Chapter 58 Lady Dai, His Favorite Concubine?
A black headdress, covered in ash and a little yellow mud, looking filthy.
Dai Li glanced at the crown and headdress, not quite understanding what it meant, and looked up at him, puzzled.
Qin Shaozong met her gaze, and seeing her somewhat bewildered expression, he raised an eyebrow slightly. "Don't you like it? You shouldn't be like this. Doesn't Madam hate Fan Tianshi intensely, wishing she could devour his flesh?"
Dai Li suddenly shuddered, her voice rising considerably, "This is Fan Tianshi's headdress?!"
If not for being decapitated, how could the crown and turban have fallen into the hands of others?
"no."
Dai Li's joy, which had exploded from her chest and was about to spread throughout her meridians, came to an abrupt halt with his two forceful words. The joy turned into frustration, a lump forming in her throat that she couldn't swallow or let go of.
Dai Li was at a loss for words, "...If it's not, then why did you show it to me, my lord?"
Qin Shaozong looked at her changing expressions and couldn't help but chuckle. "Although it's not Fan Tianshi himself, it's still somewhat related to him. This is the ceremonial cap of his eldest son."
Dai Li was startled, and ninety percent of her gloom instantly dissipated. "Really? Are you sure it's him?"
"I shot him myself, how could it be fake?" As soon as Qin Shaozong finished speaking, he saw her eyes light up instantly, sparkling as if thousands of stars had fallen into them.
Qin Shaozong stared at him for two breaths before saying, "If Madam wishes to see the head of her eldest son, that is not impossible."
“Forget about the head,” Dai Li immediately refused.
"You're usually so bold and fearless, how come you can't even handle this little thing?" Qin Shaozong's smile deepened.
At first, he did want to bring back a head for her to see, but then he thought that this fox wouldn't recognize Fan Tianshi, his eldest son, and that she had secretly looked away when he treated Qiao Wangfei, so she probably couldn't stand the sight of blood.
Fine, let's take a step back and get the crown and turban back.
Dai Li muttered, "That's different. A dead person's head turns blue, and they might even die with their eyes open. That's terrifying."
Not wanting to dwell on the topic of the severed head, Dai Li warmly greeted him, "Has Your Excellency had breakfast yet? If not, I'll have the cook bring it over."
"Very well." He said those two words and then returned to the main room.
Remove the nail polish, then take a simple shower.
When he came out again, he happened to run into Nianxia returning with a lunchbox.
Nianxia was about to bring the food into the main room when Qin Shaozong instructed, "Go to the next room."
Nianxia immediately changed course.
Dai Li had already finished breakfast and was about to ask Bi Po to go to the study to find some atlases for her to look at when she saw Nian Xia carrying a lunchbox enter the room, followed by a tall figure.
Although Fan Tianshi failed to kill him, losing the eldest son of the legitimate wife was still quite good. In this rigidly hierarchical feudal era, the eldest son of the legitimate wife was practically the heir, and he was heavily cultivated from birth, probably even personally taught by Fan Tianshi.
He abused other people's sons without mercy, so she made him taste the pain of losing a child!
Dai Li was in a good mood and had no objection to Qin Shaozong having a meal at her place.
Nianxia opened the lunchbox, first taking out a porcelain bowl as big as a washbasin, and then taking out many meat buns and steamed buns from the top.
After Dai Li improved the stone mill, the variety of flour-based foods increased significantly, including noodle soup, meat buns, and steamed buns.
When they first tasted the meat buns, Qin Shaozong and the other generals were all amazed. The buns were steamed until fluffy and delicate, filled with juicy and delicious mutton. One bite and your taste buds felt like they were dancing.
Isn't this tastier than steamed buns?
Anyway, the first time they ate there, every single one of the military generals who usually liked to chat while eating ate, didn't even look up, focusing only on stuffing buns into their mouths.
Looking at the pile of buns and steamed bread stacked into a small tower, Dai Li silently marveled at Qin Shaozong's appetite; one of his breakfasts was equivalent to more than a day's worth of her food.
The rule of not speaking while eating or sleeping is not observed among military generals; they are not so particular about it. Qin Shaozong was no exception. Before the meal, he took out a folded piece of mulberry paper from his pocket and gave it to Dai Li, saying, "Madam."
"What is this?" Dai Li reached out and took it.
Qin Shaozong didn't speak, picked up his jade chopsticks and buried his head in eating noodles. He was truly starving. He had returned without stopping after settling the army today.
