The Prisoner of Beauty

Madam Xu picked up the cat that had just entered the room and placed it on her lap. After a moment of contemplation, she asked, "Is there any follow-up on the matter concerning the wife of Marquis Li from before?"

Zhong Ao replied, "I was just about to report to you, Elder Madam. This woman doesn't seem to have anything particularly special about her. She had been living in Luoyang until last year when Marquis Li passed away from illness. After that, she was sent back to her ancestral home in Yuyang by her in-laws. While in Yuyang, she lived a reclusive life, rarely interacting with others. However..."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I inadvertently discovered an acquaintance of hers, someone with whom she had some connection."

Madam Xu asked, "Who is this acquaintance?"

"It's that Su family from Zhongshan. A few years ago, when this woman was living in Luoyang, she had a period of close association with the Su family. They often dined and traveled together. Later, due to a scandal involving this woman, the Su family gradually distanced themselves from her, presumably to avoid any suspicion. All of this happened several years ago."

Madam Xu slowly stroked the drowsy cat in her lap, lost in thought for a moment, then asked again, "Is there any clue as to how Jiang Nao came to have secret dealings with the wife of Marquis Li?"

Zhong Ao replied, "I am of no use in this matter. Both Jiang Nao and that woman died shortly after the incident, leaving no confessions. According to the servants in the Marquis' household, they had never seen Jiang Nao visiting the woman's home before. How they became involved is truly perplexing."

"Have you looked into Jiang Nao's background?"

"Jiang Nao was originally a maid from Madam's maternal family. She was widowed at a young age and raised a son alone. Madam Zhu had once shown her kindness, and she had been serving by Madam's side ever since, for over thirty years now."

"Where is Jiang Nao's son now?"

"It is said that he died of a sudden illness over a decade ago, when he was just a teenager."

"What illness?"

"The exact illness is unknown. However, I found an old maid who had served alongside Jiang Nao under Madam but was dismissed by Madam over a decade ago. From her, I heard something. It is said that when Jiang Nao's son died suddenly, it seemed to be related to Madam's brother. Her brother had once kept a male favorite."

It had long been a trend among the nobility to keep concubines or male favorites.

Madam Xu frowned deeply, "Are you referring to that brother who, two years ago, got drunk at a flower-viewing party in Luoyang, fell into a pond alone, and drowned, only to float up bloated several days later?"

"Exactly."

Madam Xu fell silent, lost in thought for a long while, then suddenly said, "These past few days, have you noticed if Shao Er has been upsetting my granddaughter-in-law again?"

Zhong Ao hesitated for a moment before remaining silent.

Madam Xu shook her head, "At the beginning of the year, he went all the way to the south to bring my granddaughter-in-law back, treating her like a treasure. And now, just a few days later, with no urgent matters on the horizon, he says he has to leave and asks me to keep her here to serve. Isn't that just him being stubborn?"

Zhong Ao said, "When the incident happened, the Lord was still young. The pain of such a deep wound is hard to let go of. It's understandable that he might not be able to turn the corner right away. Fortunately, the Lady is gentle and open-minded. Elder Madam, don't worry. Given time, the Lord will surely be able to let go of his grievances."

Madam Xu simply said, "Stubborn as a mule!"

Zhong Ao added, "The Lord and the Lady are a young couple, and now they've had a falling out. If they were to be separated for five or six months, it might not be appropriate. If I may be so bold, perhaps Elder Madam could suggest that the Lord take the Lady with him. Given some time, the two of them will surely reconcile."Madam Xu said, "Have you ever seen a stubborn donkey willingly move forward under the whip? If I were to insist that he take his wife with him, it would only make him feel more aggrieved. I cannot bear to wrong my granddaughter-in-law either."

She thought for a moment, then stroked the cat's head and smiled, "The New Year has passed, and there's nothing much happening at home. The winds in Yuyang are strong, and the sand is plentiful. I miss the pleasant weather of Wuzhong City."

...

