The Prisoner of Beauty

Since the outbreak of war between Wei Shao and Xing Xun at the end of last year, this battle for supremacy along the Yellow River basin had become the focal point for all the feudal lords and city governors across the land.

Scouts traveled back and forth along the highways in all directions, delivering the latest intelligence to their masters with utmost speed.

Among them, Qiao Ping paid even closer attention to this conflict.

Although Wei Shao had never once addressed him as father-in-law—even now, long after his daughter's marriage, Qiao Ping's impression of this son-in-law was still pieced together from fragmented accounts by others—deep in his heart, he had unwittingly begun to feel a sense of kinship with this man he had never met.

In his frequent correspondence with his daughter over the past year, whenever she mentioned this man, her tone had gradually shifted from mere formal address to something more nuanced, subtly laced with personal emotion.

Qiao Ping was a man of both literary and military prowess, accomplished not only in warfare but also in poetry and prose, and he cherished his daughter deeply. His perception was far more delicate than that of most fathers.

Even without explicit words from his daughter, he could sense between the lines that she had come to accept this man as her husband. Moreover, she was now expecting a child.

Naturally, he followed the developments of the war closely.

He dispatched scouts, and every few days, the latest updates on the battle would arrive in Dongjun without fail. But this time, after returning from the Juye campaign, the most recent news he had was still from half a month ago: due to severe weather, Wei Shao and Xing Xun's allied northern expedition forces remained locked in stalemate along the old course of the Yellow River, with Wei Shao at a disadvantage.

Both the content of this report and the prolonged absence of his scouts left Qiao Ping uneasy. He sent out new scouts immediately.

As he anxiously awaited fresh updates, the day happened to mark Qiao Ping's fortieth birthday. He had no intention of celebrating, but Qiao Yue insisted on holding a grand banquet at the governor's residence, both to honor his birthday and to celebrate their victory at Juye. Fine wine was distributed to reward the troops.

That evening, the Qiao family's generals and retainers gathered in the banquet hall. Cups clinked merrily, and the atmosphere was jubilant. Before the feast concluded, many had already drunk themselves into stupor and were carried out.

Amid the revelry, only Qiao Ci sat silently, drowning his sorrows in wine. Zhang Pu sidled up with a grin. "The victory in battle is cause for celebration, and tonight marks the lord's birthday—we should drink until we drop! Why so glum, young master?"

Qiao Ci ignored him completely.

Noticing the eyes turning his way, Zhang Pu felt slightly awkward but feigned nonchalance. "I bring good news that will surely delight you," he continued with a cough. "Left Capital Marquis Wang Ba, a pillar of the Han court, has a daughter of marriageable age—beautiful and virtuous. Hearing of your heroic deeds, the marquis wishes to propose a match—"

The hall had grown quiet. Before he could finish, Qiao Ci slammed his wine cup onto the table with a loud crack. "Who do you think you are?" he sneered. "Though my mother has passed, my father lives. Since when do you decide my marital affairs?"

Silence fell over the banquet hall.

Zhang Pu flushed with embarrassment and glanced toward Qiao Yue.Qiao Yue's expression darkened slightly. "Ci'er, how disrespectful! How can you speak like this? This was my idea. You've reached marriageable age and are the sole heir of our Qiao family. It's time to consider your marriage!"

Qiao Ping quickly interjected, "Elder brother, I appreciate your kindness on Ci'er's behalf. However, the daughter of the Left Capital Marquis is likely beyond our reach. It would be best to decline the Left Capital Marquis's generous offer. Moreover, tonight is a rare gathering for all of us, and this isn't the appropriate time to discuss such matters. Let everyone enjoy the feast!"

Qiao Ping was well aware that while he was engaged in fierce battle with Zhou Qun at Juye, Liu Yan had been proclaimed emperor by remnants of the Han dynasty in Langya, establishing the Zhengguang era. Claiming the legitimate Han imperial authority, he issued edicts summoning regional lords to rally against the rebellious court in Luoyang, seeking to restore the Han dynasty's glory.