Dai Li opened the mulberry paper, and when she saw the words on it, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. The joy she felt upon learning that Fan Tianshi had lost his son quickly vanished.
This is a list issued by the Fan family, or perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a wanted notice.
The letter stated that the Fan family had betrayed their master, carrying valuable treasures and fleeing eastward, but their whereabouts were unknown. A large reward was offered for their head.
After a brief description of how "heavy money" was offered, a detailed description of Inu-Akuta follows, including his approximate age, skin color, height, and... appearance.
This wanted poster even includes an image.
Below is a drawing of her son's face without scars. It was probably revised again and again, striving for perfection. In addition, the artist's skills are very superb, and the face is drawn to be seven or eight parts similar.
Dai Li clenched her teeth, gripping the mulberry paper tightly, so angry she felt like she was about to vomit blood.
Given the Fan family's influence in Yanzhou, this arrest warrant will definitely spread throughout Yanzhou and even to other states.
When they leave Qin Shaozong, in order to cover their tracks, won't Zhouzhou be unable to show his true face for several years or even longer?
That damned Fan Tianshi, he's like a persistent ghost!
"This matter has probably already spread throughout Yanzhou," the man opposite said.
Dai Li looked up when she heard the sound and realized that in the short time she had been looking at the wanted poster, he had already eaten more than half a bowl of soup noodles.
Qin Shaozong: "During the previous meeting of the three armies, I told Fan Tianshi that a few days ago we caught a group of men in black who had sneaked into my residence at night with the intention of assassinating me. After interrogation, one of them confessed that he was none other than his adopted son, Quan Jie, whom he had raised for seven years."
Dai Li guessed that Qin Shaozong would break ties with Fan Tianshi, and she also guessed that he would use assassination as a breakthrough. But now that the wanted poster was in hand, when she heard him say that he would start from "Quan Jie", her temples still twitched twice.
There's a sequence to everything; this list of notices couldn't have ended up in Qin Shaozong's hands today without being issued today.
Dai Li's expression was solemn. "You previously said that there are many spies in Yun County. Now that they have issued an arrest warrant first, and then you reveal that you have captured 'Quan Jie', I think that my enemies, apart from Fan Tianshi, will soon know that my son is here."
Qin Shaozong: "Just hiding him won't work. She's not a virgin, how can she stay indoors all the time? It's only a matter of time before that kid shows his face in public."
This was also the reason he had previously instructed Kuang Ye to clean up the mess, because it was impossible to cover it up. Rather than hiding, it was better to kill all those who came seeking revenge and then walk openly in the world.
Of course, that's a matter for later. Before we take Yanzhou, we can't let "Quanjie" show its face outside.
After all, the reason he had a public falling out with Yanzhou was because Fan Tianshi sent someone to assassinate him. How could he let this "instigator" leave his residence so casually at such a critical juncture?
After a moment of silence, Dai Li suddenly asked, "Could someone be sneaking into the mansion at this time?"
Qin Shaozong picked up a mouthful of soup noodles, intending to continue slurping them down, but upon hearing her words, he abruptly pulled the noodles away from his lips. "Madam, do you think this is a marketplace where people come and go as they please? Lately, the only one running around my mansion is that brat. Besides, the mansion is still under martial law since the first night raid. If you want to sneak into the mansion, unless you have extraordinary abilities, it's impossible."
Dai Li then asked, "How does one possess the ability to communicate with the heavens?"
"First, we need a layout map of the mansion and to figure out the patterns of the patrols outside the mansion. Second, the mansion's guards have recently been reorganized, with increased shifts and more personnel. Several teams patrol in a cross-regional manner, forming a network that doesn't miss even the most remote corners," he said.
In the end, this residence in Guoyun County was just a temporary place to stay, a place to settle down.
Normally, let alone adding more manpower, things would proceed as usual, and most of the soldiers left behind after his departure would be transferred away.
But not now, she's still here.
"Why is Madam so curious today? Could it be that she has learned something?" Qin Shaozong suddenly asked.
His eyes were long and narrow, sharp, light brown like amber. When he stared at someone intently, they were so sharp they seemed like a knife that could cut through the inside, or like a giant tiger crouching in the jungle.
Dai Li's mind went blank for a moment, and she couldn't find a suitable answer for the time being.
Unexpectedly, he then said on his own, "I understand."
Dai Li was taken aback by his words and subconsciously leaned forward slightly. "Know what?"
"Madam wants to talk to me more," Qin Shaozong said with a smile.
Dai Li: "...You're right."
Okay, it's better if he interprets it that way than if he thinks otherwise.
