The Prisoner of Beauty

The physician arrived at the Wei residence as scheduled during the mid-morning hours.

The physician, originally of the Ji surname, hailed from Leling County. Several years ago, he fled to Yuyang to escape the ravages of war. Renowned for his exceptional medical skills and benevolent heart, he gradually gained fame in the city, and people began to refer to him as the "Leling Physician," while his original name faded into obscurity. A few days ago, he was invited to the Wei residence to attend to Madam Xu, who was feeling unwell, and he provided meticulous care.

Madam Xu had always been in good health. However, due to her advanced age, the recent emotional turmoil and intense anger caused her to fall ill suddenly. Fortunately, after several days of treatment, her condition gradually improved.

The Leling Physician conducted a follow-up examination, employing the traditional methods of observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse-taking. He made some adjustments to the previous prescription, instructed them to follow the new prescription, and then took his leave. Xiao Qiao personally escorted him out, but the physician hurriedly declined, saying, "My lady, please stay your steps."

Xiao Qiao walked a few more steps with him, and seeing that there were no maids or servants nearby, she asked in a low voice about Madam Xu's condition: "Is she truly out of danger?"

The Leling Physician replied, "Elder Madam has been afflicted by pent-up anger, which has disrupted her blood circulation, leading to her sudden illness. Although the illness appeared severe, with careful adherence to my prescription, she should recover within ten days to half a month. My lady, please rest assured."

The physician's tone was confident, and his attitude was sincere, not at all like someone making empty promises. Xiao Qiao finally felt somewhat relieved. After expressing her gratitude, she had a servant escort the physician out and returned to the house. Just then, a servant entered and announced that Madam Su, the wife of the Left Fengyi Duke, had come to visit Elder Madam.

Madam Xu lay on her pillow, and after closing her eyes for a moment, she slowly said, "Tell her I am asleep and cannot receive guests. Please ask her to return."

The servant acknowledged the order and was about to leave when Madam Xu suddenly opened her eyes and changed her mind, saying, "Let her come in."

After the servant left, Madam Xu asked Xiao Qiao to help her sit up. Xiao Qiao supported her and placed a cushion behind her back. Zhong Ao took a bone comb and neatly combed the old lady's hair, tying it into a tidy bun at the back of her head. Xiao Qiao helped her change into her outer garments, and once everything was in order, Xiao Qiao was about to leave when Madam Xu placed her hand on Xiao Qiao's and said, "Stay and keep me company."

Xiao Qiao obediently sat by the side of the bed. Zhong Ao instructed a servant to summon the guest. Shortly after, with a light and quiet step, a figure in purple appeared at the door. Xiao Qiao looked up and saw Su Nu enter.

Su Nu was dressed very simply today. She approached Madam Xu's bed and knelt down, saying, "Your grandniece pays her respects and wishes you good health, dear grandmother."

Madam Xu bade her rise. Su Ehuang stood up and said, "After parting at the Deer Terrace that day, I felt deeply uneasy because of my nephew Su Xin's reckless and disrespectful actions, which injured your lady's brother. I have long wanted to come and apologize. However, the next day, due to the bumpy journey, my headache flared up again, and I had to stay at the inn for several days. Only today was I able to go out. On the way, I unexpectedly encountered the Lord, and when I paid my respects, I learned that you were feeling unwell. I was concerned and wanted to visit, but I feared disturbing your rest. Fortunately, the Lord granted me permission, so I have come uninvited. I wonder how you are feeling now? Have you consulted a physician and taken medicine?"

Madam Xu showed a faint smile and said, "I am fine. You are very thoughtful."

Su Ehuang gazed at Madam Xu with concern for a moment, then let out a sigh of relief and smiled, saying, "I am relieved to hear that you are well, dear grandmother." After speaking, her gaze fell on Xiao Qiao, who had been sitting by Madam Xu's bedside the entire time. She took a step forward and said earnestly, "My nephew Su Xin deeply regrets injuring your brother that day and is too ashamed to come in. He is currently kneeling outside the main gate, bearing thorns, waiting for punishment. If you would be so kind as to permit it, I will call him in to apologize."Xiao Qiao said, "Blades and spears are blind, and it's possible to accidentally injure someone if one's hand slips. My younger brother didn't blame anyone at the time, and I certainly don't hold it against you. Madam, your courtesy is too much; there's no need to worry about it..."

Su Ehuang's gaze lingered on Xiao Qiao's face for a moment before she smiled and said, "It's good that you don't blame me. Otherwise, I would truly be at fault."

Xiao Qiao smiled slightly but did not speak further.

"May I stay by your bedside and serve you for a few days, Grandaunt?"

Su Ehuang then turned to Madam Xu: "For many years, your grandniece has been wandering outside, unable to fulfill her filial duties. Now that I've returned to Yuyang for the Deer and Horse Assembly, I feel deeply moved and hope to show some filial piety before you, Grandaunt, to make up for the years of longing."

