The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 54
Chapter 54
Upon returning from Madame Xu's residence, Xiao Qiao handed the matter over to Nanny Chun. That very day, they thoroughly reviewed every single maidservant and servant in the western chambers. Aside from the few maidservants she had originally brought with her and those from Madame Xu's side—whom she left untouched—she dismissed everyone else. Out of the remaining people, those who performed their daily duties honestly were retained, while those given to flattery, laziness, evasion, or those whose eyes flitted about suspiciously, or whom she simply found unpleasing, were all sent away. Ultimately, the total headcount was cut down to half. One person was assigned to guard the door, and four to tend the courtyard; among those four, one was specifically designated to handle the dusting and sweeping of Wei Shao's study, with all other personnel strictly forbidden from entering or exiting. Two were retained for the small kitchen, and the personnel to serve Wei Shao's daily life remained the same as before, with a total of three individuals headed by Nanny Lin. There were also two remaining on standby to be deployed wherever needed. Once the duties were distributed with utmost clarity, Xiao Qiao dipped into her own purse to increase the monthly wages for all the remaining servants. Consequently, not only did the courtyard become considerably more peaceful, but the watchful eyes trailing behind her vanished. The servants who remained all rejoiced, feeling a profound sense of honor at being appreciated by the Lady.
When Xiao Qiao had first arrived, the servants of the other branches of the Wei family remained an unknown factor, but among the servants of the western chambers, it was unavoidable that some had looked down on her. Now that more than half a year had passed, they saw that she not only possessed the high regard of Madame Xu, but even the Marquis was gradually becoming closer to the Lady. Although such matters were mostly private chamber affairs, servants were habitually adept at reading signs and expressions. As time wore on, even if they could not see through the closed doors, they could sniff out a bit of the atmosphere. Moreover, the servants harbored no irreconcilable blood feud with the Qiao family. Since even Madame Xu and the Lord treated her so, who would dare to slight her? Furthermore, the Lady had now personally increased their monthly wages. Every single remaining servant was overjoyed, competing with one another to pledge their loyalty before Nanny Chun.
...
Although Yang Feng, the envoy from Yanzhou, had met with Wei Shao at the welcoming banquet the previous evening, by common convention, the "official business" of this journey was reserved for today, requiring a formal meeting.
Gongsun Yang arrived at the government administrative office early this morning to prepare for the meeting between the Marquis and Yang Feng. To his surprise, he found that the Marquis had arrived even earlier than he had. Upon entering, he saw Wei Shao already seated in the main hall, reading through the bamboo and wooden slips on his desk, seemingly having been there for quite some time. Greatly astonished, he inquired, "Why is the Marquis here so early?"
Wei Shao replied, "Having gone to Zhuo County a few days ago, a large pile of administrative affairs has accumulated and must be completely dealt with as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Gongsun Yang could not help but be struck with profound respect. He thought to himself that his painstaking efforts over the years had indeed not been wasted on the wrong person; the Marquis had left his beautiful wife at home and come to the office early in the morning to work. Being so diligent and unswayed by feminine charms, what need was there to worry that grand undertakings would fail in the future? He did not dare to disturb him further and briefly reported the scheduling arrangements for the morning meeting with Yang Feng.
Wei Shao said impatiently, "I delegate full authority to Mister to step forward on my behalf to meet with that Yang Feng and dismiss him early so he can return. What is there to discuss with him?"
Gongsun Yang said, "If the Lord does not appear, I fear the Qiao family will have other thoughts. Furthermore, the young master of the Qiao family came along with Yang Feng. If the Lord has no urgent matters, it is better to meet once. If the Lord does not wish to speak much with the Yanzhou envoy, I shall speak on the Lord's behalf."
Wei Shao fell silent.
Gongsun Yang had assisted Wei Shao for many years and had somewhat grasped his temperament. Though he was occasionally hot-tempered, opinionated, and resistant to others' words, if a point was reasonable, even if he did not accept it at that moment, he would always respond soon after. Not to mention that over recent years, as his age gradually advanced, that aura of the "Little Tyrant" of the past had steadily been reined in. Observing his expression and seeing his silence, Gongsun Yang knew he had agreed. Giving a word of leave, he withdrew first to make the arrangements.
By the hour of Chen, Wei Shao met with Yang Feng, Qiao Ci, and the rest of the Yanzhou group in the assembly hall.
