My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 47: Shared Moonlight Across the World

Chapter 47: Shared Moonlight Across the World

When Dai Li woke the next day, the marks covering her body gave her the illusion of having misstepped and accidentally fallen into a vat of paint.

Or perhaps, of having been chewed on by a dog.

The bed was a mess. The brocade quilt, having been soaked and then dried, had become stiff and rough in patches, starkly different from the softness elsewhere.

And such incongruous spots were scattered everywhere from the head to the foot of the bed.

Dai Li’s expression darkened. That man truly pulled up his pants and left, not bothering with the aftermath at all.

Well, not entirely—he had tried for another round in the morning. Dai Li vaguely remembered, in her drowsy state, finally losing patience and elbowing him.

As she slowly got up and put on her trousers and Waist Wrap, Dai Li was pondering how to deal with the bed when there was a knock at the door.

A light tap, followed by the door being pushed open.

It was Nian Xia and Bi Po.

Madam, why did you get up by yourself? Nian Xia hurried forward.

Dai Li froze completely at the sight of the two women, her ears quickly flushing red. It dawned on her belatedly that something extremely awkward had happened the night before.

This side room was connected to an adjacent chamber and a smaller side room for servants, with a narrow door on either side. But those doors were thin, serving only to block the view and doing nothing to muffle sound.

After all, the original purpose of the small side room was to allow the master to summon servants easily during the night.

Dai Li couldn’t help but quickly recall the previous night.

Qin Shaozong had come before she fell asleep, then left to bathe and returned. Had Nian Xia and Bi Po left the small side room during that time?

It seemed they hadn’t.

If they left here, they had nowhere else to stay.

Dai Li felt as if steam was about to rise from her head.

She could accept sleeping with Qin Shaozong—they were both adults, and there was no need to feel ashamed about such matters. But as a modern person, Dai Li couldn’t bring herself to treat maids as mere tools, like ancient women did, unbothered by them overhearing the commotion or even witnessing it.

What had Qin Shaozong said last night?

There was plenty. He had been exhilarated, speaking without restraint, uttering all sorts of lewd remarks.

And what had she said herself last night? It seemed she had been forced to respond quite a bit as well.

Dai Li: …

Madam? Nian Xia blinked her round eyes, puzzled.

Both pairs of eyes before her were filled with confusion, but without a trace of embarrassment. Dai Li pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling once again overwhelmed by the differences between ancient and modern times. Leave the bed for now. Nian Xia, prepare a tub of water for me; I need to bathe. Bi Po, please go to the county town and buy some things for me.

Bi Po: What would you like me to buy, Madam?

Dai Li said seriously, Go to the pharmacy and buy five doses of Birth control medicine for me.

Dai Li knew that Ding Lianxi had a stock of medicinal herbs, and she could probably obtain some by sending someone to ask. But if she wanted to return to the advisors’ circle later, it was better not to involve the other party in such matters.

Bi Po was momentarily taken aback but didn’t comment, simply nodding obediently and taking the silver to carry out the task.

The water was soon ready. Dai Li sat in the wooden tub, the hot water submerging her skin and soothing her nerves. The tension gradually eased.

The alliance between the Northern Territory and Qingzhou had been formed. Qin Shaozong wouldn’t stay in Guoyun County for long. Once he set out on campaign again, he would have to abide by the rules he himself had set until the battle concluded.

After bathing carefully, Dai Li found that the bed had already been tidied up by Nian Xia.

The brocade quilt was replaced with a new one, the pillowcase on the embroidered pillow was removed, and the upper and lower garments she had previously scattered on the floor were placed in a small bamboo basket—everything was handled very neatly.

Dai Li: …

Nian Xia’s expression remained unchanged. Madam, the kitchen has prepared breakfast. Shall I bring it over for you?

Thank you. Dai Li sighed. Since things had come to this, she might as well have breakfast first.

*

Yanzhou, Gaoling County, Fan Residence.

Ping Wei, is Quan Jie here? A charming young lady dressed in a water-green silk gown with flying bird patterns stood at the entrance of the small courtyard, craning her neck to peer inside.

Though not tall, she had an exquisite figure, with long eyebrows and phoenix eyes whose slightly upturned corners gave her a somewhat sharp appearance. The sunlight reflected off the golden hairpins adorning her hair, casting a dazzling, opulent glow that made it clear she was a young mistress raised in luxury.

