My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 41 Good News and Bad News

Chapter 41 Good News and Bad News

Qin Shaozong caught the aroma of grilled fish from afar. At first, he thought some military general in the residence was secretly cooking for themselves, but then he remembered he had recently dispatched everyone to handle matters related to refined salt, leaving no one with time to spare.

Perhaps it was those dancers in the backyard. With nowhere else to go, they still resided in their original quarters.

Qin Shaozong initially had no intention of paying attention—such trivial matters weren’t worth his time. He was heading toward the main courtyard, and as he drew closer, the fragrance grew increasingly intense.

The man raised his long eyebrows.

This setup didn’t seem like the work of the residence’s dancers; instead, it resembled…

He took a few more steps forward, reaching the moon gate of the main courtyard. His gaze pierced through the opening, and he saw a small table set up in the yard, along with her sitting leisurely in a reclining chair.

On the table were dishes of fish and shrimp. Beside it stood a small stove, where more fish and shrimp were being grilled, tended by two maids.

Perhaps because she no longer needed to go to the salt lake, she wore a light cloud-colored cross-collared robe today. Her maids had styled her hair, coiling it high into cloud-like hair, revealing her slender, fair neck. A gold-inlaid jade kingfisher butterfly hairpin was tucked horizontally into her updo.

Hearing footsteps, she gracefully lifted her head, her long, fan-like eyelashes rising with the motion. A ray of sunlight reflected in her pitch-black pupils, like two translucent black agates immersed in a cold spring. As her peach blossom eyes curved, his figure became vividly animated within the gentle, shimmering ripples of light.

The Lord has returned, came her soft, spring breeze-like voice.

Qin Shaozong’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.

He stood still for two breaths before stepping inside. It seems my lady is in high spirits today.

For quite some time, Qin Shaozong hadn’t returned at this hour. Dai Li assumed he was still swamped with work, which was why she decided to grill fish in the courtyard today. She had planned to finish eating and clean up before he returned from his duties, but as fate would have it, he didn’t need to work overtime today.

In her good mood, Dai Li nodded along with his words. Lately, everything has been going smoothly, with nothing to worry about.

As she spoke, she politely asked, Would the Lord care for some grilled fish?

She expected him to decline. This man was always busy—either in meetings with his advisors, visiting the military camp in the suburbs, or occasionally heading to the government office in Ying County.

It was common for him to be away from the residence for two or three days at a time. Sometimes, Dai Li would only faintly hear him returning late at night after she had eaten her fill, bathed, and was ready for bed. By the next morning, he would already be gone. According to the maids, he rose at dawn for his morning exercises.

Dai Li was utterly amazed.

While others needed five hours of unconscious sleep to accumulate energy, he, on the other hand, slept for only two hours—or perhaps even less—and still remained full of vitality all day.

Since my lady has kindly invited me, it would be impolite to refuse, he said instead.

Dai Li’s eyelids twitched, but there was nothing to be done. She had Nian Xia fetch another chair from the room.

Qin Shaozong took his seat.

The atmosphere felt somewhat strange. The gaze beside her was obscure yet carried an undeniable intensity, like an active volcano surging with magma deep beneath the ocean. But Dai Li was used to it.

Let him look—that was all he could do anyway.

Dai Li calmly flipped the grilled fish slices.

She had actually eaten her fill, and originally intended to have Nian Xia and Bi Po clean up the remaining fish and shrimp, but now that Qin Shaozong had arrived, she had no choice but to let him finish the rest.

“My cooking skills are no match for Chief Fengtun’s, so please make do, my Lord.” Dai Li handed him the grilled fish slices.

After skewering the fish slices, the wooden skewer was somewhat short. Dai Li held the upper end, leaving the lower part exposed for Qin Shaozong to grasp.

His large, dark hand reached over. He did take the lower end, but his grip also enveloped her delicate hand at the top.

Dai Li glanced sideways at him, her tone remarkably calm. “A gentleman guides others with words and restrains them with actions. He chooses the virtuous to follow, acts steadily, and aims for long-term success. My Lord should be cautious in speech and conduct, lest you disappoint your advisors.”

Qin Shaozong: “…”

His large hand shifted backward, now gripping the rear portion of the wooden skewer with considerably more propriety.

Watching the silent Qin Shaozong, Dai Li felt an instant surge of satisfaction and couldn’t help but smile. “I am pleased to see you so open to advice.”

Crack. The sound of the wooden skewer snapping echoed.

Dai Li pretended not to hear.

