The Prisoner of Beauty

Luoyang.

On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the Year of Bing Shen, the Grand Astrologer declared it an auspicious day, favorable for all endeavors.

The night before, the Lotus Terrace was ablaze with lights as Xing Xun summoned the court officials loyal to him for an all-night discussion.

Seated high upon the dais, Xing Xun cast a proud and triumphant gaze over the assembly. Below, his subordinates held their edicts at the ready, their faces brimming with joy as they eagerly awaited news.

Soon, the Commandant of the Guards, Gao Zhun, hurried in and knelt to present a yellow silk scroll.

Unfurled, it revealed the abdication edict of the young Emperor Liu Tong, who claimed to be unworthy of the exalted throne and wished to emulate the ancient sages by yielding the imperial seat to Xing Xun. The decree bore the imperial seal, proclaiming it to the realm.

Gao Zhun further reported that at the auspicious hour the next day, after the officials had assembled in the Hall of Eternal Spring, the young Emperor would personally escort Xing Xun to the throne and read the abdication edict aloud.

At these words, cheers erupted in the Lotus Terrace. The assembled officials knelt one after another, offering congratulations with the reverence due to an emperor.

Xing Xun, swelling with pride, accepted their homage with delight. Amid the chorus of flattery, however, he noticed the court advisor Zhu Zeng standing motionless, his expression seemingly hesitant.

Zhu Zeng was an old strategist who had long supported Xing Xun, offering counsel and aiding his rise from Henan to Luoyang. While everyone else celebrated, his refusal to kneel displeased Xing Xun, who demanded an explanation.

Zhu Zeng replied, "It is not that Your Excellency is unfit to be emperor, but the timing is not yet right! Though the Han dynasty wanes, it has not been tyrannical. Your Excellency already holds the highest ministerial rank—to suddenly seize the throne would invite widespread condemnation and alienate the people. But my greater concern is Wei Shao in the north. As long as he remains, Your Excellency’s hidden peril persists. I know you also wish to crush Wei Shao. Why not issue a proclamation, accusing him of treason, and rally the nobles under the Han Emperor’s name to march against him? If you wage war as the Han Emperor’s representative, Wei Shao’s resistance would brand him a rebel before the battle even begins. But if you ascend the throne first, you grant Wei Shao the righteous cause of ‘defending the emperor,’ allowing him to openly rally the realm against you!"

Xing Xun frowned. "Why do you dampen my joy with such words? The unworthy yielding to the worthy is only natural. The Emperor himself admits his inadequacy—why should I not take the throne? I command half a million troops and dozens of fierce generals, enough to halt a river with whips. Should I fear a mere boy like Wei Shao? Last month, auspicious omens appeared in the eastern suburbs of Luoyang, foretelling a new ruler—fitting my name! When Heaven bestows a gift, to refuse it invites calamity!"

Zhu Zeng persisted, "I do not speak lightly. The so-called omens last month are dubious. The Su woman harbors ulterior motives—Your Excellency must not be swayed by a woman’s deceit, lest you regret it too late!"

A seasoned warlord, Xing Xun was not one to blindly believe in omens and dreams. But his burning ambition for the throne, coupled with Su Ehuang’s timely "divine dream" that aligned with his desires—like offering a pillow to a drowsy man—had turned his half-hearted skepticism into near conviction.

Enraged, Xing Xun bellowed, "How dare you! What is your true intent? Were it not for your years of service, I would punish you severely! My decision is final—any further dissent will be met with execution!"

At this, his officials paled, casting reproachful glances at Zhu Zeng.

Zhu Zeng begged forgiveness and withdrew, his heart heavy with despair.Reflecting on Xing Xun, he was no longer the talent-utilizing figure he had been when he first entered Luoyang. Now arrogant and self-important, he surrounded himself only with sycophants, trusting none but the likes of Feng Yi, Zang Chang, Feng Zhao, and Ding Qu—all petty men. Eager to force the young emperor to abdicate and seize the throne himself, his impending battle with Wei Shao loomed large. Assessing the situation, it seemed defeat was already certain.

