My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 33: None of Them Compare to Her

Chapter 33: None of Them Compare to Her

Only when he was roughly yanked aside did Mo Yanyun lower his gaze, belatedly realizing why he had been shouted at moments earlier.

The spot where he had been standing bore a drawn pattern—precisely where he had stepped. Extending his vision outward, Mo Yanyun finally noticed numerous diagrams sketched across the courtyard ground.

Some were long, some wide, and others resembled small plates.

Drawing the Dragon Bone Waterwheel wasn’t difficult; the main point was to clearly illustrate its principles. The rest could be left to the craftsmen—even with just a few words and a rough sketch, a skilled carpenter could bring it to life.

After sketching the upper axle, Dai Li set down her tool. Turning around, she found several pairs of eyes fixed intently on her.

Dai Li paused briefly, the tree branch still in her hand, and glanced at Qin Shaozong. Lord, if you are busy…

Not at all. My lady, you may now explain this Dragon Bone Waterwheel to me. Qin Shaozong then called Su Xiuzhu by his courtesy name and instructed, Qingluo, make a copy of the diagrams on the ground.

Using the branch as a pointer, Dai Li explained, This type of Dragon Bone Waterwheel is typically ten to twenty feet long. The lower chain section at the tail end submerges into the riverbank. As the drive sprocket at the top is activated, the connected string of plates inside the mechanism is pushed forward section by section, thereby propelling water upward against gravity.

The branch pointed sequentially to the corresponding component diagrams as Dai Li continued, It can be driven by hand-cranking, foot-pedaling, or even by donkeys or oxen. If powered by human labor for a full day, this Dragon Bone Waterwheel can irrigate approximately five mu of farmland. Using oxen as the driving force can more than double that output.

Under their fervent gazes, Dai Li stepped out from the edge of the diagrams. Some areas struggle to become fertile fields or yield meager harvests precisely because drawing water is difficult. If this challenge is resolved, there will be no worry about the expansion of fertile land.

Lord, this method holds tremendous potential! Feng Feng exclaimed excitedly.

Unlike Yan San and Mo Yanyun, who relied on the support of the Qin family’s affiliated clans, Feng Feng had no background whatsoever. His father was a tenant farmer tilling land for a powerful landlord.

Tenant farmers owned no land of their own; they survived by renting fields from wealthy landowners, required to pay land rent and a portion of their harvest each year.

During times of favorable weather and divine grace, tenant farmers lived slightly better. But when the Drought Demon wreaked havoc, it became a matter of life and death—the powerful landlords cared not for the whims of heaven, demanding rent regardless.

Those unable to pay would first incur a debt, with interest compounding over time. Families with daughters would sell them; those without daughters or money would be reduced to serfdom. Unlike tenant farmers in employment relationships, serfs were slaves—even if beaten, abused, or killed by their masters, there was essentially nowhere to seek justice.

Feng Feng’s parents had perished during a year of famine and disaster. As a half-grown boy, he became a refugee. When northern barbarians invaded and Youzhou recruited soldiers, he had no choice but to enlist.

Thereafter, he risked his life at every turn. Relying on a physique far surpassing ordinary soldiers, quick wits, and a touch of unspoken luck, he fought his way through countless battles over the years—not only entering the Dark Valiant Cavalry but also rising to become a Precinct Chief.

Though his farming days were long past, they had never faded from his memory.

Feng Feng could fully envision how many farmers would benefit if the Dragon Bone Waterwheel spread like the wind to thousands of households.

Dai Li chuckled lightly. It certainly holds great potential. When Dragon Bone Waterwheels are connected in sequence, with small ponds serving as intermediaries in a chain, even elevated lands over thirty feet high need not worry about lacking irrigation.

Madam Dai, who came up with this Dragon Bone Waterwheel? Feng Feng asked urgently.

Waterwheels did exist at present, but they were only used for drawing water to sprinkle roads, preventing dust from harming health, and had never appeared in the agricultural field.

Dai Li: An inventor named Ma Jun.

Ma Jun? Why have I never heard of this person? Mo Yanyun frowned.

Feng Feng quickly inquired, Madam Dai, where is this person’s ancestral home? Where is he now? With such an intelligent mind, if he could come serve our Lord, our Northern Territory would surely gain formidable strength.

Dai Li turned her gaze, meeting that intensely noticeable stare for the first time since finishing the waterwheel model diagram. She saw the darkness and subtle light in his eyes, as if glimpsing a forest tiger tensing its muscles, ready to leap and pounce.

But she knew that no matter how fierce and greedy this tiger appeared, it was merely a surface intimidation.

Her red lips curved as she smiled at him: This gentleman is no longer with us. There are other scholars, but I don’t think your Lord would appreciate having her serve him.

How could that be?