Qin Shaozong finished the grilled fish slices expressionlessly and had just tossed the broken skewer into a small bamboo basket nearby when hurried footsteps sounded from outside.

“My Lord, a messenger from Qingzhou requests an audience. He claims to have an urgent dispatch for you,” a guard reported.

During her “vacation” in the estate, aside from practicing calligraphy, Dai Li occasionally sought out Nalan Zhi for chess games.

Relationships are built through interaction. It was only by relying on Nalan that she had managed to keep Qin Shaozong in check, so she could not afford to distance herself from him.

What surprised Dai Li, however, was that Nalan Zhi would voluntarily discuss the current situation with her, treating her as a true comrade.

Through these conversations, Dai Li gained a general understanding of the outside world.

Several years ago, Nangong Qingzhou and Fan Yanzhou had a falling out due to perceived court favoritism. However, when the Azure Lotus Sect began causing unrest, the two states decided to repair their relations through a marriage alliance a year ago.

After the Qing-Yan alliance was formed, whether due to sabotage or because the marriage agreement had been made but not yet consummated, various troubles kept arising, leaving the alliance precarious.

Based on the available information, Dai Li realized the Azure Lotus Sect was anything but ordinary.

Many uprisings were intertwined with mysticism. Historical examples included prophecies like “Great Chu shall rise, and Chen Sheng shall be king,” the story of the Red Emperor’s son slaying the white serpent to launch a rebellion, and “Five horses cross the river, one horse turns into a dragon.” These prophecies were highly specific, directly pointing to individuals such as Chen Sheng, Liu Bang, and the Sima family…

The Azure Lotus Sect, however, was different. Its publicly circulated True Words did not identify a clear leader. Instead, it claimed to possess secret methods to enlighten worldly beings, promising that all who converted to the Azure Lotus Sect would return to the Heavenly Realm, spared from calamities, with the most devout believers attaining eternal life there.

Such “True Words” held immense appeal for the common folk. It was said the Azure Lotus Sect had existed for over a century, dating back to the early signs of the Yan Dynasty’s decay.

Over time, the Azure Lotus Sect had grown into a colossal entity, boasting not only a vast number of followers but also a well-organized and strictly hierarchical structure.

Now, with the arrival of a messenger from Nangong Qingzhou, Dai Li suspected it was likely connected to the Azure Lotus Sect.

Normally, when a messenger from another state arrived, even if Qin Shaozong did not receive them in person, he would at least send a high-ranking Military General to meet them.

He has traveled a long distance and must be quite weary. Take him to rest and bring the letter to me, Qin Shaozong said. This meant not only would he not receive the visitor personally, but he wouldn’t even send a trusted subordinate to meet with him.

The guard acknowledged the order.

Dai Li glanced at him a moment longer than necessary, prompting Qin Shaozong to chuckle, Does my lady find this improper?

Dai Li replied honestly, I don’t understand these matters well enough to offer you advice.

Soon, the guard returned with the letter.

Qin Shaozong broke the wax seal, scanned the contents rapidly, and slowly curved his lips, This Nangong Xiong isn’t completely foolish after all.

Although Dai Li had repeatedly requested to join his strategist team, she had always been clear about her true intentions. She was merely seeking shelter to make herself untouchable to him, not genuinely wanting to exhaust herself in his service.

Now that a letter had arrived from Qingzhou, she neither interfered nor inquired, maintaining perfect composure as if completely unaware of the matter.

In modern terms, she was slacking off.

Qin Shaozong glanced at her, knowing she preferred to remain uninvolved, but he deliberately went against her wishes. Since my lady is already under my command, why not take a look at this letter from Qingzhou? As an advisor, if you cannot provide even minimal counsel, you’ll be removed from the roster.

Dai Li immediately reached out, and he handed her the letter.

Having recently devoted herself to studying Cursive Script, Dai Li couldn’t write fluently yet but could read almost as quickly as before.

It was an invitation letter in name, but given the current situation, Dai Li felt it read more like a plea for help.

Determined to coast along under his employ, after reading the letter, Dai Li immediately gave him a paraphrased interpretation: This Nangong Qingzhou is quite clever.

Qin Shaozong laughed in exasperation. Her slippery nature really needed correcting.

He would deal with her thoroughly sooner or later.

Being stared at by those large, feline-like brown eyes was indeed pressure-inducing, especially when their owner seemed intent on finding her weaknesses. Dai Li cleared her throat lightly and amended her statement, I suggest you march your troops to Qingzhou. Although the court’s control over the various regions is weakening, rashly entering another territory could easily provide grounds for criticism. Now that Nangong Qingzhou has extended such a warm invitation, how can we refuse?

