The Prisoner of Beauty

Xiao Qiao tilted her face slightly upward, gazing absentmindedly at the birds perched on the branch for a moment.

Behind her on the bed, Wei Shao drowsily reached out, groping the space beside him.

His hand met empty air.

His eyelids fluttered slightly before suddenly snapping open as he bolted upright with a start.

The corner of the quilt that Xiao Qiao had pulled over his shoulder slid down along his chest, pooling against the contours of his abdominal muscles.

He threw off the covers, about to leap out of bed, when he caught sight of Xiao Qiao's backlit silhouette standing by the small window.

He paused.

And stopped.

Xiao Qiao turned her head.

Their eyes met.

"Come here."

Wei Shao looked at her as he spoke, his voice slightly hoarse.

Xiao Qiao closed the window and returned to his side.

He took her hand and gave a slight tug.

Xiao Qiao stumbled forward and was pulled into his embrace.

"Last night I was very happy. You were happy too, weren't you?" Wei Shao looked down at her and asked.

Resting against his shoulder, Xiao Qiao gazed up at his eyes—still faintly bloodshot—that seemed to be scrutinizing her.

As she hesitated, her lips just parting to respond, Wei Shao suddenly appeared to change his mind about hearing her answer.

He lowered his head and sealed her mouth with a kiss.

...

It was nearly noon when the door finally opened.

Chun Niang had already dried and pressed the clothes Wei Shao had removed the previous night, delivering them inside.

The two rose, had a simple meal, and then left the posthouse to return to Xindu.

Wei Shao asked Xiao Qiao to wait for him a few more days. After meeting with the envoy from Marquis of Jibei, Guo Quan, he would return to Yuyang with her.

...

Since becoming Chancellor, Xing Xun had been honored by the young Emperor Liu Tong as "Imperial Father Chancellor," enjoying supreme status. Not only did he treat the imperial palace as his own residence, coming and going in carriages resembling the emperor's, summoning the Three Excellencies and Imperial Secretaries as if they were his household servants—but now, having grown too lazy to go to the palace, he ordered court officials to discuss state affairs directly before him.

People nowadays said there were two courts in Luoyang: one at the Palace of Eternal Years within the imperial palace, and the other at the Imperial Father's Lotus Terrace.

The Lotus Terrace derived its name from Xing Xun's extravagant villa built in the eastern suburbs of Luoyang—a sprawling complex of lofty pavilions with carved balustrades and jade inlays. At the center of its garden lake stood a towering lotus-shaped pavilion with jade steps gilded in gold thread. Within its walls accumulated not only gold and jewels—hoarding the wealth of the realm—but also housed beauties like Xing Xun's personal harem.

Su Ehuang had enjoyed widespread fame since marrying into Luoyang over a decade ago.

Back when Xing Xun was still a provincial inspector outside Luoyang, he had heard of the reputation of Madam Yulou of the capital.

Beyond her beauty, he'd also heard of her destiny.

After Xing Xun entered Luoyang with his powerful army, eliminating rivals and stabilizing the political situation, his first act was to summon Su Ehuang to a palace banquet.

At that time she was still the wife of the Duke of Zuopingyi.

Xing Xun desired her and sought every covert opportunity to have his way.

How could Su Ehuang fail to recognize Xing Xun's intentions toward her?

She was an intelligent woman—one especially well-versed in the baser nature of men.

Throughout her life, she could be said to have never failed in her dealings with men.

The only exception thus far was Wei Shao—but that came later.

She knew of Xing Xun's lustful pursuit.

That a man wielding such overwhelming power at court should be infatuated with her naturally stirred some vanity in her heart.

Yet she had no intention of letting him succeed.

A man who obtains a woman too easily will never hold her in his heart.

Though Xing Xun held great authority, he had only recently entered Luoyang at that time.

Su Ehuang was a member of the imperial clan.

However weakened the Han dynasty might be, if she refused to submit, Xing Xun truly couldn't storm the Duke of Zuopingyi's residence to abduct her.

After half a year of this ambiguous dance, Liu Li died. Su Ehuang became a new widow.

Three days later, Xing Xun secretly sent someone to escort her to the Lotus Terrace.

Even then, she still looked down on Xing Xun.

