The Prisoner of Beauty

When Madam Xu uttered those words, Xiao Qiao instinctively lowered her eyes.

She knew it was probably just an exclamation from Madam Xu in response to the scene that had just unfolded.

But suddenly, she felt too afraid to look at the expressions on Wei Shao's and even Wei Yan's faces at that moment.

She was even more afraid to meet Madam Xu's single eye, which now radiated joy.

Although, up until this moment, she still didn't know exactly what had happened between the two brothers, Wei Shao and Wei Yan.

But one thing she did know was that there was a rift between them, and it was not a small one. And the reason, most likely, had something to do with her.

Frankly, even if Wei Yan had indeed developed inappropriate feelings for her, which in turn angered Wei Shao, she didn't think it was her fault. Just like that night when Wei Shao had vented his anger on her, she was completely innocent.

But at this moment, she suddenly felt a sense of dread.

It wasn't that she was being vain or self-important, but she was scared.

Madam Xu's words had suddenly reminded her.

What if, by some chance, these two brothers of the Wei family really turned against each other because of her, and the matter came before Madam Xu? How would Madam Xu view her? How would she continue to stand in the Wei family?

To put it more dramatically, ever since she cautiously married into the Wei family and met Madam Xu in Yuyang for the first time, Madam Xu had treated her well. If she found out that the two brothers had developed a rift because of her, how would she feel?

"Brothers are like limbs, women are like clothes." This age-old saying should be despised and scorned.

But now she wished it were true. She would rather Wei Shao see her as a piece of clothing than have Madam Xu harbor even the slightest misunderstanding of her, or feel sad and upset because of it. Similarly, if Wei Shao had escalated the situation to an uncontrollable level just because another man had taken an interest in her, even if that man was his elder brother, she could only think of him as reckless and thoughtless.

Originally, over the past couple of days, she had been more focused on feeling wronged by Wei Shao's erratic and harsh treatment, even holding a grudge in her heart.

But suddenly, in this moment, her mind became clear.

If handled improperly, the severity of this matter could lead to consequences she could not bear.

In a flash of thought, Xiao Qiao quickly raised her eyes and looked at Wei Shao across from her.

She hoped he could see the look in her eyes at that moment.

But at this moment, Wei Shao wasn't looking at her.

His eyes were fixed on Madam Xu beside her, his expression respectful and calm.

He said, "Grandmother, you've had a busy morning. Allow me to escort you back to the city."

There would be a grand banquet in the city, and the military feasts at the four gates' camps would also begin, likely lasting late into the night.

Madam Xu knew that he and Wei Yan still had a lot to do that day and wouldn't really expect the two brothers to escort her back. Just like when they had arrived in the morning, she left through the Qinglong Gate accompanied by the two of them and numerous prefects.

Qiao Ci was also among the crowd, standing outside. The wound on his arm had been bandaged and seemed to be fine.

Only then did Xiao Qiao feel relieved. Seeing her younger brother looking at her through the crowd, she gave him a slight nod.Madam Xu spotted Qiao Ci and beckoned him over. The crowd quickly made way for him.

Madam Xu inquired about his injuries.

Qiao Ci bowed and said, "I am fine, thank you for your concern, Grandmother."

Madam Xu replied, "I saw everything. Heroes emerge from the young. As for integrity and benevolence, they are even rarer." She turned to Xiao Qiao, "Your brother is exceptional, a testament to your family's upbringing."

The others chimed in with their agreement.

Qiao Ci's handsome face flushed slightly, showing a hint of bashfulness. He bowed again and said respectfully, "Grandmother, your praise is too generous. I am unworthy."

Madam Xu nodded with a smile.

Xiao Qiao quickly thanked Madam Xu as well, and together with Zhu Shi, they helped her into the carriage.

In such a setting, Xiao Qiao couldn't find an opportunity to speak with him privately.

As she bent down to enter the carriage, she glanced back and saw Wei Shao looking at her.

Their eyes met briefly before she stepped into the carriage.

She decided to talk to him when he returned that evening.

On the way back, Xiao Qiao thought to herself.

......

Wei Shao watched as the carriage carrying the women of the household gradually disappeared into the distance. He then turned to the nearby prefects, inviting them to enter the city first, as the grand feast was about to begin.

Li Dian approached with an eager-looking Qiao Ci. After a military salute, he smiled and said, "I came specifically to borrow someone from you, my lord. Young Master Qiao has made a name for himself at the training ground, and many brothers want to drink and get to know him. May I take him?"

