My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 35: Study Room Night

Chapter 35: Study Room Night

The thick clouds in the sky were blown away by the night wind, and the bright moon slowly emerged from behind them. The pale moonlight showered down upon thousands of households, some falling on upturned eaves and corners, while others quietly slipped into the study through the open windows.

The room was silent, yet not entirely devoid of sound—occasional faint wet noises intertwined with soft whimpers.

This wasn’t Dai Li’s first time kissing Qin Shaozong, but whether it was the previous occasion or this one, her heart raced with trepidation. In this aspect, he was truly consistent—as domineering and uncompromising as his very nature.

The back of her neck was secured by his tiger-like palm, her waist tightly restrained. Trapped within his embrace, Dai Li resembled a white crane caught in a swamp, entangled by vines, utterly unable to break free.

His advance was fierce and overwhelming.

He was like an arrogant general who had breached the enemy’s city gates, determined to patrol every corner of the city, leaving no hiding place for the opposition untouched.

Her sensitive palate was repeatedly attended to, a terrifying tingling sensation exploding from her neurons, rushing like wildfire to the crown of her head before madly spreading downward along her spine and meridians, finally reaching her limbs.

Her fingertips trembled uncontrollably, and her back began to shiver with unbearable restlessness.

The iron arm trapping her circled around her waist, his dark, scarred fingers hooking the edge of her garment tie, gently loosening it.

Today, Dai Li wore a two-piece outfit—unlike the one-piece deep robe-style dress, this layered attire offered numerous opportunities once the waistband was undone.

A sea beast covered in rugged scales invaded the territory, greedily circling the moist white jade, occasionally measuring it with its long tail. The rough scales slid against the jade, leaving faint red marks.

After circling several times, the insatiable sea beast flicked its tail and swam downward along the white jade.

Dai Li’s breath hitched, and she immediately pushed against him with all her strength, yet he remained immovable, continuing to trap her between the hard stone walls. Just as she prepared to push again, her pupils constricted sharply. A weak nasal sound escaped her lips as her entire body trembled violently, her spine nearly curling into a ball.

Forgetting to push him away, Dai Li hurriedly reached downward.

The black-hearted sea beast was stirring up trouble—it had discovered a precious pearl, delighting in it excessively. It teased with its fins, coiled it with its long tail, occasionally clasping it between its twin fins, and maliciously rubbed it harshly with its rough scales.

Suddenly, a pale, fine net descended from the sky, enveloping the ill-intentioned sea beast in an attempt to drag it away. However, the latter, relying on its massive size, continued to act recklessly.

Seeing that she couldn’t pull him away, Dai Li clenched her pearly teeth and bit down hard.

Qin Shaozong didn’t utter a sound, pausing only for two breaths before continuing with even more ferocious intensity, mingled with the taste of blood.

A short, choked whimper escaped Dai Li’s throat. Just as she prepared to bite him again, he seemed to sense it and finally withdrew his hand, pressing the base of his thumb against her jaw. His broad palm completely enveloped her entire jaw, his index finger and thumb gently pressing between her upper and lower teeth through the skin, blocking her second assault.

Instead of immediately pulling away, he deliberately sucked and nibbled on her peach-blossom pink tongue, producing soft, wet sounds before Qin Shaozong withdrew slightly. A smear of blood stained his thin lips, which under the lamplight did not appear weak but rather like a tiger that had just finished a meal.

Dai Li’s chest heaved violently. My child hasn’t been found yet…

His thumb remained hooked beneath her chin, now rubbing with force, carrying an indescribable greed until the porcelain-white skin flushed with a vivid crimson.

Finding your son is only a matter of time. With talismans sent to track him, naturally there will be arrangements to escort him back. His eyes burned like blazing stars, startlingly intense. Back at Jiang Mansion in Nankang County, you repeatedly invited me—I haven’t forgotten a single word.

Dai Li furrowed her delicate brows and pushed against him again, yet still couldn’t rise. Didn’t we agree to wipe the slate clean regarding past deceptions?

Qin Shaozong tightened his arms around her, pinning her to his lap. Settling accounts one by one is too tedious. Have you ever considered a permanent solution?

Dai Li knew exactly what this permanent solution entailed. He still harbored resentment over her rejection and hadn’t abandoned his desire to confine her to his inner quarters.

I’m peculiar—I actually enjoy complications. Besides, even brothers must settle accounts clearly. Some things are better kept transparent. Dai Li turned her face away.