At that time, figures like Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun had been vigorously promoting this cause, their voices shaking the rafters.

Thus, when he suddenly heard of Wang Ba's marriage proposal, he was taken aback and instinctively rejected it.

Qiao Yue looked unconvinced and was about to speak again when Qiao Ci suddenly stood up and said bluntly, "Uncle, my marriage isn't urgent—there's plenty of time to discuss it later. What I want to ask is why you refuse to acknowledge the Green-Eyed General, who has shown great kindness to Yanzhou. Putting aside the past, during this second invasion of Yanzhou, had it not been for the Green-Eyed General's assistance, who knows what state Yanzhou would be in today? Yet you turn a blind eye and refuse to accept him. I truly cannot understand it!"

During the Battle of Juye, the Green-Eyed General had displayed awe-inspiring prowess, and it was through his strategies that Zhou Qun met his end. The Qiao family's generals were all deeply impressed, yet Qiao Yue still refused to accept him. Out of respect for Qiao Yue's position, none dared to speak up, though privately, many were puzzled.

Now that Qiao Ci had voiced what they were thinking, everyone turned their eyes to Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue remained silent, his face still grim.

Zhang Pu, standing nearby, said, "Young Master, how can you speak to your lord with such disrespect? Bi Zhi was once nothing more than a runaway slave of the Qiao family. That our lord hasn't punished him is already an act of mercy. To accept him now would only invite ridicule!"

"I only know that heroes are made by circumstance! To reject such a hero, judging him by his origins instead of his merits—no wonder Yanzhou has fallen to such a state that we must rely on offering women to others for protection!" Qiao Ci sneered.

His words instantly froze the atmosphere.

Qiao Yue's expression darkened further.

"Outrageous! The older you get, the more you disrespect your elders! To openly defy me over a mere horse slave!" Qiao Yue slammed the table in anger, his voice sharp.

Qiao Ping, too, was at a loss regarding his elder brother's stubborn refusal to acknowledge Bi Zhi as a son-in-law. He could only try to persuade him slowly over time.

Knowing that his son, having just bid farewell to Bi Zhi, was in low spirits and thus spoke defiantly, Qiao Ping couldn't bring himself to scold him harshly. He merely stood and said, "Ci'er has had too much to drink. You should retire for the night."

Qiao Ci shot Zhang Pu a fierce glare before rising from his seat and striding out of the banquet hall.

Qiao Ping said, "Brother, please don't take offense. Ci'er owes his life to the Green-Eyed General, and during Yanzhou's crisis, the general provided invaluable aid. Seeing that he wasn't even allowed through the gates of Dongjun, and having drunk a few cups, Ci'er must have spoken out of frustration. I'll talk to him properly later."

Qiao Yue's expression remained stormy.

Seeing this, the generals realized the banquet was unlikely to continue smoothly. Moreover, most were already quite drunk, so they rose one after another, supporting each other as they dispersed, each going their separate ways.Only Qiao Yue, Qiao Ping, and Zhang Pu remained in the hall of longevity.

Zhang Pu coughed and gave Qiao Yue a meaningful glance.

Qiao Yue finally managed a forced smile and said, "Enough, enough. As an elder, how could I hold a grudge against a child like Ci?"

Qiao Ping expressed his gratitude.

Concerned about his son's angry departure earlier, he said, "It's getting late. I noticed you drank quite a bit earlier, brother. Perhaps we should call it a night and rest."

Qiao Yue replied, "Wait, second brother. You've been busy, and it's been a long time since we had the chance to sit and drink like this. Let me take this opportunity to toast you first."

Zhang Pu picked up a wine jug from his table, filled Qiao Ping's cup, and presented it with both hands.

Qiao Yue raised his cup and said, "Our great victory at Juye was all thanks to your efforts, second brother. I toast to you—I'll drink first to show my respect."

Qiao Ping was taken aback but quickly accepted the cup and drained it.

Zhang Pu refilled his cup.

