Chapter 32

After Hu Bao left, the courtyard fell quiet.

A phoenix tree grew in the yard. A breeze passed by, gently swaying its branches and leaves, making the dappled shadows cast on the ground dance along. The sky was clear, the air fresh, and the sun bright—today was a pleasant, heart-easing day.

Dai Li steadied her nerves and decided to lay some groundwork. "Congratulations, my lord, on another great victory and capturing Ying County."

Qin Shaozong strode towards the house. "Around the hour of Shen, a group of maidservants will be delivered. Pick two to keep by your side."

Dai Li followed him. "My lord, regarding the maidservants, I thank you, but I do not need anyone to attend to me."

"Why not?" Qin Shaozong sat down by the low table after entering the room, struck a flint to light the charcoal, and began to boil water.

Dai Li took a seat opposite him. "I'm not accustomed to it. In my past life at home, I did not have maidservants waiting on me."

She had bought various machines to do the work instead. A dishwasher, a dryer, a robot vacuum, and a smart home assistant... hiring a cleaning lady every weekend on top of that. It was a different kind of liberation for one's hands.

"If you weren't accustomed to it before, then learn to be accustomed now," Qin Shaozong raised his eyes, their depths dark and inscrutable. "Or is it that my lady feels having two extra pairs of eyes on you would make certain... little maneuvers inconvenient?"

Dai Li's hands on her knees involuntarily curled. This man was always so sharp. Of course, she couldn't admit to what Qin Shaozong implied. "My lord wrongs me greatly. I harbor no such thoughts. You previously said merits would be rewarded. Now that Commander Qiao is out of danger, I am eager to claim my reward. Why would I stir up other troubles?"

This was the second time she had brought up claiming a reward. Unlike the last time's glancing mention, Dai Li was determined to make it concrete this time.

The groundwork had been laid, the stage set, and Qiao Wangfei's condition had indeed stabilized. This was the perfect moment. If she didn't bring it up now, it would only become harder later.

A corner of Qin Shaozong's mouth suddenly hooked up. "Very well, then let's reward merit. My lady has rendered service in saving a life. Your reward: ten warhorses, five treasure chests, two maidservants, and three prosperous shopfronts. The deeds for the shops will be given to you after we return to Fuyang."

Dai Li: "..."

He didn't ask what she wanted but gave directly. This was something Dai Li hadn't anticipated, but upon reflection, it fit his style perfectly.

He had likely guessed.

Dai Li decided to be direct. "I do not want those four things you mentioned. I want something else. What I seek requires no expense from you. Considering that Commander Qiao has rushed about on your orders and risked life and limb for you, would you, my lord, permit me to exchange this merit for what I desire?"

First, state that what she wants is of little value—equivalent to trading a high price for a low one, which benefits the other party. Then, invoke the life-saving favor for Qiao Wangfei to apply moral pressure.

See, I saved a subordinate who goes through fire and water for you, a subordinate who was indispensable in slaying Wang Qinglie in the last campaign. For his sake, you should agree to my not-too-excessive little request, right?

Qin Shaozong watched her, her eyes sparkling with a hint of a smile, as if he could see a fluffy big tail wagging behind her.

Hah, she's starting to brew mischief again.

Qin Shaozong didn't address her statement. Instead, he said with a faint, ambiguous smile, "My lady might care to guess: how tall is the grass on the graves of those who previously deceived me?"

Dai Li: "..."

He actually chose this critical moment to bring up old grievances.

Seeing her silence, Qin Shaozong began counting them off for her, one by one. "Your background and history are fabricated, your menstrual cycle was a fabrication, the timing of your sprained ankle was not truthful, and you privately attempted to escape, nearly ruining my grand plan. You have deceived me time and again. Tell me, how many times should I have your head chopped off?"

Dai Li: "..."

Qin Shaozong smiled. "Where there is rewarding merit, naturally there is also atoning for crimes with merit. My lady, you tell me: how many lives can saving Commander Qiao and presenting the 'ox belly wound therapy' buy back for you?"

The water in the small earthen pot boiled, bubbling with a gurgling sound. Steam wafted from the spout, drifting leisurely between them, forming a thin, misty layer that seemed to conceal all the undercurrents beneath.

Dai Li pressed her lips together, knowing some matters must be laid to rest, or there would be no end to it. "It's not just Commander Qiao. The abdominal poultice therapy may save many soldiers in the future. Let merits offset faults, and let this matter be written off entirely—including your promise not to vent anger on those maidservants and the cart driver from Nankang County. What does my lord think?"

"Agreed." This time, he agreed swiftly.

