My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 3: This Woman Pleases Me Greatly

Chapter 3: This Woman Pleases Me Greatly

Invisible serrations seemed to saw back and forth across her taut nerves. In that instant, countless dreadful conjectures flashed through Dai Li’s mind—each one terrifying enough to make her break out in cold sweat.

One breath, two breaths…

Dai Li slowly turned around, keeping her head lowered. May I ask what instructions you have, my Lord?

A dark shadow came swooping down, nearly enveloping her completely and stunning her into silence. Dai Li barely suppressed a startled cry as soft fabric brushed against her cheek, carrying with it the scent of agarwood.

It was clothing—he had thrown a gown at her.

Put it on before you go out, Qin Shaozong said.

Dai Li took a deep breath and exhaled imperceptibly. Fortunately, the gown had covered her face, so no one witnessed the spectacular array of expressions that had just played across her features.

*

Outside the room.

Mo Yanyun and Yan San waited, exchanging idle chatter:

His Lordship suddenly went inside—could there be something unusual about this room? Or did Jiang Chonghai secretly tell His Lordship about some treasure hidden here? Without waiting for Yan San’s response, Mo Yanyun stroked his chin and continued, But that doesn’t make sense. Presenting treasure isn’t a bad thing—why would it need to be done secretly? Unless there’s an assassin hidden inside.

Yan San shot him a sidelong glance. Are you the fool, or is Jiang Chonghai the fool?

Mo Yanyun grew agitated: Hey, of all things to learn, why must you imitate His Lordship’s manner of speaking? Is it because you’ve been by his side since childhood, steeped in his influence until you’ve been thoroughly marinated?

Yan San responded with a cold glare.

Who’s in there? Come out… if you refuse a toast, you’ll be forced to drink a forfeit.

Both men started in surprise and were about to enter when they faintly heard a soft feminine voice from within.

Mo Yanyun halted his steps and clicked his tongue. And here I truly thought some recklessly bold scoundrel had come to cause trouble. So it’s just someone offering herself. Hah, wasted effort. We’re traveling for important matters—His Lordship has no mind for indulgence now. Even if he did wish for pleasure, he should be enjoying the finest offerings presented by Jiang Chonghai. What could those who come sneaking around on their own possibly accomplish?

Yan San released his grip on the sword hilt. But after waiting a few more breaths, his meticulous nature surfaced: Why hasn’t she come out yet?

Mo Yanyun belatedly realized, Right, why is it taking so long? Usually it’s just a matter of a few words. Yan San, why don’t you go in and check?

Yan San ignored his provocation. A mere woman was no assassin.

After a short while, Yan San and Mo Yanyun finally saw a figure emerge from within. When they got a clear look at the person, both were stunned.

The beautiful woman appeared to be around thirty, yet possessed extraordinary grace—dignified and gentle with a touch of cool elegance, like a peerless peony blooming in full splendor upon a high terrace. She wore an unbelted curved-robe gown, the dark, somber outer garment draping over her like a layer of black gauze, yet still unable to conceal that striking beauty.

Dai Li had known there was more than one person outside. Now seeing two sturdy men, she understood they must be subordinates of the man inside since they remained stationed here.

Not wishing to engage with them, she merely performed a slight bow as greeting before quickly walking out of the courtyard gate under their watchful eyes.

Mo Yanyun stared transfixed until the figure completely disappeared from view. Still gazing toward the courtyard entrance, he murmured, No wonder they say so. Everyone claims Luoyang and Chang’an produce great beauties, praising them as ‘peerless charms treasured by the world’ and ‘magnificent as spring pines,’ elevating them to heights beyond any other place. But in my opinion, this small Nan Kang County is where true gems lie hidden. Even the foremost beauties from prosperous cities like Chang’an and Luoyang would likely only dare look up in awe before that woman. Yan San, do you think that beauty has any sisters?

Yan San remained expressionless: Lust invites disaster. Just six months ago, a female thief cleaned you out, leaving you borrowing meal money from brothers. What, now that you’ve saved up some silver, you’re itching to make a fool of yourself again?