Li Dian was one of the top three renowned generals of the time. Qiao Ci had known of him since his days in Yanzhou. Seeing that Li Dian had personally come to fetch him, he felt both honored and delighted, eager to get closer. His eyes unconsciously revealed his anticipation.

Wei Shao glanced at him and said, "With such admiration from the General, shouldn't you express your gratitude?"

Qiao Ci hurriedly thanked Li Dian.

Li Dian laughed heartily and led him away.

Wei Shao watched their retreating figures and once again turned his gaze to his elder brother, Wei Yan.

Since coming down from the platform, Wei Yan had remained silent. Although he had accompanied Wei Shao to escort Madam Xu here, he hadn't spoken a single word throughout.

He had already left alone.

Outside the Azure Dragon Gate of the training ground, the area was bustling with people.

His figure soon disappeared into the moving crowd.

......

That day, the excitement inside and outside Yuyang City lasted until nightfall.

Wei Shao finally extricated himself from the ongoing festivities and rode alone on a horse towards the west of the city.

Yuyang City had a curfew to avoid disturbing the citizens. Unless it was an urgent military matter, galloping on the streets was prohibited, and violators would be punished with flogging.

This curfew was decreed by Wei Shao himself a few years ago. When it was first implemented, a light chariot general violated the order by galloping through the bustling market. Wei Shao had him flogged with thirty military rods at the government office. Since then, the order had been strictly enforced, and no one dared to violate it.

But now, he himself had broken it.

He galloped at full speed, the iron-shod hooves of his horse striking the smooth and wide stone street like rapid raindrops, startling the late-night pedestrians.

It had been a long time since the pedestrians had encountered such a scene. They stopped and watched as a man and his horse pierced through the distant night, rushing past them like the wind, and soon disappearing into the depths of the night.

The sky was already dark, and the pedestrians couldn't clearly see the face of the rider. They muttered a few complaints.

Wei Shao couldn't hear the complaints from behind.

At this moment, he didn't care about them at all.

During the day, he had barely eaten anything, only drinking a lot of wine. His stomach was full of it.He felt his entire body burning hot, and his steps began to falter.

But his consciousness remained crystal clear.

The more wine he drank, the clearer his mind became, and the hidden fire burning in his chest grew fiercer.

Without a moment's pause, he rode faster and faster, almost charging straight to the brilliantly lit gates of Luo Zhongfang. He dismounted and strode inside.

The gatekeeper had seen the Lord riding into the city on the streets before and was deeply impressed by his appearance, especially given his attire at that moment. Recognizing him at a glance, the gatekeeper hurried to greet him. However, he caught a strong whiff of alcohol, as if the Lord had come in a drunken state. Seeing the Lord's grim expression, the gatekeeper couldn't help but feel alarmed. Wei Shao grabbed him by the collar and demanded, "Is Wei Yan here?"

"Lord Wei?"

The gatekeeper immediately understood and nodded hastily, leading Wei Shao into the building.

The courtesans in the hall were startled and stopped their music, watching in silence. The gatekeeper, too panicked while climbing the stairs, missed a step and fell. Ignoring the pain, he scrambled up the stairs on all fours and finally stopped in front of a carved door, bowing and whispering, "Lord Wei is inside."

The carved door was tightly shut. Faintly, the sound of melodious music and the soft laughter of women could be heard from within.

Wei Shao stood at the door for a moment, then suddenly raised his foot and kicked the door open with a loud "bang." The two courtesans sitting by the door were startled. They screamed, clutching their pipas and retreating, staring in terror at the handsome young man who had suddenly appeared at the door. His expression was extremely dark, his eyes fixed on the noble guest reclining on the couch inside.

Wei Yan was leaning casually on the couch, his clothes neatly arranged, his eyes closed as if he had fallen asleep drunk. In front of him was a wine table, with cups and plates scattered haphazardly, and several empty wine bottles lying on the floor. Beside him sat two young women, one in a red dress and the other in a yellow dress, their breasts half-exposed, cheeks flushed, and eyes filled with a spring-like allure. They were chatting and laughing when the door was suddenly kicked open. They turned around in shock, wide-eyed, and the noise in the room fell silent.

Wei Yan opened his eyes, glanced at Wei Shao at the door, and showed no surprise. He slowly sat up and said, "It's been a busy day. Why have you come here, Second Brother?"

Wei Shao said coldly, "Follow me." Then he turned and left.

Wei Yan was lost in thought for a moment, then pushed aside the two women beside him and stood up from the couch. As he stepped down, his foot faltered slightly, and the woman in red hurried over to support him.

Wei Yan pushed her away and walked out, leaning against the wall.

