The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 42

Chapter 42

The Kingdom of Zhongshan lay roughly four to five days' journey from Yuyang.

Early the following morning, Xiao Qiao accompanied Madame Xu out the doors.

Wei Yan was already waiting by the gates. Behind him stood two columns of guards, numbering around a hundred men.

Because Wei Yan bore the responsibility of staying behind to guard Youzhou, he would not be traveling with them. The journey would be escorted by these guards instead. They were all drawn from the Wei family’s elite tiger-warrior personal guards, handpicked by Wei Yan. Not only were they deeply reliable, but every single one was a veteran of battle.

Seeing Madame Xu and Xiao Qiao emerge from within, Wei Yan immediately stepped forward, quickly supporting Madame Xu at the front.

Outside the grand gates, four carriages, each drawn by a pair of horses, stood waiting. The foremost carriage was adorned with a brass-topped canopy and a crossbar inlaid with white jade. Its exterior was draped in dark green oiled silk, while the interior was lined with fine brocade. It featured four windows along its sides—two functioning as ventilators and two as viewing windows—and pearls dangled from its four corners, making it a display of absolute opulence.

Wei Yan assisted Madame Xu down the steps and walked toward the carriage. Madame Xu looked up, and catching sight of it, she could not help but shake her head, saying, "I asked you to prepare a carriage, so why did you bring such a vehicle over? It is a trifle too extravagant."

Wei Yan replied, "Given Grandmother's esteemed and noble status, how could anything be considered too extravagant? Compared to the mounts and carriages of the nobles in Luoyang, this is nothing at all. Furthermore, the journey will take several days, and Grandmother is advanced in years. I feared Grandmother might grow weary from the carriage ride, which is why I prepared something slightly passable."

Madame Xu laughed and said, "You certainly have a way with words. Ah, well, now that the carriage is prepared, am I not to ride in it? It is just as well, as your younger brother's wife is traveling with me. My old bones matter little, but she has a delicate constitution, so it is better for things to be comfortable and spacious on the road. You have been thorough in your considerations."

Wei Yan smiled and assisted Madame Xu into the carriage. He then took two steps back to clear the path for Xiao Qiao, saying with a warm smile, "Sister-in-law may board the carriage now."

The maidservants beside Xiao Qiao offered her a steadying hand. Lifting her skirt slightly with her other hand, she stepped onto the mounting block to ascend. Unexpectedly, just as her foot touched the carriage panel, the sole of her shoe slipped slightly. Losing her balance, her body swayed. Wei Yan, standing just a few paces away, possessed sharp eyes and swift hands; he leaped forward in a single stride, and before Xiao Qiao could even react, his hand had already reached out to support her by the side of her lower back, as he murmured in a low voice, "Sister-in-law, be careful." He then immediately released his grip.

This brief stumble was something Xiao Qiao could actually have steadied on her own, but she simply lacked Wei Yan’s rapid reflexes.

Her initial impression of this man had been utterly wretched. Later on, she learned of his identity, and over these past days, she had seldom crossed paths with him. Even when they did meet within the Wei estate, he was always courteous, dignified, and exceptionally refined. In his conduct and demeanor, there was no longer the slightest lapse in etiquette. The sense of aversion she had initially conceived due to his overly insolent gaze during their first encounter had also gradually begun to fade.

Being suddenly supported by him like this at this moment felt a bit awkward, but she nonetheless turned her head, offered him a faint smile, and voiced her thanks. Lowering her head and bending her waist, she slipped into the carriage and sat down beside Madame Xu.

The accompanying Nanny Zhong, Nanny Chun, and the others, along with all the baggage they carried, boarded the subsequent carriages. Once everything was properly arranged, the mounted officers with swords at their waists led the way to clear the path ahead, while the guards rode on both flanks to shield and escort them. The procession of horses and carriages passed through the streets and emerged from the city. Wei Yan continued to escort them, traveling dozens of li outside the city gates until Madame Xu repeatedly urged him to return, before he finally halted his steps.

