Chapter 183

Shi Rongyue stayed at the Yuyang Marquis Manor just like that, still living in her previous courtyard.

As for Nan Yu's side, whether shocked by Qin Shaozong's handwritten letter or dealing with some other headache, they only sent someone to deliver two carriages of Shi Rongyue's belongings later on, and there was no further movement.

With an extra girl in the house, the manor also saw a lot more laughter and cheer.

Dai Li didn't interfere with how the younger generation got along. Firstly, dating requires space, and it's inappropriate for parents to meddle and question everything. Secondly, she had her own things to busy herself with.

Yuyang had a golden autumn this year, and after the harvest, a new round of composting had to be done in the winter to prepare for next year's war.

Qin Shaozong tentatively scheduled the war for next summer.

It had to be said, this timing was quite "cunning." Usually, wars would only start after autumn, when the busy autumn harvest had passed, grain was stored away, and both the soldiers and civilians were free. Only with both time and provisions secured would they consider fighting.

In the past, both sides operated this way.

But Yuyang had a massive bumper harvest this year, with particularly high grain yields, so Qin Shaozong decided not to take the usual path.

The enemy lacks what we have; the advantage is ours.

Qin Shaozong looked at Dai Li, who had returned even later than him, and asked for the second time, "Madam has been very mysterious lately, leaving early and returning late. What exactly are you doing?"

Dai Li gave the same excuse as last time, "I'm busy! You have your business, and I have mine."

Last time, seeing her speak so seriously, Qin Shaozong thought it was about the composting. But now the tail end of the bitter winter had passed, spring had arrived, and it was time to enter the sowing period. Composting was no longer needed, yet she still claimed to be busy.

As for what exactly she was busy with, she refused to tell him.

Qin Shaozong made up his mind to get to the bottom of it. "Madam runs outside all day. Could it be there is gold to pick up out there?"

Dai Li inexplicably laughed. "You could say that. It does have a little bit to do with 'gold'."

"Confess truthfully at once, or don't blame this official for being impolite." Qin Shaozong grabbed the woman's slender waist with both hands and lifted her directly onto his lap. His hands were very broad, with long fingers and distinct knuckles. Using both palms, he could almost entirely encircle Dai Li's waist.

Dai Li knelt with her knees apart against the couch, one hand pressing against his chest, trying to put some distance between them. "What great authority the Grand Commandant has. May I ask how you intend to be impolite?"

Qin Shaozong just smiled without saying a word, letting his moving hands tell her exactly what he intended to do.

"Qin! Changgeng! Hahaha... stop it!"

Her waist was full of ticklish spots. Dai Li laughed so hard she trembled like a delicate flower branch, but she simply couldn't get off his lap. Finally, she laughed until she had no strength left, hanging her head and resting her forehead against his broad shoulder, panting heavily.

Qin Shaozong's palm slid along the curve of her waist. He wrapped one arm around her, used the other hand to lift her up, and then stroked the corner of her eye where she had laughed until tears formed. "What has Madam been busy with these days?"

Dai Li conceded defeat; this guy was really using torture to extract a confession. She said weakly, "Qin Changgeng, rein in that damn controlling desire of yours. Aren't the soldiers outside enough for you to torment? Aren't the children at home enough for you to discipline? Why must you control me too?"

"Not control you? You would turn the world upside down," Qin Shaozong scoffed coldly.

Dai Li sighed. "Trust me, you definitely don't want to know right now."

Qin Shaozong raised an eyebrow. "In that case, I'll go ask Qiao Wangfei."

These days, she went out early every morning and headed to a residence in the commandery with Qiao Wangfei, staying there for the entire day. She didn't even come back for lunch, returning only when the sky grew dark.

Qin Shaozong didn't suspect his wife had taken a fancy to another man. After all, Qiao Wangfei couldn't compare to him in any aspect—he was neither as powerful and influential, nor as tall and handsome, and he also had a legal wife at home. This wicked fox almost didn't even fancy him, so how could she take a liking to a mere platoon commander?

However, this didn't stop Qin Shaozong's curiosity.

"Don't go asking Platoon Commander Qiao." How could Dai Li let him go? If Qin Changgeng really investigated this, she definitely wouldn't be able to hide it. "I have proper business that I need his help with. I'm not messing around."

He remained unmoved. "Confess truthfully."

Dai Li rolled her eyes at him. "I told you it's proper business! Why do you have to manage everything? It's one thing to manage the soldiers outside, but isn't dealing with a myriad of state affairs enough to keep you busy? You come back and still want to manage me. Anyway, don't meddle in this matter. When the time comes, you'll know."

"When is 'when the time comes'?" Qin Shaozong seemed to have only heard the last sentence.

This man's hands were getting restless again. Dai Li was so pestered by him that she had no choice but to say, "Wait until the second day of the fourth month."

The second day of the fourth month was his birthday, which was only a few days away.

Qin Shaozong suddenly laughed heartily, his firm chest rising and falling continuously. Held in his arms and forced to lean against his chest, Dai Li felt the endless vibrations and his powerful, rhythmic heartbeats.