The man who occupied her thoughts was far away in Youzhou.To win that man once more, she had schemed in secret for so long—how could she resign herself to the Lotus Terrace now?

Taking advantage of Xing Xun’s campaign at the Si River, she returned to Zhongshan under the pretense of mourning.

Two years had passed since her departure, and now, upon her return, even though noblewomen abounded in Luoyang, none could overshadow Madam Yulou’s radiance.

…

Amidst the debauchery of the Lotus Terrace, after the grand feast, Xing Xun indulged with Su Ehuang in the inner chamber.

Once finished, Xing Xun sprawled on the bed, snoring thunderously.

The chamber was opulent, and the beauty’s raven hair cascaded like clouds.

Su Ehuang’s eyes flashed with disgust as she shoved aside Xing Xun’s bloated form and rose from the bed. She seated herself before the mirror, staring intently at her reflection.

Half of her face was concealed by a golden mask, crafted at great expense by a master artisan. It covered the bridge of her nose, secured by soft straps fastened behind her head—exquisite and immovable.

Unless she undid the straps herself, not even in sleep would it loosen.

After studying herself for a moment, her gaze drifted to Xing Xun’s figure reflected in the mirror. Lost in thought, she finally returned to the bed and let out a startled cry, shaking him violently.

Roused from deep slumber, Xing Xun scowled in irritation. “What is all this noise, Madam?”

Su Ehuang gasped in alarm. “Just now, in my dream, I saw a golden light suddenly descend from the rafters, heading straight for Your Excellency! Fearing ill intent, I cried out—but then the light circled above your head several times before transforming into a dragon! It coiled and soared back through the rafters, vanishing toward the eastern outskirts! Startled awake, I disturbed Your Excellency. Forgive me!”

Xing Xun’s displeasure faded as sleep fled him. He sat up. “Truly?”

Su Ehuang replied, “How would I dare lie before Your Excellency?”

Xing Xun fell into thought.

Su Ehuang knelt. “The dream was vivid—as if I witnessed it with my own eyes! My heart trembles still. Why not send someone to the eastern outskirts to investigate?”

Xing Xun agreed and dispatched men at once. By dawn, they returned with news: an ancient tortoise shell had been unearthed in the eastern wilds, inscribed with nine large characters: Sun upon the mountain, walking fortune, king under heaven. The shell had been reverently placed in a jeweled casket and brought for his inspection.

Xing Xun immediately summoned his trusted followers to the Lotus Terrace. As the crowd marveled at the discovery, his secretary Feng Yi declared, “ Sun upon the mountain, walking fortune —this forms the character ‘Xun,’ matching Your Excellency’s name! This is a divine omen, proclaiming Your Excellency’s destiny to rule the realm!”

The censor Zang Chang added, “The Han dynasty’s mandate is exhausted. The people suffer, and discontent fills the land. Were it not for Your Excellency’s tireless efforts, the empire would have crumbled long ago. With your merit in upholding the realm, and last year’s victory over Yuan Zhe, all hearts now turn to you. You must heed Heaven’s will and ascend the throne!”

The others echoed in fervent agreement.

Though Xing Xun already enjoyed supreme prestige—even the child emperor Liu Tong revered him as “Imperial Father,” and when he entered the palace, the young ruler would stand trembling at his side while he sat—it still fell short of the satisfaction of proclaiming himself emperor. The thought of usurpation had long stirred in his heart, yet caution had held him back.

Now, with this heavenly sign and unanimous urging from his followers, his resolve hardened. He kept Feng Yi, Zang Chang, and other confidants behind to discuss plans for his enthronement, stirring momentum for the grand occasion.

Late that night, Xing Xun visited Su Ehuang again. Reaching to remove her butterfly mask, he was stopped as she smiled coyly. “Has Your Excellency forgotten? I once told you—last year, I consulted a mystic about my fate. He said I was born under a noble star, but the Twin Orchid Towers obstructed my fortune, leaving me widowed. Only the metal of the five elements could break this curse—hence this golden mask. If Your Excellency removes it, would you not shatter my luck?”Su Nu concealed herself meticulously. Although Xing Xun harbored some suspicions, he was half-convinced by her excuse. However, the legend of Su Nu being born with extraordinary signs had long been deeply rooted, and coupled with her dream prophecy last night, which aided his affairs today, Xing Xun naturally did not insist on removing her veil. Instead, he found this half-hidden, half-revealed demeanor all the more mysterious and alluring. He burst into laughter and said, "Madam, you truly are a marvel. Only after meeting you have I realized that all the women I’ve dallied with before are unworthy of mention! If I become emperor one day, I will surely welcome you into my harem, so as not to waste your fate of being born with extraordinary signs!"

