The Prisoner of Beauty

After exchanging greetings, Zong Ji said, "I am truly honored by the trust you have placed in me, entrusting me with this matter. Last night, I managed to gather some information, though I am unsure if it will be of any help to you. Fearing that it might delay your important affairs, I requested to meet with you early this morning, hoping not to disturb you."

Xiao Qiao replied, "You have been very thoughtful. I am all ears."

Zong Ji then continued, "After you left the other day, I went to the residence of that local noble. I hired some beggars to watch the front gate while I kept an eye on the back gate. Throughout the day, there was no movement, and the doors remained tightly shut. It wasn't until last night, after dark, that I saw a man hurriedly enter through the back gate. His behavior seemed suspicious. When no one was around, I climbed over the wall and managed to overhear some private conversations..."

Zong Ji glanced at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her listening intently with a focused expression, he paused slightly.

Last night, after scaling the wall of the noble's residence, he used the cover of darkness to avoid the servants and followed the light to a room in the main house. From a hidden spot, he saw the man who had entered through the back gate. The man had stripped naked and climbed onto the bed, where he was flirting with a naked woman.

The woman, who appeared to be in her late twenties and somewhat attractive, seemed to be the mistress of the house based on her surroundings. The two engaged in intimate activities, their lewd words and laughter making it clear that they were having an affair. Zong Ji waited quietly outside. After the couple finished, he listened carefully to their conversation and finally heard something interesting.

Naturally, Zong Ji did not describe the earlier part of what he had seen to Xiao Qiao, only vaguely mentioning it before continuing, "During their conversation, the woman mentioned that she possessed a rare poison called 'Bodhi Benevolence,' which originated from India and was refined from snake venom. It is said to be extremely potent, colorless, and odorless. Just a single drop in food would cause the victim to have difficulty swallowing, become paralyzed, remain fully conscious but unable to speak, and die three days later from respiratory failure. The most remarkable thing is that there would be no visible signs of poisoning, making it appear as if the victim had suddenly succumbed to a stroke. The man, curious, asked to see it. The woman took out a small porcelain bottle, saying that she had already used some of it recently and had kept the remaining amount because she couldn't bear to part with such a rare poison."

In reality, after their intimate encounter, the woman playfully teased the man, saying that most men in the world were unfaithful and that if he ever dared to betray her, she would use this poison on him. The man naturally swore oaths of loyalty and insisted on seeing the poison. The woman, who had probably spoken without thinking, seemed to regret her words immediately but eventually gave in to the man's pleading. She got up, put on some clothes, and retrieved the poison from a secret box to show him.

Zong Ji looked at Xiao Qiao and continued, "After they examined the poison, they put it away and went to sleep. I waited a little longer, and when I was sure there was nothing else to hear, I climbed back over the wall. Concerned that you might be anxious, I requested to meet with you early this morning to report everything I witnessed last night."

Xiao Qiao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then looked up to ask, "Do you know who that man is?"

Zong Ji replied, "The man is in his early twenties, tall, with a prominent nose, and wearing a purple robe..." He thought carefully for a moment, then added, "Yes, I heard the woman call him 'Su Lang.' Beyond that, I know nothing else."As Zong Ji described the man's appearance, Xiao Qiao's mind immediately conjured up the image of Su Xin. When she heard the term "Su Lang," she became even more certain.

The woman Zong Ji mentioned, who was nearly thirty, naturally couldn't be Su Ehuang. It must be the widowed wife of Marquis Li.

It seemed that the thread she had pieced together last night was not wrong. Su Ehuang had indeed likely left Yuyang. But her nephew Su Xin had stayed behind and had become entangled with the Marquis' wife.

Snake venom from India... the illicit relationship between Su Xin and the Marquis' wife... Jiang Nao had visited the Li family a few days ago... the Marquis' wife mentioned that some of the poison had been used...

The previous confusion and doubts suddenly became clear in an instant.

Su Ehuang was hiding in the background, manipulating Jiang Nao, the Marquis' wife, and her nephew Su Xin.

The only thing that remained unclear was why Jiang Nao would willingly be used by Su Ehuang, becoming her puppet to extend her influence into the Wei household.

As far as Xiao Qiao knew, Jiang Nao had been by Zhu Shi's side for twenty years. At that time, Su Ehuang was only four or five years old, so it was impossible for her to have planted someone so early. It seemed that Zhu Shi had once shown kindness to Jiang Nao. Moreover, Jiang Nao now appeared to have no husband or children, just an old widow. Logically, she had no reason to betray Zhu Shi and work for Su Ehuang.

But Xiao Qiao had no time to dwell on this further.

She had already understood the relationships of everyone involved in this thread, and her heart was pounding.

Zong Ji finished speaking and looked at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her expression change slightly and her lips lose some color, he hesitated and said, "Is there anything else I can do for you? If so, please don't hesitate to ask. I am more than willing to help."

His tone was very sincere.

Xiao Qiao was brought back to reality by his words and quickly smiled in gratitude. "Thank you, Zong Langjun! These past few days have been truly exhausting. What you just said has been a great help to me! My gratitude is beyond words. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will surely repay you. For now, I have no other matters, and there are still things to attend to at home, so I will take my leave."

