My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 43: Entering the Tiger's Den

Chapter 43: Entering the Tiger’s Den

Ding Lianxi was awakened by the maid and learned that Dai Li had developed a high fever. It was both unexpected and expected—yesterday he had predicted that persistent internal heat would lead to illness.

It seemed Madam Dai had not escaped it.

This matter could not be delayed. Ding Lianxi slung his medicine box over his shoulder and hurriedly followed Bi Po to the side chamber.

In the quiet night, the side chamber was as bright as day.

The fundamentals of medical diagnosis: observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking.

Ding Lianxi skipped the third step, questioning. Given how severe her fever was, a mere glance told him the situation was critical. After taking her pulse, he once again prescribed medication for Dai Li.

The two women quickly went to prepare the medicine.

My lord, may I have a word in private? Ding Lianxi looked at Qin Shaozong, his voice lowered.

Without a word, Qin Shaozong stepped out with him, passing through the beaded curtain to the outer room.

Ding Lianxi said gravely, My lord, Madam Dai’s high fever is caused by emotional distress. Whether it’s medication or bloodletting therapy, these methods only address the symptoms, not the root cause. As the saying goes, emotional illnesses require emotional remedies. The source of everything lies in her unresolved worries. If Madam Dai’s heart remains troubled for too long…

Ding Lianxi did not explicitly state the outcome, only shaking his head solemnly.

Qin Shaozong lowered his gaze, twisting the jade thumb ring on his finger. Without a word, he turned and went back into the inner chamber.

Nian Xia and Bi Po had both gone to prepare the medicine, leaving Dai Li alone inside. She was terribly cold, huddling under the new quilt the two women had added for her before leaving.

High fevers are often accompanied by tinnitus. Amid the growing noise in her ears, Dai Li heard footsteps.

The man who had left earlier had returned.

Qin Shaozong sat by the bedside as before. He held her by the shoulders, turning the woman who had been facing inward toward him.

Does my lady not trust what I said earlier? he asked.

Dai Li’s damp, long eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she did not respond.

She had sunk into utter despair.

The world was vast, and the population immense. With transportation being highly inconvenient, traveling from south to north day and night would take at least several months. Qin Shaozong’s influence was limited to the Northern Territory; beyond that, it was others’ domain. How could word spread easily across all regions?

Moreover, many feared his power, and even more held grudges against him. If others learned he was conducting a high-profile search, her Zhou Zhou would surely become a target.

Not to mention, a full decade had passed, and nine years ago, there had been a major famine. Was Zhou Zhou even still…

Dai Li felt the icy venomous snake in her heart stirring again. Its jaws gaped wide, greedily devouring flesh and blood. She curled up further, burying her face in the quilt.

Qin Shaozong tugged at the quilt, exposing her face. The Qin family’s extensive search has likely already spread throughout Yangzhou, and may eventually reach other regions. Even if someone discovers that your son shares the same name and certain characteristics with the person the Qin family is seeking, it won’t matter. After all, we are searching for a nine-year-old boy, not a nineteen-year-old youth.

Pulled out of her hiding place, Dai Li, who had intended to bury her face again, froze.

Qin Shaozong tucked a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her cheek behind her ear. Moreover, I believe it is highly likely that your son is no longer using his real name. This would help him avoid those who would rather capture the wrong person than let one slip away.

In truth, it was not would not, but could not.

If he were still alive, given his state of being helpless, without household registration or a Talisman at that time, even if kindly taken in as a servant, his name would certainly have been changed.

Dai Li understood the unspoken meaning in his words, and tears she had just held back began to stream from the corners of her eyes again.

News of the refined salt has already been spread across the provinces. In the future, countless merchants from various regions will flock to the Northern Territory to procure goods. Once these people taste the benefits, they will inevitably return for a second round, driven by profit. Entrusting them with delivering messages will not be difficult. If you fear they might feign compliance while acting otherwise, I can establish a specialized inspectorate team that travels between the provinces and grant you full authority over its management. Qin Shaozong’s hand, which had just brushed her temple, slid downward, still resting atop the brocade quilt covering her hand.

You need not worry that I will break my word, abandon the effort midway, or handle matters carelessly. After all, from the very beginning, you have understood best what I truly desire. He gazed at her deeply. The hidden undercurrents and desires within him, like a tiger leaping from the forest, were now fully exposed before her.

In these troubled times, ordinary people who abide by the rules and possess kind hearts might, if fortunate, live to a peaceful old age. But in noble households and power struggles, such individuals are often devoured without a trace.