"I know my own mediocrity," Qiao Yue continued. "All these years, you've shouldered the burdens inside and out, and it's only because of your hard work that Yanzhou has reached this point today. While I am gratified, I can't help but feel ashamed of my own idleness. This second cup—I drink first to honor you!"

Though the two brothers often clashed due to differing views, Qiao Ping was moved by his elder brother's sincerity. Reflecting on the struggles and relentless effort he had poured into their cause, now finally bearing fruit, he bowed and said, "Brother, you humble me too much. Without your tolerance, what could I have achieved alone? It is I who should toast you."

With that, he drank again.

Qiao Yue seemed equally moved and raised a third cup. "Excellent. From now on, if we brothers stand united, what can we not accomplish?"

Qiao Ping nodded and drained his cup once more.

After three rounds, as Qiao Ping prepared to take his leave, Qiao Yue spoke again, "Wait. There's one more thing I must discuss with you."

"Please go ahead, elder brother."

"To be frank, I have decided that Yanzhou will pledge allegiance to the Han Emperor and sever ties completely with the traitor Xing Xun!"

Qiao Ping was shocked. "Liu Yan? Such a major decision—why wasn’t it mentioned beforehand?"

Qiao Yue replied leisurely, "What do you mean by that? Must I seek your approval for everything I do?"

Anxiety surged in Qiao Ping’s chest. The wine he had just consumed seemed to churn violently in his stomach, burning his heart and lungs. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead and back in an instant.

"That’s not what I meant! Breaking with Xing Xun is necessary, but pledging to Liu Yan—please reconsider, brother! The situation in the realm remains unstable, and Yanzhou can still maintain its independence for now. In my view, we should observe first and not rashly submit to Langya!"

Qiao Yue snorted. "Second brother, do you think I don’t know what’s in your heart? You’re still clinging to the hope of relying on Wei Shao, dreaming of sharing his spoils in the future. Let me advise you—abandon such futile hopes! Wei Shao is now trapped by the allied forces of Xing Xun and Le Zhenggong at the old Yellow River course. His defeat is certain—he can’t even protect himself. How can you expect him to shelter the Qiao family later? Liu Yan is the rightful Han Emperor, and the hearts of the people turn to him. Need I mention others? Even Yuan Zhe has openly declared his support! The Emperor’s grace is vast. Our Qiao family has served loyally for generations, governing this land. Now, by aligning with the tide of history and supporting Liu Yan, how can you call it rash?"

Qiao Yue suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, and his vision blurred as if darkness were closing in.Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he said, "Brother, have you considered that our Qiao family is bound by marriage to the Wei family! When Wei Shao is in dire straits, our Yanzhou should naturally send troops to aid him. Even if we don't assist, this is certainly not the time for any rash actions! Your actions now are no different from kicking a man when he's down—what do you intend for my daughter's fate?"

Qiao Yue replied coldly, "Second Brother, all your words boil down to tying the fate of Yanzhou and our Qiao family entirely to Wei Shao, isn't that so? Not to mention Wei Shao can hardly protect himself now—even if he miraculously escapes this calamity, he will only have two paths forward: either bow to Liu Yan as emperor or declare himself ruler. If he submits to Liu Yan, my current decision aligns perfectly with his, so why can't you agree? If he proclaims himself ruler, how would he differ from the traitor Xing Xun? Should he be convicted of treason, even if our Qiao family suffers collateral damage, how could I face our ancestors when we're scorned by the entire realm? As for your daughter, she was married into the Wei family under duress—you were reluctant at the time too. Since that's the case, it's not too late to mend our ways. In my opinion, we should take this chance to bring her back, severing all ties cleanly to avoid future entanglements!"

Qiao Ping could no longer contain his fury. "I cannot accept your reasoning, Brother! Since you've spoken so plainly, I'll be direct too! Your sudden decision to pledge allegiance to Liu Yan must stem from your belief that Wei Shao will lose this war. You fear Xing Xun's future retribution and thus rush to distance yourself from Wei Shao to prove your innocence, isn't that so? The marriage alliance between the Wei and Qiao families was originally your idea. Now, at the slightest sign of trouble, you betray our covenant—how is this any different from being a fence-sitter?"

