The Prisoner of Beauty

Although Chen Rui had already died, the strength with which he bit Xiao Qiao's foot was unusually strong.

Lin Huben and others, who had just snapped out of their shock, hurried forward to pry open his jaws, but for a moment, they couldn't manage it. In the end, it was Chun Niang who removed the shoe from Xiao Qiao's foot, allowing her to free herself.

Xiao Qiao had been wearing a pair of soft indoor shoes. The pain from being bitten on the toes by Chen Rui before his death, coupled with the immense fright, left her so weak that she was carried back to her room and collapsed onto the bed.

Chun Niang examined her foot and saw a deep red bite mark on the tender skin beneath two toes. Fortunately, the skin wasn't broken, but it still pained her greatly. A maid had already brought clean water, and after Chun Niang gently cleaned the wound, she applied ointment, put on a sock, and covered her with a blanket.

Outside, Lin Huben and the others had retreated, leaving a portion to continue guarding while the rest hurried out of the west gate overnight to gather people and search Dragon Mountain.

The room finally quieted down.

Chun Niang stayed with Xiao Qiao for a long time, seeing her with her eyes closed as if asleep. Just as she was about to get up to extinguish the lamp, Xiao Qiao reached out and grasped her hand. With her eyes still closed, her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she whispered, "Chun Niang, I want you to sleep with me."

Chun Niang knew she had been terribly frightened that night and hadn't planned to leave anyway. She tenderly touched Xiao Qiao's forehead and lay back down.

^

The next morning, Xiao Qiao woke up with a slight fever, and Chun Niang busied herself calling for a doctor and preparing medicine.

Xiao Qiao waited until evening, but Lin Huben's mountain search still yielded no results.

Dragon Mountain was simply too vast, and the terrain was treacherous. Without any specific direction, aimlessly searching for someone whose location was unknown made the task incredibly difficult, requiring a great deal of luck.

Xiao Qiao was extremely anxious.

Lin Huben increased the manpower, pulling another group from the four city gates to join the mountain search.

Another night passed, and still, nothing was found.

Xiao Qiao spent the night drifting in and out of sleep.

The shadow Chen Rui had cast over her lingered, and thinking of the young Qiang boy named Yuan only deepened her melancholy.

Though they had only met by chance, it felt like a kind of fate.

If they couldn't find him soon, even if he wasn't harmed by wild animals, the boy would likely die of thirst and hunger.

She had arranged for Jia Si to rescue him, initially considering more the Beihe Tribe behind him.

But at this point, she stopped thinking about that. She just hoped they could find him while he was still alive.

On the evening of the third day, as the sky gradually darkened.

Just as Xiao Qiao was beginning to despair, good news suddenly arrived.

Jia Si, who had rushed back in the early hours of the morning, learned the news at the city gate. Without even entering the city to apologize to the lady, he immediately led people to Dragon Mountain and joined the search.

Just moments ago, while passing a common local grave mound at the foot of the northern mountain, he turned back and ordered the grass in front of the grave to be cleared and the stones blocking the entrance to be removed. Sure enough, inside the grave cave, they found the boy Yuan, squeezed into a corner and already unconscious.

His mouth was gagged, and his hands and feet were tightly bound. Due to the prolonged restraint, deep purple bruises had formed around his wrists and ankles.

Yuan was immediately brought back. After being given water, he regained consciousness.After the physician finished the examination, Xia Gu helped him wash and change his clothes, gently massaging his hands and feet. After consuming some liquid food, he fell into a deep sleep due to extreme weakness.

Xiao Qiao herself was not fully recovered, but she was in high spirits. Upon hearing that Jia Si was waiting outside to apologize, she summoned him in.

Jia Si, filled with shame, knelt before Xiao Qiao as soon as he saw her, seeking forgiveness. Xiao Qiao quickly stopped him, saying, "General Jia, what crime have you committed? Not only are you innocent, but you should also be credited with a great merit. Please rise quickly."

Jia Si's shame stemmed from the fact that, despite outnumbering the enemy that night, he had allowed Chen Rui to escape with the Qiang youth. At the time, he hadn't realized the mistake and continued the pursuit. It wasn't until he had chased them for over a hundred miles, by noon the next day, that he began to sense something was amiss and hurriedly returned to Jinyang.

Having failed in his duty to such an extent, causing the lady to experience such a fright, how could he not feel ashamed?

"Moreover, I failed to capture the entire group. Although some of Diao Mo's companions were killed or captured, Diao Mo himself managed to escape. I am utterly incompetent and have failed to live up to the lady's high expectations!"

Jia Si remained kneeling.

Xiao Qiao stepped aside and smiled, "General Jia, please rise, do not humble me! Even the most meticulous plans can have oversights, and given the circumstances, how can this be blamed on you? On the contrary, I should thank you. Thanks to you, we were able to find the Qiang youth in time. If we had delayed another night, he might not have survived. In terms of merit, you are still the first. But General Jia, how did you think to look inside that grave?"