Qin Shaozong was not the eldest legitimate son; he was the second in his family. He had once distanced himself from power struggles, watching others fight to the death with amusement, but later he plunged into them himself, navigating countless treacherous battles and deceptions.

Beneath his feet lay piles of white bones, beside him stretched corpse mounds and rivers of blood.

He had never been a good man.

He waited for opportunities, seized weaknesses, and never let slip any chance he could grasp. If something caught his eye, even if it wasn’t his, he would find a way to claim it.

Qin Shaozong never saw anything wrong with this. If not for his ruthless nature, the Northern Territory would not bear the name Qin, he would not possess all he had today, and he might have long perished in the schemes of his rivals…

Dai Li bit her lip. She knew what he meant.

Searching for someone who might have appeared a decade ago—and who might no longer exist—was entirely different from finding a child who had been seen just half a year earlier. The manpower, resources, and difficulty involved were not on the same level.

Amid the ringing in her ears, the familiar cries of a child seemed to resurface—agonized, desperate, like a sharp saw cutting again and again into her strained and fragile nerves, further clouding her heavy mind.

Beneath the quilt, Dai Li’s pale hand slowly tightened. She clutched the brocade covering her, yet it felt as though she were grasping not just the quilt but the hem of her son’s garment. One year, she said. I will serve you for one year. After that, I will return to my original position.

Returning to her original position meant resuming her role as an advisor, ending their intimate relationship.

She thought a year would be enough.

A man of his status and power never lacked women. Countless beauties vied for his favor and attention; his focus would not linger on her for long. It was only a matter of time before he grew weary.

A year would also be sufficient for her to establish her own foundation and connections within the merchant caravans and the inspectorate team traveling across the provinces. Even if she returned to her advisory role, she could still manipulate them from afar.

Previously, she had refused to share his bed because, in her view, matters had not yet reached such a point. But now, she saw the determination and dominance in his eyes.

Dai Li knew she had no way out.

Less than an arm’s length apart, she and he stared at each other. Finally, those light brown eyes lowered slightly. Agreed.

Dai Li breathed a sigh of relief.

The maid returned with the medicine. After drinking it, Dai Li wrapped herself in the quilt and lay down, her eyes still open without any trace of sleepiness.

Qin Shaozong reached out to tuck her quilt in. Rest early, Madam. The inspectorate team that will travel through the provinces will begin formation once you have fully recovered from this illness.

Dai Li’s pupils trembled slightly before she slowly closed her eyes. This time, unlike before, she didn’t deliberately turn her back toward the outside of the bed.

Whether it was the medicine taking effect or the reassurance of his promise, the invisible battle between ice and fire gradually faded away, and she soon fell asleep.

Qin Shaozong didn’t leave immediately. He remained seated beside the bed, watching the woman on the couch.

The green curtain on one side had been drawn, blocking most of the light. She lay sideways on the brocade pillow, her flushed jade-like face gradually turning pale in the dim shadows. The once vibrant peony now carried an air of sickness, and even the vermilion mole on her forehead seemed to have faded.

Her brows unconsciously furrowed, her breathing heavy, sometimes fast and sometimes slow—clearly trapped in another unpleasant dream, though she no longer murmured as before.

The candle on the nearby stand burned out, the small flame suddenly vanishing, allowing shadows to surge forth like a tide.

Qin Shaozong rose from the bedside, personally drew the other green curtain, then glanced at the waiting maids. Without a word, just one look from him made both women nod repeatedly.

The soft sound of bead curtains being moved echoed briefly before silence returned.

Qin Shaozong stepped out of the side chamber.

The moon hung high tonight, a bright orb shining with silvery light. After walking out from under the eaves, moonlight cascaded down. Qin Shaozong raised his hand, catching a segment of moonlight in his palm.

There’s a saying that goes: those who rarely fall ill, once they do, are struck with fierce intensity that’s hard to shake off.

Dai Li had been confined to her sickbed for several days, drinking bowl after bowl of medicine until the entire side chamber smelled of herbal brew.

During these days of recuperation, she never once left the main courtyard, unaware that Qin Shaozong had completed military reorganization, and that even the troops from Yuyang had arrived in Ying County, awaiting only his command to march south.

In the study.

A brief meeting had just concluded. Normally, whether military generals or strategists, all would depart at this point.

Nalan Zhi stepped out, but just as he was about to cross the study threshold, he noticed the military generals hadn’t left. Pausing slightly, a thought seemed to occur to him. Stroking his long beard, he smiled knowingly and left.

Had Dai Li been present, she would have noticed two new faces in the study compared to previous days.

