Chapter 94 His Secret
It was already very late at night, and Dai Li lay on the couch, but she couldn't fall asleep.
When she closes her eyes, all she sees are those eight bright red characters, and if she thinks about them for too long, blood will even seep from the edges of the characters.
Unable to sleep, Dai Li wanted to change her surroundings, but was instead pulled back by a long arm around her waist.
Every time he shared a bed with Qin Shaozong, he always liked to hold her before falling asleep. Previously, Dai Li had good sleep quality, and after struggling a few times but not being able to break free, she slowly fell asleep.
But she couldn't sleep tonight, and she was feeling irritable. Even turning over was blocked, and that anger mixed with her frustration was rising up.
Dai Li tried to pry the hand off her waist. She tried the first time but couldn't get it off. She tried a second time but still couldn't get it off. She then realized that Qin Shaozong was not asleep either.
“It’s so hot and humid, the lady has been tossing and turning on the bed all night,” he said.
Dai Li remained silent.
Qin Shaozong continued, "There are only eight characters on that silk cloth, no other information. Madam, please wait, they will contact you again."
After obtaining the silk cloth, Qin Shaozong did not have anyone investigate who had placed it there.
Because it's meaningless.
The Qinglian Sect has too many followers, and the common people at the bottom are ignorant and uncivilized, making them easy to manipulate like puppets.
Even if they catch the person, the trail will inevitably go cold. Besides, this is Jizhou, and they are currently heading back to Yuyang at full speed. It's impossible for them to stay in Jizhou for a long time just to investigate an upstream source that they may not be able to find.
Dai Li opened her eyes. "They know that Zhou Zhou and I are mother and son."
When the Northern Lands launched a large-scale search for the missing person, the notices were blown across the states like a whirlwind. The Green Lotus Sect may have linked the missing person notices with the Dragon Bone Waterwheel, or even the suddenly appearing refined salt.
After multiple lines of evidence overlapped, they identified her.
Zhouzhou was found by the Qinglian Sect, and it's possible that she revealed her name at the beginning.
“That instructor most likely intends to use the antidote for the rare poison as leverage to force Madam to submit to him and be used by him. As for Yuyang, I have already sent people back to protect Ding Lianxi’s family. But none of that matters. What do you think, Madam?” His voice was calm, revealing no emotion.
Dai Li was naturally aware of the Green Lotus Sect's intentions, as for what she thought...
Her mind was a mess.
On the one hand, she knew perfectly well that anyone who could send her son to such a dangerous place as the Fan family mansion was definitely not a good person, and perhaps Zhouzhou had been bullied when he was in the Qinglian Sect.
On the other hand, if the antidote was only available within the Qinglian Sect, she had no choice. She absolutely could not stand by and watch her son die from the poison.
"Let's take a look when we get back to Yuyang," Dai Li said, avoiding the topic.
Qin Shaozong didn't delve into the details. He simply pulled the woman back from trying to move to the other side of the bed, patted her back, and said, "The North is vast, with abundant medicinal herbs. Countless merchants travel between the North and South. Old Master Ding spent several years in Jiaozhou and other places in his early years. His knowledge and medical skills are far beyond those of ordinary doctors. There will always be a solution."
After a long pause, Dai Li finally said, "I hope so."
After closing her eyes for a moment, Dai Li opened them again. "Qin Changgeng, when we return to Yuyang County, I won't stay at your Junhou Mansion. Zhouzhou and I will stay outside."
Feeling annoyed, a hint of anger inevitably crept into her voice.
Qin Shaozong understood. He remained silent for a long time, but ultimately did not seize the opportunity to pull her back. "Alright."
Dai Li had something on her mind and didn't sleep well all night. She was exhausted the next day and spent most of the day catching up on sleep in the carriage.
After four consecutive days, the travel speed increased again.
When passing through other counties, Qin Shaozong did not deliberately avoid the better post stations in those counties because of the silk cloth.