Dai Li sat up straight, striving to appear both sincere and solemn. She looked directly into those imposing brown eyes, not flinching, and spoke word by word: "My lord, your prestige is known across the land. Willing young ladies to serve you are as numerous as fish in the river. I believe that compared to a dispensable concubine, an advisor beneficial to your army would surely bring you greater satisfaction."

This completely lifted the thin veil that both of them understood. She was not willing to serve him, did not wish to be his woman.

Qin Shaozong averted his gaze and began leisurely placing dried melon strips, tangerine peel, and other items into a cup.

Tap, tap.

The firm dried melon strips fell into the cup, producing crisp, clinking sounds.

"The advisors in my army either knew me from humble beginnings and helped me rise, or are renowned scholars of established reputation and truly exceptional talent who sought me out later. None of them are women," Qin Shaozong stated flatly.

He picked up the nearby water pot and poured hot water into the tea cup. "Under my command, past or future, there will be no female advisors. Women should stay in the residence, admiring flowers, feeding fish. Dealing with schemes, intrigues, and bloody storms is the duty and mission of men. There's no need for women to trouble themselves with it."

The hot water entered the cup, and the steam grew even thicker, almost obscuring the other's face.

Dai Li gritted her teeth inwardly. What kind of feudal patriarch speech was this? So utterly chauvinistic. She hadn't even finished her proposal, and he had already flatly declared there could be no female advisors under his command.

Dai Li took a breath, suppressing the surging irritation. "My lord, everything has a process of starting from nothing. If you grant me this, I will write down the detailed method for making mulberry bark suture later and give it to Master Ding."

Qin Shaozong placed the tea cup in front of Dai Li and suddenly chuckled. "Ding Lianxi is quite flexible in medical matters, adept at drawing inferences. Since my lady has already informed him that mulberry bark thread can replace silk thread, it's likely that mulberry bark thread will be developed soon enough."

The subtext was: Your detailed notes are unnecessary; Ding Lianxi will figure it out on his own sooner or later.

Having this item or not amounts to the same thing.

Dai Li understood but didn't mind, as she could simply offer something else. "Sow in spring, harvest in autumn. Spring is the season of cultivation when all things revive. Has my lord ever considered trying to grow more grain?"

The topic shift was abrupt, but Qin Shaozong seemed rather interested. "The amount of fertile land remains unchanged, and the number of farmers remains unchanged. How can one grow more grain?"

"Has my lord heard of the dragon bone water pump?" Dai Li countered with a question instead of answering.

Qin Shaozong did not speak.

Observing his expression, Dai Li had her answer. He had not heard of it.

Since arriving in this era, Dai Li had been gathering information. This dynasty was called "Yan," and the current emperor's surname was "Han," known as Emperor Han. Chinese history had seen a "Yan State," but never a "Yan Dynasty."

This was an unfamiliar, historically unprecedented ancient dynasty. Based on the clothing and daily items of the people in this era, Dai Li privately believed the current Yan Dynasty closely resembled the Han Dynasty.

But there was an Eastern Han and a Western Han, the two Han dynasties spanning over four hundred years. Which specific period of the Han Dynasty was she in? Was this unfamiliar Yan Dynasty following the historical trajectory she was familiar with?

Dai Li couldn't say for sure herself.

No, actually, it wasn't that she couldn't say. It was because she discovered that the stirrup, which should have appeared much later, had already emerged prematurely.

The history was broadly similar, yet not entirely identical.

A moment later, Qin Shaozong finally asked, "What is a dragon bone waterwheel?"

Dai Li felt completely reassured. She picked up the teacup in front of her and took a sip. "A dragon bone waterwheel is an irrigation tool. You can think of it as an upgraded version of the well sweep and the bucket scoop. It draws water by hand-cranking or foot-pedaling, saving more time and effort and being more efficient than the well sweep and bucket scoop. This way, land that was previously water-deficient or required strenuous irrigation can easily become fertile fields."

The well sweep was essentially a lever, with a counterweight on one end and a bucket suspended on the other, using the principle of leverage to lift water from a low place to a high place or divert it elsewhere. The bucket scoop was woven from bamboo strips and rattan, shaped like a dipper, hence its name.

Whether it was the bucket scoop or the small bucket tied to the well sweep, the amount of water they could hold was limited, in no way comparable to a continuous flow of water.

"How is the dragon bone waterwheel made?" Qin Shaozong asked.

A rich smile appeared in Dai Li's eyes. "So, does that mean you acknowledge me as your advisor?"

Qin Shaozong saw her smiling, her eyes curved into two little crescents, like a cunning little fox crouching by a trap, wagging its tail, waiting for dinner. He felt both annoyed and amused.

All her little schemes were used on him.

