"Day five." Nan Gongxiong stood by the Jinshui River, looking at the rising sun in the distance with a furrowed brow. "Is Qin Changgeng up to this? I hope he doesn't get himself killed."
Zhang Mingdian, the strategist from Qingzhou, stood beside him. "My lord, you need not worry. Regardless, the current situation is advantageous and harmless to us."
If Qin Shaozong's surprise attack succeeded, the Bai Ridge Pass would surely fall. If executed even more cleanly, capturing and killing Fan Tianshi in one stroke, Yanzhou would become theirs for the taking.
But if Qin Shaozong died within the Red Horn Peak, it would mean the leader of the Northern Territories along with its most famed Xuanxiao Cavalry would be lost together.
The Northern Territories would be severely weakened. At that point, turning their spears around to target them was not an impossibility.
"I still hope he succeeds. Compared to Fan Tianshi, Qin Changgeng, though his words are often sharp, acts with much more straightforwardness." Nan Gongxiong was still thinking about those three hundred fine-bred horses and one thousand dan of grain.
If Qin Shaozong was gone, who would he go to for those things?
Just then, a commotion suddenly arose from the opposite bank of the Jinshui. The noise was so great it cut through the roaring waves, reaching the ears of everyone on this shore with precision.
Nan Gongxiong instinctively turned his head.
That one glance happened to catch sight of a banner bearing the character "Yan" on the opposite bank tilting sideways as if snapped. After falling, the banner did not rise again.
Nan Gongxiong's large frame shuddered, his eyes flashing with an intense light. "Quick, prepare the boats! We cross the river now!"
...
Dai Li woke up and suddenly felt the atmosphere in the military camp had changed. Joy was everywhere; occasionally, she could even hear soldiers humming tunes.
Puzzled, Dai Li happened to see Mo Yanyun passing by and stopped him to ask.
Mo Yanyun's face was animated with excitement. "The Lord Marquis's surprise attack was a success! Not only did he burn Yanzhou's grain stores, but he also routed their main forces in one fell swoop. Lady Dai, the Bai Ridge Pass has fallen!"
Dai Li was dazed.
Fallen? In just a few days?
Driven by curiosity, she asked him, "You said a surprise attack. How exactly was it done?"
Mo Yanyun was one of the few officers who knew the details and remained in the camp. "From the foot of Red Horn Peak in Guoyun County, they traveled hundreds of li westward along mountain paths, slipping behind the Yanzhou army's rear."
Dai Li: "...He's quite audacious."
Mo Yanyun suddenly grew excited. "Oh! The Lord Marquis is back!"
Dai Li turned to look behind her. Several fast horses were now approaching from the direction of the Jinshui. The lead rider had a tall, imposing frame, a ring-pommeled sword hanging at his waist. Galloping towards them with the sunlight at his back, he carried an air of triumphant spirit that was hard to conceal.
Seeing the graceful figure turn around in the distance, Qin Shaozong on horseback immediately raised his riding crop once more.
The steed neighed, carrying its rider charging straight into the camp.
A gust of damp wind rushed at her face. Dai Li closed her eyes against the rush. When she opened them again, he was already before her.
The man sat astride his tall horse. That dominating aura felt even heavier from his elevated position. The corner of his mouth lifted. "My lady rose quite early today."
Dai Li saw water dripping steadily from his robes. In the brief moment the horse had stopped, a small puddle had already formed on the ground, as if he had just emerged from the water.
"Did my lord go for a swim in the river?" Dai Li looked him up and down, her gaze lingering for an extra second on a stray lock of hair sticking up near his crown. An untimely bout of perfectionism made her fingers itch.
Qin Shaozong swung down from the horse. "Been in the mountains for days. If I didn't wash up, you'd be finding fault again."
Dai Li was momentarily speechless, thinking to herself that this man really held a grudge. That one time she asked him to wash up before getting into bed, and he remembered it till now.
"My lady, go and get ready. We'll take the water route into the city shortly." Qin Shaozong seemed to remember something and added, "I brought a gift for that little rascal. I'm sure he'll like it."
The latter sentence piqued Dai Li's curiosity.