Our Lord has always treated scholars with respect and thirsts for talent. If such a worthy person could join his ranks, the Lord would be overjoyed. How could he possibly disapprove?

Exactly.

The four men spoke in turns, none noticing that Qin Shaozong had remained silent for quite some time.

Qin Shaozong stared unblinkingly at the woman not far away. She stood in the sunlight, her eyelashes seemingly coated with golden light, those dark eyes bright as mirrors reflecting the silhouette of clouds from the sky and the delicate beauty of flower buds in the courtyard. Every plant and tree appeared within them, as if containing the entire brilliant spring season.

Her happiness and slight pride were completely unconcealed, as if saying: See, even your subordinates think you’re absurd.

The air seemed to ripple again with that rich, dark fragrance, refreshing and utterly intoxicating.

For the first time, Qin Shaozong felt an unusual kind of challenge.

Not the life-or-death slaughter of the battlefield, nor the bloodless scheming of official circles, but a completely new sensation.

It somewhat resembled the surging excitement of taming a wild horse, yet not entirely, because at this moment his thoughts churned even more violently than when he had tamed the Crimson Dragon.

Su Xiuzhu recalled something: Nalan should be arriving in Ying Province soon. We can show him this Dragon Bone Waterwheel then. By the way, Madam Dai, regarding the ‘other scholars’ you mentioned – perhaps we could discuss them with Nalan. He’s knowledgeable and widely acquainted with aspiring talents across the land, and might know their names. With Nalan persuading them, the likelihood of them joining the Lord’s service would be much greater.

He unconsciously used an honorific when addressing Dai Li.

Dai Li smiled without responding.

It was true that Ying Province needed reconstruction in all areas, but the Dark Valiant Cavalry had followed Qin Shaozong through countless campaigns over the years, and their core team could already handle all matters quickly and efficiently.

In just one afternoon, everything had been arranged in perfect order: posting notices to reassure citizens, taking over city defenses, and filling official vacancies in the province.

When night fell, the residence glowed with brilliant lights as bright as daytime. Su Xiuzhu, serving as the military advisor, personally organized a grand banquet.

Dai Li attended upon invitation, coming purely for the meal. Now that they had finally entered the city, there was no need to compromise on food and drink.

The Dark Valiant Cavalry maintained strict discipline, explicitly prohibiting women and alcohol during wartime. During the previous bonfire feast, Dai Li hadn’t seen a single wine jar at the banquet.

But today was different. Jars of wine were carried into the main hall, quickly stacking up behind the head table and along the two rows of long tables below, forming what looked like walls built from wine jars at first glance.

Dai Li was just here for a free meal, and as an unofficial member, she had no reason to sit closer to the front at such a banquet. So she consciously took a seat at the very back.

Those in front were mostly Military Generals, each burly and dressed uniformly in stain-resistant black and gray tones, much like Dai Li herself. Thus, with her head lowered, she blended right in, her presence barely noticeable.

Since it was a banquet hosted by their own people, there weren’t too many formalities. After Qin Shaozong took his seat, he simply said a few words and raised his cup.

They all raised their cups and drank together to celebrate the great victory.

The meal began, and everyone ate and drank as they pleased, the atmosphere instantly becoming lively.

This feast couldn’t compare to the previous one at Jiang Mansion, but it still had both hot dishes and cold plates. To Dai Li’s delight, there was also a steamed mandarin fish on the table.

There’s a saying: In deep fields, the cunning rabbit grows plump; when frost descends, the perch tastes exquisite. Perch is at its best in autumn, making it the perfect time to enjoy it. Spring, too, has its seasonal fish—the mandarin fish in spring is tender and delicate, undoubtedly a delicious delicacy.

Dai Li loved eating fish, whether steamed or roasted. Especially after tasting the original flavor of roasted lamb, the plate of mandarin fish before her now had her eating with her head down, completely engrossed.

Until—

Dai Li heard the clear sound of silver bells.

Dai Li lifted her eyelashes, and vibrant sleeves swept into her view. In the hall, filled with the aroma of wine, it was as if a spring breeze had blown in, carrying with it an alluring fragrance of cosmetics.

On the jade walls inlaid with pearls, the graceful and elegant dance of beauties was faintly reflected. The veiled Dancers wore separate tops and skirts, and as they twirled and flicked their sleeves, their extremely short tops rode up even further, revealing glimpses of pale, slender waists.

Dai Li had attended many live performances before. She still remembered when her undergraduate roommate was heartbroken after her boyfriend cheated on her; in a fit of anger, the roommate treated their entire dorm to a trip to Pattaya to hang out with male models.

As for the level of explicitness, let’s just say it was far more revealing than the waist-baring dance now.

Nevertheless, Dai Li still took a few more appreciative glances. After all, setting aside the overly short attire, this was authentic classical dance.

