The Prisoner of Beauty

Su Ehuang bowed to Wei Shao.

Wei Shao's gaze swept briefly over her face before he asked, "Are you feeling better today?"

Su Ehuang replied, "Much better."

Wei Shao gave a slight nod. "Yesterday, Madam extended an invitation, but I happened to be traveling with my wife and returned late, making it inconvenient to attend. So I took the liberty of inviting you here today instead. May I ask the purpose of your request to meet?"

Su Ehuang gazed at him without speaking.

After waiting a moment, Wei Shao said, "If you have something to say, Madam, please speak."

Only then did Su Ehuang respond, "Before you, Second Young Master, I shall no longer feign pretense. To be honest, my journey to Jinyang was for a matter I wish to discuss."

Wei Shao looked up at her.

Slowly, a trace of distress surfaced in Su Ehuang's eyes.

"Second Young Master, I do not wish to hide anything from you," she said. "This trip south to Luoyang is not by my will—I am compelled by circumstances. You may not know this, but when my husband was alive and I resided in Luoyang, during a flower festival that year, I unfortunately caught Xing Xun's eye. Since then, that old villain has coveted my beauty, repeatedly pressuring me with threats and bribes in secret. After my husband passed away, before I had even completed a few days of mourning, the old wretch sent men to escort me to his residence. It has been unbearable. To preserve my chastity, I could only pretend compliance. Later, when the old villain was preoccupied with his battles against Yuan Zhe and Liu Kai, I seized the chance to flee Luoyang and return to Zhongshan."

Wei Shao's brows furrowed slightly.

"After last year's Luli gathering, I traveled from Yuyang back to Luru. I had thought to spend the rest of my days there in peace, but that old villain Xing Xun remains relentless in his pursuit. He has secretly sent messengers multiple times, summoning me to Luoyang. I ignored them at first, but last month, the old wretch sent another letter—this time in the young emperor's name—demanding my immediate presence. Though my family was outraged, we dared not defy an imperial decree. That old villain Xing Xun, who bares his fangs to control the court, is despised by all under heaven. How could I allow myself to be defiled by him? Yet what can I do against an imperial command? My heart is filled with grief and bitterness, with unwillingness and indignation. At the start of this month, as I journeyed south, my old illness flared up midway. My body and soul ached, and I lamented that in all this vast world, there was no place for me to hide..."

"Here, this is the imperial decree that old villain sent last month, summoning me to Luoyang."

Su Ehuang presented a yellow silk scroll bearing the imperial seal.

Wei Shao glanced at it, his expression darkening. "That old villain Xing Xun dares to pressure you like this!"

Su Ehuang fixed her gaze on Wei Shao. "I curse my ill fate, to be coveted by such a wicked man to this extent. Since Xing Xun uses the emperor's decree to force me, I have resigned myself to my fate. But as I passed near Jinyang, I happened to hear that you, Second Young Master, were stationed here with your army. Memories of our youth came to me, stirring emotions, and after much hesitation, I changed course to come here..."

Wei Shao rose from behind the desk, walked to the south window, and stood there briefly before turning back. "I understand. Return to Zhongshan. Ignore Xing Xun's false decree—I will handle it."

Su Ehuang's face showed gratitude as she also stood, bowing deeply to Wei Shao. When she raised her head, tears brimmed in her eyes. Shaking her head, she said, "My Lord, your remembrance of our past and your willingness to protect me now moves me to tears. But I know you are now married. If my presence causes conflict between you and Xing Xun, it would bring complications. Moreover, it was I who wronged you in the past—how could I have the face to seek your protection like this? This was not my purpose in coming to Jinyang."She paused for a moment, noticing Wei Shao's gaze upon her, and continued, "Second Young Master must also know that when I was born, auspicious signs accompanied my arrival. A soothsayer declared I had a noble destiny. My family firmly believed it, and burdened by this prophecy, I—young and naive—took it to heart, blinded by ambition. I abandoned love for status and married Liu Li instead. After more than a decade of twists and turns, reduced to my current state, I finally awoke to the truth—it was all self-deception! Born a woman, my fate was never mine to decide. Since Xing Xun insists on summoning me to Luoyang, I shall go!"

