The Prisoner of Beauty

Yanzhou.

In just over a month, their old enemy Zhou Qun arrived first, followed by Zhou Qun’s allied forces.

Yanzhou was besieged by massive armies twice in succession.

Qiao Ping led Qiao Ci and a group of family generals, deploying troops and formations to resist with all their might.

The first time, Zhou Qun was repelled and fled in defeat.

Just as the soldiers and civilians of Yanzhou began to relax, Zhou Qun unexpectedly regrouped his forces and launched another invasion.

This time, he had allied reinforcements, making his momentum even greater than before. He charged straight for Juye, the gateway to Yanzhou, with an unrelenting determination to annihilate Yanzhou.

At the time, Qiao Yue was terrified, convinced that Yanzhou could never again repel the invaders as luckily as they had the last time.

After consulting with his strategist Zhang Pu and others, he proposed submitting to the inevitable—sending a letter of surrender to Xing Xun, pledging allegiance in exchange for peace.

Xing Xun had declared himself emperor the previous year, establishing the Jiang dynasty. His edict had reached all nine provinces, commanding regional warlords and governors to offer tribute and pay homage.

At the time, few responded.

Among the warlords and governors of the land, some feared his tyranny, some were weighing the situation, and others had their own schemes.

Thus, no one openly raised a banner in opposition. But neither did anyone dare to publicly comply, afraid of being branded as traitors.

Yanzhou was no exception.

But the situation escalated rapidly to this point.

Finally buckling under the pressure, Qiao Yue made this decision.

Naturally, Qiao Ping vehemently opposed it.

In Yanzhou, Qiao Ping’s prestige now surpassed even his past standing, and most family generals followed his orders.

Unable to win the argument, and after Qiao Ping informed him that he was acquainted with the Green-Eyed General from Lingbi—who was willing to lead troops to aid in the battle—Qiao Yue was half-skeptical but had no choice but to reluctantly drop the matter.

After several chaotic battles, just yesterday, Zhou Qun’s army was not only utterly crushed, but Zhou Qun himself also perished in the chaos of battle. It was likely that Xing Xun would be unable to launch another attack on Yanzhou in the short term.

The soldiers and civilians of Yanzhou were all elated.

If credit were to be assigned, the Green-Eyed General deserved the foremost recognition.

He moved through thousands of troops as if they were nothing.

Zhou Qun, Yanzhou’s long-standing nemesis, met his end in Juye precisely because, during his retreat, the Green-Eyed General deployed troops to intercept and ultimately kill him.

Without his timely reinforcements, such a glorious victory would have been impossible.

The people of Yanzhou widely praised the Green-Eyed General’s battlefield prowess, eagerly awaiting his triumphant return to catch a glimpse of his heroic bearing.

...

On the day Qiao Ping and his son returned from Juye, they rode into the city to a welcoming crowd lining the streets.

But the legendary Green-Eyed General was nowhere to be seen, much to the people’s disappointment.

Qiao Yue led a group to greet Qiao Ping at the mansion’s entrance to celebrate his victory.

A smile was on his face.

Yet his expression seemed somewhat forced.

After ushering Qiao Ping inside, Qiao Yue asked, “Why didn’t the Green-Eyed General accompany you into the city today? I’ve heard of him before—though he rose from the ranks of refugee leaders, and his origins are humble, heroes should not be judged by their beginnings. Since Yanzhou has benefited from his aid, I ought to thank him in person.”

Qiao Ping invited Qiao Yue into the study, dismissed the attendants, and said, “I was just about to discuss this with you, Elder Brother. To be frank, the Green-Eyed General is no stranger. You know him as well.”

Qiao Yue was puzzled. “Who?”

“Bi Zhi.”

At first, Qiao Yue didn’t react, his face blank with confusion. “Who is Bi Zhi?”

He paused, then suddenly seemed to remember. His eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean… that stable boy from our household who seduced my daughter—Bi Zhi?”

