The Prisoner of Beauty

The Qiao Family of Dong Commandery.

Qiao Yue sat in his study, his face ashen, his eyes vacant, like a dead man.

In recent days, news had surged toward him like floodwaters bursting through a dam.

The onslaught left him nearly breathless.

It turned out Wei Shao had long since dismantled the Northern Expedition Alliance and won the Battle of the Yellow River.

While the whole world knew of this, he alone remained oblivious, still believing Wei Shao was fighting a desperate, cornered battle.

What had he been doing when Wei Shao stormed Luoyang in a lightning strike?

He had listened to Zhang Pu’s words—not only pledging allegiance to Liu Yan but also blinding his own younger brother and imprisoning him.

Now, he found himself swiftly stripped of power by Liu Yan.

Apart from the hollow title of Marquis of Henghai, which meant nothing, Qiao Yue realized in horror that he no longer had any real authority over Yanzhou.

Thinking back to what had just happened moments ago, his hands trembled uncontrollably once more.

Wei Liang had arrived in Dong Commandery today with a contingent of soldiers, claiming he was sent by the Lady to congratulate Qiao Ping on his birthday.

By the time Qiao Yue received the news, Wei Liang had already been surrounded.

He fought his way out and escaped, but all his attendants were shot dead.

Naturally, this order had not come from Qiao Yue.

When he heard the news, it struck him like a thunderbolt. A vague understanding began to dawn on him, filling him with dread—a sense of impending doom.

Suddenly, he thought of Qiao Ping, as if grasping at a lifeline. Forcing himself to stand, he hurried toward the place where his brother was imprisoned.

Yet when he reached the door, the guards blocked his way.

Fury surged within him. After a moment’s hesitation, he turned and rushed toward Liu Yan’s quarters instead.

During his stay with the Qiao family, Liu Yan had refused the lavish guesthouse prepared for him by Qiao Yue, choosing instead to reside in the old quarters he had lived in during his youth.

The place was dilapidated from years of neglect. At first, Qiao Yue had objected, but Liu Yan insisted, so he had no choice but to relent.

Now, when Qiao Yue barged in, Liu Shan and his men stopped him.

His anger flared even hotter. He raised his voice in protest—until suddenly, Liu Yan’s voice came from within: "Let him in."

Only then did Liu Shan step aside.

Qiao Yue strode inside and saw Liu Yan sitting by the window, dressed in loose robes, playing a game of Go by himself.

His gaze was fixed on the board, a black stone pinched between his fingers as if deep in thought.

Suppressing his rage, Qiao Yue said, "This is the Qiao family’s home. Just now, when I tried to see my younger brother, why was I barred?"

Liu Yan did not look at him. He placed a stone on the board with a click before replying indifferently, "The Duke’s eyes are injured. I have summoned physicians to treat him. He needs rest and should not be disturbed."

Qiao Yue’s chest tightened with stifled anger, but he forced himself to endure it. "I also heard that the attack on Wei Liang at the city gates was your doing?"

Liu Yan did not answer. Instead, he reached for the jade pot, scooped up a handful of white stones, and toyed with them slowly in his palm.

"Liu Yan!"

Qiao Yue could no longer restrain himself, addressing him by name. "Only in these past few days have I begun to understand. Why have the scouts I sent out failed to report back? You intercepted their messages and manipulated me like a puppet, didn’t you? My family once showed you kindness—how could you repay us like this? What is your scheme?"

Liu Yan glanced at him, still composed. "What’s the matter, Marquis of Henghai? Has it only been a few days, and you already regret siding with me? Do you wish to grovel before Wei Shao now? What a pity—"He sighed softly and shook his head. "It's too late. The world knows your Qiao family has abandoned the darkness for the light, willingly submitting as subjects of the Han. Even if you could humble yourself now and shamelessly offer your daughter to Wei Shao again as you did three years ago, he would no longer tolerate anyone from your family."

Qiao Yue clenched his teeth, his face slowly flushing red.

Liu Yan observed him for a moment before suddenly opening his palm, letting the chess pieces he had just grabbed scatter onto the board.

The pieces spun with a light, pleasant clatter of jade before gradually coming to a stop.

Liu Yan stepped down and slowly paced along the room's walls.

Finally stopping before Qiao Yue, he smiled faintly. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Qiao, allowing me to stay these past days and relive those unforgettable memories of my youth. It's time for me to leave now."

Qiao Yue was shocked. "After reducing me to this state, you think you can just walk away? What will become of my Yanzhou soldiers and people?"

Liu Yan replied, "You misunderstand, Lord Qiao. Wei Shao has long harbored rebellious intentions. By siding with me, you acted in accordance with Heaven's will—how is that harming you?"

The muscles in Qiao Yue's cheeks twitched, his face turning the color of liver.

"I know you fear Wei Shao's retaliation. Rest assured, since Yanzhou is now Han territory, I won't abandon it. I’ve left you capable assistance—General Ding Qu, who led his troops here days ago. You’ve met him, haven’t you? He will temporarily assume the duties of governor in your stead. You need not worry."

