Nan Gong Xiong had never been so perplexed. Qin Changgeng not going around the commandery with that low-ranking officer surnamed Hu to dispel rumors was one thing, but he was actually idling about, strolling the market with a young lady.
What puzzled Nan Gong Xiong even more was that he himself, as if guided by spirits, had also mounted his horse and followed that carriage.
Unconsciously, the carriage ahead came to a stop, halting in front of a shop selling accessories.
Dai Li had not brought any maidservants on this outing. She pushed the carriage door open herself, intending to alight, but was caught off guard to see Qin Shao Zong standing outside the door.
He extended his hand towards her.
That rough, large palm was turned upward, its lifeline clearly broken in one segment.
The main street was bustling with traffic and crowds; it seemed some people were watching, yet also seemed none were. Qin Shao Zong said nothing, merely gazing steadily at her.
The lady beneath the veil's hat showed no face, her expression unknown. After a moment's pause, she reached out her hand.
The moment her pale fingertips touched his palm, the man proactively moved forward slightly, his large hand closing to envelop her soft, slender hand within his grasp.
"Did you bring silver?" Qin Shao Zong asked.
Dai Li nodded, saying she had.
Ever since her biography had been destroyed by him, this man seemed confident she could no longer stir up any trouble. He placed no restrictions on her regarding money.
The doors to the storehouse were wide open, ornaments and other sundries for her to choose at will. Dai Li didn't stand on ceremony with him, nor did she feel any sense of unworthiness. If he dared to give, she dared to take.
After alighting from the carriage, Dai Li withdrew her hand from his and headed straight into the shop.
Qin Shao Zong turned his head to look at Nan Gong Xiong, who was still on horseback beside them. The latter was currently tilting his head, his gaze following that graceful figure, his eyes holding both admiration and curiosity.
Beauty does not lie solely in the face. Observing one's figure, appreciating one's bearing—sometimes a mere silhouette can be breathtakingly beautiful.
No wonder that fellow Qin Changgeng didn't want the dancing girls I prepared for him. So he's really been hiding a great beauty. It's like tasting phoenix marrow and dragon liver and then looking down on mere side dishes...
"The matter of the children's rhymes is settled, Nan Gong. You can return to the army and prepare. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we depart the day after tomorrow," Qin Shao Zong said.
But Nan Gong Xiong didn't move. "Qin Changgeng, how did you figure out the trick behind that deception?"
Qin Shao Zong had also ridden a horse earlier. Now holding a riding crop, upon hearing Nan Gong Xiong's words, he gave the other man a lazy smile.
Nan Gong Xiong's heart skipped a beat, an inexplicable sense of foreboding rising within him. The next moment, his premonition came true. A black riding crop cut through the air, landing a whip on the flank of his steed.
The horse, stung by the pain, immediately bolted forward.
Qin Shao Zong casually rested the whip on his shoulder. "Nan Gong, you go ahead and get busy. Take care, I won't see you off. I'll tell you about this matter in a couple of days."
"Qin Changgeng, you bastard!"
Qin Shao Zong let the words go in one ear and out the other. Tossing the riding crop to a guard, he also entered the shop.
...
Inside the shop.
Dai Li, having removed her veil hat, was looking at jade pendants.
In this era, wealthy families, regardless of gender, mostly had the habit of wearing jade pendants. The difference lay in the shapes. Gentlemen wore pendants of green bamboo or fierce beasts, while ladies preferred flowers and birds.
Zhouzhou probably doesn't have a good jade pendant. Buying a jade ornament to bring back for him wouldn't be bad either.
"This one is not bad, just a bit too elegant," someone spoke from beside her.
Dai Li didn't need to turn her head to know it was him offering unsolicited opinions. She ignored him and continued examining the jade pendant in her hand.
The patterns on the front and back were different. The front featured green bamboo, the back an orchid—both were among the Four Gentlemen.
