The Prisoner of Beauty

Xiao Qiao spent three days at her home in Dongjun.

These brief three days were actually the most comfortable moments she had experienced in recent years. It felt as if she had finally seen tangible hope for the future that she could grasp in her hands.

What could be more uplifting than having hope for the future?

Madam Xu showered her with affection, her younger brother Qiao Ci stayed by her side morning and night, and her father, Qiao Ping, who had been constrained for many years and unable to realize his ambitions, had finally made a resolute decision in his middle age and encountered a turning point. Although he had been busy these past few days, knowing his daughter was concerned about the affairs of Yanzhou, he would summon Xiao Qiao to his study every night upon his return for a brief conversation. Qiao Ci would also accompany them, and the two of them would listen to their father talk about the tasks he had handled during the day and his vision for the future, feeling greatly inspired.

On this day, Xiao Qiao also received a letter from Bi Zhi, saying that he had arrived in Sucheng and was quietly awaiting her arrival.

Before leaving Yuyang, Xiao Qiao had met with Zong Ji once again. Besides expressing her heartfelt gratitude, she had also entrusted Zong Ji with the task of informing Bi Zhi about her imminent return to Dongjun, hoping they could meet if the opportunity arose.

She had already arrived in Dongjun, and Zong Ji's journey should have been faster than hers.

By estimation, Bi Zhi should have received the letter by now.

However, Xiao Qiao hadn't expected that he would already be waiting for her in Sucheng.

Sucheng, a small city under the jurisdiction of Yanzhou, was less than two hundred li away from Dongjun.

The letter was written by Da Qiao, who said that upon learning from Zong Ji about her journey south, both she and her husband were overjoyed and looked forward to meeting her. Originally, Da Qiao had wanted to come herself to save Xiao Qiao the trouble of traveling, but due to her pregnancy, Bi Zhi wouldn't let her travel. He had gone to Sucheng to pick up Xiao Qiao and then accompany her to Lingbi for their meeting.

Xiao Qiao was delighted upon reading the letter.

In truth, Xiao Qiao knew that her smooth return home was also due to Madam Xu's kindness towards her, and she was deeply grateful. Since things at home in Dongjun were progressing as she had hoped, the rest would depend on her father and the others. Moreover, no matter what the matter was, it had to be approached step by step, and it couldn't be achieved overnight. Staying longer wouldn't make much of a difference. Therefore, Xiao Qiao was also thinking that after meeting with Bi Zhi and Da Qiao as soon as possible, she should return north.

So, on the evening she received the letter, Xiao Qiao waited for her father to return and, as in the previous nights, met him in the study. She told him of her plan to leave the next day.

Her daughter had only been home for a few days, and now she was leaving. Qiao Ping was truly reluctant to let her go and remained silent for a moment.

Xiao Qiao was also reluctant to leave, but she still smiled and said, "Father, my ability to return home this time is also due to the kindness of my grandmother there. You know that when I came south, my grandmother had just recovered from an illness, and my husband was away on a distant campaign. Now that I've visited my aunt and things here are progressing smoothly, I should return soon. I truly don't want to leave you and my brother, but if I return too late, I might fail to live up to my grandmother's kindness."

Qiao Ping understood all too well. A married daughter couldn't stay by his side as she had in the past. He nodded and said, "I understand. Tomorrow, I will see you off to the north."

Suddenly, Qiao Ci coughed.

Xiao Qiao glanced at her younger brother and saw him furrowing his brows at her, reminding her of the matter they had discussed during the day. Finally, she made up her mind and gave him a meaningful look in return.Qiao Ci immediately stepped forward and said, "Father, do you still remember that day when we repelled Xue Tai outside Juye City? There was an unknown man who saved my life on the battlefield."

Qiao Ping had a deep impression of that scene and could never forget it. Hearing his son mention it, he sincerely replied, "Of course. Not only did this man save your life from the hands of Xue Tai's generals Cao Xu and Zhang Biao, but he also moved through the chaotic battlefield as if it were unguarded, unstoppable in his might. Afterward, he disappeared. I sent people everywhere to search for him, but unfortunately, we never found any trace. To this day, I still feel regret when I think about it."

Xiao Qiao then said, "Father, do you remember that green-eyed Bi Zhi from our household in the past?"

Qiao Ping looked at Xiao Qiao, "The horse servant who eloped with your cousin?"

Xiao Qiao said, "Father, please don't refer to him like that anymore. He was the unknown man who saved my brother that day."

Qiao Ping looked at his daughter, then at his son.

Qiao Ci hurriedly added, "What my sister said is true. When that man brought me back to Father's position on the battlefield, I recognized him because I had seen him accompanying Aunt on outings before. However, I wasn't entirely sure at the time. After Xue Tai retreated, I kept an eye on him and saw him leave alone, so I chased after him. At first, he didn't want to pay attention to me, but after I persistently followed him, he finally stopped and spoke a few words to me. He told me he had already married my sister. That's when I was certain it was indeed him!"

Qiao Ping was utterly astonished. After regaining his composure, he slowly turned to Xiao Qiao, "Manman! Tell me honestly, did you hide something from me back then?"

