"I'm sorry," Dai Li lowered her eyes and bowed her head.
The next moment, a rough, large hand gripped her jaw, lifting her chin.
He looked resentful and angry. The force of his fingers was strong, sinking slightly into her soft flesh. "Dai Li, an apology is never what I wanted."
After lifting her face, he saw that her peach-blossom eyes were covered in a layer of moisture, tears threatening to fall, and the rims of her eyes had turned red again.
Qin Shaozong paused, and the pressure of his fingers lightened by a fraction, but his tone remained fierce, even unreasonably overbearing. "No crying, no trying to muddle your way out of this. Speak!"
The two were so close to each other. Dai Li was held tightly by the waist against his chest, their breaths mingling. She felt as if she could smell the scent of gunpowder suppressing sparks of fire.
Looking into those sharp, piercing brown eyes, she felt like she was being intensely stared down by a fierce tiger in the forest.
However, unlike other vicious brutes who would truly crush bones and suck marrow, she knew his fierceness was just a facade, nothing more than an intimidating aura.
Raising her hand to gently touch his broken eyebrow, her fingertips tracing the shape of his brow until they met the fine lines at the corner of his eye, Dai Li said softly, "From now on, I will discuss everything with you, okay?"
Her softened voice was like a gentle breeze blowing in spring.
The tip of Qin Shaozong's brow lifted imperceptibly, but quickly lowered again. "Is that all?"
He was not satisfied.
Dai Li thought about it but couldn't come up with anything else for the moment. This man's mind was as deep as an oceanic abyss. If he hadn't spoken plainly just now about his various plans for the future, she never would have guessed them even if she racked her brains.
So Dai Li asked him quietly, "Then what do you want? We can discuss it."
She used a completely accommodating tone. Hearing this, Qin Shaozong let out a heavy breath. It was impossible to tell if he was satisfied or not, he merely asked, "Will you ever write another Divorce Letter in the future?"
This question was easy to answer. Dai Li shook her head and said she wouldn't.
She didn't have a problem with Qin Changgeng as a person; she was just worried about her son's future safety. Since he wasn't using Zhou Zhou as a stepping stone, she naturally wouldn't think of leaving.
Qin Shaozong gave a sound of acknowledgment, his expression still very cold. "Next, I ask, you answer."
Just as Dai Li nodded, she heard him ask, "You said earlier that if you had a choice, you wouldn't want to leave either. Is that true?"
Dai Li was slightly startled.
He had clearly just confirmed the matter of the Divorce Letter, but turning around, he asked her a similar question again. It was only in this moment that Dai Li suddenly realized she wasn't the only one harboring distrust.
He didn't trust her either.
It was just that compared to her doubting whether he would treat Zhou Zhou as his own, his insecurity clearly lay elsewhere...
The man before her was a veteran of the battlefield, his skin a deep shade from the sun and wind. His facial contours were rugged and sharp, with a broken eyebrow, deep-set eyes, a straight nose, and thin lips. His physique was also very tall and imposing, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a heroic posture. Sitting sideways on the couch at this moment, he gave off a majestic presence, like a descending mountain.
The hero who commanded armies on the battlefield was now pursing his lips, his light brown eyes watching her unblinkingly. Qin Shaozong showed no other expression, but she could sense a hint of apprehension radiating from him.
Dai Li's emotions surged. That strange feeling she had when she heard him methodically planning their future resurfaced. It felt as if a little mound of earth in the depths of her heart was being continuously pushed upward by something—something persistent, stubborn, and unyielding.
Finally, a tiny green shoot broke through the soil.
It was so small and fragile, unable to withstand violent storms or any devastation, but it truly existed.
Dai Li remained silent for a long time, only looking at him with a complex gaze that Qin Shaozong could not understand.
It was the first time he had seen her reveal such an expression. He couldn't clearly describe what it was exactly, but being gazed at by her like this, he felt as if his heart, cheeks, and spine were being brushed by a gentle, fair hand. A wave of fiery numbness flared up, shooting into his skull and exploding, then spreading down his spine to his limbs and bones, making him tremble uncontrollably.
The long arm Qin Shaozong had wrapped around her waist tightened, and he leaned in closer, asking urgently, "Is it that hard to answer? Open your mouth and speak."
Dai Li sighed softly, helplessly admitting to a certain fact, as if resigning herself to fate.