Madam Xu's single eye rested on Su Ehuang's face, quietly observing her for a moment.

From the moment Su Ehuang entered, Madam Xu had been wearing a faint smile. But now, as she looked at her, that faint smile gradually began to fade.

"I am well here, and there is no shortage of people to serve me. I appreciate your filial piety. Yuyang has no scenery worth lingering over. Located in the north, the season is turning into harsh winter, and once the snow falls, the roads will be blocked. I remember the last time I went to Zhongshan, your mother came to see me. I noticed her health was weak. You should return to your home in Zhongshan sooner rather than later. Staying here idly, your family might worry."

Madam Xu spoke slowly at the end.

Her voice remained gentle but carried a subtle, compelling force.

Su Ehuang lowered her eyes: "Thank you for your advice, Grandaunt. Your grandniece will remember it."

Madam Xu nodded.

Seeing that Madam Xu seemed about to lie down, Xiao Qiao quickly leaned over to support her shoulders and arms, helping her lie down slowly.

Madam Xu closed her eyes as soon as she lay down.

Su Ehuang said, "I dare not disturb Grandaunt's rest any longer. Your grandniece will take her leave now." She bowed respectfully, just as she had when she arrived.

Madam Xu, with her eyes closed, said, "Zhong Ao, see her out."

Su Ehuang stood up, her gaze sweeping over Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao one last time, then she smiled and turned to be escorted out by Zhong Ao. Moments later, Zhong Ao returned, and Madam Xu opened her eyes and asked, "Has she left?"

"She said she would go pay her respects to Madam."

Madam Xu said, "She has always been thorough in her etiquette." Her tone was indifferent. Then she asked, "What has been happening in the east wing these past few days?"

Zhong Ao replied, "Madam has been bedridden in her room these days. She sent Jiang Nao over, saying she was afraid of spreading her illness to the Elder Madam and dared not come to serve."

Madam Xu was lost in thought for a moment, then said, "Since she is bedridden, she probably can't manage the household affairs properly. Go and convey my message: tell her to delegate some tasks and have the daughter-in-law handle them. As for the ancestral fields and farm matters, have the accountant explain them to the daughter-in-law as well."

Xiao Qiao was slightly startled. She quickly stood up and was about to decline when Madam Xu looked at her and smiled, "You've been here for nearly a year and are gradually becoming familiar with everything. I'm not asking you to take over everything now. There's a mess of accounts in the house, and I'm too old to manage them. Your mother-in-law is not in good health, so it's only right that you help her. If there's anything you don't know, just ask Zhong Ao."

Xiao Qiao had no choice but to say, "I will do my best and not disappoint your kindness, Grandmother." She then thanked Zhong Ao, "I am young and inexperienced, and there will be many shortcomings. Please don't hesitate to guide me, Auntie."

Zhong Ao smiled and nodded, "You are too modest, Madam. This servant will do her best."

...Su Ehuang arrived at the eastern chamber and stood quietly outside the door. After waiting for a moment, Jiang Nao, accompanied by a maidservant, came out and said indifferently, "Madam does not wish to see you. She asks you to leave quickly. This is not a place for you to linger."

Su Ehuang replied, "Thank you, Auntie, for conveying the message. I will remember every word of Madam's teachings and will not forget them." With that, she turned and left as calmly as she had come. When she exited the gates of the Wei residence, Su Xin, who had been waiting, rushed over and asked, "Auntie, did you see her? What did she say?"

The smile that had been on Su Ehuang's face finally faded, and she said coldly, "I had hoped you would make a name for yourself at the Lu Li gathering, but instead, you embarrassed me! What do you think they would say inside?"

Su Xin looked ashamed and hung his head, not daring to respond.

Su Ehuang glanced at him, her expression softening slightly, and added, "Enough! What's done is done, and blaming you won't help. I just swallowed my pride and spoke on your behalf, apologizing for you. Fortunately, there is still some old friendship, so the matter is now settled. You don't need to worry anymore."

Su Xin had not known that the young general in white who was his opponent was Wei Shao's brother-in-law. He had been anxious these past few days. Hearing her words, he realized the matter was indeed resolved and was overjoyed. He quickly bowed and smiled, "Thank you, Auntie. I knew you always cared for me. I will not be so reckless in the future."

Su Ehuang finally showed a hint of a smile and snorted, "It's good that you know I care for you. Let's go."

Su Xin hurriedly called for the carriage. He personally led Su Ehuang to the carriage and lifted the light curtain for her, saying, "Auntie, please take your seat."

Before boarding the carriage, Su Ehuang turned for one last look at the tightly closed gates of the Wei residence. When she turned back, her expression was calm and composed. She bent down and entered the carriage. Amid the pleasant jingling sounds, the carriage gradually moved away.

...

Xiao Qiao, accompanied by Zhong Ao, went to the eastern chamber.