Seeing that her father seemed to have guessed, Xiao Qiao decided not to conceal it anymore and straightforwardly said, "I won't hide it from you, Father. My sister and Bi Zhi had feelings for each other, but due to their status, they adhered strictly to propriety. I found out about it. Although their statuses were unequal, I believed they were a perfect match. It was under my persuasion that my sister left with Bi Zhi."

Qiao Ping was stunned, his heart aching, "So you married into the Wei family in place of your sister?"

Seeing her father seemed almost breathless with shock, Xiao Qiao quickly stepped forward, clenched her fist, and gently patted his back, "Father, please calm down. I originally thought that after Uncle lost my sister, the marriage arrangement would fall through, and he would listen to your strategy. I didn't expect Uncle to have me marry in her place. Since the situation arose because of me, I had no choice but to go through with it..."

Recalling the events of that day, Qiao Ping initially wanted to scold Xiao Qiao sternly, but seeing her wide, clear eyes looking at him with a pleading expression, his heart softened, and his words turned into a sigh, "You were too reckless, hiding this from me..."

He sighed again and shook his head.

Xiao Qiao smiled, "Father, when considering wealth, think of its source; when considering heroes, don't ask about their origins. Chen She, a farmer, led a rebellion and was recorded in the annals of history; Marquis Changping, a former horse servant, was enfeoffed with ten thousand households. Although Bi Zhi comes from a humble background, who knows if he won't achieve great things in the future? Moreover, didn't you yourself say just now that if he hadn't appeared to save my brother that day, wouldn't my brother have been in danger?"

Qiao Ping was silent for a moment, then said, "My daughter speaks wisely! From what I saw of Bi Zhi's valor that day, it was rare in the world, and I often think of it to this day. Back then, he was confined to our horse farm, like a dragon trapped in shallow waters. Given the right opportunity, he would surely soar to great heights!"Xiao Qiao said, "I dare not hide it from you, Father. My trip south this time is also to meet with him and his wife. I received a letter today, and he is now waiting for me in Su County to take me to meet my elder sister. I thought that after meeting my sister, I would immediately head north."

Qiao Ping exclaimed, "So that's how it is!"

After pondering for a moment, he said, "Since your cousin is willing to follow him of her own accord, then the matter is settled. I have always been grateful for his intervention that day, saving your younger brother's life on the battlefield. I had regretted not being able to find the person from that day, but now that I know he is within our Yanzhou territory, I will go with you tomorrow to thank him in person."

Although Bi Zhi had saved Qiao Ci, he had left Yanzhou as a horse slave of the Qiao family and had taken Da Qiao with him. According to the current laws, if caught, he would still face the death penalty. If her uncle Qiao Yue found out, he would probably just snort coldly, believing that it was only natural for a family slave to save his master.

But her father, as she had hoped, was indeed open-minded enough. Not only did he not mention the past, but he also said he would personally thank him. Xiao Qiao felt even more respect and affection for her father. She smiled and shook her head, "I told you about this, Father, just so you would be aware. Bi Zhi saved my younger brother that day, not to gain your gratitude. Moreover, I didn't tell him beforehand that you would be coming with me. If you suddenly appeared, it might be inconvenient for him. When I meet him, I will convey your thanks on your behalf. If there is a suitable opportunity in the future, you can meet him then."

Qiao Ping thought it made sense. After a moment, he said, "Very well. When you meet him, daughter, convey my words: the Qiao family will remove his slave status. From now on, he is no different from a commoner. I hope he treats your elder sister well and achieves great things in the future, not betraying the affection your elder sister has for him."

Xiao Qiao was very pleased and thanked her father repeatedly.

...

On the day the Great Shrine of Yushan was burned down, the Great Shaman was executed in the bustling street. The magistrate of Yuyang issued a proclamation posted at the city gates, stating that shamanism was a heretical path, born to deceive people and cause great harm, hence it was being eradicated to warn the people not to indulge in it in the future.

The incident happened suddenly, and the whole city was abuzz with discussion. It wasn't until several days later that this city-shaking event gradually subsided.

That day, Wei Shao returned home from the government office, and it was already pitch dark.

He entered the main gate, turned into the inner residence, and headed straight to the north house. When he reached the three-way intersection, his footsteps habitually paused for a moment, and he glanced towards the west house on the right. Then he continued forward.

Madam Xu was sitting on the couch, facing a small double-eared copper stove for warmth, seemingly lost in thought. Suddenly, she heard a servant woman call out "Lord" from outside. She looked up and saw Wei Shao entering, wrapped in a chill. She smiled. When Wei Shao approached and greeted her, she asked if he had eaten dinner. Hearing that he hadn't, she felt a pang of heartache and hurriedly called Zhong Ao to bring in the meal.

Under Madam Xu's gaze, Wei Shao silently finished his dinner in a few bites. After the dishes were cleared, Wei Shao said, "How has your health been these past few days, Grandmother? Since I returned, I have been swamped with affairs and have not been able to attend to you properly. I feel very uneasy. Please don't blame me, Grandmother."

