My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 40: Driving the Tiger to Devour the Wolf

Chapter 40: Driving the Tiger to Devour the Wolf

Chang’an.

The bustling markets stretched like brocade across the city.

By daylight, Chang’an’s streets teemed with carriages and flowing crowds, truly embodying the phrase fragrant carriages and jeweled canopies choke the thoroughfares. With the majestic imperial palace at its center, bookshops, taverns, courier stations, and jade workshops unfolded like a painted scroll.

The closer one got to the districts of high officials and nobles, the more exorbitant the prices became, drawing a stark line between poverty and wealth.

Recently, an outside influence had stirred the tranquil waters of Chang’an, creating undercurrents that gathered into roaring waves. These waves first swept through the mansions of powerful officials, various courier stations, and eateries, until finally blurring the boundaries between rich and poor. Now, even the common folk in every alley knew Chang’an had encountered something new.

Hey, have you heard about the salty stone?

How could I not? That merchant caravan from the Northern Territory made no effort to hide it days ago. With all that commotion, they could’ve woken hibernating snakes. But between you and me, their story about ‘buying the salty stone from Western Region merchants’ sounds fishy. Would the Western Regions really have such treasures?

True or not, the eateries using salty stone are making better-tasting dishes. Now the price has skyrocketed, demand outstripping supply.

It’s worse than that—I heard Chancellor Dong had the Northern Territory merchants selling salty stone arrested.

Really? I hadn’t heard. Why were they arrested?

Accused of selling illegal salt. But they were released soon after. Rumor has it—take this with a grain of salt—they were freed because: first, they’d run out of salty stone; second, they revealed which Hu merchants they bought it from; and third, that caravan has powerful backing that would make trouble if provoked. Something to do with that Lord stationed in the Northern Territory.

Wow, when gods fight, even Buddha’s face must be respected! But what does salty stone have to do with illegal salt? Just because it’s purer than salt and lacks the bitterness, they call it salt? We’ve eaten salt for decades—can’t we tell the difference?

The officials have two mouths—they decide what is and isn’t. That merchant group sold out all their salty stone. Probably none left in all of Chang’an now. If you want salty stone, you’ll have to go to the Northern Territory and find those Hu merchants…

Chang’an, Liang Estate.

As the maternal family of Chancellor Dong Zhou’s wife, the Liang family had risen steadily in influence over the years, becoming the Dong family’s vanguard—devotedly handling all their unsavory business.

Father, entrust the mission to find the Hu merchants in the Northern Territory to me. I’ll follow every clue, uncover the truth about the salty stone, and return laden with it, the Liang eldest son declared solemnly.

Liang Tai, Dong Zhou’s maternal uncle, stroked his beard. The Chancellor places great importance on this salty stone. Though it’s called ‘stone,’ anyone can see it’s more precious and pure than our current salt. If we can locate its source, it would be like sitting on an endless gold mountain.

He patted his eldest son’s shoulder. The north is restless. Bring ample guards and silver. If you can’t find the source, at least return with goods. Go quickly and return within three months to report.

The Liang eldest son bowed. I obey your command.

A scene both similar to and different from Chang’an unfolded in the bustling markets across the various commanderies of Qingzhou.

Qingzhou, Qianfeng Commandery, Governor’s Residence.

Father, you’ve been away from home for many days, so you must be unaware of the new novelty that has appeared in the commandery. Look at this… Nangong Zijing, having heard of her father’s return, eagerly rushed to the main hall and placed a small open pouch on the table. This is Salty Stone. Everyone says it’s even better than salt.

As the Governor of Qingzhou, Nangong Xiong had been swamped with work over the past few months.

The reason was none other than this: he and Fan Tianshi, the Governor of Yanzhou, had initially agreed to set aside their past grievances and jointly crusade against the Azure Lotus Sect. At first, everything went smoothly. But one day, a high-ranking Military General in Fan Tianshi’s army was found dead in his quarters. Several soldiers from Yanzhou claimed that the deceased had previously clashed with Military Generals from Qingzhou, suggesting that someone from Qingzhou, harboring a grudge, had carried out the murder.

