My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 30: Let Her Be Spoiled to Death

Chapter 30: Let Her Be Spoiled to Death

Clop, clop, clop—

The heavy sound of horse hooves piled upon one another, the rising dust carrying the momentum of a thousand troops and ten thousand steeds.

The first batch of the Dark Valiant Cavalry had returned, primarily consisting of the wounded, rushed back to camp for treatment after the battle. The remaining soldiers, either lightly injured or completely unharmed, stayed behind to clear the battlefield.

Weapons were confiscated as needed, horses rounded up as appropriate, and as for the prisoners…

Those who surrendered were spared.

In ancient times, human labor was an exceedingly precious resource. Captives could repair city walls, toil like oxen or horses plowing fields and growing grain, or be tamed and integrated into one’s own army to bolster combat strength.

Thus, the victorious side generally did not execute surrendered soldiers.

Moreover, Li Zan was merely a salt smuggler who rose to power through silver, having enjoyed only a few years of prestige, with no military spirit to speak of.

In this battle, we annihilated over three thousand enemies and captured nearly five thousand prisoners—a great victory! Chief Fengtun of the Northern Camp returned with the first batch of soldiers and immediately proclaimed the achievements upon arrival.

After announcing the news, he urgently asked, Where’s Lao Qiao? Where is Lao Qiao?!

Feng Feng had been among the three who fought fiercely against Wang Qinglie earlier, so he was well aware of the peril of that battle. Had it not been for Lao Qiao luring the enemy by feigning a weakness, the outcome of the fight would have been uncertain.

Yet they had all misjudged Wang Qinglie; his Three-Point Blade came with overwhelming force, not only breaking Lao Qiao’s blade but also cleaving through his armor all the way down. Fortunately, Yan San was quick-eyed and swift-handed, or else Lao Qiao might have died on the spot.

Thinking of his friend’s injuries, Feng Feng couldn’t help but feel disheartened; it seemed there wasn’t much difference now…

Chief Fengtun, Chief Qiao is with Mr. Ding and Madam Dai, a soldier reported.

Feng Feng, who had been about to go find him, stopped, both puzzled and instinctively resistant to the breach of protocol. Madam Dai? How is there a woman in the army? Why is she here?

The soldier hurriedly explained, She was brought back by the Lord. Just now, when Chief Qiao was brought in, even Mr. Ding shook his head and said it was beyond saving. It was Madam Dai who came up with a method to keep Chief Qiao alive.

The soldier’s eyes burned with fervor.

Chief Qiao had one foot in the underworld, and even Mr. Ding was helpless, yet Madam Dai had pulled him back by sheer force. It was crucial to understand that what was saved wasn’t just one life, but countless future Qiao Wangfeis as well.

If possible, who would want to see a comrade they were chatting with just yesterday die before their eyes?

Feng Feng seemed unable to comprehend the words, standing dazed for a long moment before suddenly dashing off in a certain direction.

Regardless of why she was in the army, if she could save Lao Qiao, that was the best news possible!

Feng Feng raced like the wind to the infirmary but was barred from entering, stopped by the reason that the camp needs to maintain fresh air; idlers are not allowed in.

Waiting outside with him were Mo Yanyun and a few others.

Unable to enter, he turned to those outside for information. Feng Feng asked Mo Yanyun, Lao Mo, where did the Lord find such a skilled female physician? Her medical arts are truly remarkable.

To his surprise, upon hearing this, Mo Yanyun turned with a complex expression.

What’s with that look? Can’t you talk about the female physician? Feng Feng asked, confused.

…It’s not that, Mo Yanyun suddenly inquired, Didn’t Yan San tell you?

Feng Feng reflexively countered, Tell me what?

Mo Yanyun muttered, True, Yan San has always been a man of few words and never gossips. It’s not unusual he didn’t tell you.

Feng Feng scratched his head anxiously, Then hurry up and give me the details! Where did this miraculous female physician come from? I must find a way to build a good relationship with her—who knows, she might save my life someday.

She was captured by the Lord from Taiping County, Mo Yanyun whispered.

Feng Feng froze, feeling as if his brain had been struck by a heavy hammer, as though something had been completely overturned.

It was true that Yan San disliked gossip, but he wasn’t the only one left behind at Jiang Mansion—there were a few scattered members of the Dark Valiant Cavalry as well.

Feng Feng vaguely knew the Lord’s trip to Taiping County was ostensibly because of a woman, though the specifics were unclear. But he couldn’t connect a seductive concubine who relied on her looks with the miraculous physician who had saved his friend from certain death.

Mo Yanyun patted his shoulder with a complicated expression. This Madam Dai is extraordinary. Personally, I believe she has heaven-defying abilities. You’ll understand in time.