Qin Shao Zong watched her scrutinize it intently, her expression serious and careful, seeming quite satisfied with this jade pendant.
The merchant nearby rubbed his hands together, thinking today brought esteemed guests. This noble lady had asked for the best jade pendant right away; this deal held great promise. "Madam, this jade pendant is the treasure of our shop. Not to mention the carving, which was commissioned at great expense from the renowned master Fenghai, the seed material itself is exceptionally smooth and lustrous. It is a rare treasure."
Qin Shao Zong saw her looking at it again and again, his gaze drifting over once more. "Alright then. A bit elegant is fine. Military affairs carry heavy killing aura; balancing the two might not be a bad thing."
Dai Li paused and turned to look at him.
Her veil hat was already off, and their gazes met without obstruction.
It was only then that Dai Li realized the man was in high spirits. Combined with his earlier comment, she felt he must have misunderstood.
Dai Li: "..."
As their eyes met, Dai Li could clearly see Qin Shao Zong's expression, and naturally, he could see hers too.
The curve of Qin Shao Zong's lips fell. The man's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sharp, his tone dangerous. "Madam, surely you aren't thinking of spending my silver, then leaving me out, buying a gift separately for someone else?"
Those hazel eyes gradually revealed ferocity, as if daring her to nod or utter a single "yes," he would immediately haul her out and head straight back home.
Dai Li: "...No."
Qin Shao Zong lifted his chin slightly. "Choose then."
Dai Li was still holding that piece of jade. She looked around and finally walked over to the area with the Four Treasures of the Study. Besides ink brushes, inksticks, paper, and inkstones, there were also some small ornaments, like paperweights and brush rests.
Qin Shao Zong followed Dai Li over. He saw her pick up a tiger-shaped brush rest, then look at him with a somewhat tentative gaze. "My Lord, what do you think of this one?"
Qin Shao Zong laughed in anger.
This brush rest wasn't even the length of a finger, tiny, and something she just picked up casually. The difference in focus compared to when she was looking at the jade was like cloud and mud.
Trying to brush him off, was she?
Seeing his displeasure and the signs of impending anger, Dai Li quickly said, "Actually, from far away earlier, I saw this tiger-head brush rest. It's carved with such imposing majesty, just like you, My Lord. However, the item is a bit small. I wonder if you might disdain it. If you do, I'll choose something else?"
Qin Shao Zong paused and took the tiger-shaped brush rest from her hand.
This brush rest was carved from yellow jade, and not even a piece of uniformly yellow jade at that. It had two ink-black lines diffused across it, looking at first glance very much like tiger stripes.
Qin Shao Zong turned it over.
The quality of the jade was average, but rather distinctive. The carving of the tiger head was barely acceptable. Overall, it did bear some resemblance to his own imposing manner.
Dai Li stole a glance at him, then another, surprised to find the man's anger seemed to have subsided. She lowered her head and touched the jade pendant, thinking to herself that this man was actually quite easy to fool in certain aspects.
"This one it is." Qin Shao Zong felt this little trinket was ugly at first glance, but after a few more looks, it grew on him.
After purchasing the gift, the carriage turned back for the estate.
After that carriage departed, a small vendor who had been squatting by the roadside selling goods stood up, stopped selling his wares, picked up his carrying pole, and left.
The street was filled with an endless stream of pedestrians; no one noticed this insignificant scene.
The Qin Residence.
By the time Dai Li returned, Nianxia and Bipo had already packed all her luggage and loaded it onto the carriage.
"Zhouzhou, this is a gift for you. See if you like it." Dai Li called her son over and gave him the brocade box.
Qin Yanzhou took the box and opened it. Inside, resting on red silk, lay a piece of Hetian jade carved with vigorous bamboo stalks. He looked at it for a moment, then, just as he did in childhood, first reached in to feel its inner texture. Only then did the corners of his mouth lift into what, for him, was a clearly perceptible smile. "I like it. Thank you, Mother."