Ping Wei’s smile in the courtyard stiffened for a moment before he regained his previous composure. Eighth Young Mistress, what brings you here to look for Quan Jie?

Fan Muqi furrowed her delicate brows and continued to peer inside. As she moved, the lustrous pearl earrings dangling from her ears caught the eye, clearly of exceptional quality. It’s just something I need to discuss. Just tell me if Quan Jie is here or not.

After saying this, she murmured to herself, Quan Jie probably isn’t here. If he were, he would have come out by now after hearing the noise. Ping Wei, do you know where Quan Jie went?

Ping Wei had no idea.

People like them often received tasks from their adoptive father, which they carried out independently—some even required secrecy. Besides, his relationship with Quan Jie had never been good; why would they share information?

Seeing that Fan Muqi was about to leave without getting an answer, Ping Wei grew anxious and blurted out, Eighth Young Mistress, you are as precious as gold and jade, noble beyond compare. Why must you lower yourself like this? That scoundrel Quan Jie doesn’t know what’s good for him. All the things you sent him before, he hasn’t touched a single one—he just left them in a corner as if they didn’t exist.

Fan Muqi’s face flushed bright red with the anger of having her unrequited affection exposed by an outsider. This is between Quan Jie and me. It’s none of your business!

Ping Wei was stung by her words, feeling even more aggrieved.

Not only was Eighth Young Mistress’s father, Fan Yanzhou, a prominent and powerful figure, but Ping Wei himself was deeply fond of her appearance.

How could she be so blind as to set her sights on Quan Jie?

Toxic flames of resentment churned within him, and Ping Wei began to speak recklessly. Eighth Young Mistress, not only is Quan Jie as lowly as dirt, utterly unworthy of your affection, but he also has another lover outside. That alone is enough—

What did you say? Fan Muqi exclaimed in shock, her voice rising sharply. He has another lover outside? Since when?

Ping Wei avoided her gaze. I haven’t seen this lover, but I suspect she might be a young lady from the medical field. The other day, Quan Jie brought back some medicine, and besides the scent of herbs, I caught a faint whiff of a woman’s fragrance on him.

Fan Muqi glared fiercely at Ping Wei, but her eyes reddened despite herself.

One of her personal maids tried to comfort her. Ping Wei is right, Young Mistress. You are far too noble to lower yourself like this. The weather is lovely today—why not go for an outing outside the city?

Another maid quickly chimed in, Or you could visit the Li family’s young lady and fly kites with her…

As soon as the words fly kites left her mouth, her companion tugged at her sleeve. The maid belatedly realized she had spoken out of turn.

Not long ago, the young mistress had ordered Quan Jie to make a kite for her. Now, going to fly the kite would easily remind her of him, wouldn’t it?

Fan Muqi shot a glare at the maid and turned to leave. Just then, a tall figure emerged from around the corner.

Quan Jie! Fan Muqi’s eyes instantly lit up. Originally intending to head east, she immediately changed direction and went straight toward him.

Ping Wei nearly gritted his silver teeth in frustration.

Quan Jie paused for a moment before continuing forward.

Fan Muqi reached his side, matching his pace as she walked and asked, Quan Jie, where have you been just now?

Quan Jie replied, Busy.

Fan Muqi chided him, You’re such a man of few words. Would saying a few more words make you lose a piece of flesh?

Quan Jie remained silent.

The initial excitement of seeing him faded as Fan Muqi remembered another matter. Quan Jie, do you have a lover outside?

Quan Jie continued walking silently, offering no answer. His silence infuriated Fan Muqi.

The pretty young mistress immediately furrowed her brows in anger, grabbing the sleeve of the person beside her. You really have a lover? I won’t allow it! You are a servant of the Fan family. I forbid you from being with anyone else. Do you hear me?!

For ease of labor, those of lower status did not wear wide sleeves. Instead, they typically used sleeve ties to fasten their broad sleeves. The sleeve ties reached their forearms, with the sleeves billowing slightly above. This was exactly what Fan Muqi grabbed.

As soon as she grabbed him, Quan Jie froze in place. His arm was bent at the elbow and extended outward, ensuring Fan Muqi did not touch his waist or abdomen.

He turned to look at this young mistress adorned with golden hairpins. Quan Jie is merely a servant, unworthy of Eighth Young Mistress’s concern.

