My Mother is the White Moonlight of a Tyrant - Chapter 51: I'm Sorry

Chapter 51: I’m Sorry

Quan Jie walked alone through the streets, heading toward his next target.

He had just visited the Feng residence in Guoyun County.

The Feng residence was the estate of Governor Feng. As the local power in Guoyun County, Lord Feng’s family wealth naturally surpassed that of other prominent local families. Quan Jie had infiltrated the estate, glimpsed Lord Feng’s principal wife from a distance, and then sought out the recently favored concubine who had been gaining prominence in the household.

He arrived without a sound and left just as quietly.

Having found nothing at the Feng residence, Quan Jie changed course to the Zhang family. Throughout the entire day, he visited several influential households in the county.

Nothing.

He had investigated nearly all that met the requirements, except…

Quan Jie looked toward two adjacent grand mansions not far away. He had infiltrated one yesterday, but the other remained unexplored.

After scanning the area twice, Quan Jie fixed his gaze on the one he hadn’t entered yet.

The Golden Crow dipped westward, dyeing vast stretches of the sky in brilliant shades of orange and yellow. The evening clouds stretched for miles, gradually fading along with the sunlight.

Night fell, and darkness reclaimed the land.

Quan Jie patiently waited until the dead of night, then cloaked in darkness, scaled the wall once more. He had studied the layout of both mansions and deliberately chose the most secluded courtyard in the estate as his landing spot.

But Quan Jie hadn’t expected that the moment he landed, several footsteps would approach from the direction of the courtyard entrance.

Ah Hu, time to wake up for your shift!

After this shout, rustling sounds emerged from inside the room.

Quan Jie immediately ducked to the side of the building, pressing himself against the wall. Moments later, he heard the door open, followed by several figures emerging from the room.

Someone yawned, Shift change already? Feels like I just fell asleep.

Can’t be helped. After the attack on the Qin residence next door yesterday, our Nangong Qingzhou is taking precautions and increasing patrols. I also heard one of last night’s assassins was captured alive and actually claimed they were sent by our Qingzhou—what bullshit!

These vile creatures causing trouble in the shadows are disgusting. By the way, did those assassins who infiltrated next door last night harm anyone from the Northern Territory?

I’m not sure about that. I only heard that late last night, someone suddenly shouted ‘Assassins!’ from beyond the two walls, followed by commotion as sudden as thunder striking.

A night attack, and a coordinated one at that. If they’d actually managed to get inside, it would’ve been bad. Marquis Qin brought women with him on this campaign—you’d think he’d worry about accidentally getting his beauties killed.

You’re overthinking it. How could they possibly get killed? I heard three women descended from the carriage—two were her maidservants. Besides, after entering the city, Marquis Qin dared to leave our Nangong Qingzhou waiting while he settled his women in the residence first. Anyone receiving that kind of treatment must be a favored concubine. She’s probably sharing a room with Marquis Qin at night. If assassins made it to his chamber, ha, they’d just be throwing away their lives.

I never heard of Marquis Qin bringing women on campaigns before. Why break precedent this time? Could she be such a stunning beauty that he can’t bear to be apart from her even during war?

I heard she is indeed exceptionally beautiful, surpassing all others. But more importantly, she must truly be capable. Have you heard about the Dragon Bone Waterwheel from the Northern Territory? They say it was brought out by this Madam Dai from some recluse. Such a wonderful invention—small landowners and tenant farmers are absolutely thrilled.

Suddenly I’m curious. I’d like to see this Madam Dai for myself.

The soldier nudged his comrade who was clutching his chest with an elbow. Cut it out. Back when Marquis Qin single-handedly charged into the wolf pack, he took the head of the Wuhuan Wolf Chieftain from among twenty thousand men. Twisting off one more head like yours would be as easy as breathing for him.

Hey, why are you boosting their morale and dampening our own?

Well, they’re not exactly outsiders anymore, since our two armies have formed an alliance.

…

As one group chatted and walked away, another entered the building to rest—a routine changing of the guard.

No one noticed the figure clinging to the side of the building like a gecko.

Quan Jie struggled to steady his breathing, yet his long-dead heart hammered violently in his chest, each beat louder than the last.

The information he had previously overlooked now swarmed back into focus like startled butterflies taking flight.

Ying County—this place was formerly occupied by a salt smuggler surnamed Li. Months ago, the Northern Territory Army captured Ying County, and this commandery with its adjacent salt lake changed hands once more. Since then, the entire vast Northern Territory became seamlessly connected, all falling under Qin Shaozong’s domain.