Qiao Yue also flared up in anger. "How dare you speak to me like this? Do you still regard me as your elder brother? Don't forget—I am the head of the Qiao family and the Governor of Yanzhou!"

Qiao Ping retorted, "I know well that fraternal discord invites disaster. But in this matter, I absolutely refuse to yield! I advise you, Brother, not to underestimate Wei Shao by echoing others' views. Even at a disadvantage, he may still turn the tide at the Yellow River battle! The scouts I dispatched earlier have yet to return for unknown reasons, and the news we have is already half a month old. The situation on the battlefield changes rapidly—we don't yet know the truth, and I'm still awaiting updates. I urge you to exercise patience and avoid actions that would delight our enemies and grieve our kin!"

Qiao Yue's expression darkened.

"Wei Shao's forces were already outmatched by Xing Xun's, and with the addition of Le Zhenggong, his army was crushed at Gaotang, forcing his retreat to Muye. If not for the severe cold, the allied forces would have annihilated him by now—how could he possibly reverse this defeat? I have no sons of my own and treat Ci'er as my own child. Do you think I act for myself? This is for Yanzhou's long-term stability! Say no more. I'll be frank—I've already submitted my pledge to Langya! This matter is no longer open to your dissent!"

Suddenly, Qiao Ping felt a tightness in his chest. His vision blurred as if countless needle pricks assailed his eyes. Realizing something was amiss, he shouted sharply, "You drugged my wine—"

A searing pain stabbed his eyes, plunging him into darkness.

Enraged, Qiao Ping overturned the dining table before him. Drawing his sword, he lunged toward Zhang Pu's last known position. The blade struck Zhang Pu's shoulder, eliciting a scream as the man collapsed to the ground.Qiao Ping swung his sword to strike again, but the drug took rapid effect. Staggering unsteadily, his longsword clattered to the ground as he collapsed with it.

Clutching the last shred of consciousness in his mind, he gritted his teeth and rasped, "Elder brother...Yanzhou may be ruined by your hands—"

Qiao Yue trembled violently as he watched Qiao Ping gradually cease struggling on the floor. Only then did he rush forward to check his breathing. Confirming he had merely lost consciousness, he exhaled in relief before whirling around furiously. "What did you put in the wine? Why can't he see now?"

Zhang Pu, who had been stabbed in the shoulder and fallen seated, clutched his bleeding wound in equal parts panic and confusion.

The drug mixed into the wine had been provided by Liu Shan, who claimed it was colorless and odorless but several times more potent than ordinary knockout drops. Fearing it might not subdue Qiao Ping, Zhang Pu had added extra.

Qiao Ping's collapse was expected.

But the vision impairment caught him off guard.

Gritting through the shoulder pain, he said, "My lord, stay calm. The commandery duke's sudden blindness must be from rage-induced qi disruption. It will heal in time. Your priority now is securing him. At dawn, issue orders in both your names to the household troops. Once the Han Emperor arrives, he'll help you consolidate control. Who would dare oppose then?"

Qiao Yue barely composed himself. "What of Ci'er? Restrain him only—no harm must come to him!"

Zhang Pu nodded. "Set your mind at ease, my lord. I've deployed trusted men—it's foolproof."

...

Qiao Ci stormed out of the longevity hall to cool off outside. Thoughts of his eldest sister's husband being rejected by his uncle and his second sister's husband's perilous Yellow River campaign—matters he was powerless to affect—only deepened his frustration. As drunkenness surged, he returned to collapse into sleep.

He awoke the next morning to find himself locked in his chambers.

Guards claimed they acted on the commandery duke's orders, confining the young master to wall-facing contemplation.

Initially, Qiao Ci thought little of it.

His public defiance of Qiao Yue last night had been insubordinate and unfilial. His father's displeasure and this punishment were justified.

But suspicion soon arose.

Over a dozen guards openly secured every door and window.