Her words were resolute, but inwardly she felt utterly uncertain, for no one understood better than her how determined he was at this moment. Hastily, she added, You are a pillar of righteousness, my Lord, renowned for your integrity and treating subordinates as kin. Surely you wouldn’t force a woman who saved your trusted aide’s life.

Since he’d mentioned never forgetting her words, it was only polite to reciprocate—she could revisit the debt of life too.

Qin Shaozong ignored her remark, his kisses trailing along her cheek and pearlescent ear. Spend this night with me, and I vow that no matter how distant or perilous the journey, if your son lives, he will return safely to you. When he comes of age, I’ll grant him a sinecure, a grand residence with servants, ensuring decades of wealth and honor…

His deep voice seeped into her ears, effortlessly plucking at her heartstrings.

In this moment, he became like the serpent in Eden, flicking a crimson forked tongue—utterly cunning, every word dripping with temptation.

His dark fingers tugged at her sash again. Just as the loosened garment threatened to fall completely, a soft, pale hand pressed against the slipping robes.

Dai Li whispered, What you promise feels too distant, my Lord. Zhou Zhou is only nine—eleven years remain until his coming of age. Even lovers’ vows often prove empty, let alone between fleeting acquaintances like us. Who can predict what will happen in eleven years?

A vein throbbed on Qin Shaozong’s forehead.

Never since becoming the Qin clan leader—nor even in his youth—had anyone dared challenge him so repeatedly.

Greed and fury intertwined, blazing like oil-fed flames. Just as this inferno threatened to scorch the heavens—

A bud-like pink finger touched his chest, gentle as a drifting cloud. However, I cannot ignore the first part of your proposal. Perhaps I shall assist you once, as full payment for my son’s safe return.

Dai Li had drunk an entire pot of Yellow Rice Wine at the banquet and later braved the corridor’s chill. Yet now, far from being drunk, her mind was lucid. She realized there was no chance she’d emerge from this night completely unscathed.

Whether it was his unyielding attitude or the conditions he had set, she could not avoid them.

Choosing the lesser of two evils, Dai Li decided to help him with her hand.

Her fingers lightly brushed against his lapel. Through the fabric, she could feel the firm, robust muscles beneath, now tensing and relaxing intensely with her movements. But this time, I’m in charge. You must not move. Can you agree to that, my Lord?

The clouds in the sky began to rain, dousing the towering flames of anger. Qin Shaozong’s Adam’s apple bobbed once.

He stared at her without speaking, as if weighing his options or considering where to begin.

Dai Li feigned displeasure. If you can’t even grant me this small request, then forget it. Since that’s the case—

I will not move my hands or feet. Do as you please, my lady, Qin Shaozong interrupted her, pressing the woman who had tried to rise back onto him.

Dai Li frowned inwardly.

No movement of hands or feet? What about the rest?

Their eyes met at close range. He understood her doubt, and she saw his unyielding resolve.

This was the most he could concede—he would not, and could not, concede further.

Dai Li lowered her gaze, her voice soft. A gentleman’s word is as good as his bond.

Her jade-white fingertips touched the animal-head belt at his waist. As she gazed at the tiger head hidden in the shadows and felt his increasingly heavy breathing, she inexplicably recalled Pu Songling’s Three Tales of Wolves: The Wolves.

A butcher returning late, his carrying pole empty of meat, with only leftover bones. Two wolves followed him for a long distance. The butcher, afraid, threw them a bone. One wolf stopped for the bone, but the other continued to follow. He threw another bone, and the second wolf stopped while the first caught up. When the bones were gone…①

My lady, he urged.

Dai Li’s spine stiffened, snapping her out of her thoughts. What’s the hurry?

The room, with only a small window open, was filled with the scent of wine. The few remaining honey candles were slowly burning out. As one honey candle burned down, its small flame flickered twice before suddenly extinguishing.

The study instantly darkened in one corner. In the encroaching gloom, the sounds of breathing grew more pronounced—heavy, rapid, like a gale whipping up towering waves, carrying a startling intensity.

Amid the alternating light and heavy breaths, another type of sound occasionally emerged. Soft, smacking noises, like a newborn tiger cub licking or sucking on something.

The moon tilted westward, its silvery light creeping further into the room. In the dim interior, two figures could vaguely be seen behind the long desk on a chair.

Mostly dark, but with a small portion of startling white, as if the gray veil covering a bright pearl had loosened.