Sigh, forget it, she wouldn't hold it against him.

Qin Shaozong didn't press the matter any further, but the "torture to extract a confession" was replaced by something else, and a romantic spring atmosphere spread within the bed curtains.

After one round, Dai Li leaned against the brocade pillow with slightly damp temples. Her beautifully shaped peach-blossom eyes were half-closed. Satisfied, she entered a state of post-coital tranquility.

However, that rough, large hand was still exploring everywhere like a swimming fish, as if searching for treasure at the bottom of the sea, delving here and checking there. It was also like a tiger patrolling its territory, always liking to leave marks as signs, which was quite annoying.

Unable to bear the disturbance, Dai Li swatted his hand away. "Time to sleep. I still have to wake up early tomorrow."

But just as she finished speaking, she clearly felt something poking her. Dai Li's eyes couldn't help but widen. "You still..."

Facts proved that he was in high spirits and indeed wanted to go for another round. "Madam, wrap your legs around."

Dai Li hadn't taken a nap during the day, and right now her eyelids were almost glued shut. Hearing his words, she shuddered. "Didn't you go to the military camp during the day? How have you still not used up all that brute strength of yours?"

He only smiled without speaking, continuing to busy himself.

Swaying along with him, Dai Li thought groggily that a man with too much energy was only suited to be a leader, not a husband.

*

In the blink of an eye, the second day of the fourth month arrived.

This day was no different from the past—equally clear and bright, with a gentle and pleasant breeze. But for many people, especially the prestigious and noble families of Yuyang, today was of extraordinary significance.

They woke up before dawn, ordered their servants to recount the heavy gifts they had prepared in advance, and then loaded them onto carriages to transport to the Marquis Manor, striving to make their family the first to deliver a gift.

As for the people themselves...

Visiting cards had been sent long ago, but that person's intention was not to host a grand banquet, but only to have a casual meal with family.

However, the so-called "casual meal" in the Marquis Manor wasn't really just inviting a few family members as claimed externally. The core leadership team of the North all came. Dai Li and Qin Shaozong sat at the head, while the military generals and advisors sat in rows below.

Delicious dishes were neatly arranged on the tables, including both hot and cold dishes, as well as sweets. In addition, on every long table sat a pot of lamb wine, which was good for the spleen and stomach and replenished vitality.

The North in early spring still carried a chill, but the atmosphere in the hall was lively. Coupled with the nourishing and warming wine, even though there was only one charcoal brazier placed in the corner, it was still surprisingly warm.

Mo Yanyun stood up with his cup. "Since the Marquis won't allow us to present congratulatory gifts today, this subordinate can only toast you with wine. I wish you good health, smooth sailing in all endeavors, and a victorious start in the upcoming battle with the South!"

The other military generals raised their cups in unison to congratulate him, and Qin Shaozong smiled in response.

After several rounds of drinks, someone could not help but ask, "Why didn't the Lord accept our congratulatory gifts?"

The banquet turned away prominent families without invitations, but for the military officers and aides, they could only choose one between their presence and their gifts. Either the person came, or the gift arrived. Naturally, they chose to attend the banquet in person. As for the congratulatory gifts...

They could just find another excuse to present them on another day.

Qiao Wangfei had also consumed quite a bit of wine. Unable to keep his mouth shut after holding it in for months, he burst out, "That is naturally because the Madam is about to make her move! With the Madam's gift present, whatever we offer would be like mere stars trying to outshine the bright moon, completely not worth mentioning. The Lord refusing our gifts was to save our face!"

"Oh? You know about it?"

"How could it not be worth mentioning? I prepared several jugs of ten-year-old medicinal wine. It can invigorate the blood, dissipate bruises, and strengthen the body. How is that not worth mentioning?"

"And me, I found two top-tier hunting falcons, already fully trained and perfect for communication. How could they be mere starlight?"

"What exactly did the Madam prepare?"

...

The crowd chattered all at once.

Sitting at the head of the hall, Qin Shaozong listened to their arguments. He was not without his own burning curiosity, so he knowingly asked, "Madam has prepared a gift for me?"

Since the atmosphere had already reached this point, Daili did not hide it anymore. She first nodded, then called out loudly to the outside, "Bring it in!"

Shortly after she spoke, two soldiers walked in, carrying a wooden chest as tall as a person, one on the left and one on the right.

The wooden box was not entirely sealed. The side facing the head seat and the top had their wooden boards removed. The front was covered only by a piece of red silk draped from top to bottom, secured at the four corners with small iron nails.

"What is this, to be packed in such a tall box?"

"Looks like a vase."

"Your head must be filled with sloshing water. If there were a vase inside, why would Qiao Wangfei say nothing could surpass it? Given this height, it looks a bit like a weapon."

"A weapon could just be presented directly. Why put it in a box?"

Daili stepped down from the head seat. Just as she reached the large box and was about to turn around, she caught a glimpse of a dark shadow following closely beside her from the corner of her eye. Qin Shaozong had actually followed her down. It seemed he was quite impatient.

