The Prisoner of Beauty

The old man in hemp clothes walked away.

Wei Shao suddenly remembered.

This old man should be the contemporary Mohist disciple Wang Baishi, whom Gongsun Yang had mentioned to him one night when they coincidentally met on the Tan Terrace in Xindu.

Wei Shao was somewhat surprised, not expecting to encounter him here.

However, after the initial surprise, he didn't pay much attention to the words Wang Baishi had said before leaving.

He had never believed in the theories of Ziwei Dou Shu or destiny.

From the moment he witnessed his father and brother die in battle at the age of twelve, he had come to believe that only strength and dominance could make others submit.

Everything else was just an illusion. Moreover, throughout history, many had used the concept of destiny to build their influence and win people's hearts, but how many of them had actually become emperors?

However, since he aspired to rule the world, and the current situation was as it was, he no longer intended to hide his ambitions and continue to pretend to be a loyal minister of the Han dynasty while maintaining his status as the overlord of the north.

Wei Shao stood still for a moment, lost in thought, then turned and mounted his horse to leave.

The people behind him, seeing that he was about to leave, reluctantly chased after him. Unable to catch up, they knelt down and bowed in farewell.

Once on the road, Wei Shao galloped towards the direction of Jiuli Pass.

Due to this detour and the resulting delay, the earliest he could reach Jiuli Pass would be the next day.

Presumably, Xiao Qiao had already passed through and entered Lingbi.

Lei Yan and the other attendants, seeing that their lord had unintentionally won the hearts of the people, were all delighted. Although their influence had not yet reached the Huai River, their reputation in the Huai River region would surely grow.

However, Wei Shao felt somewhat anxious. He made no further stops along the way. The next morning, he returned to the original route and, passing near Xiao, suddenly saw a troop of soldiers approaching from the opposite side of the road, their banners fluttering and dust rising. As they drew closer, he could make out the large character "Yang" on the banners. Realizing it was Yang Xin's troops, he spurred his horse forward.

Yang Xin, leading his troops on the road, saw a group of about a dozen riders approaching from the opposite direction. They did not avoid his large army but came straight towards him, which was unusual. Suspecting a trick, he cautiously ordered his troops to halt and observed. As the group drew nearer, he saw a young man at the forefront with a commanding presence, his eyes fixed directly on him, exuding an aura of authority. Hesitating for a moment, he was about to speak when he heard someone behind the young man shout, "Is that Governor Yang Xin of Yangzhou? I am Lei Yan, deputy general under the command of the Marquis of Yan from Youzhou. My lord is here!"

Although Yang Xin had previously allied with Wei Shao and caught Xue Tai off guard, he had never seen Wei Shao from the north in person. He had only heard that he was young, in his twenties, and had an outstanding appearance. Looking closely, he saw the young man's eyes fixed on him, smiling and nodding in acknowledgment. Overjoyed, Yang Xin dismounted and hurried forward to greet him.

Wei Shao also dismounted, and the two exchanged greetings on the road. Yang Xin lavished praise, saying he had long heard of the Marquis of Yan's fame and was honored to meet him in person.

Wei Shao asked, "I sent a messenger to you yesterday. Did you receive the letter? Has the siege of Xiao been lifted?"Yang Xin said, "Yesterday, I received a message from the Lord, and only then did I realize that Xue Tai had bypassed Xiao territory with the intention of flooding the city. Fortunately, the Lord went to stop him, and I woke up as if from a dream. Knowing that the Lord was leading troops here, it felt like divine assistance. How could I just sit and wait for death? So I immediately led my forces out of the city, and Xue Tai was utterly defeated by me, retreating to Lingbi. Thinking of the Lord, I came specifically to welcome him. I wonder where the Lord's army is? What brings you south?" After speaking, he looked behind Wei Shao.

Wei Shao smiled slightly, "To be honest with you, I came south this time for personal matters and did not bring an army. Moreover, this is your territory. If I had brought an army, wouldn't that be an offense to you?"

Yang Xin was taken aback.

He had been besieged by Xue Tai in Xiao City, unable to break out, while Xue Tai couldn't break in either, and the stalemate had lasted for many days.