Dai Li had shifted from her earlier side-sitting position to sitting upright. Her back pressed against the beechwood desk, her legs parted and tightly pressed against the outside of his long legs. Her previously loose belt had now come undone, creating a gap between her upper and lower garments. The glossy white, like a ripe lychee, was faintly visible, as if shrouded in a holy moonlight.

The sea creature covered in jagged scales tried to swim through the layered barriers toward the deep, bright white sea wall. But just as it flicked its tail to dive deeper, its fish tail was suddenly slapped.

Don’t move! Dai Li’s breathing was very heavy.

She had pulled away, and the sudden cold air became unbearably stark. The veins on Qin Shaozong’s neck bulged and receded. My lady…

A lord’s promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold. You agreed to it yourself earlier, Dai Li said, her hand immediately returning to its previous position as she secretly shook her sore fingers.

Qin Shaozong tightened his long arm encircling her waist, pressing her close until she was right before him. He buried his face once more into that dazzling, milk-cake-like whiteness.

Dai Li’s spine stiffened. Prickled by the stubble on his jaw, she instinctively leaned back, only to be blocked by the iron-like arm around her waist.

A night breeze drifted in through the window, causing the flame on the candlestick to dance. The faint, flickering light vaguely illuminated the man’s pale, wolf-like canine teeth in the darkness.

His canines caught one of the thin straps of the Waist Wrap. As he tilted his head, the knot on the strap gradually loosened.

Dai Li gasped in surprise and hurriedly reached out to grab the barely-tied knot, pulling the thin strap back with her fingers. Swiftly retying it, she stacked two ordinary knots and secured them with a firm dead knot.

A fierce glint flashed in Qin Shaozong’s eyes, but before he could voice his displeasure, her hand returned to its place and retaliated with a sharp, deliberate squeeze.

A muscle twitched along his jawline. The ferocity in his eyes dimmed briefly before flaring up again, fiercer than before. He abruptly lowered his head and began wreaking havoc through the obstructive Waist Wrap.

Dai Li’s cheeks flushed crimson, and a fine layer of sweat beaded on her forehead.

After what felt like an eternity, an unusual scent began to permeate the room—far from fresh, it bore a resemblance to the April-bloomed flowers of the photinia.

At the break of dawn, just as the city gates opened, five swift horses departed from the Grand Marshal’s residence in Ying Province, heading straight for the southern gate. Once outside the city, they continued southward toward Yangzhou.

Military training in the morning was not to be neglected. Despite the previous night’s debauchery, Mo Yanyun still rose early and arrived punctually at the temporary training ground set up within the residence.

Though early by ordinary standards, he was among the later arrivals for the military generals. By the time he arrived, many were already present, some even nearing the end of their morning drills.

Mo Yanyun, spar with me.

Suddenly called out, and by his superior at that, Mo Yanyun’s burly frame shuddered, his legs inexplicably weakening.

He stood frozen for a moment before being called again.

Come. Qin Shaozong had already stepped onto the pre-arranged training ground.

A weapon rack stood to the side of the training area. Qin Shaozong bypassed the blades and casually picked up a long staff. Mo Yanyun hesitated before finally selecting a wooden hook.

The two stepped onto the platform.

Mo Yanyun swallowed hard. Lord, I beg you to go easy on me.

On the battlefield, will those coming for your head with drawn blades listen to your plea for mercy? Qin Shaozong mocked.

Mo Yanyun immediately fell silent.

Qin Shaozong advanced first, wielding the long staff.

Below the platform.

Feng Feng, Bai Jianping—the commander of the Southern Garrison—and Yan San, among others, stood watching. The first two exchanged whispers as they observed.

The Lord seems to be in a rather good mood today.

I don’t think so. If the Lord were truly cheerful, he wouldn’t be fighting like this. Ah, Old Mo seems a bit weak—must have overindulged last night.

You know how he is. He loves nothing more than beautiful women. With so many stunning Dancers in this residence, he’s like a rat in a grain store. The Lord must be aware of his recklessness and is probably disciplining him now. Why else would the Lord be amiable to everyone today except Old Mo?

You’re right. Old Mo definitely needs to be put in his place. By the way, if all goes well, Nalan should arrive in Ying Province this afternoon.

Speaking of which, yesterday the Lord urgently summoned over a dozen carpenters from the county and ordered them to work overtime to rush the production of Dragon Bone Waterwheels according to the blueprints. With everyone working together, they should be completed around noon. Wouldn’t that mean Nalan would see the irrigation marvel right upon arriving at the estate?

That would be excellent.

