A towering black shadow stretched across the carved wooden screen, its silhouette cast by the lamplight. The screen was adorned with delicate paintings of flowers and birds, yet under the shadow's oppressive presence, those elegant motifs seemed to sprout menacing fangs and claws, making it difficult to meet their intimidating gaze.
In the side chamber, Dai Li heard Tao Xiang's greeting from outside, followed by a deep, resonant voice dismissing her with a curt, "You may leave."
Dai Li immediately looked down at herself, attempting to straighten her disheveled robes. Unlike modern attire, ancient garments were far from simple—layers of undergarments, sashes, and outer robes tangled together, each fastened with ties that easily slipped out of place.
The side chamber lacked shadowless lamps, and as footsteps drew nearer, a faint, elongated silhouette entered her line of sight like a prowling tiger leisurely stalking through the woods.
Her long lashes fluttered slightly. Instead of fumbling with the ties as before, Dai Li slowly lifted her gaze to the man standing just a few steps away.
Now that they were alone, he no longer restrained the commanding aura he had honed through blood and battle. The oppressive weight of his presence, that of a high-ranking figure accustomed to dominance, made him seem unapproachable.
"It seems my timing is unfortunate, interrupting my lady’s bath," he remarked, though his tone carried not a shred of apology.
Dai Li wore a stone-blue deep robe with cloud-patterned lapels, its sash untied and collar loosened, revealing more of her décolletage than usual—a glimpse of snow-white skin half-concealed, half-exposed.
He advanced step by step until he stood before her, his shadow enveloping her. Qin Shaozong reached for her sash, his long fingers winding around it twice. A single tug would undo the already loose belt entirely. "I heard my lady dismissed her guards today. May I ask why?"
The side chamber held far fewer lamps than the outer rooms. The flickering bean-sized flame in the humid air cast an uncertain glow, weaving an unspoken tension between them—like two towering trees whose roots had entwined over time, inseparable.
"Might the guards my lord speaks of be the one with the…" Dai Li gestured a square shape over her face, "whom I sent back to the lady of the mansion?"
Qin Shaozong watched her movement, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes, though he countered with a question of his own. "What does my lady think?"
"I suppose so." Dai Li lowered her gaze, using both hands to gently pry his fingers from her sash, slowly unwinding the silk from his grasp.
"However, when we first arrived at the mansion, we quarreled—so fiercely that I stormed off in anger, and you didn’t assign me maids until noon the next day. Such a rift isn’t trivial. A proud and willful heart holds grudges easily. It’s only natural that I wouldn’t want to see your soldiers while strolling outside."
"Today marks the seventh day. Any quarrel between us should have faded by now." His fingers suddenly tightened around the sash.
With that motion, the half-undone belt was pulled taut in his grip.
Yet, strangely, Dai Li’s heart steadied.
His questioning wasn’t about reprimand or punishment—it was a warning. Like many in power, he despised subordinates who twisted his authority to issue false commands.
"Indeed, it’s nearly settled. Tomorrow, I’ll venture out again, indulging in lavish purchases of jewelry and fabrics, all while leaving your captain of guards waiting. Consider it my way of venting. I hope my lord won’t take offense."
Her soft fingers brushed lightly over the scar on his hand before attempting to loosen his grip.
She barely exerted any force—just a teasing scratch—yet his ironclad hold slackened. Dai Li retrieved her sash with a deft hook of her fingers. "By tomorrow night, it will have been exactly seven days since my monthly courses began. By then, my body will be… suitable again. We can reconcile in bed, letting all grievances dissolve as nature takes its course."
Qin Shaozong stood nearly a head taller, his gaze descending upon her.
The woman before him had cheeks tinged pink, ink-dark hair, brows like distant mountains, and a vermilion mark between her brows as vivid as spilled blood—radiant beyond compare.
Her robes were in disarray, the overlapping collars loose enough to reveal a tantalizing expanse of milky skin, glowing like moonlit cream or the most fragrant magnolia in spring. With each breath, the snowy curves trembled faintly.
One of the bean-sized lamps flickered out, and Qin Shaozong’s eyes darkened further.
Yet even in the dimming light, her striking allure remained undiminished, now tinged with a lazy sensuality that invited wild imaginings.
Dai Li waited, but when no words came, she glanced up—only to nearly gasp at the look in his eyes.
