The Prisoner of Beauty

Under the jurisdiction of Lingbi County in Xuzhou, a young man carrying a heavy load walked along a muddy yellow path from the direction of the distant county town.

The young man wore a bamboo hat commonly used by woodcutters in the mountains, its brim pulled low, revealing only the lower half of his face. Yet, it was still evident that he had a handsome countenance. He was tall, with broad shoulders, a thick back, and large joints, yet his body was agile and flexible. Despite the heavy burden on his shoulders, he strode forward with ease, as if carrying nothing. His clothes were old but clean, with neatly patched elbows, the stitches fine and meticulous, indicating that there was a woman skilled in needlework at home.

This young man was Bi Zhi. He and Da Qiao had settled in a hunting village at the foot of the mountain. With a bit of guidance from Old Man Wang, he quickly became an excellent hunter. While their home was never short of meat, they still needed to trade for grain and salt at the market. Early that morning, he had left the mountains at the fourth watch, bringing with him the animal pelts he had accumulated over time to exchange for the bag of fresh millet now on his shoulder.

If he had traded for old millet, he could have gotten an extra hu. But Bi Zhi didn’t mind. He could eat tree bark and leaves without batting an eye if he were truly hungry.

But he had chosen fresh millet. He wanted Da Qiao, who was accustomed to fine food, to eat as well as possible. The mountains were teeming with game, and he had boundless strength. Trading for a bag of fresh millet was nothing more than hunting a few more animals for their pelts.

A few days ago, he had been lucky enough to hunt a beautiful fox pelt, its fur smooth and glossy. He had originally planned to tan it and keep it for Da Qiao to use in the winter, but she insisted he sell it at the market. Reluctantly, he obeyed. After selling the pelt that morning, he had some extra money left, so he bought a few feet of cloth for Da Qiao.

He knew she would scold him when he returned, but Bi Zhi was more than willing to let her lecture him.

There were still over twenty li to the village. Glancing at the sun, which was beginning to dip westward, he quickened his pace, fearing Da Qiao would worry if he returned too late. Just then, a group of people approached from the opposite direction. A dozen or so soldiers, dressed in reddish-brown uniforms, with swords at their waists and spears in their hands, were driving a line of men bound together by ropes, slowly making their way toward the county town. The man at the front rode a horse, likely the leader of the soldiers. The men bound by ropes were all males—some in their prime, others elderly with white hair, and a few who looked to be no more than ten or eleven years old, thin and frail.

"Sir, please, have mercy and let this old man go... I’m almost fifty, how can I still march and fight?"

An old man, prodded forward by a spear from behind, kept turning his head to plead desperately. The soldier barked, "Your family registered three sons, yet not one of them is in the army. Clearly, they’ve all fled. If the sons won’t come, the father must take their place. That’s only right!"

The old man wept, "Sir, you don’t understand. My eldest son died in the seventh year of Yanyou during Lord Xue’s campaign against Qingzhou. My second son died in battle in the third year of Dingkang. My youngest son fell ill and died suddenly last year. The village head can vouch for me. It’s fine if I go, but my wife is bedridden at home..."

The soldier, impatient, lashed the old man with a whip, "When you’re called to serve, you serve! If your family starves, the army will at least feed you! Stop your whining!"

The old man, in pain, dared not cry out anymore. Wiping his tears, he stumbled forward with unsteady steps.Bi Zhi knew that this was Xue Tai, the Governor of Xuzhou, once again forcibly conscripting soldiers. In the county market, he had overheard people nearby discussing the matter.

From under the brim of his bamboo hat, he glanced at the white-haired old man weeping bitterly, then at the ragged, bewildered children tied together behind the elder. Finally, he averted his gaze.

Xue Tai of Xuzhou was one of the most powerful warlords in the Huai River basin, constantly waging wars. Wars required soldiers, and when soldiers died, they needed to replenish their ranks. Now that there were no more able-bodied men left, even the elderly and children were not spared.