"Don't mention it," Dai Li said with a wave of her hand.
She brought up another matter. To get her son to see a psychologist, besides ensuring the doctor's cooperation, the patient's own willingness was naturally essential. "Zhouzhou," Dai Li said, "how about I find you a teacher?"
Qin Yanzhou was slightly taken aback. "Mother, I know how to read."
"No, it's not about literacy. Reading is about more than just recognizing characters; it broadens one's horizons." Afraid he might refuse, Dai Li lowered her voice and played her trump card. "Learn more things. In the future, when it's just the two of us outside, we might be able to live more comfortably."
Sure enough, the young man before her nodded. "Alright."
Dai Li felt a wave of relief.
The luggage was quickly packed. As Dai Li had anticipated, that very afternoon she boarded a carriage and left the city with Qin Shaozong.
This evacuation involved the entire force, and the retreat was executed swiftly and cleanly, not a single soldier left behind.
The convoy departed from the main residence, its wheels rolling westward under the sunlight. As the setting sun bathed the land, they arrived at the military camp outside the city.
The military tent assigned to Dai Li was already pitched. Nianxia and Bipo were busy moving the luggage inside.
Bathed in the warm, fuzzy light of the sunset, Dai Li saw military banners fluttering in the wind. Beneath them, patrols of guards moved in formation, and several familiar figures sat chatting in front of their tents.
It was nearly time for the evening meal, and with no imminent battle, everyone was quite relaxed. Likely, Nalan Zhi was in a similar state.
Dai Li glanced at the man beside her who had not yet left and hinted plainly, "My Lord, don't you have some words you wish to share with Master Nalan?"
Qin Shaozong gave a low chuckle. "What's the hurry, my lady? When have I ever failed to keep a promise I made to you?"
Despite his words, he headed towards Nalan Zhi's tent.
About a quarter of an hour later, Qin Shaozong emerged. With him came another, slender figure.
Nalan Zhi wore a gray cross-collared robe and held a feather fan. Upon seeing Dai Li, he clasped his fan in a salute. "Lady Dai."
Dai Li returned the courtesy.
Although Qin Shaozong had already given him a general idea, when asking for a favor from someone, no matter what, one still needed to state it personally.
"Master Nalan, I have a request to make of you," Dai Li said, her expression extremely solemn. "I wish to ask you to instruct my son, to allow him to become your disciple."
In ancient times, the status of a "teacher" was immensely significant, hence the saying, "A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime." Particularly for renowned scholars of great prestige, accepting disciples was a very strict process. If they didn't take a liking to you, it didn't matter if you were immensely wealthy or exceptionally talented—they would not accept you.
Nalan Zhi gently waved his feather fan. "There is one thing I do not understand. Might Lady Dai enlighten me?"
"Please, speak freely," Dai Li replied.
"Your own talent and insight are beyond what I can match. Wouldn't your son achieve greater distinction under your personal tutelage? Why, my lady, would you seek the branch and neglect the root?" Nalan Zhi was puzzled.
He had just heard from Qin Shaozong about the unraveling of the "divine miracle." The mysteries involved were things he had never encountered before, and he once again conceded defeat. So, he couldn't comprehend her reasoning.
Dai Li glanced at Qin Shaozong beside her, reluctant for too many people to learn the details of her son's condition.
Qin Shaozong noticed her look, a vein twitching on his forehead.
He had noticed she had some rather vexing habits, like burning bridges after crossing them. Previously, in Nankang Commandery, she had used him to acquire an extra seal, only to immediately leave him with a complete mess to clean up. Now, having served as her intermediary, she instantly wanted him gone, not even allowing him to listen.
Once the battle for Yanzhou was over, he would definitely teach her a proper lesson and make her correct this infuriating bad habit.
Qin Shaozong gave a cold snort and turned to leave without another word.
Seeing this, Nalan Zhi's fan-waving paused briefly. When he looked back at Dai Li, there was a hint of increased gravity in his demeanor.