Su Nu replied, "Thank you for your generous favor, Prime Minister. Yet I worry that although you now have heaven-sent auspicious signs, the feudal lords may not submit willingly. Especially Wei Shao in the north—how could he ever bow his head in submission?"

At the mention of Wei Shao, Xing Xun flew into a rage: "That brat Wei Shao! Last New Year’s Day, when all the lords came to pay homage, he alone was absent! This year, he drove Feng Zhao to seize Liangzhou—such arrogance! Does he truly think I can’t deal with him? Once my grand affairs are settled, I will personally lead an army to conquer Youzhou!"

Su Nu said, "The Prime Minister truly has the bearing of a great man! I, Ehuang, admire you deeply and shall await the day you unify the realm, your might extending in all directions! Wei Shao is ambitious—he married the Qiao girl of Yanzhou to use Yanzhou as a stepping stone for his future southern ambitions. If you attack Wei Shao, you must also strike Yanzhou, killing two birds with one stone and cutting off his retreat!"

Xing Xun glanced at her. "I’ve heard that you and Wei Shao had some past connection in your early years. Why do you now hate him so bitterly?"

Su Nu replied, "We merely met a few times as children—hardly any connection to speak of. Since he opposes you, he is my enemy as well."

Xing Xun said, "Good! When I ascend to the throne, I will surely elevate you!"

Su Nu smiled. "Thank you for your boundless grace, Your Majesty."

Xing Xun laughed heartily, then suddenly remembered something. "Yuan Zhe’s adopted son, Ding Qu, defected to my camp last year and once told me that Wei Shao’s wife possesses rare beauty, capable of captivating any man who lays eyes on her. I heard that Chen Xiang’s loss of Bingzhou began when his son tried to seize Wei Shao’s wife, provoking Wei Shao to attack Shiyi and reclaim the Qiao girl. That brat Wei Shao certainly enjoys good fortune. Since you knew him, have you seen the Qiao girl? Compared to you, who is more beautiful?"

Su Nu gave a coquettish smile. "How could I compare to Wei Shao’s wife? As for how beautiful the Qiao girl truly is, seeing her with your own eyes would surpass any description."

Xing Xun grew lost in thought, his heart itching with desire. He wished he could seize the Qiao girl immediately and hide her away in his lotus pavilion—both to vent his hatred by making Wei Shao taste the humiliation of losing his wife and to witness firsthand the beauty that drove Chen Xiang to abandon Shiyi, which he had held for decades, leading to his utter defeat and the surrender of his vast domain.

...

Wei Shao returned to Xindu with Xiao Qiao that evening.

Gongsun Yang was waiting for him at Xindu Palace.

Though his expression showed little abnormality, it was clear something had happened.

Wei Shao first escorted Xiao Qiao back to Sheyang Residence before heading to his study. "What is it, Master?" he asked.

What awaited him was news he had never anticipated.

Gongsun Yang said, "A swift courier arrived during the day with a report—the Prince of Langya, Liu Yan, has allied with the Donghai Kingdom to attack Xuzhou. Xue An, desperate to protect his territory, hastily withdrew his troops..."

For a moment, Wei Shao’s thoughts were still elsewhere.

The Prince of Langya, Liu Yan?

Finally, he snapped back to reality and abruptly turned to Gongsun Yang.Gongsun Yang's tone grew increasingly cautious: "According to our scouts, Liu Yan personally went to Lingbi afterward, suspected of intending to recruit Bi Zhi."

Author's note: The previous chapter was locked, forcing me to delete and modify a section of the original content. To compensate for the deleted word count, I've added a segment at the end that originally belonged to this chapter.

Personally, I believe the deleted content shouldn't have been removed, so I've posted it on my Weibo account. You can find it there. My Weibo ID is Mountain Penglai Guest.