The order for the salt merchants originated in Ying County; the one who issued the search warrant must be under Qin Shaozong’s command.

And that Madam Dai mentioned by the Qingzhou soldiers earlier—could she be…?

The soldiers finishing night duty returned to their quarters, slamming the door shut. The sound of the door closing overlapped with a soft call, completely drowning out the latter.

Quan Jie cautiously waited for two quarters of an hour before leaving the secluded courtyard.

He retraced his path and exited the estate.

The clouds obscuring the bright moon hadn’t shifted; there was no moon or stars tonight. Under the heavy canopy of the sky, gloomy winds occasionally swept through—the weather was as foul as yesterday.

The young man glanced at the adjacent mansion. Light as a spirit cat, he swiftly scaled the wall.

If Wang Jiang were here, he would have been astonished, for Quan Jie scaled the wall at the exact same spot as yesterday, even choosing the identical landing point.

It couldn’t be more audacious.

Bai Jianping, wounded the previous night, couldn’t sleep. The pain from his injury was minor—after all, he was accustomed to battling on the front lines, and such a wound was nothing.

The main issue was that upon hearing of his injury, Feng Feng had taken the initiative to move into his room, insisting on sharing quarters to guard against another potential attack tonight.

But the man snored thunderously, like a bellowing ox, audible even through the wall—utterly maddening.

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, Bai Jianping finally rose and headed out, determined to evict the fellow outside.

Quickly—back to wherever he came from.

But as he reached the outer room, before he could rouse the man, Bai Jianping happened to glimpse a figure swiftly darting past the courtyard through the partially open door.

Bai Jianping froze, then instinctively sprinted toward the courtyard entrance, disbelief flooding his mind: Heavens, could someone truly be this brazen?!

Barefoot, he reached the courtyard entrance just in time to see the figure ahead turn into another corridor. Bai Jianping gasped, astonished that anyone would dare return, their courage sprouting fur!

What, did they think yesterday’s failed attempt meant today’s heightened security was just for show?

Assassin! Bai Jianping shouted at the top of his lungs.

That shout stirred up immediate chaos. The patrolling guards nearby, after a moment’s hesitation, swarmed toward the direction.

Quan Jie successively dodged several patrols. For those he couldn’t avoid, he first blocked with his drawn blade, then tilted it sideways. After deflecting most of their force, he kicked them away.

In the darkness, the young man moved as nimbly as a loach, slipping past several people in succession as he steadily approached the main courtyard. Bai Jianping and Qiao Wangfei, rushing from the front and rear respectively, burned with fury at the sight.

Well, there really was someone unafraid of death!

Step aside, let me deal with him. Bai Jianping drew his sword and advanced.

Bai Jianping wielded a long sword, while Qiao Wangfei held a curved blade in each hand. The two closed in on Quan Jie from front and back.

As blade glints and sword shadows flashed before his eyes, Quan Jie’s expression remained unchanged. He swiftly produced another short knife from somewhere, holding the long blade in his right hand and the short one in his left.

Clang—

Blades collided violently, the metallic clang piercing the ears.

Meanwhile, the long sword met the short knife, their edges scraping together to produce sparks. Amid the growing firelight around them, this became the sole point of brightness at the center.

Caught between the two, Quan Jie engaged in his first close-quarters exchange. After their weapons clashed, both sides froze for an instant.

Seizing that moment, Quan Jie said, I’ve come to your esteemed residence seeking someone—Dai Li.

By then, guards holding torches had arrived and swiftly formed an encirclement, trapping the three within. The torchlight illuminated Quan Jie’s features, and Qiao Wangfei, who had been poised for a second assault, froze.

The young man’s face was rugged and uneven, with scar tissue resembling fleshy worms crawling across both cheeks. Only his eyes were exceptionally striking.

With deep-set inner corners and slightly curved, upturned outer corners, they were the very model of Peach Blossom Eyes. And he had seen a similar pair just the day before.

Recalling the bizarre ten-year tale Hu Bao had privately shared with him, Qiao Wangfei staggered back a step, dazed.

But Bai Jianping flew into a rage. Don’t try to deceive me with such despicable tricks, you scoundrel! Prepare to die!

He swung his sword with full force, aiming straight for the opponent’s vitals. Yet, from the corner of his eye, he saw Qiao Wangfei—still holding his twin blades—retreat slightly, his posture shifting from a combat crouch to a normal upright stance, his blade tips even slowly drooping toward the ground.