When Wei Shao returned in the evening, he did not find Xiao Qiao in their room, nor did he see Chun Niang. He went straight to bathe, and after coming out, she was still not there. He then asked Lin Ao.

Lin Ao replied, "The Elder Madam has called the lady to dine with her."

Wei Shao hesitated slightly, then headed out. Just as he reached the door, he heard footsteps approaching from the garden path. Lifting his eyes, he saw two maidservants leading the way with lanterns, illuminating Xiao Qiao as she returned. Wei Shao stepped over the threshold and headed towards the study.

Since returning from the border city, he had been going to the study first every night before returning to their room to sleep. He and Xiao Qiao had been coexisting peacefully.

Xiao Qiao caught sight of Wei Shao and called out, "Husband, grandmother has summoned you. She said she has something to discuss with you."

Wei Shao glanced at her and then walked towards the northern house.

Upon entering the northern house, he saw several open camphorwood chests on the floor, filled with clothes and various daily necessities. Maidservants were busy carrying boxes of different sizes, and Zhong Ao stood beside one of the chests, instructing a maidservant, "The weather over there won't warm up anytime soon, so take that fox fur cloak first and store it carefully..." Suddenly noticing Wei Shao's arrival, she hurried over and smiled, "The Lord has arrived? The Elder Madam is inside."

Wei Shao asked, "What is all this preparation for?"

Zhong Ao replied, "The Elder Madam is preparing to leave for Wuzhong City."

Wei Shao's eyebrows twitched, and he quickly stepped inside. Madam Xu was seated there and, upon seeing Wei Shao, beckoned him over.

Wei Shao sat down beside her, "Just now, Auntie said that grandmother is planning to go to Wuzhong City?"

Madam Xu nodded, "I called you here to tell you about this. You know how much I enjoy the comfortable weather there—warm in winter and cool in summer. In previous years, I spent half the year there. Now that the Lantern Festival has passed, and once you leave, there won't be many people left at home, so I thought I'd go there for a while."

Wei Shao said, "When does grandmother plan to leave? I will escort you there first. Once you are settled, I will proceed to Jinyang."

Madam Xu replied, "There's no need for you to escort me. I will take your mother with me this time. Since the matter in Jinyang is urgent, you should go there as soon as possible. I have people to escort me."

Wei Shao was slightly taken aback and hesitated before asking, "Grandmother, are you only taking my mother?"

Madam Xu nodded and sighed softly, "After what happened last time, although I placed your mother under house arrest, I haven't felt good about it myself. After all, she is your mother, and I know you wish her well. So, I thought of taking her with me to Wuzhong this time. A change of scenery might help her change her mindset."

Wei Shao then bowed solemnly to Madam Xu in gratitude.

Madam Xu smiled gently, "There's no need for thanks. I remember that in earlier years, your mother's temperament wasn't as stubborn as it is now. While she is primarily at fault for how things have turned out, as her mother-in-law, I also bear some responsibility for not guiding her properly. This trip will be a good opportunity for us to spend more time together and hopefully mend things."Wei Shao repeatedly thanked Madam Xu. With a gentle smile, Madam Xu said, "I called you here just to discuss this matter. You've been busy all day and must be tired. Go and rest early."

Wei Shao agreed, got up from the couch, and made as if to leave. After a few steps, he stopped and turned back, asking, "Grandmother, aren't you taking her with you?"

Madam Xu asked, "Who? Your wife?"

Seeing Wei Shao looking at her, she shook her head. "She's not going."

"Actually, our household is small," Madam Xu explained. "Once you leave and I'm gone, there's no real need for her to stay. I originally intended to take her with me. The household affairs could be handed over to the new steward. But you know, in the first month of February, the people hold a grand sacrifice at the Tai She altar to pray for a bountiful harvest, and it has always been our duty to preside over it. In previous years, it was your mother. This time, since your mother is accompanying me, naturally she will have to take charge. That's one reason. Secondly, I also have a bit of selfishness, feeling sorry for you. I thought it would be good for her to stay at home, so that if you return early, you won't come back to a cold and empty house with no one to welcome you."