With these indifferent words, he flicked his sleeves and turned to leave gracefully.

...

Liu Yan galloped out of Dongjun’s city gates without looking back.

The wind rushed against him, lifting his sleeves and robe.

His heart was filled with the exhilaration of vengeance, so overwhelming that he nearly roared at the sky to vent the surging emotions within him.

By bribing Zhang Pu with generous rewards, Yanzhou had fallen into his hands, and the Qiao family had irrevocably severed ties with Wei Shao.

When they next met, it would be on the battlefield.

Yanzhou’s walls might not withstand Wei Shao’s forces.

But what did it matter? The loss of a single city meant little to him.

Besides, Yanzhou had never truly been his.

He had left the newly defected Ding Qu to defend it for two reasons: first, to grant him real authority and a chance for revenge while demonstrating imperial favor; second, because the fiercer Yanzhou’s resistance, the deeper Wei Shao’s hatred for the Qiao family would grow.

Could his Xiao Qiao possibly continue to share a loving life with Wei Shao after this?

Suppressing the relentless tide of satisfaction in his heart, Liu Yan closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the familiar fresh air outside Dongjun’s walls.

This entire land would one day return to the Han.

And the Qiao family’s daughter of Dongjun would belong to him alone—no one, not even Wei Shao, could truly take her away.

...

Wei Liang appeared rough and bold, but in truth, he was meticulous.

When their party arrived at Dongjun that day and halted outside the gates, waiting for entry, the prolonged silence and the unusual behavior of the guards atop the walls aroused his battle-honed instincts. He ordered his men to retreat.

But it was already too late.

Dense ranks of foot and mounted archers suddenly poured from the gates, while arrows rained down from the walls. In an instant, they were surrounded.Wei Liang, fierce and unmatched in bravery, fought his way out of the encirclement to escape, but all his attendants perished in the hail of arrows. He himself was severely wounded and was pursued all the way to the neighboring Xu region near Yanzhou before finally shaking off his pursuers. He was then sent back to Luoyang by Dong Mao, the governor of Xu.

Despite the imperial physicians’ best efforts, his injuries were grave, and he remained unconscious.

Wei Shao had rushed back to Luoyang the previous night.

For the entire night, he stayed by Wei Liang’s side without rest.

Gongsun Yang, Wei Quan, Zhu Zeng, and others waited outside, not daring to enter.

At dawn the next day, they finally heard heavy footsteps approaching from within, and everyone hurried forward to meet him.

When Wei Shao appeared, his eyes were bloodshot.

Suppressing his unease, Gongsun Yang quickly stepped forward and said, “My lord, there must be some misunderstanding here. The Qiao family surely wouldn’t—”

“Issue my orders: muster the troops. Lei Ze and Tan Fu will accompany me to attack Yanzhou. Summon renowned physicians from across the land to save General Wei at all costs! The rest of you remain at your posts and await further orders! Anyone who acts without permission will face military punishment!”

Wei Shao ignored him, his voice hoarse as he spoke each word deliberately.

Then he strode away.

...

Xiao Qiao received the news on the day her daughter was nearly two months old.

She had grown even more beautiful since birth, a little snowball of a child. When she smiled, her dark, sparkling eyes seemed to bloom with all the flowers of a spring garden.

Madam Xu adored her beyond measure. After her first month, she would hold her every day, coaxing her to babble.

The once somewhat quiet Wei family mansion had been filled with endless laughter and vitality since Fei Fei’s birth and growth.

It was a fine early summer afternoon. As usual, Xiao Qiao sat beside Madam Xu, watching her cradle Fei Fei to sleep.

Fei Fei was an energetic little one, but now, full and content, she closed her eyes—already adorned with long, curled lashes—and drifted off peacefully in her grandmother’s arms.

Madam Xu, reluctant to hand her over for fear of disturbing her, rose and carried the child into the inner chamber herself, laying her on the bed and tucking her in.

“Have you received any letters from Shao Er recently?” Madam Xu asked Xiao Qiao after returning.

Xiao Qiao shook her head.

Madam Xu pondered for a moment, then smiled. “He must be occupied with matters in Luoyang, which is why he hasn’t returned yet. Don’t overthink it. I’ll write to him and ask.”

Since the letter announcing the birth had been sent, there had been no reply from Wei Shao.

The battle at the Yellow River had already concluded. Even if Wei Shao was too busy to return, it was unusual for him not to send even a single response.

Xiao Qiao knew Madam Xu was worried she might be anxious, fearing that having a daughter would displease Wei Shao. Unlike Madam Zhu, who, though she said nothing, couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Grateful, Xiao Qiao was about to speak when Zhong Ao hurried in and said, “Madam, Young Master Qiao is here.”

She paused slightly. “He seems to be in a hurry.”

Xiao Qiao was astonished.

