My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 31: The Cunning Fox

Chapter 31: The Cunning Fox

He had switched knives. Throughout the process, Qin Shaozong remained in a low-pressure state, and Dai Li didn’t dare provoke him further.

After he deftly sliced the meat, Dai Li smiled and flattered him with, The Lord is mighty, before once again gripping the edge of the tray and pulling the meat back in front of herself.

Qin Shaozong lowered his gaze, watching as that piece of lamb stealthily retreated, then turned to speak with the other Military Generals.

The original piece of lamb, twice the size of Dai Li’s face, had been sliced into strips about two fingers thick. Qin Shaozong’s knife skills and precision were exceptional—each strip was almost identical in width, satisfying even the most obsessive perfectionist.

Dai Li picked up a strip with her chopsticks, took a bite, and then paused.

The roasted lamb smelled delicious, its aroma insistently filling her nostrils, but when she actually tasted it, she found she couldn’t ignore the gamy flavor.

Perhaps there weren’t enough seasonings, or maybe the meat was roasted directly without prior marination. In any case, it was quite different from the gameless lamb she had eaten in restaurants before.

But since she had already taken that first bite, she couldn’t just discard it. Food was precious in the army, and meat was especially hard to come by. They had only roasted a lamb now to celebrate their victory. Under normal circumstances, that single bite of hers might have been something countless soldiers could only dream of.

The guilt of wasting food weighed on her like the five great mountains. Staring at the two-finger-thick strip of meat, Dai Li began to console herself.

It’s pure, natural lamb—slaughtered and roasted fresh, with no chemical additives. It’s free, costing no silver of her own. In this era, meat is precious, and who knows when she’ll get to eat it again. Eat more—it’ll give her more strength for the next escape!

Yuck…

She took a small bite of lamb, ate two wild berries, followed by two mouthfuls of wheat rice, drank a sip of rice porridge, and then returned to take another bite of lamb.

By the time she finally finished that strip of lamb, Dai Li let out a long sigh, feeling as if she had narrowly survived a minor death.

Looking at the remaining large plate of lamb, Dai Li felt a headache coming on. One strip was challenging enough—there was no way she could finish the rest.

What should she do?

Dai Li first furrowed her brows, then gradually let her gaze drift to the side.

At that moment, Qin Shaozong was speaking with Feng Feng and the others.

What a triumph! After this battle, in a few days when we march on Ying County, breaching its gates and capturing Li Zan will be as easy as lifting a hand.

Li Zan’s power is waning. Would he abandon Ying County and flee? But even if he escapes, it’s fine—as long as he leaves all his family possessions behind.

Ha! He might want to take them, but can he?

True. Even if he grew three heads and six arms, he wouldn’t be able to take those things with him.

Everyone was elated. Every Military General knew full well what this great victory meant.

Li Zan’s main forces had been eliminated, and along with them, Wang Qinglie—who had protected Li Zan since the very beginning of his rise—was killed. It could be said that Li Zan had now lost both his elite troops and his top generals.

The Ying County he occupied had become a paper tiger. Never mind their Dark Valiant Cavalry—even if they sent other armies under the Lord’s command, they could easily blast open Ying County’s gates.

Once Li Zan was dead, his salt stores and the large salt lake near Ying County would belong to them.

Yes, the reason the Lord decided to personally lead the troops to eradicate the Salt smuggler this time wasn’t just because Li Zan was committing atrocities and harming the people, and eliminating him would boost their reputation. Nor was it solely because Li Zan’s growing power posed some threat to him.

What their Lord had his eyes on was the salt.

Indeed, it was the salt itself, not the silver that could be obtained from selling it.

Since conquering the Northern Territory, they had acquired a large number of high-quality Mongolian horses. These horses had firm muscles, excellent endurance, and could withstand both heat and hunger or thirst.

The horses were excellent, but raising them required a considerable amount of silver. Fodder was a major expense, and so was salt.

Each fine steed had to consume over half a liter of salt daily. Salt was already expensive, and their demand was immense. If they had to purchase it from others, it would add another staggering expense.

Though their Lord now ruled the Northern Territory, held immense power, and was effectively the uncrowned king of the region, a closer look at the internal expenditures revealed that every item was shockingly costly.

Soldiers’ (fallen soldiers) subsidies, battlefield and siege rewards, provisions for soldiers and warhorses, weapon wear and tear, and city repairs…

Among these, provisions were calculated as a daily expense.

Well, no wonder Jin Dole, that tight-fisted man, often complained about being broke.

