Some matters shouldn't be judged by just one side of the story. After finishing her noodles, Daili, unwilling to give up, set down her bowl and headed straight for the marketplace.
Places with many people are good for gathering information, and traveling merchants are especially well-informed. If you ask them, merchants who are eager to highlight the value of their own goods won't hold back; they'll tell you everything they know, even details you didn't ask about—
"...Zhuya Ford? Yes, the big passenger ships haven't been coming from there recently. When did it start? About four or five days ago, I think. It began when a boatman's vessel was robbed by river pirates. Those pirates have no honor and are utterly heartless. Even though the boatman surrendered his boat, they still killed him to silence him. After word spread, many boatmen were scared out of their wits. They sailed away overnight and won't go near Zhuya Ford anymore. At least for now, there are no ships."
"You ask why the authorities don't intervene? Ha, it's not my place to say clearly, but roughly speaking, among those pirates, there's a shrewd one who's very good at currying favor and building connections. He threw a huge amount of silver at... those up there." The peddler pointed skyward. "Bought their protection, you see. You're asking about other quick routes south? Since you mentioned Zhuya Ford, you must know there's fighting in the south. Once war breaks out, what 'quick routes' are there to speak of? Being safe is blessing enough."
"...Hmm, yes. You could travel south with armed escorts or merchant caravans. But in times like these, it's best to choose a reputable, large escort agency or a big merchant caravan. The former, we don't have here in Taiping County. The latter..." The peddler grinned and pointed at himself. "One just returned, fully loaded, and doesn't have plans for another long journey soon."
Having said that, the peddler continued enthusiastically trying to sell Daili his tea and spices.
Daili politely declined and turned to leave.
So it was confirmed: the passenger ships at Zhuya Ford had indeed stopped operating. The water route was impassable; she would have to consider traveling by land.
Perhaps because she had only been on the boat for half a day, Daili felt an inexplicable anxiety and unease.
Her escape from the city wouldn't remain secret for long. If that man investigated thoroughly, the maidservant from the silk shop would surely be found. Following that lead, the carter who took her out of the city might also be exposed.
Once the carter was found, he would undoubtedly know she was in Taiping County.
But would he really pursue the matter to the end?
A little white angel with wings said: No, he won't. Qin Shaozong is busy dealing with Prefect Jiang right now, and after Prefect Jiang, there's a major salt smuggler waiting for him. How would he have time to care about a small fry like you? Besides, Taiping County is closer to Ying County. Would he dare come alone? But if he brings troops, where would he find the ships to transport his three thousand soldiers!
A little black demon with wings said: Hah, Qin Shaozong is so proud. Counting the first time, you've tricked him twice now. Do you really think he can swallow that anger? A man with such deep cunning can change his plans as easily as drinking water. It's only half a day's journey from Nankang County. If he sets out at night, he could arrive by noon or afternoon the next day. A quick lightning strike, in and out fast—why not? Better safe than sorry!
The two little figures fought fiercely, until finally the little demon pulled out a big hammer and sent the little angel flying.
Daili looked up at the sky.
It was nearly the end of the Chen hour (around 9 AM). She still had a short period of absolute safety.
She needed to solve the problem of where to stay tonight first.
The official hostel was no longer safe.
Daili pondered for a long time. First, she went to the hostel to pay for storing her bundle. Then she sought out a medical clinic, and finally went to find a cloth merchant's shop.
After spending a little more money, she obtained information about several embroiderers from a young helper at the cloth shop.
In this era, there were no embroidery workshops. Embroiderers worked independently or were employed directly by cloth or silk shops. Whether independent or employed, they all worked from their own homes.
...
"Knock, knock."
Hearing the knocking, the homeowner called out, "Who is it?" There was no answer from outside, only another two knocks: "Knock, knock."
The homeowner had no choice but to put down her needlework and go to the door. With a creak of the wooden hinge, Lin Erniang saw a woman wearing a veil hat standing outside.
The other woman was tall and slender, her clothes worn, and she looked unfamiliar even with her face hidden.
She didn't seem to be from the nearby neighborhood.
"Who are you?" Lin Erniang asked warily.
She had recently lost her husband and lived alone with her son. The current dynasty encouraged widows to remarry. Not long ago, she had agreed to a marriage proposal and was preparing for her wedding at home, which would take place in a few days.
