Perhaps one shouldn't speak of others behind their backs. No sooner had she finished speaking of Qin Shaozong than Daili heard the greeting voices of the two maidservants outside.
Daili swallowed the words that had reached her throat.
Soon, that burly figure walked in from outside, blocking a large swath of sunlight as he entered.
Qin Shaozong was not surprised to find Qin Yanzhou here. However, upon seeing the young man's face, the man raised his long brows, his gaze traveling from his temples all the way down to the tip of his chin.
His eyes and brows looked exactly like hers, but his nose, mouth, and jawline weren't very similar—probably taking after his blind, good-for-nothing biological father.
Hmph, her taste wasn't that great either. Any moderately good-looking man could have fooled her.
His gaze shifted back to the young man's eyes and brows. Qin Shaozong gave a slight nod. "Now this looks like the son of the Lady."
"What do you mean 'looks like'? He is my son," Daili said discontentedly, then asked him, "Why has the Marquis come?"
The long desk in the room was not a square table; only the two opposing long sides could be seated at. Daili and Qin Yanzhou already occupied one side each.
Without any sense of being an outsider, Qin Shaozong walked over to Daili's side, sat down next to her, close by. "Can't I come if I have nothing else to do?"
Daili: "..."
The air pressure around Qin Yanzhou dropped noticeably.
Acting as if he saw nothing of the person opposite, Qin Shaozong noticed a teapot on the desk, reached out to pour himself some tea. "However, I do have important business for coming this time."
Qin Shaozong lifted his eyes to look at the young man across the desk, his tone indifferent. "I have words to speak with your mother. You, lad, go outside and amuse yourself for now."
Qin Yanzhou did not move.
One breath, two breaths...
The atmosphere gradually solidified, shifting from a warm spring day to a deep autumn with chilly winds. Daili suddenly became aware of an important, weighing problem.
Although the North and Yanzhou are now implicitly opposed, with a major conflict ready to erupt at any moment, what if...?
What if Fan of Yanzhou, fearing the combined might of the two regions, turns to offer them submission? What if he pushes forward one person, claiming that this person alone spread deceitful words that ruined the peace, and then beheads that person as a public example, all to achieve the goal of sacrificing a pawn to save the king?
That series of maneuvers could very well turn conflict into harmony. The three forces could end up all friendly with each other, turn their spears around, and jointly crusade against the Qinglian Sect.
That absolutely cannot happen. She cannot accept the person who abused her son for years escaping unscathed. She wants him to pay the price, she wants him dead!
But she is weak and alone. To deal with Fan of Yanzhou, she can only borrow Qin Shaozong's hand. Before that, she cannot have a falling out with him.
On the other hand, however, Daili also understood very well that even though she had omitted much, Zhou Zhou was no longer a child. And given Qin Shaozong's domineering nature, it was entirely possible that last night, after she had fainted, that fellow had said everything he should and shouldn't have.
Her son had just been found. She didn't want him to be unhappy.
Before Daili could figure out how to balance these concerns, the young man, seeming to sense her dilemma, stood up. "Mother, I will wait for you outside. You may call for me at any time."
A bitter ache welled up in Daili's heart.
Her son had become perceptive, yet she dared not think about what experiences had forced him to learn to read others' expressions.
After he left, Qin Shaozong placed the teapot on the charcoal stand. The pottery colliding with the stand made a light clink, like the toll of a bell, bringing Daili back to her senses.
A seat was now empty opposite, but Qin Shaozong showed no intention of moving. He said lazily, "Does the Lady know of your son's experiences these past years?"
Daili said hesitantly, "I know little. Only that he went to Fan of Yanzhou seven years ago to eke out a living."
Qin Shaozong gave an acknowledging "Hmm," then told her about the Fan family's background. He started from the family's rise, briefly touched upon Fan Tianshi, "...Fan Tianshi particularly loves collecting orphans. The vast majority are taken in around eleven or twelve years old. During that time, he employs a mix of kindness and severity, training those still immature orphans into dogs who obey only him. Later, he orders them east and they go east, tells them to kill someone and they kill. If any die accidentally along the way, they're wrapped in a straw mat and tossed into a mass grave, or simply fed to the wolves in his estate."
They were all rootless driftwood anyway. Dead was dead. No one cared, and no one would seek justice for them.
Daili began to tremble. She clenched her hands tightly into fists, her nails digging into her soft palms, leaving deep crescent marks.
Qin Shaozong then brought up another matter. "Two nights ago, someone attacked the estate in the middle of the night. The leader was precisely your son."
Daili gasped aloud, belated fear drowning her.
Zhou Zhou hadn't mentioned it earlier, and she hadn't connected the two events. Qin Shaozong was powerful; countless people wanted him dead. How could she have guessed the leader in black that night was her son?