Seeing him persistently seeking forgiveness, Xiao Qiao intentionally shifted the topic.

The lady's cheerful demeanor showed no hint of blame. Jia Si finally began to calm down. He said, "One should respect and keep a distance from spirits. That grave mound was near the mountain entrance, easily visible, which is why Lin Huben and the others, despite passing by several times, never thought Chen Rui would be so deranged as to hide someone inside. I hadn't considered it either. But as I passed by, I noticed that the moss on the stones at the grave's entrance had fresh breaks, unlike an old grave, and the weeds in front seemed deliberately piled up to conceal something. This aroused my suspicion, and I thought it couldn't be overlooked, so I opened it to investigate. Fortunately, I guessed right, but it was just luck. I dare not accept the lady's praise."

Xiao Qiao then understood and sincerely admired him. She stepped forward to help Jia Si up, and after he stood, she said, "General Jia, please do not blame yourself any further. I have another important matter to entrust to you."

Jia Si immediately responded, "Please command, my lady! I will not hesitate to die for it!"

Xiao Qiao said, "Once the youth is able to travel, please personally escort him back to Huangzhong as quickly as possible!"

...

A few days later, Yuan, having regained his strength, was escorted by Jia Si to the territory of the Beihe people in Huangzhong.

During these days, Jia Si thoroughly investigated the water channel in the backyard pond, sealing it tightly. He also personally led a team to thoroughly inspect all possible security vulnerabilities around the lady's residence in the backyard, ensuring everything was secure before he was satisfied.After Yuan set off on his journey back home, Xiao Qiao's illness, which had been caused by the excessive fright she experienced that night, gradually improved. However, she remained fearful at night. Despite the increasingly warm weather, she no longer dared to open the windows, always keeping them tightly shut. Chun Niang continued to sleep by her side.

However, in a letter she sent to Wei Shao, she did not mention a single word about Chen Rui's nighttime intrusion into the government office, nor did she mention her illness. She only told him that she had coincidentally saved the grandson of the Beihe Tribe's chief, a young boy named Yuan, and had already sent him on his way. If this could bring some assistance to Gongsun Yang's mission of pacification, she would be very pleased.

...

After a long journey, Gongsun Yang finally arrived at the territory of the Beihe Tribe in Huangzhong a few days ago.

This area had always been lush with forests, teeming with birds and beasts. The Qiang people had thrived here, living a nomadic life of herding and hunting, with no fixed settlements. Later, as the population grew and interactions with the Han people became more frequent, they gradually shifted to a settled agricultural lifestyle.

Under the leadership of their current chief, Yuan Wang, the Beihe Tribe in the Huangshui area had, over several decades, established a settled agricultural life. Their population had grown significantly, reaching nearly 200,000, making them the second-largest Qiang tribe after the Shaodang Qiang. Half of them were young and strong, engaged in farming and herding during peacetime and ready to fight as soldiers during wartime, all of them brave and fierce.

Three days ago, upon learning that Wei Shao had sent an envoy, Yuan Wang, who had been ill for several months, personally received Gongsun Yang and treated him with hospitality.

Gongsun Yang conveyed Wei Shao's conciliatory intentions, promising not to impose additional taxes or forced conscription, nor to plunder the population. He invoked the ancient "Three Chapters of the Law" and was willing to swear a blood oath.

Although Yuan Wang personally received Gongsun Yang and treated him with respect, he remained reserved about the pacification proposal and did not immediately agree.

Gongsun Yang was well aware that decades of estrangement, with cycles of suppression and resistance, had created deep-seated mistrust that could not be easily dispelled. Therefore, he was in no hurry. After presenting Wei Shao's gifts as a gesture of respect to the elder, he stayed behind to patiently continue his persuasion.

After a long, heartfelt conversation last night, the old chief Yuan Wang was finally moved by Gongsun Yang's sincerity and asked for one more night to consider. He promised to give his answer the next morning.

Today, Gongsun Yang rose early, waiting for his meeting with Yuan Wang.

Although Yuan Wang had not yet revealed his stance last night, based on his observations, Gongsun Yang felt that there was a ninety percent chance of success.

He was very confident.

However, when the appointed time arrived, Yuan Wang did not appear as scheduled.

Just as Gongsun Yang was about to leave, a subordinate hurried in and reported, "Military Advisor, something's wrong! We just received news that a messenger from the Shaodang Qiang arrived early this morning. We don't know what he said to Yuan Wang, but Yuan Wang fainted. The situation doesn't look good, and it seems like it might be unfavorable for you. It would be best for you to leave here quickly!"

During his stay, Gongsun Yang had not been idle. Besides persuading Yuan Wang, he had secretly befriended someone close to the chief. This urgent news had just been passed on by that person.

The two deputy generals who had escorted Gongsun Yang immediately became alert and looked at him.