Zhu Zeng returned to his residence, troubled in heart. At dawn, he received secret intelligence that Xing Xun, persuaded by Su Nu, had ordered his arrest and execution. Stricken with terror, he fled through the southern city gate—fortunately, he had no family in Luoyang to worry about. Initially intending to seek refuge with Wei Shao, the thought of the latter’s ruthless methods against enemies sent a chill down his spine. After some hesitation, he turned instead toward Hanzhong, deciding to pledge allegiance to Marquis Lezhenggong of Hanzhong.

…

Xiao Qiao was now four months into her pregnancy, suffering severe morning sickness to the point where even a sip of water made her nauseous. She spent most of her days resting in bed, but thankfully, Chun Niang was there to care for her. Half a month prior, Zhong Ao had also arrived in Xindu from Yuyang.

Zhong Ao relayed that Madam Xu was overjoyed at the happy news and had specifically sent her to assist Chun Niang in attending to Xiao Qiao, urging her to rest well and focus on her health.

With the two women tending to her meticulously and Wei Shao doting on her—treating her as if she might break at any moment—Xiao Qiao, despite her physical discomfort, remained in good spirits. Though military affairs were gradually demanding more of Wei Shao’s time, he made sure to return whenever possible to stay by her side. She had written to her father in Yanzhou, informing him of her pregnancy.

During the day, a messenger from Yanzhou arrived, delivering a reply from her father.

Qiao Ping expressed immense delight, urging her to take care of her health. He mentioned that Qiao Ci was currently occupied with military drills and that he would share the good news upon his return.

He also assured her that all was well at home, advising her not to worry and to maintain harmony with her husband.

Xiao Qiao read her father’s letter several times over.

Though constrained by the brevity of written words, her father’s mention of her brother’s military training hinted that their earlier discussions about strengthening Yanzhou’s defenses had not been abandoned.

Her initial advice to her father had been driven by the desire to avoid complacency—like sparrows nesting in a burning hall, oblivious to impending disaster.

Now, with Wei Shao’s assurances, though her wariness hadn’t entirely dissipated, she felt much more at ease than before.

Still, Xiao Qiao believed Yanzhou ought to strengthen itself.

In such turbulent times, only with a powerful army could one have room to maneuver when faced with aggression, regardless of the source.

It was far better than constantly relying on others for aid.

Reading her father’s seemingly offhand remark brought her a sense of reassurance.

Having napped through the afternoon, she felt refreshed by evening and rose to pen a reply to her father.

After finishing the letter, she noticed the sky had darkened—winter was approaching, and the days grew shorter. By mid-evening, it was already night. Chun Niang entered to light the lamps.

Zhong Ao directed two maids to bring in the dinner tray, placing it on the couch with a smile as she invited Xiao Qiao to eat.

Xiao Qiao asked about Wei Shao.

She inquired because, though he had been busier lately, he usually returned by this hour.

Since becoming pregnant, she had been eating six or seven small meals a day, making an early dinner unappealing. Thus, for the past while, they had been dining together upon his return.

But today, there was still no sign of him.

Zhong Ao said, “The Lord sent word earlier that he would be delayed and asked you to dine without waiting for him.”

Since Wei Shao had specifically sent a message, it was likely he was occupied with urgent matters.Xiao Qiao decided not to wait any longer and had her meal alone. Afraid of vomiting again, she stood briefly in the room to aid digestion before Chun Niang urged her to lie down.

Wei Shao was late in returning.

Since becoming pregnant, aside from morning sickness, Xiao Qiao had also been prone to drowsiness.

Her days passed in a daze. Lying in bed, she drifted between sleep and waiting for Wei Shao, eventually succumbing to slumber.

When she awoke, the room was silent, and she had no idea what time it was.

Without opening her eyes, she sensed the presence of a warm body beside her and knew Wei Shao was in bed.

Feeling his fingers brush against her cheek, she let out a soft, sleepy murmur, stretching like a cat before wrapping her arms around his shoulders and nestling against his chest. Still keeping her eyes closed, she mumbled, "Husband, when did you return?"