Live however you like.
Later, other notes were indeed received, all written on plain white silk with cinnabar ink on them.
[The Marquis of Wu'an is not your best choice]
[My church doors are always open for you]
There was no specific information at all, only instigation, which infuriated Qin Shaozong. In the end, he couldn't help but leave three Xuanxiao cavalrymen to deal with the henchmen.
After a long journey, the caravan that set out from Bai Ri City finally arrived at Yu Yang at midday.
As the core of Youzhou, Yuyang's city gates were naturally built to be more magnificent and imposing than those of other counties.
The ancient city bricks, neatly stacked, exude a sense of vicissitude and grandeur under the sunlight. Like a silent guardian, it overlooks this small world, quietly watching caravans come and go, and cavalrymen move in and out.
It's noon now, and there are many pedestrians and vehicles entering and leaving the city.
The sound of horses' hooves approached, and many people turned their heads to see a cavalryman clad in black armor.
Sunlight fell on the black armor, reflecting a sharp, blade-like edge. The horses they rode were all exceptionally strong, clearly indicating that in addition to being of superior breed, they were fed the finest fodder.
"This... the Lord has returned?!"
"Ah! It must be Lord Jun. I recognize his big red horse, but where is he? Could he be in the carriage?"
"I heard that he previously led troops to suppress salt smugglers, and later was invited to go to the south. Now he is returning by carriage instead of on horseback. Could it be that he was injured in the south?"
"It's not impossible. On the battlefield, with swords flashing and shadows flying, you never know where you might get hurt. Otherwise, the Third Young Master wouldn't have been seriously injured when we fought the Northern Kingdom before."
“The county has been quite unsettled lately. The Wei family’s captain, who was arrested, escaped from prison and claimed that the Cai family had tortured him. The latter denied this and flew into a rage, leading his men to arrest him again.”
"Tsk tsk, not only are they fighting here, but the Wei family is also saying that a certain Cai family member neglected his duties. They're determined to go against them. It's really causing a huge uproar. Now that you're back in Yuyang to recuperate, I'm afraid you won't have a moment's peace."
"That's true. It's a pity I have to go on a long journey, otherwise I would definitely watch the rest of the show."
...
Other caravans had to be checked when entering and leaving the city, but when it came to the Xuanxiao Cavalry, the city guards all recognized several of the garrison leaders and let them pass directly.
As Dai Li sat in the carriage, listening to the hustle and bustle of the town, her heart gradually calmed down.
We've finally arrived in Yuyang.
Dai Li lifted the curtain and glanced at the sky, then turned to Qin Shaozong and said, "It's noon now. Qin Changgeng, could you send someone to the Ding family to give them a heads-up, and we'll officially go there around 1-3 PM later?"
Let alone the strict rules of ancient times, even in modern times, you need to inform the other person in advance before visiting a friend. Showing up unexpectedly is considered very impolite in any era.
Qin Shaozong: "Hu Bao arrived in Yuyang yesterday and made all the arrangements. After we have lunch at the mansion, my wife and I will go to the Ding family."
Dai Li nodded.
This highly anticipated group did not return to the Marquis's residence, but instead went to another mansion. They entered through the main gate, and the carriages traveled all the way to the main courtyard before stopping.
As Dai Li got out of the carriage, she was startled by a row of maids standing not far away. She paused for a moment, then turned to the man beside her, "Don't tell me these maids are all going to stay in the courtyard."
Qin Shaozong corrected her, "They will stay in the manor, but not in the main courtyard. Besides the main courtyard, other places in the manor also need manpower. Madam, please see if they are to your liking. If not, we will find another group."
Seeing Dai Li hesitate, he whispered, "We have thoroughly investigated, and neither they nor their families are religious."
Dai Li looked at the maid a few steps away.
A total of ten people.
They were dressed in uniform, neat and clean. Some were younger, around sixteen or seventeen years old, while others were older, probably around forty.
