My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 23: Capture Her and Bring Her Back!

Chapter 23: Capture Her and Bring Her Back!

Some matters shouldn’t be judged by only one side of the story. After finishing her noodles, an unwilling Dai Li set down her bowl and headed straight for the marketplace.

Places with many people were convenient for gathering information, and traveling merchants were particularly well-informed. When asking them questions, these merchants—who often exaggerated the value of their own goods—wouldn’t conceal anything but would tell you everything they knew, even volunteering information you hadn’t asked about.

Zhuya Ford? Yes, recently the multi-storied warships haven’t been coming there anymore. When did this start? About four or five days ago, I think. It began when a boatman’s vessel was hijacked by river bandits. Those bandits had no honor and were utterly ruthless—even after the boatman surrendered his ship, they still killed him to silence any witnesses. After this news spread, many boatmen were terrified out of their wits. They sailed away overnight and stopped approaching Zhuya Ford. At least for now, there are no ships there.

You ask why the authorities aren’t handling this? Hah, I shouldn’t speak too plainly about this. Roughly speaking, there’s a particularly cunning fellow among these river bandits who’s excellent at currying favor and building connections. He’s been throwing large sums of silver up there… The peddler pointed skyward, …buying immunity for their lives. You’re asking about other quick routes south? Since you mentioned Zhuya Ford earlier, you must already know there’s fighting in the south. Once war breaks out, what ‘quick routes’ are there left? Being able to travel safely is already fortunate enough.

…Well, yes, you could follow escorts or merchant caravans heading south. But in times like these, it’s best to choose large, reputable escort agencies or merchant groups. The former aren’t available here in Taiping County, as for the latter… The peddler grinned and pointed at himself, …one group just returned, fully loaded with goods, and has no immediate plans for long-distance travel.

Having said this, the peddler continued enthusiastically promoting his tea and spices to Dai Li.

Dai Li politely declined and turned to leave.

It seemed confirmed that the passenger multi-storied warships at Zhuya Ford had dispersed. The water route was impassable—she would have to consider traveling by land.

Perhaps because she had only been sailing for half a day, Dai Li felt an indescribable anxiety and unease.

Her departure from the city couldn’t remain hidden for long. If that man investigated thoroughly, the silk shop maid would inevitably be uncovered. Following that trail, the carter who helped her leave the city might also be exposed.

Once the carter was found, he would certainly know she was in Taiping County.

But would he really pursue the matter to the end?

The little white angel with wings said: He won’t. Qin Shaozong is busy dealing with Lord Jiang right now, and after Lord Jiang there’s a major salt smuggler waiting for him. How would he have time to care about a small fry like you? Besides, Taiping County is closer to Ying County—would he dare come alone? But if he wanted to bring troops, where would he find multi-storied warships to transport his three thousand soldiers!

The little black devil with wings said: Hah, Qin Shaozong is far too arrogant. Counting the first time, you’ve fooled him twice now—do you really think he can swallow that anger? A man of such profound cunning can change plans as easily as drinking water. It’s only half a day’s journey from Nankang County. If he sets out at night, he could arrive by noon or afternoon the next day. What’s to stop him from making a quick lightning strike and then leaving? Better safe than sorry!

The two little figures fought wildly, until finally the little devil pulled out a large hammer and sent the little angel flying.

Dai Li looked up at the sky.

It was nearly the end of the Chen hour—she still had a brief period of absolute safety.

She needed to solve tonight’s accommodation problem first.

The Courier Station wasn’t very safe anymore.

Dai Li pondered for a long while, first going to the Courier Station to pay for storing her bundle, then seeking out a medical clinic, and finally heading to a fabric shop. After spending a bit more money, she obtained information about several embroiderers from the shop’s young assistant.

In this era, there were no dedicated embroidery workshops; embroiderers worked independently or were directly employed by fabric or silk shops. Whether independent or employed, they all worked from home.

Knock, knock.

Hearing the knocking, the homeowner first called out, Who is it? There was no response from outside, only another two knocks on the door.

The homeowner had no choice but to set down her needlework and go to open the door. With a creaking sound of the wooden hinge, Lin Erniang saw a woman standing outside wearing a veiled hat.

