The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 62
Chapter 62
Xiao Qiao felt a slight wave of awkwardness. Knowing that further denial would not fool her grandmother, her mind spun rapidly for a brief moment before she lowered her head and said, "It is entirely this granddaughter-in-law's fault. Last night in the room, I threw a bit of a temper tantrum at him over some trivial matters. I hope Grandmother will not blame us."
Last night, Xiao Qiao had lain awake thinking for most of the night. She was certain that the reason Wei Shao had suddenly become so sharp and bizarre these past two days was related to the words he had spat out: “Even the men of my Wei family must entirely become ministers under your skirt?”
She had no idea how he had so arbitrarily pinned the label of a seductive, unfaithful woman onto her brow. He had gone out of his way to put on a forced display of affection right in front of Wei Yan, only to turn around and throw a violent fit before her.
But of one thing she was absolutely certain: he believed that Wei Yan and she shared an illicit relationship.
At the time, she had truly been thoroughly disgusted by the thoughts he revealed. Unable to control herself in that instant, and regardless of the consequences, she had given him a slap, successfully driving him away. However, given that Wei Shao still came back this morning to play his part with her in front of Madame Xu, it was clear that he did not wish to air such "family scandals" abroad. Therefore, when Madame Xu suddenly asked about it now, Xiao Qiao naturally did not dare to say half a word more, using vague phrases like "in the room" and "trivial matters" to fend off the inquiry. She expected that given Madame Xu's seniority, no matter how curious or unbelieving she might be, she would not go so far as to pry all the way to the absolute bottom.
Sure enough, Madame Xu did not press any further. She merely nodded and said, "Even teeth and lips rub against each other occasionally, let alone a young married couple. Although you said just now that it was your fault, I know it must have been him who offended you. He has been a restless monkey since childhood; if he goes three days without a beating, he will climb up to tear the roof tiles off. Give him a thrashing and then speak to him properly, and he will learn his lesson."
Xiao Qiao felt that Madame Xu's words seemed to carry some other hidden meaning, but she had no time to digest it at the moment. Wishing only to get past this wave of awkwardness quickly, she nodded her agreement haphazardly.
Madame Xu smiled and said, "Tomorrow is the Luli Grand Assembly, and we must set out early in the morning. It is not early anymore either. Leave the cat here, and you may return to your room. Prepare well for tomorrow's events and get plenty of rest. If he returns and still sulks with you, you may freely come and tell Grandmother; Grandmother will handle it for you."
Xiao Qiao respectfully complied and withdrew, returning to the western chambers. Wei Shao was, of course, not present. Xiao Qiao no longer waited for him to eat dinner and went to eat by herself. After returning to her bedroom, she quieted her mind, going over every single detail of what she needed to do tomorrow morning in her head again and again to ensure that no flaws would arise when the time came. Following this, she went to bed to sleep.
She needed to gather her energy well.
Wei Shao returned in the middle of the night. He was exceptionally light-footed, appearing as though he feared waking her. Xiao Qiao was actually still awakened by him, but she pretended to be asleep.
Wei Shao emerged from the washroom, extinguished the lamp, and climbed onto the bed. That night, the two of them slept separately. Xiao Qiao slept very soundly. The next morning, she was woken by the movement beside her.
Wei Shao sat up from the bed.
Outside the window, a grayish-white color was just beginning to surface. Judging by the current season, it was estimated that it was not even the fifth watch yet. It was still early.
But with the Luli Grand Assembly today, it was indeed only proper for him to leave early.
Xiao Qiao managed to open her eyes a crack, catching sight of Wei Shao sitting on the bed with his back and the back of his head facing her.
He sat there without moving, appearing to be lost in thought. Suddenly turning his face slightly, he cast a glance at Xiao Qiao on the pillow.
Xiao Qiao was still not fully awake, her eyes half-squinted as she exchanged a dazed look with him. As if in disdain, he turned his head back, lifted the quilt, and got off the bed.