One was a man with the refined appearance of a civil official, possessing sharp, shrewd eyes. This was Jin Dole, who like Su Xiuzhu served as a military instructor. However, while the latter was exclusively assigned to the Dark Valiant Cavalry, the former oversaw the entire Northern Territory Army, making Jin Dole technically Su Xiuzhu’s superior.

The other had the build of a military general—standing eight feet tall with an honest, simple appearance and puppy-dog eyes that conveyed warmth and sincerity. This was Kuang Ye. But anyone who trusted this innocent exterior would meet a terrible fate.

For the worst possible outcome, one need only consider Rong Bingzhou, who had already reported to the King of Hell.

Having served under his command for seven years, risking life and limb through fire and water, he had believed this man to be his most trusted right-hand. Who could have imagined he was actually a hidden stake planted by the neighboring lord? In the end, not only did Rong Bingzhou lose his life, but the entire Bingzhou was swallowed up.

After Nalan Zhi left, Kuang Ye turned to Mo Yanyun and blinked his gentle, puppy-like eyes.

Feng Feng, standing beside Mo Yanyun, rolled his eyes and subtly nudged the person next to him with his elbow while clasping his hands behind his back.

Let Old Mo ask.

This guy had been burning with curiosity earlier—let him be the one to inquire. Ahem, anyway, the Lord knew he was always reckless, and since he came from the Mo family, the Lord surely wouldn’t blame him.

Burdened with the high expectations of his comrades, Mo Yanyun felt his spine straighten with determination.

Fine, he’d do it!

So when Qin Shaozong said, Why are you all standing there like wooden stakes? he was the first to speak up: Lord, when are we leaving Ying County?

Mo Yanyun clenched his fists excitedly. Qingzhou has sent word—they’ve extended a warm invitation. Now is the best time to strike while the iron is hot. If we delay further, what if the conflict between Qing and Yanzhou resolves, or if the Azure Lotus Sect flees? That would put us at a disadvantage…

Recent meetings had covered numerous topics: protecting the salt lakes, subsequent sales of refined salt, receiving merchants from various regions, and plans for the southward military campaign.

There was much to handle, but all matters had been properly arranged. It could be said that everything was ready—all that was needed was the east wind. The only item left was setting off.

Yet the Lord still hadn’t announced when they would depart.

Qin Shaozong first looked at Mo Yanyun, then swept his gaze over everyone in the study. Some lowered their heads, some scratched their ears and cheeks, while others blinked innocently with puppy-dog eyes.

What’s the rush? We’ll leave when it’s time to leave. Right now, they’re the ones begging for our arrival—there’s no harm in taking our time. Qin Shaozong said.

Seeing that Mo Yanyun still wanted to speak, he simply rose from his seat and walked out, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation.

After Qin Shaozong left, the military generals exchanged bewildered glances.

Wait, what does the Lord mean by that? It’s just a specific date—can’t he tell us? exclaimed the utterly baffled Mo Yanyun.

Perhaps he’s worried about unforeseen changes, mused Yan San after some thought.

By the way, have any of you seen Madam Dai recently? I haven’t run into her these past few days, asked Qiao Wangfei, who was gradually recovering from serious injuries.

Why are you asking about Madam Dai? Let me tell you, Madam Dai is no ordinary woman. Don’t entertain thoughts you shouldn’t, cautioned Bai Jianping, the commander of Nantun, warning his friend.

Qiao Wangfei replied displeased, I’m not like that fellow Old Mo, who loses his soul at the sight of a beautiful woman.

Mo Yanyun: …

Neither Kuang Ye nor Jin Dole had ever met Dai Li, but even without seeing her in person, her formidable reputation thundered in their ears.

Kuang Ye stroked his chin thoughtfully. How about we pay a visit to Mr. Ding later?

Why go see Mr. Ding? Are you unwell? Mo Yanyun asked, puzzled.

Yan San was taken aback for a moment before catching on. I’ll go with you.

The two hit it off immediately and, ignoring the others, left the study right after Qin Shaozong.

Jin Dole watched their retreating figures, sucked in a sharp breath, and began counting on his fingers. If there really is something going on with Mr. Ding, we might be facing a major expenditure in the near future.

What major expenditure? Mo Yanyun asked, confused.

But Jin Dole continued muttering as he calculated, The mansion in Yuyang will need renovations, the garden will definitely require repairs… No, no, that shouldn’t be necessary. Why would it come to that?

What’s wrong with that iron rooster?

Who knows? He’s often like this.

Main courtyard.

Having been confined to her room for several days, Dai Li grew restless. Feeling much better today, she put on thick clothes and went for a walk in the courtyard.