The woman was tall and slender, her clothes worn and old. Even without seeing her face, she looked unfamiliar—not like any neighbor from around here.

Who are you? Lin Erniang asked warily.

She had recently lost her husband and lived alone with her son. These days, widows were strongly encouraged to remarry, and not long ago, she had accepted a marriage proposal. She was to be married soon and was currently preparing for the wedding at home.

My surname is Rong. I am an embroiderer from the south. I heard through inquiries that you, Madam Lin, are one of the most skilled embroiderers in this area, so I came to pay you a visit, Dai Li said softly.

Hearing that she was an embroiderer, Lin Erniang’s wariness lessened somewhat. The other party was a woman, less threatening than a tall, burly man, and people always feel a sense of security around things they are familiar with and skilled in.

Even so, Lin Erniang did not invite Dai Li inside but asked at the door, What brings you to me?

Dai Li explained calmly, My elder brother is a traveling merchant. Recently, I accompanied him north for business. After purchasing goods in the Northern Territory, we were heading south when we encountered water bandits at Zhuya Ford. Although we lost all our goods, we managed to escape with our lives. Among the lost items was a very important custom embroidery order I had almost completed. Unfortunately, after this incident, I had to start over from scratch. However, my hands were injured during the encounter with the bandits, and I am unable to work on the new embroidery.

As she spoke, Dai Li pushed up her left sleeve slightly.

Lin Erniang followed her gesture and gasped softly.

Heavens, her hand was wrapped up like a zongzi—so thoroughly that not even her fingers were visible. How severe was the injury? No wonder she had caught a whiff of medicinal scent earlier; it must have been coming from there.

The news of water bandits near Zhuya Ford was well-known locally, so Lin Erniang had no reason to doubt her. Moreover, from the implications in Madam Rong’s words, it seemed she likely wanted to seek her help in rushing the embroidery.

This was business coming her way.

Lin Erniang stepped aside. Please, come in.

Dai Li entered slowly.

There’s no one else here. My son is only four years old. You may remove your veiled hat, Lin Erniang said, closing the door.

I have a dark birthmark on my face—it’s quite startling. I hope you won’t be alarmed, Madam Lin, Dai Li said as she lifted the hat.

Though forewarned, Lin Erniang was still taken aback when she saw the fierce black birthmark covering nearly half of the woman’s face and immediately averted her gaze.

The image lingered in her mind.

It stretched from her temple down to the bridge of her nose, covering her entire left eye and extending to the jaw on the same side.

What did it resemble?

It looked like a black flame imprinted on her face—as if, during rebirth, the entire pot of Meng Po’s soup had spilled, and the flames beneath had scorched her face with a fiery mark.

Dai Li put the veiled hat back on. My apologies for startling you.

Lin Erniang swallowed awkwardly, N-no, please sit. Would you like some tea? I’ll brew some for you.

Dai Li did not refuse.

For a moment, only the bubbling sound of boiling water remained in the room, creating an awkward atmosphere. Lin Erniang stole several glances at the young woman across from her, worried that she might have offended her earlier and would face price reductions later. She was currently preparing for her wedding, and with the boys in her household having hearty appetites, money was truly tight.

Lin Erniang initiated the conversation, May I ask what kind of pattern you’d like me to embroider, miss?

Dai Li: A landscape of mountains and rivers.

Lin Erniang froze.

The embroidery work she usually took on involved patterns of flowers, birds, fish, or insects, or at worst, plant motifs and characters.

How was she supposed to embroider a landscape of mountains and rivers?

Dai Li explained: My client was a traveler in his youth, having journeyed through famous mountains and beautiful waters across vast landscapes. In his old age, he wishes to reminisce about the past, hence he’s searching for someone to embroider the landscapes from his memories. Having traveled north and south with my brother for business, I’ve seen countless mountains and rivers, which fits his requirements. That’s why he initially chose me.

As if aware of Lin Erniang’s concerns, Dai Li continued: Don’t worry, this landscape embroidery isn’t difficult. I’ll describe it and you embroider, doing as much as you can. I’ll pay you according to the progress. There’s just one thing…

What is it? Lin Erniang quickly responded.

Dai Li: I need to constantly monitor the progress of the landscape embroidery to adjust details promptly and avoid errors. I’ll likely need to stay at your residence.