Wei Shao said, "I don't mind. Grandmother, please take her with you to Wuzhong City."

Madam Xu replied, "I was also worried that she might feel lonely at home alone. When I called her earlier, I asked her about it. But she said it was fine. I thought, let it be. She will eventually have to take on the responsibilities of the mistress of our Wei family alone. It's good for her to gain more experience while she's young."

Wei Shao opened his mouth but eventually closed it. Finally, he said, "I understand, Grandmother. I will take my leave now. You should also rest early."

...

Wei Shao returned to the west wing.

Xiao Qiao was in the room with Chun Niang, packing his clothes for the trip.

Wei Shao stood by, coldly watching for a while, then went to the study. When he returned later, Chun Niang was gone, and several boxes of various sizes were placed on the floor, all containing his clothes.

Xiao Qiao was sitting on the edge of the bed, folding some of his clothes. When he entered, she didn't get up to greet him but simply said, "I asked around, and the climate in Jinyang is dry and cold in winter, hot and dry in summer. Since you said you might be gone for half a year, I packed more for this trip. Besides the robes and furs you'll need now, there are ten sets of undergarments and ten sets of spare innerwear. The innerwear is made of fine linen. There are also plain silk robes prepared for the hot weather..."

Wei Shao glanced at the boxes on the floor and said impatiently, "You can handle these things. Why are you telling me?"

Xiao Qiao fell silent, lowered her head, and finished folding the last few clothes on the bed, placing them into the box, pressing them down, and finally closing the lid. She turned and said, "It's late. Let's rest."

They each went to their beds, no longer as close and affectionate as before. Each harbored their own thoughts.

Xiao Qiao closed her eyes but suddenly heard Wei Shao whisper in her ear, "Tomorrow, go and tell Grandmother to take you with her to Wuzhong City!"

Xiao Qiao was startled, opened her eyes, and turned to look at him.

"Just tell her that you'll feel lonely staying home alone. That you're afraid!" he added.

Xiao Qiao said indifferently, "I'm not afraid. What is there to fear? Grandmother is taking Mother-in-law to Wuzhong City. It's my duty to stay home and take care of things."

Wei Shao frowned, staring at her.

Xiao Qiao turned her face away and closed her eyes.

...Two days later, Madam Xu had packed her belongings and called a maid to carry the increasingly plump cat. Together with Zhu Shi, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo set off in a carriage, leaving the city for Wuzhong.

Despite Madam Xu's objections, Wei Shao personally escorted them. They traveled by day on the main roads and lodged at post stations in the evening. The journey was unhurried, and it took them three days to cover the hundreds of miles to Wuzhong. The magistrate of Wuzhong welcomed them at the city gates. After entering the city, Wei Shao arranged everything and left a team of family guards for protection. That very night, without staying over, he hurried back and arrived in Yuyang by noon the next day.

Xiao Qiao had initially thought that after escorting Madam Xu, Wei Shao would soon leave again. However, upon his return, he made no mention of going back to Jinyang. Observing him over the next few days, she noticed he was unusually busy, leaving early and returning late. Naturally, she didn’t ask him when he planned to depart. She simply had the previously packed trunks temporarily stored away, ready to be brought out whenever he decided to leave.

In the blink of an eye, the end of the first month passed, and the day of the Great She Sacrifice at the beginning of the second month arrived.

The Great She Sacrifice was dedicated to the Earth God, with leeks and eggs as offerings, praying for a bountiful harvest and abundant crops in the coming year. After the ceremony, the villagers gathered for communal dances and performances. It was also an opportunity for young men and women to exchange orchids as tokens of affection, making it one of the most significant festivals of the year, second only to the New Year.

Early in the morning, Xiao Qiao rose, dressed in her sacrificial attire, and set off in a carriage under escort to the Great She Temple outside the city.

On the same day, after seeing Xiao Qiao off, Wei Shao went to the government office. As soon as he entered, Gongsun Yang urged him, "My lord, when do you plan to depart for Jinyang?"