Her expression hardened with resolve.

"That old villain Xing Xun wields authority with his false mandate, a mere clown yet able to command the lords of the land. He has long been wary of you, and now with your great victory in the western campaign, how could he tolerate your growing power? He will obstruct you by any means. In time, Xing Xun will become your greatest adversary. I wronged you in the past, but now, forced to serve the villain in Luoyang, I am willing to act as your eyes and ears, relaying information. If the opportunity arises, I may even eliminate Xing Xun—this shall be my atonement for betraying you. In return, I only hope you will look after my family in the future. Even if I perish, I shall have no regrets!" Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Silence fell over the pavilion.

After a long pause, Wei Shao spoke slowly, "Su Ehuang, as you said, the past was the folly of youth. I have long let it go, and you need not dwell on it either. The conflict between Xing Xun and me is inevitable—a matter of men contending for the realm. I have my own plans and do not require you to sacrifice yourself to the enemy. Return safely to Lunu. With me here, I will ensure your protection."

Su Ehuang gazed at Wei Shao, moved to tears, and choked out, "Then I shall shamelessly accept your grace, my lord! If I cannot repay you in this life, I vow to serve you in the next, even as a ghost!" With that, she knelt and kowtowed in gratitude, tears falling freely.

Wei Shao quickly said, "Madam, there is no need for this! Please rise at once!"

Su Ehuang's lashes fluttered as she slowly stood. "Second Young Master, I know you are often away on campaigns, rarely reunited with your sister. Now that you are finally together, I dare not impose further. I shall take my leave. Tomorrow, I depart for Zhongshan."

Wei Shao nodded. "Safe travels, Madam." He then called for attendants to escort her out.

Su Ehuang wiped away her tears, cast one last glance at Wei Shao, and left the pavilion.

Wei Shao watched her figure recede into the distance and exhaled softly. Just as he was about to seek out Xiao Qiao, a servant hurried over and reported, "My lord, when the Lady of Zuopingyi was boarding her carriage outside, she suddenly fainted and fell from the carriage. She remains unconscious."

...

Su Ehuang's fall was severe—not only did she lose consciousness, but her forehead was also cut, leaving a trail of blood.

By the time Xiao Qiao heard the news, Wei Shao had already arranged for Su Ehuang to rest and summoned a physician. The physician could not immediately diagnose the issue, but upon hearing from Su Ehuang's maids that she often suffered from headaches, he concluded it was a recurrence, compounded by the fall. After bandaging her wound, he prescribed medicine to disperse blood stasis and promote circulation.

Su Ehuang did not regain consciousness until nightfall. Exhausted and with her forehead injured, she naturally could not leave and stayed the night.

Her stay extended to three days. On the third day, the cut on her forehead had formed a thin scar, and she could walk with the support of her maids. She came to thank Xiao Qiao, saying she could impose no longer and would return to the posthouse to recuperate.“Earlier, I feared my sister might misunderstand, so I didn’t mention how I was coerced by Xing Xun and had no choice but to go south. I never intended for Zhonglin to antagonize Xing Xun on my account. When Zhonglin insisted on protecting me, I truly tried to dissuade him, but he wouldn’t change his mind. He’s been stubborn since childhood. Left with no choice, I temporarily accepted his arrangements and agreed at the time. Now that Zhonglin isn’t here, I’d like to ask a favor of my sister—please persuade him again not to provoke Xing Xun because of me. If conflict arises over this, how could I ever find peace?”

Su Ehuang was supported by her maid, her face deathly pale, yet her eyes unusually bright.

She spoke slowly, as if struggling with each word.

Xiao Qiao had someone escort her out.

Once Su Ehuang left, Chun Niang trembled with anger, gritting her teeth. “Did you see that, my lady? Her parting words were clearly meant to provoke you!”

Xiao Qiao seemed not to hear, asking instead, “Has there still been no reply from Elder Madam?”

Over half a month ago, when Su Ehuang had first arrived in Jinyang and stayed at the posthouse—before Wei Shao returned—Xiao Qiao had sent a letter to Madam Xu, entrusting it to Jia Si with strict instructions to have it delivered urgently to her hands.

By now, considering the travel time, a reply should have arrived.