He remained in place, watching the train of carriages and horses gradually vanish into the distance along the highway. Once they were out of sight, he could not resist clenching the palm that had just brushed against her waist.

Her waist was so slender that his single palm could nearly encompass it. Though it had been but a fleeting touch through layers of fabric, that light, soft, and delicate sensation—which seemed to strike directly at his heart—remained upon the skin of his palm even now, refusing to fade.

...

Once they were on the road, Xiao Qiao finally learned the reason why Madame Xu, despite her advanced age, was willing to spare no effort to personally travel to the Kingdom of Zhongshan.

The mother of the current King of Zhongshan, Liu Duan—Consort Mother Yuan—had been Madame Xu’s close childhood companion from her days in the maiden chambers, and they were as close as sisters. Over the years, because of their advanced age and the vast distance between them, their interactions had gradually grown infrequent, yet their old affection remained unchanged.

Consort Mother Yuan had fallen gravely ill last year, and now her failing health had become increasingly precarious. Yesterday, Madame Xu had received word from the Kingdom of Zhongshan that Consort Mother Yuan might not survive much longer. Caught up in memories of old friends and past events, she had remained sleepless throughout the night, deciding this morning to journey there to catch one final glimpse of her.

"Garments are best when new, but friends are best when old."

Madame Xu gazed out the carriage window at the boundless expanse of the wilderness, falling into a long abstraction before finally letting out a sigh.

...

A few days later, Madame Xu arrived in Lunu with Xiao Qiao.

The Kingdom of Zhongshan had been established during the Jianwu era. The first sovereign was originally a son of the Emperor Han of the Jianwu period, initially enfeoffed as the Duke of Qinghe, and later elevated to the rank of King, with his fief altered to Dingzhou and his capital established at Lunu. By the time of the current King of Zhongshan, Liu Duan, the title had been passed down for over a dozen generations, spanning more than two hundred years.

Much like the Kingdoms of Langya and Jiyin, these enfeoffed states that had once represented supreme imperial authority still retained their lands and titles today, yet their status had long since plummeted. The Kingdom of Zhongshan was considered relatively fortunate; Dingzhou currently fell under the actual jurisdiction of Wei Shao, allowing the royal family to maintain their original stipends and treatment. This was unlike certain other enfeoffed states, whose lands had been compressed or entirely seized by local magnates who held actual power.

Even so, when the carriage rolled into the city of Lunu, Xiao Qiao looked through the viewing window and saw that the areas along both sides of the streets still bore an air of bleakness and decay everywhere. It resembled a once-wealthy and noble household whose vermilion gates had completely lost their lacquer, leaving behind only a few mottled traces that allowed people to reminisce about the past prosperity buried in time.

King Liu Duan of Zhongshan had learned yesterday that Madame Xu would be arriving. Today, he personally emerged from the city to welcome them, escorting Madame Xu and Xiao Qiao into the royal palace.

Liu Duan’s generation was lower than Madame Xu’s, and moreover, he currently existed by relying on Wei Shao’s favor. He was absolutely deferential toward Madame Xu and Xiao Qiao. Upon entering the royal palace, they went through a series of elaborate etiquettes and meticulous hospitality. Madame Xu requested that everything be kept simple. After a brief rest and changing into clean garments, she immediately took Xiao Qiao to visit the bedridden Consort Mother Yuan.

Consort Mother Yuan was of a similar age to Madame Xu, but she was already at the sunset of her life, lying upon her sickbed with her spirit terribly diminished. When Madame Xu grasped her hand and called out her childhood name, Consort Mother Yuan could no longer recognize her. Her vacant gaze drifted from her swollen eyes, fixing upon Madame Xu without a single movement.

Liu Duan explained that his mother had been this way since last year. Initially, she could still recognize him, but now she failed to offer any reaction even when he called her name. Although they had sought medical treatment from many quarters, it was beyond any power to reverse. Recalling his mother's old friendship with Madame Xu, and fearing she might reproach him for failing to inform her, he had dispatched that letter.