To make the furious Lord cool down—wasn’t that a heaven-defying skill? After all these years, he’d never seen anyone who could provoke the tiger and even slip away from the Lord several times, yet remain completely unscathed.

Inside the military physician’s tent.

The originally stuffy tent, wrapped up like a silkworm cocoon, had been opened up with windows as per Dai Li’s requirements to maintain airflow as much as possible.

The cow that had been carrying Qiao Wangfei was moved here, and Dai Li was discussing suturing techniques with Ding Lianxi.

Surgical procedures had already emerged in this era. As recorded in the Book of Later Han: Biography of Hua Tuo: When disease manifests internally where needles and medicine cannot reach, first administer mafeisan with wine until the patient is unconscious, then cut open the abdomen or back to remove accumulations. ①

This meant that when acupuncture and medication failed, one would anesthetize the patient before opening the abdominal cavity or back to excise tumors.

However, surgery rested on three foundational pillars: sterilization, anesthesia, and hemostasis.

Sterilization meant maintaining aseptic conditions. The environment had to be kept clean to prevent infected wounds from causing sepsis in weakened patients. This alone was extremely challenging. Using mugwort, clove, and other herbs to fumigate the room was possible, but how could one ensure complete sterilization?

Without antibiotics in ancient times, postoperative infection mortality rates remained high—like sending one’s name ahead to the underworld, just waiting for the messenger to arrive.

Therefore, surgical procedures were rare in this era, belonging to a category even the most elite experts at the pyramid’s peak would hesitate to attempt.

As a military physician, Ding Lianxi encountered surgical cases far more often than other medical practitioners. Yet facing Qiao Wangfei’s critical injuries now, he felt completely uncertain.

Earlier, he had briefly examined Qiao Wangfei—the wound was massive, running almost from the collarbone down to the abdomen, as if the man had been split open.

We need to clean the wound before suturing it, Dai Li stood at the tent entrance, keeping some distance from Qiao Wangfei.

How dirty blades were—covered in mud, stained with others’ blood, possibly even crawled over by insects. Without debridement, even if Qiao Wangfei’s life was temporarily stabilized now, he would certainly die from infection.

Ding Lianxi instinctively frowned. Having finally stopped the bleeding, reopening the wound now seemed terribly risky. Still, he said, Then let’s clean the wound. Xiao Li, fetch charcoal to boil water.

We’ll also need salt. Stop by the cookhouse to get some salt, and bring another cow, Dai Li added.

Ding Lianxi asked in surprise, Why return the salt?

Dai Li remained silent.

How could she explain that she wanted to prepare saline solution? Saline solution, with its concentration similar to extracellular fluid, was ideal for wound cleaning.

In this era, distillation technology hadn’t emerged yet, so purified water was naturally unavailable. Strictly speaking, true saline solution couldn’t be prepared. Using impure saltwater for wound cleaning carried certain safety risks.

But as the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. At worst, Qiao Wangfei would die anyway, so why not give it a try?

It’s another folk remedy, a deep male voice sounded. It was Qin Shaozong, who had been standing with Dai Li at the military tent entrance and hadn’t spoken until now.

Ding Lianxi’s lips moved slightly, but he ultimately didn’t ask further.

While the soldier was boiling water and fetching salt, Ding Lianxi prepared the materials needed for the abdominal suture ointment – silk thread and medicinal ointment. The former was for suturing wounds, while the latter accelerated wound healing.

Dai Li picked up the silk thread, hesitating to speak.

Ding Lianxi, now particularly attentive to Dai Li’s every move, immediately noticed and asked, Madam Dai, is there something wrong with this silk thread?

Two gazes fell upon her – one burning with eager curiosity; the other obscure and unfathomable, like the vast sea on an overcast day, carrying an impenetrable darkness.

Dai Li turned her head and met those brown eyes directly without flinching.

Before her Monthly Blood came, she had been terrified of this man, believing Qin Shaozong to be a vicious tiger that devoured people without spitting out bones, and that she might be torn apart and consumed by him if she let her guard down.

During these days of her Monthly Blood, while confined within the temporarily built enclosure, that vicious tiger had been pacing outside, watching her covetously.

Now that the fence was about to be dismantled, she felt no panic at all, because she believed she might have found a Bite Suppressor that could prevent this greedy tiger from opening its jaws at her.

Dai Li’s red lips curved upward. Though her words were directed at Ding Lianxi, she didn’t look at him. Mr. Ding, have you ever considered using mulberry bark thread instead of silk thread?

Ding Lianxi froze, murmuring, Mulberry bark thread?

Mulberry bark paper had already appeared in this era. This highly absorbent, insect-resistant paper was highly favored by calligraphers.