Qin Shaozong wasn't in a hurry to agree. He also picked up his teacup and took a sip. "In earlier years, a branch of the Qin clan went south for business, to the Yangzhou region. A few days ago, I sent a message back to Yuyang, asking someone to investigate the movements of this branch. I expect to receive a reply in at most another day. The Qiantang you've been thinking about is in Yangzhou. When the time comes, I'll have them go to Qiantang to see if they can find your son."

Clatter.

"Are you serious?!" Dai Li was so excited she accidentally knocked over the teacup beside her hand.

Tea was only filled to seventy percent, and since Dai Li had already drunk some, even if all the tea spilled out, it wasn't a complete disaster.

Dai Li's hand was scalded by the hot tea, and only then did she belatedly realize she had knocked over the cup. A cloth napkin was placed beside the ceramic pot, meant for the person holding the pot to insulate against heat, though Qin Shaozong hadn't needed it earlier; he had picked it up barehanded.

Dai Li's fingertips touched the napkin, and she picked it up. Just as she was about to withdraw her hand, a large, dark hand reached over and covered hers.

The man was long-limbed, and his palm was also two sizes larger than Dai Li's. Covering her hand, only a hint of the paleness beneath was faintly visible.

Dai Li's pupils trembled slightly.

Qin Shaozong moved his hand sideways against the back of hers. His four fingers slid underneath, lifting her palm along with the napkin, and wrapped it within his own grasp.

Their palms pressed together through the not-too-thick napkin. Dai Li felt a continuous flow of warmth, as if she had touched the small ceramic pot that had just boiled nearby.

His long fingers, calloused, stroked the delicate skin on the inside of her wrist, then slipped into the gap at the top of the napkin, completely pushing aside the bothersome cloth before gathering her hand into his palm once more.

Without the barrier, she felt every subtle movement of his with increasing clarity.

The man's gaze was deep and profound. His brown eyes were like a tiger lurking in the shadows, claws retracted, patiently waiting for its prey to approach. "Of course it's true. I have never once deceived you, Madam."

Dai Li slowly lowered her eyes. When she looked up again, she had already adjusted her emotions, returning to her previous composure.

She withdrew her hand, not forgetting to take that napkin with her. "Thank you, Lord Marquis, for keeping my son in mind. If there is indeed news of him, I will naturally thank you. The gift of gratitude is guaranteed to satisfy you."

She didn't specify what the gift was. At first glance, these words sounded very much like an offer of herself. But Dai Li's tone was too composed. Even though her voice was still that captivating, gentle tone, it contained no hint of provocative flirtation.

Qin Shaozong raised a long eyebrow. For the moment, he truly couldn't figure out what scheme she was hiding.

Dai Li used the napkin to soak up the water, then righted the overturned teacup. "Might I borrow the study in your residence? I will draw the diagram of the dragon bone waterwheel for you later."

The study shared the same decorative style as the rest of the residence—extremely luxurious. Even the floor here was paved with Han jade, the lamps were made of crystal and jade, and the hanging curtains were woven with lustrous pearls.

Dai Li's first impression was that this place didn't resemble a solemn council chamber, but rather a relaxation area.

That salt smuggler surnamed Li certainly knew how to enjoy himself.

On one side of the low table lay silk, mulberry-bark paper, and blank bamboo slips. On the other side were a carving knife, a wolf-hair brush, and pine-soot ink.

The Four Treasures of the Study were all present and ready for use.

Yet Dai Li hesitated.

Although both were paper, the paper of this era was far inferior to modern paper in terms of smoothness and fineness. Moreover, she had never learned calligraphy and didn't know how to use a brush.

Combined, even before putting brush to paper, Dai Li could foresee a monstrous drawing about to be born.

Dai Li: "..."

"Madam?" Qin Shaozong noticed her prolonged stillness.

Dai Li turned to look at him, her tone somewhat unsteady. "If I said I'm not accustomed to using a brush and therefore find it difficult to draw, would you think I'm deceiving you?"

Qin Shaozong said meaningfully, "What do you think?"

The atmosphere froze. Neither spoke. Dai Li couldn't hold out and was the first to look away.

Steeling herself, she stepped forward and spread out the mulberry-bark paper. The paper was rough and uneven; even running her hand over it, she could feel a distinct fibrous texture.

Then she took out the pine-soot ink and the wolf-hair brush, ground the ink, dipped the brush, and held the upper part of the brush handle with a modern pen-holding posture before attempting to draw.

Qin Shaozong's gaze fixed on her brush-holding technique, the corner of his eye lifting slightly.

On her hands, only the inner side of the middle finger of her right hand had a thin callus. If one used this brush-holding posture over a long period, the callus that should have grown on the ring finger would indeed form on the inner side of the middle finger.

A young lady who could read, write, and even paint. Qin Shaozong had only met three other young ladies with such capabilities before.