Bi Zhi sympathized deeply with those who were forcibly conscripted, but this was not something he could intervene in.

Da Qiao was still waiting for him at home.

He pressed down the brim of his hat and quickened his pace. As he passed by the leading soldier, the man noticed him and thrust his halberd horizontally, blocking Bi Zhi's chest.

"Who are you?"

"A hunter."

"Look up."

Bi Zhi slowly raised his head. The soldier was startled when he saw his green eyes. Then, with the tip of his halberd, he poked the sack on Bi Zhi's shoulder. "What's in there?"

"Millet."

But the sack had already been punctured, and the fresh yellow millet began to spill out from the tear, scattering onto the ground.

The soldier looked Bi Zhi up and down. "Join the army!"

Bi Zhi remained still. "Please let me go, sir. I am not a local and have no obligation to be conscripted."

The soldier sneered. "Do you know that the Governor will soon launch an attack on Yanzhou? I value talent, which is why I’m inviting you to join. Yanzhou is vast and rich. Once we conquer it, wealth and women will be within easy reach. And yet you refuse?"

Bi Zhi's eyes flickered slightly. He pushed aside the halberd still blocking his chest. "Please let me go, sir. I have matters to attend to. I must be on my way."

He pinched the torn opening of the grain sack on his shoulder and walked around the soldier's horse, continuing forward. The soldier, angered by Bi Zhi's disregard, swung his halberd from behind, aiming for Bi Zhi's back. Bi Zhi turned, grabbed the halberd's shaft with one arm, and yanked. The soldier was pulled off his horse, landing flat on his back. Humiliated and furious, he ordered his men to seize Bi Zhi. The dozen or so soldiers immediately rushed forward, surrounding Bi Zhi and attacking him all at once.

Bi Zhi knew that this situation would not end peacefully. He set down the grain sack on his shoulder, snatched the halberd from the soldier, and swung it at the men surrounding him. In a fierce struggle, he single-handedly knocked down the dozen soldiers. The injured men clutched their legs, rolling on the ground and howling in pain. The soldier, not expecting Bi Zhi to be as fierce as a wild beast, grew fearful. Seeing Bi Zhi stride toward him with the halberd in hand, glaring as if he intended to kill him, the soldier panicked. He scrambled to his feet, mounted his horse, and fled in terror. The remaining soldiers, seeing their leader flee, had no desire to stay and suffer. They scattered as well, disappearing in an instant, leaving only a few spears and swords strewn haphazardly on the ground.

The fierce fight left the onlookers stunned. Only when the soldiers had all fled did they come to their senses, kneeling and kowtowing to Bi Zhi, calling him their savior and hero, and begging him to help untie their bonds.

Bi Zhi picked up a fallen knife from the ground and went to cut the ropes binding the people. Once freed, they bowed to him repeatedly in gratitude before dispersing like birds and beasts.

Bi Zhi gathered the spilled millet from the ground, took off his outer robe, and wrapped it around the torn grain sack. He slung it back over his shoulder and hurried away.When he returned to the village, the sky was just beginning to darken. Birds in the mountains were returning to their nests, and people were heading home. Da Qiao had already prepared dinner and was eagerly waiting for her husband by the fence gate. Seeing his figure appear on the mountain path from afar, she ran out to greet him. After bringing her husband back inside, they had a simple dinner together under the lamplight. Bi Zhi shared a few things he had seen and heard during the day in the county town, but he didn’t mention the unexpected incident on his way back. Finally, he took out the cloth he had bought.

Da Qiao was delighted in her heart but scolded him for spending money recklessly. Bi Zhi just smiled and let her lecture him. In the end, Da Qiao put the cloth away and brought out a pair of newly made shoes. She said his feet were big and that he climbed mountains and walked a lot every day, so the previous pair of shoes had worn out. She told him to change into the new ones.