Dai Li continued, Mulberry bark has medicinal properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting wound healing. Using it to suture wounds not only benefits the body but also, because mulberry bark thread can integrate with flesh and blood, eliminates the need for suture removal later – truly achieving twice the result with half the effort.

When Dai Li mentioned the medicinal properties of mulberry bark, Ding Lianxi’s lips began to tremble uncontrollably. With each additional sentence she spoke, the light in his eyes grew brighter, until he finally sighed, Marvelous! Madam Dai is truly knowledgeable. I am utterly impressed. This mulberry bark thread should indeed replace silk thread!

Dai Li smiled without responding.

Just as Shennong initially identified herbs by tasting hundreds of plants, leading to the discovery of various medicinal herbs, every industry develops through a process of exploration. She was merely standing at the rear of history’s long river, looking back to tell ancestors about some achievements.

Ding Lianxi was so excited that he wished he could immediately make mulberry bark thread and use it on the wounded. Immersed in his own thoughts, he failed to notice the undercurrents swirling within the tent.

Across the distance, the two locked eyes, neither looking away. Qin Shaozong watched her slowly curving red lips and realized that well-concealed defiance of hers was surfacing again.

Well then, this cunning fox was up to no good again.

The soldier quickly returned with the required items.

Dai Li estimated the proper saline solution ratio before handing everything over to Ding Lianxi. She was merely theorizing on paper—the actual wound debridement was something she couldn’t handle at all.

Moreover, this Mr. Ding probably didn’t realize that from start to finish, she had never closely examined Qiao Wangfei’s injuries. It was too bloody, the wounds too gaping—she simply couldn’t bear to look.

After a great deal of bustling activity, they eventually changed Qiao Wangfei’s dressing. When everything was finished, Ding Lianxi let out a heavy breath and turned to Dai Li again. Madam Dai, what should we do next?

Dai Li thought for a moment. Keep the area well-ventilated, and the fumigation with clove and mugwort must not cease for even a moment. If Battalion Commander Qiao wakes up and says he’s thirsty, don’t let him drink too much water—at most, moisten his lips with a little.

Someone who has just suffered massive bleeding shouldn’t consume large amounts of water. Excessive fluid intake would reduce blood volume, which could inadvertently lead to heart failure.

The admiration in Ding Lianxi’s eyes grew deeper.

He actually knew about the prohibition against immediate rehydration after massive bleeding.

How had he learned it?

Through the sacrifice of wounded soldiers’ lives.

Without having treated large numbers of casualties, for her to know this could only mean—

Inherited knowledge.

It seemed this Madam Dai was likely like him, coming from a family of physicians spanning generations. But unlike the renowned Ding family, her clan practiced medicine to aid the world without seeking fame—possessing true integrity.

Ding Lianxi felt the urge to exchange knowledge with a fellow practitioner. Madam Dai, I wonder when you might have time? I would like—

She’s unavailable recently. Someone abruptly interrupted.

My Lord. Ding Lianxi voiced his disapproval.

Qin Shaozong looked at Dai Li and directly led her away. Madam, there’s no more use for you in the tent. Come with me.

This Ding Lianxi must have developed premature cataracts, actually mistaking her for a medical practitioner. Since when did healers exist who couldn’t even bear to look at a soldier’s wounds?

Indeed, there was no place for her skills here. She couldn’t help with other tasks either, and staying would only be in the way. Dai Li followed Qin Shaozong out.

All members of the Dark Valiant Cavalry had returned to camp. To celebrate today’s victory, the camp buzzed with exhilaration. The cookhouse had received military orders and was sharpening knives with gusto, generously slaughtering sheep and boiling meat to mark the great triumph.

The news that Qiao Wangfei had been pulled back from death’s door despite hanging by a thread spread through the entire camp like a hurricane. From battalion commanders to common soldiers, everyone learned that a divine female healer had arrived in their army.

As the sun set in the west, the aroma of meat dishes gradually wafted through the camp. Dai Li and Qin Shaozong walked side by side through the grounds, their shadows stretched long by the orange sunset—one tall, one shorter, spaced closely like two neighboring trees.

At first, neither spoke until Qin Shaozong broke the silence.

What are you scheming? His voice was flat, betraying no emotion.

Hearing this, Dai Li paused and turned to look at him. Her captivating eyes curved slightly, their long lashes catching the brilliant golden fragments of sunset like a beautiful little fan.

Very well, since he had broached the subject, she would seize the opportunity.

If that Battalion Commander Qiao survives, would it count as me saving his life? Dai Li asked softly.

Yes. His answer held no hesitation.

Dai Li continued in a light tone, The Lord’s army must have regulations for rewarding merit, right?

Both knew perfectly well this was entirely redundant. Qin Shaozong glanced sideways at her, the half of his face untouched by sunset appearing particularly stern and authoritative. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Where there are laws to reduce faults, naturally there are rewards for achievements.