Nangong Xiong tried to prove that the killing was not the work of Qingzhou. With the alliance between the two provinces on the verge of launching a joint campaign against the Azure Lotus Sect, such a mishap at this critical juncture clearly pointed to the Azure Lotus Sect’s meddling.

But that fool Fan Tianshi only listened to the one-sided accounts of his subordinates, causing relations between Qingzhou and Yanzhou to deteriorate rapidly. It infuriated him to no end.

Still, facing his beloved daughter born in his later years, Nangong Xiong suppressed his anger and said to her, My dear, your marriage to the son of Governor Fan Yanzhou will likely not happen.

His daughter, now sixteen, had been betrothed to Fan Tianshi’s son a year ago. But with relations between the two provinces so strained, this marriage was probably doomed.

Nangong Zijing didn’t seem to care in the slightest. If it doesn’t happen, then so be it. I’ve heard that few of the Fan family’s young men are any good. Leaving aside those already married, of the remaining unmarried ones, Fan Wu is mediocre, and Fan Liu has enough concubines to fill several courtyards. If I were to manage the household, it would be exhausting. Oh, Governor Fan Yanzhou also has two adopted sons. I’ve heard their conduct is somewhat better—one is quite handsome, while the other is hideously ugly… But as a legitimate daughter of noble birth, how could I marry a mere adopted son?

Nangong Xiong chuckled. It seems this betrothal has displeased you for quite some time.

I am indeed unhappy, but if Father insisted I marry him, I wouldn’t say a word of refusal, Nangong Zijing pouted.

Nangong Xiong teased her, Would you even be willing to marry an adopted son?

Adopting sons was not uncommon these days. Some powerful lords would select young orphans with exceptional physical prowess, raise them for a few years to build robust constitutions and loyalty, and then employ them to risk their lives in service.

Of course, some lords who didn’t want to spend years on provisions would adopt boys around twelve or thirteen, raising them from a semi-mature age. Though their loyalty might not match that of those raised from childhood, they were still somewhat usable.

Additionally, there were martial artists who had gained some renown. These individuals, eager to make a name for themselves, would pledge allegiance to a powerful lord alone and sometimes become adopted sons.

Regardless of the type, those who became adopted sons were invariably of humble, lowly origins. Otherwise, why would they stoop so low as to acknowledge another as their father?

If he remembered correctly, both of Fan Tianshi’s adopted sons were taken in around twelve or thirteen. Hah, that miser really was stingy.

Nangong Zijing pressed her lips together, her eyes reddening.

Nangong Xiong quickly said, I was only joking with you, my dear. Even if you were willing, would I allow such lowly individuals to disgrace you? My daughter, Nangong Xiong’s child, is not someone mere frogs and toads can aspire to!

Afraid his daughter would question his earlier inappropriate remark, Nangong Xiong looked at the open cloth bag on the table. So this is the Salty Stone that’s better than salt? Hmm, white and fine-grained. Just by appearance alone, it does seem superior to salt.

Nangong Zijing urged, Father, please taste it. It truly is better than salt.

Unable to resist his youngest daughter’s insistence, Nangong Xiong dipped his finger and sampled a small amount. Upon tasting it, his tiger-like eyes widened, and he rarely showed such a changed expression in front of his daughter.

Nannan, where did this Salty Stone come from? Nangong Xiong asked urgently.

Nangong Zijing replied truthfully, I bought it at the market. A merchant group from the Northern Territory was selling this. They said they acquired it from Western Region foreigners and are now reselling it. Although expensive, many restaurant owners were willing to pay heavily for it after tasting samples. Not just restaurants either – even noble households in the prefecture have shown exceptional enthusiasm for Salty Stone. Everyone who’s tried it says it’s better than salt.

After speaking, Nangong Zijing noticed her father staring silently at the table and couldn’t discern his thoughts.

Father, why are you…

Nannan, I need to go to the study. Nangong Xiong rose from his seat, taking the small bag with him. Let me borrow this.

