The Prisoner of Beauty

Xiao Qiao could see that Madam Xu was sincere in her intentions, so she didn’t decline. She bowed in gratitude, washed her hands, and sat down at the lower seat. She ate a bowl of food in silence, accompanying Madam Xu. After finishing the meal, she rinsed her mouth, and the utensils were cleared away. Only then did Madam Xu ask her about Wei Shao’s whereabouts.

Xiao Qiao truly didn’t know where Wei Shao had gone so early in the morning. Although she hadn’t asked, even if she had, he probably wouldn’t have told her.

Hearing Madam Xu’s question, she looked ashamed and lowered her head, saying, “My husband left before dawn this morning. I blame myself for being impolite, as I couldn’t find out where he went.”

She was clearly blaming herself, but the difference between “not knowing” and “couldn’t find out” was significant, even though it was just one extra word. “Couldn’t find out” implied that she had asked, but her husband hadn’t cooperated and hadn’t let her know.

Madam Xu naturally knew that her grandson had been neglecting his new wife. Back in Xindu, he had even openly refused to live with her. Hearing this, she immediately frowned and scolded her grandson, “Zhonglin has been treating you poorly, and I’ve seen it all. I’ve spoken to him about it before. Don’t worry, if he mistreats you again or makes you suffer, you can always come to me.”

Xiao Qiao quickly shook her head, “I’m not suffering at all, and my husband hasn’t been treating me poorly. Before I married, my family repeatedly reminded me that marriage is meant to bring harmony between two families, and they hoped that sincerity would resolve any conflicts. My husband may seem cold on the surface, but he has a warm heart. If I remain steadfast, things will surely improve over time.”

Madam Xu’s single eye flickered, landing on Xiao Qiao’s face. She studied her for a moment, and a faint smile gradually appeared on her face, “You’re a sensible child. I’m relieved to hear you think this way.”

Zhong Ao, who was standing nearby, chimed in, “Elder Madam, I was just about to tell you. Early this morning, before the fifth watch, the Lord came to the north wing. You hadn’t risen yet, so you didn’t know. The Lord went out of the city to inspect the defenses and will return later today.”

Madam Xu nodded and exchanged a few more casual words with Xiao Qiao. Before Xiao Qiao took her leave, she hesitated for a moment, then suddenly knelt and bowed to Madam Xu, pleading, “Grandmother, there’s something I’m struggling to decide, and I’d like to seek your advice.”

Madam Xu told her to speak.

“Shortly after I entered the household, I learned that my mother-in-law intends for my husband to take Zheng Shu as a concubine. I fully support this. Firstly, Zheng Shu has always been close to my mother-in-law, and if she becomes my husband’s concubine, I’ll have an ally in the future. Secondly, it’s also a matter of expanding the Wei family lineage. However, this morning before my husband left, he instructed me to go to my mother-in-law and decline this matter on his behalf. I’m in a difficult position. I wanted to persuade him to comply with my mother-in-law’s wishes and take Zheng Shu as a concubine, but he wouldn’t listen to me. I’m at a loss as to how to approach my mother-in-law without causing her disappointment or sadness. I humbly ask for your guidance.”

Madam Xu’s brow furrowed slightly, and she muttered to herself, “Why is he still entangled with Zheng Shu?” She glanced at Xiao Qiao, who was still kneeling before her, and said to Zhong Ao beside her, “Forget it, she doesn’t need to go. You go instead and convey my message: she has one month to find a suitable family. If she can’t find one, I’ll arrange a marriage for her niece myself.”

Zhong Ao acknowledged the order. Madam Xu’s voice then softened as she told Xiao Qiao to rise.

Xiao Qiao stood up and thanked Madam Xu again. Madam Xu comforted her with a few more words, and Xiao Qiao took her leave.

…

Wei Shao didn’t return until nightfall.

On his way to the west wing, he finally remembered the words he had left behind that morning before heading out.The moment was still vivid in his mind. As soon as those words were spoken, Xiao Qiao, who had been lying on the pillow with her eyes half-closed, suddenly opened her eyes wide, her expression changing abruptly.

Wei Shao felt a faint sense of anticipation stirring within him. He quickened his pace back to his room, and as soon as he stepped over the threshold, he saw Xiao Qiao emerging from the inner chamber to greet him.

These days, the signs of spring were becoming more pronounced. The peach blossoms in the courtyard were beginning to bloom, and she had accordingly changed into lighter spring attire. Today, she wore a soft, pale yellow spring robe, her black hair tied into a single braid that cascaded down her back. Her slender waist, as delicate as a freshly plucked willow branch, exuded a refreshing and charming aura.

Perhaps it was because her clothes fit more snugly, or perhaps it was just his imagination, but as Wei Shao glanced at her, he felt that she had grown slightly taller since their first meeting last year. And those two mounds on her chest…

They seemed to have become a bit fuller compared to when they were in Xindu at the end of last year.