This was something Lin Erniang hadn’t anticipated. She remained silent for a moment. Hosting a stranger she’d only met once in her home felt unsettling no matter how she thought about it.

Tap. A stack of silver coins was placed on the table.

I won’t stay for free. Consider this payment for accommodation and occasional meals. Dai Li smiled and placed another stack of money. After losing my goods, I also misplaced my needles and threads. If you’re willing to take this order, this should cover the cost of materials. Also, only I will be staying at your residence. My brother is staying at the Courier Station and won’t come to disturb you.

Lin Erniang’s gaze fell upon the money on the table.

This is my Talisman. I’m a lawful citizen, you can rest assured. Dai Li produced a wooden plaque. Her left hand was bandaged, so she used her right hand to hold the Talisman, her index and middle fingers pressed together against the edge of the small bamboo plaque, just covering the surname.

From Lin Erniang’s perspective across the table, she could only see the single character Li in the name field.

Dai Li merely showed it briefly without handing it over, storing the Talisman away after displaying it.

My humble home is quite simple. I hope you won’t mind, miss, Lin Erniang said somewhat nervously.

This was her agreement to let Dai Li stay at her home.

Dai Li’s eyes curved into smiles as she pushed the two stacks of silver coins across the table. Pleasure working with you. I’ll go to the Courier Station to inform my brother and bring my luggage over.After leaving Lin Erniang’s home, the time had reached mid-morning. Dai Li pressed her lips together in thought for a while, went to the Courier Station to retrieve her bundle, but then left the city with her belongings.

The brand new two-story multi-storied warship sailed with the wind, its bow cutting through the river surface creating overlapping 8 shaped patterns, while the warm orange glow of the setting sun cast upon it, sparkling with a layer of brilliant golden fragments.

After six hours of sailing, this multi-storied warship departing from Nan-k’ang Commandery finally reached its destination.

As the warship docked, long planks were positioned to connect both ends. A group of strong, robust guards disembarked efficiently. They wore neat uniforms, their expressions cold, their eyes shining with chilling intensity like concealed blades.

Those working at Riyue Crossing, passenger carriers, and hidden anglers all turned to watch the scene.

The clamor by the shore seemed to abruptly cool with their arrival, only reigniting after they had departed.

Whose private troops are those, with such an intimidating presence? Just now, when that burly man with thick eyebrows glanced my way, it sent a chill straight to my core.

Could they be from the Zhu family? I heard they were ambushed by river bandits at Zhuya Ford a few days ago and suffered heavy losses. Perhaps they’ve hired reinforcements to eradicate the bandits?

Don’t be foolish. Look at the knives at their waists—all uniform in specifications, with sheaths of superior quality. The Zhu family lacks such resources.

Best not to pry or provoke. They’re not here for us, anyway.

Qin Shaozong passed through the city gates just before they closed for the night. Once inside, he didn’t immediately seek out his contact but instead went to the administrative office of Taiping Commandery.

The Lord of Taiping Commandery was surnamed Deng, with the given name Tuo. He was already in his sixties.

Current regulations stipulated that officials retire at seventy, meaning they stepped down at that age. Deng Tuo still had a few years left before his term ended, but the older he grew, the more timid he became. In recent years, his demeanor had become increasingly sluggish.

Tonight, like many nights before, Deng Tuo sat by the window, enjoying his evening meal while admiring the peach blossoms swaying in the breeze in the courtyard, utterly at ease.

My Lord, a—a distinguished guest has arrived! a servant hurriedly announced at that moment.

Deng Tuo slowly swallowed the beef in his mouth. Why such panic? Who is it?

Qin Shaozong… it’s Lord Qin…

The servant’s first words were too soft, and Deng Tuo only caught the surname Qin. His graying eyebrows furrowed.

Qin?

There were no prominent Qin families in the commandery, but there were many Qin branches in Youzhou to the north and neighboring Bingzhou.

What business could someone from the Qin family have with him?

Could it be a passing merchant whose goods were seized by those river bandits at Zhuya Ford? That would be troublesome…

My Lord, it is Lord Qin who has come—the clan leader of the Qin family from the Northern Territory, the servant repeated, louder this time.