She hadn’t seen her younger brother in a long time.

Under normal circumstances, learning of his arrival in Yuyang should have brought her joy.

Yet, for some reason, her heart sank with a foreboding sense that something had gone wrong.

Something terrible.

She immediately looked at Madam Xu.

Madam Xu nodded. “Go quickly.”

Xiao Qiao hurried back to the eastern chamber, and upon seeing Qiao Ci, her surprise only deepened.Qiao Ci had gone several days and nights without sleep, his appearance haggard and anxious, his eyes bloodshot from exhaustion.

The moment he saw Xiao Qiao, he rushed forward.

“Elder Sister! Yanzhou is in trouble! Military Advisor Gongsun told me to come find you at once!”

…

Over the past two months, Xiao Qiao had gradually sensed that something was amiss.

Wei Shao should not have delayed his return for so long after the war had ended.

But never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that in just these few short days, Yanzhou could have undergone such earth-shattering upheavals.

Her father’s fate was unknown.

Her uncle, Qiao Yue, had not only pledged allegiance to Liu Yan in her father’s name but had also ambushed Wei Liang, who had been on his way to celebrate her father’s birthday, completely unprepared. Wei Liang was severely wounded, hovering between life and death, provoking Wei Shao’s wrath. He had marched his troops toward Yanzhou, his advance unstoppable—governors of Yingyang, Chenliu, and other regions yielded passage, his army sweeping through like an unstoppable force.

“Elder Sister, after I escaped the city, I thought Second Brother-in-Law was besieged by the allied forces, so I sought help from Eldest Brother-in-Law. But Liu Yan had already laid a trap—he sent Qingzhou troops to attack Lingbi, blocking Eldest Brother-in-Law’s path and preventing him from reaching Yanzhou in time. By the time we repelled the Qingzhou forces and rushed to Yanzhou, the city had already fallen completely into Liu Yan’s hands, and General Wei Liang had been ambushed. Second Brother-in-Law led his troops toward Yanzhou and sent word forbidding Eldest Brother-in-Law from interfering, threatening to treat him as an enemy if he did. Eldest Brother-in-Law has temporarily stationed his troops at Juye. I tried to meet with Second Brother-in-Law to explain the whole situation, but he refused to see me. Military Advisor Gongsun advised me to come seek your help, Elder Sister—please think of something!”

Xiao Qiao’s heart pounded violently, her face draining of color.

Steadying herself, she comforted Qiao Ci with a few words and had someone lead him away to rest. Then she immediately returned to the northern quarters. The moment she entered, she knelt before Madam Xu, pressing her forehead to the ground in a deep bow, unmoving.

“Has something happened? Rise and speak slowly.”

Madam Xu’s voice sounded above her, as steady as ever, carrying a calming power that could soothe panic.

But at this moment, Xiao Qiao could not lift her head.

Nor did she have the face to.

“Grandmother, General Wei Liang was ambushed on his way to Yanzhou. He is severely wounded, unconscious, and it was… my Qiao family who harmed him.”

She fought back the tears threatening to spill as she spoke.

The room fell into silence.

Xiao Qiao remained kneeling, her forehead touching the ground, motionless.

After a long while, Madam Xu’s voice, now slightly hoarse, spoke again: “Lift your head! Speak!”

Her tone had sharpened slightly.

Xiao Qiao straightened and recounted everything she had heard from Qiao Ci.

“Grandmother, Liu Yan manipulated this situation, exploiting the discord between my uncle and father. Not only has he seized control of Yanzhou, but my father’s fate is also unknown. There must be many misunderstandings in this matter. My husband, in his fury, has marched on Yanzhou for vengeance. My younger brother sought an audience with him, but my husband refused to see him. Left with no choice, he rushed here to Yuyang for help. I beg you, Grandmother, to allow me to go to Yanzhou and explain everything to my husband in person. It is not that I wish to absolve the Qiao family of blame—if General Wei Liang and the others were attacked without cause, even if the Qiao family paid with their lives, it would not be enough to ease the pain of their loved ones. I have no objections to that. I despise Liu Yan’s sinister schemes and refuse to let his plots succeed! I beg you, Grandmother, to look after Fei Fei for me while I make haste to depart!”

She kowtowed once more.

“Go, then. Have Jia Si escort you there as quickly as possible. Fei Fei will be under my care.”

After a moment, Madam Xu spoke slowly.Author's Note: The initial version had Wei Liang die to provide sufficient justification for the plot point of marching troops to Luoyang (the author can be quite ruthless when crafting stories...).

After posting, I received many private messages on Weibo last night. Many readers felt that even if Wei Liang didn't die, Marquis Wei's vindictive personality and past grudges would make it reasonable for him to march on Luoyang in a fit of anger.

Since this isn't a crucial plot point that can't be changed, I've considered your opinions and found them valid. So you win, my little demons - this heartless author accepts your suggestion and will revise the part where Wei Liang dies.

By the way, today's update will also be around 6 PM.