Seeing her sigh, Qin Shaozong's brow twitched. The heart that had just been soaring instantly sank to the bottom of a valley, while an inexplicable fire, a mix of sorrow and anger, flared up within him.
He couldn't fathom what was so difficult about the question that she wouldn't even try to coax or deceive him, and instead sighed. Did talking to him really make her that uncomfortable?
However, in the very next instant, the fair hand from his illusion just now became reality.
"I'm not leaving. I'll live a good life with you from now on." Seeing him just staring at her intently, Dai Li didn't know if he was suspicious or simply hadn't processed it yet.
She continued, "I used to think you were a dutiful and responsible husband, but from today onward, you are my beloved."
Some people would draw a direct equal sign between husband and beloved, but Dai Li felt they were different. A husband could be a partner in a marriage of convenience; but a beloved was a title that only existed when there was mutual affection.
She wasn't someone who couldn't tell good from bad, and what he had done truly moved her. If Zhou Zhou's future was secure and stable, what would be wrong with her falling in love?
Yes, falling in love after marriage.
Dai Li smoothed over the shallow crease between his brows. "My heart reaches out to you, and your heart is known to me; together morning and night, walking until the break of dawn."
Qin Shaozong didn't fully grasp the modern nuance of the word beloved, but it didn't stop him from understanding the meaning of the word itself, and the emotion in those bright, shining eyes.
His pupils suddenly contracted. His chest still felt as if it were on fire, but unlike the unbearable stinging pain from just a moment ago, the flames now were only a scalding warmth that did not hurt.
A tidal wave of trembling that made his hairs stand on end surged through him. Qin Shaozong held her tightly, his rough, large hand stroking her jaw and lips over and over again. "What you just said, say it one more time."
This man's hands were full of calluses and his strength was not small. Dai Li's cheeks hurt from his rubbing, even giving her the illusion of being scraped by sandpaper.
"Say it one more time, Madam," he urged desperately.
Dai Li didn't speak. Instead, she grabbed his collar, pulled him close, and answered him with a kiss.
Qin Shaozong paused, the muscles of his back twitching beneath his black robe. He embraced her tightly, then followed the momentum to press her forward as they fell back.
Dai Li was pushed onto the couch, and a dense shower of kisses fell upon her—first on her lips, then her cheeks, forehead, and temples, not even sparing the unremoved scar on her face.
The intense kisses made it impossible for Dai Li to even open her eyes. Suddenly, the heavy weight of the man above her propped himself up. As soon as her vision cleared, she saw Qin Shaozong looking at her with a burning gaze.
"Has Madam already fallen for me?" his voice was deep, carrying the unique magnetism of a mature man.
This man's gaze was passionate and direct. Even though they had done much more intimate things, being stared at and pressed by him like this gave Dai Li a rare hint of shyness.
However, she didn't have an avoidant personality; if it was true, it was true, and if not, it wasn't. Although that layer of emotion was far from being unforgettable or capable of moving mountains and draining seas, the affection genuinely existed.
Therefore, under his torch-like gaze, Dai Li gave a light nod.
Almost instantly, he smiled. His smile was hearty and uninhibited, rarely devoid of any other deep or mocking emotions, and the volume was loud.
Daili didn't doubt that he could be heard laughing all the way at the stairs; this man wished everyone in the relay station knew how delighted he was. The blush on her face deepened, and she reached out to cover his mouth. "Qin Changgeng, keep your voice down."
Not long after covering it, Daili quickly pulled her hand back, the slightly damp part of her palm itching. "I haven't washed my hands, and you don't even mind the dirt."
"When have I ever minded you?" he said.
But after saying this, the corners of the man's raised mouth pressed down, cold and stern. "Even if Madam says she loves me, it doesn't change the fact that you ran away from home without a word. If this matter is not severely punished, and only treated lightly, it's tantamount to indulgence, and you will definitely do it again."
Daili: "..."
She didn't expect that after going around in circles, they would return to the beginning. The only difference was probably that he was no longer furious.
"Then what does Grand Commandant Qin want to do?" Daili asked helplessly.
Qin Shaozong used practical actions to tell her. The green dress Daili was wearing was torn by him.
Yes, torn open.
The material of the clothes worn by the dancers in the Huang Residence was very ordinary. Even to add to the fun for certain guests with fetishes during their playtime, the material of the beauties' clothes was specially made very thin, even in the increasingly cool autumn.