That night, Qin Shaozong said of the attackers, one was captured alive, two escaped. He didn't say how many were killed, which meant aside from those three, all other assassins had been cut down.
Zhou Zhou was one of the two who escaped.
If that night he had been a moment slower to react, or hadn't gotten away, then today would never have happened. One could guess that her son must have only learned yesterday about the search for him in the North. Otherwise, he would have come directly to her two nights ago.
Just a little bit... just a little bit more and they would have been separated by life and death once again...
A scorching large hand reached over then, enveloping her icy, trembling one, then gently pried open her clenched fist. "Lady, the past cannot be chased, and don't dwell on hypotheticals of what didn't happen."
Daili bit her lip hard. "I know. But I can't help it."
She couldn't help but speculate about things that hadn't happened and things that had. Regret, heartache, hatred, self-blame—these emotions merged into a venomous snake, constantly gnawing away at her sanity.
Daili knew her mind wasn't quite right anymore.
From the moment she heard about the school bus plunging into the river, and from the moment she saw her son covered in scars, she could never go back to how she was before.
The former truly cannot be chased... but the latter...
Fan Tianshi must die. If this man doesn't die, it will be hard to dispel the hatred in her heart!
"Fan Tianshi has adopted many sworn sons, but over the years they've died or been crippled. The only ones still in use are your son and one other." Objectively speaking, Qin Shaozong thought the lad's ability to endure until today truly deserved the praise of having exceptional fortitude, as well as being tough as nails.
Qin Shaozong continued unhurriedly, "The initial training lasts at most two years. That means starting around age fourteen, your son began handling tasks for that Fan fellow. From small things like spreading rumors and petty theft, to major things like infiltrating the estate two nights ago... and killing."
He emphasized the last two words slightly and, as expected, saw her jolt violently, her face turning even paler.
Although she hadn't stated it explicitly, Qin Shaozong guessed from various details that "Peach Blossom Spring" was most likely an exceptionally peaceful place.
"How many hands do you think it would take to count the enemies your son has made in recent years?"
Qin Shaozong gently pinched her fingertips, then slid his long fingers between hers. "Those enemies, some are from minor families, not worth fearing, but there are also those with great power and influence. From what I know, one is the Governor of Qingzhou. Nangong Xiong mentioned to me at a banquet that the tribute sent from Qingzhou to the imperial court was robbed. He suspects the bandit is your son. Nangong Xiong is not one to make baseless accusations. If he says so, he must have some clues or evidence."
Daili's pupils trembled. She opened her mouth, but her throat felt as if stuffed with straw, leaving her momentarily speechless.
It was only on the second attempt that she found her voice. "You told me before that if my son were found, you would treat him as a true son of the Qin family."
"Indeed." He uttered these two words without hesitation.
Daili was taken aback, unable to discern what this man was truly scheming.
"I will clean up all the messes your son has caused. But in return, I want you, Madam, to stay by my side forever." He laid his cards on the table.
For some reason, at this moment, Daili felt no sense of being controlled or threatened. She inexplicably recalled a moment earlier—
Zhou Zhou had asked her if she wanted to leave. If so, he could help arrange it.
His words had shaken her heart at the time. She had immediately wanted to ask, Zhou Zhou, how could you arrange it? Do you really have that capability?
Qin Shaozong was immensely powerful, practically holding sway over the entire northern region, where no one could rival him. As for other regions where forces might contend with him, perhaps they existed, but they would never go to such lengths for a mere woman.
Furthermore, if her son possessed such ability, why hadn't he left the Fan family, instead staying there for a full seven years?
One puzzle after another enveloped Daili, leaving her mind in turmoil.
After a long silence, Qin Shaozong stroked the inside of her wrist with his thumb. "How is Madam's consideration?"
Having achieved his present status, Qin Shaozong was certainly not the type to give silently without expecting anything in return.
Taking on all the dirty and difficult work, only to shrink back like a turtle when it came time for rewards, not making a sound even when prodded—that was not his style.
That young man's heap of troubles was now unavoidable. Since that was the case, why not use this opportunity to advance his position with her?
After all, if that boy weren't her son, he wouldn't care if he were chased down and hacked into eight pieces or continued being a dog for Fan Tianshi.
A sudden flash of insight struck Daili. She quickly lowered her eyelids to conceal the strange glint in her eyes.
After pretending to ponder for a moment, she spoke hesitantly, "Forever is too long. You men are notorious for growing tired of the old and favoring the new. When you no longer fancy me, wouldn't I be trapped in a tiny courtyard, with nothing to do but prune flowers and feed fish? I might even prune the branches bare and overfeed the fish to death without ever seeing you again."
"Won't." He said only these two words.
As for what exactly "won't" meant, Qin Shaozong did not elaborate.
Regardless of his response, Daili followed with this line, "Regarding this matter, I hope Your Lordship will grant me some time to consider."
