My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 28: If You Can’t Take Care of Her, Bring Me Your Head...

Chapter 28: If You Can’t Take Care of Her, Bring Me Your Head…

The room fell silent, the temperature plummeted, and the air seemed to freeze, sending chills down one’s spine.

Hearing his cold laugh, Dai Li quickly added, My Talismans have all been confiscated by you. Without them, I can’t travel far. I really need to buy something in the city this time.

If there’s anything you want to buy, just tell Mo Yanyun, and he’ll bring it back for you, Qin Shaozong said.

Dai Li cautiously glanced at him. Some things are inconvenient.

What’s inconvenient about a simple request? Qin Shaozong retorted.

Seeing her feigned obedience, the fire that had never truly extinguished in his heart flared up again. Or are you planning to contact this person, bribe that one? Let me tell you, Dai Li, don’t even think about it! Those who took your silver and helped you escape have all been imprisoned. Should I sentence them to six years of hard labor or simply give them a hundred lashes and beat their flesh to pulp?

With each word he spoke, Dai Li’s lips tightened further. When she heard that the maids and coachman had been thrown into prison, her face turned pale. Lord… My Lord, in the past, you tirelessly led troops to Bolei Mountain to eradicate bandits for the people, protecting the region from bandit raids for over a decade. This shows you are a man of broad-mindedness who cares for the world. They helped me without knowing the full story. Ignorance should not be punished. Why trouble yourself with mere commoners?

Qin Shaozong twisted his jade thumb ring and suddenly said, Didn’t you claim you lived in Peach Blossom Garden?

If it was isolated from the world, how did she know about the outside?

I heard it from the squad leader in the cave last night, Dai Li murmured, lowering her eyes.

After she spoke, the room fell silent again.

Hearing no response, Dai Li slowly looked up. The man before her remained cold and displeased, but he seemed less furious than before.

Qin Shaozong dropped the subject of the prisoners and returned to the original topic. What do you need to buy?

Dai Li no longer hid the truth. Menstrual belts.

She glanced at him again and added, My Monthly Blood has come. I can’t do without menstrual belts. It wouldn’t be appropriate to have Mo Duwei bring them back for me.

The words Monthly Blood has come struck Qin Shaozong’s forehead, making his veins twitch.

Monthly Blood again…

Didn’t your Monthly Blood come just a few days ago? Qin Shaozong’s tone was sharp.

Dai Li averted her eyes and said euphemistically, This time it’s real.

Qin Shaozong’s face darkened.

If this time was real, then the previous time was fake. Not only had she lied about a healthy woman’s Monthly Blood lasting seven days, but she hadn’t even had it at all.

Then what about your discomfort in bed earlier? His tone grew even sharper.

Dai Li slowly bowed her head and said nothing.

Qin Shaozong’s gaze was icy. I don’t recall gagging you, my lady. Or do you have a fondness for that wretched cloth and want to get used to it early?

Without looking up, Dai Li murmured, …The discomfort was because I sprained my ankle.

Her voice was soft and somewhat muffled, but Qin Shaozong caught every word.

Crack. Something seemed to shatter.

The fire in his chest flared violently, roaring like oil poured on flames. For a moment, he wanted to simply deal with her right then and there. Otherwise, he might not die wrapped in a horsehide shroud or fall to an assassin’s blade—but rather, be driven to an early grave by her sheer audacity.

Utterly absurd, and a laughingstock for the world.

Dai Li keenly sensed a chilling coldness and immediately looked up, saying, That was before. I won’t deceive you from now on.

Standing by the window, half her figure bathed in sunlight streaming through the panes, she possessed dark pupils and snow-white skin, her graceful form exuding an ethereal beauty. Though clad in the plainest gray-black dress and devoid of any adornments, she still radiated a startling brilliance like polished jade, resembling a luminous pearl temporarily resting on coarse, dark cloth—her soft, glowing elegance all the more pronounced by contrast.