But then again, if Li Zan were to flee, it’s uncertain whether he’d have a place to go. We’ve just made a big show of dealing with him. If he runs to someone else’s doorstep, who would dare take him in? Feng Feng finished a piece of mutton, found it insufficient, and reached for another.

Perhaps someone would.

As these three words were spoken, the surroundings fell silent for a moment, and everyone turned to look at Qin Shaozong.

Qin Shaozong: Fan Tianshi, the Governor of Yanzhou, has always had an ambiguous relationship with the Azure Lotus Sect. Li Zan’s rapid expansion over the years is rather unusual. Perhaps there’s something hidden beneath the surface.

A private salt trader, in just a few short years, claimed to command an army of 100,000 and managed to corrupt officials in the surrounding cities and counties, centering around himself. This clearly indicated he had some capability.

Many of those around voiced their agreement.

Just as Qin Shaozong was about to say more, he caught a glimpse of a dark shadow slowly moving in his peripheral vision. The furtiveness of it was exactly like hers earlier.

He turned his head and, sure enough, saw her holding a plate of mutton with both hands. The firelight from the bonfire reflected in her eyes, casting scattered sparks of light in her clear Peach Blossom Eyes, like stars sprinkled from the sky.

She looked much more obedient now than before.

Qin Shaozong: What are you doing?

His gaze swept downward. Although the meat had been rearranged, he could still tell at a glance that a piece was missing—the center piece, the most tenderly roasted one.

Dai Li said earnestly, You’ve been leading the army, exhausting your mind and energy, and today you’ve been running around tirelessly. You ought to eat more meat. Chief Fengtun’s roasting skills are unparalleled. After tasting it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and seeing your plate empty, I thought to bring this portion to you first, lest you have to leave your seat.

Given the way the surrounding Military Generals were devouring the food, practically chewing the lamb bones to swallow them, Dai Li felt her claim of unparalleled roasting skills was quite credible.

Qin Shaozong raised a long eyebrow slightly. Why are you so unusually well-behaved tonight, my lady?

Dai Li pressed her lips together and smiled ingratiatingly. Military discipline is strict. I suppose I’ll be staying alone tonight. I’m just borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha, trying to please you so you’ll assign me a better tent.

Qin Shaozong’s gaze drifted downward again.

Though a piece was missing, the meat was neatly arranged, with two wild berries placed at the corners to add a splash of color. The vibrant combination made it look even more appealing than before.

She had put some thought into it.

A smile tugged at Qin Shaozong’s lips. Fine, set it down.

Dai Li’s heart swelled with joy as she quickly placed the mutton before him. Worried he might forget while chatting, she deliberately positioned it directly in front of him, ensuring it remained within his line of sight at all times.

With this pressing matter settled, Dai Li resumed eating wild berries.

The wild berries of this era were no different from those in later times—small, crimson, and spherical. A single bite released a sweet-and-sour juice that cut through greasiness perfectly.

Unconsciously, she finished all the wild berries on the long table, except…

The two used as garnish for the mutton.

Dai Li’s gaze drifted over and saw that, while she had been eating berries, the troublesome mutton had been nearly finished. Looking around, she noticed the military generals each had consumed two or three large pieces of meat.

Dai Li: “…”

Just then, someone asked, “Lord, would you like more meat?”

“Cut another piece.” Qin Shaozong paused, glanced at Dai Li beside him, and corrected himself, “Bring two pieces.”

Dai Li had just finished her meal and was listening to their conversation, so she didn’t miss any movement nearby.

When his gaze swept over her, alarm bells rang in her mind—the shadow of that earlier mutton portion still loomed large, prompting her to instinctively say, “I don’t need any. I’m full.”

Qin Shaozong, who had been about to look away, stopped.

His brown eyes appeared lighter in the firelight, increasingly resembling those of a large carnivorous feline. His expressionless stare carried a heavy, intimidating weight that made one tremble.

Already feeling guilty, Dai Li couldn’t hold his gaze and averted her eyes.

He was all too familiar with this mannerism of hers—a clear sign she’d done something mischievous. Qin Shaozong narrowed his long, narrow eyes, shifting his gaze from Dai Li to the table before him.

The batter appeared untouched, but the wheat rice and wild berries had been completely eaten.

The memory of earlier scenes resurfaced.

Her smiling face as she offered the mutton; the long table laden with numerous bowls in front of her; the empty bowl that had held wheat rice; the small pottery jar filled with batter; the soup bowl with a bit less rice paste; the plate piled with wild berries.

