The Prisoner of Beauty

The long and oppressive funeral rites finally came to an end.

Upon returning, Xiao Qiao removed the mourning garments from Fei Fei, gave her a bath, and then held her on the bed, shaking a rattle-drum to coax her into crawling toward her.

As mother and daughter played, Wei Shao entered, still clad in mourning attire.

Fei Fei caught sight of her father, babbled excitedly, and immediately turned to crawl toward him.

As she reached the edge of the bed, Xiao Qiao, fearing she might fall, was about to pull her back when Wei Shao swiftly stepped forward and caught Fei Fei, lifting her high into the air.

Fei Fei had grown increasingly bold—being held aloft by her father didn’t frighten her in the slightest. Instead, she giggled with delight.

Wei Shao played with his daughter for a while before handing her over to Chun Niang, who had followed him inside.

Once Chun Niang took Fei Fei out of the room, leaving only Xiao Qiao and him behind, he removed his outer mourning robe, climbed onto the bed, and pulled her into his embrace.

"Manman, these past days have been entirely thanks to you. You’ve worked so hard, and I’ve let you bear too much..."

The funeral had been filled with tedious formalities. As the filial son, he had been so busy that he barely had time to sleep, and last night he had stayed up until dawn. Now, even his voice was hoarse.

He kissed her smooth forehead and delicate earlobe repeatedly, murmuring softly by her ear.

Xiao Qiao leaned against his chest, lifting her eyes to study him.

His eyes were bloodshot, and his expression betrayed not only exhaustion from lack of sleep but also gratitude and guilt.

Xiao Qiao smiled. "I’m not tired, nor have I suffered much. I only did my best to fulfill my duty. Fortunately, the soldiers and civilians stood united against the enemy, and the Qiang reinforcements arrived in time, allowing us to hold out until your return."

Wei Shao raised his hand, gently brushing aside a stray lock of hair that had fallen over her forehead. Gazing at her, his hoarse voice carried tenderness. "I heard that you fainted that day in Shanggu. Before you could even catch your breath, my mother’s funeral followed. Tonight, let Chun Niang and the others take care of Fei Fei. You should rest properly."

Xiao Qiao replied, "You too, husband. I know you’ve been even more exhausted than I these past days. If there’s nothing else, let’s retire early."

"Manman, marrying you is my greatest fortune..."

He must have been truly weary. Just as he lay beside her, on the verge of sleep, Xiao Qiao heard him murmur these words softly by her ear.

...

Wei Shao slept deeply and soundly, waking only at noon the next day.

Sunlight streamed through the window, piercing the lowered bed curtains and filling the canopy with bright, almost glaring light. Faint laughter drifted from the courtyard—the wet nurses and maids playing with Fei Fei.

Fei Fei’s laughter was loud and carefree, blending with the radiant sunshine, lifting one’s spirits effortlessly.

The corners of Wei Shao’s lips curled slightly as he listened to his daughter’s laughter for a moment. He reached beside him, but the bedding was already cold.

Opening his eyes, he rolled out of bed, stretching his limbs with a long exhale before dressing and stepping outside.

Xiao Qiao stood by a carved pillar in the courtyard, speaking with several stewardesses who had come to report matters. Hearing the door open, she turned and dismissed them before approaching Wei Shao. She had water and a towel brought for him to wash up, then fetched his clothes and helped him dress.

Once they were alone, Wei Shao murmured, "When did you rise this morning? I didn’t even notice."

Xiao Qiao replied, "Around the usual time. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to disturb you."She spoke while bending her head to fasten his belt for him.

His palm then climbed up her back, slowly caressing, gradually moving downward until it settled at her waist. His other hand pulled off the belt she had just fastened for him, tossing it aside carelessly before embracing her, pressing her soft chest against his own.

"Manman—"

He murmured her name in a low voice, kissing her forehead, their cheeks brushing intimately.

Xiao Qiao removed the hand gripping her waist and said, "It's time to go to Grandmother's."

Wei Shao rubbed his nose. "Alright."

Xiao Qiao smiled at him, bent down to retrieve the belt, and fastened it around his waist again. "Yesterday, I met with Master Gongsun. He mentioned that in a few days, you’ll be leaving again?"

Wei Shao nodded. "South of the Yangtze is in utter chaos right now. Warlords have declared their own rule, Chen Ying is wreaking havoc, and though Langya has fallen, Liu Yan escaped amidst the Xiongnu turmoil and still clings to life. When I led the troops back this time, I took advantage of the Xiongnu’s demoralized state, denying them any chance to recover. I pursued them hundreds of miles beyond the Sanggan River—not just to crush their elite forces, but to thoroughly break their spirit. In this battle, the Xiongnu lost nearly a hundred thousand men, a devastating blow. After this defeat, I estimate they won’t dare invade the south again for at least a year or two. I must seize this opportunity to pacify the south as soon as possible. Once the Central Plains are unified and the realm stabilized, I’ll deal with the Xiongnu later..."

He suddenly stopped, gazing at Xiao Qiao with a trace of guilt in his eyes. "I won’t be able to stay home with you again. Do you resent me for that?"

With a soft click , Xiao Qiao secured his belt, examined it briefly, then looked up with a smile. "Men have their duties, and I have mine. Why would I resent you for that? Have something to eat first, then let’s go to Grandmother’s."

...

A few days prior, Madam Xu had returned to Yuyang from Wuzhong.

After this period of rest, her health had gradually improved, and her spirits were high. When the two arrived, she invited them to sit and asked Wei Shao about the turmoil in the south.