After several rounds of drinks, many Military Generals had left their seats, no longer confined to one spot. Some, holding wine jars in one hand and cups in the other, roamed the hall looking to challenge their comrades to drinking contests.

Many had left their seats, and Mo Yanyun was no exception. He was even bolder, plopping himself down on the steps leading to the head seat. Similarly, he had both a wine jar and a cup in hand, drinking as he spoke to Qin Shaozong at the head table.

It should be said he had been talking to himself for quite some time.

Lord, who would have thought that scoundrel Li Zan isn’t much in terms of ability, but his taste in women isn’t half bad. Mo Yanyun’s eyes were practically glued to the Dancers below.

These Dancers were originally kept in the mansion. In fact, to house even more concubines, the annex was still being expanded and renovated, though it wasn’t completed before Li Zan had to pack up and flee.

There was no response from the head seat, so Mo Yanyun added, Lord, what do you think of the leading lady? Fair-skinned, slender fingers, and a curvaceous figure. Though we can’t see her full face yet, she’s been in the lead dancing position all along—she must have something extraordinary about her.

Still, there was no reply.

Mo Yanyun didn’t mind and continued, That lady with the small fish floral decoration between her brows is also quite remarkable. With peach blossoms pinned by her temples and possessing peach blossom eyes that shimmer with brilliance, they complement the blossoms in her hair perfectly.

He expected this comment to sink into silence like before, but unexpectedly, there was a response this time.

Merely average. Mo Yanyun instinctively turned his head and saw his superior’s indifferent, almost disdainful expression. Startled and emboldened by the wine, he couldn’t help but retort, That’s merely average? Then what do you consider truly beautiful?

Qin Shaozong didn’t answer him but silently judged what he had just seen.

The red floral decoration left a dot of crimson between her brows—while it might signify elegance and nobility on others, here it seemed deliberate and vulgar. And the way she kept turning her head, the peach blossoms at her temples dangling precariously—what beauty was there in that?

Those peach blossom eyes were too narrow, the whites slightly murky, and the shape not refined enough. None of it deserved to be called shimmering with brilliance.

As for what truly counted as beautiful?

Beauty lies in jade-like purity, natural and unadorned. Only that could be considered peerless elegance.

Qin Shaozong’s gaze shifted back to the right rear, where the woman who had been focused on eating fish earlier had now stopped and was watching the song and dance in the hall.

Judging by her upturned lips, she seemed quite pleased.

Even from the lowest seat, she watched with such enthusiasm. If she were moved to the head seat, wouldn’t she forget about eating fish altogether and feast her eyes solely on the performance?

Dai Li suddenly sensed a familiar, intense gaze from the head seat—overbearing, much like the man himself. She turned to look, not avoiding his eyes but instead picking up the wine cup from her table, smiling and raising it in a toast to him.

After all, this was a victory banquet. She had come to enjoy the host’s hospitality, and now that their eyes had met, she ought to express some congratulatory sentiment.

At this moment, Dai Li was genuinely pleased. There were many beautiful dancers in the residence, plenty willing to attend to him. This man really didn’t need to focus solely on her.

From the head seat, Qin Shaozong watched as she smiled and raised her cup, her bright eyes captivating, the vermilion dot between her brows strikingly vivid. Despite her dull, gray attire, she seemed to radiate a soft, pearlescent glow—beautiful, lush, languid, and mature, like a peony in full, exquisite bloom.

The man’s calloused thumb brushed against the ear cup in his palm. The long-necked, wide-moutled cup spun in his grasp before his large hand abruptly tightened, holding it firmly in place.

A drop or two of wine splashed onto Qin Shaozong’s slightly tanned hand, but he paid it no mind.

Raising the cup without drinking was somewhat impolite. Coincidentally, Dai Li was a bit thirsty, so she took the opportunity to drink the wine in her cup.

This was her first time tasting the wine of this era, and she recognized it immediately upon sipping.

It was Yellow Rice Wine, also known as millet wine.

Due to millet’s relatively high yield, it was highly favored among the common people, making Yellow Rice Wine the most popular alcoholic beverage at the time. Yellow Rice Wine had benefits such as stimulating appetite, aiding digestion, nourishing the liver, and tonifying the kidneys—a small drink was good for health.

After a sip, Dai Li pursed her lips to savor it and found it quite pleasant, so she took another drink.

Before she knew it, her cup was empty. Beside it was a small wine jug that had been brought by the servants when the meal was served, which she hadn’t used until now. With her cup empty, she picked up the jug to refill it.

The pale yellow wine flowed from the jug, shimmering under the light of the pearls embedded in the walls like a crystal-clear ribbon, gleaming like precious gems.

While sipping the Yellow Rice Wine to aid digestion, Dai Li finished the entire mandarin fish on the table, even cheerfully using her jade chopsticks to adjust the fish head, connecting it neatly to the stark fishbone stripped clean of any flesh.