Dai Li lowered her head and refused to look at him.
Actually, it's not impossible to announce it to the public. They can just put the label of "Northern Army" on it, and then she and her son can slip away and leave, letting their enemies and Qin Shaozong fight it out among themselves.
Dai Li didn't see that the man opposite her, who had been wolfing down his food, didn't immediately start eating. Instead, he stared at her intently for a few moments.
*
Qijiang County is located on the border of Yanzhou, facing Guoyun County across the river. Both are small border counties, and their geographical locations are quite similar.
After leaving Gaoling County with his army, Fan Tianshi set up camp on the outskirts of Qijiang County. After reorganizing, he led a portion of his troops to the three-way meeting.
Now that the negotiations have broken down, Fan Tianshi has fled in defeat and returned to Qijiang County in disgrace.
When Fan Tianshi left Gaoling County, he brought his two sons with him. His eldest son, Fan Boliang, whom he had personally taught, accompanied him, while his second son, Fan Zhongmin, was ordered to stay behind in Qijiang County.
Upon hearing of his father's return, Fan Zhongmin rushed to greet him, only to be horrified by what he saw. His father's armor was intact, but his helmet was nowhere to be found. He was covered in dust and dirt, his face filled with sorrow, a look of utter dejection that Fan Zhongmin had never seen before.
Even if we have suffered a defeat, Father should not act like this. Could it be that something else has happened?
Fan Zhongmin was looking for his brother to exchange a glance, but after searching around, he couldn't find him. Suddenly, he heard someone say:
"Lord Fan, please accept my condolences. You must not fall at this time. Otherwise, if the armies from the north and Qingzhou attack at the same time, we will be leaderless, our morale will be in chaos, and our loved ones will grieve while our enemies rejoice."
Fan Zhongmin was stunned. The massive amount of information converged into a raging flood, and his thoughts became a small boat on it, which was first crushed into an abyss.
His brothers and his own brother were gone and never returned.
Pain and anger enveloped him.
But soon after, the wooden boat floated on the water again, and a secret joy welled up in my heart.
His elder brother is gone, and he is the second son born of the legitimate wife. He is now his father's most valued son.
Having lost his son in middle age and his heir, Fan Tianshi was almost supported as he walked: "Where is Liuxian? Where is Liuxian? Fan Er, go and call Liuxian over."
Fan Zhongmin, who was named, felt a surge of joy.
Shi Wuji had caught a cold yesterday, which was why he was late. Now, upon hearing his lord's summons, he hurried off. Upon learning of the death of Young Master Fan, even the usually composed Shi Wuji staggered.
Fan Tianshi waved away the others, leaving only Shi Wuji: "Liu Xian, please deliver this message to him for me."
He only said one sentence, without naming names or saying anything else, but Shi Wuji understood it.
The loss of his son was the final, devastating blow, weighing down on his already wavering mind and causing him to tilt completely in another direction.
Shi Wuji pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands in a respectful bow, "I will take care of it immediately."
A fast horse set off from Qijiang County, heading straight west without stopping day and night. After crossing a dangerous pass, it arrived at Gaoling County, where the governor's mansion was located.
The trusted aide knocked on the side door of the mansion, went straight in, and found the target in a certain attic.
The confidant first gave a military salute, then took out a letter sealed with sealing wax and presented it with both hands, saying, "Marshal Li, this is a letter from Lord Fan to you."
This man known as "Marshal Li" was none other than Li Zan, a salt smuggler who once dominated a region but was eventually forced to abandon Ying County and flee.
Li Zan took the letter and opened it in front of the recipient. After reading it, he gave a big smile: "Go lasso the horse, I need to go out for a while."
The main road of Gaoling County was bustling with activity, with shops lining both sides of the road, their doors wide open, and a constant stream of pedestrians coming and going.
Li Zan went to a famous teahouse in the county. As soon as he entered, a servant dressed in linen with a sash around his waist greeted him, "Honored guest, would you like to sit in the main hall or in a private room on the second or third floor?"
Li Zan: "I'm going to the Mingjing Private Room to ask for a pot of new tea from the Western Regions. Please show me the way."
The maid paused almost imperceptibly: "Please come with me."
The teahouse has a main hall on the first floor, private rooms on the second and third floors, and the fourth floor is said to be the owner's private property. At this moment, after the maid led the people up to the third floor, seeing that there was no one in the corridor, she quickly pushed aside a wooden board somewhere.
Beyond the wooden planks, a staircase leading upwards suddenly appeared.