Qin Shaozong reached out and pulled, tearing a strip of cloth with a "rip." He said dissatisfiedly, "You don't stay well at home, but insist on running away to wear this ragged thing."
This man's reaction was so obvious, pressing against her with a strong presence, completely like an arrow on the bowstring. Daili knew what he wanted to do. "Get up, you can't be licentious during the day. Do it at night."
Qin Shaozong remained unmoved, not retreating half a step. He folded the long "rag" he had just torn off and tied it over Daili's eyes. "Alright, it's dark now."
Daili was both angry and amused. Just as she was about to say something, this man pressed down again, suppressing her words along with it.
This kiss was three parts less angry than the one just now, but even more greedy. With her vision deprived, other senses became incredibly clear. The contact of lips and tongues brought a tremor, and the smacking sound of water seemed a bit louder.
The rough large palm seemed to hold a cluster of fire, and wherever it passed, a wave of heat rose.
Qin Shaozong felt the response.
It wasn't that she hadn't reacted when they were intimate in the past. Of course, she had, but after she personally said she loved him, he belatedly realized that the two were worlds apart.
In the past, she was perfunctory and ignored him. She would only give him feedback when she was in the mood or comfortable. It was nothing like her current enthusiasm.
Qin Shaozong gritted his teeth, so full of hatred that the roots of his teeth ached slightly. What kind of bitter life had he been living before?
Just as Daili was about to be pulled into the hazy pool of desire by him, she suddenly remembered something. "Qin Changgeng, you didn't lock the door!"
Earlier, when this man carried her into the room, he kicked the door open with his foot and didn't care about it afterward.
The weight on her lightened. The man covering her got up, but he didn't leave directly. Daili heard the sound of fabric tearing again, followed by a large palm reaching over, grabbing her two wrists one after another, putting them together, and tying them neatly.
Only after tying the person did he get off the bed to lock the door.
He went quickly and returned quickly. When Qin Shaozong came back, he saw that the woman on the bed still maintained the posture she had before he left.
Her long hair, like a cloud, was scattered. Her face was like a silver plate, and the red mole between her eyebrows was delicate and dripping. Her cheeks were flushed with pink, and her slightly parted red lips were moist. The abrupt fake scar on her face inexplicably lost its ferocity, unexpectedly giving birth to a bit of pitiful cuteness.
Her clothes had long had nothing to do with being neat. The front overlapping collar was wide open, and the deep white, like a pile of snow, seemed to be spring water melted from a holy mountain, bright and dazzling.
Qin Shaozong didn't immediately get on the bed. Instead, he stood in front of the bed, watching her tentatively move her head closer to her hands after regaining her senses from the haze, attempting to take off the thin strip covering her eyes.
He chuckled lightly, and only then did he get back on the bed, catching Daili red-handed. His large palm scooped from behind and patted her plump curve. "Dishonest, you should be punished."
Just now, when he went to lock the door, Daili calmed down a bit, and her thoughts couldn't help but drift to her son.
It wouldn't take long for Zhou Zhou to know what happened in the Huang Residence. Once her son knew she was taken away by Qin Changgeng, he would definitely come looking for her.
She had to end this quickly.
So Daili opened her mouth to provoke him. "If the Grand Commandant isn't feeling inadequate, then hurry up."
Veins bulged on Qin Shaozong's forehead. He lowered his head and blocked those annoying red lips. After kissing thoroughly, he slowly moved down, using his lips and tongue to feel the thrumming of her fragile veins, intertwining and blending with her.
*
It was almost half an hour later that Qin Yanzhou learned of all that had happened in the Grand Administrator's Residence. He immediately dropped his broom and ran out of the residence without hesitation.
The two servants next to him stared wide-eyed and called out to him twice, but the young man didn't look back, seeming to have a momentum of never returning.
"Really, this Yan Er is very strange. It's one thing that he doesn't talk to others usually, but now he's so unruly. He's just a distant relative of a steward. Ha, does he really think he's a master?"
"Don't mind that weirdo."
...
Qin Yanzhou directly jumped over the wall and out of the residence, heading straight for a certain relay station in the commandery. During the few days he hung out in the Huang Residence, he intentionally or unintentionally gathered outside information, so he knew where that person was staying.