Wei Shao and Wei Yan left Luo Zhongfang one after the other, each mounting their horses. Wei Shao led the way, heading eastward out of the city. Wei Yan followed behind, continuing for more than ten miles beyond the city gates, leaving the Queen Mother's Temple behind, and finally stopping in a vast wilderness.

In the distant western sky, a faint crescent moon was slowly rising against a backdrop of blue and purple. The wilderness was utterly silent, save for the soft rustling of the grass at their feet as the night breeze passed by.

Wei Shao dismounted and stood at the edge of the wilderness, his back motionless.

Wei Yan also dismounted and paused behind him for a moment before walking over. "Second Brother, you called me here for..."

Before he could finish, Wei Shao suddenly turned around, clenched his fist, and swung a powerful punch straight at his face.Wei Yan was caught off guard, taking a heavy blow to his face. Blood gushed from his nose as he fell backward onto the ground. His ears rang at first, but after a moment, the noise slowly subsided.

He opened his eyes to see Wei Shao kneeling on one knee in front of him, his face filled with rage, teeth clenched as he said, "I’ve always regarded you as an elder brother, and you truly are my brother. There are so many women in the world—why must you disrespect her?"

Wei Yan closed his eyes and wiped the blood that continued to flow from his nose.

Wei Shao sneered, "I’ve thought about it all day, and I’ve finally come to understand something. Although we are brothers, you must harbor resentment toward me, don’t you? So I decided to call you out here. If you have something to say, say it plainly. If you want to fight, let’s fight it out!"

He stared at Wei Yan.

Wei Yan met his gaze, his breathing growing heavier. Suddenly, he let out a roar and swung a punch at Wei Shao, just as Wei Shao had done to him moments ago.

Wei Shao was knocked to the ground. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, sprang to his feet, and pounced on Wei Yan like a fierce tiger.

At first, they exchanged blows, but soon it turned into a brutal brawl, each strike landing with full force. Both were quickly injured.

Wei Shao was pinned down by Wei Yan, taking two heavy punches to his abdomen. The pain felt as though his organs had been displaced. With a roar, he flipped over, twisting Wei Yan’s arms behind his back and firmly pinning him beneath him.

They had been fighting for a long time, both gasping for breath, nearing exhaustion.

But now, Wei Yan felt a searing pain in his arms, as if they were on the verge of breaking.

Wei Shao’s eyes were bloodshot. He suddenly bent his elbow, aiming it at Wei Yan’s temple. Just as he was about to deliver the crushing blow, he abruptly stopped, his elbow hovering just an inch above.

Wei Yan could feel the sharp killing intent emanating from Wei Shao but was unable to escape. Held firmly in place, he felt his strength slowly draining away with the pain.

He smelled the approach of death.

But strangely, at this moment, he felt no fear. Instead, his heart was unusually calm, as if he had been set free.

He closed his eyes, waiting to endure the final, furious blow from his younger brother—his Lord.

But the expected blow never came.

He opened his eyes and saw Wei Shao slowly retract his arm, then suddenly release him.

Wei Yan immediately collapsed to the ground.

"This matter is over. I won’t bring it up again, nor will I hold it against you. I mean what I say. Whether we remain brothers after twenty years is entirely up to you."

Wei Shao gasped for breath, stood up, and turned to leave.

His steps were unsteady at first, but he walked faster and faster. Finally, he reached his horse, mounted it, and galloped away, his figure soon disappearing into the wilderness.

Wei Yan lay on the ground, his eyes fixed on the deep blue night sky filled with stars, motionless as if he had fallen asleep.

……

After returning home during the day, Xiao Qiao had been waiting for Wei Shao to come back.

She knew he was busy today and expected him to return late.

To her surprise, he returned before the hour of Hai.What shocked her even more was that he had returned with injuries. His forehead and the corner of his mouth were cut, the blood partially dried, and the back of his hand was also wounded. As for the rest of his body, it was hard to tell for now.

Xiao Qiao had never seen him in such a disheveled state before. Startled, she hurriedly approached him and asked, "What happened to you? How did you end up like this?"

Wei Shao stared at her intently, remaining silent for a long while, his gaze somewhat peculiar.

Xiao Qiao grew increasingly uneasy under his stare. She steadied herself and took another step closer to him. "Who on earth beat you up like this?"

Finally, Wei Shao spoke, "I was beaten by him."

It was a rather abrupt statement. Xiao Qiao was momentarily stunned, but then she suddenly understood. Her heart instantly turned cold.

"However, I beat him up even worse."

Wei Shao suddenly smiled slightly, looking at her as he slowly added.

Author's note: Got stuck on the fight scene, so it's late. Apologies.