With that, Nangong Xiong called for guards and issued orders.

Zhang Mingdian had been accompanying his lord east and west these past days regarding the campaign against the Azure Lotus Sect. Now that the alliance with Yanzhou had reached an impasse with signs of potential collapse, he had returned with his lord to Qianfeng Prefecture.

Before he could even settle in at home, guards from the prefect’s residence came with a message: The lord requests your presence, please come quickly.

Having no choice, Zhang Mingdian found solace in not needing to change clothes. When he arrived at the study, he found the door wide open, with his lord standing behind the desk, intently examining something on it.

What urgent matter requires my presence, my lord? Having just returned with Nangong Xiong today, Zhang Mingdian was equally unaware of recent developments in the prefecture.

Quanshu, come quickly and examine this Salty Stone. Using his courtesy name, Nangong Xiong beckoned Zhang Mingdian over and shared information gathered from his daughter and guards. …This Salty Stone is quite peculiar – similar to salt, yet superior. Who knows where those foreign merchants obtained this treasure? This could bring substantial profits.

After tasting it, Zhang Mingdian’s expression changed dramatically like every first-time taster. His eyes lowered, the withered wrinkles layered like heavy vines hanging before a cave.

Suddenly, he lifted his eyelids, his pitch-black pupils sharp as blades, as if vines had been parted to reveal blazing torches within. My lord, I recall something. Last month, Qin Shaozong defeated the Li salt smugglers occupying Ying Prefecture. While capturing Ying Prefecture, he also took control of the salt lakes nearby. Since the merchant group selling Salty Stone comes from the Northern Territory, why not apprehend and interrogate them to see if they have connections with Qin Shaozong?

Nangong Xiong frowned, Quanshu, are you suspecting the Salty Stone originates from Qin Shaozong?

Zhang Mingdian nodded, I privately believe the two cannot be unrelated. In my early years, I traveled to the Western Regions. That land abounds with agate, crystallized sugar, various spices, and fine horse breeds, yet I never heard of anything called Salty Stone. Moreover, its emergence is far too coincidental—why not earlier, nor many years later? It just so happens to appear after Qin Shaozong seized Ying Province. Could there be some hidden scheme behind this? Or perhaps that salt smuggler surnamed Li had just developed some new method but, before he could reveal it publicly, was swallowed whole by Qin Shaozong?

Hearing this series of questions, Nangong Xiong fell into deep thought.

Zhang Mingdian continued, Whether it is or isn’t, we need only apprehend that merchant convoy and interrogate them to find out. If they have his backing, then this matter is fifty to sixty percent likely linked to Qin Shaozong.

Nangong Xiong approved and swiftly dispatched men.

The provincial governor’s guards acted quickly—arresting, bringing to the official compound, interrogating.

This entire process took merely half a day. By the time the trusted subordinate returned to the governor’s mansion with information, Nangong and Zhang had already rested and were having their evening meal.

This meal used Salty Stone in place of ordinary salt. Anyone with a discerning palate could taste that the bitterness had completely vanished.

Governor Nangong, they’ve confessed. This merchant convoy does indeed have connections with the Qin clan. The leading merchant said they are distant relatives of Mo Zhiyuan, the guard reported.

Zhang Mingdian murmured, The Mo family…

Powerful clans of equal standing often intermarry. Strong clans also choose to support weaker families, employing them as their claws and teeth.

The Mo and Yan families were both subordinate to the Qin clan. However, the former had served the Qins since Qin Shaozong’s grandfather’s generation, while the Yan family was personally raised by Qin Shaozong after he came of age.

The Mo family had deeper roots than the Yan family, but in terms of trust, the Yan family surpassed the Mo family and was more heavily relied upon by Qin Shaozong.

Mo Zhiyuan… that name sounds somewhat familiar. I recall Qin Shaozong has a Mo Yanyun under his command. It seems this person is either a cousin or uncle-nephew relation to Mo Yanyun, Nangong Xiong clicked his tongue twice. It appears Quanshu’s conjecture is correct—Salty Stone likely originates from Qin Shaozong.