Madame Xu kept only Xiao Qiao by her side. She then held Consort Mother Yuan’s hand and sat by the bedside for a very long time, rambling to her about many things as if talking to herself. Listening closely to Madame Xu’s words, Xiao Qiao noted that most of them revolved around memories of their youth in the maiden chambers.

Madame Xu’s tone was calm and her voice soft, devoid of the slightest trace of grief. When she recalled how, during their youth at the Lantern Festival, she and Consort Mother Yuan had hid from their families to slip out and view the lanterns, only to chance upon a refined and handsome young man who made both of their hearts leap, her tone even carried a hint of joy. Yet for some unknown reason, as Xiao Qiao listened further, a heavy sadness slowly bloomed within her heart, as though it were blocked by something.

Madame Xu accompanied the unresponsive Consort Mother Yuan, speaking with her for a long duration, and it was not until the sun was setting in the west that she led Xiao Qiao outside.

When she emerged, her eyes were slightly rimmed with red.

Liu Duan had been waiting outside with the members of the royal family. Seeing Madame Xu come out, he hastily stepped forward, respectfully inviting her to a banquet. Madame Xu did not decline, entering the banquet hall with Xiao Qiao. During the feast, starting from Liu Duan down to the royal guests present, everyone flattered and accommodated Madame Xu without exception, and they offered compliments to Xiao Qiao repeatedly. Madame Xu conversed and laughed gracefully, showing no signs of distress. It was only after the banquet concluded and they emerged that she let out a sigh to Xiao Qiao: "The House of Liu has spanned over four hundred years, yet it has declined to such a state today. It is the turn of heavenly fate!"

Upon returning to their quarters, Madame Xu still seemed immersed in the emotions from her daytime meeting with the dying Consort Mother Yuan. She sat before the lamp for a long time, her silhouette completely motionless. Xiao Qiao silently accompanied her side for a long duration.

Nanny Zhong entered, requesting Madame Xu to change her garments and rest, but Madame Xu remained unmoving.

Reflecting on how arduous the journey had been for her over the past few days, and how she had spent the entire day socializing, Xiao Qiao was just about to open her mouth to add her own persuasion when she suddenly saw Madame Xu look toward her and say, "When I was rambling to Mother Yuan during the day, I suppose it must have made you laugh. Now that I am advanced in years, I find myself particularly fond of reminiscing about the events of my youth. In the blink of an eye, my hair has turned white, and everything seems just like a dream."

Xiao Qiao replied, "How would I dare find it amusing? It is merely that, although the beautiful countenance in the mirror fades and time refuses to stay, there is also the saying of a nest being completed and the fledglings growing up to accompany one through the years. Grandmother is merely longing for old times, which is why you possess such reflections."

Madame Xu repeated the phrase "a nest being completed and the fledglings growing up," and smiled. Lifting her hand, she gently patted the back of Xiao Qiao’s hand, turning her head to say to Nanny Zhong, "The words this child speaks always manage to touch my heart."

Nanny Zhong smiled and said, "The Young Mistress feared the Old Madame would be overly sorrowful and neglect her health, which is why she offered those few comforting words to coax you, yet the Old Madame turns out to be this pleased."

Madame Xu said, "Ah, well, it has been a tiring day. All of you go and rest early."

Nanny Zhong complied, and together with Xiao Qiao, she assisted Madame Xu to arise.

Nothing more passed that night.

The following day, after inquiring with the imperial physicians, Madame Xu learned that Consort Mother Yuan did not have many days remaining, so she decided to prolong their stay for a few more days. On that day, many of Madame Xu’s clansmen came one after another to pay their respects, their speech filled with flattery and obsequiousness. When they turned their attention to Xiao Qiao and witnessed her celestial beauty and elegant demeanor, there was none who did not feel a natural admiration.