Clang—

Following the wooden hook being knocked from his hand and landing on the ground, Mo Yanyun himself fell heavily. This fall was particularly harsh, leaving him grimacing in pain as he hurriedly surrendered, My Lord, I admit defeat. I won’t continue.

Qin Shaozong concluded with an elegant twirl of his staff. His breathing remained steady, though his entire body steamed with the heat of exertion: Although there have been no recent battles, training must not slacken.

Mo Yanyun nodded repeatedly, though inwardly he was perplexed.

He hadn’t been slacking in his training—hadn’t he come for morning practice today? If he had relaxed at all, it was only last night. Could it be that the Lord’s anger hadn’t subsided and he couldn’t bear to see him so content?

Mo Yanyun didn’t know, and didn’t dare ask.

When Dai Li woke, daylight streamed brightly outside. Perhaps because half the matters were resolved and no major obstacles seemed imminent, she had slept exceptionally well.

Dai Li vaguely recalled having a pleasant dream. In it, her little one had been found. During her absence, Zhou Zhou had been adopted by a kind family. Though their living standards couldn’t compare to before and the child had tanned considerably, he remained as lively and cheerful as ever.

After washing up, Dai Li opened her door to find two people standing outside.

Two young women, no more than twenty years old—one tall, one short. The taller one had a small black mole on the tip of her nose, while the slightly shorter one had round, cat-like eyes that lent her a cute appearance.

Both were plainly dressed. Behind them stood three identical wooden cases, resembling clothing chests in style.

Upon seeing Dai Li, they curtsied and spoke in unison: Madam, we are here to serve you as instructed by the noble.

Dai Li didn’t need to ask who this noble was. Frowning, she said, I don’t need anyone to serve me. You may return.

The two women looked troubled. The round-eyed maid’s eyes welled with tears as she immediately knelt. Madam, please have mercy and take us in. If we leave here, Bi Po and I will be sent back to the Slave Market. The market is chaotic, filled with all sorts of people. Some masters buy slaves purely to keep them confined for venting their frustrations—that would be a fate worse than death…

The taller Bi Po also knelt, even kowtowing: We beg for your grace, Madam. Please accept Nian Xia and me. We can do any hard labor and promise to obey your every word, serving you faithfully like oxen or horses, repaying your kindness forever.

Initially, Dai Li had resolved not to take any maids, unwilling to form additional connections. But seeing the two young women trembling on their knees before her, she couldn’t help but recall last night’s beautiful dream.

If Zhou Zhou in her dream could be adopted by kind people, wouldn’t she in reality become one of those indifferent faces watching a child wander homeless if she didn’t keep them…

Enough, rise, Dai Li sighed.

Their faces instantly brightened with smiles as they stood and introduced themselves, asking if Dai Li wished to give them new names.

Dai Li naturally shook her head, telling them to keep their original names.

These chests of clothing cases were sent by the noble lady, with some jewelry and other items following behind. Madam, Bi Po and I will first move these things into the house, Nian Xia said with a smile.

The clothes Dai Li wore were still the dull, gray dress she had prepared earlier for her escape—the most ordinary color and fabric, with two sets to alternate between.

She thought they were just fine, but last night in the study, someone had expressed clear disdain.

Bi Po and Nian Xia worked efficiently, moving what needed to be moved, organizing what needed to be organized, and even meticulously wiping down the furnishings inside the room. Afterward, they lit incense in the censer.

In just two quarters of an hour, the already not-so-old room seemed to sparkle as if brand new.

Nian Xia, please go to the study and fetch me a set of ink treasures and a book—any book will do. If anyone asks, just say I want to practice calligraphy, Dai Li said when Nian Xia came again to ask if there were any further instructions.

Better to rely on oneself than others. She needed to learn brush calligraphy and Cursive Script, just in case she had to write a letter someday—she would have to do it herself.

Nian Xia accepted the task and left, returning shortly with the requested items.

Mulberry paper was spread out on the desk, pine-soot ink was ground on the inkstone, spreading its dark hue, and the wolf hair brush was placed on the brush rest.

Dai Li picked up the wolf hair brush and began adjusting her grip according to the posture she remembered. But after trying a couple of times, it felt wrong no matter how she held it. She couldn’t help but furrow her delicate brows.

The brush felt wrong, and her hand felt wrong too.

The former was a matter of sensation, while the latter was a matter of posture.

Frustrated, Dai Li threw down the brush.

Author’s Note: The title of this chapter could actually also be: #The Untold Stories of My Parents Back in the Day#

①: Wolf Three Tales: The Wolf