Mo Yanyun waved it off: I’m not that skinflint Jin Dole, hoarding every penny. Gold and silver aren’t things we bring at birth or take at death—they’re meant to be spent! What’s wrong with using them to win a beauty’s smile? Oh, the Lord is coming out…

Even after leaving the guest pavilion reserved for honored visitors, Dai Li’s heart continued pounding rapidly.

She was out! She had made it out!

Though Dai Li remembered the original route, she chose not to retrace her steps, instead heading in another direction. Now that she had borrowed this legitimate identity, she needed to quickly explore more areas.

Halt! Who’s wandering around here?

Dai Li initially didn’t realize the call was for her, until a man in blue robes swiftly approached. However, upon getting a clear look at her, his expression shifted from mild annoyance to startled confusion: Who are you? Why are you wandering freely here? Are you one of the new Dancers from the West Garden? No, that can’t be—the West Garden ones are all Foreign Girls.

While he scrutinized Dai Li, she was equally observing him. His attire was simple, the fabric neither particularly fine nor overly shabby. This man was likely not the residence’s owner but rather a steward or similar functionary.

Such people were generally easy to handle—just dropping the name of the master or an honored guest would usually suffice to silence them.

I am the Lord’s concubine, Dai Li stated calmly. My garments were accidentally stained with tea, so I need to change. Might I ask where the residence’s Dancers are quartered? I shall go there to borrow clothing from them.

The man immediately became respectful. Dai Li’s striking appearance left no room for doubt. He bowed deeply: My apologies for the earlier offense. If you need new garments, why trouble yourself with the Dancers? Why not wait in a nearby pavilion while I fetch a completely new dress from the Lady of the house?

Though she was merely a concubine—a world apart from the official wife—her man held immense power, commanding fierce elite troops and bearing a nobility title personally conferred by the Emperor. As the saying goes, even a gatekeeper at the prime minister’s residence holds seventh-rank authority, let alone a stunning woman who could whisper in her lord’s ear at any moment.

He bustled about, eager to please, expecting the beauty to show appreciation. Instead, she shook her head: No need. You wouldn’t know the Lord’s preferences. I’d better go myself.

The man paused, detecting an unspoken intimacy in her words that suggested deeper knowledge.

Seeing her insistence, he had no grounds to object and carefully explained how to reach the Dancers’ quarters.

A glint flashed in Dai Li’s eyes as she further inquired about directions to the West Garden. The minor steward provided detailed instructions once more.

Dai Li offered a slight curtsey, thanked him, and headed toward the West Garden.

Compared to other pavilions, the West Garden where the Foreign Girls resided felt much softer, with two lush apple trees planted outside the courtyard. Before even reaching the entrance, Dai Li caught the faint scent of cosmetics and occasionally heard a few giggles from young women.

Dai Li stepped into the courtyard, her eyes quickly scanning the area before settling on two Foreign Girls in their early twenties. She explained to them that she was one of the Dancers from the East Garden and had been sent to borrow a set of clothing. The two Foreign Girls showed no suspicion. For one, they hadn’t been in the estate long and were still young, lacking cunning or arrogance; for another, their clothes were all provided by the estate, so lending a dress was no big deal. They agreed readily: Any color preference for the dress?

Dai Li initially wanted to shake her head and say no, but she swallowed the words before they left her throat: May I come inside with you? I’d like to change out of these clothes while I’m there.

The young Foreign Girl nodded.

What’s your name? I haven’t seen you before, someone suddenly said from inside the room.

Dai Li turned toward the voice and saw a beautiful Foreign Girl around thirty years old leaning by the window, eyeing her suspiciously. From her tone, Dai Li suspected this woman had previously visited the East Garden where the Dancers lived and had seen many of them.

I’m Qin Ji… Dai Li noticed her suspicion hadn’t faded, …’s friend. My name is Songlan. I just arrived at the estate the day before yesterday, so it’s no surprise you haven’t seen me before.

The Foreign Girl pressed further: Where are you originally from? How did you end up as a Dancer?

Whether in the East Garden or the West Garden, those living there were all insignificant performers. The Governor’s own concubines didn’t reside here.

Dai Li followed the young Foreign Girl inside, narrating as she walked: I’m originally from the south. I traveled north with my husband for trade, but unfortunately we encountered bandits on the way. Everyone in my family except me died by the bandits’ blades. I was later rescued by a group of escorts and, after many twists and turns, ended up here. The Lord hasn’t arranged for me to move yet—perhaps he has other plans.