With Qin Shaozong gone, only she and Nalan Zhi remained. Dai Li got straight to the point: "Master Nalan, to be frank with you, since learning of your experiences, I have been deeply impressed by your fortitude. Searching my heart, if I had suffered such trials, I certainly could not have achieved even a tenth of what you have. My son has had a troubled life. After enduring a great calamity, his temperament became entirely different from that of an ordinary young man. I am deeply worried yet feel powerless to change it. I couldn't help but think of your transcendent state of mind, Master, and so I boldly seek your assistance."
Afraid the other might find the task too burdensome, Dai Li added, "You need not teach him astronomy or geography, nor must you impart all your knowledge like other masters. I only wish for you to guide him, to help broaden his perspective."
"I have heard a little about your son's situation. Parents who love their children plan deeply for their future. Regarding guidance, I can only promise to do my best; I cannot guarantee any specific outcome," Nalan Zhi said with a sigh.
He had agreed.
Dai Li bowed to him. "Your agreement alone is a great kindness. I dare not demand anything more."
After walking some distance, Qin Shaozong looked back. He saw the two figures standing in the sunset not far away.
At first, Nalan Zhi's feather fan still waved occasionally, but later, after she said something, the fan gradually stilled. He also saw her bow to Nalan Zhi once more.
This time, the other accepted her courtesy.
The importance placed on "teachers" in ancient times also meant that the ceremony of becoming a disciple was not a casual affair. The Book of Rites - Shao Yi states: "Shu Xiu means ten strips of dried meat."
This refers to the tuition a student gives to the teacher: ten strips of dried meat. After the teacher accepts the Shu Xiu, the student kowtows and offers tea. The teacher then presents green onions and celery in return, symbolizing that the student should be clever and diligent. Once this process is complete, the teacher-student relationship is formally established.
Unless actively severed, this relationship would last a lifetime.
Shu Xiu: ten strips of dried meat.
Dai Li initially intended to follow the ancient custom. However, when Qin Shaozong learned what she planned to prepare, he said, "Offering ten strips of dried meat is rather meager. My lady, simply go and tell the army cooks to pick out the ten sturdiest rams. We'll present those ten sheep as the Shu Xiu."
Dai Li frowned delicately. "That doesn't seem quite right. Ten live sheep would be inconvenient to handle. They'd surely end up mixed into the general flock. Over time, who would remember that Master Nalan has ten sheep? He probably wouldn't feel comfortable bringing it up again either."
Qin Shaozong said, "Then slaughter them for a mutton feast."
Dai Li's brow remained furrowed. "You mentioned earlier that we depart the day after tomorrow. If we have a whole mutton feast tomorrow night, wouldn't Master Nalan's ten sheep be counted among them? The Lord orders a mutton feast, the soldiers are grateful to you, but no one knows of Master Nalan's contribution. That's not proper."
This whole operation would essentially be moving things from the left hand to the right. Qin Shaozong would still get to host the feast as planned, while Nalan Zhi would end up with nothing.
Forced to donate his tuition—it would all be for naught.
Qin Shaozong clicked his tongue lightly. "This won't do, that won't do. Fine, we'll separate them. Tomorrow's army-wide mutton feast will be held in the name of Wugong. Additionally, the ten strips of dried meat will be presented separately. Does that satisfy you, my lady?"
The dried meat is good, but is it worth her always thinking about it?
Daili smiled and said, "My lord is wise. That is excellent."
...
In the blink of an eye, a day passed.
The news that Nalan Zhi was going to take a disciple, and that tonight's meat feast would be even grander because of it, spread through the entire military camp like wildfire.
"Have you heard? Master Nalan is accepting a disciple today. Because of this, the lord ordered many more cattle and sheep to be slaughtered."
"How could I not have heard? I'm looking forward to it. I'll definitely eat my fill tonight! Speaking of which, there are very few renowned scholars left who haven't taken disciples, you can count them on one hand. I previously thought Master Nalan would remain one of them forever."