The Wei family was currently rising like a soaring phoenix. Though she was young, she was the future matriarch of the Wei family, and she appeared to have found great favor with Madame Xu, who kept her by her side whenever she went out. Consequently, they regarded her with even greater esteem, and countless gifts and overtures of goodwill were secretly presented to her behind Madame Xu's back. Xiao Qiao naturally declined them, returning all of them by their original paths, nor did she grant private requests to meet with anyone. After three or four days passed in this manner, on this particular evening, Xiao Qiao returned with Madame Xu from visiting Consort Mother Yuan.

Consort Mother Yuan’s breathing had already become labored today. Judging by the assessment of the physicians, it would likely be a matter of a day or two.

Upon returning, Madame Xu’s mood was inevitably somber. Xiao Qiao remained by her side to offer comfort. Just then, a maidservant suddenly knocked on the door from outside: "Old Madame, the eldest daughter of the Su family—the Lady of the Governor of Zuo Fengyi—has learned of the Old Madame’s arrival in Zhongshan and has come to pay her respects."

A subtle flicker passed through Xiao Qiao’s eyes, but she rapidly concealed it.

She knew that within the trajectory of Da Qiao's life in her previous state of existence, such a person had always existed.

It was merely that previously, this individual had only lingered within her memory as a vague, lifeless name. Now, she was suddenly about to appear before her very eyes, flesh and blood.

Madame Xu seemed to startle slightly, murmuring to herself, "She was newly widowed last year; was she not still in Luoyang? How has she come here as well?" After a moment’s deliberation, she gave orders to invite her inside.

Xiao Qiao hastily arose to take her leave, but Madame Xu said, "You stay. It matters not. In terms of generation, I am her mother’s aunt, so she calls me Grand Aunt-in-law. We can be considered relatives."

Xiao Qiao lowered her eyes, murmured her assent, and sat back down beside Madame Xu just as she had been moments ago.

A moment later, she heard the tinkling of jade pendants approaching from a distance outside the door. At first faint, it gradually grew distinct, carrying the rhythmic beauty of music. One could well imagine how the walking posture of the approaching woman must resemble a frail willow yielding to the breeze, swaying with immense grace.

A young woman clad in mourning attire appeared at the threshold.

Xiao Qiao looked over.

This young matron appeared slightly older than Wei Shao, around twenty-four or twenty-five years of age. Her dark hair was styled in a fallen-from-horse bun, and her features were exceedingly beautiful. Her eyes, in particular, were exceptionally striking, carrying a gaze that seemed capable of stealing one’s affections. Her figure was superb; even the plain mourning garments could not obscure her full, ripe maturity, which lent her an entirely different flavor.

Arriving before the threshold, the young matron slightly lifted her skirt and, led by a maidservant, walked before Madame Xu, bowing with absolute reverence. After performing her etiquette, she said, "Your grandniece, Ehuang, learned two days ago that Grand Aunt-in-law had arrived. It has been many years since I last paid my respects, and I was filled with immense joy. I originally wished to come early, but reflecting that Grand Aunt-in-law must be occupied, and fearing I might disturb your proper affairs, I managed to restrain myself. Today, my longing and admiration were truly too earnest, so regardless of the late hour, I have presumed to visit, praying only that I have not disturbed Grand Aunt-in-law's tranquility."

Having spoken, she knocked her head against the ground once more.

The moment she opened her mouth, Xiao Qiao felt somewhat surprised. Her voice carried a trace of hoarseness, as though it had suffered some past injury.

However, her enunciation was rich with rhythm, so far from being grating to the ear, it possessed a unique charm compared to the voices of ordinary women.

Madame Xu seemed slightly surprised as well, her single eye fixing upon her: "It has been many years since we last met. I recall that your voice used to be quite fine; how did it become like this?"

Su Ehuang lowered her eyes, her face displaying a faint touch of grief: "Replying to Grand Aunt-in-law, I suffered a severe illness in the past. Though my person recovered, my voice was ruined."

