The Prisoner of Beauty

Xiao Qiao continued to hold her daughter in her arms until she fell soundly asleep, then gently laid her on the bed.

The weather was gradually growing warmer, and the little one, plump and tender, tended to sweat around her neck and armpits while sleeping.

Xiao Qiao unfolded a light quilt suitable for the early summer weather, covering her daughter’s body, and left the wet nurse to watch over her before going to Madam Xu’s side.

Earlier, when she had arrived at the northern quarters, she had first gone to see Madam Xu.

Madam Xu had merely asked a few questions about the journey before promptly sending her off to see Fei Fei.

Now, she was in the greenhouse Xiao Qiao had once built for her, watering a cluster of Ji Mountain double-petaled roses transplanted the previous year.

The courtyard was vibrant with life. The emerald leaves of the roses glistened with water droplets, and the branches bore buds of various hues, not yet in full bloom, but their fragrance had already attracted a few bees and butterflies flitting playfully among them. Suddenly, a round-backed, gold-spotted black longhorn beetle flew in from the side, colliding with Madam Xu before landing on its back in the dirt with a soft thud , its wings buzzing as it struggled clumsily to right itself, legs and antennae flailing in vain.

The cat, emerging from some unseen corner, pounced swiftly, pinning it with a paw, sniffed at it, then began batting it around playfully.

Madam Xu shooed the cat away and flipped the beetle over.

It crawled a few steps in the dirt before its wings buzzed loudly, and it took flight again, its black-spotted body tracing an arc through the air before disappearing into the flower bushes.

"Has Fei Fei fallen asleep?"

Madam Xu withdrew her gaze and asked with a smile.

"Yes," Xiao Qiao replied.

"Grandmother..."

She called out again, as if countless words were lodged in her throat.

Yet none came forth.

"Hand me the shears," Madam Xu said.

Xiao Qiao took them from Zhong Ao and passed them over.

Madam Xu accepted the pruning shears and carefully snipped away a cluster of withered leaves bearing white insect eggs.

"I already know everything," she said as she trimmed the branches. "Shao Er’s restraint is for the best. I heard your father has lost his sight—how is he now?"

"He is recovering. With gradual treatment, his vision may yet return."

Xiao Qiao suppressed the sorrow in her heart as she spoke.

Madam Xu paused in her pruning, as if recalling the past. "I still remember when your father visited Youzhou all those years ago—so refined and magnanimous. It left a deep impression on me. Over a decade has passed... Time slips by like a fleeting steed, gone in an instant..."

A vague thought slowly surfaced in Xiao Qiao’s mind.

She wanted to ask this elderly woman, whom she revered and adored so deeply, why she had once agreed to the Qiao family’s marriage proposal, allowing her only beloved grandson to wed a daughter of the Qiao family.

"Did Shao Er say when he might return?"

Madam Xu suddenly asked.

"With the conflict brewing in Hanzhong, he must be busy preparing for battle. I fear he won’t be able to return anytime soon..."

Xiao Qiao snapped out of her thoughts and quickly replied.

Madam Xu’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment.

Xiao Qiao met her eyes without flinching.

"You’ve only just returned and must be weary from the journey. Go and rest properly. Tomorrow, once you’ve regained your strength, you may take Fei Fei back to the western quarters."

Madam Xu studied her for a moment, then nodded, a faint smile gracing her features.

...

Since ancient times, armies have employed specialized clerks to record the names of fallen soldiers, ensuring their families received compensation after the war.

Though such practices were enshrined in tradition, only the most prosperous dynasties—or the most virtuous and righteous armies of legend—ever truly upheld them.Born in turbulent times, with the flames of war raging year after year, the perils of battle made human life as cheap as grass.

During major battles, the corpses of fallen soldiers piled up like hills.

It was even common for armies, when provisions ran low, to use the bodies of dead soldiers or plundered civilians as food.

When war and death became as routine as eating and drinking, even in Wei Shao’s army, during prolonged campaigns, it was impossible to record the names of every fallen soldier.

Countless mothers and wives could only wait day after day, their eyes worn out with longing, until despair took hold.

The names of the sixteen guards who had died alongside Wei Liang in Yanzhou were all accounted for. Several were from Yuyang, all from ordinary households.

The news of their deaths had already been delivered to their families along with military compensation—treated as ordinary battlefield casualties.

Xiao Qiao prepared an additional sum from her dowry, enough to sustain the families of the deceased guards, and sent it to them separately.

She did not visit them in person.

The inherent inequality of status meant that even if the families knew the true cause of their sons’ or husbands’ deaths and harbored resentment, all they could outwardly show was gratitude and fear.