"Has my Lord returned?"

Xiao Qiao approached with light steps, a gentle smile on her face as she greeted him.

Wei Shao averted his gaze and responded with a faint "Hmm." As he changed his clothes, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He glanced at her again and saw her standing at the door, instructing the servants to prepare dinner. He was about to ask if she had followed his instructions to relay the message to the east wing when a servant woman arrived at the door, saying that Madam from the east wing had sent someone to summon the Lord.

Wei Shao looked at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her turn her gaze toward him, he hesitated for a moment, then instructed them to delay the meal slightly before turning and leaving. When he arrived at the east wing and entered, he saw Zhu Shi with a stern expression. He approached to greet her, but she ignored him.

"Mother, why are you upset?"

Wei Shao asked.

Zhu Shi glanced at him and snorted, "My wonderful son! All I asked was for you to take in your cousin, so that I might have some company. Is this how you show your filial piety? You even let someone from the north wing come and humiliate me! If even my own son treats me this way, what's the point of living?"

Only then did Wei Shao understand.

So Xiao Qiao hadn't come herself. Instead, she had sought the support of his grandmother and shifted the responsibility onto her.

No wonder she had been smiling so brightly earlier, seemingly in high spirits. She hadn't even mentioned the matter to his mother.

"Mother, please don't misunderstand. It was not my intention to defy you," Wei Shao said.

"Isn't this defiance? What else would count? Are you trying to drive me to my death?"

Wei Shao quickly knelt before Zhu Shi, bowing his head respectfully. "No matter how unfilial I may be, I would never dare to do such a thing. It's just that regarding Cousin Chuyu, I have already come up with a solution that benefits everyone."

Zhu Shi, who had been wiping her tears, suddenly looked up at him in surprise.

"Mother, please listen to me," Wei Shao bowed his head again. "Yesterday, you yourself said that the reason you wanted me to take in Chuyu was to keep her by your side for a long time. I assume Chuyu herself feels the same way. This is not difficult to achieve; it doesn't have to be me who takes her in. I can find a suitable and handsome man to marry into our family. This way, Chuyu can settle her future while still staying by your side. What do you think, Mother?"

Zhu Shi was taken aback.

Hidden behind the screen, Zheng Chuyu was startled. She never expected Wei Shao to come up with such a solution. Fearing that Zhu Shi might not be able to refuse and would agree, she couldn't help but grow anxious. She shifted slightly, accidentally causing the jade pendants she wore to clink softly against each other.Wei Shao glanced behind the screen, his expression unchanged, and smiled gently at the stunned Zhu Shi. "Mother, you know that I have always regarded Chuyu as a younger sister, without any improper thoughts. To hastily take her as a concubine would be a disservice to her and would ruin her future. That is why I have made this arrangement."

"Zhonglin, this... this is probably not appropriate..."

Zhu Shi also heard the noise from behind the screen and knew it was made by Zheng Chuyu. Reminded of her presence, she hurriedly objected, "What kind of good man would be willing to marry into our family? I cannot just marry Chuyu off to anyone!"

"Mother, you are mistaken. In these times of war and strife, there are countless orphans. In my army alone, there are many fatherless young men, all of them strong and upright. With Chuyu's character and beauty, why worry about finding a willing son-in-law? In the future, I will also promote him. How would that be a disservice to Chuyu?"

"Zhonglin..."

"My mind is made up. If Mother is reluctant to marry Chuyu off, then we can bring a son-in-law into our Wei family. Mother, think it over carefully and let me know your decision. I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave."

Wei Shao's expression turned serious. He bowed to the stunned Zhu Shi and then stood up to leave.

As soon as Wei Shao left, Zheng Chuyu rushed out from behind the screen and immediately collapsed in tears at Zhu Shi's knees, sobbing, "It seems that my bond with Auntie is coming to an end in this life. So be it, Chuyu begs Auntie to marry me off. In the future, I will remember Auntie and come back to visit often."

Zhu Shi was both angry and heartbroken. She hugged Zheng Chuyu tightly and said bitterly, "If you are not by my side, I will have to spend my days with that one-eyed old woman, and now there's also that Qiao woman. How can I endure such a life? Don't worry, Auntie will think of a way. I will make sure Zhonglin cannot refuse!"

"At this point, what else can be done?"

Zheng Chuyu lifted her face, choking back tears.

"There is a way. But it will require some sacrifice from you..."

Zhu Shi leaned close to Zheng Chuyu's ear and whispered a few words. Zheng Chuyu's face immediately flushed with embarrassment, and she shook her head in refusal.

Zhu Shi held her and sighed, "Chuyu, Auntie knows this method is difficult for you. But at this point, it's the only way. You heard what Zhonglin said just now, and the northern house has also spoken. If we don't do this, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep you here."

Zheng Chuyu bit her lip and lowered her head for a long while before finally nodding softly, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, "Chuyu will follow Auntie's arrangements in everything."