The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

After Qiao Ci paid his respects to Madame Xu and Lady Zhu, Xiao Qiao expressed her gratitude to them both as well as to Wei Yan, and then led her younger brother back to her own western chambers.

Nanny Chun had been looking out for them from a distance early on. Seeing Qiao Ci and Xiao Qiao approaching side by side, she went forward to meet them, intentionally asking with a beaming smile, "Young Master, do you still remember this servant?"

Back in Dong Commandery, counting the actual time they spent together, Xiao Qiao and Nanny Chun had only known each other for two years, whereas Qiao Ci had genuinely been watched over and raised by Nanny Chun since infancy. Although the head of the Qiao family was mediocre and incompetent, there was one point where he surpassed other aristocratic clans, and that was his consistent leniency and kindness toward the populace under his governance and the servants within his household. Qiao Ci was the same; he shared a very deep bond with Nanny Chun. Upon seeing her, he stepped forward and said, "Nanny Chun looks even younger than before; I almost couldn't recognize you."

Nanny Chun knew the young master was merely teasing to make her happy, but she was truly coaxed into delight by him. Happily receiving him, they chatted about casual matters all the way back to the western chambers. Xiao Qiao inquired about the health and well-being of her father, as well as her uncle and aunt. Qiao Ci replied, "Father’s body is robust and healthy. Before I left, he specifically instructed me to bring word, telling you not to worry, Ah-jie, and just to live well on your end. It is Uncle who fell ill from worry a while ago when Xue Tai came to attack. Later, when Xue Tai retreated, Uncle recovered after nursing his health for a few days. Aunt has always been well too."

Hearing that her father was well, Xiao Qiao also felt at ease.

Nanny Chun accompanied the conversation for a short while, but knowing that the two of them likely had other things to discuss, she stepped out first. She left the two siblings, Xiao Qiao and Qiao Ci, alone in the room.

...

The members of the Wei family, whether it was the grandmother or his sister's mother-in-law, were unexpectedly so courteous, to say nothing of Cousin Wei's attentive reception, which was simply meticulous in every detail. Looking at it this way, his sister's accidental marriage into this place could be considered a blessing in disguise, and she was living very well. As long as his sister lived well, it was more important than him living well himself. Having reaped an unexpected pleasant surprise, Qiao Ci was in high spirits. The moment Nanny Chun stepped out, he immediately asked excitedly, "Ah-jie, which day will my brother-in-law return? I shall go outside the city to welcome him!"

Xiao Qiao recalled the fleeting scene of their brief dialogue on the night before Wei Shao's departure, when he mentioned to her that he was going to Zhuo County the following day.

In truth, Xiao Qiao did not believe that Wei Shao had gone to Zhuo County specifically to avoid welcoming her younger brother and the people from Yanzhou.

Although up until now, she could not claim to have a very deep understanding of him. But she always felt that given Wei Shao's status and his conceited personality, even if he truly did not wish to receive the guests, he could simply ignore them—it wasn't as if he were incapable of doing such a thing—and there was absolutely no need for him to choose a method like running away to hide.

Perhaps he genuinely just happened to need to go over at this time.

But then again, even if it were a coincidence, Wei Shao's behavior during these days regarding Qiao Ci's arrival gave her a feeling of coldness and passivity. It was akin to the sentiment of "whatever Grandmother arranges, let her do as she pleases, what does it have to do with me?"

If he had maintained the same cold and disgusted attitude toward her as he did in the beginning, she naturally would not care.

But now, the two of them had intimately done everything there was to do. Looking at his manner, he seemed quite infatuated with her as well; in the study, just a moment before he spoke those words, he had even forced her to sit on his lap to let him touch and kiss her.

This was also why, when she learned at that juncture that he was leaving and was completely indifferent, without even the slightest intention to explain or at least offer a word of comfort to her, she couldn't help but feel a bit stifled in her heart, no matter how broad-minded or optimistic she tried to be.