Xiao Qiao gave him a deep bow of thanks and then turned to leave.

Zong Ji couldn't help but follow her for a few steps, finally stopping at the door, watching her hurried departure, and lost himself in thought for a moment.

......

Zheng Shu acted swiftly. In just two days, she had obtained a supposedly cursed doll from the witch and quietly passed it to Jiang Nao. Jiang Nao brought it into the Wei household and gave it to Zhu Shi yesterday, saying that the witch had claimed the doll was already enchanted. The closer it was to the person being cursed, the more effective it would be. Zhu Shi was instructed to drip a drop of her own blood on the doll's forehead, offer a prayer, and then hide it in the northeast corner of the west room, facing east, to activate its power. After that, they were to wait quietly for any movement from the east room.Zhu Shi was utterly convinced. Staring at the grotesque doll with Qiao Nü's birth characters written on its chest, her heart raced wildly. Trembling, she gritted her teeth and pricked her fingertip without fear of pain, squeezing out a drop of blood. She dripped the blood onto the doll's forehead and silently prayed: "Spirits of my late husband and eldest son, I seek vengeance for you today. I hope your spirits will assist me in eliminating the daughter of the Qiao family." After repeating this several times, she carefully placed the doll as instructed by Jiang Nao. Last night, she was filled with excitement, tension, and unease, unable to sleep a wink. Early in the morning, her eyes gleaming, she sent someone to quietly check on the opposite west room without even combing her hair. The report came back that it was eerily quiet, and Zhu Shi couldn't help but feel disappointed. Jiang Nao dismissed the messenger and smiled, saying, "Madam, don't be impatient. It's only been one night; how could it work so quickly? If you have nothing else to do, continue to pray in your heart. The shaman said that the stronger the resentment, the more effective it will be. Wait a few more days, and it will surely take effect."

Zhu Shi had always been limited in her perspective. Years ago, she had married into the Wei family through a favor, and though she had tried her best to please Madam Xu, she had never won her favor. Her husband had treated her with polite respect, but during his lifetime, she had constantly worried about him taking a concubine. When her husband and eldest son died, she was only in her thirties, and overnight, her heart was filled with hatred. Over the past decade, she had poured all her energy into her second son, Wei Shao. However, though he was filial, he was not close to her. Since he was seventeen, he had often been away from home. Feeling spiritually empty and without purpose, Zhu Shi had brought her niece, Zheng Shu, who knew how to please her, to live with her. Under Zheng Shu's influence, she gradually became obsessed with witchcraft.

Witchcraft, like a cult, brainwashes its believers, amplifying both love and hatred tenfold or even a hundredfold. Over the years, Zhu Shi had become completely addicted, and whatever little sense she once had was now gone. Hearing Jiang Nao's advice, she found it reasonable and nodded, saying, "I was too hasty."

Jiang Nao said, "Madam, it's been some time since you last visited the north room. You should make an appearance to avoid Elder Madam thinking you disregard her."

Since the incident with Wei Yan, Zhu Shi had been filled with guilt and fear, avoiding any public appearances. She hadn't even dared to visit Madam Xu when she fell ill, using the excuse that she herself was sick and didn't want to spread the illness. She hadn't set foot in the north room once. Deep down, she was also somewhat anxious, fearing Madam Xu's disapproval. Hearing Jiang Nao's words, she hesitated and said with difficulty, "Elder Madam dislikes me. Even if I go, I'll only be met with coldness."

Jiang Nao patiently advised, "I've heard that Qiao Nü has been hovering around Elder Madam morning and night, acting as if she wants to move in and live with her, trying to win her favor. Madam, you are too honest and never engage in such superficial acts, which is why you've suffered losses. Normally, it wouldn't matter, but now that Elder Madam is bedridden, it's only right that you go and show your filial piety. Don't worry about Elder Madam giving you a cold shoulder. I have a plan. If you follow my instructions, Elder Madam will surely reconcile with you."

Zhu Shi said, "Elder Madam has a deep prejudice against me. No matter how much I try to please her, she won't appreciate it."

Jiang Nao replied, "Madam, just follow my instructions, and you'll see the results."

...

Madam Xu woke up this morning feeling much better than in previous days. Having lain in bed for so long, she felt some stiffness and soreness in her back, so she got dressed and decided to take a walk in the courtyard.Zhong Ao noticed that Madam Xu looked quite well, so she didn’t try to dissuade her. After helping her dress, seeing how cold it was, she fetched a purple lamb fur cloak and draped it over her shoulders. As she supported Madam Xu to go out, the cat came over. Madam Xu instructed a maid to carry the cat along. Remembering that she hadn’t seen Xiao Qiao that morning, she asked about her.

Zhong Ao replied, “Early this morning, someone from the lady’s side sent word that she had some other matters to attend to and would come later to serve you.”

Madam Xu thought about how Xiao Qiao had been attending to her morning and evening these past few days. She had also noticed that Xiao Qiao seemed particularly anxious around her, as if she wanted to stay by her side at all times. Madam Xu didn’t think much of it, assuming that her illness must have frightened the girl. Feeling a sense of pity, she smiled and said, “She’s been working hard these days. Later, send someone to tell her that I’m much better and that she doesn’t need to keep watch over me morning and night. She should go about her own business.”

