Chapter 41 Good News and Bad News
Qin Shaozong smelled the aroma of grilled fish from afar. At first, he thought it was some military officer in the manor secretly cooking for himself, but then he remembered that everyone had been sent out by him recently, busy with the salt matter, and it was impossible for them to take a break at this time.
It's probably those dancers in the backyard; they have nowhere else to go, so they all live in their original place now.
Qin Shaozong didn't intend to pay attention to it; such a trivial matter wasn't worth his time. He was heading towards the main courtyard, and as he got closer, the fragrance became increasingly intense.
The man raised his long eyebrows.
This setup doesn't seem like the private treatment being given to a dancer in the manor; rather, it's more like...
He took two more steps forward and walked to the entrance of the main courtyard. His gaze went straight through the entrance and he saw a small table spread out in the courtyard, and her sitting leisurely on a recliner.
There was food on the table, including fish and shrimp. A small stove stood beside the table, with fish and shrimp being roasted on it, and two maids were watching over it.
Perhaps because she no longer needed to go to the salt lake, she wore a light cloud-colored cross-collar robe today. Her maid had styled her hair into a high bun, revealing her slender, fair neck. A gold and jade hairpin with kingfisher feather butterfly patterns was inserted into her hair.
Hearing footsteps, she gracefully raised her head, her long, straight eyelashes lifting slightly. A ray of sunlight shone into her dark eyes, like two translucent black agates immersed in a cold spring. As her peach blossom eyes curved upwards, his figure became even more vivid in the gentle ripples of shimmering light.
"My lord has returned." A gentle voice, like a spring breeze, came from behind.
Qin Shaozong's Adam's apple bobbed back and forth.
He stood still for two breaths before stepping inside. "It seems Madam is in a good mood today."
For quite some time now, Qin Shaozong hadn't returned at this time, and Dai Li assumed he was still incredibly busy, which was why she planned to grill a fish in the yard today. By the time he got home from work, she had already finished eating and cleaned up. But things didn't go as planned; he didn't have to work overtime today.
Dai Li was in a good mood today, and nodded in agreement with him, "Everything has been going smoothly lately, and there's nothing to worry about."
As she spoke, she politely asked, "Would you like some grilled fish, my lord?"
She waited for him to say no. He was very busy, either having meetings with his staff or going to the barracks in the suburbs, and occasionally going to the official temple in Ying County.
It was common for him to be away from home for two or three days when he was busy. Sometimes, Dai Li would only vaguely hear him returning from outside after she had eaten, drunk her fill, taken a bath, and was about to go to bed. By the time she got up the next day, he was long gone. The maid said that he had gotten up to do his morning exercise at dawn.
Dai Li was amazed.
Others need to be unconscious for five hours a day to accumulate some energy. But he can sleep for two hours, or even less, and still be full of energy all day long.
“It would be impolite of me to refuse your kind invitation,” he said.
Dai Li's eyelids twitched, but there was nothing she could do, so she had to ask Nian Xia to go back to her room and bring out another chair.
Qin Shaozong took his seat.
The atmosphere was a bit strange. The man next to her had a dark gaze that was also filled with an undeniable heat, like an active volcano with molten lava surging beneath the deep sea. But Dai Li was used to it.
See? All he can do is watch.
Dai Li calmly flipped the grilled fish slices.
She had actually eaten most of the food, and she had originally intended for Nianxia and Bipo to clean up the remaining fish and shrimp, but now that Qin Shaozong had arrived, she had no choice but to let him finish up.
"My skills are not as good as those of Feng Tunzhang, so please make do with this, my lord." Dai Li handed him the grilled fish slices.
After skewering the fish, the wooden skewers were of limited length, so Dai Li held the top edge, leaving the bottom exposed for Qin Shaozong to hold.
The large, dark hand reached out and grasped the lower part of her hand, but it also enveloped the delicate hand above.
Dai Li glanced at him, her tone quite calm, “A gentleman guides people with words and restrains people with actions, choosing the good and following it, and proceeding steadily towards a bright future. My lord should be careful with his words and actions, lest he chill the hearts of his staff.”
Qin Shaozong: "..."
He moved his large hand back and grasped the back end of the wooden skewer in a much more proper manner.
Looking at the silent Qin Shaozong, Dai Li felt instantly relieved and couldn't help but smile, "I'm very happy that you can humbly accept my advice."
"Snap." The sound of the wooden skewer breaking rang out.
Dai Li pretended not to hear.
Qin Shaozong finished eating the skewer of grilled fish without expression. Just as he put the wooden skewer into the small bamboo basket next to him, he suddenly heard footsteps outside.