Naturally, she would not harbor the extravagant hope that Wei Shao would suddenly favor her family just because he had grown close to her. After all, the blood feud of fathers and brothers was as irreconcilable as day and night.

But in the end, there was still a lingering sense of grievance.

To put it bluntly, she felt she was merely a plaything for Wei Shao under the title of a wife. It was like serving someone with one's beauty; at present, he coveted the novelty and granted her a few pleasant looks, but who knew how it would be in the future?

Now, seeing her younger brother overjoyed upon his fresh arrival, she feared he might view Wei Shao as being similar to Wei Yan. If the gap between his expectations and reality were too great when he met the real person, it would be problematic. Thus, she said, "Your brother-in-law is mature, prudent, and always solemn; he is not the same as Lord Wei Yan. Furthermore, his personality is eccentric, and he dislikes interacting with people on ordinary days. When you meet him, you must maintain the necessary etiquette; there is no need to be excessively warm, lest he misconstrue it as an offense and form a poor impression of you."

Qiao Ci was taken aback. He cast a glance at his elder sister. Seeing that her expression was serious and she did not appear to be joking, he hesitated for a moment but still nodded his head, "I have noted it down."

Only then did Xiao Qiao reveal a smile, pulling him to sit down as she asked about his daily life and routine. Qiao Ci answered each question in turn. Hesitating slightly, he suddenly asked, "Ah-jie, do you have any news of our elder cousin-sister now?"

Xiao Qiao shook her head.

"Previously, however, I encountered the green-eyed horse slave, Bi Zhi!"

Xiao Qiao was stunned.

Qiao Ci recounted the events outside Juye City when their father had led Yanzhou's fifty thousand troops to face the invading forces of Xue Tai in a desperate battle. He told her how he had ridden out of the formation, first slaying Xue Tai's son and then engaging two others under Xue Tai's command, only to be rescued at a critical juncture by a stranger who suddenly appeared.

"Ah-jie, when he brought me back to Father’s side and I stood on the ground, I saw his face clearly. It was precisely that horse slave, Bi Zhi, who had vanished from our household alongside Cousin-Sister in the past. The moment the battle ended, I locked my eyes on him and chased after him with all my might. He halted and stated that he and Cousin-Sister are already husband and wife! Listening to his tone, it seemed as though Cousin-Sister had been willing to leave with him of her own accord back then! Ah-jie, you have always been close with Cousin-Sister; is it possible that you knew absolutely nothing beforehand?"

Previously, Xiao Qiao only knew that her father had led troops to resist Xue Tai outside Juye City, and that Xue Tai had later been forced to retreat to save himself upon hearing that his base was being attacked by Yang Xin. She did not know that there had been such an experience in the middle of it. Hearing this, she was both shocked and delighted.

Prior to this, there had been no news of Bi Zhi and Big Qiao. In times of chaos, human lives were worth less than dogs in times of peace. Although she knew Bi Zhi should be capable of protecting Big Qiao well, she had always felt a lingering concern, and would remember them from time to time. Now, suddenly learning this news from her brother's mouth demonstrated at least one thing: the two of them must have settled down somewhere. Bi Zhi must have also learned that Yanzhou was in danger, which was why he sneaked back to offer aid in secret.

Meeting her brother's bewildered gaze, Xiao Qiao said, "I did know. Not only did I know, but it was actually I who helped the two of them escape back then."

Qiao Ci was greatly shocked, staring blankly at Xiao Qiao, unable to utter a single word.

Xiao Qiao said, "I know you are bewildered. You will understand in the future. I need you to remember, Ah-di, that Bi Zhi is by no means as simple as merely being an old horse slave of our family. He is immensely capable. Born into these chaotic times, if he encounters the right opportunity, he may not necessarily fail to dominate a region in the future. Cousin-Sister marrying him is a union of mutual affection; the two of them are a match made in heaven. It is only because I trust you that I am revealing this matter to you. Perhaps in the future, the lives and safety of the entire Qiao family and Yanzhou will require his assistance. Keep this firmly in mind. However, once you return, do not let Uncle and the others know for the time being, do you understand?"

