The Prisoner of Beauty

The journey from Zhongshan Kingdom to Yuyang would take approximately four to five days.

Early the next morning, Xiao Qiao set out with Madam Xu.

Wei Yan was already waiting at the gate, accompanied by two columns of about a hundred guards.

As Wei Yan was tasked with staying behind to oversee Youzhou, he would not be joining them. The guards, selected from the elite Tiger Warriors of the Wei family, were not only trustworthy but also highly skilled in combat.

Seeing Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao emerge, Wei Yan immediately stepped forward to assist Madam Xu.

Outside the gate, four carriages drawn by two horses each were waiting. The foremost carriage was adorned with a brass canopy, inlaid with white jade, and draped in green oilcloth. Inside, it was lined with brocade, with four windows on each side—two for ventilation and two for viewing—and decorated with pearl tassels at each corner, exuding extravagance.

Wei Yan helped Madam Xu down the steps and towards the carriage. Madam Xu, upon seeing it, shook her head and said, "I asked you to prepare a carriage, but why did you bring such an extravagant one? It's too lavish."

Wei Yan replied, "Given your esteemed status, how could it be considered too lavish? Compared to the carriages of the nobles in Luoyang, this is nothing. Besides, the journey will take several days, and considering your age, I wanted to ensure you travel comfortably. That's why I prepared a slightly better carriage."

Madam Xu chuckled, "You always have a way with words. Well, since the carriage is ready, I might as well use it. It's good that your sister-in-law is traveling with me. My old bones can handle it, but she is delicate and needs a comfortable ride. You've thought it through."

Wei Yan smiled, helped Madam Xu into the carriage, then stepped aside to make way for Xiao Qiao, saying, "Sister-in-law, please board."

With a slight assist from her attendant, Xiao Qiao lifted her skirt and stepped onto the carriage. However, as her foot touched the carriage panel, it slipped slightly, causing her to lose her balance. Before she could react, Wei Yan swiftly stepped forward and steadied her by placing a hand on her lower back, whispering, "Be careful, sister-in-law," before quickly withdrawing his hand.

The slight stumble was something Xiao Qiao could have managed on her own, but Wei Yan's quick reflexes had intervened.

Her initial impression of him had been extremely negative, but after learning his identity and observing his dignified and courteous demeanor during their encounters in the Wei residence, her initial aversion, born from his overly attentive gaze during their first meeting, had gradually softened.

Now, caught off guard by his assistance, she felt a bit awkward but still turned to give him a faint smile of thanks before bending down to enter the carriage and sit beside Madam Xu.

Zhong Ao, Chun Niang, and the other attendants, along with the necessary luggage, boarded the following carriages. Once everything was ready, the mounted guards, armed with swords, led the way, flanked by the escort riders. The procession moved through the streets and out of the city, with Wei Yan accompanying them for dozens of miles until Madam Xu repeatedly urged him to return, at which point he finally stopped.

He stood there, watching the procession slowly disappear along the road, and couldn't help but clench the hand that had just touched her waist.Her waist was so slender that his single palm could almost cover it entirely. Though it was only a brief touch, separated by a layer of fabric, the sensation of softness and lightness seemed to linger on his skin, refusing to fade even now.

……

Once they set off on their journey, Xiao Qiao learned the reason why Madam Xu, despite her age, was willing to endure the hardships of traveling to the State of Zhongshan.

The mother of the current King of Zhongshan, Liu Duan, was Consort Yuan, who had been Madam Xu’s closest childhood friend, like a sister to her. Although their interactions had diminished over the years due to their advancing age and the long distance between them, the bond of their past friendship remained intact.

Consort Yuan had fallen seriously ill last year, and her condition had worsened recently. Yesterday, Madam Xu received news from Zhongshan that Consort Yuan might not have much time left. Recalling their shared memories and old times, Madam Xu had spent a sleepless night and decided early this morning to go and see her one last time.

“Clothes are best when new, but people are best when old.”

Madam Xu gazed out of the carriage window at the endless expanse of wilderness, lost in thought for a long while before finally letting out a sigh.