This wasn't contemplation—it was prisoner confinement.

And all were his uncle's men.

Growing uneasy, Qiao Ci demanded exit but was blocked. Forcing his way out, he found over a hundred hidden guards swarming to restrain him.

Enraged, he fought through to the courtyard only to be tripped by concealed ropes and recaptured.

His confinement lasted three days.

On the fourth day, Madam Ding arrived with a food hamper.

Chen Shao, the deputy commander guarding Qiao Ci and Qiao Yue's trusted aide, initially barred entry, citing his lord's orders prohibiting all access. Before he could finish, Madam Ding spat squarely in his face. "I care not what that old fool decreed! Shall his own sister be barred from feeding her nephew? Kill me if you dare—this door I will pass!" She strode forward.

The guards dared not stop her.

Helpless, Chen Shao followed, requesting to inspect the hamper first.

Madam Ding lifted the lid herself.

As Chen Shao examined the contents, she said coldly, "Will General Chen search my person next?"

"Wouldn't dare!" Chen Shao hurriedly replied.After a moment's hesitation, she thought to herself that Madam Ding had always been weak and uninvolved, treating the young master as her own son. Her sudden appearance today must indeed be out of concern for him. Even if she were allowed inside, it likely wouldn't cause any trouble.

So she ordered the guards to step aside.

Madam Ding sneered, picked up the food box, and walked forward.

Chen Shao instructed his men to keep a close watch while secretly sending someone to inform Qiao Yue.

Qiao Ci had already heard the commotion outside. The moment Madam Ding entered, he rushed forward anxiously, asking, "Aunt, what exactly has happened? Is my father alright? Why has Uncle locked me up—"

"Bah! That old wretch! Don't call him 'Uncle' anymore!"

Madam Ding cursed bitterly, grabbing Qiao Ci's arms to examine him closely. Seeing that he was unharmed, she finally relaxed and said, "I haven't been able to see your father these past few days, nor do I know the details, but he must have been locked up by that old villain too!"

Qiao Ci was initially furious and turned to charge out again, but at the door, he abruptly stopped and slowly turned back.

"Aunt, what exactly has happened these past few days? Tell me!"

Madam Ding let out a long sigh. "That old fool listened to Zhang Pu's words and pledged allegiance to Liu Yan! That Liu Yan is right here in our home today!"

Qiao Ci was stunned.

...

The day before, Qiao Yue had welcomed Liu Yan into Yanzhou, summoning the family's retainers and troops to pay him homage as their sovereign. He then declared that after discussions with Qiao Ping, they had decided to lead Yanzhou in serving the Han Emperor.

The suddenness of this left everyone astonished at the time. Moreover, Qiao Ping hadn't been seen these past two days, which naturally raised some suspicions.

Liu Yan had once risked his life to rescue the young emperor from danger and escape Luoyang. Unexpectedly, the young emperor succumbed to illness on the journey and passed away. Subsequently, Liu Yan was proclaimed the new emperor by former Han officials like Wang Ba and Dong Cheng, making him the legitimate ruler of the Han dynasty.

This was common knowledge throughout the land.

Now that he had arrived in Yanzhou, and the family head Qiao Yue repeatedly proclaimed himself a loyal subject of the Han, any dissent from them would be seen as open defiance of authority—even treason.

Thus, in the end, everyone followed Qiao Yue's lead and paid homage to Liu Yan as their sovereign.

...

"Auntie doesn't understand grand affairs of state. All I know is that old fool listened to Zhang Pu and pledged himself to Liu Yan, and your father must have opposed it—so he was framed! Yanzhou is now under Liu Yan's control. The retainers who usually obeyed your father were all replaced overnight. You must not act rashly. Escape and inform your elder sister's husband, so he can come rescue your father! If we delay any longer, I fear something terrible will happen to him!"

Qiao Ci's knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists, his chest heaving violently. With great effort, he restrained his emotions and nodded. "Thank you for telling me this, Auntie. I understand now. Please leave quickly, lest you face reprimand."