The relay station's door was bright and clean. Two tall figures stood in front of the door. They were actually Bai Jianping and Mo Yanyun. The two seemed to know that Qin Yanzhou would come and waited at the door.
Upon seeing him, Mo Yanyun immediately said, "Second Young Master, don't worry. The Madam is fine."
"Which floor and room is my mother in?" Qin Yanzhou asked as he walked inside.
The two didn't speak. Seeing this, the young man went upstairs by himself, intending to check from the highest floor one by one. Bai and Mo couldn't persuade him, so they had to follow behind him.
As a result, as soon as the three of them reached the third floor and before they had walked a few steps to the side, they heard a female voice float over. "Qin Changgeng, don't push your luck!"
This voice seemed angry and reproachful, with a strong momentum. Even without seeing the person, one could guess that there were no extreme events happening in the room.
Qin Yanzhou stopped abruptly, turned around, and slowly walked back.
Mo Yanyun gasped inwardly. He thought about how furious the Marquis was when he came, raging like thunder for several days in a row, like dark clouds pressing down on the city, threatening to destroy it. He originally thought that after finding the Madam, the terrifying thunder in the sky should finally fall. He didn't expect... just this?
Instead, the one losing her temper was someone else.
Bai Jianping thought roughly the same, but he had other thoughts. He said resentfully, "Second Young Master, next time, please show mercy. Spare my neck, and also leave me a few more clothes."
Qin Yanzhou coughed lightly. "I'm sorry. I promise there won't be a next time."
*
Daili slept all the way until dusk. What surprised her was that at this time, her back was still pressed against a warm wall of flesh, and the bedcovers were also very warm. A sturdy long arm rested on her waist, pulling her inward, and even breaths fell on the side of her neck.
In the past, when she woke up, Qin Shaozong was nowhere to be seen. He was either out for morning exercise or dealing with official business. He would never still be in bed.
Daili turned over and faced him.
The setting sun slanted in through the window, and the light in the room wasn't considered dim. In the un-dissipated daylight, Daili quietly looked at the face of the man in front of her. When he was asleep, he had a bit less prestige than during the day and didn't look so fierce.
Dai Li reached out a finger, first touching the crease between his brows, trying to smooth it out.
She had just noticed it; perhaps because he had been frowning so often lately, the once barely visible crease was now much deeper.
It made him look weighed down by heavy thoughts.
Dai Li extended another finger, using both her index and middle fingers to try and stretch the crease flat. However, before she could move much, her hand was caught by a large, raised palm.
He slowly opened his eyes. His light brown pupils, like agates in a clear stream, held a rare softness. Have you suddenly realized how handsome your husband is?
Indeed, I have. Dai Li nodded. In a relationship, she was never stingy about offering emotional support and validation to her partner.
She thought he would be pleased, but unexpectedly, the man revealed a look of teeth-gnashing resentment. Before Dai Li could even ask why, he pulled her into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her.
Although she didn't understand which of his nerves had snapped, Dai Li, who naturally enjoyed kissing her lover, accepted it completely.
He paused for a second, then pressed her closer and kissed her even more fiercely.
When the long kiss finally ended, Qin Shaozong held her as he sat up. Gripping Dai Li's waist, he said angrily, So my wife was merely humoring me in the past.
Dai Li was speechless.
How was she supposed to respond to that?
Previously, her definition of Qin Changgeng was just a bedmate, plus Zhou Zhou's stepfather. She was only making a life with him as partners; what need was there to talk about feelings?
Unable to answer, she simply changed the subject. Dai Li touched the side of his cheek. How many days has it been since you shaved this stubble? It's incredibly prickly. Go shave it quickly.
She pulled open her collar to take a look; sure enough, a large patch of her skin had been rubbed red by him just now.
The Han Dynasty was the peak of bronze mirror development in China, and the Great Yan, which was similar to the Han, was no different. Every room in the relay station was equipped with a small bronze mirror. Dai Li first washed her face in front of the mirror and peeled off the fake scar on her face.
Once she had freshened up, she stepped aside to give the spot to Qin Shaozong.
To her surprise, the man was still sitting in front of the small table with no intention of getting up. He merely beckoned to her, Come here, Madam.
Dai Li was confused. What is it?
He suddenly reached out and pulled her. Caught off guard, Dai Li fell into his lap. Then, her hand grew heavy as a short blade was placed into it. Help your husband shave.