Qiao Ping nodded. “Exactly.”

Qiao Yue froze."Bi Zhi is currently outside the city gates. He wishes to see you, elder brother, to apologize and make amends."

Seeing Qiao Yue remain silent, he continued persuading, "As you yourself said earlier, heroes should not be judged by their origins. It's true Bi Zhi shouldn't have secretly taken my niece away from home, and their marriage without parental consent was improper by ethical standards. But they were truly devoted to each other, and it was a desperate situation at the time. Moreover, now my niece has not only borne a son, giving you, elder brother, a precious grandson, but Bi Zhi himself is no longer what he once was—he commands his own forces and has repeatedly aided our Yanzhou in times of crisis. I hope you can let go of past grievances and accept him. This would bring fortune to both our Qiao family and Yanzhou!"

"He has aided Yanzhou multiple times?"

"Previously, when Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou and the armies faced off at Juye, it was Bi Zhi who appeared in time to rescue Ci'er when she was in danger on the battlefield, allowing her to narrowly escape. At the time, I didn't know our benefactor was Bi Zhi. Later, when I found out, it was inconvenient to explain, so I didn't report it to you immediately. I hope you won't blame me for this."

Qiao Yue felt a wave of irritation and confusion.

This sudden news left him momentarily at a loss.

That lowly horse slave, whom he had wished countless times to capture and grind to dust, had now soared to prominence and returned before him as Yanzhou's benefactor.

Rationally, he knew Qiao Ping made valid points.

In these troubled times, more allies were always better.

Especially considering the horse slave's current strength—he was indeed worth courting.

But the thought of accepting someone who was once his family's servant as a son-in-law filled him with unbearable humiliation.

Seeing Qiao Ping about to persuade him further, he waved his hand impatiently. "You must be tired. Go rest for now. I need time to consider this matter."

Understanding the shock this news had caused, Qiao Ping didn't press further and took his leave.

As soon as Qiao Ping left, Qiao Yue immediately summoned Zhang Pu and recounted everything in detail. Frowning, he asked, "What do you think we should do? Should I acknowledge this Bi Zhi or not?"

Zhang Pu was equally astonished. After some exclamations, he pondered and said, "There's something I must say, though I don't know if you'll permit it."

"Speak freely!"

Zhang Pu first went to the door, checked that no one was around, and securely closed it before returning to whisper, "In my opinion, you must absolutely not allow Bi Zhi into Yanzhou!"

"Why do you say that?"

"As the rightful ruler of Yanzhou, your status is supreme. Yet these past two or three years, whenever Yanzhou is mentioned, people only speak of Duke Qiao Ping of Dongjun—who remembers your name? Even among Yanzhou's populace, seven or eight out of ten think of the Duke first when trouble arises. You are generous and value brotherly bonds, indifferent to worldly fame, but this deeply worries me. If this continues, I fear your position may become untenable!"

Qiao Yue's expression turned peculiar, but he remained silent."It's not that I'm overly suspicious, but there are clear traces to follow. My lord must recall when the lady returned to Dongjun last time. After her departure, the Duke of Dongjun began recruiting soldiers against your objections. Why? While he claimed to you it was for strengthening defenses against external threats, in my view, his intentions likely go far beyond mere defense. Now the effects are beginning to show, and he's brought Bi Zhi back. From your words just now, it's evident the Duke has long had private dealings with Bi Zhi. Though nominally your son-in-law, Bi Zhi is truly the Duke's man. With the Duke already in Yanzhou and now adding Bi Zhi, where will your position stand hereafter? I urge you to reconsider!"

Zhang Pu's words struck directly at the unspoken concern that had weighed on Qiao Yue's mind for years.

A cold sweat broke on his back. "Thank heavens I asked you! I nearly let a wolf into my house! You're absolutely right. Bi Zhi is but a lowly horse groom—how could our Qiao family tolerate such a son-in-law? As for that daughter of mine who abandoned her father and ancestors, I've long considered her dead. With no daughter, how can there be a son-in-law? Only..."