Everyone was extremely nervous, afraid that they would be singled out as not pleasing to the eye.
"Let's stay here for now and see what happens later." Dai Li recalled the long journey in the carriage, which suggested that the mansion must be quite large.
The maids immediately beamed with joy and expressed their deepest gratitude.
Wealthy families enjoy good benefits; even a small amount of money saved up from their own pockets would be enough to feed them for a long time. Not to mention that the owner of this mansion is Marquis Wu'an, a renowned war god guarding the northern frontier, the uncrowned king of Yuyang and even the entire northern region.
Qin Shaozong: "Let's have our meal first."
...
In another courtyard.
Feng Feng noticed that Mo Yanyun was sitting and standing intermittently, pacing around the room and muttering something under his breath.
"Old Mo, what's wrong with you? Why do you look like you're being bitten by bugs all over your body after you came into the manor?" Feng Feng asked.
His voice wasn't quiet, but Mo Yanyun didn't hear it at all, still immersed in her own world.
Feng Feng called out to Lao Mo again, but the latter still didn't respond and continued pacing around the room.
Seeing this, Feng Feng quietly walked over and listened.
"Oh no, oh no, Madam Dai actually did it... Oh no, my loose tongue, I never go to her door, and I always say the wrong things."
Feng Feng raised an eyebrow. "Old Mo, what are you muttering to yourself? What's over?"
Mo Yanyun shuddered in fright. If he had a fluffy tail, it would definitely be standing upright with all the fur standing on end right now.
Having worked together for so many years, Feng Feng could easily tell that something was wrong with him. He immediately put his arm around Mo Yanyun's shoulder like a good buddy and asked, "Old Mo, have you done something wrong?"
It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned it, but now that he had, Mo Yanyun suddenly felt the knife hanging above his head sway a few times, and the rope on it made a creaking sound as it couldn't bear the weight.
"No, no, what could I possibly do wrong?" Mo Yanyun looked away.
Feng Feng laughed at him, "Not yet? You're even stuttering. Don't say I didn't warn you, but how could the Lord be so shrewd as to not see something amiss? Tell me, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"
Mo Yanyun shook his head vigorously.
Feng Feng clicked his tongue lightly, "Why don't you trust me? I've given you so many suggestions in the past, ask yourself honestly, weren't they all incredibly effective?"
Mo Yanyun hesitated.
Feng Feng had the worst background among them, but none of the village chiefs were as quick-witted as him. He had many clever ideas and often helped them solve their problems.
In the past, when Mo Yanyun encountered difficulties, he liked to consult with Feng Feng, and the results were remarkable.
"What do you have to worry about?" Feng Feng became even more curious when he still didn't say anything. He quickly changed his mind and decided to use a feigned retreat: "Alright, if you don't trust me, I won't say anything. Just be on your guard when you're hanging around in front of Lord Junhou later. Don't let him notice anything amiss. I finally got to go back to Yuyang. I need to go back to see my wife and little daughter. My little daughter can walk now. I wonder if she still remembers me."
Seeing that he was about to leave, Mo Yanyun hesitated for a moment, then immediately pulled him back, saying, "I didn't say I wouldn't tell you, why are you in such a hurry?"
Feng Feng smiled without saying a word.
Mo Yanyun gritted his teeth, "This matter is extraordinary. I'm telling you, but don't tell anyone else."
Feng Feng readily agreed.
Mo Yanyun coughed lightly, "Come closer to my ear."
"So mysterious." Feng Feng still went over to investigate.
Mo Yanyun whispered to him.
Feng Feng's expressions changed frequently, ranging from strange and shocked to fearful and admiring. A series of expressions appeared on his face.
Feng Feng shoved Mo Yanyun away and walked out the door without looking back. "Old Mo, I didn't hear anything just now, and you haven't said a word to me today. I'm going home to see my daughter now. See you another day."