A few days later, she visited only Wei Liang’s mother and wife.

Before leaving Luoyang, Wei Liang had specifically asked her: If you see my mother in Yuyang, do not tell her I was once gravely wounded and near death.

…

It had been nearly a year and a half since Wei Liang’s mother had last seen her son.

When she suddenly heard from Xiao Qiao that Wei Liang would soon return home for a visit, she and his wife were overjoyed.

They were even more grateful for Xiao Qiao’s visit.

When Xiao Qiao took her leave, Wei Liang’s mother, despite her age, insisted on escorting her to the gate.

On her way home, Xiao Qiao’s mind lingered on the radiant smiles of Wei Liang’s mother and wife, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

The carriage moved slowly through the streets, gradually approaching the Wei residence in the northern part of the city. It came to a stop at the gate.

As Chun Niang helped Xiao Qiao alight, her eyes immediately caught sight of a tall, black Ferghana steed tied to the hitching post beside the stone base on the right side of the gate.

The horse was majestic, with long, powerful legs and a glossy coat, as if it had just arrived. Sweat dripped from its shoulders and neck, and a stablehand stood nearby, wiping it down.

“The Lord’s horse!”

Chun Niang recognized it instantly, her voice bursting with excitement.

Xiao Qiao’s heart skipped a beat, her blood suddenly surging faster.

The gatekeeper, seeing the carriage return, hurried forward to greet her. “My lady, you’ve returned! The Lord has just arrived—only moments before you!”

Chun Niang took Xiao Qiao’s arm and practically dragged her through the gate, heading straight for the western quarters. Only when they reached the courtyard entrance did she stop.

The pace had been hurried, and Xiao Qiao was slightly breathless when they paused.

A line of maids and servants stood at the foot of the steps. Lin Ao peered out from the courtyard gate, and upon spotting Xiao Qiao, rushed forward with a beaming smile. In a hushed voice, she said, “The Lord is back! He’s inside! The little miss is asleep, and he’s watching her without blinking—oh, his heart must be melting…”

Chun Niang’s eyes sparkled with joy. She escorted Xiao Qiao to the foot of the steps, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. After studying her for a moment, she smiled softly and said, “My lady, you look beautiful today. Go on in.”Xiao Qiao paused at the doorway, steadying herself before the slightly ajar door, then gently pushed it open and stepped inside.

...

This tiny, delicate figure sprawled out in peaceful slumber beneath his gaze—this snow-white bundle of a child, as pretty and fragile as a little flower—was actually his daughter, Wei Shao's own flesh and blood?

Wei Shao sat half-perched on the edge of the bed, leaning inward while holding his breath as he gazed down at the sleeping little one.

Soft hair, faint eyebrows, long lashes, a petite nose, slightly parted pink lips in sleep, plump little arms and legs...

Wei Shao leaned closer, catching the faint milky scent from her body.

His heart instantly melted into utter tenderness, even surging with an impulse to gently nibble her tiny hands and feet—as if only through such an act could he express his overwhelming affection and remorse.

She had already grown this big, yet he was only now returning to see her.

Wei Shao widened his eyes, greedily drinking in his daughter's sleeping face, when he suddenly noticed a thin layer of perspiration glistening on her nose.

Slowly, he reached out toward her little face with utmost care, intending to wipe it away.

Just as his fingertips were about to touch her nose, he turned his head and saw Xiao Qiao standing by the small window near the screen, her eyes fixed on him.

A gentle breeze drifted through the window, lightly stirring the carved rolling blinds that hung low. The blinds couldn't completely block the beautiful afternoon sunlight, allowing scattered rays to dance across one side of her face—her jade-like skin making her clear, bright eyes appear even more luminous.

She stood there quietly watching him, the corners of her lips slightly upturned with a soft smile.

Wei Shao's hand paused mid-air for a moment.

Without meeting her gaze, he averted his eyes, immediately rising from the bedside and striding out.

As he passed by her, his figure swiftly disappeared beyond the threshold.

...

Wei Shao knelt before Madam Xu, kowtowing: "This grandson has only now returned to see you, Grandmother. I've been most unfilial. How is your health?"

Since Wei Shao's departure for Bingzhou early last year, the demands of war had kept him away until now. Overjoyed to see him again, Madam Xu grasped his arm to help him up, studying him briefly before smiling: "Good, good. Though you've grown darker and thinner, your spirit remains strong. Have you visited your wife and daughter yet?"

Wei Shao replied: "I have."

"Your mother hasn't seen you for a long time either and misses you dearly."

Wei Shao said: "I've already sent word to her. After leaving your presence, I'll go see her."