……

Several days later, Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao arrived in Luno.

The State of Zhongshan had been established during the Jianwu era. Its first ruler was originally a son of the Jianwu Emperor, initially granted the title of Duke of Qinghe before being promoted to King and given the fiefdom of Dingzhou, with Luno as its capital. By the time of the current King Liu Duan, the state had been passed down through more than ten generations, spanning over two hundred years.

Like the States of Langya and Jiyin, these once-mighty fiefdoms, which had represented the pinnacle of imperial authority, had long since declined in status, even though their titles and territories remained. Zhongshan was relatively fortunate, as Dingzhou was now under the control of Wei Shao, allowing the royal family to retain their original fief and privileges. This was unlike some other states, where the local powers had encroached upon or even completely seized their territories.

Even so, as the carriage entered the city of Luno, Xiao Qiao looked out through the window and saw that the streets were still marked by a sense of gloom and decay. It was like a once-prosperous household, where the grandeur of the past had faded, leaving only faint traces of its former glory.

King Liu Duan of Zhongshan had learned of Madam Xu’s arrival the previous day and personally came out of the city to welcome her, escorting Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao into the palace.

Liu Duan was of a younger generation than Madam Xu, and given that he now relied on Wei Shao’s favor, he treated Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao with utmost respect. After a series of formalities in the palace and meticulous hospitality, Madam Xu requested that everything be kept simple. After a brief rest and changing into clean clothes, she immediately took Xiao Qiao to visit the bedridden Consort Yuan.

Consort Yuan was around the same age as Madam Xu, but now she was nearing the end of her life, lying on her sickbed in extremely poor spirits. When Madam Xu took her hand and called her by her maiden name, Consort Yuan no longer recognized her. Her dull gaze, emanating from her swollen eyes, fixed on Madam Xu without moving.

Liu Duan explained that his mother had been like this since last year. At first, she could still recognize him, but now she didn’t even respond when he called her. Despite extensive treatment, there was nothing more that could be done. Knowing of his mother’s past friendship with Madam Xu, he had sent the letter fearing that Madam Xu might blame him for not informing her sooner.

Madam Xu dismissed everyone except Xiao Qiao and then sat by Consort Yuan’s bedside for a long time, holding her hand and murmuring to her as if talking to herself. Xiao Qiao listened carefully and realized that most of Madam Xu’s words were reminiscences of their youthful days in the inner chambers.Madam Xu's tone was calm and gentle, without a hint of sorrow. When she recalled sneaking out with the Yuan family during the Lantern Festival in her youth to admire the lanterns and unexpectedly encountering a handsome young man who made both of their hearts flutter, there was even a touch of joy in her voice. However, for some reason, as Xiao Qiao listened, she gradually felt a growing sadness, as if something was blocking her heart.

Madam Xu accompanied the unresponsive Yuan family for a long time, until the sun was setting, before she finally emerged with Xiao Qiao.

When she came out, her eyes were slightly red.

Liu Duan, leading the royal family, had been waiting outside. Seeing Madam Xu emerge, he hurried forward and respectfully invited her to the banquet. Madam Xu did not refuse and brought Xiao Qiao along. During the banquet, starting with Liu Duan, the royal family members who accompanied them flattered and fawned over Madam Xu, and they also repeatedly praised Xiao Qiao. Madam Xu smiled and chatted without showing any unusual expression. After the banquet, she sighed to Xiao Qiao, "The Liu family has lasted for over four hundred years, but now it has declined to this extent. Such is the fate of heaven!"

Returning to their lodgings, Madam Xu seemed still immersed in the emotions of meeting the dying Yuan family earlier in the day. She sat motionless in front of the lamp. Xiao Qiao silently accompanied her for a long time.

Zhong Ao entered and asked Madam Xu to change her clothes and rest, but Madam Xu remained unmoved.

Xiao Qiao, thinking that Madam Xu had been exhausted from the journey a few days ago and had been socializing all day today, was about to speak and persuade her when suddenly Madam Xu looked at her and said, "I must have seemed ridiculous to you today, rambling on with the Yuan family. Now that I'm old, I find myself reminiscing about my youth. In the blink of an eye, my hair has turned white, and everything seems like a dream."