Bai Jianping was incredulous. Lao Qiao, what are you doing?

Could Lao Qiao’s old injury be acting up? Well, that wouldn’t be beyond understanding.

Lao Bai, wait! Qiao Wangfei shouted.

But Bai Jianping didn’t hear, his mind and eyes fixed solely on taking the head of the man before him. He now recognized him as the one who had lit the lamp in his room last night. Having escaped then, today he would surely meet his end here.

Bai Jianping fought with a single long sword. Seeing this, Quan Jie sheathed his other short knife, engaging him with just one blade.

How arrogant you are, scoundrel! Bai Jianping sneered.

Blades clashed, parted, and slashed again—within the blink of an eye, several metallic clangs rang out.

Hack, chop, deflect, thrust… In mere moments, the two exchanged blows, their techniques shifting rapidly. The more they fought, the more Bai Jianping’s combat spirit was roused, thinking to himself that this youngster, despite his youth, possessed genuine skill.

They soon moved beyond weapon combat, occasionally trading blows with fists and feet, the impact of limbs producing dull thuds.

But before long, Bai Jianping noticed his opponent gradually shifting to pure defense, ceasing to attack.

Lao Bai, wait!

Watching from the sidelines, Qiao Wangfei grew increasingly uneasy and couldn’t help rejoining the fray. This time, however, he acted more as a mediator, trying to stop Bai Jianping from continuing to assault Quan Jie.

Blocked several times, Bai Jianping’s temper flared. What’s wrong with you, Lao Qiao? If you’re unwell, go stand aside—don’t get in my way.

Qiao Wangfei used his body to shield the others, turning his back to Bai Jianping while facing Quan Jie. You said you were looking for Madam Dai. What is your purpose?

Quan Jie tilted his head to gaze into the distance. The night was vast and obscure, revealing nothing, yet his eyes gradually softened as he murmured something under his breath.

Qiao Wangfei’s pupils contracted sharply. Amidst extreme astonishment, there seemed to linger a trace of as expected realization.

Bai Jianping stood completely frozen, blurting out, Stop talking nonsense! How could this be? Madam Dai’s son is clearly only nine years old!

Seeing their reactions, Quan Jie felt his heart settle, knowing he hadn’t come to the wrong place. You can lock me in a room first and report this tomorrow.

Qiao Wangfei’s gaze intensified.

With such commotion tonight, it likely couldn’t wait until morning…

*

Tonight, Dai Li shared her bed with Qin Shaozong. As Mo Yanyun’s return approached, certain matters were about to be forbidden. Qin Shaozong resembled a tiger preparing for winter, indulging lavishly to store fat, ensuring he wouldn’t grow gaunt in the days to come.

After their activities, Dai Li was exhausted and just wanted to sleep, but she hadn’t forgotten one thing.

Change the bedding, Dai Li nudged the person beside her.

She’d rather sleep on wooden planks than rest her head on soiled quilts again.

The satisfied man was amenable. Instead of calling maids from outside, he rose and fetched a fresh set of bedding from the corner cabinet. Returning to the bedside, he found the person who had been on the bed had descended and was heading out.

Qin Shaozong grabbed her arm. Madam?

I’m going to wash up, Dai Li patted his hand away and continued weakly toward the side chamber.

Qin Shaozong chuckled. Is Madam a fish in disguise?

Dai Li paid no heed.

Fortunately, water was prepared in the side chamber, and since it was summer, the warm water retained some heat, making it tolerable to wash. Dai Li cleaned up quickly and emerged feeling she could fall asleep the moment she closed her eyes.

But that wasn’t to be.

For as soon as her eyes shut, knocking sounded at the door.

Lord, a night visitor has arrived at the residence, came Qiao Wangfei’s voice.

Qin Shaozong, who had just closed the plain bed curtains, raised his brows. Another one? Since he’s bold enough, interrogate him thoroughly.

There was a clear hesitation from outside. Lord, this person claims he was adopted by Fan Yanzhou years ago and renamed Quan Jie. But he says he does have parents—his mother is Dai Li, and his original name is… Qin Yanzhou.

On the bed, Dai Li’s eyes snapped open.

Qin Shaozong froze.

Dai Li, who had been sleeping inside, had already risen and was hastily getting off the bed. The room was pitch black, and in her urgency, Dai Li took too large a step, only half-landing on the footstool. She stumbled and fell to the ground with a loud thud.

