My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 45: Hiding a Celestial Beauty

Chapter 45: Hiding a Celestial Beauty

As the governor of a province, even without an official residence in Guoyun County, Nangong Xiong could arrange for two mansions with just a few words.

The two large estates stood side by side, previously vacant because the merchants who owned them had traveled elsewhere for business. Both were listed with property agents, waiting for the right buyer to come along.

The right buyer never appeared, but a hegemon did. Nangong Xiong forcibly requisitioned the two mansions and dispatched servants to clean them from top to bottom. Weeds in the courtyards were uprooted and replaced with pleasing greenery, striving to make the residences look brand new.

In the main hall of the southern mansion.

As the host, Nangong Xiong paced back and forth in the hall, his steps faintly betraying a trace of anxiety.

Nangong Qingzhou, he’s here, Marquis Qin has arrived,a guard hurriedly reported.

Nangong Xiong perked up, thinking he had finally arrived. Just as he was about to go out to greet him, the guard added:

I saw several young women in Marquis Qin’s entourage. He took them to the northern mansion first.

Generally, for such an important meeting, to show respect, the leader should go directly to the other party’s residence. As for luggage and other matters, they could be left to subordinates to handle—it wasn’t as if there was no one available, so why bother doing it personally?

Moreover, with the two mansions adjacent, this passing by without enteringseemed somewhat arrogant.

Nangong Xiong was astonished. Young women? When has Qin Shaozong ever brought women on campaigns?

It wasn’t unheard of for powerful leaders to bring female companions on campaigns; some armies even kept military prostitutes. But as far as he knew, the Northern Territory Army was very strict in this regard, and Qin Shaozong had never been known to bring women on past campaigns.

Now he was bringing several at once?

Something unusual must be afoot. This wasn’t right.

Are you sure you didn’t missee?Nangong Xiong asked.

The guard nodded. Three young women shared a carriage, though two of them appeared to be maidservants.

Nangong Xiong looked at Zhang Mingdian beside him. What do you think, Quanshu?

Zhang Mingdian replied, Let’s set aside the matter of the women for now. As long as the alliance is secure, it doesn’t matter if he brings a few women—even a hundred would be acceptable.

After waiting another two quarters of an hour, Nangong Xiong finally saw him.

Truth be told, the two had met years ago, back when Qin Shaozong was not yet twenty, just a youth of sixteen or seventeen who didn’t have to bear family responsibilities.

He had left the Northern Territory with a few attendants to travel through various provinces and encountered Nangong Xiong in Qingzhou. One was young and impulsive, inherently proud to the core; the other had just come of age and smoothly secured his position as heir, brimming with ambition.

When the two clashed, minor issues escalated into major conflicts. After Qin Shaozong’s attendants were beaten, he retaliated by setting fire to Nangong Xiong’s private residence and fleeing with his men.

Years had passed, and what was once a major conflict had long become an insignificant trifle.

But upon seeing this old acquaintance, Nangong Xiong still felt his molars itch. Pleasantries were still necessary, though thinking of how this man had first slighted his messenger and now arrived late, his words of greeting inevitably carried a hint of sarcasm. It’s been many years, Lord Qin. Your heroic bearing surpasses even before—it seems the Northern Territory suits you far better than Qingzhou.

Zhang Mingdian’s brow twitched.

A glint of amusement shone in Qin Shaozong’s eyes. The Northern Territory’s scenery is indeed splendid. Otherwise, merchants from Qingzhou wouldn’t be swarming here in droves.

Nangong Xiong’s face darkened slightly as he prepared to retort, but then he caught his strategist repeatedly signaling him with meaningful glances. He immediately paused, then cleared his throat lightly: It’s getting late. Perhaps we should begin the banquet.

Since it was mealtime, it would also be more convenient to discuss matters over wine.

The banquet commenced.

Two tables were placed side by side at the head of the hall, while military generals and advisors from both sides sat along the left and right sides below. Fine wine and delicacies were served in abundance, with wine jars piled up like clouds. They ate and conversed simultaneously.

After three rounds of drinks, Nangong Xiong said: Those demons and monsters of the Azure Lotus Sect have been frequently making small moves recently, which is utterly irritating. I’m not afraid to speak plainly with you—previously, I formed an alliance with Fan Yanzhou intending to eradicate the Azure Lotus army entrenched in Huaian County. But just as we were about to launch the campaign, a military general died within Yanzhou’s forces.

Qin Shaozong twirled the wine cup in his hand.

Currently, transmitting messages was quite inconvenient, and this matter had been deliberately suppressed, so he truly hadn’t known about it.

However, it wasn’t surprising.

Nangong Xiong angrily slammed the table, That bastard Fan Tianshi actually believed it was my side who killed his man! Utterly absurd! Why would I kill someone from his army at such a critical moment? If I truly disliked him, I could simply wait until after the campaign to take action.

Below them, Zhang Mingdian coughed heavily twice, What our lord means is that we would teach him a lesson afterward.

Mo Yanyun laughed heartily, You scholars always speak in such roundabout ways. If he’s unfavorable, just eliminate him—what’s wrong with that?