Xiao Qiao replied, "How could I dare to laugh? Grandmother, although the beauty in the mirror fades and time does not wait, there is also the saying that 'the nest is built, and the chicks grow up, accompanying us through the years.' Grandmother is merely nostalgic, hence the sentiment."

Madam Xu repeated the phrase "the nest is built, and the chicks grow up," smiled, and gently patted Xiao Qiao's hand. She then turned to Zhong Ao and said, "This child always knows how to speak to my heart."

Zhong Ao laughed and said, "The young lady is just trying to comfort Elder Madam, fearing that she might grieve too much and harm her health. Elder Madam is so easily pleased."

Madam Xu said, "Enough, we are all tired today. Let's all go to bed early."

Zhong Ao agreed and, together with Xiao Qiao, helped Madam Xu up.

That night, nothing more was said.

The next day, Madam Xu consulted the imperial physician and learned that the Yuan family member did not have much time left, so she decided to stay a few more days. Many of Madam Xu's relatives came to visit that day, and their words were filled with flattery. When they turned to Xiao Qiao and saw her heavenly beauty and dignified demeanor, they were all naturally captivated.

The Wei family was now rising rapidly, and although she was young, Xiao Qiao was the future matriarch of the Wei family and seemed to be quite favored by Madam Xu, who always kept her by her side. This made them hold her in even higher regard, and many secretly presented gifts to her behind Madam Xu's back to show their goodwill. Xiao Qiao naturally did not accept them and returned them all, nor did she privately agree to meet anyone. Three or four days passed like this. On the evening of this day, Xiao Qiao returned with Madam Xu after visiting the Yuan family.

The Yuan family member was now having difficulty breathing, and according to the imperial physician, it would only be a day or two.

Madam Xu returned in a somber mood. Xiao Qiao accompanied her, trying to comfort her, when suddenly a servant woman knocked on the door from outside: "Elder Madam, the eldest daughter of the Su family, the wife of the Duke of Zuofengyi, has learned that you have arrived in Zhongshan and has come to pay her respects."Xiao Qiao's eyes flickered slightly, but she quickly masked her emotions.

She knew that in her previous life, there had always been such a person in Da Qiao's life trajectory.

It was just that this person had remained a vague, lifeless name in her memory until now. Suddenly, this person was about to appear before her, alive and real.

Madam Xu seemed momentarily startled and murmured to herself, "She became a widow last year and was still in Luoyang, wasn't she? How did she end up here?" After a moment of contemplation, she instructed to have the visitor brought in.

Xiao Qiao hurriedly rose to excuse herself, but Madam Xu said, "Stay, it's fine. In terms of seniority, I am her mother's aunt, and she addresses me as her great-aunt. We are somewhat related."

Xiao Qiao lowered her eyes and responded with a soft "Yes," then resumed her seat beside Madam Xu as before.

A moment later, she heard the faint jingling of ornaments approaching from afar, growing clearer and more distinct, like the rhythm of music. One could imagine the graceful, swaying gait of the woman walking.

A young woman dressed in plain clothes appeared at the door.

Xiao Qiao looked over.

This young woman appeared slightly older than Wei Shao, perhaps in her mid-twenties. Her dark hair was styled in a loose, elegant manner, and her features were strikingly beautiful, especially her captivating eyes that seemed to draw people in. Her figure was exquisite, and even the plain attire couldn't conceal her mature allure, adding a unique charm to her presence.

The young woman reached the threshold, gently lifted her skirt, and, guided by a servant, walked up to Madam Xu, where she bowed respectfully. After paying her respects, she said, "Your great-niece, Ehuang, heard of your arrival two days ago. It has been many years since I last saw you, and I am overjoyed. I had wanted to come earlier, but I feared I might disturb your important affairs, so I held back. Today, however, my longing was too great, and despite the late hour, I have come uninvited. I only hope I have not disturbed your peace."

With that, she bowed again.

As soon as she spoke, Xiao Qiao was slightly surprised. Her voice was slightly hoarse, as if it had been damaged in some way.