Although they had experienced such a falling out and grown estranged, since she was already awake, Xiao Qiao would still do what was expected of her. Letting out a yawn, she followed him up from the bed. Just as usual, she opened the door and called people inside to attend to the washing and dressing.
Throughout the entire process, not a single person uttered half a word. Only the footsteps of the servant women moving in and out and the faint clinking sounds of the copper basins and water vessels could be heard. Subsequently, the workers from the small kitchen carried in the food trestle containing breakfast. Xiao Qiao also sat on her knees nearby to keep him company.
Previously, when the two of them were as close as thick syrup, Wei Shao had long since shared the same table with her.
Now, it was just like automatically reverting to the beginner state of a game.
Wei Shao maintained an expressionless face the entire time. Xiao Qiao served him until he finished breakfast, then escorted him out the door, watching his back disappear into the pale light of dawn. Upon returning inside, she did not go back to sleep either. Once she finished washing up, Nanny Chun helped her bring out the garments she was to wear today.
Today was considered her first public appearance after marrying into the Wei family, and what garments to wear had been a subject of careful deliberation many days in advance.
The Luli Terrace was not some gathering for the aunts and sisters of the Wei family; it was a gathering facing the great gentry clans of Yuyang, the generals and officials of the Wei family's private army, and the tens of thousands of soldiers of Youzhou. Xiao Qiao was originally beautiful enough, so what needed to be emphasized was no longer beauty, but rather the poise and aura commensurate with her status when appearing before the multitude for the first time as the female lord of the Wei family's third generation.
For this reason, Nanny Chun had specially gone in private to consult Nanny Zhong. Nanny Zhong said that since Madame Xu would wear deep purple on that day, the Lady could wear reddish-orange. It was both a fine match and outstanding.
Nanny Chun was delighted. Thanking Nanny Zhong, she came back to alter and tailor the garments.
She possessed excellent needlework skills, and yesterday she had finally gotten the garments ready.
Xiao Qiao put on the ceremonial gown of reddish-orange embroidered with black dragon, phoenix, and creeping grass patterns. The hem of her skirt trailed on the ground, her large sleeves hung down to her knees, and her waistbelt was seven inches wide, embroidered with complex and exquisite gold-thread cornelian and cloud motifs. Embedded in her waist was a ruyi fine jade piece. Her dark hair was wound high into a soaring cloud hairstyle, with a pair of gold hairpins shaped like dual phoenixes embedded with gems and dangling pearls inserted on each side.
Compared to when she had just married last year, now that more than half a year had passed, Xiao Qiao had not only grown a bit taller, but her figure had also gradually begun to shed its girlish childishness, developing in a more balanced and elegant manner. Wearing such ceremonial attire, after her grand grooming, her pendants and rings reflected each other from head to toe, the gold and jade blooming in abundance. Her aura was luxurious and noble without losing its clear beauty. Even Madame Xu scrutinized her for a long time upon seeing her, finally smiling as she said, "To have such an excellent lady is the fortune of my grandson!"
On this day, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the morning glow was brilliant early on. By the middle of the Chen hour, Wei Liang came under orders to receive the ladies of the Wei manor. Xiao Qiao and Madame Xu boarded the carriage. Lady Zhu went along as well, and after traveling several miles out of the city, they arrived at the Luli Terrace.
Although called a terrace, the Luli Terrace was actually a viewing tower constructed high upon a rammed-earth foundation. Facing south from the north, it was dozens of chang long and wide, three stories high, unobstructed on all four sides, possessing a majestic momentum and an excellent view. Opposite the Luli Terrace was a grand drill ground capable of accommodating ten thousand people at the same time. It had four main gates—the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise gates in the east, west, south, and north—and on both sides of each main gate, an flanking small gate was opened. Built above each of the four gates was a slightly lower viewing terrace named after the four gates: the Azure Dragon Terrace, White Tiger Terrace, Vermilion Bird Terrace, and Black Tortoise Terrace, prepared for the governors of various places and other noble guests who were invited to come.
