Chapter 122

Qin Shaozong's brows smoothed out, only to furrow once again.

The winter hunt?

Why wait until the winter hunt?

Recalling their recent bet, Qin Shaozong could not help but think of the promise the loser had to make to the winner.

The man's face darkened slightly as he laid it out plainly for her. Madam, the Marriage Proposal has already been sent out. As for the Betrothal Reply, you do not necessarily have to write it yourself. I can do it on your behalf.

The underlying meaning of his words was clear: whether there was a Betrothal Reply or not, she had to marry him.

Dai Li reached out and pressed her hands against his chest. Although his words were outrageously absurd, upon careful thought, they were not entirely surprising.

This man was completely unreasonable at times. She sighed helplessly, I know.

Qin Shaozong's brows relaxed. The long arm wrapped around her waist suddenly exerted force, lifting Dai Li up slightly. At the same time, his other hand swept down beneath her legs to support her.

Dai Li was suddenly suspended in the air before quickly landing on something solid; she was now sitting on the vanity table.

Sitting there, she was slightly taller than Qin Shaozong. His arms rested on either side of her, the base of his thumbs pressing against the outer sides of her legs. An endless stream of heat radiated over, carrying an indescribable, scorching intensity.

Dai Li looked up at him. Her current position made her a bit taller than him, giving her a downward vantage point. My Lord, what do you want now?

This insincere "My Lord" sounded somewhat piercing to the ear.

Caught off guard by the prick, Qin Shaozong laughed in exasperation. Madam, that is not how you addressed me just a moment ago.

He reached out and pinched her red lips, catching Dai Li's upper and lower lips between two fingers and squeezing lightly, forming them into a duck's beak. What you called me earlier, say it again for me to hear.

Dai Li knew he was fixated on the "Husband" she had uttered earlier. She turned her head to dodge his hand and jabbed at him with her words, Please mind your manners, My Lord. Do not go too far, lest you chill the hearts of your strategists.

There are even worse things. Would Madam care to try? Qin Shaozong said, not waiting for her reply.

He tilted Dai Li's chin up and skillfully parted her lips. The man's other hand wrapped around the back of her head, pressing her down so he could push in deeper, carefully plundering every inch of softness within her mouth.

A breeze swept past, rustling the lamps in the room and causing the flames to flicker.

The light danced, and the two tightly intertwined shadows on the floor shifted in depth. She and he were locked together, like two adjacent trees in an ancient forest, their vines inextricably intertwined.

The apricot-colored outer garment drifted down like a falling leaf. Under the flickering candlelight, a large expanse of snow-white skin was dazzling to the eye. It swayed slightly, rising and falling, measured inch by inch by lips and teeth, leaving behind a trail of vibrant marks.

The bronze mirror reflected a graceful figure with half-faded clothing. The apricot garment pooled around her waist like clouds, making it seem as if she were sinking into them.

The night was still very long.

Yuyang, the Wei Manor.

A servant rushed into the study, opening with, Master, disaster has struck! causing the several people inside to stiffen instinctively.

What has happened now? Wei Congmu rubbed his temples in a headache.

The third brother, Wei Congsen, said, Does Wei Qing have more demands? As long as it is not too excessive, try to satisfy him so he can finish his search and withdraw his troops quickly.

A day ago, the Xuanxiao Cavalry suddenly visited the major prominent families in the commandery, claiming that a group of assassins who had attempted to murder the Marquis of Wu'an were colluding with a certain family, and after failing, had hidden in one of their estates.

The Xuanxiao Cavalry were unlike ordinary soldiers. They were the sharpest blade in Qin Shaozong's hands and, to a certain extent, represented his personal will.

When the Xuanxiao Cavalry arrived, the prominent families were alarmed. Hearing they were there to catch assassins, they naturally would not turn them away.

A straight foot need not fear a crooked shoe; if they wanted to search, let them.

Every family opened their doors. The Wei family could not afford to be the exception, so they immediately welcomed the Xuanxiao Cavalry inside.

However, with Qin Shaozong having previously instructed the Cai family to suppress them, the Wei father and sons felt an inexplicable unease. This unease reached its peak when they learned that the Laimo Bookstore had been sealed off, and the shopkeeper and servants had all been imprisoned.

The Laimo Bookstore...

They did indeed have some ties to this bookstore. The other party had once sent someone to inform the Wei family:

The Marquis of Wu'an's injury was fake, and the Cai family's series of actions were all under his instruction, aimed at taking back his original promise and paving the way for him to take a wife in the future.

The Wei family was shocked and hurriedly notified the married Fifth Lady Wei. This was what led to Wei Cheng taking Wei Pingzhi to visit the Qin Manor as a test.

Well, regardless of everything that happened before.