Li Zan climbed the steps.
Upon entering this area, the maid's usual welcoming enthusiasm vanished. He pushed open the door to the private room and said, "Please wait quietly inside while I inform the master."
The previously imposing Li Zan thanked a servant.
Li Zan went inside alone and sat down. About half an hour later, he heard footsteps, followed by someone pushing open the door.
The door opened, and a figure in a bluish-green robe stepped inside.
He was an excessively young man, around twenty years old, with a handsome and refined appearance, a very pleasant and approachable face, and a gentle voice that gave people a feeling of being caressed by a spring breeze.
“Master Diting.” Li Zan was startled and quickly stood up to bow to him.
Di Ting smiled at him, "Marshal Li, there's no need for such formalities. What brings you here today?"
Li Zan took out the letter from his bosom, saying, "This is a letter sent by Fan Yanzhou on my orders."
Di Ting took the letter, glanced at it quickly, and his smile deepened. "Alright, I understand. Go back and write a letter to Fan Yanzhou, telling him that I will be going to Qijiang County soon, and you no longer need to stay at the Fan residence. I'm heading south; I have a new mission for you."
Fifteen minutes later, the door to the private room opened again.
After that bluish-green figure left, he went to the back of the teahouse, boarded an ordinary-looking donkey cart, and the driver raised a leather whip.
The little donkey trotted away from the inner courtyard and walked along the main road to a small house in the city. Di Ting went straight into the main house, and through a long, dark underground passage under the main house, arrived at another place.
When it finally saw the light of day again, a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, and birds sang sweetly, as if all the hustle and bustle of the world had been shut out. In addition, a faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
Di Ting walked to a waterside pavilion, and through the curtains hanging around the pavilion, called out "Six Paths" to the figure inside before lifting the curtains and entering.
“Fan Yanzhou has agreed to cooperate with us. He has asked us to join forces to deal with Marquis Wu’an. I plan to make a trip to Qijiang County,” Di Ting said.
In the waterside pavilion, the man known as "Six Paths" looked up from his game of chess. He bore a striking resemblance to Di Ting in appearance, both being handsome and gentle, but the fine lines around his eyes indicated that he had passed his prime.
Compared to the younger Di Ting, the warmth that time has brought seems to permeate the sandalwood incense with a Buddhist quality, giving him a composure and self-control that others lack.
"The Marquis of Wu'an killed the eldest son of Fan Yanzhou, and he has already allied with Qingzhou. Fan Yanzhou feels weak and alone, so he will naturally ask us for help. His second son, Fan Zhongmin, is eager for quick success and instant benefits, and lacks cunning. He can be used. After you go to Qijiang County, you should make more contact with him," Liu Dao said.
Di Ting was surprised and blurted out, "Uncle, has news come back from over there?"
The letter only stated that it wanted to cooperate, without explaining any specific reasons.
Liu Dao said directly, "The governor of Sizhou passed away a few days ago due to a sudden illness. His three sons are now vying for power. You should tell Bai Xiang to support the third son."
Listen attentively to the response.
Liu Dao picked up a black chess piece and placed it on the north side of the chessboard. As he did so, a string of Buddhist prayer beads dangled from his slender, fair wrist. "The spies from the north have just returned, and there's been some progress on the salt stone matter. This substance is salt refined using a special method. The process isn't too complicated, and given that the salt lake is located near mountains and is quite vast, it shouldn't be too difficult to locate. This method was provided to Marquis Wu'an by a young lady surnamed Dai."
Di Ting's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Uncle, the dragon bone waterwheel was also made by this person."
Liu Dao took out another white piece and placed it next to the black piece in the center. "I've heard that this woman has the beauty of the moon goddess and is greatly favored by Marquis Wu'an. She must be in Guoyun County."
Listening attentively to the strings of the zither, one can discern the elegant meaning: "Guoyun County is near the border of two prefectures, which is indeed a good place."
Author's Note: Regarding Baozi's suspicious departure, let's briefly clarify the logic:
Zhouzhou had lived in ancient times for ten years and had seen too many women die in the struggles of the inner quarters (the Fan family alone had a whole house full of them). He didn't want Daili to follow that path, nor did he think that was the life his mother should live.
So when he learned that Dai Li had the idea of leaving, he would do everything he could to get his mother out, even if it meant paying a high price.
Dai Li is currently in a blind spot; she previously believed everything her son said, including the timeline I mentioned earlier.
Finally, the mother-son relationship is known only to those in the North. [heart emoji]
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