Qiao Yue had dispatched Yang Feng this time for no other reason than to seize the opportunity to win over and repair the relationship between the two families. The meeting proceeded tediously and uninterestingly. It was almost entirely Gongsun Yang and Yang Feng conversing, exchanging nothing but polite formalities. Wei Shao basically did not open his mouth, and Qiao Ci had even less to say. Sitting as if on pins and needles, Qiao Ci secretly peeked at his brother-in-law, seeing him sitting straight in the center with a vacant gaze, not knowing what he was thinking, looking as though his spirit had already drifted beyond the Great Void. Knowing that he surely looked down on his paternal uncle's groveling attitude, Qiao Ci felt even more ashamed. Having finally endured until the meeting ended, Qiao Ci had just breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Wei Shao instantly rise from his couch and march outside with large strides.
Qiao Ci felt rather disheartened in his heart. Had it not been for the urging of Madame Xu and his elder sister to stay, he would have preferred to return today. Following Yang Feng out of the gates of the government office listlessly, a person resembling a personal guard suddenly ran toward him. Arriving before him, the man cupped his fist in a military salute and said, "The Marquis commanded me to ask the young master if he has any interest in walking about? The Marquis can accompany the young master."
Qiao Ci was taken aback. Raising his eyes to look ahead, he unexpectedly saw that several dozen paces away, a bowshot's distance by the roadside, Wei Shao was riding upon his horse, his head turned as if looking in his direction.
He was truly astonished. Exchanging a distant gaze with Wei Shao, he saw that his expression was still as cold and indifferent as ever, and guessed that he must be asking out of mere courtesy, casually sending someone to inquire. His elder sister's admonishments from that day remained firmly in his heart; how could he truly be so tactless as to dare request him to clear his schedule and accompany him on a leisurely stroll?
Besides, even if it were a true stroll, facing such a brother-in-law, even the finest scenery would likely become a grueling chore.
Qiao Ci immediately said, "Please trouble yourself to pass a message to my brother-in-law, saying that I thank him for his kind intentions and accept them in spirit. I know my brother-in-law is busy and dare not disturb him. Furthermore, a few days ago, Cousin Wei already took me around to stroll everywhere."
The personal guard noted this, turned around, and ran to Wei Shao, reporting the words before his horse.
Wei Shao glanced at Qiao Ci, turned his face away, pulled the reins, and galloped off on his horse.
...
By the time the matters regarding the servants of the western chambers were fully dealt with, a full day had nearly passed.
By evening, as Xiao Qiao was waiting for Wei Shao to return for dinner, she finally received a piece of news: after meeting with Yang Feng's group in the morning, he had gone to Fanyang and had not said when he would return.
Fanyang was another major city in Youzhou and was also Wei Shao's troop deployment station, where fifty to sixty thousand troops were permanently stationed. It was not very far from Yuyang; a swift horse could make the round trip in a single day and night's journey.
He had only just returned from Zhuo County yesterday, yet today he had gone to Fanyang again, without making any prior mention of it. Presumable, something urgent had suddenly arisen again.
Xiao Qiao did not think much of it either, but remembering that her younger brother Qiao Ci had not returned all day and she had no idea where he was at this moment, she went to take a look at the place where Qiao Ci was staying.
Qiao Ci had still not returned.
Xiao Qiao gave instructions to the servants to have Qiao Ci report to her place upon his return, and then she went back.
The sky gradually darkened. Xiao Qiao stood at the doorway, raising her head to watch the maidservants light the lanterns along the walkway one by one. Watching absorbedly, she heard a flurry of footsteps approaching from opposite her and turned her face to look. Qiao Ci had arrived.
Qiao Ci had just returned from outside, covered in sweat, with dry yellow mud and dust clinging to his clothes. He clamored continuously about being hungry. Xiao Qiao took him to wash his face and hands. Qiao Ci wiped away his sweat, washed his hands, and followed Xiao Qiao to eat. Once he had devoured his food wolfishly until he was half full, Xiao Qiao inquired about his whereabouts today.
Qiao Ci said that after coming out of the government office with Yang Feng in the morning, just as he was about to return to the Wei estate, Cousin Wei sent someone to call him to the training field. Only after going there did he find out that outside Yuyang City, there was a Luli Terrace, specially built for hosting military martial tournaments. Held once a year, it was named the Luli Grand Assembly, and regardless of military rank, anyone with capability could participate. The events were divided into two categories: mounted archery and combat. The winner of mounted archery would receive a deer, and the winner of combat would receive a black steed. The two individuals who ultimately obtained the deer and the black steed would not only enjoy immense glory and the admiration of the crowd, but could leap directly into key positions within Wei Shao's personal guard, the Huben Army. It was said that the Grand General Li Dian, who was currently under Wei Shao's command, had achieved fame in a single battle twenty years ago as a mounted archer, receiving the heavy responsibilities granted by Wei Shao's father, Wei Liang, and gradually becoming the Grand General who now struck awe across the region.