A gift for Zhouzhou? And he's sure he'll like it?
But before she could ask, Qin Shaozong had already hurried back to his tent to change.
With the Bai Ridge Pass fallen, the allied forces of the Northern Territories and Qingzhou began striking camp.
It was time to move.
The large herds of cattle and sheep carried by the commissariat couldn't be loaded onto boats or easily taken across the pontoon bridge. They had to turn back and take the route through the Bai Ridge Pass.
The lightly-equipped soldiers took the water route or the pontoon bridge, essentially taking a shortcut and arriving at Bai Ridge City much faster than the rear troops.
All along the way into the city, Dai Li kept thinking about that gift. The Zhouzhou of before liked many things: calligraphy, kittens and puppies, Legos and puzzles...
But now, Dai Li didn't know what her son liked anymore.
She wanted to ask, but didn't know how to start.
Whether it was his initial "it's all in the past" or his later "I'll tell you someday," she understood it as a signal—he didn't want to recall those times.
It was actually normal. Having finally struggled free from the mire, why would he want to remember the suffocation and despair of the past?
His avoidance was too obvious. Combined with his usual wooden expression and silence far exceeding the norm, Dai Li suspected her son might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
She was terribly anxious but felt utterly helpless, only able to pin her hopes on Nalan Zhi's guidance.
If she, his own mother, couldn't figure out what her son liked, how could Qin Shaozong dare to give her such a guarantee?
It seemed utterly unreliable, yet this man had truly never lied to her.
All along the way into the city, Qin Shaozong could constantly feel a covert gaze sizing him up. It would steal a glance, look away for a moment, then return shortly after, repeating the pattern.
The man curled the corner of his mouth, continuing to control his horse's pace—neither too fast nor too slow, keeping him right beside her carriage.
The mansion previously occupied by Fan Tianshi had been cleared out. Now, its gates stood open, awaiting its new master. Knowing Qingzhou's contribution in this campaign was less than the Northern Territories', Nan Gongxiong didn't contest Qin Shaozong for this grand residence and led his Qingzhou officers elsewhere.
Dai Li's heart felt like it was being scratched by a cat. That man was utterly wicked, seemingly tossing his words aside as soon as they were spoken, acting as if nothing had happened.
Several times when their eyes met, he would pretend not to know and ask her what was wrong.
Just as Dai Li, after hesitating through lunch, finally decided to take the initiative, she turned to find Qin Shaozong gone.
"Where is the Lord Marquis?" Dai Li asked in surprise.
Qiao Wangfei, whom she had randomly stopped, answered, "The Lord Marquis has gone to the Prefect's office."
Bai Ridge City did have a Prefect. However, after Fan Tianshi's army entered, the Prefect was naturally sidelined. Now, with the pass fallen, this Prefect still held no real power.
Seeing Dai Li's hesitant look, Qiao Wangfei offered, "Do you need to see the Lord Marquis? Bai Ridge City was just captured; there's much to handle. The Lord Marquis likely won't be back this afternoon. Oh, Lady Dai, there's a joint banquet with Qingzhou tonight. The Lord Marquis might have some free time after that."
Dai Li: "...Very well."
So Dai Li stopped looking and went back for a nap.
Waking from her nap, her son, who had gone to see Nalan Zhi, hadn't returned yet. Dai Li sat by the window, lost in thought.
"My lady, if you're feeling bored, perhaps you could go for a stroll on the streets?" Bipo suggested softly.
Nianxia frowned, "I just heard that the Yanzhou soldiers in the city haven't been fully cleared out yet. It's not safe to go out now. Why doesn't the lady wait a few more days?"
Daili sighed, "Then we'll visit the market another day. For now, let's just go see the mansion's back garden."
To Daili's delight, however, the mansion's back garden was quite large. Leaving aside the exotic flowers and rare plants, there was also a sizable pond.
A gentle breeze stirred, leaving the water's surface unruffled. Sitting under a tall tree by the pond with a fishing rod in hand, Daili found it quite a unique pleasure.
In a teahouse within White Sun City.
Inside, tea bubbled softly on the stove, filling the air with its fragrance. Most of the windows were open, welcoming the warm, mellow sunlight into the room.