Madam Ding said, "That old fool is heartless and unrighteous—he disowned my daughter and son-in-law, so I no longer consider him my husband. Why should I fear his reprimands? There are nearly a hundred guards outside, and multiple checkpoints beyond. There's no way you can escape alone. You should take me hostage and fight your way out."

Qiao Ci immediately refused. "How could I endanger you, Auntie?"

Madam Ding shook her head and affectionately stroked Qiao Ci's hair. "Don't worry. Though that old fool and I have long since lost any marital affection, I doubt he'd dare to openly kill me. Once you're past the city gates, just flee."

Seeing Qiao Ci still hesitating, she grew angry. "Your father's fate is uncertain, and Yanzhou has fallen into another's hands. If you remain trapped here, do you truly wish for the Qiao family to meet its end at that old fool's hands?"

Tears welled in Qiao Ci's eyes as he knelt before Madam Ding and kowtowed. "Auntie, your righteousness humbles me. Please accept this nephew's deepest respect!"

Madam Ding's expression softened. She helped him up and pulled out a concealed dagger, handing it to him. "Take me hostage and get out."

...

When Qiao Yue received word, he rushed over with his men and saw Qiao Ci holding Madam Ding at knifepoint, the two already near the entrance's screen wall. Hundreds of soldiers surrounded them.

Furious, Qiao Yue pushed through the soldiers and shouted, "Ci'er, what are you doing? Put down the knife and come back with me!"

"Where is my father now? Bring him here. Once I see him, I'll go back with you willingly. Whether you beat or kill me then will be your decision."

Qiao Ci stared at him, enunciating each word clearly.

Qiao Yue faltered, unable to respond.

Beside him, Zhang Pu hastily interjected, "Young master, please don't act rashly. Quickly release Madam—"

"I'm speaking with my uncle. Who are you to interrupt?" Qiao Ci snapped.

Zhang Pu's face flushed with embarrassment.Qiao Yue steadied himself and said, "On the night of the birthday banquet, your father drank too much and fell on his way back, hitting his forehead. That's why he's unconscious. Don't worry, Ci—your uncle has already summoned skilled physicians for treatment, and he'll recover soon. Put down the knife first and come inside with me. I'll take you to see him..."

A shadow flickered across Qiao Ci's eyes. Without a word, he turned and continued dragging Madam Ding toward the gate.

The soldiers, who usually only obeyed Qiao Ping and Qiao Ci, were baffled by the scene but instinctively sided with Qiao Ci. Moreover, with Madam Ding in his grasp, who would dare to stop him? They merely went through the motions of blocking, practically clearing the way until the two reached the gate.

Qiao Ci barked an order to open the gate.

Zhang Pu grew frantic and commanded the soldiers to intervene.

Driven forward, the soldiers gradually closed in again.

Suddenly, Madam Ding halted and turned, raising her voice: "Your Majesty, I know you're nearby! You are now the Son of Heaven, the supreme ruler of Han—but do you remember when you were a young man in distress, taking refuge in our household? Do you recall how I treated you then? I dare not seek repayment, but now my nephew has taken me hostage. He must leave the city, yet his uncle refuses to let him go. If he cannot leave, he will surely harm me. Your Majesty has always been praised for your virtue like the unicorn, phoenix, and fragrant orchids. I heard that when you ascended the throne in Langya, the people danced and sang, hailing you as a benevolent ruler unmatched in generations! I know Qiao Yue obeys you. Even ants cling to life—how much more so for humans? I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of our past bond, to spare my life. I shall be eternally grateful!"

Madam Ding, who rarely appeared in public, spoke with such conviction that every word seemed to pierce the hearts of those present.

The soldiers, following her gaze, turned as if Liu Yan truly stood behind them.

For a moment, silence fell over the Qiao family's crowded gatehouse, where hundreds stood.

After a pause, Liu Shan emerged from behind the screen wall and whispered into Qiao Yue's ear.

Reluctantly, Qiao Yue shot a venomous glare at Madam Ding and gritted out, "Let him leave the city!"