"Elder Sister, the Luli Grand Assembly will arrive in a few more days. Cousin Wei asked me to stay for a few more days to witness the spectacle of the grand tournament. He observed my mounted archery and praised it greatly, telling me to step onto the field and display my skill when the time comes. Elder Sister, I wish to enter!"
Qiao Ci's expression was full of eagerness to try.
Although the Qiao family was currently in decline, they had once been the lords of a region after all. Born into a prominent noble family, Qiao Ci naturally possessed the pride of a son of nobility. This was why he had been unable to endure others' mockery before the military lines that his appearance resembled a woman, rushing out to fight a fierce and bloody battle. Regrettably, his paternal uncle, the head of the Qiao family, Qiao Yue, lacked ambition and blindly bowed and scraped before Wei Shao. At the welcoming banquet last night, Qiao Ci had felt an immense humiliation, and at the meeting in the government office this morning, that sense of humiliation had advanced a step further. His heart had originally been brooding and unhappy. Suddenly learning of such an opportunity to display his capabilities, how could he, with his youthful ambition, be willing to miss it? Upon returning, he immediately told Xiao Qiao.
Xiao Qiao hesitated for a moment.
"Elder Sister! I beg of you, do not stop me! I will only participate in mounted archery! Nothing will happen! You also know that in the past at home, my mounted archery was always outstanding—even Father praised me for it!"
The Qiao family possessed horse pastures, and Qiao Ping had previously gone out of his way to engage famous masters to instruct Qiao Ci and Liu Yan—who was still lodging with the Qiao family at the time—in the skills of mounted archery. Xiao Qiao knew her younger brother's mounted archery was indeed outstanding. Seeing him look at her with a pleading gaze, she ultimately could not bear to refuse and nodded her head: "Then be careful yourself. Furthermore, you absolutely must not force your way to the front just to show off. Treat it merely as participating; whether you win or lose is secondary."
"Many thanks, Elder Sister!"
Qiao Ci beamed with joy.
...
Wei Shao did not return the following day.
Qiao Ci was also nowhere to be seen during the day, only returning after dark in the evening, drenched in foul sweat, saying he had spent the whole day practicing mounted archery at the training field. After eating, he lay down and went to sleep early. The next day, he scrambled up early in the morning and hurriedly headed to the training field again.
Knowing her younger brother was single-mindedly preparing for that Luli Grand Assembly in a few days, Xiao Qiao did not inquire much further.
By the evening of the third day after Wei Shao's departure, night fell. Normally at this hour, Qiao Ci ought to have returned, yet at this moment his person was nowhere to be seen.
Feeling somewhat uneasy, Xiao Qiao went outside the western chambers to wait. As she stood looking out, she saw Qiao Ci's personal attendant, named Yu Lu, returning alone. He was carrying Qiao Ci's bow and arrows on his back, yet Qiao Ci was not walking with him.
Seeing Xiao Qiao, Yu Lu hurriedly ran over and bowed. Xiao Qiao asked him where Qiao Ci had gone. Yu Lu said, "Governor Wei saw that the young master has been practicing mounted archery painstakingly these past few days and took him out to loosen his muscles and bones. The young master stated he would return very soon. Fearing the Lady would worry, he dispatched this servant to return first and give word."
This Yu Lu had been raised in the Qiao household since he was a young boy, and was named so because of his unpleasing appearance, his two eyes bulging like a fish. Seeing his loyal nature, Qiao Ping had assigned him to his son as a personal attendant. For this journey of Qiao Ci's, he had followed along to Yuyang as well.
Seeing that Yu Lu kept his head lowered while speaking and did not dare look into her eyes, suspicion arose in Xiao Qiao's heart, and she asked, "Where did Governor Wei take the young master to loosen his muscles and bones?"
Yu Lu still kept his head lowered, stammering and failing to speak clearly.
"Speak quickly!" Xiao Qiao barked.
Yu Lu finally said falteringly, "They went to loosen their muscles and bones at a music workshop in the city called 'Luozhong Workshop'." After finishing, he blinked his eyes, looking worriedly at Xiao Qiao, whose face revealed displeasure.