After saying this, Nangong Xiong couldn’t suppress his envy.

He understood perfectly well the value of Salty Stone, even with only preliminary contact. It was a gold and silver mountain, an endless source of military provisions and funds.

Zhang Mingdian suddenly spoke, How much Salty Stone remains in that merchant convoy’s possession?

The trusted subordinate answered, None. They sold every last bit and made considerable silver. Governor Nangong, should we… He made a gesture suggesting killing them and taking their goods.

Nonsense! Absolutely not! Zhang Mingdian slammed the table and sternly rebuked.

His reaction was so intense it even overturned a wine vessel on the table, making the subordinate shrink back in fright. Even Nangong Xiong looked at him in surprise, Quanshu, you…

Zhang Mingdian said gravely, My lord, currently our relations with Yan Province have deteriorated, and we have the Azure Lotus Sect secretly causing trouble on our flank. Why would we provoke Qin Shaozong at such a time? Are our enemies not enough? Do you truly wish to find ourselves surrounded on all sides?

Hearing this, Nangong Xiong recognized the logic and immediately said, We must not harm that merchant convoy in the slightest.

Zhang Mingdian righted the wine vessel. The Salty Stone has been completely sold out within Qianfeng County, and its renown is far greater than before. Qin Shaozong’s move is likely scattering bait to attract a school of fish. He must be aware of how coveted the Salty Stone is. Selling it elsewhere would be like a child carrying a gold brick through the market—doomed to lose both wealth and goods.

He continued solemnly, However, using Hu merchants as a front, the private salt trade could be kept at arm’s length. After all, Salty Stone differs significantly from today’s salt. Merchants chase profit and will flock to it. By drawing traders to the Northern Territory for pickup, we can ensure complete security.

The Northern Territory was Qin Shaozong’s domain. Even if outsiders brought soldiers from afar, fatigue from the long journey would set in, and their numbers would inevitably pale against the Qin family’s forces.

They wouldn’t just fail to stir up trouble—they might not even make a ripple.

Qin Shaozong truly had a cunning plan.

Following his strategist’s words, Nangong Xiong seemed to see a gold mountain enclosed on all sides, tightly sealed even at the edges.

Envy burned within him, making even the dishes seasoned with expensive Salty Stone on the table taste bland.

My lord, I have a plan, Zhang Mingdian said abruptly.

Still mired in the anguish of the gold and silver mountains not being his, Nangong Xiong showed little reaction, only instinctively responding, Speak your strategy.

Zhang Mingdian took the wine vessel before Nangong Xiong and placed it opposite his own. Then he picked up an eared cup, positioning it close to Nangong Xiong’s vessel. After leaving Guoyun County, I’ve been pondering: with the two provinces about to ally against the Azure Lotus Sect, such an assassination attempt occurred unexpectedly. Did Fan Yanzhou truly not consider the Azure Lotus Sect’s involvement? Was he unaware, or is he feigning ignorance?

Nangong Xiong froze.

If it’s the latter, your current situation is perilous. An ally in an open alliance has become a dagger planted by the enemy—who knows when it might strike? Zhang Mingdian reached for a wine pot from afar.

Clink. The pot landed beside his own wine vessel, equally close.

Wine vessel and eared cup, wine vessel and wine pot.

The pairs faced each other, locked in a standoff.

Drive the tiger to devour the wolf, Zhang Mingdian’s eyes gleamed shrewdly. My lord, why not invite Qin Shaozong to discuss the campaign against the Azure Lotus Sect? If I’m overthinking, and Fan Tianshi has no ties to the sect, Qin Shaozong’s presence would only strengthen the alliance. If I’m not overthinking…

Before he could finish, Nangong Xiong clapped his hands and laughed heartily. Excellent! With you by my side, what have I to fear?

After a moment’s silence, Zhang Mingdian added, But, my lord, this strategy has a flaw.

What is it? Nangong Xiong asked.

Zhang Mingdian lifted the wine pot from the table and shook it. They had just begun their meal, so little wine had been consumed, and the pot felt heavy. How do we handle this ferocious tiger we’ve invited to devour the wolf? What if he refuses to return to the mountains? How do we drive him away?