"Perhaps he hadn't found anyone suitable before. I heard this time the disciple is a son of the Qin family. His elders seem to have a deep connection with the lord. Come to think of it, I've seen that young gentleman before. His appearance and bearing are beyond reproach."
"A son of the Qin family? What is his name?"
"That's not something someone like me can inquire about. Just wait, his reputation will likely spread far and wide before long."
...
Inside the tent.
Qin Yanzhou, dressed in white robes, first washed his hands in the basin, then straightened his attire.
Under everyone's gaze, the young man took the ceremonial gifts from Daili's hands, stepped forward, knelt on the cushion, and respectfully presented them with both hands. "I have long admired your vast learning and profound knowledge of past and present. Your disciple, Qin Yanzhou, wishes to seek your instruction and asks to be accepted as your student. I humbly offer these gifts."
"My learning is not vast. Please, do not demean yourself," Nalan Zhi replied as he accepted the gifts.
Qin Yanzhou kowtowed and presented the tea.
The rite completed, Nalan Zhi personally helped the young man to his feet.
With the plan progressing smoothly, Daili let out a sigh of relief and showed a satisfied smile.
Qin Shaozong glanced at her. "When that boy comes of age for his capping ceremony, we can have Wugong perform the rite for him."
Having a great scholar personally perform the capping ceremony was an honor few could claim. Being capped by a renowned scholar benefited one's own prestige and would make the path ahead much smoother.
Daili slowly lowered her eyes.
Her son's capping ceremony was in half a year. Half a year...
Qin Shaozong said, "It's settled then."
After the master-disciple ceremony concluded, a grand meat feast was held in the army.
Military feasts were less formal. Everyone sat around the fire, using long tables that could seat two or more people.
This time, Daili again shared a table with Qin Shaozong. Qin Yanzhou followed his master, while the other high-ranking officers grouped together in twos and threes.
The tables were arranged in a circle around a central bonfire. A split sheep was roasting over the flames, and besides the roast lamb, there were also many skewers of grilled fish. Each table was piled with steamed buns, mantou, rice porridge, and some wild berries.
Compared to the last meat feast Daili had attended, the variety of food this time was much greater.
Daili didn't care for mutton, so she took some grilled fish.
The fish, generously seasoned with fine salt, was very flavorful. Taking a bite of fish followed by a sip of rice porridge, Daili felt thoroughly content.
As this was not a victory celebration but a feast before battle, no one drank wine. Unconsciously, Daili finished her grilled fish.
It was delicious, but after eating two fish in a row, she felt a bit greasy. Daili reached for the wild berries to cut the richness.
As she ate, she listened to the conversations around her. Someone said that conquering Qijiang County wouldn't be difficult; the real challenge was White Sun City behind it, which was guarded by a strategic pass ahead.
This pass faced the Jin River to the north, was backed by a series of high mountains called the "Red Horn" range to the south, with only a single path wide enough for carts and horses in between.
Listening on, Daili finished her own portion of wild berries. She licked her lips, feeling a bit unsatisfied.
Suddenly, a small plate filled with wild berries was placed before her.
Daili was slightly startled. Her gaze followed the long, sun-browned fingers holding the edge of the plate upwards, meeting a pair of brown eyes reflecting the firelight.
Daili reached out to take it, but saw those long fingers retract slightly, pulling the plate back with them.
"There's no such thing as a free meal in this world, my lady. Say something nice," he said.
Daili hesitated. "...Thank you for your magnanimity."
His expression remained the same as before, not showing displeasure, but the plate wasn't pushed forward either. It seemed her words hadn't quite met his expectation.
Daili fell silent for a moment, then suddenly had an inspiration. "Then I wish my lord a triumphant victory tomorrow."
Qin Shaozong curled the corner of his mouth into a smile and pushed the plate over. "I accept your auspicious words."