I don’t mind, and that’s none of your business. I’m asking you, do you have a lover outside? Worried that he wouldn’t speak, Fan Muqi lowered her voice and said, If you answer me honestly, I can continue to keep your secret.

The Ghost Mask reflected a cold gleam under the sunlight, but the eyes behind it held no emotion.

Only calmness, a stillness like death.

No, he said, uttering just two words.

Fan Muqi was instantly delighted. Under Ping Wei’s stunned gaze, she laughed and said, Good, I believe you. By the way, Quan Jie, could you make another kite for me? The one you made last time was slightly torn by that clumsy Li San.

Quan Jie raised his arm, freeing it from her grasp on his sleeve, and continued walking forward. Eighth Young Mistress, send a servant to fetch the kite at four in the afternoon.

No, I’m free today. I want to watch you make it, Fan Muqi insisted, following closely behind.

The attendants serving Fan Muqi filed into the simple courtyard after her.

Quan Jie, why aren’t you using the things I gave you?

Your place is so shabby, Quan Jie. Should I speak to my father and have him arrange a better place for you to live?

No need. This place is fine.

…

After working for over half an hour, the new kite was finished. Holding the kite, Fan Muqi reluctantly left.

As soon as the group of young ladies departed, the courtyard fell into silence. If not for the faint lingering scent of cosmetics in the air, one might think this humble courtyard had never been visited by young ladies.

Ignoring Ping Wei’s venomous glare, Quan Jie turned and returned to his room.

Time passed slowly. The sunset came and went, and as the last ray of daylight vanished, the earth was enveloped in a heavy cloak of darkness.

When the hour of You arrived, Quan Jie went out again, this time not merely wandering within the estate. He left the Fan residence, timing it just before the curfew to arrive at a certain courier station in the commandery, where he rented a side room.

After night had fully fallen, Quan Jie removed the ghost mask from his face and then climbed over the inner wall of the courier station. During curfew, patrols roamed the commandery, and anyone caught wandering outside was immediately imprisoned.

A tall, slender figure deftly avoided all patrols, heading south until he reached a certain residence. Behind the wall where he stopped stood a tree, lush and leafy in the summer, and the tree in this estate was no exception.

The young man listened quietly for a moment, and after confirming, he took two steps back before suddenly lunging forward.

He leaped, his black boots kicking off the wall for momentum while his hands gripped the top edge, using the strength of his arms to pull himself up and flip over.

Once he landed, Quan Jie swiftly climbed the tree without a moment’s pause.

The owner of this estate bore the surname Fang, his public identity being a wealthy merchant. Behind the scenes, however, he was a hidden stake for the Dong family of Yongzhou.

Relying on a map provided by someone else, Quan Jie smoothly made his way to the servants’ quarters. A quarter of an hour later, a young servant dressed in the Fang estate’s attire emerged from within.

A few days prior, the Fang couple had quarreled over an affair involving an outside woman. In a fit of anger, the mistress had taken their young son and returned to her parents’ home, leaving the merchant Fang as the sole master of the estate. It was said that he had gone drinking with friends that day and returned home heavily intoxicated.

At this hour, the main room was unexpectedly lit, clearly indicating that the occupant was still awake.

Quan Jie paused briefly before pushing the main room’s door open a crack.

A strong smell of alcohol instantly wafted out.

The room was silent, with no movement whatsoever. Recalling the servant he had avoided on his way, carrying a basin of water, Quan Jie understood the situation. He quickly pushed the door open and entered.

The smell of alcohol was even stronger inside. Turning into the inner chamber, Quan Jie saw a corpulent figure lying on the bed. Merchant Fang had already changed into clean underwear, with damp traces of wiping on his shoulder blades and the side of his neck. A teacup had been thoughtfully placed on the small cabinet beside the bed.

If there was any imperfection, it was likely the small puddle of vomit beside the bed.

Merchant Fang had vomited after getting drunk.

The servant who had just left had probably gone to fetch cleaning tools.

Quan Jie expressionlessly drew his knife, its gleaming tip aimed directly at the other’s heart, and plunged it down fiercely.

A splash of crimson flew, splattering onto the silk bed curtains with a splash. Quan Jie casually shook the knife and was about to sheathe it and leave when he suddenly heard footsteps.

When you see your father later, Zhouzhou, you should… Who are you?!

Quan Jie’s wandering thoughts snapped back instantly, but it was already too late.