Daili did not keep them in suspense any longer and directly pulled the red cloth down.

A sudden gleam appeared in Qin Shaozong's eyes, and his pupils abruptly shrank.

Inside the box was a suit of armor.

The entire set of armor was propped up by a wooden pole inside. The helmet at the top was at the exact same height as Qin Shaozong, evidently designed according to his physique.

The armor as a whole featured gold and dark iron colors. Both sides of the helmet had upward-curling ear guards, and a Taotie beast with its massive mouth wide open sat on top, exuding a magnificent and imposing aura.

Unlike the mainstream armor of the Great Yan Dynasty, this suit featured two oval metal plates on the chest and back. The plates were forged as a single piece, which helped to disperse impact forces, allowing it to withstand attacks from nearly hundred-pound bows and cavalry lances.

Thousands of fish-scale and rectangular armor pieces were densely and methodically woven together, resembling the sparkling golden ripples on a lake.

Furthermore, the skirt armor was no longer the traditional one-piece design. It was divided into left and right pieces that reached the knees, with front and back groin guards covering the middle to protect the crotch area.

It should be known that current skirt armors wrapped from front to back like an apron, consisting of only a single piece. A one-piece skirt armor inherently made horseback riding quite inconvenient, so some cavalrymen did not wear skirt armor at all, or wore very short ones. Thus, even if they wore armor, it protected the top but neglected the bottom.

Obviously, the armor before Qin Shaozong had no such drawbacks. Not only did it offer excellent protection, but it was also exceptionally domineering. There was no military general who would not love it, and even a layman would be awed by it.

"This is the Mingguang Armor, your birthday gift," Daili said with a smile.

The Mingguang Armor. Some say it was the foremost among the dozen or so types of armor in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and even the pinnacle of ancient Chinese defensive equipment.

The Book of Zhou once recorded: When You wore the Mingguang iron armor, he was invincible. The enemies all said, This is an iron beast, and they all hastily avoided him.

The people on both sides could not see the contents of the box, but they could clearly see Qin Shaozong's expression. The man, who had always been as steady as a mountain, instantly had his eyes light up. His face glowed red, and he could not help but reach out to touch it. His affection for it was completely beyond words.

Someone could not sit still any longer and left their seat to take a look.

Upon looking, that person took a sharp breath. His eyes shone, unable to bear looking away, and he practically drooled. "How incredibly majestic!"

Where there was one, there was a second. The crowd left their seats one after another.

The hall exploded into a clamor.

"Madam, why have I never seen this armor before? Which master forged this?"

"Lord, could you let me touch it? No, you should lend it to me to try on."

"Move aside, do not push me! Sigh, how about we take apart the other wooden boards of the box? That way we can see it more clearly."

The wooden boards were quickly removed. Qin Shaozong swatted away several paws that wanted to touch the Mingguang Armor. He first took down the helmet, and then the upper armor. He could not bear to part with it and actually felt somewhat reluctant to wear it. After lingering over it for a few moments, he looked at Daili beside him, his gaze burning.

"Why are you looking at me? Try it on and see if it fits," Daili chuckled.

Qin Shaozong put it on right then and there.

His stature was taller than that of an ordinary man, and he was also more muscular. After donning this gleaming golden Mingguang Armor, he appeared even more heroic and majestic, like a heavenly deity descending to the mortal realm.

Qin Shaozong raised his arms, bent his elbows, and twisted his waist to turn sideways. He found it to be a perfect fit, unmistakably tailored to his exact measurements. Moreover, despite the armor clearly having so many scales, there was absolutely no sense of clumsiness or sluggishness; it was comfortable everywhere.

Bai Jianping, Mo Yanyun, and the others stared with straight eyes. If the person before them was not their superior, they would have definitely stripped that Mingguang Armor off him on the spot and put it on themselves.

"Walk out into the front courtyard and take a look," Daili patted his arm.

The sunlight was just right. As soon as Qin Shaozong stepped into the courtyard, the Mingguang Armor on his body shone even brighter. It was as if his entire person was glowing.

Qin Qinian's eyes were dazzled, but he still could not bear to look away. He eagerly walked up to Qin Shaozong, looking incredibly envious. "Father, could you lend it to me to wear once? Just once! I beg you..."

Qin Shaozong cast a sidelong glance at him. "Go stand under that tree."

Qin Qinian followed his gaze to look at the tree in the front courtyard, then turned his head back in confusion. "Why? Are you planning to take off the armor there?"

Qin Shaozong sneered. "It is cool over there. Roll over there and stay put."

Daili was speechless.

Seeing Qin Qinian's disappointed face, Daili said, "Qinian, do not rush. You will have one too."

Several gazes instantly swept over. Daili pretended not to notice. "Your father's birthday was imminent, so we rushed to make his set of Mingguang Armor first. Yours and Zhou Zhou's sets will take a few more days to finish. Just wait a little while."

Well, a certain someone was satisfied.