Madam Xu nodded with a smile: "Your return is what matters most. I'm perfectly well here with nothing requiring attention. How long will you stay this time? You should devote yourself to your wife and daughter..."

"To report to you, Grandmother, I've returned this time firstly because I've missed you dearly after so long apart, and secondly because it was improper that I never returned after Fei Fei's birth. Hence I made this trip before deploying troops. I'm afraid I can't stay long—I'll need to depart again in a few days."

Madam Xu looked at him: "Is it to campaign against the Lezheng brothers in Hanzhong?"

"No. We march to attack Langya first. After destroying Langya, we'll deal with the Lezheng brothers."

Madam Xu started slightly, her expression gradually turning grave: "Why so? Lezheng Kai issued a proclamation denouncing you—why attack Langya first instead?"

"I know Liu Yan has been muddying the waters regarding this Yanzhou affair..." she hesitated."You misunderstand, Grandmother," Wei Shao smiled faintly. "I devised this strategy not for revenge, but for other considerations."

Madam Xu's brows relaxed as her single eye studied him with a glimmer of amusement. "Tell your grandmother then."

"Liu Yan claims imperial legitimacy as a descendant of the Han royal house. Though his Langya court has gathered some followers, none pose real concern except Yuan Zhe—and even he has been weakened after the defeat at Sishui River, his forces exhausted. While Liu Yan's power remains unconsolidated and the world expects me to engage Hanzhong, I shall strike where least anticipated. I plan to divide our forces into three routes—from Taishan, Pei, and Qiao Commandery—to simultaneously attack Langya and Xuzhou. Once we complete the encirclement, capturing Langya will be as easy as catching turtles in a jar."

Wei Shao's tone remained composed.

Madam Xu pondered. "This strategy indeed exploits the element of surprise. But what if Hanzhong launches an attack while you're engaged?"

Wei Shao chuckled. "Though the Lezheng family of Hanzhong holds considerable power, internal strife plagues them. I've heard Lezheng Gong's sons maintain surface harmony while secretly vying for power. With Lezheng Gong dead—like wolves losing their leader—they'll suspect and guard against each other. Lezheng Kai, vainglorious by nature, issued that grand proclamation against me more for saving face than genuine conviction. If I send generous gifts and cede a city as goodwill, he'll gladly accept the truce. Let the Lezheng brothers play emperor in Hanzhong while depleting each other. After crushing Langya, I'll turn on them with half the effort for double the gain. Then, who in this land could challenge me?"

Here, a trace of undisguised pride finally colored his voice.

Madam Xu slowly rose from her seat, leaning on her cane as she moved to the window. She gazed silently at the distant mountains for a long moment.

"Shao Er, by lineage, I too descend from the Han imperial family. The dynasty's decline began with Emperor Ai. Should you one day realize your ambitions, remember this: success and failure intertwine; no prosperity lasts forever. Those who follow virtue thrive, while those who defy it perish."

"Your grandson shall engrave these words upon my heart."

Wei Shao stood and bowed respectfully.

...

Previously, Xiao Qiao had been reluctant to part with her daughter at night, usually sharing her bed with the infant while a wet nurse or Chun Niang slept nearby.

But tonight, with Wei Shao's return, Fei Fei had been carried to the adjacent chamber by her wet nurse at nightfall.

Xiao Qiao followed. By the end of You hour, as usual, the baby had nursed contentedly and fallen sweetly asleep.

The wet nurse urged softly, "My lady, you should go. Leave her to me."

After pressing a light kiss to her daughter's forehead and giving final instructions, Xiao Qiao returned to her chambers.

Wei Shao had visited Madam Xu and Zhu Shi during the day before departing, and hadn't yet returned.

With Chun Niang's assistance, Xiao Qiao bathed and changed into a newly tailored lake-green summer robe.

Her youthful constitution had ensured swift recovery after childbirth. Four months later, her waist remained slender enough to span with hands, her figure as lithe as in her maiden days—save for fuller breasts that rendered her old garments uncomfortably tight, necessitating new ones.

The soft silk clung to her skin, perfectly outlining her delicate curves without concealment.

After personally preparing Wei Shao's bath garments, she waited in their room.

The wait stretched late—nearing the end of Hai hour—before his footsteps finally sounded.Xiao Qiao stepped forward to greet him.

Wei Shao's expression was unreadable as he strode in, his gaze sweeping over the bed before turning to Xiao Qiao.

Softly, she said, "Fei Fei is next door, sleeping with the wet nurse."

Wei Shao's brow furrowed slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. He simply brushed past her, headed straight for the bathing chamber, and slammed the door shut with a loud bang .