He trailed off.

"My lord, why so troubled?" Zhang Pu observed his expression carefully.

"I'd thought that with my niece married to Wei Shao, Yanzhou would have strong backing. Yet now Wei Shao can barely protect himself, let alone Yanzhou. Our Qiao family and Xing Xun had maintained mutual non-interference. When Xing Xun declared himself emperor, it wasn't only Yanzhou among the nine provinces that didn't respond. That he attacks no one else but sends Zhou Qun against us must be because of our marital alliance with Wei Shao. My younger brother then refused my advice and completely severed relations with Xing Xun. Though we've won two battles by luck, there's no guarantee Xing Xun won't strike again. If I don't accept Bi Zhi now, how will Yanzhou defend itself when Xing Xun attacks next?"

He sighed deeply. "The marriage alliance with the Wei family was meant to gain support, yet now it drags us into trouble, leaving me caught between a rock and a hard place!"

Zhang Pu said, "Your concerns are valid. After proclaiming himself emperor, Xing Xun launched a massive campaign against Wei Shao. Wei Shao was already at a disadvantage, and now with Yue Zhenggong joining Xing Xun's side, it's like adding wings to a tiger. Though the two sides are deadlocked at the old Yellow River course with no decisive outcome yet, anyone can see Wei Shao is doomed—his resistance now is but the last arrow from a spent bow."

Qiao Yue grew increasingly anxious, unable to sit still. He paced the room, sighing heavily.

Watching him, Zhang Pu suddenly said, "My lord needn't despair. There may be an opportunity to reverse our disadvantage."

Qiao Yue stopped and turned. "What opportunity?"

Zhang Pu hurried to the desk and wrote a few characters.

Qiao Yue approached and looked.

"Liu Yan?"

He was astonished.

"Exactly!" Zhang Pu nodded. "That former Langya heir who once received the Qiao family's favor has now been enthroned by the nobles of the land—surely you've heard."

Qiao Yue frowned. "Of course I know. But what of it? How does this concern me?"

Zhang Pu whispered, "To be frank, when Liu Yan resided in Dongjun, I became acquainted with him. Just days ago, he sent me a letter to deliver to you."With that, under Qiao Yue's astonished gaze, he retrieved a yellow silk document from his sleeve and presented it respectfully with both hands.

Qiao Yue hastily took it, unrolled it, and quickly scanned its contents. His thoughts surged so violently that the fingers holding the letter trembled slightly.

Zhang Pu spoke eloquently at his side: "Xing Xun's infamy is widespread. His usurpation of the throne is illegitimate, and the world will inevitably rise against him sooner or later. Liu Yan, however, holds all advantages—timing, geography, and popular support. His civil officials include Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun—all esteemed elder statesmen and renowned ministers. His military boasts governors from various regions who have flocked to his banner, and even Yuan Zhe supports him as emperor, with strong troops and abundant horses. The battle at the Yellow River will undoubtedly be the watershed of the empire's fate. Henceforth, the Nine Provinces will split in two. Xing Xun and Le Zhenggong occupy the rebel capital, while Liu Yan, as the rightful Han emperor, leads the realm. My lord, by opposing Xing Xun for Wei Shao's sake, you have already burned your bridges. Yet Liu Yan, grateful for your rescue, has personally penned this imperial decree, offering you high office and noble rank, awaiting your allegiance. Earlier, I called this an opportunity—does my lord now see the truth in my words?"

As Qiao Yue listened, an unusual gleam gradually lit his eyes. Clasping his hands behind his back, he paced the room excitedly several times before suddenly stopping, hesitating: "But what about my younger brother...?"

"Has my lord forgotten my earlier words? Wei Shao is the Duke of Jun's son-in-law, and the Duke has been secretly undermining you, likely harboring ambitions to replace you. How can you still expect him to stand united with you?"

Qiao Yue's expression darkened. After a long silence, he finally said, "You know as well as I do that times have changed. Without his approval, the family retainers and troops may not obey my commands."

