ancestors.

Qin Shaozong’s paternal granduncle—the designated heir of the Qin family at the time—had indirectly died at the hands of the Wu family. The Qins naturally refused to let the matter rest, attacking the Wu family through overt and covert means. Not only did they cause the Wu family to lose their own heir, but also cost them a nearly secured governorship.

The Wu family seethed with hatred, wishing they could devour their flesh and gnaw their bones. The conflict soon spread to the younger generation… or rather, the Wu family targeted several direct descendants of the Qin clan, aiming to eradicate them root and branch and leave the Qins without successors.

Back then, the young Lord, not yet twenty, was sent on a distant mission by his father when he was ambushed by hundreds of assassins on the road. The Lord immediately abandoned his horse and fled into the mountains.

After three days and two nights, all of the Wu family’s hunters lay dead. The Lord efficiently completed his mission, leisurely returned home, and even had the composure to personally write a letter of admonishment to the Wu family, suggesting they send more skilled men next time.

How the Wu family raged afterward and how they eventually fell need not be detailed here. Suffice to say, once the Lord entered the mountains, it was like a fish returning to the ocean or a bird soaring into the vast sky.

If he didn’t wish to be caught, no one could truly capture him.

The two men felt their worries ease.

Qin Shaozong took the Talisman from Yan San’s hand and applied slight pressure. The bamboo Talisman cracked under the strain. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If we can devour Li Zan’s main forces in this operation, capturing Ying Province afterward will be as easy as taking something from a bag. Using the letters and other evidence in Li Zan’s possession, we can then remove all officials—big and small—who colluded with him under this pretext, and replace them with our own people.

Mo Yanyun and Yan San bowed with clasped hands, offering no further words.

But secretly, Mo Yanyun kept muttering to himself: Actually, he thought an eighty percent chance was quite high. Was the Lord truly seeking absolute certainty, or was he unwilling to simply abandon Madam Dai?

Or perhaps, both?

Main Hall.

My Lord, this is…

Jiang Chonghai looked at the several individuals Hu Bao had brought back, feigning ignorance though he knew perfectly well. The news of Dai Li’s disappearance—or rather, her opportunistic departure from the city—had already reached his ears.

When he first heard of it, Jiang Chonghai was greatly astonished. His initial thought was wondering which faction Madam Dai belonged to, that she could possess such remarkable skill to have completely fooled even Qin Shaozong.

His second thought was to question the authenticity of the words spoken through Dai Li’s mouth—had Qin Shaozong truly expressed wanting to take her to see the peach forest?

But as events unfolded, Jiang Chonghai’s doubts gradually diminished. Qin Shaozong appeared unable to swallow this humiliation, determined to dig to the bottom of the matter and recapture her.

Qin Shaozong replied, Madam Dai’s disappearance is connected to these individuals. I request that Lord Jiang temporarily lend me this main hall for interrogations.

By all means, My Lord. This humble official also wishes to learn who would be so bold as to persuade Your Lordship’s favored consort to run away from home. Jiang Chonghai smiled benignly, his words making clear his intention to observe.

Hu Bao looked toward Qin Shaozong, who said indifferently, Speak plainly.

Hu Bao first pointed to the young woman on the far left and said, Lord, this person is a maidservant from the Auspicious Silk Shop. She has been unaccounted for during the last hour of the afternoon over the past two days, and the managers of both Bright Moon Residence and Secluded Orchid Courtyard have confirmed she is the one who deposited the package.

Jiang Chonghai asked curiously, My wife previously informed me that there was only one depositor. Why have you brought back two young women and one man?

Hu Bao replied, The one in the middle is a maidservant from Prosperity Silk Shop. This woman had previously arranged transportation out of the city for Madam Dai.

This discovery turned out to be an entirely unexpected boon.

At that time, Hu Bao led Dingxiang and Taoxiang to intensively investigate silk and cloth shops, attempting to screen out all suspicious individuals. Unexpectedly, he noticed a maidservant behaving strangely. When he dragged her out for questioning, she became utterly terrified.

Upon interrogation, the maidservant indeed proved problematic.