His brown irises had darkened to near-black, smoldering with a hunger so fierce it seemed ready to leap out and devour her. For a moment, she felt like prey beneath the gaze of a starving tiger sharpening its fangs.
Instinctively, she lowered her head—only to catch sight of the pronounced tenting of his black robes.
A shiver ran down her spine.
Perhaps she had pushed a little too far…
"My lord should leave now, lest the maids grow suspicious," she urged softly.
When he remained unmoving, as if deaf to her words, Dai Li took his arm and guided him toward the door. "I shall await my lord’s esteemed presence tomorrow night in my chambers."
As they stepped out of the side chamber and reached the main hall’s entrance, a low, husky reply came: "Agreed."
Dai Li: "…"
The door opened and closed swiftly behind him.
Finally alone, Dai Li exhaled in relief, her spirits lifting at the certainty he wouldn’t return tonight.
After a soothing bath, she curled beneath the blankets and drifted into a deep, dreamless slumber.
The sun rose, painting the eastern sky in pale gold.
Spring rain was as precious as oil, yet the past few days had been cloudless, the heavens a crystal blue promising fair weather.
Citing the fine day as perfect for an outing, Dai Li once again left the mansion early with Yun Rong in tow.
They began their excursion in the bustling East Market, sampling delicacies as they wandered, then made their way westward in search of a Western Regions merchant selling exotic cats. Luck, however, was not on their side—after scouring the entire street, they found none.
Yun Rong, having spent years serving her in-laws, bearing four children, and managing a sprawling household, had long since exhausted her vitality.
Now, after hours of walking, her face took on a sickly pallor. Exhausted, she finally called for a halt. "Sister, I’m weary. Didn’t you reserve a room at the Orchid Pavilion yesterday? Why not rest there as before?"
Dai Li, sensing the moment was right, countered, "Sister Yun, didn’t you mention another inn called Breeze Tower? Having tried the other two, we can’t let this one slip by. Let’s rest there instead."
Yun Rong’s mind clung only to the word "rest." Where mattered little—if Dai Li suggested Breeze Tower, so be it.
The group changed their route and returned to the East Market, this time heading to Qingfeng Tower located on another street within the market.
The two main streets of the East Market formed a cross, with Qingfeng Tower situated at the southern end of the vertical line. Mingyue Residence and Youlan Court were both on the horizontal line—Mingyue Residence to the east and Youlan Court to the west, the former closer to the eastern city gate.
After securing rooms at Qingfeng Tower and enjoying some refreshments, Dai Li glanced at the square-faced captain of the guards and said dismissively, "You don’t need to follow me today. Stay by the Prefect’s Lady’s side. I have no use for you."
Yun Rong couldn’t help but laugh. "Still upset with Lord Qin, are you?"
Dai Li turned away, muttering under her breath, "Who told him to ignore me when I warned him not to drink? If I don’t make my displeasure clear, he’ll think he can fool me so easily."
Yun Rong’s lips twitched, torn between disdain and an inexplicable flicker of envy.
Among the lords of the present era, most had risen through the ranks as civil officials—only Qin Shaozong hailed from the vast borderlands. Though younger than her own husband, his status was already beyond reach.
Born into a prestigious family, possessing the physique of a warrior, and ruling over the entire northern territories, he was at the peak of a man’s power. And yet, this Dai Li, with nothing but a pretty face, had somehow bewitched Lord Qin into doting on her. Worse, she had the audacity to act spoiled and capricious—utterly unaware of her own insignificance.
A mere favored concubine, destined to be cast aside sooner or later…
Dai Li paid no mind to Yun Rong’s thoughts. She left Qingfeng Tower with the same attendants as the day before.
The day wore on as Dai Li visited numerous places. The sun slowly dipped westward, its light softening as the hour approached Shen (3–5 PM).
"Oh! I nearly forgot—two days ago, I placed an order with a fishmonger in the West Market for seafood and sea cucumbers. The three of you, hurry to the West Market and fetch the goods back to the mansion," Dai Li suddenly exclaimed.
These three were not Qin Shaozong’s soldiers, just ordinary guards who carried little more than spare coins. Dai Li had only paid a deposit, and the remaining balance still needed to be settled.
The guards hesitated.