Nangong Xiong also laughed, Qin Chang Geng, I never expected you to have such straightforward people under your command. Rare, truly rare.

Zhang Mingdian: …

The corner of Qin Shaozong’s mouth twitched, and he decided to skip this topic, So now you and Fan Yanzhou have completely fallen out?

Not entirely.Nangong Xiong spoke frankly, But it’s close. In any case, he’s currently more concerned about who killed his military general than about suppressing the Azure Lotus Sect.

Taking a sip of wine, Nangong Xiong sighed again: Although Fan Tianshi is foolish, he benefits from the substantial foundation his father left him—enough for him to squander. Moreover, this man…

What about him?Qin Shaozong noticed his complicated expression and casually prompted, Is he perhaps quite lucky?

Don’t even mention it—he really is lucky.Nangong Xiong lowered his voice: Didn’t Fan Tianshi adopt many orphans in his early years? It’s said he specifically picked those with exceptional bone structure, filling several courtyard buildings. Among these hundred or so individuals, some died, some were crippled, but there were also those who stood out.

Qin Shaozong pondered thoughtfully.

He had informants in every province, though their numbers varied. He had heard about Fan Tianshi raising adopted sons, but that was the extent of his knowledge.

Some people enjoyed keeping dancers, some liked breeding fierce beasts, and naturally, some enjoyed playing father to others everywhere.

But standing out?

No names had reached his ears yet.

Quan Jie.Nangong Xiong mentioned a name, But since he often wears a ghost mask, many people call him Ghost Face. This person has done many dirty deeds for Fan Tianshi, including eliminating some arrogant old ministers and spies from other provinces. I once suspected that the supplies my Qing Province tribute to the imperial court last year were hijacked by that bastard.

Qin Shaozong drained his cup in one gulp, Quan Jie—a domestic dog, yet also worthless grass. Expecting the horse to run without letting it eat—where in this world does such a good deal exist? This Quan Jie won’t remain under Fan Tianshi’s command for long.

As if finally catching Qin Shaozong’s weakness, Nangong Xiong mocked, Break away? It’s not that easy. From what I know, that Ghost-Faced Quan Jie came to Fan Manor at twelve and has been there for seven full years. In these seven years, he’s done enough dirty deeds to fill a basket, earning enemies everywhere. Even if that scoundrel Fan Tianshi were willing to let him go, if he escaped, he’d have no one to protect him. With the Fan family hunting him down and enemies seeking revenge, he’d die even faster.

Qin Shaozong paid no mind, casually pouring himself a cup of wine. True enough.

If he wants to escape this situation, there are only two paths. First, slit his own throat—die early and be reborn sooner, hoping for better luck in the next life so he doesn’t have to be someone’s lapdog. Second…Nangong Xiong suddenly chuckled. Find a father figure more powerful than Fan Tianshi, one who can handle both Fan Tianshi and all the enemies he’s made. That might keep him safe. But without blood ties, what mighty lord would play the fool, taking on such a troublesome task with no benefit? It’d be like asking for trouble—unless he’d been kicked in the head by a donkey. Even if it were his own son, not everyone would go to such lengths.

With enough concubines, there are plenty of heirs.

Fan Tianshi is a prime example—multiple houses of concubines, not counting those who died young, he has fifteen or sixteen living offspring. If that scoundrel had such an unlucky son, he’d likely leave him to fend for himself, as if he’d never been born.

So the first option it is—a clean slash to the throat, and it’s over. Before his next reincarnation, he should remember to pray to the gods, begging for a better birth.Nangong Xiong said.

Qin Shaozong’s tone was indifferent, Indeed, death would be more merciful.

Ghost-Faced Quan Jie was merely a trivial topic over drinks—Nangong Xiong spoke casually, Qin Shaozong listened idly, and neither gave it much thought.

They soon returned to discussing the alliance, including how to deal with Yanzhou later.

Once major matters were settled, Nangong Xiong lowered his voice to Qin Shaozong, The ladies of my Qingzhou are gentle and charming, delicate and moving. Would Lord Qin like to experience their grace?

Thank you, but Nangong Qingzhou should keep that pleasure for himself.Qin Shaozong set down his wine cup.

Hearing his flat tone, Nangong Xiong felt displeased. The women of Qingzhou were fair as flowers and jade—what did his attitude imply? Did he look down on them?

I heard Lord Qin brought a female companion. Could it be you’ve hidden a celestial beauty in the neighboring residence?Nangong Xiong couldn’t help asking.

Qin Shaozong turned his head. They had drunk plenty tonight, with wine jars piled around them, but his brown eyes showed no haze—instead, they gleamed like blades reflecting cold light. I came south to crusade against the Azure Lotus Sect. I hope Nangong Qingzhou will focus on that matter.

The subtext: Don’t meddle in what doesn’t concern you, and curb your curiosity.

Nangong Xiong snorted coldly, I offered hospitality with good intentions. If you won’t accept it, so be it. The women of my Qingzhou surpass heavenly beauties, more enchanting than those of your Northern Territory.