Hu Bao then pointed at a brawny man dressed in short attire: This man is related to the maidservant from Prosperity Silk Shop. At her request, he escorted Madam Dai out of the city to White Horse Ford.

The three individuals trembled like chaff sieves, never imagining that a simple transaction would not only alert the city guards but even draw the personal attention of Lord Jiang.

Considering Lord Jiang’s earlier attitude toward the man he addressed as Lord, it was evident the latter held an equal or higher official rank.

Without further interrogation, the brawny man spilled everything like pouring beans from a basket—including Madam Dai’s attire at the time, how she inquired about the fastest route to Qiantang after arriving at White Horse Ford, and his own recommendations. Finally, he stammered: …My Lord, this humble commoner is truly wronged! Had I known the passenger was a nobleman’s consort, I would never have dared escort her from the city!

Jiang Chonghai completely ignored the man’s subsequent pleas, stroking his chin with two thick fingers. Sun-Moon Ford, Taiping County.

Suddenly recalling something, he asked Qin Shaozong, My Lord, I just heard from Yan Xiaowei that you requested a multi-storied warship? Do you intend to send someone to retrieve Madam Dai?

Qin Shaozong: I’m going personally.

Jiang Chonghai stared blankly, then expressed astonishment: You personally?

Qin Shaozong nodded. This is the first time I’ve been fooled so thoroughly by a woman. Unless I capture Dai Li myself, I cannot quell my fury. Moreover, Taiping County doesn’t border Ying County, so that salt smuggler surnamed Li likely won’t know of my arrival. A quick round trip should pose few problems.

Jiang Chonghai secretly sneered, thinking reputation indeed exceeded reality. He had believed the Northern Territory had bred a fierce tiger, but now it appeared more like a wildcat. Once Qin Shaozong departed, he would immediately send word to Brother Li, ensuring this northern wildcat would never return!

Suppressing his surging emotions, Jiang Chonghai gestured toward the three captives, his tone as casual as discussing weeds in stone cracks: My Lord, how would you like to deal with these people?

Ignorance shouldn’t be punished. They’re merely innocent commoners who cooperated during questioning. Release them all. Having spoken, Qin Shaozong again raised the matter of the warship, his words implicitly urging Jiang Chonghai to prepare the vessel quickly.

Jiang Chonghai smiled like the Maitreya Buddha, silently scoffing at such womanly compassion, yet feeling considerably reassured.

Heavy night spread across the firmament, the deep silence broken only when the eastern gate of Nankang County slowly creaked open during the thickest darkness before dawn. A contingent rode out, their commotion startling the dozing gate guards.

Who’s making such a grand procession?

Marquis Qin and Lord Jiang are leaving the city together. I overheard the latter is escorting the former to White Horse Ford.

White Horse Ford? What business brings them to the ferry in the dead of night?

How would I know about noblemen’s affairs?

White Horse Ford.

A two-story warship stood moored at the dock. Qin Shaozong swung down from his horse. Lord Jiang, no need to see me further. This is far enough.

Jiang Chonghai also dismounted, squinting as he watched a group of soldiers board the warship first. He noted with inner contempt that the escort numbered barely thirty—this Qin Shaozong truly didn’t know his own limitations.

On the surface, Jiang Chonghai bowed deeply. I wish the Lord to take good care of himself. This humble official awaits good news from the Lord in Nankang Commandery. May the Lord achieve all his wishes on this journey.

Qin Shaozong replied with a half-smile, I accept your auspicious words.

After Qin Mo and the others finally boarded the ship, the plank connecting the multi-storied warship to the shore was retracted.

Yan San stood on the bank with several soldiers to see them off. When the warship was completely out of sight, he and the remaining scattered soldiers led over the horses.

Jiang Chonghai secretly exchanged a glance with one of his retinue members. Understanding the signal, the man suddenly called out asking if anyone needed to relieve themselves.

Several people responded immediately—all from Jiang Chonghai’s retinue. They went together into the nearby woods, where the sound of flowing water was heard before they returned one after another.