She watched him nervously, her peach-blossom eyes gentle as water, the vermilion mark between her brows strikingly vivid.

Yet Qin Shaozong was once again provoked to bitter laughter. Now she knew how to play obedient—truly adaptable to circumstances. If you remain obstinate this time, stubbornly scheming mischief, you can forget about keeping those legs. Every maid and carriage driver in Nan Kang County’s prison will suffer severe punishment because of you. Understood?

Dai Li nodded, thrilled at her success.

Ah, he agreed.

Qin Shaozong’s face remained cold. Speak.

Dai Li didn’t argue with him now. Understood.

Qin Shaozong: Leave. Send Mo Yanyun and Hu Bao in.

Dai Li immediately departed without delay, swiftly turning to exit.

Expressionless, Qin Shaozong removed the jade thumb ring riddled with cracks and tossed it into a nearby wastebasket.

Outside the room.

Mo Yanyun and Hu Bao still stood where they were. Hearing the door open, they simultaneously turned to look.

They were somewhat curious—curious whether Dai Li had dared to provoke the tiger.

Dai Li smiled. Gentlemen, the Lord requests your presence.

Seeing her able to smile, Mo Yanyun’s heart jolted.

Something was wrong. Had she truthfully told the Lord, and he actually agreed?

Impossible!

Both men were utterly bewildered. When they emerged from the room, they appeared even more dazed, Mo Yanyun nearly tripping over the threshold.

His mind was consumed by eight resounding words: Fail to guard her, and bring me your head.

Xi Men County was similar in scale to Tai Ping County. Dai Li wore a veiled hat, followed by Mo Yanyun, Hu Bao, and a group of elite soldiers.

They entered through the eastern city gate and split into two groups after entering the city. The group led by Dai Li and Mo Yanyun headed to the western market selling cloth; the other, led by Hu Bao, went to the southern market concentrated with medical clinics.

Ever since disembarking from the multi-storied warship, Mo Yanyun’s heart had been clenched tight, barely daring to blink for fear that in that instant, Dai Li might vanish into a wisp of smoke.

If Madam Dai disappeared, his life would be forfeit.

This time, however, Mo Yanyun worried unnecessarily—Dai Li had no intention of escaping. Currently, she possessed neither advantageous timing, favorable terrain, nor human support, so she only wished to procure some menstrual belts and gather information about locations.

Dai Li lingered near the cloth merchant’s shop. After spending over an hour, she left the city with her purchases, accompanied by Mo Yanyun and the others, returning to the multi-storied warship docked at the port.

Upon boarding, Mo Yanyun instinctively turned his head.

Ah, his head was safe.

Mo Duwei, the Lord is on the stern deck. He requests your presence, a soldier reported.

Mo Yanyun glanced toward the staircase. Dai Li had already ascended, leaving only a fleeting glimpse of gray-black skirt in his vision. The burly man rubbed his nose and turned toward the stern deck.

Originally parting ways, Dai Li’s group returned later. After they boarded, a bone whistle sounded long and clear, and the two multi-storied warships successively departed from the shore.

The afternoon sun was exceptionally bright, the rippling river shimmering with golden light—truly a scene of sparkling waves under fair weather. Countless splashing droplets refracted the sky’s radiance while reflecting the multi-storied warship from various angles, as if forming countless bizarre, kaleidoscopic microcosms.

Standing on the stern deck gazing into the distance, the distant city appeared to be gradually pushed away by an invisible hand, slowly shrinking.

Qin Shaozong heard footsteps but didn’t turn around. Any anomalies in the city?

Mo Yanyun: None. We encountered no special inspections this time. Entry and exit went smoothly. It seems Jiang Chonghai didn’t send a talisman to the local governor.

Qin Shaozong: How is she?

Though no name was mentioned, Mo Yanyun understood perfectly. Madam Dai went to a cloth merchant’s shop, hired an embroiderer to work for her, and spent most of her time there without visiting other places. Only…

Mo Yanyun hesitated briefly.