Seeing her somewhat troubled yet submissive expression, Qin Shaozong found her demeanor vaguely familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
But at this moment, his attention was captured by the half-hidden compromise in her words. "Very well. I shall give Madam five days."
Daili bargained with him, "Five days is not enough. My son has just been found. Simply recounting the events of these past years will take a long time. How about a month? I will give you my answer in a month."
Fearing he wouldn't agree, Daili also mentioned the impending war. "With the battle approaching, Your Lordship must be quite busy lately. Whether it's five days or a month makes little difference to you."
Qin Shaozong lowered his gaze, looking into those captivating eyes. Her features were exceptionally exquisite. Now, a lingering mistiness veiled her eyes, reminiscent of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, or even more like spring waters by the riverbank, possessing an indescribable charm.
"Agreed." In a moment of distraction, Qin Shaozong heard himself consent once more.
Having gained his assent, Daili immediately brought up another matter. "When Commandant Mo returns, will Your Lordship wage war against Yanzhou?"
The water in the small kettle beside them boiled, steam billowing from its spout, much like the seething resentment churning in Daili's chest at that moment.
Qin Shaozong picked up a teacup and took a small sip, his face betraying no emotion. "That depends on the circumstances."
Daili understood his meaning.
His southward expedition was primarily to suppress the Qinglian Sect. If Yanzhou was truly entangled with the Qinglian Sect, he would deal with them as well. But if the other side showed sense and willingly submitted, the matter might be postponed.
Breaking two chopsticks one by one is easier than breaking them together.
But Daili didn't want to wait a moment longer. She fanned the flames, "Your Lordship, Yanzhou sent assassins to infiltrate your residence and later framed Qingzhou for it. All this shows that this Fan of Yanzhou harbors wolfish ambitions and is determined to shatter the alliance between the North and Qingzhou. If we let this go unchecked, or turn a blind eye and downplay a major incident, who knows if Yanzhou might suddenly strike when our three forces jointly attack the Qinglian Sect? If trouble arises from within, and they secretly collaborate with the Qinglian Sect from inside and out, this campaign could end in complete defeat."
Qin Shaozong turned to look at her, his gaze amused, yet he said, "Madam has quite a sharp tongue."
Neither looked away. His brown eyes were steady and inscrutable, while her black ones were resolute and growing sharper.
"I admit I have personal motives. I can't wait to slaughter all those who abused my son."
Mid-sentence, Daili changed her form of address, "But, my Lord, ultimately, I am your advisor. Do you not think what I just said is correct? If Mr. Nalan knew that Fan of Yanzhou sent men to raid the residence at night, wouldn't he advise you to deal with Yanzhou first? I believe he would."
She made no attempt to conceal her intent. It was unnecessary. Her conflict with Fan Tianshi was a fight to the death. Since the hatred could no longer be hidden, why add superfluous gestures?
Daili tried to pull her hand back, but the large, darker hand held it tightly; she couldn't retrieve it.
"Your Lordship, Mr. Nalan requests your presence in the study." A voice came from outside.
Daili recognized it as Qiao Wangfei's voice, and she curved her lips slightly.
What had she just said? If Mr. Nalan knew about Yanzhou's night raid, he would surely come to advise. See, here he comes!
Qin Shaozong looked at her upturned lips, as if seeing her fluffy fox tail beginning to swish again.
The man chuckled softly. "Madam's foresight is remarkable."
Qin Yanzhou stood several steps away from the door. Qiao Wangfei had seen him when he came to report.
At first glance, Qiao Wangfei almost didn't recognize him.
His clothes were changed, the frightening scar on his face was gone, his demeanor seemed much calmer—the man was completely transformed.
Before Qiao Wangfei could observe further, his superior emerged from the room.
Qin Yanzhou saw Qin Shaozong come out and walked straight past him into the house without a glance.
Inside, Daili, who had injured her foot, was still sitting in the same spot. When her son entered, she asked in a low voice, "Zhou Zhou, has he left the courtyard?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Yanzhou stepped back to the main doorway and looked towards the courtyard entrance. It was now empty; the two figures from moments ago had already departed.
He nodded to Daili.
Daili beckoned him over to sit down and, as if exchanging a secret code, lowered her voice even further: "You asked earlier if I wanted to leave. Of course I do. But now is not the time yet. We still have to wait."
A hint of confusion appeared in Qin Yanzhou's eyes. "Wait for what?"
Daili smiled. "Naturally, we wait for Qin Shaozong to clean up the loose ends for you. Fan Tianshi must die, and so must all the enemies you've made over these years. These matters need to be dealt with as thoroughly as possible. Once it's done, then we'll leave."
That one-year agreement, those promises of forever... Now that she had found her son, she was done playing the game. She was ready to flip the table.