"My lord, a messenger from Qingzhou requests an audience, saying he has urgent news for you," a guard reported.
During her "vacation" at the mansion, Dai Li not only practiced calligraphy but also occasionally went to play chess with Nalan Zhi.
Relationships are built through interaction. She is currently able to keep Qin Shaozong in check thanks to Mr. Nalan, so she must not distance herself from him.
However, to Dai Li's surprise, Nalan Zhi took the initiative to mention the current situation to her, and he truly regarded her as a comrade-in-arms.
As a result, Dai Li gained a general understanding of the outside world.
Several years ago, Nangong Qingzhou and Fanyanzhou had a falling out over the court's bias, but after the Qinglian Sect caused trouble, the two prefectures decided to form a marriage alliance a year ago in order to repair their relationship.
After the alliance between Qing and Yan provinces was formed, whether it was due to interference from someone or because the two sides had only signed a marriage certificate but had not actually married, there were always various strange things that made the alliance between the two provinces shaky.
Based on the information currently available, Dai Li discovered that the Qinglian Sect was not quite ordinary.
Many uprisings are inextricably linked to metaphysics. From the ancient prophecy "The Great Chu will rise, Chen Sheng will be king," to the story of the son of the Red Emperor slaying a white snake, and then to "Five horses float across the river, one of which transforms into a dragon," these prophecies are all highly specific, directly pointing to a particular person, such as Chen Sheng, Liu Bang, and the Sima family…
However, the Qinglian Sect is different. Its public pronouncements do not explicitly identify a leader. It only claims that the Qinglian Sect possesses secret methods to guide mortals, and that all who convert to the Qinglian Sect will return to the heavenly realm and be spared from calamities. The most devout believers will even attain eternal life in the heavenly realm.
This kind of "truth" is extremely tempting to commoners at the bottom of society, and it is said that the Qinglian Sect has a history of more than a hundred years since its founding. It can be said that it has existed since the beginning of the Yan Dynasty when it showed signs of decay.
Over time, the Qinglian Sect has grown into a behemoth, with a large number of followers, excellent order, and even a strict hierarchy.
Now that Nangong Qingzhou has sent a letter, Dai Li suspects that it is very likely related to the Qinglian Sect.
Normally, when a messenger from another state arrives, even if Qin Shaozong himself doesn't personally receive him, he would still send a high-ranking military officer.
"He has traveled a long way and must be quite tired. Take him to rest and bring me the letter," Qin Shaozong said. This meant he wouldn't receive him personally, and wouldn't even send a trusted confidant to meet him.
The guards obeyed.
Dai Li glanced at him, and Qin Shaozong smiled and said, "Does Madam find this inappropriate?"
Dai Li honestly replied, "I don't know much about these things, so I can't give you any advice."
Soon, the guard returned with the letter.
Qin Shaozong peeled off the sealing wax, glanced at the text, and slowly curled the corners of his mouth, "This Nangong Xiong isn't stupid after all."
Although Dai Li had repeatedly asked to join his advisory group, she was always clear about her own purpose. She was simply looking for protection so that he couldn't touch her; she didn't really want to devote herself to serving him.
When a letter arrived from Qingzhou, she ignored it and didn't ask any questions, remaining indifferent and pretending nothing had happened.
In modern terms, it's like slacking off.
Qin Shaozong glanced at her, knowing she was enjoying her freedom, but he wouldn't let her have her way. "Since you are now under my command, why don't you take a look at this letter from Qingzhou? As a staff member, if you can't offer any opinions, you will be removed from the meeting."
Dai Li immediately reached out and handed him the letter.
Dai Li has been diligently studying cursive script these days. Although she can't write fluently yet, she can now read characters as quickly as before.
This is an invitation, and it reads like an invitation, but given the current situation, Dai Li feels it's more like a cry for help.
Having made up her mind to coast along under his command, Dai Li immediately translated a passage from Chinese to Chinese after reading the letter: "This Nangong Qingzhou is a clever man."
Qin Shaozong laughed in exasperation; her slippery nature really needed to be taught a lesson.
I'll teach her a lesson sooner or later.
Being stared at by those brown eyes, like those of a large feline, was indeed very stressful, especially since the other party seemed intent on finding fault with her. Dai Li coughed lightly, trying to patch things up, "I suggest you lead your troops to Qingzhou. Although the imperial court's control over the various states is gradually weakening, rashly setting foot on another state's territory will always leave room for criticism. And now, Nangong Qingzhou has extended a warm invitation; how can we refuse?"
Qin Shaozong chuckled, "What you say is true, Madam."