Yan San’s gaze swept over the returning Jiang Mansion retinue and noticed one person was missing. However, he didn’t voice this, pretending to be unaware as he left White Horse Ford with Jiang Chonghai and the others.

After the hoofbeats faded beyond hearing, a figure stealthily emerged from the grass. Moving along the ford, they eventually found a covered boat hidden in a dense thicket.

A man in a straw raincoat and hat was inside the boat. Without a word, he untied the moorings and pushed off from the bank with an oar.

The covered boat drifted leisurely from shore, then was swiftly carried eastward by the rapid current.

The morning sun rose in the east, its gentle breeze sweeping across the river and carrying moist air toward the bustling shore. The morning at Riyue Ford was undoubtedly lively—filled with boisterous chatter and occasional donkey brays.

Fishing boats of all sizes, laden with catches, docked one after another. Basket after basket of fish were loaded onto donkey carts on the shore. Secondary fish merchants haggled with boat owners before handing over silver coins, after which some returned to the city while others departed from the shore.

In another corner of Riyue Ford, passenger multi-storied warships began disembarking travelers.

A tall but ordinary-looking figure descended from a large warship. As if new to the area, she walked slowly.

Since disembarking, Dai Li’s mood had improved further, but being alone in unfamiliar territory, she remained vigilant. Donkey carts waited along the shore—a few copper coins could spare her the hardship of walking.

Yet Dai Li didn’t take one. After discreet observation, she noticed those willing to pay for rides were mostly in groups and well-dressed, practically flaunting their financial comfort.

Adjusting her veil hat, she followed the crowd southward on foot. After more than an hour, an ancient commandery city entered Dai Li’s view. She paused to observe, frowning beneath her veil hat.

This Taiping Commandery was clearly not as large as Nankang Commandery.

Smaller territories breed chaos more easily.

But it didn’t matter. It was still morning, and she had plenty of time to pass through Taiping Commandery and continue south to Zhuya Ford. Once boarding a long-distance warship at Zhuya Ford, safety would no longer be a concern.

She didn’t get carsick or seasick—last night’s warship experience had earned high marks from Dai Li.

Using a talisman to enter the city.

Inside, Dai Li didn’t head south immediately. Instead, she found a food stall, planning to appease her stomach before leaving the city.

The morning food stall was bustling. Amid the noise, Dai Li listened to vendors’ calls, bargaining, and casual conversations.

Things have been chaotic outside lately. My peddler cousin told me the Governors of Qingzhou and Yanzhou apparently had a major conflict over suppressing the Azure Lotus Sect, ending with their armies clashing.

Someone drew a sharp, hissing breath. They’ve started fighting? But the border between Qingzhou and Yanzhou isn’t that close to us. The impact shouldn’t be too significant.

Heh, who says it’s not significant? The fighting’s intense, and several bandit dens in the nearby mountains have already fled when they saw the situation turning sour. My cousin says one group of bandits simply headed north and settled near Taiping County. Haven’t you noticed that the multi-storied warships haven’t been coming to Zhuya Ford lately?

Dai Li, who was eating noodles, abruptly stopped.

Someone chimed in, They wouldn’t stop coming entirely, right? I suspect it’s just a temporary lull. The Qi River isn’t as mighty as the Hutuo River, and Zhuya Ford was already smaller in scale. It’s common for ferrymen to lay low for a while and wait for more passengers. After all, there will always be people heading south—why would they pass up the chance to earn silver?

Tsk, you just don’t get it. Have you taken a good look at Qingzhou and Yanzhou? They’re surrounded by mountains and rivers, with abundant waterways. The bandits from those regions are all like fish in water—toss them into a river, and they swim as naturally as fish. Sure, ferrymen want to earn silver, but they value their lives and boats even more!

Dai Li’s heart sank steadily.

It seemed there might be no southbound ships at Zhuya Ford for the time being.

Author’s Note: Here we are, here we are, entering the country bumpkin phase shy! How many esteemed VIPs have made it this far? Let Dengdeng see let me see!

Lastly, placing my bowl here to ask for nutrient solution shy