Madame Xu nodded: "A pity." She then added, "The Governor of Zuo Fengyi unfortunately passed away last year; I had heard of it as well. You must restrain your grief and refrain from excessive sorrow, lest you harm your health."

Su Ehuang offered her a deep bow: "Ehuang expresses her profound thanks for Grand Aunt-in-law’s care and affection. I will certainly bear the words of my elder in mind. Initially, I resided in Luoyang with my late husband. After his passing, fearing that the sights would evoke painful memories, I returned to the Kingdom of Zhongshan at the beginning of the year, living in deep seclusion. Some time ago, during Grand Aunt-in-law’s grand birthday, I had not yet completed my period of mourning and feared it might bring ill fortune, so I could only offer my remote wishes for Grand Aunt-in-law's longevity and fortune. Recalling the care Grand Aunt-in-law bestowed upon me during my childhood, it remains difficult to forget to this day. I hope for an opportunity to serve beneath Grand Aunt-in-law’s knees once more, so that I may repay your kindness."

Madame Xu revealed a faint smile: "Grand Aunt-in-law accepts your filial sentiment. At present, I have my grandson’s wife attending to me by my side, and she is very thorough, so you need not be anxious."

 

Su Ehuang finally turned her gaze toward Xiao Qiao, who sat slightly behind Madame Xu.Her eyes lingered upon Xiao Qiao's countenance for a moment, before she immediately revealed a warm smile: "She must be the new bride of Brother Zhonglin? I heard people in the city whispering two days ago that the Lady of the Marquis of Yan possess a beauty that outshines the sun. Seeing her now, she truly captures my heart. Just now, I was solely occupied with conversing with Grand Aunt-in-law, which was a lapse on my part. This elder sister offers her apologies to younger sister." Having spoken, she performed the etiquette used by women of the current era upon their first encounter.

Xiao Qiao inclined her body slightly, returning the gesture.

Logically speaking, Madame Xu ought to have introduced her grandniece to Xiao Qiao at this point, yet Madame Xu said nothing. She merely maintained a faint smile, watching Su Ehuang and Xiao Qiao exchange greetings.

Su Ehuang said, "To have the fortune of meeting a younger sister who resembles an immortal being today brings immense solace to my heart. If there are opportunities in the future, I hope we may interact frequently, so as not to betray this initial affection of mine."

Since Madame Xu had not introduced her, Xiao Qiao refrained from following her cue to call her "Elder Sister," offering only a smile: "The Madam praises me excessively. I share the same sentiment."

The smile upon Su Ehuang’s face did not diminish in the slightest. Her gaze swept across Xiao Qiao’s face one final time before she addressed Madame Xu: "To finally behold the countenance of my beloved elder brings complete contentment to Ehuang’s heart. Grand Aunt-in-law must be weary today, so I dare not intrude further. I shall take my leave first and choose another day to come and serve you."

Madame Xu said, "You have shown proper intent." Having spoken, she looked toward Nanny Zhong, signaling her to escort the guest out.

Su Ehuang offered a final kowtow to Madame Xu, arose, and departed.

The sound of her jade pendants gradually faded away. Madame Xu fell into an abstraction for a brief period, then said to Xiao Qiao with a smile, "You must be weary today as well. Go and rest early."

...

Xiao Qiao returned to her own quarters. She sat within the bath barrel to bathe.

Nanny Chun stood behind her, gently massaging her long hair, slowly working up a fine, white lather. As she rinsed it away with water, the suds floated upon the surface of the water, resembling patches of pristine white lotuses that were gradually shrinking in size.

Xiao Qiao was somewhat distracted. Suddenly turning her body, she rested both of her slender, lotus-root arms upon the edge of the bath barrel, propping her chin on the back of her hands as she looked toward Nanny Chun and inquired, "Nanny Chun, we have been here for some time now. Have you ever heard of the name Su Ehuang?”