The inner room contained several clothing chests. After looking through them, Dai Li finally selected a gray-blue dress.

Are you sure about this one? Isn’t it too plain? the young Foreign Girl muttered.

It’s fine. I don’t like flashy colors, Dai Li said with a smile.

After choosing the dress, Dai Li also asked for a pair of Round-toe Silk Shoes and changed into everything on the spot. She wrapped her modern clothes and sandals in the large curved-hem male robe, tying the sleeves together to form a bundle.

What’s your name? Dai Li asked the Foreign Girl who had lent her the clothes.

The other’s eyes lit up, and she quickly offered her name: Mijia, my name is Mijia. You… don’t forget me in the future.

Dai Li caught her underlying meaning. Of course. Mijia, do you have rice powder here?

She had initially wanted to ask for lead powder, but then remembered that in this era, lead powder was expensive and only used by noblewomen and wealthy ladies—it wouldn’t be found in a Dancer’s room. Without lead powder, she had to settle for a cheaper substitute, rice powder, though its effect wasn’t as good.

Mijia nodded and said she had some. She thought Dai Li wanted to apply makeup, but to her surprise, after the powder box was brought out, Dai Li didn’t use it immediately. Instead, she wrapped a small amount of rice powder in a cloth.

Thank you. If I get the chance another day, I’ll definitely repay you, Dai Li said with a laugh.

Mijia was overjoyed, instantly forgetting the slight doubts in her heart.

Dai Li glanced around and lowered her voice slightly, Mijia, do you know if there are any nine-year-old servants doing odd jobs in the mansion? Where do they usually live?

The topic shifted rather abruptly. Mijia was momentarily stunned before shaking her head to indicate she didn’t know. I haven’t been here long, so there’s still much I’m unaware of.

No unexpected good fortune emerged. Dai Li nodded calmly, The steward is still waiting for me. I’ll head back now.

After leaving the West Garden, Dai Li made her way to the rear garden. Ensuring no one was around, she tossed the cumbersome bundle behind a large potted plant, then turned and left as if nothing had happened, heading toward the East Garden where the dancers resided.

Main hall of the mansion.

The Golden Crow descended westward, its brilliant afterglow slanting into the main hall, illuminating the exquisitely decorated room and the scene of guests toasting one another.

At ordinary banquets, the master of the mansion would naturally occupy the seat of honor alone. But today was an exception—two long tables were placed side by side at the head of the hall, one on the left and one on the right. While the left side was traditionally considered the position of honor, it was not occupied by the master of the mansion today.

The imposing man held a wine cup in his right hand, speaking with the round-faced mansion master beside him.

Jiang Chonghai nodded repeatedly, That salt smuggler surnamed Li is brutal and merciless, having trampled on human lives for far too long. The common people near Ying County have suffered greatly because of him. Now that you, Lord, are willing to travel all this way to eliminate this scourge for the people, it shows immense benevolence and compassion. I truly admire you deeply.

Qin Shaozong’s gaze swept casually over Jiang Chonghai. He noticed that the finger of the hand not holding the wine cup was nervously picking at the skin near the thumbnail. Whether due to excessive force or prolonged duration, the edge of the nail had taken on a faint blood-red hue.

Noticing this, Jiang Chonghai glanced down and instinctively tucked his hand into his wide sleeve. When he looked up again, intending to lighten the mood with a jest, he found that Qin Shaozong had already averted his eyes, as if that earlier glance had been merely absentminded and hadn’t registered in his mind.

Jiang Chonghai’s Maitreya-like smile faltered for a moment before resuming, a trace of imperceptible scrutiny now flickering in his eyes.

Qin Shaozong continued chatting with him. After several rounds of toasts, the man suddenly set his wine cup down on the table. Lord Jiang, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.

Jiang Chonghai focused his attention, Please speak, Lord.

Qin Shaozong: Among the dancers in your rear courtyard, there is one named Fengchun. This woman has caught my fancy. I wonder if Lord Jiang would be willing to part with her?

Author’s note:

What? You still want double updates bursts into tears melts bursts into tears