Upon learning that the Green-Eyed General had held off the "Heavenly King" Chen Ying north of the Yangtze, thus curbing the terrifying advance of the cannibalistic rebel army that had struck fear into the people, she turned to Xiao Qiao and said, "In the north, your younger brother leads the Qiang troops to aid our people against the Xiongnu. In the south, the Green-Eyed General battles the cannibal army to calm the populace. Your Qiao family has produced such twin heroes—people everywhere sing their praises."

Xiao Qiao replied, "Grandmother flatters us too much. Born in turbulent times, with the common people suffering, the saying goes: In poverty, one cultivates virtue alone; in prosperity, one benefits the world. I dare not call them heroes. My brother and brother-in-law are merely doing their best."

Madam Xu studied her for a moment before sighing. "You are perfect in every way, except you are too restrained. Being sensible is good, but child, your restraint pains my heart." She turned to Wei Shao. "During the siege of Shanggu, if not for your wife’s idea to seek aid from the Qiang troops, if not for her inspiring the soldiers and civilians in Shanggu to fight to the death together—by the time you returned with reinforcements, Yuyang might have already fallen to the Xiongnu’s savagery! What you ought to do, I need not say more, do I?"

Wei Shao glanced at Xiao Qiao, then bowed deeply to Madam Xu. "Grandmother’s precious teachings—your grandson will remember every word."

Madam Xu nodded and said to Xiao Qiao, "In resolving the siege of Shanggu, calling you the foremost contributor is no exaggeration. If you have any wishes or desires, speak them freely. Whatever I can grant, I will."Xiao Qiao also knelt before her, bowing respectfully. Straightening up, she said, "With Grandmother's kind permission, I shall speak boldly."

Madam Xu smiled. "Speak your mind! Do not hesitate!"

Xiao Qiao said, "Several months ago, in correspondence with my father, though his words were optimistic, I cannot help but worry for him. If Grandmother and my husband permit, I wish to take Fei Fei back to Dongjun for a few days. I know Grandmother has always been fond of Fei Fei, and it is improper to take her away, especially after Grandmother's illness when I should remain to fulfill my filial duties. Thus, I understand this is an unreasonable request."

Wei Shao was startled and immediately turned to look at Xiao Qiao, seeing her gaze fixed solemnly on Madam Xu.

Instinctively, he wanted to object, but unexpectedly, Madam Xu nodded. "Granted."

Wei Shao froze, his mouth slightly agape.

Madam Xu continued, "With Qingzhou and Langya now pacified, the entire Shandong region is at peace. It is safe to travel. Your father is alone, and unfortunately blind. Though he does not say it, he must miss you dearly. Moreover, he has yet to meet Fei Fei since her birth. My health has recovered, and there is nothing pressing here. You may go and stay with your father for a while—this too is a daughter's filial duty."

Xiao Qiao bowed in gratitude.

Madam Xu smiled, gesturing for her to rise, then said to the still-stunned Wei Shao, "Are you free? If so, set aside other matters and escort your wife to Dongjun first."

...

"Why do you suddenly want to return to Dongjun?"

Once back in their room, Wei Shao immediately dismissed the servants and asked, his expression slightly agitated.

"After the incident in Yanzhou, my father was blinded by poison. I only cared for him for three or four days before hastily returning to Yuyang. It has weighed on my mind ever since. Now that matters here have settled, and you will soon depart, Grandmother is kind enough not to insist I stay to fulfill filial duties. So I wish to return to Dongjun for a few days."

Xiao Qiao sat on the edge of the bed, folding Fei Fei's small clothes as she explained.

Wei Shao watched her for a moment, then suddenly stepped forward, sat beside her, and embraced her.

"Are you angry with me? That day when I returned with the troops, I was indeed negligent—I was focused on crushing the Xiongnu and didn’t come to see you immediately. Later, when my mother fell ill, I didn’t consider your feelings enough. Are you upset with me?"

Xiao Qiao shook her head. "I’m truly not angry..."

"Then don’t go back to Dongjun. I don’t want you to leave—"

Wei Shao held her tightly, like a child clinging to a beloved toy.

Suddenly, he pressed her down onto the bed, kissing her urgently, almost pleadingly, as his hands began loosening her sash.

After a moment, he stopped and buried his face against her shoulder, his voice muffled and wounded. "You’re still angry with me..."

"Tell me what I must do for you to stay, Manman!"

He lifted his head abruptly. "What if I don’t leave? What if I stay home longer to accompany you? Would that be better?"

He gently shook her shoulders, as if coaxing her.

Xiao Qiao slowly opened her eyes and smiled faintly at him.

"My lord, I’m truly not angry with you. We’ve been married for years, and our journey has been anything but smooth. I understand your struggles, but truthfully, it hasn’t been easy for me either."

Wei Shao was taken aback.

Xiao Qiao closed her eyes briefly, her long lashes trembling slightly, and let out a soft sigh."I feel truly at ease now, yet somehow also a bit weary. Since Grandmother has allowed me to indulge myself, I shall follow my heart this once."

"Thus I wish to return to Dongjun. Besides seeing my father, my elder sister is also at home. I'd like to stay for some days. I hope you won't stop me, my husband."

Xiao Qiao gazed at him as she spoke slowly.

Author's note: Wishing everyone a happy New Year's Eve and new year blessings~~

Starting from the next chapter, I'll be testing the site's new anti-piracy feature. Readers with less than 50% of VIP chapters purchased will see randomized anti-piracy content when buying new chapters, which will automatically be replaced after 24 hours.