Zhong Ao acknowledged this and handed Madam Xu her cane. Together with the maid carrying the cat, they slowly made their way to the courtyard. Just as they stepped out, they saw Zhu Shi, who had been absent for several days, approaching from a distance. She was carrying a tray with a covered bowl, the contents unknown. Jiang Nao followed behind her.

Madam Xu’s expression cooled as she stopped on the steps, watching Zhu Shi hurry over. Zhu Shi handed the tray to Jiang Nao and then stepped forward to pay her respects.

Madam Xu turned and went back inside, taking a seat. Zhu Shi followed her in and once again knelt down respectfully, inquiring after Madam Xu’s health.

Madam Xu said indifferently, “I’m fine. I heard you were also ill. If you’re sick, you should rest properly. You may go back now.”

Zhu Shi looked ashamed and remained prostrate for a long time before speaking, “I beg for my mother-in-law’s forgiveness! I dare not hide it any longer. These past few days, I wasn’t actually ill. I was too ashamed to face you, and I feared your reproach, so I pretended to be sick and stayed in my room without stepping out. That morning when I sent Shao Er off to war, after he left, you turned back ahead of me. I was filled with guilt and didn’t dare approach, though I followed from a distance. I overheard the conversation between you and my daughter-in-law. Although you weren’t speaking to me, every word struck deep into my heart. There’s something I must say, even if you scold me for it. Since I entered this household thirty years ago, you’ve always been distant with me. Yet, within less than a year of my daughter-in-law’s arrival, you’ve grown very close to her. In the past, I secretly resented you for favoring her. After returning to my room that day, I reflected deeply and realized that over the past decade, since the tragic loss of my husband and eldest son, I’ve been consumed by grief, unable to extricate myself. My words and actions have been out of line. It wasn’t that you intentionally kept me at a distance, but rather that I was foolish and stubborn, trapped in my own obsessions, as if I had drawn a circle around myself and cut myself off from others! My Shao Er, who has always been filial, has gradually grown distant from me. If it’s not my own fault, whose could it be?”

Although Jiang Nao had guided her through this speech, as Zhu Shi spoke, she couldn’t help but think of the hardships she had endured over the decades. Tears streamed down her face, and her voice choked with emotion, making it difficult for her to continue. She knelt on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

Zhong Ao, standing to the side, looked surprised. She signaled for the other servants to leave the room and quietly retreated to the doorway herself.Madam Xu initially had a cold expression. After Zhu Shi finished speaking, she gazed at her for a long while, and her expression gradually softened. She lowered her eyes and remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Zhu Shi, you have been part of our Wei family for many years. Even if you haven't made great contributions, you've still put in effort, and I haven't completely forgotten that. It's not that I deliberately kept my distance from you. If you had shown such understanding in the past, why would I have been so disappointed in you? I hope that what you've said today truly comes from your heart. If you can be wiser in the future, it will also be a blessing for Shao Er."

For the first time in many years, Zhu Shi encountered Madam Xu being so willing to show her kindness. Feeling relieved, she quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe away the tears on her face and said, "I will keep my mother-in-law's words in mind. From now on, I will thoroughly reform myself and always remember your teachings."

Madam Xu nodded, "It's good to have such intentions. Get up."

Zhu Shi stood up from the ground, personally brought over a tray, and presented it to Madam Xu. With a careful smile, she said, "Mother-in-law, you've been bedridden these past few days and probably haven't had much appetite. I originally wanted to prepare some tonics for you, but tonics are best taken after recovery. So I thought, since you're from Zhongshan, and Zhongshan is famous for its dragon whisker noodles, perhaps the taste of home would be more appealing. Early this morning, I personally rolled out the dough and made this small bowl for you. It's not much, just a few bites. Please try it and see if it suits your taste. If it's good, I'll make more next time. If not, let me know, and I'll improve it." With that, she lifted the lid of the bowl.

Inside the bowl, the clear broth was still steaming. Nestled in the soup was a small bundle of noodles, as thin as dragon whiskers, each strand connected. Paired with tender green shoots, it looked quite appetizing.

Madam Xu had no appetite, but seeing Zhu Shi's eager expression, she thought for a moment and said, "Very well, it's your kind gesture. Bring it here."

Zhu Shi was overjoyed and was about to hand over the bowl when suddenly, footsteps were heard outside the door. Zhu Shi turned around and saw Xiao Qiao appear at the entrance.

Xiao Qiao was holding a cat in her arms and walked briskly inside, coming closer to Zhu Shi. Perhaps she hadn't held the cat securely, as her arm moved slightly, and before anyone could see clearly, the cat in her arms leaped toward Zhu Shi. Caught off guard, Zhu Shi let out a scream and watched helplessly as the tray in her hands was knocked over by the flying cat. The tray and bowl fell to the ground with a loud crash.

The bowl shattered into two pieces, and the noodles spilled out, leaving a mess on the floor.