Yesterday, Xue Tai ordered his soldiers to continue setting up false banners and cooking pots several miles outside the city to deceive Yang Xin. Yang Xin had no suspicions at all. Suddenly, an arrow with a letter attached was shot onto the city wall. The soldiers brought it to Yang Xin. The letter turned out to be from Wei Shao. At the end of the letter was the same fish tally seal as in their previous correspondence. Only then did Yang Xin realize the gravity of the situation, as he had just told Wei Shao, knowing that if he didn't break out, and if the Anle Dam was indeed destroyed, the entire city would be doomed. Moreover, with Wei Shao's army coming as backup, it boosted morale. He immediately summoned his generals and conveyed the message. Upon hearing the news, the soldiers were all shocked, cursing Xue Tai's viciousness, and eagerly requested to fight. Seeing the situation as a fight to the death, Yang Xin took advantage of Xue Tai's soldiers cooking and opened the city gates, leading his troops out. Xue Tai was caught off guard, his troops were lax, and they were overwhelmed, fighting and retreating until they could no longer hold their ground, abandoning Xiao territory and fleeing to Lingbi with their remaining troops last night.

Having lifted the siege, Yang Xin thought of Wei Shao and hurried to welcome him, unexpectedly meeting him halfway.

Yang Xin looked at Wei Shao, secretly amazed.

Originally, he truly thought Wei Shao had brought troops south, which was why he intervened in Xue Tai's affairs. He never expected that Wei Shao had only a dozen or so people with him. With just a dozen people, he had resolved his predicament. He thought to himself: Although young, he is the overlord of the north, renowned throughout the land, with great potential to vie for the throne in the future. Today's events, his courage and strategy, were rare in his lifetime, truly admirable. In today's world, although there are many forces, few have the capability to compete with him for the throne. Although I occupy Yangzhou, both in strength and reputation, I am far from comparable to him. Rather than becoming enemies and being destroyed in the future, it's better to take advantage of this friendship to support him in his future ambitions. If he truly replaces the Han dynasty in the future, I will surely have a share in the merit of supporting him, which is better than being his enemy.

Yang Xin made up his mind. He showed respect and said respectfully, "Your courage is extraordinary, and your strategy is unparalleled. If it weren't for your help this time, I would have fallen into Xue Tai's trap. I will always remember your great kindness! In the future, if you have any tasks, please feel free to command. I will be here waiting for the Lord to come south, to plan great things together!"

Wei Shao could not fail to understand the implication in Yang Xin's words. He said, "If there is wealth and honor, we will share it."

Yang Xin was overjoyed. Seeing that Wei Shao's horses seemed tired, he quickly ordered fresh horses and personally led his own mount to Wei Shao, saying, "Although this horse cannot claim to travel a thousand miles in a day, it is still one in a thousand. Since the Lord has come from afar, you must have important matters. If you don't mind, it is at your disposal."Wei Shao mounted his horse. Concerned about Xiao Qiao, he exchanged a few more words before bidding farewell and setting off on his journey. Yang Xin accompanied him and suddenly remembered something, saying, "My Lord, are you heading to Lingbi? Lingbi is under Xue Tai's territory. Over the past six months, a capable man has emerged there, claiming land and growing in influence, with thousands of people flocking to him. Xue Tai has been unable to do anything about it. It is said that he was originally just a hunter from the mountains, with naturally green eyes, but he has risen swiftly and is not to be underestimated. Early this morning, our scouts reported that Xue Tai was defeated in Lingbi and is regrouping his troops to suppress this green-eyed man. There is bound to be chaos. If you pass through, be cautious."

This was the first time Wei Shao had heard of the "green-eyed man," but he dismissed him as just a self-important rebel leader. However, upon hearing that Lingbi was in turmoil and Xiao Qiao had gone there, his anxiety grew. He hurriedly thanked Yang Xin, bid farewell, and rode off without stopping, passing through Jiuli Pass before nightfall and entering Lingbi directly.

……

Xiao Qiao had been staying in Lingbi for two days. The bond between the sisters was as strong as ever, and Bi Zhi treated her with great respect. Not only did he personally hunt fresh game for her to eat, but the previous night he had also voluntarily moved to another room, allowing the two sisters to share a bed and talk through the night.

Another day passed, and night fell once again.

The previous night, Xiao Qiao had not been shy about it, clinging to her elder sister as they slept. Nestled in her soft embrace, she acted spoiled and playful, as if they were back in their maiden days. They laughed and chatted, free from worries, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Tonight, however, even with her thick skin, Xiao Qiao felt it was inappropriate to monopolize Da Qiao's company for another night. As evening approached, after a few casual words with Da Qiao, she claimed she was tired and needed to return to her room to rest.

Da Qiao wouldn’t let her go, grabbing her hand and saying, "It’s fine. I’ve already spoken to your brother-in-law. Tonight, you’ll sleep with me again."