Qin Shaozong chuckled, My lady speaks wisely.

He was about to say more when footsteps sounded from outside again. Unlike before, this time the approach was exceptionally hurried—not brisk walking but more like running.

Dai Li’s brow twitched slightly.

An urgent matter?

Recently, there hadn’t been many things that could be considered urgent. Could it be that the merchant teams sent to sell refined salt in various regions had returned?

Not all of them, but those going to regions not bordering the Northern Territory might have had their refined salt confiscated entirely. However, one couldn’t catch a wolf without sacrificing some bait; Qin Shaozong’s forces should have been prepared for such losses.

Could it be news from Yangzhou?

Dai Li’s heart lifted anxiously. When the figure finally appeared at the moon gate in the distance, she couldn’t suppress a gasp.

It was Hu Bao—Hu Bao had returned!

Only later did Dai Li learn that Hu Bao had been sent by Qin Shaozong to the Qin family in Yangzhou. If he was back, did that mean…

Unable to remain seated any longer, Dai Li quickly rose and hurried forward, her gaze shifting past Hu Bao, hoping to catch sight of that familiar small figure behind him.

But there was none. Even as he entered the courtyard and stood before her, she saw no one following him.

Dai Li abruptly halted in her tracks, her muscles so rigid they ached faintly. Though the sky was clear and boundless, in her vision, dense clouds blotted out the sun, swallowing every trace of azure.

Captain Hu, is there still no news of my son? Dai Li’s eyes reddened uncontrollably.

If even the influential local clans with their vast connections couldn’t find her little one, how could she possibly search alone?

Watching Dai Li on the verge of tears, Hu Bao’s expression grew complex. He had pondered this all the way back from Yangzhou, yet clarity eluded him—as if an impenetrable fog shrouded everything.

No, Hu Bao averted his gaze, murmuring, There is news of your son.

Dai Li’s pupils contracted sharply. Seeing his evasion, she reached out to grasp his arm. News of Zhou Zhou? How is he? Where is he? Why didn’t he return to Ying County with you? Did something happen?

There was news, but he hadn’t returned. Could Zhou Zhou already be…

Suddenly, lightning flashed through the overcast clouds, thunder rumbled, and a downpour drenched Dai Li, chilling her to the bone, her fingertips numb with cold.

Her legs gave way, and as she began to collapse, two arms reached for her—one from the front, briefly lifted before retreating, and another from behind.

Qin Shaozong steadied her from behind, providing support to keep her upright. Madam, calm yourself. It may not be bad news. Hu Bao has returned—let him recount everything in detail.

He then turned to Hu Bao. What happened in Yangzhou? Speak quickly.

Hu Bao: As you instructed, Qin Ran went to Qiantang and summoned the local Broker Guild. At first, the search yielded nothing, so he expanded the scope—searching neighboring counties and offering rewards to old guild members and Kidnappers. Later, a family brought his uncle forward, claiming Old Sun had crucial information.

Hu Bao’s voice lowered. Old Sun was once a broker, but after injuring his leg and struggling to walk, he left the trade. He said he’d seen a drenched, solitary child by the river—matching the age, height, appearance, and short hair. The child approached him, asking to be taken to some bureau, mentioning a broken object and wanting to borrow something to contact his mother, even reciting a string of numbers and a name…

Dai Li’s breathing grew rapid.

The river, the police station, the smartwatch, her phone number, Mom.

No further questions were needed. Dai Li was certain it was Zhou Zhou! Those bizarre dreams were real—Zhou Zhou truly existed in this unfamiliar era.

The thought of her little one alone by the river, with no one to turn to in such strange surroundings, wrenched her heart. What happened next? Where did he take Zhou Zhou?

Old Sun, observing your son’s demeanor, assumed he was from a noble family. He initially helped dry his clothes, intending to take him into the city, return him home, and claim a reward. But then a troop arrived on the official road. Having recently dealt with Kidnappers, Old Sun grew nervous and thought your son’s family had come searching, so…

Hu Bao averted his eyes again. He left your son behind and fled alone.

This was something Hu Bao hadn’t anticipated at the time, but upon careful reflection, it made sense.

A Broker Guild with unclean hands from the start, mistakenly thinking the child’s family had come looking, would naturally realize their hopes for a reward were dashed and likely depart. After all, they had only dried his clothes for him—the sunk cost was negligible, with nothing worth clinging to.