Clatter. The jade chopsticks in Deng Tuo’s hand fell to the table.

Stunned for a moment, Deng Tuo quickly rose, abandoning his meal, and hurried out. Why would Lord Qin come to this insignificant place? No time to dwell on it. Go to the Li residence at once and inform the eldest son, who is drinking there, that Lord Qin of the Northern Territory has arrived. Tell him to return immediately to serve as host.

Deng Tuo halted abruptly before entering the main hall, straightening his attire and taking a deep breath. He resolved not to appear too inferior, despite the vast gap in their ranks. Yet, the moment he stepped into the hall, his legs turned to jelly.

On either side of the reception hall stood over a dozen burly men. They wore light armor, carried ring-pommel knives at their waists, and their muscular arms, clad in bracers, bulged with defined strength. As he emerged from the side corridor, the soldiers turned their gaze toward him.

Deng Tuo’s white beard trembled. He could almost smell the blend of yellow sand and blood from the battlefield.

Only one man sat in the main hall. He was imposing, with broad shoulders and long legs, seated with such authority that he seemed to bring with him an overwhelming, mountain-like presence. The weight of years had accumulated into a profound dignity around him.

Hearing the commotion, he looked over. His brown eyes were stern and cold, the fine lines at their corners sharp as blades. Though he showed no anger, his aura was intimidating enough to freeze one’s heart.

All doubt vanished from Deng Tuo’s mind.

It truly was Qin Shaozong!

Circumstances compel me to visit unannounced. I hope Lord Deng will not take offense, Qin Shaozong said, though he made no move to rise from his chair, his tone leaving no room for apology.

Deng Tuo bowed deeply with a grand salute. My Lord, your heroic bearing and majestic appearance are extraordinary, your prestige resounds like thunder. Your esteemed presence truly brings radiance to my humble abode—how could there be any mention of ‘trouble’? I merely wonder what matter brings you here. If there is any way this humble official can assist, I would go through fire and water without hesitation.

Qin Shaozong gestured for him to rise, not bothering to rephrase his request. In recent months, I took a concubine. This woman greatly pleased me, and I kept her by my side day and night with much fondness. Unexpectedly, she turned out to be a spy sent by others. She stole some confidential documents and fled when I let my guard down.

Deng Tuo paled in shock, simultaneously feeling inexplicably uneasy. My Lord, could this woman be hiding in Taiping County now?

Seventy to eighty percent likely. Qin Shaozong didn’t state it definitively.

Deng Tuo hurriedly responded, Please set your heart at ease, My Lord. Taiping County isn’t large, so finding one person shouldn’t be difficult. Kindly describe her specific details, and this humble official will immediately dispatch men to arrest her. Once thrown into the dungeon, we’ll apply all eighteen forms of torture—I guarantee she’ll confess even if unwilling.

Mo Yanyun felt his brow twitching upon hearing this.

Could Prefect Deng be so aged that he lacked any sense of romance? The Lord had first stated this woman greatly pleased me, followed by with much fondness, yet he dared suggest applying all eighteen tortures?

Qin Shaozong first described the information on Dai Li’s Talisman, then added, She stands about seven chi three cun tall, with well-proportioned frame, peach-blossom eyes, and a cinnabar mole on her forehead. However, traveling alone, she’ll certainly be disguised. Focus your search among women with dark skin and ugly appearances.

His tone hardened slightly at the end. Once captured, I will personally conduct the interrogation. Prefect Deng need only assist in locating her—no further involvement is required.

Deng Tuo belatedly realized he had overstepped. Forcing an awkward smile, he said, Your words are most wise, My Lord. After all, she is your person—how to deal with her is your decision to make.

Qin Shaozong declared, Night requires lodging. Let us first proceed to the county’s Courier Station.

Superior’s orders blaze like fire; how dare subordinates be sluggish?

If one pulled the perspective from ground level to midair, overlooking the entire county from above, one would see numerous teams departing the Prefect’s office beneath the pitch-black night, winding like long snakes toward the county’s Courier Stations.

The Courier Station manager stared wide-eyed at the soldiers striding in. Wh-what is this about? This humble civilian dares ask what fault our humble establishment has committed, valiant sirs.