They had no silver on them, and Dai Li hadn’t provided any funds…
Tao Xiang, having served in Jiang Mansion for years, was familiar with its retainers. Seeing their dilemma, she offered, "Madam, shall I lend them my silver to cover the payment?"
It was both a reminder and an out.
Dai Li took the cue, glancing at Ding Xiang and signaling her to hand over the money pouch.
The guards accepted the coins but remained uneasy. If they all left, who would ensure the safety of Lord Qin’s favored concubine? Yet sending only one or two might not suffice—after all, the noble’s carriage could hardly be used to transport seafood.
Dai Li waved them off impatiently. "Go quickly. I’ll wait for you in the Xinglong area. If you’re late and the fishmonger sells my order to someone else, ruining my plans, I’ll have Lord Qin punish you for negligence!"
Exchanging glances, the guards recalled how she had lingered safely in the bookstore the day before. Surely a brief absence wouldn’t matter.
Besides, even if all three left, Ding Xiang and Tao Xiang remained. It should be fine…
With that, they bowed and departed.
Once they were gone, Dai Li led her attendants to Jin Yu Zhai, an upscale jewelry shop, where she splurged on the most expensive items, emptying Tao Xiang’s money pouch.
"Tao Xiang, we’re running low on silver. Return to the mansion and fetch more," Dai Li ordered, not waiting for a reply before adding, "Ding Xiang and I will wait at Xinglong Silk Emporium. Be quick—I don’t want to be left without funds later."
Without another word, she strode off, indifferent to Tao Xiang’s hesitation. After a moment, Tao Xiang complied.
At the silk emporium, after trying on two outfits, Dai Li fished a few coins from her small embroidered purse. "Ding Xiang, go to the old man with the goat beard at the end of Pinghe Street and buy me two sesame cakes. I had his cakes yesterday—they’re better than most, and I’ve been craving them. If I’m still trying on clothes when you return, don’t rush me. I’ll come out when I’m ready."
Ding Xiang clutched the coins. "Madam…"
Dai Li clicked her tongue. "The shop attendants here can assist me for now. Must you all dawdle and ignore your mistress’s orders? Disgraceful. Perhaps later I’ll complain to Lady Yun about how impossible it is to command her household’s servants—might as well not send any at all!"
Ding Xiang shuddered and hurried off without another word.
Watching her go, Dai Li exhaled in relief.
Finally, it was done!
Moments after Ding Xiang left, Dai Li slipped out of the emporium.
Silk and fabric shops were in the North Market, while inns were in the East Market. Leaving Xinglong behind, Dai Li hastened toward the East Market.
Her heart pounded the entire way. Though Yun Rong and her entourage were resting at Qingfeng Tower, and the guards and maids had been dismissed, there was no telling if misfortune might strike.
If some Jiang Mansion servant spotted her before she changed clothes, escape would be impossible.
Mingyue Residence lay at the easternmost end of the cross-shaped street, but to reach it, she had to pass Youlan Court on the western side.
Dai Li ducked straight into Youlan Court.
A quarter-hour later, a figure in a wide-brimmed hat emerged, clad in plain, grayish robes—utterly unremarkable.
This figure continued eastward, crossed the intersection, and entered Mingyue Residence, soon exiting with a bundle.
As arranged, a carriage would wait for her at the corner of Donghe Street from Shen Zheng (4 PM) until Shen Er Ke (4:30 PM).
It was now Shen Zheng Yi Ke (4:15 PM).
Donghe Street, a smaller lane branching off the main crossroad in the East Market, was far humbler than the bustling thoroughfare.
Rounding the corner, Dai Li spotted a donkey cart laden with goods, attended by two men in brown tunics—one young, barely twenty, the other middle-aged.
Approaching, she held up half of a "carriage" token. "Is this the cart to Baima Ford?"
"So it’s you? Right on time. Get on."
The cart’s wheels rumbled over the stone-paved street, heading for the eastern gate. At the checkpoint, their papers were inspected without issue, and soon they passed beyond the city walls.
Seated on the cart, Dai Li felt an overwhelming lightness as the wheels rolled past the gate, as if a great weight had lifted from her shoulders. She turned for one last look at the city behind her—its ancient, solemn silhouette stood silent under the sun, a witness to the passage of time.
Farewell, Nankang Commandery!