Gongsun Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Trouble cannot be avoided. Since I've come this far, how can I retreat in fear of failure or disaster? I will go and see for myself what has happened!"After speaking, he left and went straight to Yuan Wang's tent. He had someone announce his arrival, and after a moment, he was invited inside. As soon as he entered, two burly men confronted him, drawing their swords and forbidding him from approaching.

Gongsun Yang glanced at the opposite side.

Yuan Wang was being supported to sit on the main seat, which was covered with a luxurious woolen cushion. His face was pale and sickly, and his eyes seemed to hold traces of tears. Beside him was an unfamiliar Qiang man, who was glaring at Gongsun Yang. The remaining members of the Beihe Tribe were all glaring at him with anger.

Gongsun Yang was inwardly surprised but remained composed on the surface. He said, "I have been waiting since early this morning for good news from the chief, but it has not come. So I came to inquire."

He raised his hand and pushed away the blade pointing at his face.

"Last night, I spoke with the chief, heart to heart, and the scene is still vivid in my mind. I don't know why, early this morning, I am suddenly met with drawn swords?" He looked at Yuan Wang.

Yuan Wang's expression was gloomy, and he remained silent. A tribal elder beside him angrily said, "How dare you still put on an act! From the day you arrived, I knew you had ill intentions! You Han people always say one thing and do another, sweet-talking with honeyed words while stabbing us in the back! Come on, no need to talk more with him, just kill him with a single stroke!"

Immediately, the men with swords pressed forward. The two deputy generals behind Gongsun Yang were furious and also drew their swords, standing in front of Gongsun Yang. They said, "Who dares to act? Harming even a single hair on our strategist means making an enemy of our Lord! Those who dare to oppose our Lord, let Chen Xiang of Bingzhou be your example! Do you think you are stronger than Chen Xiang?"

The opposite side fell silent for a moment.

Gongsun Yang looked at Yuan Wang, whose face had turned even paler, and took a step forward, speaking with concern, "Chief, what exactly has happened? Or have you heard something? Otherwise, why have you suddenly changed your mind? I have also said that it is not that our Lord fears battle, but considering the stability of the border and the welfare of the people, and also to rectify the injustices previously done to your tribe by the Bingzhou lord, that I was sent here to convey the intention of pacification. Everything is done with sincerity. I am open with you, and I hope you can be open with me. If you have something to say, please do not hesitate!"

Yuan Wang slowly stood up and waved his hand, and the men with swords sheathed their weapons.

"Master Gongsun, my grandson, he has clearly been killed by your Han people! If I do not avenge this, how can I face my poor grandson? Do not blame me! It is just that you Han people are all the same, repeatedly breaking trust and righteousness! My death is a small matter, but I dare not entrust the future of my entire tribe to your Han people again! I should not have kept you as a guest in the first place! Enough, I will not make things difficult for you, you may leave! The kindness of Lord Yan, our Beihe Tribe dares not accept!"

Gongsun Yang was startled, pondered for a moment, and said, "I understand the chief's current feelings, which must be filled with immense grief. I should share in your sorrow. However, I fear that the chief, in his deep love for his grandson, may be exploited by those with ulterior motives. Could the chief tell me, who was it that harmed your grandson? Is the news accurate? If there is any way I can help, I am willing to do my best!"

Yuan Wang said, "You need not say more. Han people cannot be trusted! My mind is made up! If you do not leave now, do not blame me for being impolite!"Just as things were about to succeed, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Gongsun Yang knew that everything must have been caused by the unfamiliar Qiang man who had suddenly appeared. Reluctant to leave just like that, he hesitated when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the tent. Then, a distant voice called out, "Chief! The young master has returned! The young master has returned!"

Gongsun Yang turned around and saw a handsome young man dressed in Han clothing, surrounded by people, quickly approaching.

Walking beside the young man was a Han man. It was actually Jia Si!

Gongsun Yang was utterly shocked.

He immediately guessed that this young man must be the grandson whom Yuan Wang had thought was dead just moments ago.

What a coincidence that he had returned at this moment, which was naturally a great blessing.

But how could Jia Si be with him?

Gongsun Yang was filled with doubts and stood dumbfounded. Yuan Wang, however, trembled all over, suddenly opened his eyes wide, and showed an expression of unbelievable joy. He rushed out in a few quick steps and tightly embraced the young man who was running towards him, tears streaming down his face on the spot.

The nearby members of the Beihe Tribe all cheered and laughed with joy. Some knelt on the ground, worshiping the gods.

When the emotions had slightly settled, the young man said something. Gongsun Yang saw Yuan Wang suddenly release him and quickly return to stand before him. Yuan Wang then bowed deeply and respectfully said, "Master Gongsun, I was wrong earlier! Madam Yanhou has a great life-saving grace towards my grandson. I am willing to accept Yanhou's recruitment and lead my entire Beihe Qiang tribe to submit! I am willing to swear a blood oath! If I break this oath, may both man and god punish me!"

Author's note: Sorry for the pseudo-update.

I just flipped through this chapter and felt like something was missing. Upon closer inspection, I realized that I had missed copying the opening paragraphs from the manuscript when I posted it...