Qiao Ci had always been completely obedient to Xiao Qiao. Although he was still plunged into a state of shock from which he could not extricate himself, seeing the incomparably grave expression on his sister's face when she spoke these words, he still nodded and murmured, "I have noted it down."

Xiao Qiao continued, "This time when Xue Tai attacked Yanzhou, Yanzhou's preservation was reliant upon the benevolence of others. If our Qiao family continues in this manner indefinitely, though Xue Tai has left today, there will be Wang Tai and Li Tai tomorrow. If the Qiao family itself does not rouse its spirits and always pins its hopes on others, how can it endure and survive?"

Qiao Ci revealed a look of shame: "What Ah-jie says is correct. In the beginning, it was precisely because Zhou Qun of Rencheng came to attack and the men of our family were incompetent that you were married far away to this place. Only a little more than half a year has passed, yet we suffered another assault from Xue Tai, living in fear and finding no peace! If our Qiao family does not stand on its own feet, Yanzhou will fall into the hands of others sooner or later!"

Losing Yanzhou was one thing; she feared that in the end, not a single person would be left alive.

Xiao Qiao gazed intently at her younger brother, her tone softening as she said, "Ah-jie knows that Ah-di has the intention to revitalize our family estate, but Ah-di is currently only fifteen. Even if you possess the will, you lack the strength to take sole charge. There is no hoping for anything from Uncle. At present, we can only pin our hopes on Father exerting his strength. If Father can become the pillar of the Qiao family, and in a couple of years receives Ah-di's assistance while leveraging the popular support our Qiao family enjoys in Yanzhou—with these three forces working together, why should we worry about failing to revitalize the family estate?"

Qiao Ci's blood boiled with excitement from Xiao Qiao's description, his face turning completely red: "Ah-jie, rest assured! Once I return, I shall forcefully persuade Father never to blindly follow Uncle again! If we continue to listen to Uncle, our Qiao family will be finished sooner or later!"

Xiao Qiao laughed and said, "If you dare to be this reckless, far from listening to you, Father will beat you instead. There is no need for you to persuade him. Before you return, I shall give you a letter for you to pass along to Father. Having suffered disasters time and again, I expect Father is not so resigned as to be content to live at the mercy of others, or even to sit idly and await death."

Qiao Ci felt embarrassed by Xiao Qiao's words and scratched his head, agreeing to the task. The siblings conversed for a moment longer before Qiao Ci remembered something and said cheerfully, "Ah-jie, that Cousin Wei stated that he would take me out later to ride horses and catch the wind; am I permitted to go?"

In truth, Xiao Qiao did not wish for Qiao Ci to become too close with Wei Yan. It was just that earlier in the northern chambers, Madame Xu had personally spoken such words, asking Wei Yan to act as the host and accompany the guest. If she were to forbid it, it would inevitably seem somewhat unreasonable, and her younger brother was currently looking at her with eager anticipation. After a slight hesitation, she nodded her head.

Qiao Ci grew joyful.

"However, there must be a limit to everything. Although his attitude is easygoing, that is merely him showing politeness to you out of his duty as a host. The etiquette and rules you ought to possess must be observed. You must not become excessively familiar or improperly close with others, do you understand?"

Qiao Ci agreed fully.

Gazing at her brother's jubilant appearance, looking for all the world like a child, Xiao Qiao could not help but laugh, shaking her head.

Qiao Ci took his lunch at Xiao Qiao's quarters. Madame Xu's side dispatched someone to deliver a food box filled with prepared dishes. Once the siblings finished their meal and rested briefly, a servant came to deliver a message stating that Wei Yan had already arrived.

Xiao Qiao escorted Qiao Ci to the main gate.