Even among noblewomen, at most they only learned some arithmetic for managing household accounts. Beyond that, it was generally not pursued, as it was deemed unnecessary. Furthermore, no academy would accept female students. Without a teacher willing to instruct, how could one even begin to learn?

Unaware of the man's thoughts beside her, Dai Li was currently trying to tame the wolf-hair brush in her hand.

The idea was beautiful, but...

She failed.

The paper was uneven, the tip of the writing brush was far too soft, and there was a considerable distance between where one held it and the brush tip below.

All these factors combined meant that what Daili envisioned and what she drew were two completely different things—a failed attempt at taming the tool.

Setting the brush down on the desk, Daili turned her head to see Qin Shaozong watching her, his expression thoughtful.

Daili didn't pay it much mind. She knew he was deep and calculating, and understood that this type of cautious person harbored a certain degree of suspicion. From the moment she told him she came from "Peach Blossom Spring," she was destined to be regarded with doubt by him.

"My Lord, let's go to the courtyard," Daili decided to try a different approach.

Qin Shaozong said nothing and followed her out.

The courtyard outside the study was also beautifully landscaped. A pebble pathway, branching out like leaf veins, meandered to various areas, cutting the once whole courtyard into fragmented sections.

Although the courtyard itself wasn't usable, Daili spotted a branch of suitable thickness. After cutting it off with a knife, she suggested to Qin Shaozong that they go look elsewhere.

Qin Shaozong likely understood her intention and thus followed her lead.

As the two walked out of the study's courtyard, they ran into Su Xiuzhu and Mo Yanyun coming their way together.

"My Lord," the two men bowed with clasped hands; they had both come to report on their duties.

With Ying County newly captured, there was no shortage of matters to handle. These didn't require the superior's personal involvement, but he needed to be kept informed of all progress.

It made no difference where he heard the reports. "Accompany us," Qin Shaozong said.

Su Xiuzhu and Mo Yanyun exchanged a glance, both puzzled. This confusion only grew as they followed Daili through three courtyards, reaching its peak.

What was Lady Dai trying to do? Merely stroll around the estate?

Even if she was strolling, why was the Lord indulging her? Ying County had been hollowed out like a sieve by Li Zan and was in dire need of rebuilding. There simply wasn't this much time to waste on a leisurely tour.

Just as Mo Yanyun was about to speak up and remind them, he heard Daili say, "This place will do. Right here."

Qin Shaozong looked at his two subordinates. "Report your matters. Speak."

Mo Yanyun glanced at Daili, who was bending over with the branch in hand, hesitated, and finally whispered, "My Lord..." Not only was this a remote courtyard, but Lady Dai was also present.

"Speak plainly," Qin Shaozong insisted.

The branch was stiff and much easier to handle. Once Daili entered her working state, she automatically tuned out external sounds. While the report was being given, it went in one ear and out the other, completely failing to distract her.

The dragon bone waterwheel could be roughly divided into two parts. One was the lower section: the dragon bone embedded within a long trough. The other was the upper section: a giant bearing fitted with a rotating axle and gear, connected to foot pedals.

Drawing the entire structure was difficult, so Daili used a split-diagram method. She first drew a long dragon bone trough, then used a small arrow to point to the side where she enlarged and detailed a section showing the two chain boards connected by the dragon bone inside the wheel.

Qin Shaozong divided his attention, his ears listening to the two men's report, his eyes watching Daili and the gradually forming diagrams beneath her branch.

"Go to the study. Fetch several sheets of mulberry bark paper and a brush," Qin Shaozong suddenly said to Mo Yanyun, who was taken aback.

Qin Shaozong: "Quickly."

This time, Mo Yanyun didn't dare delay. He hurried back to the study. On the way, he ran into Yan San and Feng Feng and couldn't help but mutter a few words as he walked. So, when he returned to the small courtyard with the supplies, he found Yan San and Feng Feng were also there.

The two men stood beside Su Xiuzhu, making the only civil official present seem rather slight by comparison.

Su Xiuzhu's report had stopped at some point. Now, all three of them, along with Qin Shaozong, were watching Daili in front of them.

Baffled, Mo Yanyun shot a questioning, startled look at his comrades. Yan San noticed but expressionlessly looked away, having no intention of responding.

The corner of Mo Yanyun's mouth twitched. He decided to look at the more cheerful Feng Feng, but unfortunately, Feng Feng for some reason was entirely focused on watching Lady Dai and didn't notice him at all.

Feeling aggrieved, Mo Yanyun grumbled under his breath as he walked forward from the front, completely oblivious to what was at his feet.

"Stop!"

"Don't step there!"

"You fool!"

Several voices crashed down on him at once, leaving Mo Yanyun utterly bewildered.

Wh-what was happening?

Why were they looking at him like that? Had he committed some cardinal sin?