Now, except for the small berry plate being empty, everything else matched his memory perfectly.

So, this little fox had already eaten her fill and couldn’t finish the rest, hence she devised a way to pawn it off on him. All that talk about “straining her mind and needing more meat” was just empty words—more melodious than singing.

Qin Shaozong let out a cold laugh.

Dai Li kept her eyes downcast, feigning innocence.

“Lord?” Feng Feng hesitated.

So, should he bring one piece of meat or two?

“One piece is enough,” Qin Shaozong said. Dai Li breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Shaozong teased, “If you don’t eat now, don’t cry about hunger in the middle of the night. You can shout until you’re hoarse, and no one will pay you any mind.”

She dislikes proper meat, preferring random wild fruits—even a Civet Cat on the table would eat more than her.

Dai Li certainly wasn’t hungry. A bowl of wheat rice, half a bowl of rice paste, a hearty portion of mutton, and plenty of wild berries were more than enough to fill her.

After the bonfire feast, Dai Li was assigned a small tent. Military tents came in two types: small ones housing a few people, usually reserved for high-ranking military generals, and medium ones accommodating dozens for common soldiers.

As the only woman in the army, Dai Li naturally got her own small tent. Once the tent was pitched, she rolled up the flap for ventilation and burned some mugwort and Dingxiang to mask odors.

With everything done, Dai Li hugged her quilt and settled onto the soft couch, drifting peacefully into dreamland.

The deep night was desolate, all things hushed. This newly pitched small military tent stood beside the main tent, witnessing the moon’s rise and fall upon the earth.

After a night of reorganization at Peach Blossom Ridge, the Dark Valiant Cavalry set out again the next morning, continuing eastward toward the location of Ying County.

Compared to before, the presence of wounded soldiers and prisoners slowed the Dark Valiant Cavalry’s pace. However, Peach Blossom Ridge was already quite close to Ying County, so just two days later, the army arrived near the county.

When they were still seven li from Ying County, Qin Shaozong ordered the troops to set up camp and dispatched a scouting unit.

The swift scouts rode off in a cloud of dust, heading straight for Ying County.

A mere seven li distance allowed the scouts to return quickly, bringing back heartening news.

It seemed Li Zan had abandoned the city and fled.

Normally, armies wouldn’t garrison inside a city. Firstly, there weren’t enough houses to accommodate these outsiders, and secondly, unified management was difficult, making military orders hard to convey.

Therefore, military camps were usually set up in the outskirts beside the city. During non-combat periods, many powerful leaders would have their soldiers transform into military farmers to cultivate crops, reducing provisions expenses—this was the famous Tuntian system.

Logically, since they had fought their way to Ying County’s gates, almost ready to break down the city gates with battering rams, the enemy should be sharpening their weapons and preparing for battle.

But the reality was quite the opposite. The scouts reported seeing scattered soldiers withdrawing from the military camp—some alone, some in groups, many carrying large and small bundles.

They were deserters!

The enemy forces had deserters.

Hahaha, excellent, excellent! They’re fleeing well! Weakening before the battle even begins—they’re doomed to fail. It seems that salt smuggler surnamed Li was scared out of his wits back at Peach Blossom Ridge.

Having narrowly escaped the tiger’s jaws with both his left and right arms bitten off, how could he not be trembling in fear? Probably as soon as he returned to Ying County, this Li Zan packed his bags and fled with his wife and children as his best strategy.

Lord, I request permission to attack the city!

Lord, I also…

While the main tent was boiling like oil over fierce fire, the medical tent at the other end of the camp was equally lively.

Whether it was Qiao Wangfei’s particularly strong will to live or thanks to his robust physique honed through daily training, after more than two days of care, this Dark Valiant Cavalry platoon leader who had been disemboweled narrowly passed through the most dangerous period, barely retrieving his life from the jaws of death.

When Dai Li came for her daily visit, she saw Qiao Wangfei sitting on a straw mat spread on the ground, eating meat porridge.

Madam Dai. Seeing Dai Li, Qiao Wangfei instinctively tried to stand up.

Dai Li was startled by him and quickly said, Stay seated and don’t move recklessly, lest you reopen your wound.

Qiao Wangfei had regained consciousness yesterday. After learning from the medics how he had miraculously survived, he expressed endless gratitude to Dai Li during her visits. When he had previously realized his condition was dire, he had even entrusted his children to a friend, never expecting to encounter a noble savior who would help him turn danger into safety.

Perhaps all his ancestors underground had kowtowed one by one to summon the great immortal to save him.