In short, after learning that the Laimo Bookstore had been sealed, the Wei men were on pins and needles. And right at this critical juncture, the Xuanxiao Cavalry brought men to search their manor.

Feeling guilty and wanting to take precautions, they hid the trusted aide who had gone to the Laimo Bookstore to deliver messages.

However, because the Wei family did not immediately learn of the bookstore's incident, their subsequent hiding of the man was a beat too late. The aide could only hide within the manor, unable to break through the blockade formed by the Xuanxiao Cavalry outside.

Master, Wei... Wei Changsheng has been found, the servant said.

The Wei father and sons all shuddered, a loud buzz ringing in their heads.

Wei Congmu shot up from his seat. How could he be found? Was he not hidden away!

The servant looked miserable. That Garrison Commander Wei searched incredibly thoroughly, as if he had a third eye. He did not miss a single nook or cranny. Later, he even brought in a few women specifically to search the madams' rooms.

Father Wei nearly choked on a mouthful of old blood.

Where is he? Where is Wei Changsheng? Wei Congmu asked anxiously.

He... he was taken away...

The study instantly fell dead silent.

Father Wei's expression cycled through several changes before he seemed to age over a decade in an instant. Eldest, take that jade ring to the Marquis of Wu'an. Tell him that Feiniang has been gone for over fifteen years, which is long enough. If he meets the right person, there is no harm in him remarrying. He does not need to be constrained by past promises.

Father!

Father!

Wei Congmu and Wei Congsen cried out at the same time.

We cannot return the token. If we do, the Wei and Qin families will inevitably become estranged.

Yes, Father, this token cannot be returned! If we give it back now, the Marquis of Wu'an might just take a wife by next spring.

Father Wei's sagging face twisted into a cold sneer. The Marquis's estate has been undergoing renovations for a while now. Did you really think Qin Changgeng was just fixing it up for fun? Everyone in the Laimo Bookstore has been arrested. Since he could find Wei Changsheng, do you think there might be someone among the captives who recognizes him?

The two brothers looked at each other in dismay.

The person who tipped off our Wei family never revealed their true identity, but for the Marquis of Wu'an to go to such lengths to catch them, they must be extraordinary, and are very likely seen as a thorn in his side. I worry he suspects us of secretly colluding with the mastermind behind the bookstore. This was what Father Wei feared the most, and what he felt most wronged by.

He let out a long sigh, and it seemed as if most of his vitality left him with that breath. Everything Qin Changgeng has done clearly points toward him wanting to take a wife. He is not someone who gives up until his goal is achieved. Even if we dodge this time, there might well be a next time.

This token simply had to be returned.

Standing under someone else's eaves, one has no choice but to bow one's head.

Ultimately, the North belongs to the Qin family. Without military power, how could the Wei family truly go against the Qin clan?

Wei Congmu could not bear to see his father in such a dejected state and comforted him, "Father, Qinian is your grandson. This is something that will never change no matter what."

Wei Congsen also said, "Exactly, and Qinian is his only biological son. In the future, won't the Marquis of Wu'an's immense estate be handed over to Qinian? When Qinian succeeds and takes the helm, the Wei family will surely rise to a higher level."

These words struck a chord in Father Wei's heart. His complexion immediately improved. "That is true. Let Yue'er and Dai'er interact more with Qinian from now on."

The Qin Residence.

"My Lord, Chief Clerk Wei requests an audience. He says he has an important item to return."

When Hu Bao came to report, Qin Shaozong was reading the interrogation records.

The merchant surnamed Zhao from the east of the city had been brought back. It was unknown whether he had caught wind of it beforehand or simply could not endure hardship and decided to be a wise man who submits to circumstances. Before any real torture was applied, the man confessed everything like spilling beans.

He had joined the Green Lotus Sect three years ago while traveling south for business. It was not a long time, and he had previously been acting as a deputy to the fat shopkeeper. Even if the latter gritted his teeth and refused to confess, by following Merchant Zhao's lead, they could still pull up the radish and bring out the mud to uncover the whole network.

Qin Shaozong understood the underlying meaning and immediately smiled. "Entertain Chief Clerk Wei well. My wife and I will be there shortly."

Dai Li, who was reading by the window, was baffled. "The Wei family came looking for you. If you want to go, just go. Why drag me into it?"

Qin Shaozong did not give a specific reason, only saying, "Just this once."

Dai Li pursed her lips and said nothing.

He added, "Old Mister Ding said it was a three-day treatment course. Today, by the end of the Shen hour, that boy Qin Yanzhou will finish his treatment. Until then, since you are just idling about, my lady, you might as well take a trip with me to pass the time."

Today was the third day of Qin Yanzhou's seclusion. If nothing unexpected happened, near dusk today, that door which had been closed for so long would finally open.