Three years prior, the previous emperor, obsessed with seeking immortality, passed away. The young emperor, now eleven, ascended the throne. Court affairs were managed by Chancellor Dong Zhou and the Empress Dowager Wang Shi, who relied on the Wang family and held power behind the curtain, forming a precarious stalemate.

Since the late emperor’s passing, the regional governors had become like tigers breaking free from their chains, their movements frequent and no longer as restrained as before.

It was common to see neighboring provinces clash in armed conflict one day, or a governor leading troops beyond their borders the next. Those with keen eyes could see that a situation of rival warlords carving up the realm was imminent.

Nangong Xiong gritted his teeth. Guoyun County lies at the border between Qing and Yan provinces. Even if Qin Shaozong wants to occupy it, he can’t take much territory from our Qing Province. Never mind that—let’s deal with the immediate problem first. At worst, we can resolve future issues the old-fashioned way.

Ying County, Governor’s Residence.

Dai Li was eating grilled fish in the courtyard.

Under the clear, boundless sky, the matter of refined salt had reached a temporary conclusion for her. She left the remaining tasks of transportation and distribution entirely to Qin Shaozong and his subordinates, while she began her vacation.

Dai Li had the kitchen prepare mandarin fish and snakehead fish, all cleaned and sliced thinly, and had numerous river shrimp skewered on sharpened wooden sticks. After setting up a small grill in the courtyard, she placed the fish slices coated with refined salt over the fire.

Because the fish slices were cut so thin, they cooked quickly with just a brief grilling. She was generous with the ingredients, and soon a rich, enticing aroma wafted from the grill.

Dai Li flipped the skewers, turning the golden-brown side upward. The grill was small, accommodating only a few fish slices and two grilled shrimp at a time. Seeing the seafood was ready, she offered the grilled shrimp to Nian Xia and Bi Po. At first, the two women hesitated and declined.

Dai Li said helplessly, There are plenty of shrimp—it’s not like these are the only two skewers. I have grilled fish to eat, so I won’t miss a bite. Besides, you both helped move the grill earlier. Why shouldn’t you have a few skewers of shrimp?

Unable to refuse further, the two women accepted the grilled shrimp nervously.

Initially, they remained tense, cautiously observing Dai Li’s expression. But seeing that she had given the shrimp without any ulterior motive and was simply enjoying her grilled fish, Bi Po and Nian Xia gradually relaxed.

Bringing out the custom-made lounge chair she had ordered, Dai Li sat back to admire the scenery, eat grilled fish and shrimp, and enjoy the spring breeze. As she lounged, she thought about the two-month deadline approaching and began to envision the future.

Once she found Zhou Zhou, she would need to carefully address the child’s mental health. After everything was settled, she would arrange for him to attend District School.

Nine years old—only in third grade. Even in a different era, he would still need to continue his studies. So Dai Li thought to herself.

Author’s Note: Zhang Mingdian, courtesy name Quanshu, belongs to the Qing Province faction.

Once again, eagerly requesting nutrient solution [green heart [shy

Here’s a preview of my next book, a light attempt at a love triangle:

After Yu Ci accidentally hit her head, she suddenly remembered she came from the modern world a thousand years in the future. Before she could sort through the events of these years, a young girl with a tender face but steady eyes appeared before her—

Mother, we must flee. Soon, Uncle will bring the clan elders to force you to remarry him.

Fu You’en had two regrets in her previous life:

First, misjudging someone, trusting her childhood sweetheart’s vows of eternal love; second, failing to stop her uncle from forcibly marrying her mother. Later, for the sake of her own official career, she offered her mother to the emperor, after which her mother was passed around the beds of various nobles.

Reading Guide:

1. A story of parental love.

2. The title may change later, and the synopsis might be slightly adjusted.

3. Features forced acquisition and power dynamics—proceed with caution if this isn’t your cup of tea.

4.The mother’s former lovers in her previous life were all madmen, differing only in their degree of insanity.