The wine pot was empty, the rice bowl for the meal was finished, and the mandarin fish was completely eaten. With her appetite satisfied, Dai Li set down her chopsticks and rose to leave the main hall, which was gradually descending into unrestrained revelry.

My Lord, which one catches your eye—the dancer in red or the one in pale yellow? Pick one, and the rest can be mine. Mo Yanyun looked around, privately thinking that the dancers in red and pale yellow were the most striking in the hall.

Ever since leaving Yuyang and embarking on the campaign to suppress the salt smugglers, they hadn’t been with any women. There had been an opportunity earlier at Jiang Chonghai’s residence, but the Lord had suddenly devised a plan, and naturally, all efforts were focused on the greater mission.

Now that Ying County had been captured, they could finally relax and seize the moment.

Moreover, the dancers filling the hall were far from unsightly; on the contrary, he thought several were quite charming, like beauties from a painting.

After asking, Mo Yanyun eagerly awaited his superior’s reply, only to hear a soft tap.

A cup was set down on the table. Under Mo Yanyun’s bewildered gaze, Qin Shaozong rose from the head seat, leaving behind only the words, Do as you please, before striding into the side corridor.

He was tall and vanished from sight in just a few moments.

Mo Yanyun was dumbfounded.

Do as he pleases?

Did that mean they were all his? Could such good fortune be real? Was this for real?

Truly uncertain, Mo Yanyun carried the wine jar over to Yan San and whispered, Brother, I need your advice. Help me figure this out…

Then, like pouring out beans, he recounted everything that had just happened.

With Ying County secured, Yan San was in a good mood and more talkative than usual. It means exactly what it says. You can do as you like.

Mo Yanyun muttered, Exactly what it says? But that can’t be right. Earlier, I noticed the Lord was practically burning with pent-up desire, his eyes gleaming darkly. There’s no reason he wouldn’t want this!

Hearing this, Yan San stood up and took two steps back, glancing to the left. He was seated in the right row at the lower end, in the same row as Dai Li, though separated by many people. From his seat, he couldn’t see the back of the row directly.

Madam Dai has left, Yan San said.

Mo Yanyun didn’t understand. What does that have to do with Madam Dai?

Madam Dai held a rather unique position in their army. If one called her the Consort of the Marquis, she and the Lord had never actually been intimate. Moreover, with her great contributions regarding Lao Qiao and the Dragon Bone Waterwheel, she was different from ordinary women.

If one called her an advisor, that wasn’t right either—the Dark Valiant Cavalry had never had any female staff, and given the Lord’s determined attitude toward her, she could never truly serve as an advisor.

If Madam Dai was temporarily out of reach, other women were available. With so many dancers in the hall, each as lovely as a flower, why would the Lord deny himself?

Yan San averted his gaze, too lazy to explain to this libertine. Just do as you please.

Yan San, explain it to me again. I’ve racked my brains and still don’t get it, Mo Yanyun insisted, sitting down beside him.

Yan San replied coldly, That brain of yours isn’t much use anyway. No loss if it breaks.

Hey, why do you always have to imitate the Lord’s way of talking?

After leaving the banquet, Dai Li had originally intended to return to her room to rest, but she accidentally took a wrong turn along the way. By the time she realized something was amiss, she had already made several twists and turns and now had no idea where she was.

Just as she was about to ask someone for directions, Dai Li suddenly noticed a dark shadow rising from beside her feet. It grew taller like a mountain swelling upward, broader and more imposing than her own shadow, carrying an almost intimidating pressure.

In the blink of an eye, the dark shadow had climbed to the waist level of her own shadow.

Dai Li’s pupils trembled slightly as she swiftly turned to look behind her.

The corridor was luxurious, with sculpted candlesticks placed at intervals. Tonight, the mansion was hosting a welcoming banquet, and the candlesticks, rarely used, were lit.

In this moonless night, all the light came from the dim flames of two sculpted candlesticks not far away.

And now, between the two candlesticks, on the path she had just walked, a tall figure stepped forward steadily.

A night breeze brushed past, and Dai Li caught a strong whiff of alcohol. Perhaps it was because there was no one around, or because the night was too dark, or due to some other indescribable feeling—but at this moment, Dai Li felt inexplicably unsettled and anxious.

Author’s Note: Su Xiuzhu, courtesy name Qingluo,is a civil official exclusively serving the Dark Valiant Cavalry.

Qin Shaozong has never been one to play by the rules. Also, a highlight: This story involves Cunning Plots and Forcible SeizureYellow HeartYellow HeartYellow Heart

A unified reply: Before starting this book, Dengdeng carefully reviewed the previous one and believes the pacing is slightly better this time. Don’t worry about any issues mentioned in the comments—there won’t be any dragging. Everything will unfold and resolve naturally Heart.