Wei Yan was clad in hunting attire, waiting with a dozen or so retinue members who were similarly dressed in tightly fitted garments. The entire group was attired in fresh clothing and rode powerful steeds, exuding an air of compelling affluence. Seeing Xiao Qiao leading Qiao Ci out, Wei Yan welcomed them, quickly ascending the steps as he spoke to Xiao Qiao: "Sister-in-law, rest assured, I guarantee I shall protect Ah-di well and return before nightfall."

Xiao Qiao offered her thanks to him, watching as Qiao Ci mounted his horse and galloped off swiftly toward the outskirts of the city side by side with Wei Yan, the shouting and calling voices of the group gradually fading beside her ears.

...

Before nightfall, Qiao Ci indeed returned. The following day, he accompanied Wei Yan to go hunting once more. The group arrived at the Yushan hunting grounds and reaped a bountiful harvest, bagging two roe deer and countless wild pheasants and rabbits. In the blink of an eye, a day passed, and the sun gradually began to tilt toward the west. Wei Yan was just about to call for the troop to assemble and return to the city when he suddenly saw an adult deer, startled from the dense forest ahead. Its body was stout and its abdomen bulged, appearing to be a pregnant doe. He immediately drew his bow and fitted an arrow, releasing a shot that struck squarely into one of the running doe's hind legs. The doe let out a sorrowful cry and tumbled to the ground, rising again to drag its bleeding, injured leg, still straining with all its might to escape. The retinue members rushed forward one after another and captured the doe. Wei Yan flipped himself down from his horse, retrieved a leather flask, and drew a dagger from the shaft of his boot. Just as he was about to slit the doe's throat to drain the blood into the flask, Qiao Ci, standing beside him, felt unable to bear the sight upon hearing the doe's sorrowful bleating, and said, "Cousin Wei, would it be possible to release this creature?"

Wei Yan raised his head to look at him.

Seeing that the numerous retinue members were also looking at him with astonished gazes, Qiao Ci’s face turned completely red, and he stuttered, "My elder sister taught me in the past that if one encounters a pregnant female beast while hunting, one must not harm it. Seeing that this doe's abdomen is as large as a drum, it must be close to its delivery date..."

For a grown man like him to speak such words, it was truly something he felt ashamed to voice; having spoken half of it, he came to a halt.

Wei Yan was taken aback, but then burst into a great laugh. He immediately sheathed his dagger and cast aside the leather flask, ordering his subordinates to extract the arrow from the deer's leg, apply gold-sore ointment, and release it. After letting it go, he patted the flushed shoulders of Qiao Ci, laughing as he said, "What your sister says is entirely correct. I shall remember this in the future."

Qiao Ci had originally worried that the man would mock him, but he had not expected his attitude to be so straightforward. He instantly breathed a sigh of relief, and a sense of closeness toward him was added to his heart once more, prompting him to hastily offer his thanks.

...

The group returned from Yushan, urging their horses toward the city walls. As they drew near, upon an imperial highway to the west, a troop of a dozen or so riders approached from afar, bathed in the setting sun. They were likewise heading toward the city walls, and the two parties gradually converged, meeting at the junction of the fork in the road.

The retinue members following Wei Yan had already recognized that this troop of riders galloping closer in the twilight was precisely the Lord, Wei Shao, who had gone to Zhuo County three days prior.

The retinue members halted their horses by the roadside one after another, dismounting to kneel and bow in welcome.

Wei Yan slowly reined in his horse, but he did not dismount. He merely sat upon his horse with slackened reins, watching as Wei Shao gradually approached.

Qiao Ci did not recognize Wei Shao, so naturally he did not dismount either. He merely followed Wei Yan in halting his horse, fixing his gaze upon the opposite troop of riders who were galloping swiftly toward them. He saw that the man leading the way was exceptionally young, with a handsome countenance and a resolute expression. His eyes looked straight ahead, and the evening wind buffeted the sleeves of his robes, the corners of his garments fluttering as he urged his horse forward, arriving close at hand in the blink of an eye.