The report itself was ordinary, but reporting about a woman—especially in such meticulous detail—always made him feel like an informant, undermining his dignity as a man.

A gaze as cool as flowing water swept from the side, devoid of discernible emotion yet striking Mo Yanyun like a bucket of ice water poured over him during the dog days of summer, instantly jolting him awake.

He hurriedly added: Madam Dai did nothing else and contacted no one else. She just spoke rather extensively with the embroiderer. She asked which direction Ximen County lay from Taiping County, and upon hearing it was northwest, she seemed quite disappointed.

Mo Yanyun recalled the coachman mentioning Dai Li originally wanted to go to Qiantang. My Lord, could Madam Dai still be thinking about Qiantang despite her earlier plans?

Naturally. Her mind remains single-mindedly fixed on reaching Qiantang. Qin Shaozong’s eyes grew unfathomable.

Mo Yanyun fell silent, not daring to breathe.

Qin Shaozong then said: I recall one branch of the Qin clan specialized in commerce, led by a man named Qin Chong who took his lineage south to Yangzhou for business years ago. The leadership of that branch has likely changed by now. Send word back to Yuyang—have Yun Ce investigate who currently leads Qin Chong’s lineage and their precise whereabouts.

The Qin clan was a prominent Northern Territory family. With Qin Shaozong’s main branch holding immense influence, all collateral branches naturally took pride in this connection, eagerly maintaining frequent contact to intertwine like vines around a tree.

Thus, with the main branch’s current prominence, the central household maintained comprehensive records: which branches were where, their current heads, and family members.

Mo Yanyun’s face paled dramatically. My Lord, are you still considering helping Madam Dai find her son?

He knew Dai Li was searching for her son—he had personally participated in the thorough searches of Jiang Mansion and Nankang County under previous orders.

Madam Dai had repeatedly deceived the Lord, even later scheming to escape, nearly sabotaging the Lord’s grand plans. Given such misconduct, how could the Lord still consider helping her find her son?

Why go to such lengths!

Qin Shaozong didn’t deny it. Finding someone merely requires my command. Those without vulnerabilities will never learn obedience.

Yet Mo Yanyun remained deeply perplexed. But Qiantang lies thousands of li from Nankang County. Though Madam Dai’s young son was abducted while she was in Nankang, there’s no reason he’d be in Qiantang a thousand li away.

Not one or two li, nor even tens or hundreds, but over a thousand li. For ordinary travelers, crossing such distance would require at least several months.

Despite the great distance, why was she so adamant about Qiantang? And how could she be certain that her son hadn’t been moved elsewhere during the months of his disappearance?

Qin Shaozong merely said, Just carry it out.

…As you command.

Nankang County.

A fast horse galloped from the east, its hooves pounding through the night as it approached the eastern city gate. Once admitted, it raced straight to the largest and most luxurious mansion in the southern market.

Who visits at such a late hour? the gatekeeper grumbled, clearly displeased by the midnight visitor.

The outsider announced his identity.

The gatekeeper’s expression shifted dramatically, and he swiftly opened the door. So it’s the Battalion Leader! My apologies for the delay, please come in at once.

The man paid him no mind, striding urgently toward the main residence. Soon after, the main hall of Jiang Mansion was ablaze with light, bright as day.

Jiang Chonghai, roused from sleep, displayed neither anger nor fatigue—a rare occurrence. His eyes gleamed with an intense light. …Is it true? Was Qin Shaozong seriously wounded during the mountain ambush?

The messenger nodded. It’s said he had to be supported by his subordinates during the retreat, suggesting a critical injury. Moreover, when passing through Ximen County, his men took all the physicians from three clinics and cleared out most of their medicinal supplies.

Jiang Chonghai paced back and forth once, muttering to himself, A leaderless army—heaven-sent opportunity! Should I order him to march here directly? No, that wouldn’t be suitable…

Although the Dark Valiant Cavalry had lost its commander, they remained elite soldiers. A direct confrontation would surely incur losses for Brother Li.