Zhang Pu replied, "I have a strategy to offer. First, my lord should expel Bi Zhi—this is a matter you alone can decide. Even if the Duke objects, he cannot openly oppose it. Once Bi Zhi is gone, my lord can select trusted men to seize the Duke by surprise, then announce publicly that the Duke is gravely ill and unable to govern. Seize his military authority, and Yanzhou will return to your control. Thereafter, whether to ride the wind or brave the storm, it will be entirely at my lord's discretion."

Qiao Yue wavered, unable to decide.

"My lord! Mercy has no place in war, and true ruthlessness makes the man! Have you not learned from past leniency, which cost you your position? Wei Shao is doomed to lose this battle. Once Xing Xun crushes him, his spearhead will turn back to Yanzhou. If my lord hesitates now and misses Liu Yan's protection, Yanzhou's centuries-old foundation may be destroyed overnight! Besides, my lord does not seek the Duke's life—merely his restraint. Why can you not resolve to act?"

Qiao Yue shuddered, then gritted his teeth and nodded firmly. "Very well. I shall follow your counsel!"

Zhang Pu was overjoyed and knelt in salute. "My lord is wise! Liu Yan is a man of great talent and vision, destined to restore the Han dynasty. With your merit in supporting him, wealth and honor will be within easy reach!"

...

On the first day of the third month, the crescent moon hung like a hook.

Across the boundless plains of Muye, the lingering chill of spring still clung to the air, and the heavy snows of the long winter had not fully melted. Yet between the cracks of rocks and crevices, moss had quietly returned to green.

The wind howled day and night over the wilderness, its song no longer carrying the biting cold. If one closed their eyes, they might even catch a whiff of the languid breath of spring.

Though delayed, spring had finally arrived in Muye.Just days after Le Zhenggong withdrew his troops, Xing Xun—who had been locked in a stalemate with Wei Shao for months—could no longer restrain himself. In the dim light of dawn, he divided his forces into three columns and launched a full-scale assault along the old course of the Yellow River, crushing toward the enemy camp with overwhelming momentum.

Wei Shao’s army, already armored and armed, stood ready for battle.

The deep, resonant call of ox horns trembled through the air.

Thus began a battle destined to stain the hills with blood.

The fighting continued intermittently for three days.

Over a thousand years ago, on this very land known as Muye, a war had once raged so fiercely it dimmed the heavens and eclipsed the sun and moon.

After that war, one man had risen as a sage ruler, founding an eight-hundred-year golden age and earning glorious renown.

Another had faded ingloriously from the pages of history.

They say a general’s success is built upon ten thousand bones—how much more so when contending for an empire, for vast lands and rivers?

The war spirits buried beneath this soil, long asleep for over a millennium, seemed now awakened once more by blood and steel, groaning and wailing as they clawed their way from the darkness.

Dragons clashed in the wild, their blood staining earth and sky.

Winds howled, clouds roared, gods and ghosts wept.

Soldiers charged forth with spears, treading upon blades and drinking blood.

Flesh was no longer flesh.

The only thought left was to fight with bloodshot eyes, drenched in gore, gripping weapons in hand, driving war chariots forward beneath the great banners ahead.

Kill, kill, kill!

...

Le Zhenggong led his army across the thawed Yellow River via pontoon bridges, then marched day and night, wishing he could sprout wings to return swiftly to Liangzhou.

As they neared Mount Hua, however, he began to sense something amiss.

There were no traces of any large army having passed through the villages along the way.

When he questioned locals, none had seen any troops recently.

Puzzled, Le Zhenggong hesitated—until his forward scouts galloped back with another message from his eldest son, Le Zhengkai.

The young master reported that after further investigation, the earlier intelligence had proven to be a false alarm. Yang Xin and Guo Quan had led only five thousand men to the pass, bluffing an attack. Days ago, his son had already routed them, eliminating any threat. He urged his father not to divert forces but to focus on defeating Wei Shao.