Mo Yanyun was dumbfounded. By the time he came to his senses and tried to call for help, Feng Feng had already disappeared in a flash.
"Feng Feng, you bastard!!" Mo Yanyun cursed.
After he finished cursing, Bai Jianping came in and said, "I could hear you yelling from afar, Lao Mo, what are you cursing about?"
Mo Yanyun huffed, "That bastard Feng Feng said he would help me solve my problem, but as soon as I finished speaking, he ran away."
Bai Jianping immediately became interested upon hearing this. "Is there a problem he can't solve? Tell me quickly, and I'm sure I can solve it."
He had been secretly competing with Feng Feng for a long time, always feeling that he was a bit smarter than Feng Feng.
Mo Yanyun was skeptical. "Come closer and listen to me."
Bai Jianping approached without hesitation.
Mo Yanyun whispered.
Bai Jianping's pupils trembled, and he dashed out without looking back, as if a dog was chasing him from inside the house. "Old Mo, I suddenly remembered that I haven't fed my dog yet. I'm going back to feed the dog first. I didn't hear what you said just now."
After saying this, without waiting for a reply, Bai Jianping turned and ran.
Mo Yanyun was stunned.
Not long after he ran out, Qiao Wangfei came in. Qiao Wangfei asked suspiciously, "Old Mo, what did you do to Old Bai?"
“I ran into some trouble. That guy clearly said he would help me solve it, but he ran away after hearing that. He's extremely hateful.”
"What's wrong? Tell me, and I'll help you."
...
Main courtyard.
Perhaps it was a special instruction, but there was a small round table in the main courtyard, where people ate lunch around the table.
For lunch, we had stir-fried pork, steamed eggs, and fish soup. It wasn't a lavish meal, just typical home-style dishes.
First, pan-fry the fish in an iron pot, then put it in an earthenware pot and stew it with tofu. The resulting fish soup is milky white. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions. The tender green against the milky white is incredibly delicious.
Even though Dai Li was preoccupied with her visit to the Ding family that afternoon, she still drank an extra bowl of soup and ate a small portion of the fish in the soup.
Seeing that her appetite was much better than yesterday, Qin Shaozong simply asked Nianxia to stew fish soup again tonight. He looked at Dai Li, "Madam, you remind me of some old times."
"Hmm?" Dai Li hummed a nasal sound.
Qin Shaozong glanced at the soup bowl she had finished drinking and smiled, "I once went to the South in my younger days. They like to eat soup with their meals. They can't live without soup, just like you, Madam."
Dai Li couldn't refute this point. She really liked drinking soup, and so did Zhou Zhou. Even her former colleagues would make soup at home whenever they had time. However, there were other reasons as well: "It's probably due to the climate difference. The south is hot and humid, and people sweat easily. Drinking soup can replenish fluids."
After saying that, Dai Li realized what she meant and said, "Did you think I was lying when I said my hometown was in Qiantang?"
"No, it's not that. Madam's usual habits and accent can't be faked." Qin Shaozong saw that there was about a bowl of soup left in the pot, so he handed it to her. "Drink the fish soup, and then we'll go to the Ding family."
During the past few days of travel, she has been eating only grains of rice a day, and has lost some weight compared to when she was in Bai Ri City.
Dai Li originally intended to serve the soup to her son, but he put it into her bowl first. She couldn't possibly give away the bowl she had already eaten from.
After a pause, Dai Li slowly drank from the bowl.
Just as Dai Li finished drinking and the group was about to leave, Hu Bao hurriedly came to report, "My lord, the prefectural clerk Wei Congmu is outside requesting an audience."
Qin Shaozong paused in his steps.
-----------------------
Author's note: For Mo Yanyun's words, please refer to the end of Chapter 82.
Feng Feng: How could someone cause such a huge disaster? :)
Please, please give me some nutrient solution! [starry-eyed]
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