Startled, Qin Shaozong quickly scooped her up. He won’t run away, Madam. Why the rush? Where did you hurt yourself?

Dai Li brushed his hand aside. It’s fine. Light a lamp and get dressed. I want to see him.

Standing outside the main chamber door, Qiao Wangfei heard a familiar female voice from within and couldn’t hide his surprise. But by the time the door opened and the two emerged, his expression had returned to normal.

Where is he? Dai Li urgently asked.

Qiao Wangfei: He’s temporarily held in a side courtyard. Please follow me.

The estate was brightly lit, torches illuminating the long corridor. Dai Li’s gaze followed the corridor to a courtyard heavily guarded by soldiers.

Slow down. Even if he grew wings, he couldn’t escape. Qin Shaozong noticed her unsteady gait, likely from the earlier fall.

Dai Li remained deaf to his words.

Pausing at the courtyard gate, Dai Li took a heavy breath, her fists clenching unconsciously.

Qiao Wangfei strode ahead and pushed open the tightly shut door.

Creak. The door swung open.

A figure with hands bound behind their back completely captured Dai Li’s vision. When they lifted their head at the sound, something seemed to shatter in her mind.

It was an unbearably disfigured face – scar tissue sprawling across both cheeks like a nightmare specter that could terrify children.

Yet those eyes… those eyes gazing at her held a gentleness like newborn lambs, exactly as she remembered.

In Dai Li’s world, a hurricane erupted. She could hear nothing, see nothing beyond that figure amidst the howling winds carrying countless invisible blades that flayed her skin, exposed her bones, and set every nerve screaming in agony.

Countless unseen saws pierced her heart, shredding it to fragments.

All color drained from her face as she staggered.

Qin Shaozong swiftly caught her waist, but the woman in his arms stumbled forward anyway – unsteady, teetering, yet unwavering in her advance.

Dai Li had often wondered: after ten years, her little one would have grown up. Would she recognize him at first sight?

Now she had her answer: Yes!

How could she ever fail to recognize her own child?

His height had changed, his face altered, barely resembling the boy in her memories. But she knew – she knew this was the flesh of her flesh…

Zhou Zhou! Dai Li’s cry tore from her very soul.

Stumbling to him, she raised a hand to touch the young man’s face, but her jade-white fingers convulsed just inches away, freezing her motion.

In her eyes, the massive scars seemed to rewind – from hardened tissue back to fresh scabs, then to wounds bleeding crimson.

Tears welled hot, blurring her vision. Zhou Zhou…

How much had those wounds hurt? What torment had her child endured here?

The young man lowered his head, pressing his cheek against her pale hand.

The familiar softness made him want to smile, but the motion felt foreign – slow and stiff, unnaturally awkward. They’re not real. Don’t worry.

Dai Li didn’t hear, or perhaps subconsciously dismissed it as comfort. The rough texture beneath her fingers made her weep uncontrollably, heart shattered.

He’d been only nine years old ten years ago, still at the age where he’d report his every movement to her.

Such a small child, taught civility and harmony in school, yet thrust into an era of exploitation and cruelty.

With his mother gone and everything unfamiliar, how many nights had he cried secretly to become who he was now?

A dog, a weed.

A house pet and roadside refuse.

Anyone could bully him, anyone could trample her child – the sweet candy she’d cradled in her palms had become mud beneath others’ feet!

Just the thought of it made Dai Li feel as if her heart were being torn apart. It’s not Quan Jie! It’s Qin Yanzhou! Zhou Zhou is Qin Yanzhou!

Qin Yanzhou suddenly felt the restraints on his hands loosen, realizing the person behind him had untied him. He raised his arms and gently embraced Dai Li in return.

Time seemed to freeze in that moment, the clock’s hands spinning backward rapidly, round after round. Those precious memories he had revisited over and over now materialized, as if replaying beside him—

A beautiful woman escorted a little boy with a backpack to the school bus, tenderly straightening his collar. Zhou Zhou, be sure to listen to Teacher Lin at school. Call Mom if anything happens, and I’ll pick you up after school to go home. Be a good boy now, off you go.

Tears welled up in the young man’s eyes, rolling down his cheeks as he forced a smile uglier than crying. Mom, I’m sorry… I can never be a good boy again.

His hands were stained with blood, forever unable to return to the past.

Author’s Note: Mom has arrived. From now on, Zhou Zhou has his closest family [head pat] [hug]

Begging for nutrient solution [orange heart]