"My surname is Rong. I'm an embroiderer from the south. I heard through inquiries that Madam Lin is a highly skilled embroiderer in this area, so I came to visit," Daili said softly.
Hearing she was an "embroiderer," the wariness in Lin Erniang's eyes lessened somewhat. The visitor was a woman, less threatening than a large, burly man. Moreover, people always feel a sense of security around things familiar to them and within their own areas of expertise.
Even so, Lin Erniang didn't invite Daili inside, but asked at the door, "What brings you to me?"
Daili began her story: "My elder brother is a traveling merchant. A while ago, I came north with him for business. After purchasing goods in the north, we headed south, but were beset by river pirates at Zhuya Ford. Although we lost all our goods, we managed to escape with our lives. Among the goods was a very important custom embroidery order. I had already finished it, but because of this misfortune, I have to start over. However, the encounter with the pirates injured my hand, and I am unable to embroider the new piece."
As she spoke, Daili pulled up her left sleeve a little.
Lin Erniang looked and couldn't help a small gasp.
Heavens, the hand was wrapped up like a dumpling, not a single finger visible. How severe was the injury? No wonder she had smelled medicine earlier; the source was here.
Everyone locally knew about the river pirates near Zhuya Ford, so Lin Erniang had no doubts about that. And judging by the implied meaning in this "Madam Rong's" later words, it was very likely she wanted to ask for help in rushing the embroidery.
This was business coming to her door.
Lin Erniang stepped aside. "Please, come in first."
Daili walked in slowly.
"There's no one else here. My son is only four. You can take off your veil hat," Lin Erniang said, closing the door.
"I have a black birthmark on my face from birth, quite frightening. I hope Madam Lin won't be alarmed," Daili said, raising her hand to remove the hat.
Although forewarned, when Lin Erniang actually saw the fierce black birthmark covering nearly half of the woman's face, she still couldn't help but immediately look away.
The image lingered in her mind.
It stretched from the temple down to the bridge of the nose, covering the entire left eye and the jaw on the same side.
What did it resemble?
It looked like a black flame imprinted on her face. As if, when being reborn and drinking the Broth of Oblivion, the whole pot had tipped over, and the torch beneath had scorched a firebrand onto her face.
Daili put her veil hat back on. "My apologies for startling you."
Lin Erniang swallowed awkwardly. "N-no, not at all. Please, sit. Would you like some tea? I'll brew some for you."
Daili did not refuse.
For a moment, only the gurgling sound of boiling water remained in the room, the atmosphere somewhat awkward. Lin Erniang stole several glances at the young woman sitting opposite her, somewhat worried that she had offended the other party earlier, which might lead to her being lowballed later. She was currently preparing for her wedding, and the boys in her household had hearty appetites, leaving her finances truly tight.
Lin Erniang proactively broached a topic, "May I ask what kind of picture the young lady wishes me to embroider?"
Dai Li: "A landscape of mountains and rivers."
Lin Erniang was stunned.
The embroidery work she usually received involved flowers, birds, fish, insects, or at most, plant patterns and characters.
How does one embroider a landscape of mountains and rivers?
Dai Li explained, "My client was a traveler in his youth, having traversed famous mountains, beautiful waters, and vast landscapes across the land. In his old age, he wishes to reminisce about the past, hence he is searching far and wide for someone to embroider the landscapes from his memory. Having traveled north and south with my elder brother for business, I have seen countless mountains and rivers, which aligns with his requirements. That's why he initially chose me."
As if sensing Lin Erniang's concern, Dai Li continued, "Don't worry. This landscape embroidery isn't difficult. I will describe it, and you will embroider. Embroider as much as you can, and I will pay you based on the progress. However, there is one point..."
"What is it?" Lin Erniang hurriedly responded.
Dai Li: "I must keep a close eye on the progress of the landscape embroidery, making timely adjustments to the details to avoid errors. I will likely need to stay at your residence."
This point hadn't occurred to Lin Erniang. She fell silent for a moment. Welcoming a stranger she had only met once to stay in her home felt unsettling no matter how she thought about it.
"Tap." A stack of silver coins was placed on the table.