The short blade was only three inches long, much lighter than ordinary daggers. Dai Li pushed open the sheath and saw a cold, piercing gleam. The blade itself was barely thicker than a cicada's wing.
It was a fine blade, sharp enough to cut a falling hair in half.
And right now, this sharp blade was in Dai Li's hand, less than a palm's distance from Qin Shaozong's neck.
Dai Li shifted her position, making sure not to point the tip at him. Qin Changgeng, I haven't used this before.
Qin Shaozong astutely caught the underlying meaning in her words. She had just never used this method to shave someone; it didn't mean she had never helped another man shave.
He clicked his tongue in displeasure. If you haven't used it before, use it now. There is a first time for everything.
Dai Li argued with him for a bit, but ultimately couldn't win. She had no choice but to have someone bring hot water and soap pods.
She first soaked a cloth in the hot water, then took it out to apply a hot compress to Qin Shaozong's jaw, steaming the hair roots to soften them. Only then did Dai Li apply the soap.
Lathering the soap into a foam, she coated his cheeks. Holding the blade, Dai Li spoke in a low voice, Don't move in a moment, and don't speak either. I'm telling you in advance, I'm a little squeamish around blood. If I accidentally cut you, you'll have to finish the rest yourself.
His long fingers curled around her dangling sash, twirling it playfully. Alright, whatever Madam says.
Dai Li's attention was highly concentrated as she slowly used the blade to scrape away Qin Shaozong's emerging stubble. She didn't dare get distracted in the slightest, afraid that a moment of carelessness would slice off a chunk of his flesh.
Compared to Dai Li's intense concentration and nervousness, Qin Shaozong was much more relaxed and leisurely. He played with the young lady's sash, occasionally supporting her waist, completely ignoring Dai Li's earlier command not to move.
Not only were his hands moving, but his gaze was also quite bold. He carefully traced Dai Li's face with his eyes, then moved down along her fair neck, looking here and peering there, completely oblivious to the concept of restraint.
Unable to bear the distraction, Dai Li had to move the blade away and stop. Qin Changgeng, can you behave yourself?
That's quite unreasonable of you to say, Madam. I am much better behaved than you; I have never run away from home, Qin Shaozong raised an eyebrow.
Dai Li was speechless.
Was he never going to let this go?
However, since they were on the topic, Dai Li took the opportunity to bring it up with him. Zhou Zhou has come of age and is now an adult. I think we need to talk to him about your plans.
The last time she left the Northern Territory, she had hidden the reason from her son. This kind of act first, report later behavior would only happen this one time.
Up to you, he said.
Using a hot towel to wipe away the last bit of foam, Dai Li raised her hand to feel his smooth jaw, very satisfied. It seems my skills are pretty good. I didn't nick your skin at all.
He smoothly pushed the responsibility onto her. Then I will leave the matter of shaving to Madam from now on.
Dai Li thought about it. Alright.
The muscles on the side of Qin Shaozong's jaw suddenly tightened. That stark contrast between heaven and earth appeared again, making his teeth itch with frustration. On one hand, he was happy and intoxicated by her, but on the other hand, he couldn't help but recall her past perfunctoriness and imagine the other men who might have received such treatment from her.
Heh, good thing they were all dead.
As if an unnamed fire was burning in his heart, Qin Shaozong raised his arms to tightly encircle the woman on his lap, burying his face in the side of her neck and taking a bite.
Dai Li hissed, drawing in a sharp breath.
The sensation on the side of her neck quickly turned into something else. Dai Li tossed the blade back onto the table and grabbed his long hair with both hands to pull him away. Qin Changgeng, you're biting the hand that feeds you!
Qin Shaozong looked at the redness on the fair skin before him. The crimson mark was incredibly vibrant, like a stamped seal. He rubbed it with his long fingers. Mine.
Dai Li pursed her lips. She couldn't speak for other men, but the one in front of her, who was used to being domineering and forceful, still needed to be disciplined. Otherwise, he would take a mile when given an inch, and life would be impossible.
Dai Li cupped his cheeks with both hands, trying to warn him. You can't just bite people out of nowhere. That's the behavior of an uncivilized beast. It's not something a gentleman would do, nor does it fit your current status as the Grand Commandant.
Qin Shaozong watched her red lips open and close. What are you babbling about? Let me kiss you again.