Your Lordship speaks wisely. The smile in Dai Li’s eyes deepened. I hope Squad Leader Qiao can overcome this danger. If so, I’d like to claim a reward from you for both this and submitting the folk remedy.

Now that they were alone, Qin Shaozong didn’t need to maintain pretenses. Was it truly a folk remedy?

Not exactly. The method was recorded in an ancient text from my family collection. As for its authenticity… Dai Li answered honestly, As I said before, Squad Leader Qiao’s situation couldn’t be worse—he was facing certain death. It was worth trying as a last resort.

Before she realized it, Dai Li had followed him to the main tent.

The main tent stood distinctly apart from other military tents—larger, taller, anchored firmly in the Dark Valiant Cavalry camp like a stabilizing pillar. The small flag atop the tent and the commander’s flag whipped in the wind with fierce arcs.

Before the main tent, long tables were arranged in opposing rows. In the center stood a large cauldron and a wooden-frame fire pit, where half a sheep impaled on an iron halberd roasted over the flames.

The sheep had clearly been roasting for some time, its surface turned a mouthwatering golden brown. Hot drippings fell from within into the flames below, causing the fire to surge upward with a satisfying sizzle.

Such fire-roasted sheep were plentiful—from what Dai Li could see, each military tent had at least two such setups.

Evidently, a victory celebration was underway.

The sunset had completely vanished below the horizon, leaving only a faint, barely visible glow in the sky. Night swept in like a tide, bringing profound darkness. Yet here at Peach Blossom Ridge, beneath the vast sky, numerous fires burned brightly, accompanied by continuous laughter and lively chatter.

For convenience during marches, the army predominantly used long tables where two or even three people shared a meal sitting close together.

Dai Li sat beside Qin Shaozong at one such long table. As the commander’s table, their spread was particularly lavish—fine dishes and good meat, including a small plate of wild berries that caught Dai Li’s eye.

During forced marches, dried provisions were standard—eaten hard without heating for convenience. But during regular marches, dried provisions weren’t common; the troops typically ate rice porridge and wheat bran, occasionally supplemented with vegetable-added gruel.

Like now, a bowl of wheat bran sat before Dai Li. In this era, wheat bran was made from steamed, unhusked wheat. As for its texture…

Chewing her first-ever bite of wheat bran, Dai Li found it… not particularly unpleasant, actually quite novel.

The roasted sheep was ready. Military generals had rugged, unconventional manners—they directly carved large chunks of mutton with short knives, each piece larger than a palm, slapping them onto leaf-lined tables with a thud before eating with their hands.

Everyone received a share of mutton, including Dai Li.

Her table was occupied by high-ranking officers. The one who had just distributed the meat was Feng Feng. Whether he was specially thanking her for saving his long-time friend or trying to build rapport, Feng Feng’s goodwill was unmistakable—evident in the mutton portion he gave Dai Li, which was twice the size of her face.

Dai Li: …

Madam Dai, eat heartily. If it’s not enough, just tell me—I’ll cut you more. Feng Feng grinned, revealing a row of white teeth.

Dai Li: …Thank you, but that shouldn’t be necessary.

Military campaigns demanded physical exertion, and the generals devoured their meat voraciously. Though Dai Li hadn’t fought in battle, she had trekked through mountain paths all day and was now ravenously hungry.

The chunk of mutton was too large. She took out her dagger, wiped it carefully, then held the knife in one hand while using the other to roll up a corner of the broad leaf to wrap around the meat—this way she could press down on it without dirtying her hands—before she began slicing.

The polished surface of the dagger reflected the firelight, gleaming brilliantly from certain angles. Dai Li was wholly focused on cutting the meat, unaware that the man beside her had glanced at her several times.

That persistent glint kept flickering at the edge of his vision, swaying back and forth, irritating Qin Shaozong.

Such a small piece of mutton, yet she could fuss over it for so long. By the time others had eaten their fill, slept, and woken up for a second meal, she probably still wouldn’t have finished slicing that wretched meat.

Bring it here.

Dai Li didn’t initially realize Qin Shaozong was speaking to her, until he called out again, Madam.

She turned to look at him, confusion in her eyes. But after meeting his gaze and noticing his glance drop to the mutton in her hands, she suddenly understood what he meant.

Pinching a corner of the broad leaf, she slid the platter over to Qin Shaozong.

Just as Qin Shaozong raised his knife to cut, he heard a soft female voice drift over, Could you use my knife to cut it?

Then, as if making an offering, a dagger slowly and tentatively entered his peripheral vision, handle pointed toward him.

Qin Shaozong paused, his expression darkening.

Did she think his knife wasn’t clean enough? She might as well be spoiled to death.