Qiao Wangfei held a unique reverence for Dai Li that others couldn’t match.

How are you feeling today, Platoon Leader Qiao? Dai Li asked.

Qiao Wangfei: Much better.

Dai Li carefully examined his complexion. His face remained pale as gold paper, but his spirit appeared better than yesterday.

Able to eat, drink, and sleep, Qiao Wangfei was indeed gradually recovering.

Dai Li felt genuinely happy, not only because she had saved a life but also because the living Qiao Wangfei was merit. She needed to use this merit to seek rewards from that person.

Woo—woo— The ox horn’s mournful blare echoed through every corner of the military camp.

Qiao Wangfei knew immediately what it meant upon hearing it. The assembly call sounds—we’re marching to war.

After a brief contemplation, he chuckled. With one vigorous effort, why worry about not securing victory!

Though Dai Li had no battle experience, she also felt Ying County could be quickly captured. By pursuing victory and testing their sharpness, they could secure most advantages.

Just as both had speculated, this expedition led personally by Qin Shaozong soon returned triumphant, capturing Ying County much faster than Dai Li had imagined.

He had led the troops out at mid-morning, and by noon Dark Valiant Cavalry messengers were already galloping back with orders for the logistics troops to advance their camp, announcing Ying County had fallen and they needed to relocate their encampment.

The camp buzzed with excitement as everyone hastily packed and began their march.

Dai Li sat in an open-roofed carriage watching the distant city gradually approach.

The ancient county town lay bathed in sunlight, appearing remote and weathered. Carrion birds circled endlessly in the adjacent sky, while vegetation along the official road flourished vibrantly—a fractured yet eerily harmonious scene.

Ying County’s defending soldiers had already been replaced by Dark Valiant Cavalry troops. After the camp was established in the suburbs, Dai Li entered the city by carriage alongside Qiao Wangfei, Su Xiuzhu, and others.

Ying County had no governor—or rather, it once did. Since Li Zan occupied this territory, officials had been either executed, surrendered, or resigned from their posts.

Thus over the years, Ying County’s civil officials had largely overlapped with Li Zan’s military generals. Now that Li Zan had fled in defeat with his remaining forces, Ying County’s officials were almost entirely swept away, even their residences vacated.

Dai Li’s open carriage drove straight into the former county governor’s residence—the previous residence of the Grand Marshal of All Under Heaven.

The estate boasted magnificent halls and numerous pavilions, featuring jagged ornamental rockeries and square springs channeled into ponds. A nine-bend corridor arched over the water, its standing carvings all crafted from white marble—the luxury needing no further description.

Dai Li’s carriage proceeded unimpeded to the main courtyard. The courtyard had clearly been cleaned, with no trace of the estate’s former inhabitants—not even serving maids.

Madam Dai, a group of maids will be sent later. Please select two that catch your eye, Hu Bao said.

Dai Li’s first reaction was refusal: I don’t need maids. I’ve always been self-reliant and am accustomed to it. I require no servants.

Staying with Qin Shaozong was merely temporary—she would certainly leave eventually. If she developed bonds with maids, would she take them along when departing?

Taking them might inconvenience her, but leaving them behind could cost them their lives given Qin Shaozong’s domineering nature.

Hu Bao straightened solemnly. This is the Lord’s command.

Dai Li responded equally seriously, I don’t care, I—

What doesn’t the Madam care about?

Dai Li paused, turning toward the moon gate connecting to the outer compound. There stood Qin Shaozong, who had changed out of his armor into his usual black robes, entering from outside.

He stood imposingly tall, the gate arch leaving little clearance above his head. His presence seemed to shrink the courtyard’s space, commanding authority without visible anger.

Madam Dai, you may discuss this with the Lord. Hu Bao clasped his hands and swiftly withdrew.

Dai Li: …

Fine. Discuss it with him then—perfect timing to combine this with her reward request.

Dai Li turned to meet those brown eyes. Though the sunlight was bright at this moment, she seemed to see a deep, dark sea—restless within, where she glimpsed churning desires growing deeper by the day.

The battle had reached a temporary lull, and the army no longer forbade female companionshi

Author’s Note: The unit sheng used for feeding salt to horses in the text refers to the Qin and Han dynasty measurement, not the modern one Orange Heart

PS: The term 致事 in the text is indeed correct—it’s not a typo, and carries the meaning of resigning from official position Rainbow Puff

Jinjiang has updated their emojis, so adorable! This is truly my favorite update yet Laughing Hard Head Pat

Still requesting nutrient solutions Hug