Chun Niang paused. “This servant will go find General Jia and inquire again.”

…

Three days later, Chun Niang hurriedly sought out Xiao Qiao and handed her the long-awaited reply.

Xiao Qiao dismissed Chun Niang and the other maids, then slowly unsealed the letter tube and withdrew the silk letter inside.

After reading it, she remained lost in thought for a moment before exhaling slowly.

…

Wei Shao had stolen a few days of leisure earlier, but with Gongsun Yang and others gradually returning to Jinyang, he had become busy again. That morning, he had gone to the military camp outside the city and only returned after nightfall.

Xiao Qiao helped him remove his outer robe. When he tried to embrace her, she evaded him and remarked casually, “I haven’t sent anyone to check on Su Ehuang at the posthouse these past few days. I wonder how her condition is. Have you visited her, husband?”

Wei Shao coughed awkwardly. “You know how swamped I’ve been—where would I find the time? Once matters here are settled, I’ll take you back to Yuyang. It’s been half a year since we last saw Grandmother. As for Su Ehuang, once she recovers, I’ll arrange for her departure.”

Xiao Qiao glanced at him and smiled. “The bathwater is ready. You may go wash.” With that, she turned away.

Wei Shao watched her retreating figure, then quickly caught up and embraced her from behind, nuzzling affectionately. “I haven’t seen you all day. Bathe with me.”

Xiao Qiao replied lazily, “I’ve already bathed. I’m tired from the day—I’ll rest first.”

Wei Shao carried her to bed and kissed her, but she remained unresponsive. Feeling deflated, he stopped and said, “I’ve already explained—she was pursued and threatened by Xing Xun, forced to go to Luoyang. That’s why I had her turn back. She even volunteered to return to Zhongshan the next day, but this accident happened. Let her rest a few more days, and once she’s better, we’ll send her on her way. Why can’t you let this go?”

Xiao Qiao kept her eyes closed. “I only said I was tired—I didn’t bring up anything else. You and she share a past—handle it as you see fit. I trust you, husband.”Wei Shao stared at her. "Are you angry?"

Xiao Qiao kept her eyes closed. "No."

"You are angry."

"No!"

"You clearly are!"

Xiao Qiao slowly opened her eyes, meeting Wei Shao's gaze as he leaned over her. "If my lord insists I must be angry, then it would be my fault not to be."

Wei Shao's brows had initially furrowed, but after studying her for a moment, they gradually relaxed. Suddenly, he said, "Manman, Su Shi now seeks to rely on me, and I'm not unaware of it. Last year, during Grandmother's birthday, she sent someone to deliver a letter to me, which I refused to accept. At that time, I had just married you, and our relationship was distant. Even then, I had no intention of further entanglement with her—how much less now?"

Xiao Qiao was taken aback.

"Whether what she told me is true or false is irrelevant; I have no intention of delving into it. I know she has lost her husband now, and her repeated attempts to approach me are likely just to seek support. Had I not married you, out of consideration for our youthful affection, I might have taken her in. But now I have married you. With you by my side, and knowing how easily jealous you are, why would I entangle myself with her and invite unnecessary trouble? Today's arrangement was solely out of respect for our past bond—nothing more. Bear with it a little longer. Once she recovers enough to travel, I'll immediately send her back to Zhongshan."

Xiao Qiao met his gaze, their eyes locked.

She pouted slightly and said softly, "I'm not the jealous type!"

"Alright, alright, your husband wronged you. Manman is the most generous." Wei Shao chuckled, tapping her nose lightly. "Still tired?"

Xiao Qiao bit her lip. "Still tired."

Wei Shao leaned closer. "Then let your husband relieve your fatigue."

Xiao Qiao dodged and said, "My lord, there's something I haven't mentioned to you before. Today, I received a letter from Grandmother, in which she mentioned the incident last year when she was nearly harmed. It reminded me of something. I'm just not sure if I should bring it up."

Wei Shao, who had been burying his face in her neck and kissing her freshly bathed skin, immediately stopped and looked up. "What is it?"

"Before Grandmother's incident last year, someone saw Su Xin with Marquis Li's wife."

Xiao Qiao looked at Wei Shao as she spoke.