A swift horse, bathed in the afterglow of dusk, galloped through the side gate into the estate. The rider did not dismount upon entering, but rode straight to a certain courtyard.
"How is Qin Yanzhou doing now?" Qin Qinian asked the guards from horseback, craning his neck to peer inside as he spoke.
The door ahead was half-open, and figures could faintly be seen moving about inside. One silhouette was quite familiar; Qin Qinian recognized him as Ding Lianxi.
A guard replied, "The young master's life is not in danger for now. However, from today until three days from now, Old Mr. Ding will be treating him day and night. We ask that the Third Young Master refrain from going in to visit at this time."
"As long as he's alright." Unable to make out anything clearly, Qin Qinian had no choice but to turn his horse around and head toward the main courtyard.
...
"Father!"
His voice arrived before he did, his cracking, adolescent voice grating on the ears.
"Father, I was just riding back and passed by a bookstore, where I saw many soldiers searching it. They told me later that you had ordered all the bookstores in the commandery to be secured," Qin Qinian said, rushing in hastily.
Qin Shaozong and Dai Li were both standing before a long desk. A map of Yuyang was spread out upon it, with several white jade chess pieces placed at various locations.
As Qin Qinian ran in, Dai Li was holding a white jade piece, just about to set it down.
"Father, Madam Dai. Perhaps we don't need to search all the bookstores. I received news that the people of the Green Lotus Cult are staying at the Laimo Bookstore in the western part of the city."
Dai Li asked in surprise, "Did Miss Fan tell you this? Is the information reliable? Could it be a trap to lure us away?"
Shi Rongyue's previous recounting had made her realize that Miss Fan hated not only Zhou Zhou, but also Qin Shaozong, who had caused her father's defeat in battle.
Since she had previously been able to lure Zhou Zhou and the others into a secret passage, telling another lie now would hardly be out of character.
"Probably not. She already knew at the time that the Green Lotus Cult was using her as a pawn, and she most likely believes that Qin Yanzhou infiltrated the Fan residence as a spy on their orders. She told me this because she can't wait to see us and the Green Lotus Cult tear each other apart," Qin Qinian said earnestly.
Dai Li was speechless. This child...
Qin Shaozong remained expressionless. "Qin San, once this matter is settled, you will roll back to the Marquis's manor, study hard under Mi Yifan, and learn how to speak properly before you come out again."
Qin Qinian felt as if struck by lightning. He truly couldn't understand how a simple report had suddenly turned into a lecture about studying.
His gaze lost focus for a moment, but he forced himself to rally. "Father, there is one more thing. At the time, Miss Fan said she noticed a few osmanthus petals stuck to the wheels of the donkey cart ridden by that minor cult leader named 'White Elephant'. She also mentioned that once, when she went looking for him, he appeared about two quarters of an hour later, leading her to guess that his true hiding place is not far from the bookstore."
Dai Li's eyes lit up. "A two-quarter hour round trip by donkey cart... that means a one-way trip of about one quarter of an hour."
She looked down at the parchment map on the desk. Having just marked the bookstores one by one, she quickly found this Laimo Bookstore.
Laimo Bookstore was located in the western part of the city, situated next to a residential area for those with some modest wealth.
After all, paper was still not that cheap nowadays. Those who sought it out were certainly not the lower-class commoners who struggled daily just to put food on the table.
Centering on Laimo Bookstore, Dai Li estimated the speed of a donkey cart and drew a circle. "He is very likely right here."
"Father, there is no time to lose. Why don't we immediately take our troops and surround this area!" Qin Qinian said excitedly.
Qin Shaozong twisted his jade thumb ring. "No rush."
The youth froze, asking in confusion, "Father, we finally know the specific bookstore and their general hiding place. Why not strike while the iron is hot?"
"We should indeed strike while the iron is hot, but not right now." Qin Shaozong turned to look out the window.
Dusk had arrived, and the sky was blanketed with vast swaths of brilliant sunset clouds, looking like the most precious final masterpiece of a renowned painter.
In a little while, the curfew would begin.
Qin Shaozong said, "We wait for the curfew. After the curfew, people are not allowed to move about freely in the city. They will have no choice but to stay indoors and won't be able to head to a relay inn."
If they went to arrest them immediately, there was no guarantee the enemy wouldn't catch wind of it and hide straight in a relay inn instead of returning to their original residence. Although he had also dispatched troops to the relay inns just in case, there were at least a hundred relay inns, large and small, in the commandery. It would be troublesome.
"White Elephant" was merely a codename. As for this person's actual name, they had absolutely no information.
Qin Qinian suddenly understood, and then asked, "Father, will you be leaving the estate tonight? If not, how about leaving tonight's pursuit entirely in my hands?"