"I won't impose on your hospitality. This is for room and board for occasional meals." Dai Li smiled and placed another stack of money. "After losing my goods, I also discarded my needles and threads. If you are willing to take on this commission, please use this for the cost of embroidery materials. Also, only I will be staying at your residence. My elder brother is staying at an inn and will not come to disturb you."
Lin Erniang's gaze fell upon the money on the table.
"This is my identity pass. I am a law-abiding citizen. You can set your mind at ease." Dai Li produced a wooden identity tablet. Her left hand was bandaged, so she used her right hand to hold the pass, pressing her index and middle fingers together against the edge of the small bamboo tablet, just covering the surname.
From Lin Erniang's angle sitting opposite, she could only see that the name field contained a single character: "Li."
Dai Li merely showed it briefly without handing it over, putting the pass away after displaying it.
"My humble abode is crude. I hope the young lady won't mind," Lin Erniang said somewhat stiffly.
This was her agreement to let Dai Li stay.
Dai Li's eyes curved into a smile as she pushed the two stacks of silver coins across the table. "A pleasure doing business. I'll go to the inn to inform my brother and fetch my luggage."
After leaving Lin Erniang's home, the time had reached mid-morning. Dai Li pursed her lips in thought for a long moment. She went to the inn to retrieve her bundle but, carrying her belongings, left the city.
The brand-new two-story pleasure boat sailed with the wind, its bow cutting through the river surface, leaving overlapping "八"-shaped ripples in its wake. The warm, orange-gold glow of the setting sun spilled over it, raising a layer of brilliant, shattered gold.
After six shichen (twelve hours) of sailing, this pleasure boat departing from Nankang Commandery finally reached its destination.
The boat docked, and a long plank was laid down to connect it to the shore. A group of strong, robust guards disembarked swiftly. They were neatly dressed, their expressions cold, their eyes holding a chilling gleam like the sharp glint of concealed blades.
Those working or ferrying passengers at Riyuejin, and even anglers lurking in the shadows, couldn't help but glance over.
The bustle on the shore seemed to abruptly cool with their arrival, only reigniting after they had left.
"Whose private troops are those? Their presence is truly intimidating. Just now, when that bushy-browed giant swept his eyes over me, it sent a chill straight to my heart."
"Could they be from the Zhu family? I heard they were ambushed and suffered heavy losses by river bandits at Zhuya Ford a few days ago. Perhaps they've hired men to suppress the bandits?"
"Don't be foolish. Look at the sabers at their waists—all uniform in规格, and the scabbards are of excellent quality. The Zhu family lacks that kind of capability."
"Best not to mind or provoke them. They're certainly not here for me."
...
Qin Shaozong passed through the city gates just before they closed for the night. Once inside, he didn't immediately search for anyone but first went to the prefectural office of Taiping Commandery.
The prefect of Taiping Commandery was surnamed Deng, with the given name Tuo. This man was already in his sixties.
The current dynasty had regulations stating, "Officials retire at seventy." Deng Tuo still had a few years before stepping down. The older he got, the more cautious he became, and his style of governance had grown increasingly sluggish in recent years.
This evening, like many evenings before, Deng Tuo sat by the window, enjoying his evening meal while admiring the peach blossoms swaying in the breeze in the courtyard, leisurely and content.
"Prefect, a... a distinguished guest has arrived!" A servant hurried in at this moment.
Deng Tuo slowly swallowed the beef in his mouth. "Why such a fluster? Who is the visitor?"
"Qin Shaozong. It's Marquis Qin..."
The servant spoke softly the first time. Deng Tuo only caught the surname "Qin." His gray-white eyebrows furrowed.
Qin?
There were no major households with the surname Qin in the commandery, though there were many branches of the Qin clan in Youzhou to the north and neighboring Bingzhou.
Why would someone from the Qin clan come to see him?
Could it be a passing merchant whose goods were seized by those river bandits at Zhuya Ford? That would be a troublesome matter...
"Prefect, it is Marquis Qin visiting. That clan leader from the Qin family of the north," the servant raised his voice.
Clatter. Deng Tuo's jade chopsticks fell.