Two people were inside, one seated, one standing.
The seated man was young, with handsome features, dressed in a high-collared robe with gold-edged cloud patterns, exuding a gentle yet somewhat untamed air.
Before him was a low table. Besides the tea set and small stove, there was also a silver-white mask on the table.
"Fan Yanzhou has been defeated. The city is being swept clean, and the Yanzhou guards on the walls are gradually being replaced by troops from both armies. Sir, when do we withdraw?"
Diting, however, smiled. "A perfect opportunity. Why withdraw?"
The man paused.
"White Sun Pass is a treacherous stronghold. Qin Shaozong broke it in just five days. If this were your achievement, wouldn't you be proud?" Diting asked.
The man immediately nodded. "Of course I would be proud."
Diting smiled. "Since ancient times, pride has often led to defeat, and underestimating the enemy rarely brings success. Qin Shaozong is riding high on success. After clearing the city of Yanzhou troops, how could he possibly imagine there's more than one faction within these walls?"
Their Lotus Sect had always kept a low profile, not openly participating in the conflicts between the provinces. Everyone had a legitimate surface identity; even a thorough check of household registers and backgrounds would reveal no flaws. That's because many members were already established in various professions before joining the sect.
After saying this, Diting paused briefly. "Given the previous 'divine sign' incident, Qin Shaozong might think of us. But by then, it will already be too late."
"You mean we lie in wait, quietly waiting for Lady Dai to leave the mansion?" the man asked.
Diting smiled. "The march has been tedious for many days. Now that we're finally in the city, it's impossible she'll stay cooped up in the mansion forever. Just wait. She will definitely leave the mansion, sooner or later."
The man nodded obediently, like a puppy. "You're right."
"How are the preparations going with the Seamstress?" Diting asked about other matters.
The man replied, "Two women with similar stature and appearance have been selected. The Seamstress is now making the final adjustments to them."
Diting: "What about the city guard soldiers?"
The man said, "Among the few Qingzhou soldiers we've managed to contact, only two are assigned to inspection duties at the city gates, and both have been posted to the East Gate."
"Only two..." Diting poured himself a cup of tea. "Not many, but it should be enough. What about the merchant caravan and the boatmen?"
The man said, "They are on standby, ready to move at any time. Now we're just waiting for the Seamstress to finish, and for Lady Dai to leave the mansion."
Diting picked up his teacup and took a sip. "My uncle always said that in major undertakings, the greatest taboo is impatience. Let's just wait. We mustn't startle the snake."
"Oh, and Sir, there's one more thing." The man looked hesitant. "We've sent the signal several times, but Mingdeng still hasn't responded. Not even once."
Diting's hand, lowering the teacup, paused. He seemed thoughtful for a moment, then chuckled softly. "No rush. He absolutely cannot do without us."
Qin Mansion, Back Garden.
Daili caught three fish, leisurely passing the afternoon.
As evening approached, Hu Bao came looking for her and asked, "Lady Dai, the Lord Marquis wishes to know if you would like to attend the victory celebration banquet tonight?"
"I heard tonight is for you and the Qingzhou generals to celebrate together, so I won't go. Enjoy yourselves." Daili knew they would certainly be drinking.
A group of military men gathered for food and drink would surely be unrestrained; she wouldn't go and intrude.
Hu Bao asked again, "And what about Young Master Qin?"
Daili said matter-of-factly, "Zhouzhou won't go either. Qin Changgeng mentioned before that Nangong Qingzhou suspected my son of intercepting their tribute gifts to the imperial court. My son's wanted posters were everywhere. There's no guarantee Nangong Qingzhou wouldn't recognize him."
Hu Bao smiled slightly. "You needn't worry about that. The Lord Marquis has already reached an agreement with Nangong Qingzhou, who promised to let bygones be bygones."
Daili was slightly taken aback.
An agreement?
When did he reach an agreement with Nangong Qingzhou?
Thinking this, Daili asked Hu Bao, but he only said, "It was settled before the Lord Marquis left for the surprise attack. As for the details, please ask the Lord Marquis yourself, Lady Dai."
"Regarding the banquet, I'll ask my son first," Daili said hesitantly.