Dai Li was also certain there would be no accidents, because every day Ding Lianxi would come to report on his grandfather's orders, letting her know that everything was going smoothly.

"Alright then." Dai Li put down the book in her hands.

Dai Li had specially styled her hair into a bun today, her dark hair coiled into a falling-horse chignon. Pinned to the bun was a gold-inlaid jade butterfly hairpin, and on the other side was a golden-winged phoenix holding a pearl step-shake, with hanging beads dangling from it.

The hanging beads were exceptionally round, each a beautiful bright white and almost identical in size. One glance was enough to tell that this step-shake was no ordinary item.

As Dai Li stood up, the hem of her Hunan-red skirt slid over her calves like water, like a bright ray of sunlight sweeping past.

She and Qin Shaozong left the main room together.

...

The Main Hall.

The servants served tea to Wei Congmu, but the latter had no mind to drink it at all, frequently looking toward the side corridor.

Time seemed to stretch infinitely at this moment, making him extremely anxious. It felt as if a full hour had passed, or perhaps only half an hour, before Wei Congmu heard footsteps.

Two sets of sounds, one light and one heavy.

Soon, two figures turned out from the side corridor side by side. One was burly and imposing, wearing a black robe and a military official's grand hat, with an aura as heavy as a mountain.

The other was much more petite compared to the man, but could be considered tall among ordinary young women. She had a blooming, radiant complexion and a graceful figure. Her Hunan-red long dress was dignified and elegant, yet carried a hint of restrained gorgeousness.

It was Wei Congmu's first time seeing Dai Li. He had previously heard that the Lady Dai by the Marquis of Wu'an's side was a beauty straight out of a painting, possessing the looks of a moon goddess and monopolizing all charm.

That was why the Marquis of Wu'an was so infatuated with her that he did not even live in the Marquis's estate anymore, choosing to live outside with her.

To be honest, Wei Congmu did not believe it.

What kind of person was he, Qin Changgeng? Having fought battles north and south all these years, what kind of beauty had he not seen? How could he be bewitched to the point of losing his mind? Could it be that the so-called favored concubine Lady Dai was just a front to cover up a deeper motive?

But at this moment, ninety percent of the doubts in Wei Congmu's mind vanished.

As bright as the morning sun rising through the rosy clouds, as dazzling as a lotus emerging from clear waters.

This Lady Dai was indeed a beauty in a million. No wonder...

"Chief Clerk Wei," a deep voice came from above.

Wei Congmu suddenly snapped back to his senses, hurriedly lowered his head, and then looked up at Qin Shaozong, bowing deeply to him. "This humble official pays respects to the Lord. Please forgive my abrupt visit to your residence."

Qin Shaozong walked down from the seat of honor and personally helped him up. "The Chief Clerk comes visiting with a generous gift. In no way can the word abrupt apply."

Hearing generous gift, Wei Congmu could not help but twitch the corner of his mouth, knowing in his heart that Qin Shaozong was giving him absolutely no chance to back down.

He felt stifled in his heart, but still had to say, "My Lord is mistaken. How can that be considered a generous gift? It is inherently an item of the Qin family, and today it is merely being returned to its rightful owner."

After speaking, Wei Congmu turned around and offered the brocade box he had brought with both hands.

Qin Shaozong took it, and not only did he take it, but he also opened it to look.

The gold clasp was flicked up, and this magnificent sandalwood box with carvings on all four sides was opened. Inside the box lay a piece of gorgeous red cloth, and resting quietly on the cloth was a Hetian jade ring with an exceptionally lustrous hue.

The word for ring sounds the same as the word for return, symbolizing the continuation of a relationship and implying a beautiful reunion.

This top-quality jade ring had quite a background. Counting carefully, it could be traced back to Qin Shaozong's great-great-grandfather's generation. It was a betrothal gift given by his great-great-grandfather to his great-great-grandmother, and then it was passed down to the eldest legitimate son of each generation to be given to his wife upon marriage.

Qin Shaozong was the second son in the family. Initially, this jade ring had nothing to do with him and was kept by his eldest brother and sister-in-law.

But later, the Qin family met with a disaster, and his brother and sister-in-law passed away together. This jade ring briefly came into Qin Shaozong's hands and was soon sent to the Wei family along with his promise.

After fifteen years of twisting and turning, it had finally returned to Qin Shaozong's hands.

However, it did not stay with him for too long either.

Qin Shaozong took a few glances, and after confirming there were no mistakes, he raised his hand and pulled off the pouch hanging at Dai Li's waist beside him.

Then, amidst Wei Congmu's shocked expression, he tied this Qin family token as a jade pendant to Dai Li's waist.

Dai Li: "?"