Qin Shaozong: The journey here has left me weary. Since matters are settled, there’s little else to discuss. We should disperse and conserve our energy—what does Nangong Qingzhou think?

Nangong Xiong’s face darkened.

After all, Guoyun County was Qingzhou’s territory—he was the host, and the words to end the gathering should have come from him. After over twenty years, this Qin Shaozong still hadn’t changed his stubborn ways…

Then let’s end it here for today.Nangong Xiong smiled thinly without warmth.

After dinner, Dai Li strolled around the mansion before returning to her room for a bath.

Compared to Ying County, Qingzhou had a much more developed water system, making water access relatively easier.

The mansion had been meticulously prepared before their arrival, with all necessities provided—from furniture and decorations down to clothing, horse fodder, and even fragrant petals to add to the bathing tub.

The preparer could truly be described as exceptionally thorough.

Summer had already arrived, so the bathwater only needed to be warmed slightly.

Nian Xia and Bi Po prepared a tub of water and thoughtfully placed a basin filled with hot water nearby, allowing Dai Li to add more water as needed and prolong her bath.

After a comfortable soak, Dai Li dressed and returned to the inner chamber. She retrieved a small mulberry bark paper notebook and a charcoal pencil from a box and began writing and sketching.

This was a roster booklet, recording the names of each member of the inspectorate team, as well as basic information about the merchants who had traveled to the Northern Territory to purchase refined salt—including which caravan came from where and which prefecture they were headed to next.

In addition, there was a condensed map she had asked Mo Yanyun to draw.

I need to send them further south to investigate,Dai Li murmured to herself.

The candleholder beside her burned quietly, the candle already noticeably shorter without her realizing. Dai Li closed the notebook containing her plans and tucked it under her pillow. Just as she was about to retire to bed, commotion arose outside.

Dai Li guessed it must be Qin Shaozong returning.

As before, their rooms were adjacent, so hearing the noise was hardly surprising.

Dai Li let down one side of the plain bed curtain, then moved to the other side intending to lower the other curtain as well, hoping to block the increasingly bothersome summer mosquitoes.

Creak.The door was pushed open.

Dai Li’s fingers trembled, causing the other curtain to slip from her grasp. Both curtains fell closed.

The bamboo screen over the inner chamber doorway was brushed aside, its slats clacking together with a sharp pat-a-patthat echoed distinctly in the silent night. With each light sound, Dai Li’s heartbeat gradually quickened.

Through the hazy, indistinct plain curtains, she saw a tall figure approaching from the distance.

Dai Li caught a strong whiff of alcohol and felt a sudden unease. How much did you drink at the banquet, my Lord?

Dark fingers parted one side of the curtain, sweeping away the obscuring veil between them. Their eyes finally met without obstruction.

The woman on the bed wore apricot-colored inner robes, with large embroidered peonies climbing from her waist and abdomen up to her shoulders. Ready for sleep, her black hair was unbound, flowing over her shoulders like water.

Black hair, fair skin, red lips—the contrasting colors were strikingly vivid: black as ink, white as jade, red as rouge. The vermilion dot on her forehead served as the finishing touch, creating an image of snowy purity and floral essence that captivated the gaze.

I didn’t drink much. I assure you I won’t disappoint you by failing halfway tonight.His Adam’s apple bobbed.

In his eyes, Dai Li saw a darkness like the deep sea—overwhelming and unstoppable.

His hand rested on his belt, long fingers about to undo its hidden clasp, when suddenly a voice interrupted:

Wait…

Qin Shaozong’s expression remained impassive. My Lady.

The two words felt heavy, carrying a hint of displeasure.

Under that obscure, intense gaze, Dai Li steeled herself and continued, My Lord, you’ve been busy and toiling all day. Perhaps you should take a hot bath to relieve your fatigue. Besides, the smell of alcohol is quite strong—it’s making me a bit dizzy.

The smell of alcohol was actually secondary; the main issue was that this man had been riding all day during the march, accumulating who knows how much dust along the way. She thought if he had been wearing white robes today, they would probably have turned black.

My lady’s delicate temperament truly hasn’t changed one bit.The man standing before the plain canopy clicked his tongue lightly before turning to leave.

Dai Li breathed a sigh of relief.

After he had completely departed, she flipped open the brocade pillow and retrieved the small mulberry bark paper notebook. She carefully examined it page by page, gently stroking the rough paper.

The notebook was already quite filled, its earlier pages completely packed with writing. She truly hoped to receive good news before it became completely full.

Just as she turned to the last written page, Dai Li unexpectedly heard footsteps.

Not the light steps of Nian Xia or Bi Po, but rather…

Click.A small bamboo slip swayed with a faint sound.

Dai Li looked up in disbelief, indeed seeing that familiar, imposing figure reappear before her eyes.

For a moment she couldn’t tell whether she had been too absorbed in reading the notebook, or if he had simply changed clothes – otherwise why would he have returned so quickly.

He advanced step by step, his shadow seeming to grow wings that rapidly extended from his feet, moving forward until they first reached the bedside, then climbed onto the bed, enveloping her pale, delicate fingers.

Author’s note: Yellow heart

Begging for nutrient solution pitiful