The woman had seen the blood-stained knife in Quan Jie’s hand, still unsheathed, and the large pool of blood flowing from the bed behind him.

The woman, who had reached the moon gate, instantly weakened, nearly collapsing to the ground. She stared intently at the figure not far away while repeatedly pushing her young son, who had not yet entered the gate. Zhouzhou, run! Don’t worry about me, run!!

The woman had already prepared for death. Having stumbled upon a murder scene, with the perpetrator’s knife still stained with blood, another swift strike would be all too easy, wouldn’t it?

Yet, strangely, she saw the pitted, scarred face contort into an expression of profound sorrow.

The woman steadied herself to look again, only to see the other person lower his head, sheathe the knife, and leap out through a window on the other side.

Mother, what’s wrong?

Courier Station.

A figure stepped on the moonlight, nimbly vaulting over the outer wall to enter the interior. Upon returning to his chamber, Quan Jie did not change clothes or retire for the night. He stood by the window, quietly gazing up at the full moon in the sky.

Only when a dark cloud drifted over, obscuring the moon from view, did Quan Jie turn back into the room. His eyes and face were submerged in darkness, and everything returned to stillness.

Whether rivers ran dry or seas turned to dust, nothing could stop the sun from rising in the east the next day.

As soon as Quan Jie returned to the Fan residence, he was summoned by the guards to the study.

How did things go with that fellow surnamed Fang? Fan Tianshi sat by a small table near the window, brewing tea.

Quan Jie replied, Father, the matter has been dealt with thoroughly.

Fan Tianshi smiled. I naturally have full confidence in your work. Take a seat.

Quan Jie walked over and sat opposite him.

Fan Tianshi personally poured him tea. Qin Shaozong has arrived in Guoyun County at Nangong Xiong’s invitation. This man is no pushover—we cannot allow Qin and Nangong to form an alliance. Quan Jie, since you handled the first task so efficiently, you can certainly manage the second. Am I right, my son?

The room fell silent, save for the bubbling sound of boiling water.

Does Father suspect that I killed Lieutenant Lü? Quan Jie spoke, his hoarse voice betraying little emotion.

Lieutenant Lü was the Military General who had died in the military camp shortly after the alliance between Yan and Qing provinces was formed. Afterwards, the Yan side accused Qing of the murder, while Qing denied it, leading to a stalemate and rapid deterioration of relations between the two provinces.

Fan Tianshi stared intently at the man before him, attempting to find some clue in those calm, dark eyes.

But there was nothing. Those eyes were too still, gazing into them felt like looking into a lifeless void.

Quan Jie continued, You gave no such order, and killing Lieutenant Lü would bring me no benefit. I beg Father to investigate clearly.

Fan Tianshi averted his gaze, his disgust growing stronger, while the seeds planted by his son that night in the study rapidly took root and sprouted. Instead, he wore a kindly smile. Someone came to me with accusations, claiming you were involved in Lieutenant Lü’s death. But I know your loyalty, my son—I didn’t believe a word of those false claims.

Quan Jie: Thank you for your trust, Father.

However… Fan Tianshi’s tone shifted. The method of framing and shifting blame is indeed ingenious, perfectly suited for sabotaging an alliance between two parties. Quan Jie, your martial skills are exceptional. I will assign some men to accompany you. Your mission is to eliminate a high-ranking Military General in Qin Shaozong’s army and frame Qing province for it. You must ensure the alliance between the Northern Territory and Qing is broken.

Quan Jie rose from his seat and bowed with clasped hands. Quan Jie accepts the command.

Fan Tianshi smiled. This matter is of great importance. If the mission fails, under no circumstances reveal your connection to Yan province. Simply claim you are from Qing. At that point, even if Qin Shaozong wants you dead, Nangong Xiong—to prove his innocence—will absolutely not allow you to be executed. You can then seize the opportunity to escape. Do you understand what I’m saying, my son?

Quan Jie nodded. Quan Jie understands.

Quick to grasp the point—you truly are clever. Excellent, I haven’t misjudged you. Fan Tianshi lowered his eyes to refill his tea, hiding the ruthlessness in his gaze.

If this succeeds and breaks the alliance between the Northern Territory and Qing, that would be ideal; if it fails…

His son had a point—this blade has been used for too long, long enough to accumulate filth. If this mission fails, then it’s time to discard it.

Author’s note: Seeking nutrient solutions [shy]