The lead soldier replied, Don’t panic. It’s nothing major—just searching for someone. Bring out your guest registry for the past two days.

Similar scenes played out across different Courier Stations with largely identical outcomes, until one particular station—

Dai Li? Yes, yes! This woman arrived this afternoon. She’s in the room at the far left corner upstairs, the station manager said urgently.

Boss, let’s hurry and inform the nobleman! a junior soldier eagerly suggested, hoping to claim credit.

But the squad leader kept his wits about him and asked the manager, What does this woman look like, and how tall is she?

The manager remembered clearly. She’s seven chi three cun tall, with dark skin, face ugly enough to shame salt, and carries a sour odor.

The squad leader thought, Perfect match—every detail aligns. This is the one! He instructed his subordinates, Guard the front and back doors. No one enters or leaves. I’ll return to inform the nobleman.

In less than a quarter-hour, Qin Shaozong appeared at the Courier Station’s entrance.

The courier station was completely surrounded, with the innkeeper and all the servants huddled trembling in the corner behind the counter, like frightened chicks forcibly dragged from their nest.

Qin Shaozong had already learned on the way that Dai Li was on the second floor. Upon entering the station, he paid no attention to anything else and went straight upstairs.

The second floor was guarded by soldiers, and all travelers were confined to their rooms. Qin Shaozong walked directly to the room at the farthest corner and pushed the door open.

With a creak, the door swung open.

Light instantly spilled out from within, and along with the brightness came a stench even more foul than spoiled rice.

The soldier who had informed Qin Shaozong instinctively took a step back, overwhelmed by the odor, but noticed the tall man in front remained as steady as a mountain. He couldn’t help but silently admire his composure.

Truly, this was a man who had descended from battlefields littered with corpses—unfazed even by such a foul stench.

A cold laugh suddenly rang out.

The soldier shuddered, a chill creeping up from the soles of his feet. For a moment, it was as if he had glimpsed an enraged tiger in the forest, clawing through thick branches.

But hadn’t they already found her?

Why was the noble lord still displeased? Could it be that this wasn’t the right person…

Inside the room, a tall woman in her forties stared fearfully at the crowd outside the door. Who are you? she asked.

She wore a gray-black ruqun, her skin dark and wrinkled, clearly having endured a life of hardship. The suffocating stench came from a pile of clothes in the corner, apparently recently changed and not yet washed.

The talisman—who gave it to you? Qin Shaozong stood at the doorway without entering.

Sensing the danger, the woman dared not hesitate. I found it, on the ground.

Fearing disbelief, she hurriedly added, It really was just lying there, in the northern outskirts of the city. I was walking and suddenly noticed a bundle. The cloth wrapping it was quite old, but I thought there was no harm in looking—maybe there was something valuable inside. And indeed, there was…

Inside the bundle were a set of clothes, a talisman, and even some silver coins, as if someone had carelessly lost them.

She was a refugee with nothing to her name, on the brink of starvation. In such dire straits, there was no room for principles like not picking up lost items on the road. Survival came first, so she immediately took the bundle and entered the city.

My Lord, could it be that Madam Dai lost the talisman? Mo Yanyun asked, incredulous.

Qin Shaozong turned to leave. She had two talismans. If she had lost the bundle, only one would be missing. There’s no need to search the courier stations in the commandery any further—she is definitely not here.

Mo Yanyun quickly followed. Then where should we search?

Qin Shaozong replied gravely, Brothels, cloth shops, and the residences of women associated with them—any place with a high concentration of women must be thoroughly inspected.

Mo Yanyun nodded in agreement.

It made sense. If Madam Dai was traveling alone and not staying at a courier station, she would likely seek refuge in places with many women, as those would be relatively safer.

Qin Shaozong added, Also, post notices throughout the commandery tomorrow, announcing that a female thief has entered the city. Warn all households not to carelessly take in outsiders. Meanwhile, station guards at all four city gates to strictly inspect every woman leaving the city.

Run? Hide?

He would see just where she could run and where she could hide!

Once he dragged this fox back by the tail, he would make sure she learned her lesson.

Author’s Note: Nearly 6k words, praise me now proudly puffing chest extending paw attempting to demand nutrient solution