Just as he was about to say something else, footsteps sounded outside again. Unlike the last time, this time the person was unusually hurried, not walking, but sounding like they were running.
Dai Li's brow twitched slightly.
Is something urgent?
There don't seem to be many things that can be called "urgent" lately. Could it be that the caravans that went to various states to sell refined salt have returned?
Leaving aside all of them, even the states that don't border the North might have their salt taken away along with the whole thing. However, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub; Qin Shaozong's forces should be prepared to have their bait taken.
Could it be news from Yangzhou?
Dai Li's heart was pounding, and when the figure finally appeared in front of the cave entrance not far away, she exclaimed in surprise.
It's Hu Bao! Hu Bao is back!
Later, Dai Li learned that Hu Bao had been sent to the Qin family in Yangzhou by Qin Shaozong. If he returned, would that mean…?
Unable to sit still any longer, Dai Li quickly stood up and went to greet him, while glancing at Hu Bao's side, trying to catch a glimpse of that familiar little figure behind him.
However, no, she did not see anyone follow her until the other person walked into the courtyard and came to her.
Dai Li suddenly stopped in her tracks, her muscles stiffening to the point of a slight pain. Although the sky was clearly clear, in her vision, thick, dark clouds drifted in, completely obscuring the azure sky.
"Commander Hu, is there still no news of my son?" Dai Li's eyes reddened.
If even powerful local families with extensive connections can't find her child, where can she possibly start searching on her own?
Looking at Dai Li, who was on the verge of tears, Hu Bao's expression was quite complicated. He had been pondering this all the way back from Yangzhou, but unfortunately, he just couldn't figure it out. It was as if a thick fog was shrouding everything in front of him, obscuring everything.
"No." Hu Bao looked away and said in a low voice, "There is news about your son."
Dai Li's pupils constricted sharply. Seeing him avoid her gaze, she reached out to grab Hu Bao's arm. "Is there news from Zhouzhou? How is he now? Where is he? Why didn't he come back to Ying County with you? Has something happened to him?"
There was news, but the person hasn't returned. Could it be that Zhouzhou has already...?
Suddenly, lightning flashed through the dark clouds that obscured the clear sky, followed by thunder and a torrential downpour that soaked Dai Li until she was shivering and even her fingertips were frozen.
Her legs buckled, and she was about to fall to the ground when two arms reached out from in front and behind her at the same time. However, the one in front of her was only slightly raised before she was immediately straightened and put back in place.
Qin Shaozong pulled her up from behind, giving her support so that Dai Li could still stand. "Madam, calm down. It's not necessarily bad news. Hu Bao has returned now. Let him tell you everything in detail."
He then looked at Hu Bao and said, "Tell me quickly what has happened in Yangzhou."
Hu Bao: "Qin Ran went to Qiantang as you instructed and summoned the local temple fair. At first, he searched in vain, so he expanded his search, looking for people in neighboring counties and offering rewards to the old temple fair and those who wanted to steal people. Then one day, a family came to his door with his uncle, claiming that his uncle, Old Man Sun, had important clues to provide."
Hu Bao's voice lowered a notch, "That old man Sun used to be a catwalker, but he injured his leg and couldn't walk anymore, so he stopped doing that. He said he once saw a wet, lonely little boy by the river, whose age, height, appearance, and short hair all matched. After the boy met him, he asked him to take him to some kind of agency, saying that something he had was broken and he wanted to borrow it to contact his mother. For this, he even gave a string of numbers and his name..."
Dai Li's breathing gradually became rapid.
River, police station, smartwatch, her phone number, mother.
Without needing to ask any further, Dai Li was absolutely certain that it was Zhouzhou! Those bizarre dreams were actually real; Zhouzhou was truly in this unfamiliar era.
The thought of the little boy standing alone by the river, with no relatives or friends around him and completely unfamiliar surroundings, broke Dai Li's heart. "And then? Where did he take Zhouzhou?"
"Old Man Sun, observing your son's demeanor, assumed he was from a high-ranking family. Initially, he helped him dry his clothes, intending only to take him into town and home to collect his reward. However, a troop was approaching via the main road. Old Man Sun had recently been associated with thieves, so he felt guilty. Furthermore, he assumed it was your son's family coming to find him, so..."
Hu Bao looked away again. "He left your son behind and went away alone."
This was something Hu Bao hadn't expected at the time, but upon closer examination, it made sense.
A monk with an unclean handwriting might mistakenly believe that the other party's family has been found. Knowing that his plan to claim the reward has failed, he might indeed leave. After all, he only gave him a piece of clothing, a sunk cost that is negligible, so there's nothing to regret.