Nian Xia, go find out where Captain Hu is? I need him to come see me about something, Dai Li said to Nian Xia, who immediately hurried off upon receiving the order.

Since Hu Bao’s return from Yangzhou, she had only seen him once – during his initial report. Later, when she fell ill, she hadn’t seen him again.

Even though she had heard those words before, and even though they had been haunting her like a curse these past few days, Dai Li still masochistically wanted to hear them again from the person involved.

When Qin Shaozong returned, he happened to meet Nian Xia in the corridor outside the main quarters. Seeing her hurried pace, he didn’t wait for her to greet him and asked directly: Looking for Ding Lianxi?

Nian Xia replied: My Lord, it’s not Mr. Ding. I’m following Madam’s orders to summon Captain Hu.

Qin Shaozong said: No need to go. Hu Bao has already returned to Yangzhou.

Nian Xia was astonished, thinking to herself: Captain Hu went to Yangzhou? When did he leave? But knowing these weren’t questions she should ask, she could only follow Qin Shaozong back the way she came.

Dai Li was walking slowly in the courtyard, trying to regain some strength lost from days in bed, when she glimpsed a dark figure turning through the moon gate from the corner of her eye.

It was him returning, with Nian Xia following behind.

Dai Li pressed her lips together.

The wind has been strong lately. Madam shouldn’t be exposed to the wind in the courtyard. Return to your room, he said in a tone that brooked no refusal.

After saying this, seeing she hadn’t moved, Qin Shaozong stepped forward and wrapped his long arm around her, guiding her toward the room.

Dai Li only stiffened momentarily at first, then allowed him to lead her into the room.

Once inside, the smell of medicine rushed at them like a fierce glutton, devouring all other scents completely. Qin Shaozong’s eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly. I’ve sent Hu Bao to Yangzhou. If there’s anything Madam wishes to know, you can ask me directly.

Dai Li was slightly taken aback. He went to Yangzhou?

Qin Shaozong explained: After that interrogation in the hall, we didn’t silence Old Sun’s family, nor did we give Qin Ran any instructions. This trip is for him to go back and tie up loose ends.

Back then, after Hu Bao obtained the clues, he rushed back to Ying County without stopping, completely neglecting matters in Yangzhou. Since we plan to extensively search for a nine-year-old boy across various provinces, the information about ten years must be kept completely sealed.

Qin Shaozong guided her to the long sofa and sat down with her, straightening her up to examine her carefully: Madam looks better today than yesterday.

Dai Li turned her head away. I can’t have taken Mr. Ding’s medicine for nothing.

Then she asked him, That old man named Sun really didn’t see whether my son had contact with that team later?

No, he fled upon hearing voices, feeling guilty about past matters, Qin Shaozong said calmly.

Dai Li lowered her eyelids.

In a few days, Madam will accompany me south to Qingzhou, Qin Shaozong brought up another matter.

Dai Li wasn’t at all surprised he was heading south.

When Nangong Qingzhou offered the ladder, this man was bound to take it. Going south… actually going south is good too. Heading south brings us closer to Qiantang…

My Lord, when can I meet the leader of that inspectorate team? Dai Li asked eagerly.

Qin Shaozong took one of her hands, his calloused fingertips tracing over her soft palm, following the fine lines upward until they caressed the tender flesh on the inner side of her fingers. As I said before, the inspectorate team will be assembled only when you have fully recovered.

A tingling sensation rose from her fingers, and Dai Li instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but her fair wrist was held firmly by a large, dark hand, leaving no room for escape.

After a brief pause, Dai Li said, My fever has completely subsided today. I feel I have recovered.

As if eager to prove her restored health, she reached for the belt at his waist.

Author’s Note: The dream was the final straw that broke Dai Li, leading to the swiftly concluded transaction. Sorry, but I’m a sucker for such coercive romance plots [wry smile.

I didn’t expect so many readers in the last chapter to accuse me of padding the story—some complained, others left negative ratings. Let me say a few words…

If I really wanted to drag things out, I could have written about Hu Bao’s search for information in Qiantang with repeated misses and delays, stretching it across five or six chapters or even longer.

But I didn’t—it was resolved immediately.

I understand your eagerness while following the serialization, and I know you’re reading because you genuinely love this story. But as the author, I have to consider readers who will read the completed work later or even revisit it. Some plot points simply need careful groundwork; otherwise, looking back, they’d feel rushed, as if the climax ended before it even began. Personally, I also dislike avoiding conflict…

Let’s all read with calm minds—it’s good for our health.

Lately, work has been exhausting, and my tendon it is is showing signs of flaring up. I might adjust the update schedule in a couple of days cry smile.