Although she thought her son most likely wouldn't go, the child was grown now, and parents couldn't manage everything for him.
As Daili expected, Qin Yanzhou also declined. So that evening, mother and son had a private meal in their small courtyard, eating the fish Daili had caught that afternoon.
One was steamed, one braised in soy sauce, and the other was kept in a water vat to eat tomorrow.
Summer days were long and nights short. By the time they finished their meal, the sky had finally darkened completely.
Daili had assumed that with Qin Shaozong and the Qingzhou side celebrating tonight, the banquet would run very late and he wouldn't have the time or energy to remember that "gift."
However, around dusk, just after Daili had bathed and was planning to read for a while before sleeping, a guard came to find her.
The guard said, "Lady Dai, the Lord Marquis requests that you and Young Master Qin come with him. He says he has a gift for Young Master Qin."
Hearing "gift," Daili's curiosity perked up again. "Did he say what the gift is?"
The guard: "He did not. Please come with the young master."
"How mysterious," Daili muttered, but she dressed properly and went with her son.
The banquet had just ended over there; drunken Qingzhou generals were walking out with their arms around each other's shoulders.
Under a side corridor, Daili saw that familiar tall figure. He stood in front of a light source, his shadow stretching long ahead of him.
The man's face was shrouded in darkness, making his expression hard to discern. Only his gaze was scorching, like searing flames, or magma that could melt bone.
Daili pretended not to notice, not even exchanging pleasantries. "The Lord Marquis mentioned a gift. Where is it?"
Qin Yanzhou had been silent behind his mother, as he had been many times before. He showed no reaction to Qin Shaozong's presence, simply acting as if he didn't exist.
Qin Shaozong glanced at the mother and son, thinking to himself they were truly cut from the same cloth, identically dismissive of others.
Fine, he couldn't be bothered to argue with them.
"Follow me," Qin Shaozong turned.
Daili thought he was taking them to the main hall, but she saw him pass by the side corridor without entering, heading instead towards the western pavilions, going further and further into a secluded area.
After walking a while longer, Daili couldn't help asking, "Where exactly is the Lord Marquis going? There are many mosquitoes in summer, even more so at night. If it's for a garden stroll, wouldn't daytime be better?"
"We're here," Qin Shaozong said just then.
He stopped before a courtyard building. Looking in from the entrance, he could see soldiers guarding the doorway, and a lantern hanging under the eaves before the house. The lantern was small, not very bright, inexplicably emitting an air of eeriness in this pitch-black night.
"I and your mother will not go in." Qin Shaozong did not enter, but kept looking at Qin Yanzhou. "There are two people inside. Deal with them as you see fit, boy."
"What people?" Dai Li didn't understand.
She stood between the two men. Her height did not match either of theirs, and their gazes met over the top of her head.
Qin Shaozong did not speak, nor did Qin Yanzhou.
After several breaths, Qin Yanzhou nodded. "Good. Thank you."
Dai Li was greatly astonished. What kind of riddle were these two playing? Why couldn't she understand?
Qin Yanzhou walked straight inside.
Dai Li kept watching his back until her son pushed the door open and entered, completely swallowed by the darkness.
A solid, long arm then wrapped around her waist, turning her around. Qin Shaozong said with a laugh, "My wife was right earlier. There are many mosquitoes in summer, even more so at night. And that boy has many accounts to settle with them slowly. He definitely won't be out for a while. It would be better for you and me to rest elsewhere."
In a daze, Dai Li realized who was in the house. "It's Fan Tianshi..."
"Yes, and his second son. To eradicate weeds, one must pull out the roots. Another day, we'll go to Gaoling County and arrest his other sons as well."
Qin Shaozong led her to walk elsewhere. Seeing Dai Li frequently looking back, he couldn't help but click his tongue lightly. "That boy is no longer a suckling infant. There's no need for my lady to worry about him, nor to stick to his mother every moment."
The wave of tender emotion that had just risen in Dai Li instantly dissipated. She couldn't help but give him a shove. "Qin Changgeng, can't you speak properly?"
"Honest advice is hard to take, my lady," he chuckled lowly.