The moon rose over the mountain mist, and spring insects chirped softly. The two were young and had just married not long ago, so it was natural for them to be affectionate and intimate, almost every night. After their tender moments tonight, Da Qiao closed her eyes and rested her head on Bi Zhi’s chest. She asked, “Husband, are you hiding something from me? I noticed you’ve been quieter than usual since returning from the county town.”

Bi Zhi was usually a man of few words, but tonight he was even more silent than usual.

After a moment of hesitation, Bi Zhi said, “On my way back, I overheard someone saying that Xue Tai, the Governor of Xuzhou, is planning to attack Yanzhou.”

Da Qiao was shocked and sat up abruptly. “At home, I’ve never heard of any grievances between our family and Xue Tai. Why would Xue Tai suddenly decide to attack Yanzhou? Are you sure you heard correctly?”

Bi Zhi briefly recounted the incident on the road. Da Qiao immediately became anxious. “If my father is unaware and unprepared, what should we do?”

Bi Zhi reassured her, “Don’t panic. It might just be a rumor spread by some soldiers. Tomorrow I’ll go back to the county town to gather more information. If it’s true, I’ll go to Yanzhou as soon as possible to deliver the message so that the governor can prepare.”

Da Qiao calmed down a bit, and Bi Zhi continued to comfort her. They waited through the night until dawn. Early the next morning, Bi Zhi went back to the city. When he returned at night, he told Da Qiao that he had captured an officer during the day and, after interrogation, confirmed that the news was indeed true.

Xue Tai was preparing provisions and troops, planning to send an army of 100,000 to seize Yanzhou. The provisions were already on the move, and the army would set out soon.

...

On the twelfth day of the month, the streets of Dongjun were as bustling and peaceful as usual. However, the atmosphere in the governor’s meeting hall was unusually tense.

Qiao Yue, Qiao Ping, and a group of advisors and generals were discussing a piece of news that had struck like a bolt from the blue.

A few days ago, an anonymous report had come to the governor’s office, stating that Xue Tai of Xuzhou was leading an army of 100,000 toward Yanzhou, marching fifty miles a day and expected to arrive within half a month.

At first, Qiao Yue didn’t believe it. The Qiao family and Xue Tai had always kept to their own territories without any conflicts. Although Xue Tai was ambitious and had a notorious reputation, his targets had always been in the Huai River region. Why would he suddenly send an army of 100,000 to attack Yanzhou? Qiao Yue immediately sent out scouts. That morning, a fast horse returned with the news that it was indeed true. Xue Tai’s army had already reached Tengdi and would be near Yanzhou in about ten days.

Qiao Yue was alarmed and hastily called for a meeting to discuss countermeasures. Everyone had different opinions, and Qiao Yue became even more indecisive.

Zhang Pu said, “My lord, do not panic. I have a strategy that can resolve this crisis.” Qiao Yue asked him to explain."Xue Tai, known as the 'Ferocious Tiger,' commands a strong and well-equipped army, and his sudden aggressive advance makes it unwise for Yanzhou to confront him head-on. We must urgently send word to Marquis Wei. The Wei and Qiao families are bound by marriage. If he does not come to our aid, he will be seen as untrustworthy and dishonorable, scorned by all under heaven."

Qiao Yue was immediately reminded of this and hastily ordered his secretary to draft a letter, seal it with wax, and send it by fast horse day and night to Wei Shao.

As for why Xue Tai of Xuzhou had suddenly launched an attack, Qiao Ping was also at a loss. He was not particularly eager to seek help from Wei Shao again. Last time, when Ren Cheng's Zhou Qun invaded, he had no choice but to send away his beloved daughter. Now, with Xue Tai's assault, he had to turn to Wei Shao for military aid once more. If Wei Shao cherished his daughter, it would merely be a blow to the pride of the Qiao family patriarchs. But if Wei Shao did not care for her, repeatedly seeking his help would only make him look down on her even more, further diminishing her status in the Wei household. However, his elder brother was weak, and he alone could not hold out against the overwhelming force of a hundred thousand troops. Yanzhou was indeed in imminent danger, so he could only return home in a sullen mood. Upon arriving, he found his son Qiao Ci missing and learned that, worried for his sister, he had secretly followed the messenger on a fast horse to Youzhou. Shocked, Qiao Ping hurriedly sent someone to chase after him, but Qiao Ci had already galloped out of the city gates, and there was no way to catch him now.