Perhaps it would be better to send word to the Dark Valiant Cavalry outside the city, informing them of Qin Shaozong’s critical condition to throw them into disarray? That seemed feasible, but it required careful handling to avoid backlash.

I understand. You may rest now, Jiang Chonghai told his confidant.

Before Jiang Chonghai could finalize his plans, fortune smiled upon him—the very next day, an officer of the Dark Valiant Cavalry arrived at his mansion.

The visitor introduced himself as Su Xiuzhu, a tactical instructor of the Dark Valiant Cavalry, and stated he had come to Jiang Mansion seeking Yan San.

Accompanying him were several lightly armored soldiers, all imposing figures who clearly bore the marks of repeated tempering on smoke-filled battlefields.

The servants dared not neglect them, promptly ushering the group into the guest courtyard.

What transpired within the courtyard remained unknown to outsiders. Jiang Chonghai only knew that Su Xiuzhu and his party departed as hastily as they had arrived—without even waiting to meet the master of the mansion—leaving swiftly alongside Yan San and the other soldiers stationed there.

The quarters were emptied, the stables cleared—truly, not a trace remained.

Brother, their disrespect is beyond bearing. They enjoyed free room and board, and now they leave without even bidding you farewell. They truly are coarse Northerners—arrogant, ill-mannered, and devoid of propriety, Jiang Chongjiang complained.

Expecting his brother to agree, he was surprised when the latter responded with a meaningful smile: It’s understandable. When fire singes one’s eyebrows, who has time for trivialities?

What fire? Jiang Chongjiang asked, puzzled.

Jiang Chonghai offered no explanation, instead turning toward his study. He needed to write another letter to Brother Li, informing him that the time was ripe and urging him to set an ambush swiftly at Peach Blossom Ridge.

Speaking of which, Peach Blossom Ridge was a remarkable place. Not only did it boast endless stretches of peach blossoms, but its roads were wide, flanked by dense forests, with terrain sloping upward on both sides like inclined staircases.

Such a beautiful location would make a fitting burial ground for the Dark Valiant Cavalry—no dishonor to them.

A swift horse set out from the prefect’s residence, galloping rapidly toward the eastern city gate.

The rider failed to notice that among the bustling crowds at White Horse Ford, a fishmonger kept casting frequent glances toward a specific spot. After watching a man board a private vessel and sail away, the fishmonger broke into a beaming smile and even gifted his remaining unsold fish to the customer before him.

Alright, time to pack up!

Eastern City, Dark Valiant Cavalry camp.

Finally back. Su Xiuzhu welcomed the returning scout. How did it go? Smoothly?

The burly man nodded. Everything went smoothly. Confirmed it was that bastard—I’ve seen him before and couldn’t possibly mistake him.

Su Xiuzhu: Jiang Chonghai has sent a letter to Ying Commandery. The Lord’s letter says we should wait one full day before setting out.

Yan San pondered briefly. That’s indeed wise. With no one currently holding command in the army, even though we’re eager to avenge the Lord, we need time to decide on leadership while allowing the messenger sufficient travel time.

Peach Blossom Ridge’s location was actually quite strategic—it was much closer to Ying Commandery. This meant traveling there from Ying Commandery would be significantly faster than departing from Nankang Prefecture.

Waiting a full day in the eastern suburbs meant they would need to force-march through the night to reclaim the lost daylight hours.

Yan San: Pass the order: let the soldiers rest well. After tonight’s xu hour, we’ll begin continuous high-intensity marching day and night.

Time flashed by. Daylight gradually faded as the sky blazed with brilliant sunset colors before slowly deepening to charcoal gray.

Night fell.

The Dark Valiant Cavalry in the eastern city swiftly struck camp. The thunderous rumble of hooves echoed like muffled storms as they charged directly onto the main road.