After a dazed pause of two breaths, Deng Tuo quickly stood up, abandoning his meal, and hurried out. "Why would Marquis Qin come to this insignificant little place? No time to ponder that. You, quickly go to the Li residence. Tell my eldest son, who is drinking there, that Marquis Qin from the north has come to our home. He must return immediately to act as host."
Deng Tuo stopped abruptly before entering the main hall, straightened his attire, and took a deep breath, thinking that even though his official rank was far inferior, he must not appear too subservient. Yet, the moment he took a step into the main hall, his legs immediately felt weak.
On both sides of the reception hall stood over ten burly men each. They wore light armor, carried ring-pommeled sabers, and the muscles on their arms, clad in bracers, bulged with fluid strength. As he emerged from the side corridor, these soldiers all turned their gaze towards him.
Deng Tuo's white beard trembled slightly. He seemed to catch the scent of yellow sand and blood mingled, the smell of the battlefield.
Only one person sat in the main hall. He was a man of imposing stature, broad-shouldered and long-legged. Sitting there with an authoritative air, he seemed to bring with him an oppressive, towering mountain range, the weight of years having settled upon him with a heavy, formidable dignity.
Now, hearing the noise, he looked over. His brown eyes were stern and cold, the few fine lines at the corners of his eyes seeming to transform into blades. His aura commanded awe without anger, chilling one to the core.
All doubt vanished from Deng Tuo's mind.
It truly was Qin Shaozong!
"Exigent circumstances compel this abrupt visit. I hope Prefect Deng does not take offense," Qin Shaozong said, expressing hope that the host would not mind, yet he remained seated in the chair without the slightest intention of rising.
Deng Tuo bowed deeply, his hands clasped in a formal salutation. Your Lordship possesses such a heroic bearing and extraordinary presence; your reputation precedes you like a clap of thunder. Your visit truly brings honor to my humble abode. How could I possibly take offense? I only wonder what business brings Your Lordship here. If there is anything this humble subordinate can do to assist, I would go through fire and water without a second thought.
Qin Shaozong reached out a hand to steady him, though he did not change his explanation. In recent months, I took a concubine. She was very much to my liking, and I kept her by my side day and night out of great affection. Unexpectedly, she turned out to be a spy for another party. She seized some of my secrets and fled while I was off guard.
Deng Tuo was visibly shocked, yet a sense of inexplicable unease washed over him. My Lord, could it be that this woman is currently hiding within Taiping County?
Most likely, Qin Shaozong replied, though he did not state it as an absolute certainty.
Deng Tuo hurried to reassure him. Rest easy, My Lord. Taiping County is not large; finding one person will not be difficult. Please, My Lord, provide a detailed description of her. I will immediately dispatch men to apprehend her. Once she is cast into the dungeons and subjected to all eighteen forms of torture, I guarantee she will confess everything, whether she wants to or not.
Mo Yanyun felt his eyelid twitch as he listened.
Had this Governor Deng grown so old that he no longer understood the nuances of romance? His Lordship had first said the woman was "very much to his liking" and then mentioned his "great affection," yet the Governor dared to suggest using eighteen forms of torture on her.
Qin Shaozong first detailed the information listed on the travel permit, then added, She is approximately seven chi and three cun tall, with a well-proportioned figure, peach-blossom eyes, and a cinnabar mole on her forehead. However, as she is alone and on the run, she will certainly use a disguise. You should look among women with dark complexions or those who appear ugly and unrefined.
As he reached the end, his tone grew a fraction heavier. Once she is caught, I will interrogate her personally. You need only assist in the search, Governor Deng. You need not trouble yourself with anything else.
Realizing belatedly that he had overstepped, Deng Tuo forced an awkward smile. Your Lordship is quite right. She is, after all, your person. How she is handled is entirely up to you.
Qin Shaozong stated, Night has fallen, and we require a place to rest. Let us first head to the county’s official inns.
An order from above is like a spreading fire; those below did not dare to be idle.
If one were to look down from the sky, observing the entire county from a high vantage point, they would see several columns of men departing from the Governor’s manor under the cover of the pitch-black night, snaking through the streets toward the various inns like long serpents.
The manager of one inn watched in terror as a group of soldiers strode through his doors. What... what is the meaning of this? This humble commoner dares to ask the brave warriors—is there something wrong with my shop?