……

That day, Wei Shao concluded his inspection of the border towns and finally returned to Yuyang from Mayi.

He had been away for half a month. The clatter of hooves echoed as he passed through the northern gate of Yuyang, returning to the familiar city.

His mood was quite good. After entering the city and dismissing his retinue, he did not go to the government office but headed straight home. Upon entering the western chamber, he found Xiao Qiao absent, and Chun Niang was nowhere to be seen either. Asking the maids, he learned that the lady had been invited to the Temple of the Golden Mother of the West in the eastern part of the city to inscribe a mural of the Queen Mother.

At this time, both Buddhism and Taoism flourished, and among the people, many worshipped Taoist deities alongside the Buddha. The Queen Mother, as the chief of female immortals, was believed to bless the land with favorable weather and abundant harvests. The local populace, having lived in peace and prosperity for many years, pooled their resources to build the temple. Although Madam Xu worshipped the Buddha, upon hearing of the project, she generously contributed. The temple had recently been completed, a magnificent structure. In front of the temple, a mural wall had been erected, painted with the image of the Queen Mother. The artist was none other than Gao Heng, the "Crown of Bohai," who had previously come to celebrate Madam Xu's birthday. Gao Heng, invited to paint the mural, was eager to leave his mark in Yuyang and gladly accepted. As the mural neared completion, he suddenly thought of the lady of the Wei household, whose calligraphy was exquisite. If she were to inscribe the mural of the Queen Mother, it would complement his painting perfectly, adding luster to the masterpiece. Being a man of action, he wasted no time. Two days ago, he paid a visit to the Wei residence. Upon hearing his request, Madam Xu readily agreed. With her approval, Xiao Qiao did not refuse and had been going to the temple for the past two days. Today, she had gone again and had not yet returned.

Wei Shao felt a pang of disappointment. A slight displeasure stirred within him, but he showed no trace of it on his face.

Having been away for half a month, traveling tirelessly from city to city, he returned covered in dust. After washing up and tidying his appearance, he changed his clothes and went to the northern chamber to pay his respects to his grandmother, Madam Xu.

Madam Xu was delighted to see him back and had him sit beside her to chat. Wei Shao accompanied her in conversation, though he spoke little, merely occasionally agreeing with a word or two.Madam Xu mentioned Zhu Shi, saying that she had just allowed her to return from the ancestral shrine two days prior. She continued, "Zhonglin, your mother is the matriarch of our Wei family. That being the case, and for the sake of your dignity, I should not have acted as I did. However, her actions this time were truly excessive. I hope she has learned her lesson and will not make such foolish mistakes again."

Although some days had passed since the incident, Madam Xu's tone still carried a hint of irritation as she brought it up.

Wei Shao nodded in agreement.

Madam Xu glanced at him, thought for a moment, and then a faint smile appeared on her face. "You must already know that your wife was borrowed by her grandmother a couple of days ago. It's getting late, and if she hasn't returned yet, it wouldn't hurt for you to go and fetch her. There's no need to keep me, an old woman, company here any longer."

Wei Shao maintained a serious expression. "Grandson will see how things are. If there's no issue, I will follow your instructions and go."

Madam Xu nodded and urged him to set off. Wei Shao bowed to his grandmother before finally rising and leaving.

As he walked out of the northern room, his pace gradually quickened. When he reached the fork in the path leading to the eastern room, he paused and glanced in that direction, hesitating for a moment. Ultimately, he continued forward, eventually exiting through the main gate. He then ordered a horse to be prepared, intending to head to the eastern part of the city.