Dai Li was struck dumb, her limbs trembling uncontrollably. "He...he left? What happened after that? Since this old man ran into Zhouzhou, what about the passing group? They must have seen him too, right? Where did my son go after that?"
“Madam Dai,” Hu Bao’s voice was low, and upon closer listening, one could hear the confusion and reluctance in it, “that chance encounter with your son that the old monk mentioned happened ten years ago.”
Dai Li's pupils narrowed to needles, and the color drained from her face inch by inch. "No, how could this be, how could it be ten years ago..."
Everything went black before her eyes, and Dai Li collapsed.
Qin Shaozong, who was supporting Dai Li from behind, quickly scooped her up. Seeing that she had fainted, he simply picked her up and turned to carry her into the house.
The courtyard was just a few steps from the side room. Qin Shaozong escorted the person back to the room and pointed to the tall Bi Po, saying, "Go and call Ding Lianxi over quickly."
Bibo hurriedly ran outside.
Qin Shaozong stood quietly by the bed for a moment, his eyes as deep as a pool. He said to Nianxia, who was still there, "Keep an eye on Madam. Let me know when she wakes up."
Hu Bao stopped at the door of the side room, not following Qin Shaozong into Dai Li's room. He saw his superior come out of the room and called out softly, "My Lord."
"Are you sure it was ten years ago?" Qin Shaozong asked.
"It's confirmed without a doubt." Hu Bao said in a low voice, "My lord, how could Lady Dai have misremembered the time when her son went missing? Could it be that this event was too much of a blow to her, causing her memory to become distorted?"
Qin Shaozong: "Maybe."
He verbally agreed with his subordinates, but Qin Shaozong did not agree in his heart.
She said she accidentally fell into the river in Peach Blossom Spring, and when she woke up, she was in the Jiang Mansion. And when they first met, her leather shoes were indeed wet. Now, ten years ago, the boy that Old Zan mentioned also appeared on the riverbank, wet as well.
Qin Shaozong did not believe in ghosts and gods. In fact, because he was born with a broken eyebrow, he was predicted by a high monk in his early years to be estranged from his six relatives and to be born to bring misfortune to his father, mother and brother. Therefore, he deeply hated prophecies and so-called high monks.
But at this moment, he inexplicably believed in the things that were happening to her and her son that defied common sense.
The search for her son was so important to her that someone as intelligent as her could not possibly have misremembered the time. Furthermore, if the method for purifying salt had already been discovered, it would never have remained buried until now.
Ding Lianxi arrived quickly with his medicine box. After taking Dai Li's pulse, he frowned and said, "Her pulse is rapid. Madam Dai has excessive internal heat, and the evil of fire is generated internally. I will prescribe some medicine for her to drink after she wakes up. This internal heat needs to be dissipated as soon as possible, otherwise she may develop an illness as a result."
"Please trouble yourself to get the medicine from the stream," Qin Shaozong called out to Ding Lianxi by his courtesy name.
The prescription was written, and the two maids quickly went to prepare it. An hour later, Dai Li slowly woke up.
Nianxia, who had been keeping watch by the bedside, noticed immediately and was overjoyed. "Madam, you're finally awake! You've been unconscious for over an hour. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Dai Li's eyes were lifeless; she just stared blankly at the canopy above her, without saying a word.
Nianxia felt a pang of anxiety and repeated the last sentence. At first, Daili still didn't react, but just as she was about to go find Ding Lianxi again, she finally saw the woman on the bed slowly shake her head.
Nianxia breathed a sigh of relief and tucked the blanket around Daili. "Madam, Mr. Ding said you have excessive internal heat and he prescribed medicine for you. Bipo is waiting in the small kitchen to prepare it. I'll go and bring the medicine back."
Dai Li did not respond.
After Nianxia left, she curled up in the blanket and turned over, turning her back to the outside and facing the wall. It seemed like only a short while had passed, but it also seemed like a long time had passed. Dai Li couldn't say for sure what the exact time was when she heard footsteps.
Unlike Nianxia and Bipo, whose steps were light and graceful, the newcomer's gait was steady and deliberate. In the entire mansion, only one person could enter her room so openly and brazenly.
Dai Li did not turn around, remaining curled up and motionless.
"Madam." Qin Shaozong stopped beside the bed.
There was no response.
In Qin Shaozong's view, the woman on the couch was lying on her side, her black hair, which had been untied, flowed like water over her shoulders and back, making her look inexplicably frail.
He sat down beside the couch. "After ten years, it is indeed not easy to find someone again, but it is not impossible."
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Author's note: Ding Lianxi, courtesy name "Congjian".
Keep asking for nutrient solution! [heart emoji]
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