Zhu Shi had been in her room, disdainfully discussing Su Ehuang, whom she had just driven away, with Jiang Nao. Suddenly hearing that Xiao Qiao and Zhong Ao had arrived, she hurriedly lay down on the bed, pulled the quilt up to her neck, and turned her face to the wall, remaining motionless. Only after Xiao Qiao came forward to greet her did she weakly turn her head and ask what the matter was. Zhong Ao then conveyed Madam Xu's message. Zhu Shi was shocked and sat up from her pillow. After a long while, she reluctantly agreed.

Once Xiao Qiao and Zhong Ao left, Zhu Shi could no longer contain herself. Furious and ashamed, she swept all the utensils off the table and desk.

The maidservants, seeing her outburst and the continuous clattering in the room, dared not approach. Finally, Jiang Nao came in and repeatedly tried to calm her. Only then did Zhu Shi slowly stop, supporting her forehead with her hand, her face pale as she said, "That old woman not only married my son to the daughter of our enemy, but now she only has eyes for that Qiao girl. With her here, there will be no place for me in the Wei family in the future!"

...

That day, Xiao Qiao became busy. She took the keys and accounts for the food and cloth storerooms. Accompanied by the stewardess, she quickly inspected them and had the accounts sent to her room.

What she was most concerned about was Madam Xu's health. In the late afternoon, she went to the northern chamber again. After serving Madam Xu her meal, she went to the small kitchen to check on the medicine.

The old woman Guo, who was brewing the medicine, hurried to greet her. Before Xiao Qiao could speak, she said, "The medicine is almost ready. Don't worry, my lady, I've been watching the fire myself and haven't left for a moment."This old woman, Guo Ao, had also served Madam Xu for many years and was very loyal. Having previously received specific instructions from Xiao Qiao, Chun Niang had also given her some rewards on the pretext of her hard work, which made her even more diligent. After the medicine was prepared, she brought it into the room. Madam Xu took the medicine, sat for a while, and as the effects kicked in, she lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

As dusk approached, Xiao Qiao returned to the west chamber. Wei Shao had not yet returned.

The day had been eventful. She was now feeling quite hungry, so she went to eat by herself. After finishing her meal, she returned to her room and began reviewing the accounts of the storeroom.

Paper had already been invented by this time, but its quality was rough and not durable for long-term use. Scholars and writers, as well as ordinary people keeping accounts, still mostly used bamboo slips. Just the accounts for the food storeroom over the past three months had piled up to almost a full basket.

As Xiao Qiao flipped through the stacks of bamboo slips, she thought to herself that if she had the opportunity in the future, she would find craftsmen to create some durable paper to replace these bamboo slips for accounting, saving the effort of needing several people to move them.

Wei Shao returned slightly later than usual. Upon entering the room, he saw Xiao Qiao busy behind her desk, her head almost obscured by the piles of bamboo slips in front of her. He was slightly taken aback. He approached and glanced at them.

Zhu Shi was not very literate. Madam Xu had long since stopped concerning herself with such trivial matters. The accounts in the storeroom below were inevitably messy. Xiao Qiao was finding it quite challenging. Suddenly, Wei Shao returned, and she looked up to see him standing in front of the desk, watching her. She put down her brush and stood up to greet him.

While helping Wei Shao change his outer garment, Xiao Qiao mentioned in passing that Madam Xu had asked her to help Zhu Shi with household chores during the day.

"I didn't have this in mind. But since the elder instructed, I had no choice but to comply. Once my mother-in-law recovers her health, I will follow her orders."

Wei Shao grunted, "Since Grandmother has instructed, you should do it."

Xiao Qiao smiled and, upon learning that he hadn't eaten yet, went to have dinner with him. In the dining hall, Xiao Qiao still accompanied him, serving by his side.

Her mind was still preoccupied with the confusing accounts she had just been reviewing, and her gaze was somewhat vacant, appearing distracted.

Wei Shao took a couple of bites of his meal and glanced at her. Suddenly, he said, "You should eat too, no need to wait."

Xiao Qiao came back to her senses and slowly said, "Oh, my husband, please go ahead. I was hungry earlier and have already eaten."

Wei Shao looked at her again and said nothing more. He quickly finished his meal and returned to the room, saying he was going to the study.

Xiao Qiao saw him to the door.

Since the incident with the box last time, Xiao Qiao had not set foot in his study in the west chamber.

Wei Shao stepped over the threshold, about to leave, when he suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to ask, "Did anyone come to the house today?"

Xiao Qiao leaned casually against the door frame, meeting his gaze.

Lanterns had already been lit in the corridor. A gust of evening wind happened to blow through the corridor entrance, brushing past the dim red light shining down from above. A shadow of uncertainty seemed to cloud Wei Shao's eyes as he stared at her without blinking.

The corner of Xiao Qiao's lips curled slightly, "I don't know whom my husband is asking about. Quite a few people came to the house today."