Xiao Qiao laughed, "No! If I keep taking you away from him, even if he doesn’t say anything, he’ll probably think to himself, 'This sister-in-law is so inconsiderate. Next time, I won’t let her come over!'"

Da Qiao’s face flushed slightly at her teasing, and she quickly replied, "Your brother-in-law would never think that! He’s been busier lately and often says he can’t spend as much time with me as before. Now that you’re here, he’s actually glad you can keep me company! Stay a few more days."

Xiao Qiao held her hand and smiled, "Sister, I was just joking! I know my brother-in-law is generous. But as a younger sister, it’s not proper for me to monopolize my married sister’s company at night. I’ll stay another day or two, and then I should head back."

It had only been a few days, but Da Qiao was reluctant to see her leave so soon. However, she knew that Xiao Qiao was also a married woman and shouldn’t stay away from home for too long. It was indeed time for her to return. She stopped insisting and instead held her hand. Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Bi Zhi had arrived.

Compared to the past, Bi Zhi now seemed like a completely transformed man. His gaze was deep, his steps steady, and his every movement exuded a quiet dignity, hinting at a newfound authority.

Xiao Qiao smiled and greeted him.

Bi Zhi returned the smile, addressing her as "Lady."

He had always referred to her this way. Xiao Qiao had once asked him to stop, but he persisted, so she eventually gave up.

Seeing her husband arrive, Da Qiao approached him and said, "I wanted to keep my sister here a few more days, but she insists on leaving." Her expression was filled with regret and reluctance.Bi Zhi held his wife's arm, lowered his head, and softly comforted her for a few moments. He glanced at Xiao Qiao, his expression revealing a hint of hesitation, as if he wanted to say something but held back.

Xiao Qiao noticed this and asked, "Brother-in-law, is there something on your mind?"

Da Qiao also looked at her husband.

Bi Zhi hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "I came to arrange for the lady to leave this place as soon as possible."

Da Qiao was startled. She clung to her husband's arm, looked up at him, and asked, "What's happened?"

Bi Zhi comforted her again, helped her sit down, and then said, "It's nothing major, so there's no need for either of you to panic. I just received some news. Scouts reported that Xue Tai failed in his attack on Xiao territory and retreated, but he has now led his troops and seems to be heading this way. I suspect he might try to attack us again on his way. I already have a plan to deal with it. However, considering the lady's noble status, if a battle breaks out now and something goes wrong, I won't be able to explain it to the Marquis of Yan. So, after much thought, I believe it's safest to send the lady away before Xue Tai arrives."

Over the past year, Da Qiao had gradually grown accustomed to such conflicts and had developed deep trust in her husband. She felt that as long as he was there, she had nothing to fear. Upon hearing this, she looked at Xiao Qiao with reluctance but did not object, knowing in her heart that this was indeed the safest course of action.

Xiao Qiao understood even more clearly that Bi Zhi's consideration was entirely for her safety. She readily agreed, saying, "I'll follow Brother-in-law's arrangements. I was actually planning to head north in the next couple of days."

Bi Zhi looked at her and said, "Thank you for your understanding, my lady. Early tomorrow morning, I will take the shortcut and personally escort you out of Lingbi."

Xiao Qiao thanked him and then smiled, saying, "There's something I wanted to say earlier but didn't get the chance. When Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou last time, outside Juye City, Brother-in-law saved my younger brother. I am deeply grateful. I shouldn't have spoken about Brother-in-law's affairs without your permission, but I couldn't hold back my gratitude and told my father about it a few days ago. My father has always remembered that incident and regretted not being able to find you afterward. When he learned the truth, he was overjoyed and asked me to convey a message: he will always remember your kindness, and the past ties between you and the Qiao family are now settled. From now on, Brother-in-law is a free man. My father also said that if there's an opportunity, he hopes to meet you again someday to express his thanks in person."

Bi Zhi and Da Qiao exchanged glances, both of them visibly pleased.

Although the two of them had married, it was still a private arrangement, and Da Qiao had been unable to return home, which had always been a source of regret. Now, even though they hadn't received Qiao Yue's approval, Qiao Ping, as a close elder, had spoken in this manner, which implied his recognition of their union.

Bi Zhi said, "Thank you, my lady! I have no way to repay you. I still stand by the words I once promised you: if there's anything you need in the future, just let me know. I will never forget that promise!"

Author's note: The two of them should meet tonight, and even I, the author, am looking forward to it~~O(∩_∩)O hahaha~~