Traveling by starlight and moonlight without rest, after several days of forced marching, the Dark Valiant Cavalry under Yan San’s temporary command arrived near Peach Blossom Ridge.

Yan San didn’t immediately lead the troops into the ridge. Instead, he cautiously dispatched two teams of spies to ascend along separate mountain paths and scout the area.

Over two watches later, the scouts returned reporting no ambushes in the mountains.

Su Xiuzhu couldn’t help smiling upon hearing this. True to his name, he possessed an elegant and handsome appearance with a crisp, dashing handsomeness. This so-called Grand Marshal of All Under Heaven is truly arrogant—he actually took for granted that we’d arrive late.

Yan San reminded him: Not late—he simply assumed we’d maintain normal marching pace.

To enable forced marching, the Dark Valiant Cavalry had split into two groups.

The vanguard consisted of the rapid-response troops—each soldier mounted on a swift horse carrying only dried provisions, water skins, and essentials, essentially living in the saddle thereafter.

The other group comprised the logistical cookhouse units, trailing behind with cooking pots, utensils, and herding the army’s livestock and grain supplies.

The vanguard’s forced marching brought them to Peach Blossom Ridge a full three days ahead of schedule.

Yan San began assigning tasks: Northern and Southern Battalions will enter the mountains from both flanks for ambush positions. Eastern and Western Battalions will station at the ridge’s east and west ends respectively. Eastern Battalion guards the eastern pass—when Li Zan’s forces break and flee, you’ll surge forward to cut off their retreat. Meanwhile, avoid enemy scouts who might be sent to reconnoiter.

The Dark Valiant Cavalry quickly divided into four battalions, each following their commanders to execute orders.

After brief commotion, Peach Blossom Ridge regained its tranquility. Wind swept through, rustling peach blossoms on the slopes like silent welcome from flower buds and petal-strewn earth.

Sunrise and sunset alternated until two days passed. The serene Peach Blossom Ridge once again welcomed a large group of visitors.

In recent days, Li Zan had been in high spirits. First, he learned from his sworn brother Jiang that Qin Shaozong’s reputation was undeserved. Then, Qin Shaozong foolishly pursued a fleeing courtesan with only a handful of men to Taiping County, followed by news of his severe injuries returning.

With Qin Shaozong gravely wounded ahead and his knowledge of the Dark Valiant Cavalry’s marching route behind, what worry was there about burying this renowned cavalry right here?

Confident of certain victory and eager to witness history, Li Zan personally led his troops to Peach Blossom Ridge this time.

Meanwhile, neither Yan San nor Li Zan knew—

Two multi-storied warships that had earlier diverted from the main river channel now sailed along a minor waterway until they ran aground. Everyone aboard disembarked and proceeded on foot toward the rear of Peach Blossom Ridge.

And there lay precisely the encampment of the Dark Valiant Cavalry’s cookhouse.

Dai Li walked beside Qin Shaozong, followed by Mo Yanyun, Hu Bao, and others. After a stretch, she slowed her pace, slipping back from Qin Shaozong’s side.

Qin Shaozong tilted his head slightly, his peripheral glance catching Dai Li walking beside Hu Bao, but he said nothing.

Further along, just as Mo Yanyun began chatting idly about everything under the sun, Qin Shaozong’s gaze inadvertently swept past during the conversation—only to find no one beside Hu Bao.

Looking again, well now, she had drifted all the way to the tail of the procession while walking. Given a little more time, she might just retreat into the mountains and forests altogether.

Lord? Mo Yanyun noticed Qin Shaozong suddenly turning back.

Qin Shaozong merely said, Lead the team forward for now. I’ll check the rear.

Author’s Note: Adjusted the timeline—after several days of marching, Dai Li’s menstrual cycle is nearly over. Actually, the period isn’t the main point; the focus is on [orange heart][yellow heart][green heart].

Checked the comments from the last chapter—Deng Deng noticed some clever treasures have guessed Dai Li’s profession, hehe.

Is five thousand words considered not too short? Whispering