Le Zhenggong was stunned.

He immediately turned and ordered someone to summon Rong Yan—only to be told the man had vanished without a trace.

At last, the truth dawned on him. He roared in fury, realizing he had been deceived, and commanded his army to turn around and rush back to Muye at full speed.

But it was already too late.

Three days later, while still en route to the Yellow River, he received news that pierced his heart like a blade, leaving him speechless with agony:

On the first day of the third month, Wei Shao had crushed Xing Xun at Muye.

...

At the end of last year, when Xing Xun crossed the Yellow River to begin his northern campaign, he had commanded a vast host of five hundred thousand men.

Now, after the Battle of Muye, that force had been reduced to ashes.

By the time he fled back to Luoyang, his remaining troops numbered fewer than one hundred thousand.

The rest were dead, wounded, scattered, or surrendered.

Wei Shao had won.

Not only had he defeated the Great Jiang Emperor—he had also outmaneuvered Le Zhenggong himself.

Seated atop his yellow-maned steed, Le Zhenggong stared wide-eyed toward Muye north of the Yellow River, silent for a long time.

He seemed to have turned to stone.

His son Le Zhengjun and his generals knelt before his horse, uneasy and uncertain.

Never in his life had Le Zhengjun seen his father wear such a strange expression—one of grief, fury, something between weeping and laughter.Even after suffering the most crushing defeats in the past, he had never appeared as intimidating as he did at this moment.

"Father—"

He tentatively called out.

Yuezheng Gong finally snapped out of his daze.

He withdrew his gaze from the northern horizon.

"Return to Hanzhong."

He issued the command in a calm tone before turning his horse around and slowly riding forward.

After advancing a dozen paces, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, toppled from his saddle, and fainted on the spot.

...

In the late spring of Yuyang, gentle breezes carried warmth, grass flourished, and orioles flitted among the trees.

All things thrived in vibrant life.

At dawn, when the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window of the birthing chamber, the crisp cry of a newborn filled the air—Xiao Qiao had safely delivered her child.

...

Last November, Wei Shao had led his troops to the Yellow River. Not long after, once Xiao Qiao's pregnancy had stabilized, she made a smooth journey back to Yuyang.

During the waiting period before childbirth, she gradually received updates on Wei Shao's battles along the Yellow River.

Regarding the war reports, Madam Xu never withheld anything from her, whether the news was good or bad, simply because she was pregnant.

Since her man was destined never to settle for mediocrity, then as his wife, she must always be prepared to bear the consequences—be they favorable or dire.

Although Madam Xu had never explicitly said so, Xiao Qiao understood this point well.

This was likely wisdom the elderly lady had gained from her own life experiences.

Xiao Qiao felt deeply grateful for this.

Because she too wanted to know.

For the first time in her life, together with the child in her womb, she seemed to accompany Wei Shao through this extraordinary, prolonged war.

From initial setbacks to gradual reversals, until finally, their forces reached Luoyang.

Once Luoyang was taken, Wei Shao would return.

And when he returned, he would be greeted by their newborn daughter.

......

Madam Xu carefully took the tiny, swaddled bundle from the midwife's hands, gazing long at the little face with eyes still tightly shut.

Though freshly separated from her mother, the infant already possessed long lashes, jet-black birth hair, and delicate skin that glowed like fine jade in the morning sunlight.

"What a lovely, beautiful child!"

Madam Xu cradled her, murmuring joyfully with genuine delight in her voice.

"In ancient Mount Huo, there was a spiritual beast called Fei Fei. Raising it could dispel one's sorrows. Let this child's pet name be Fei Fei."

Madam Xu said to Xiao Qiao with a smile.

Author's note: The name of Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao's daughter comes from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. The original text reads: "Mount Huo has many paper mulberry trees. There is a beast there, shaped like a wildcat with a white tail and mane, called Fei Fei. Raising it can relieve worries."

^_^