The lead soldier barked, Do not panic. It is no great matter; we are merely looking for someone. Bring out your guest registry for the past two days.
Similar scenes played out across different inns, with largely the same results, until they reached one particular establishment.
Dai Li? Yes, yes, we have her! The woman arrived this afternoon. She is upstairs, in the very last room on the left, the manager said hurriedly.
Boss, let’s go inform the Great One immediately! a young soldier said, eager to claim credit.
The captain, however, was more cautious. He asked the manager, What does she look like? How tall is she?
The manager had a vivid impression of her. She is about seven chi and three cun tall, dark-skinned, and as ugly as Wu Yan. She also carries a rancid, sour stench.
The captain felt confident. Every detail matched. It had to be her! He immediately ordered his subordinates, Guard the front and back doors. No one is allowed in or out. I am going back to inform the Noble Guest.
In less than fifteen minutes, Qin Shaozong appeared at the inn’s entrance.
The inn was surrounded so tightly that not even a drop of water could leak through. The manager and the young servants were all huddled trembling in the corner of the counter, looking like chicks plucked from their nest.
Qin Shaozong already knew Dai Li was on the second floor. After entering the inn, he didn't spare a glance for anything else and went straight upstairs.
Soldiers stood guard on the second floor, and all guests were confined to their rooms. Qin Shaozong walked all the way to the room at the very end of the corridor and pushed the door open.
With a creak, the door swung wide.
Light spilled out from within, and along with the glow came an odor far more pungent than the smell of spoiled food.
The captain who had brought the news instinctively took a step back from the stench, but he saw the tall man in front of him standing as steady as a mountain. He couldn't help but feel a surge of secret admiration.
As expected of someone who had come from battlefields strewn with corpses—he could remain unfazed even in the face of such a foul reek.
A cold sneer suddenly rang out.
The captain shuddered, a chill climbing up from the soles of his feet. For a moment, it was as if he saw a furious tiger in the jungle snapping a thick branch with a single swipe of its claws.
No... hadn't they found the person?
Why was the Noble Guest still unhappy? Could it be that this wasn't...
Inside the room, a tall woman in her forties looked at the crowd outside in terror. Who are you?
She was dressed in a greyish-black robe, and her skin was dark and wrinkled, a clear sign that she hadn't seen many good days. The suffocating stench from before came from a pile of clothes in the corner, which looked as though they had just been taken off and hadn't been washed yet.
The travel permit—who gave it to you? Qin Shaozong stood at the doorway, refusing to step inside.
Seeing that the situation was dire, the woman didn't dare to be anything but cooperative. I found it! I picked it up off the ground!
Fearing they wouldn't believe her, she hastily added, I really did just find it, in the outskirts north of the city. I was walking along when I suddenly saw a bundle. The cloth on the outside was quite old, but I thought there was no harm in looking. I thought there might be something good inside. And there really was...
Inside the bundle was a set of clothes, a travel permit, and even some silver coins. It looked exactly as if someone had been careless and lost it.
She was a displaced person with no possessions and was nearly starving to death. There was no room for the virtue of returning lost property; she had to look out for her own stomach first. So, she had immediately taken the bundle and entered the city.
My Lord, could it be that Lady Dai lost her permit? Mo Yanyun asked in disbelief.
Qin Shaozong turned to leave. She had two permits in her possession. Even if she lost a bundle, she wouldn't lose only one of them. There is no need to search the inns in the county anymore. She is definitely not there.
Mo Yanyun hurried to keep up. Then where should we look?
Qin Shaozong said in a low voice, The pleasure districts, the fabric shops, and the residences of women associated with those shops. Anywhere women frequent must be searched thoroughly.
Mo Yanyun nodded.
It made sense. If Lady Dai was alone, and she wasn't staying at an inn, she would surely hide in places where women gathered, as those places were relatively safer.
Qin Shaozong added, Furthermore, post a notice in the county tomorrow. Publicize that a female thief has entered the city and warn every household not to harbor strangers. At the same time, station men at all four city gates. Inspect every woman who tries to leave the city with the utmost scrutiny.
Run? Hide?
He wanted to see exactly where she could run, and where she could possibly hide!
Once he caught this little fox by the tail and dragged her back, he would certainly show her exactly what happened to those who crossed him.