Having been in Yuyang for so long, Xiao Qiao had naturally heard of Luozhong Workshop; it was actually a high-class establishment for wealthy men to indulge in pleasure and amusement. The moment she heard that Wei Yan had unexpectedly taken her younger brother to that kind of place, fire instantly rose in her heart. Returning to her room to change her clothes, she took Nanny Chun, Nanny Lin, and another muscular maidservant, immediately stepped out to board a carriage, and went straight to locate Luozhong Workshop.
Luozhong Workshop was located in a prosperous sector in the west of the city, with restaurants and brothels all around. Compared to ordinary brothels, this establishment could be called a gold-melting cavern; the patrons entering and exiting were either rich or noble. It was a place where thousands of pieces of gold were spent to buy a single bout of drunkenness, lying upon soft breasts and failing to return. Naturally, the women inside were also more talented and accomplished than those of other establishments, their reputation for beauty flying high.
Xiao Qiao arrived at Luozhong Workshop precisely during the most bustling hour of the day. The grand hall on the lower floor was brilliantly lit, with music-courtesans seated on both sides, the sounds of string and wind instruments softly entering the ears. Beautiful courtesans in heavy makeup were wrapped in gorgeous silks and satins from Jiangnan, carrying charming smiles as they welcomed and sent off the endless stream of pleasure-seeking guests.
Xiao Qiao's carriage pulled up beside the main gate of the workshop. She did not step down herself, sending Nanny Chun and Nanny Lin inside to call the person out.
The doorkeepers saw a carriage stop outside the gate, from which stepped down two maidservants who appeared to come from a major household. Just as they were about to inquire, they were pushed aside by a sweep of Nanny Lin's palm. Seeing these two maidservants acting with such aggressive momentum, as if those who came were not harboring good intentions, the doorkeepers did not dare block them further, hurriedly asking whom they sought. Hearing Nanny Chun report Wei Yan's name, they dared not slight them even more, hastily pointing out the direction.
Seated inside the carriage, Xiao Qiao watched Nanny Chun's form enter through the viewing window. After waiting for a moment, she saw Qiao Ci hurriedly rushing out from within, running up to her carriage, his head lowered without uttering a single word.
Xiao Qiao stared at Qiao Ci, seeing his cheeks flushed crimson as if he had drunk quite a bit of wine, and there even seemed to be a suspicious smear of lip grease remaining on his neck. Anger rose in her heart. Just as she was about to speak, another person quickly pursued from inside the main gate; raising her eyes to look, she saw it was Wei Yan who had rushed out.
Wei Yan ran up to Xiao Qiao's carriage, glanced at the downcast and completely silent Qiao Ci, patted his shoulder as if to comfort him, and subsequently turned around, facing Xiao Qiao who revealed half her face through the viewing window: "Sister-in-law, do not blame Young Master Qiao. It is truly my fault. Seeing him practicing so painstakingly in the training field these past few days, I forcefully called him here to drink wine and loosen his muscles and bones, without any other meaning. The few girls accompanying us to sit are also clean. Sister-in-law, do not worry."
Xiao Qiao was truly angry in her heart, and though she exerted her utmost effort to restrain it, a trace of annoyance still leaked from her expression. She said coldly, "I know that since my younger brother arrived, Brother-in-law has spent much care these days, looking after him in many ways. Originally I ought to express my gratitude to Brother-in-law. Tonight I also know Brother-in-law acted out of good intentions, and I should be even less inclined to come here and spoil the mood.It is merely that my younger brother is not yet an adult; in the past when we were in Dongjun, my father also strictly disciplined my brother, forbidding him from entering or exiting romantic establishments before reaching adulthood. If I have offended in any way just now, I ask for Brother-in-law's broad mind. Brother-in-law, please suit yourself. I shall take my younger brother back first."
Xiao Qiao was truly angry in her heart, and though she exerted her utmost effort to restrain it, a trace of annoyance still leaked from her expression. She said coldly, "I know that since my younger brother arrived, Brother-in-law has spent much care these days, looking after him in many ways. Originally I ought to express my gratitude to Brother-in-law. Tonight I also know Brother-in-law acted out of good intentions, and I should be even less inclined to come here and spoil the mood.It is merely that my younger brother is not yet an adult; in the past when we were in Dongjun, my father also strictly disciplined my brother, forbidding him from entering or exiting romantic establishments before reaching adulthood. If I have offended in any way just now, I ask for Brother-in-law's broad mind. Brother-in-law, please suit yourself. I shall take my younger brother back first."