Madam Xu said, "I am well. You need not worry."After speaking, she carefully observed her grandson. She noticed a faint trace of weariness between his brows. Recalling that since his return, he had been leaving early and returning late each day, and had not spoken much in her presence, she sighed softly and said, "Shao Er, your grandmother initially did not want to burden you with the troubles of the inner household, lest it add to your worries. Moreover, matters of the inner household are traditionally the domain of us women. If there is any unrest, it is primarily my oversight, and I should be the one to blame. However, this time, since your mother has been confined, it is only right to give you an explanation. Your mother's actions this time were excessive. If we continue to indulge her as before, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause in the future. Your grandmother knows you are a filial son. You wouldn't blame me in your heart, would you?"

Wei Shao replied, "Grandmother, why would you say such a thing? My mother has acted foolishly and committed such a grave mistake. Confining her for reflection is already a great leniency on your part. Your grandson may be foolish, but I am not so blind as to not distinguish right from wrong."

Madam Xu nodded, "It's good that you think this way. As for the matters of the inner household, let them end here with you. You need not concern yourself further. Your grandmother knows her limits."

Wei Shao said, "Although the incident occurred in the inner household, the danger it posed still leaves me with lingering fear. If it weren't for her..."

He paused and skipped over the thought, "If it weren't for your good fortune, grandmother, I truly dare not imagine..."

Madam Xu glanced at him and smiled, "Indeed, if it weren't for your wife's alertness and her timely release of the cat to intervene, I might not have been able to see you upon your return..."

Wei Shao suddenly leaned forward, reaching out to tightly grasp Madam Xu's hand with both of his own, holding it for a long time without letting go.

Madam Xu looked at him with a smile, placing her other hand over his large hand and patting it gently in comfort, saying, "Your grandmother is fine now, it's all in the past..."

Wei Shao finally slowly released Madam Xu's hand and sat up straight again, saying, "Grandmother, according to the magistrate of Yuyang, the poison Jiang Nao intended to use on you came from a woman in the Marquis's residence, who died on the day of the incident. How did Jiang Nao obtain the poison from that woman? What is her background? Did she really act on my mother's orders? It's not that I want to defend my mother, but there are many doubts in this process. If this matter is not clarified, I cannot rest easy."

Madam Xu gazed at Wei Shao for a moment, then slowly said, "Your grandmother may be old, and I may have dozed off in the past, but I am not yet senile. Having walked through the gates of hell this time, I have naturally considered what you are concerned about. Leave this matter to your grandmother! As I said before, you focus on your external affairs, and I will handle these inner household demons myself. You need not trouble yourself further."

Wei Shao hesitated for a moment.

"What, do you not even trust your grandmother?" Madam Xu's single eye shone brightly.

Wei Shao thought for a moment and said, "Since grandmother has said so, your grandson will follow your wishes. If there are any developments, please inform me as soon as possible so that I may be at ease."

Madam Xu smiled and nodded, then suddenly said, "Do you miss your wife a little? It's also your grandmother's fault. When she said she wanted to return to visit her sick family, I was momentarily soft-hearted and let her go without asking when she would return. Now that you've come home, you find yourself alone. Your grandmother feels quite sorry for you."Wei Shao was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his eyes before he composed himself and said seriously, "How could that be! Grandmother, you've misunderstood! If she went back, then she went back. It hasn't been long at all, and if she's happy staying at the Qiao residence for a year or even half a year, I wouldn't mind. I'm a grown man, busy with my own affairs outside, how could I possibly care about such things?"

Madam Xu raised her eyebrows, seemingly relieved, "That's good. I was worried you might miss your wife. This is fine then."

Wei Shao smiled, exchanged a few more words with Madam Xu, instructed the servants to take good care of her, and then respectfully took his leave.

……

Wei Shao returned alone to the west wing, feeling somewhat sullen. As he entered the inner courtyard, he glanced up and saw the candlelight in the room was on, and a slender figure seemed to be moving by the window. His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately quickened his pace, taking the steps two at a time, and pushed open the door, startling a maid who was changing the candles at the desk. She turned around, saw it was Wei Shao, and quickly stepped back, bowing as she addressed him, "Lord."

Wei Shao's expression turned cold. He listened to the maid's explanation, then impatiently waved his hand. Seeing his unpleasant expression, the maid dared not linger and hurriedly retreated.

Wei Shao went to his study and didn't return until late at night. But even lying down, he couldn't sleep. Closing his eyes, the image of Xiao Qiao appeared before him, sometimes teasing him, sometimes pouting in mock anger. The thought made his mouth dry and his heart restless. Gradually, a fire seemed to rise both in his heart and below.

Suddenly, he thought again, "When I went on that distant campaign, uncertain of life or death, that night she said she wanted me to stay, yet she didn't wait at home for my return. Instead, she left me and went back to Yanzhou, without leaving a single word! They say women are prone to jealousy, but she left me like this. If I took the opportunity to sleep with someone else, would she really not care at all?"

Author's note: Sniffle, sniffle, updated~~