Dai Li stood as if struck by lightning, her limbs trembling uncontrollably. He… he left? What happened after? Since that old broker encountered Zhou Zhou, what about the caravan passing through later? They must have seen him too, right? Where did my son go afterward?

Madam Dai. Hu Bao’s voice was very low, carrying traces of confusion and compassion upon closer listening. That chance encounter the old broker described with your son… occurred ten years ago.

Dai Li’s pupils contracted to pinpoints, the color draining from her face inch by inch. No, how could it be… how could it be ten years ago…

Darkness swam before her eyes, and Dai Li went limp.

Qin Shaozong, who had been supporting her from behind, swiftly caught her. Seeing she had fainted, he simply lifted her in his arms and turned toward the house.

The courtyard was only steps away from the side chamber. After carrying her back to her room, Qin Shaozong pointed to the tall Bi Po. Go quickly and fetch Ding Lianxi.

Bi Po hurried out.

Qin Shaozong stood silently by the bed for a moment, his gaze deep as a still pond. To the remaining Nian Xia, he said, Watch over Madam for now. Inform me when she wakes.

Hu Bao stopped at the doorway of the side chamber, not following Qin Shaozong into Dai Li’s room. When he saw his superior emerge, he murmured, My Lord.

Are you certain it was ten years ago? Qin Shaozong asked.

Without a doubt. Hu Bao whispered, My Lord, how could Madam Dai mistake the timeline of her son’s disappearance? Could the trauma have been so severe that her memory became distorted?

Perhaps, Qin Shaozong said.

Though he verbally agreed with his subordinate, Qin Shaozong didn’t truly believe it.

She had said she accidentally fell into the river in the Peach Blossom Garden and woke up in Jiang Mansion—and indeed, when they first met, her leather shoes were soaked. Now the old broker spoke of a child, also drenched, appearing by the riverside ten years ago.

Qin Shaozong didn’t believe in ghosts or deities. Born with broken eyebrows, he’d been prophesied by a senior monk early in life to be estranged from all relatives, destined to bring misfortune to father, mother, and brothers. Thus, he held deep contempt for prophecies and so-called eminent monks.

Yet at this moment, he found himself inexplicably believing in the inexplicable events that had occurred between her and her son—things beyond conventional understanding.

Finding her son mattered so deeply to her; someone as intelligent as she would never misremember such a crucial timeframe. Moreover, if salt purification methods had existed long ago, they could never have remained obscure until now.

Ding Lianxi soon arrived carrying his medicine box. After checking Dai Li’s pulse, he frowned. Her pulse is rapid. Madam Dai suffers from excessive internal heat with accumulated fire pathogens. I’ll prescribe several doses of medicine for her to take upon waking. This internal heat must be dispersed quickly, or it may lead to illness later.

Thank you for preparing the prescription, Congjian, Qin Shaozong addressed Ding Lianxi by his courtesy name.

The prescription was written, and the two maids promptly went to prepare it. After an hour, Dai Li gradually awoke.

Nian Xia, who had been keeping vigil by the bed, noticed immediately and rejoiced. Madam, you’re finally awake! You’ve been unconscious for over an hour. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?

Dai Li’s eyes were vacant, staring blankly at the canopy above the bed. She remained silent.

Nian Xia’s heart raced with unease, and she repeated the last sentence once more. At first, Dai Li still showed no reaction, but just as Nian Xia was about to go find Ding Lianxi again, she finally saw the woman on the bed slowly shake her head.

Nian Xia breathed a sigh of relief, tucked the quilt around Dai Li, and said, Madam, Mr. Ding said you have excessive internal heat. He prescribed medicine for you, and Bi Po is preparing it in the small kitchen. I’ll go fetch it for you.

Dai Li gave no response.

After Nian Xia left, she curled up in the quilt and turned over, facing the wall with her back to the room. It might have been just a moment, or perhaps a long time—Dai Li couldn’t tell exactly—but she eventually heard footsteps.

These were not the light, nimble steps of Nian Xia or Bi Po; the visitor’s tread was steady and deliberate. In the entire estate, only one person could enter her room so openly.

Dai Li did not turn around, maintaining her curled-up position, motionless.

Madam, Qin Shaozong stopped by the bedside.

There was no reply.

From Qin Shaozong’s perspective, the woman on the bed lay on her side, her unbound ink-black hair flowing like water over her shoulders and back, giving off an inexplicable air of fragility.

He sat down beside the bed. It’s been ten years. Finding someone again isn’t easy, but it’s not entirely impossible either.

Author’s Note: Ding Lianxi, courtesy name Congjian.

Still eagerly seeking nutrient fluid [pink heart]