"Alright, you take charge. This Laimo Bookstore is the focal point. After nightfall, first check the household registers of everyone in the bookstore. Those lowly servants are bound to be cult members. By following the vine to get the melon, you can force them to reveal the location of that residence. Of course, their words cannot be fully trusted; you must also divide your forces to search for houses nearby with osmanthus trees," Qin Shaozong instructed him.
Qin Qinian replied, "Yes, sir!"
Dai Li suddenly said, "Qinian, let me go with you tonight. Zhou Zhou once told me that White Elephant and Diting are twins and look quite similar. I have seen what Diting looks like without a disguise, and I roughly know their methods of disguise. If I see White Elephant, I should be able to recognize him."
Wearing fish glue for a long time must be uncomfortable. Back when she was abducted onto the ship, traveling upstream westward from the port of Bairi City, the boat journey alone took nearly half a month.
Perhaps because she was the only outsider on board, and he didn't think she could escape, Diting did not wear a disguise at the time.
Upon hearing that she had seen Diting, Qin Qinian was immediately very willing. "Alright, you can follow me then..."
"Madam." Qin Shaozong looked at Dai Li, who met his gaze without flinching.
"My son was framed by him. Although by a twist of fate it made the pest eradication go smoother than expected, it doesn't erase their malicious intentions. Qin Changgeng, you ask me to stay in the estate and quietly await good news, but I absolutely cannot do that." Dai Li stared at him unblinking.
This wasn't the first time Qin Qinian had heard Dai Li call his father by his full courtesy name, including the surname, but every time it felt like a deafening thunderclap splitting the clouds and cracking stones, sending a great shock through his heart.
The youth lowered his head, keeping his eyes on his nose and his mind focused inward, not daring to look further.
"I didn't say you couldn't go. I will leave the estate with you. Once we catch the person, Madam can torture him however you please." Qin Shaozong's tone carried a hint of helplessness.
Dai Li looked away. "We're moving after curfew, right? Then hurry up and have someone serve the meal. We have an operation tonight, so we should eat early."
Today's dinner was served early. By the time they finished their evening meal, only a faint, shallow light remained in the sky outside.
Dai Li returned to her room and changed into a cobalt blue riding outfit. Her long hair was all coiled up on her head, secured with a silver snake hairpin. She wore no other hair accessories or earrings. Coupled with the fact that Dai Li was already tall, she looked incredibly heroic and dashing in this riding attire.
But when she raised her eyes, those peach blossom eyes with slightly upturned corners were like bright sunset clouds, possessing an indescribably radiant charm.
Qin Shaozong leaned against the window with his arms crossed, watching her change clothes and tie up her hair. "Madam is in high spirits; tonight you will surely return in triumph."
Dai Li remained silent.
Dai Li's expression was complex. "I think I finally understand."
Her tone held a hint of unspeakable sigh. Qin Shaozong raised an eyebrow. "Understand what?"
"That occasional nonsense your son spouts definitely takes after you." Dai Li really didn't understand what causal relationship existed between those two words.
Qin Shaozong: "..."
The man was visibly silent for a moment, but quickly said, "Qi Nian is also your son. Madam, do not forget what you promised me."
Dai Li pursed her lips, turned her head to the side, and stopped looking at him.
Seeing her expression, Qin Shaozong clicked his tongue softly.
Great, she was being stubborn again.
Not long ago, Qin Yanzhou returned injured, and Ding Luying stated bluntly that immediate parasite removal would yield the best results. This was a matter of vital importance and could not be delayed for a moment, so the parasite removal was arranged for today.
As for the two precious medicines, fleeceflower root and musk, they had already been sent to the Ding residence along with the rest of the batch when the other medicinal herbs were collected.
He had never mentioned this matter, and she had never asked about it since that day. However, Qin Shaozong knew that this sly fox must have already guessed a thing or two.
The situation just now had been critical, leaving no time to settle scores, but that didn't mean the matter was over.
"Dai Li," Qin Shaozong said in a deep voice.
Dai Li paused, eventually turning her head back slowly.
He didn't say any more of those words that sounded so grating to her ears, but she knew what he meant.
Those narrow brown eyes locked onto her like an endless ocean, its surging waves threatening to pull her in.
Dai Li said softly, "Can we talk about this when we get back?"
Seeing her tone soften, Qin Shaozong knew when to stop pushing. "Fine."
*
Just as the curfew began, the main gates of the Qin residence opened, and a squad of cavalry led by Qin Qinian filed out.
About half an hour later, the gates opened again, and Qin Shaozong and Dai Li led another group of men out of the estate.