However, her words were delivered with a rhythmic cadence, making her voice not unpleasant to the ear. In fact, compared to the voices of most women, it carried a unique charm.

Madam Xu also seemed a bit surprised and looked at her with a single eye, "It's been many years. I remember your voice used to be quite pleasant. What happened?"

Su Ehuang lowered her gaze, a hint of sorrow on her face, "Great-aunt, I fell ill some time ago. Although I recovered, my voice was ruined."

Madam Xu nodded, "What a pity." She then added, "I heard of the unfortunate passing of the Duke of Zuofengyi last year. You must take care of yourself and not let grief harm your health."

Su Ehuang bowed deeply, "Ehuang thanks you for your concern, great-aunt. I will surely remember your words. I had been living in Luoyang with my late husband, but after his passing, I feared being reminded of him by the surroundings, so I returned to Zhongshan at the beginning of the year and have been living in seclusion. During your recent birthday celebration, I was still in mourning and feared it would be inappropriate to attend, so I could only offer my blessings from afar. I often think of the care you showed me when I was young, and I have never forgotten it. I hope to have the opportunity to serve you again and repay your kindness."

Madam Xu showed a faint smile, "Your filial piety is appreciated, great-niece. Now that I have my granddaughter-in-law by my side, I am well taken care of. You need not worry."Su Ehuang finally turned her gaze towards Xiao Qiao, who was seated slightly behind Madam Xu. Her eyes lingered on Xiao Qiao's face for a moment before she broke into a warm smile. "She must be Zhonglin's newlywed wife, I presume? I heard just the other day that the people in the city are all talking about how the Lady of Yunyan has a beauty that rivals the sun. Seeing her now, I am truly captivated. I was so engrossed in chatting with my great-aunt just now that I neglected to greet her properly. My apologies, sister." She then performed the customary greeting gesture that women use when meeting for the first time.

Xiao Qiao slightly inclined her body in return, reciprocating the gesture.

According to etiquette, Madam Xu should have introduced Xiao Qiao to her grandniece, but Madam Xu remained silent, merely watching the exchange between Su Ehuang and Xiao Qiao with a faint smile.

Su Ehuang said, "It is my great fortune to meet a sister as ethereal as a fairy. I am deeply comforted. I hope we can have more interactions in the future, so as not to waste this instant connection I feel upon seeing you."

Since Madam Xu did not introduce her, Xiao Qiao did not address Su Ehuang as "sister" as she had just done, but instead smiled and said, "You flatter me, Madam. I feel the same."

Su Ehuang's smile did not waver in the slightest. Her gaze lingered on Xiao Qiao's face one last time before she turned to Madam Xu and said, "Finally meeting you, my dear great-aunt, has filled my heart with joy. You must be tired today, so I won't impose any longer. I will take my leave now and return another day to serve you."

Madam Xu replied, "You are thoughtful." She then glanced at Zhong Ao, signaling her to escort Su Ehuang out.

Su Ehuang bowed deeply to Madam Xu one last time before rising and departing.

The sound of her jade ornaments gradually faded away. Madam Xu seemed lost in thought for a moment before turning to Xiao Qiao with a gentle smile. "You must be tired as well. Go and rest early."

……

Xiao Qiao returned to her quarters and sat in the bathtub, soaking in the warm water.

Chun Niang stood behind her, gently massaging her long hair, slowly creating a lather of fine, white foam. As she rinsed the hair with water, the foam floated on the surface, resembling small, white lotus flowers slowly shrinking in size.

Xiao Qiao seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, she turned around, resting her arms on the edge of the bathtub, her chin propped on her hands, and looked at Chun Niang. "Chun Niang, we've been here for some time now. Have you ever heard the name Su Ehuang?"

Author's note: Thank you, dear readers. I've been posting anti-theft chapters these past few days, and I noticed some of you asking about it. Here's an explanation. If there are double updates, they will usually be posted once at noon and once in the evening. Each update will have more words than the previous one, never fewer. I know this might inconvenience some of you, and I kindly ask for your understanding.