"A while ago," he replied.

Only then did Xiao Qiao open her eyes. Propping herself up on one arm, she glanced at the water clock in the room and was startled to see it was already the hour of Wei in the dead of night.

Turning back to Wei Shao, she asked, "It’s so late—why aren’t you asleep?"

Wei Shao didn’t answer, simply gazing at her face.

After her nap, her cheeks were flushed, radiating an unconscious allure—soft, fragrant, and bewitching like peach blossoms swaying in spring.

And tonight, his blood had already been boiling with restless energy.

Suppressing the urge to indulge in her warmth, he gently laid her back on the pillow, resting his palm over her slightly rounded belly. With a faint smile, he asked, "Did the little one trouble you much today?"

Xiao Qiao shook her head against the pillow. "I slept most of the day, so it was better."

Meeting his gaze, she asked, "Did something happen? You’re back so late."

Moreover, she sensed something different in the way he was looking at her.

"Manman, for the next while, I won’t be able to stay by your side or our little one’s," Wei Shao said, his eyes fixed on her.

Xiao Qiao froze. She almost blurted out "Why?" but caught herself.

"Are we going to war again?" she whispered instead.

"Xing Xun has usurped the throne and declared himself emperor. He’s gathered an army, boasting five hundred thousand men, and plans to cross the Yellow River northward to attack us."

Wei Shao’s tone was calm as he spoke, but in the depths of his dark eyes, Xiao Qiao detected a flicker of excitement—like a beast catching the scent of blood.

Xiao Qiao was stunned.

She knew a decisive battle would come between Wei Shao and Xing Xun.

This would be a cataclysmic clash, one that would roar through the heavens and determine the fate of the realm.

The victor would undoubtedly surge forward toward claiming the empire, unstoppable in their momentum.

Just as she had foreseen in her dreams of the past life.

She already knew the outcome.

But unlike in her dreams, Xing Xun’s usurpation and the great war he launched from Luoyang—this pivotal struggle against Wei Shao for the key to the empire—had arrived far sooner than expected.

Years ahead of schedule, it had descended upon them abruptly, at a moment she hadn’t anticipated.

...

Xindu became Wei Shao’s temporary wartime command center for intercepting and countering the invasion.

The atmosphere over the city grew tense.

Days later, the common folk finally noticed the endless stream of armored generals arriving from all directions, their expressions grave.

Uneasy murmurs spread—was another war on the horizon?

The people’s suspicions were correct.

Li Dian, Li Chong, Zhang Jian, Wei Liang...Within a few days, Wei Shao's battle-hardened generals received the summons. After making arrangements for the rear defense, they swiftly converged on Xindu from Youzhou, Bingzhou, and other regions.

The army began moving south in waves, deploying along the northern bank of the Yellow River.

From dawn till dusk, even in the dead of night, messenger horses raced like lightning through Xindu's four gates, delivering reports and intelligence.

The council hall in Xindu's palace remained brightly lit late into the night, often until daybreak.

There, Wei Shao strategized with his advisors, generals, logistics officers, and supply commanders regarding countermeasures and battle plans.

They had long prepared for this great war.

Though the atmosphere was tense, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Only Wei Shao became exceptionally busy overnight.

Xiao Qiao could no longer see him during the day.

He always returned very late at night.

Sometimes, having just lain down in the early morning hours, he would be summoned away again by urgent news from the Yellow River front.

Half a month later, at the end of the eleventh month, Wei Shao finalized his battle strategy.

They would establish their main camp at Liyang Crossing north of the Yellow River, building fortifications. Gaotang and Fanjin would form pincer positions, while Huangchi two hundred li southwest would serve as the supply depot. There they would construct defensive lines and prepare to intercept Xing Xun's forces north of the Yellow River for the decisive battle.

In three days, he would depart Xindu to lead the army to Liyang.

On that same day, Xiao Qiao received a letter from Madam Xu.

Madam Xu's letter was brief, containing just one sentence:

"On behalf of Grandmother, send Shao Er off to war."

Author's note: Next chapter tomorrow at noon. ^_^