Dai Li had only recently learned to ride, and she was mounted on a small black mare. The little mare trotted along with a clip-clop sound; although she had only recently reached adulthood, she was docile and steady. However, compared to the galloping steeds of the previous group, her speed was not very fast.
Qin Shaozong rode his horse, Red Wyrm, beside Dai Li, leading the group together with her.
While they were still a short distance from the Laimo Bookstore, Dai Li saw a brightly lit area ahead.
After nightfall, commoners who couldn't afford candles would go to rest early. After a good sleep, they would wake up to bright daylight, saving them the worry of lighting lamps.
The residents near the Laimo Bookstore were relatively wealthier, so scattered lights could still be seen.
The sound of hooves echoed through the quiet streets and alleys. Birds on the treetops tilted their heads in confusion, observing this group of night travelers.
The side doors of a few households quietly opened a crack, and a curious eye peeked out from the gap. Upon sensing a gaze sweeping over, they would shut the door with a frightened whoosh.
Qin Qinian, who had gone ahead to check the household registers, was already at the Laimo Bookstore. Seeing his father arrive, the youth hurriedly reported, "Father, this bookstore has a total of four helpers and one shopkeeper. They have all been brought here."
Qin Shaozong dismounted.
Qin Qinian continued, "The owner of this bookstore is surnamed Dong. Upon investigation, this person lives in the Second District of the West City. However, when I sent men to bring him over, we found that the Dong residence was an empty house with no one inside. I asked the neighbors, and they all said that the Dong family left three months ago."
Qin Shaozong said, "Leave this place to me. Take some men and search for the osmanthus trees nearby."
Qin Qinian accepted the order.
Dai Li looked toward the bookstore with its wide-open doors, faintly making out the guards watching over several people. She also dismounted and entered the bookstore with Qin Shaozong.
Among the five captured individuals, the four helpers were guarded in pairs, while the shopkeeper was kept separately.
Dai Li's gaze swept over them; they varied in height and weight.
The four helpers all had dark complexions and thin frames. Some were as skinny as beanpoles, perfectly fitting the image of the lower class who struggled for their next meal.
After observing the helpers, she looked at the shopkeeper. He was a bit on the chubby side, short in stature, and currently breaking out in a cold sweat.
None of these five people had put on any disguises.
Her faint, almost imperceptible sliver of hope dashed, Dai Li looked at Qin Shaozong, signaling that he could begin questioning.
"Noble sir, this humble one is honest and dutiful. I have always lived a grounded life and have never stepped out of line. May I ask why you are visiting late at night and have brought me and the several helpers from the shop here?" the shopkeeper said while wiping his sweat.
Qin Shaozong asked directly, "Has the owner of this bookstore or any of his friends been here recently?"
The plump shopkeeper's pupils trembled slightly.
Qin Shaozong drew the ring-pommel dao from his waist. The blade reflected a startling cold gleam in the firelight, the sharp light shooting straight into the shopkeeper's eyes, making him shudder in terror.
In the next moment, the plump shopkeeper's body jolted.
He stood frozen in place like a stone statue, not daring to move an inch, terrified that a single careless movement might cause him to touch the blade that now rested on his shoulder, less than a finger's width from his neck.
"Confess and you will be treated leniently. Not only will your entire family be pardoned, but you will also receive a reward. If you try to cover things up and attempt to deceive me with lies, I will let you know that sometimes, a quick death is a kind of fortune." Qin Shaozong looked down at him from above.
He hadn't worn armor when leaving the estate tonight, dressed only in an ordinary black robe. However, it couldn't conceal his tall and straight stature, as formidable as a mountain. Years of experience had settled into a heavy, oppressive aura.
Qin Shaozong's tone was not particularly harsh, yet it still made the plump shopkeeper's face turn as pale as gold paper.
The plump shopkeeper bit his lip tightly, seemingly struggling internally.
Qin Shaozong only waited for two breaths. When the plump shopkeeper failed to answer, he turned to look at the four helpers. "The shopkeeper chooses to die. What about you? For the first among you to confess, I will likewise let bygones be bygones and grant a reward. As for the rest, you will receive sixty strokes of the cane and serve four years of hard labor. All male members of your families will share your guilt and be punished with four years, while the female members will serve two years."
Two years for the female family members. Assuming they survived these two years of penal labor, they would almost certainly marry someone else.
Marrying a man meant securing clothes to wear and food to eat.
With a husband still serving a sentence, it was no different from him being dead, as he could provide no financial support. The Great Yan government offices would give the green light to such women, allowing them to choose another spouse, remarry, and have children, thereby boosting the birth rate.
As soon as Qin Shaozong's words fell, the thinnest and weakest helper among them hurriedly said, "Noble sir, I will tell you everything!"
Watching his interrogation from the side, Dai Li was utterly amazed.