Having finished speaking, she nodded slightly toward Wei Yan, her gaze casting onto Qiao Ci who still kept his head lowered, knitting her brows: "Are you still not going to lead the horse over and follow me back?"
Qiao Ci gave an assent, hurriedly led his horse over, and flipped himself atop it.
Xiao Qiao let down the curtain of the viewing window, and the carriage moved forward.
Wei Yan watched Xiao Qiao's carriage gradually recede into the distance, his expression distracted. Alone in the original spot, he stood for a long time.
...
Xiao Qiao watched Qiao Ci riding his horse ahead, returning to the Wei estate without a single word along the way. The moment they entered the door, she immediately brought him into her room, telling Nanny Chun, Nanny Lin, and the others to all step outside.
Qiao Ci's face had been blown by the night wind all along the way, and by this time the signs of wine and flush had dissipated considerably, yet it remained quite red. He secretly peeked at his elder sister whose eyebrows were knit tightly, and panic could not help but arise in his heart, looking toward Nanny Chun as if crying for help.
Nanny Chun advised, "Lady, the young master is also a first-time offender, besides..."
"Nanny Chun, you step outside."
Nanny Chun shook her head and had no choice but to go out.
"Is that kind of place a place you can go?"
The moment the door closed, Xiao Qiao reprimanded him, "In the past when we were at home, how did I instruct you? How old are you? You are not even sixteen years old, yet you actually dare go to that kind of place!"
Qiao Ci's face turned completely crimson once more due to shame, and he murmured, "Elder Sister, I was wrong... I originally was not going to go, but when Cousin Wei called, all around us were the brothers I had spent several days with in the training field, every single one of them looking at me, I..."
He halted, looking at Xiao Qiao with a pleading gaze.
...
In truth, among the youths of prominent noble families at present, at an age like Qiao Ci's before turning sixteen, though marrying a wife was still a year or two away, those who secretly engaged in intimacy with the maidservants of the household were by no means a small number. Someone like Qiao Ci was an anomaly instead. It was merely because Qiao Ci's nature was simple and the boy was also completely oblivious, having always been rather indifferent toward this aspect in the past. After Xiao Qiao arrived, she had driven away all those maidservants around Qiao Ci who appeared dishonest, and during normal times, she also consciously instilled in her younger brother the concept of one lifetime, one couple, and that he must not grow close to other women before marriage.
She did not necessarily intend to groom Qiao Ci into a good man measurable by twenty-first-century standards. After all, the grand environment was laid right here. But for now, whatever she could instruct, she still had to instruct to some extent. As for the future, once her younger brother reached adulthood and married a wife to establish his career, how he would act would be beyond her reach to manage.
But for now, she absolutely would not permit him to enter or exit romantic establishments like Luozhong Workshop.
...
Listening to Qiao Ci's explanation, Xiao Qiao suddenly seemed to understand somewhat.
Her younger brother himself likely had not wanted to go either. It was merely that Wei Yan had called him, and with so many people around, he probably feared that refusing would invite ridicule.
Xiao Qiao met her younger brother's pair of exceptionally handsome eyes, and the pent-up anger that had arisen just now gradually dissipated a bit.
"Elder Sister! Do not be angry with me anymore. I guarantee that next time I will never dare go again—"
Qiao Ci pleaded pitifully.
"In truth, Elder Sister is also considering your body; you are currently not even sixteen years old—"
"I thought some major matter had occurred! It is merely a minor incident; what is the need for such a grand commotion?"
Before Xiao Qiao could finish her words, a voice suddenly came from behind her, interrupting her. Following that, the door was pushed open with a loud thud.
Xiao Qiao turned her head, seeing Wei Shao—who had gone to Fanyang the day before yesterday—stepping inside. Striding inward, he spoke in a completely disapproving tone as he walked.
Seeing his brother-in-law suddenly return and hearing his tone, which seemed to be speaking on his behalf, Qiao Ci was somewhat surprised, his mouth parting slightly.
Xiao Qiao was taken aback, subsequently knitting her brows slightly as she said coldly, "I am disciplining my younger brother; does the Marquis wish to meddle in this as well?"
Wei Shao appeared not to have heard, walking straight before Qiao Ci and saying, "You head back. It is merely a minor matter. Next time if you return late, just remember to send a message back early."
Qiao Ci glanced at his brother-in-law, then secretly peeked at his elder sister who was standing by with a dark face. Suddenly feeling as if a gust of cold wind had blown across the back of his neck, he shrank his neck, hastily lowered his head, and slipped out.