As the Si hour approached, banners and flags obscured the sky in the grand drill ground, their weapons and armor glittering in the sun. Tens of thousands of men and horses from various routes had already gathered.
As Madame Xu's carriage gradually drew near the Azure Dragon Gate, the sound of cannons boomed from the four gates. Wei Shao and Wei Yan led the Yuyang officials, the local governors, and the gentry nobility out with hurried steps, lining up to welcome them.
Madame Xu's white hair was combed sleek and tidy, and she wore deep purple garments. Descending from the carriage, she leaned upon a dragon-head cane with one hand, while her other arm was supported by Xiao Qiao, with Lady Zhu following behind them as they walked toward the Azure Dragon Gate.
Wei Shao and Wei Yan rushed forward to pay their respects, and the remaining governors and others also bowed one after another.
Aside from the purpose of selecting talents and flaunting military might, the Luli Grand Assembly was also an occasion for the Wei family to connect with local governors and promote unity.
The governors invited from various places today were all old retainers from the time of Wei Shao's father. Since a few days ago, Wei Shao had successively met with these people who had arrived. They had naturally all dealt with Madame Xu in the past and looked forward to meeting her. It was merely that Madame Xu did not receive guests much nowadays. Seeing her finally reveal her presence at this moment, they vied to step forward to greet her.
Madame Xu was in high spirits, her face carrying a smile as she exchanged pleasantries with each person. Seeing that everyone's gazes subsequently fell upon Xiao Qiao, she smiled and said, "This old body is already advanced in years. Fortunately, the management of my Wei family's internal affairs has a successor. This is my grandson's new bride, Lady Qiao, who has deeply won my heart. Today, Lady Qiao shall strike the golden drum on behalf of this old body to boost the morale of our Youzhou warriors!"
Under the gaze of everyone's slightly surprised eyes, Xiao Qiao took a step forward unhurriedly, saying with a slight smile on her face, "Before I came, Grandmother informed me that those present today are entirely handsome heroes and the core pillars of the Wei family. She exhorted me that I must absolutely not be discourteous and should treat you all as uncles. Uncles, please accept a bow from me." After speaking, she delivered a bow toward the three sides respectively.
Everyone saw that although her age was not great, her countenance was matchless, her movements full of grace, her responses generous, and her bearing extraordinary. With just a single exchange, they all felt their eyes light up. Given that Madame Xu recommended her thus, not to mention her identity as Wei Shao's wife, they did not dare to act arrogant or play seniors, each returning her bow.
Madame Xu was in an excellent mood. Amid loud laughter, she once again let Xiao Qiao support her arm, leading her to step into the Azure Dragon Gate.
Seeing Madame Xu appear, the tens of thousands of soldiers in the drill ground erupted with cheers of longevity.
Madame Xu was all smiles, leading Xiao Qiao with Lady Zhu following behind. Accompanied and protected by the brothers Wei Shao and Wei Yan, they ascended the Luli Terrace to take their seats. The governors, nobility, and invited guests from various places also successively ascended the viewing terraces of the four gates to take their seats. Yuan Dai and Ding Qu, who had arrived two days ago, were also ushered into their seats, which needs no further mention.
The view from the Luli Terrace was excellent, with strong winds blowing from all sides. Looking down from the terrace upon the ground below, one could see within the immense drill ground that the squares of soldiers were arranged in a single line, their armor and weapons austere, their martial style grand and powerful. A surge of stirring emotion could not help but arise in one's heart accordingly.
Xiao Qiao knew that the brothers Wei Yan and Wei Shao were right nearby, their eyes watching her at this moment. In her heart, she truly felt disgusted by these two Wei family men, yet she did not lose her focus in the slightest, and her eyes could not see these two individuals at all. She only looked toward Madame Xu. Within Madame Xu's encouraging gaze, she took a deep breath, exhaled the turbid air in her chest, and with steady steps, walked before that immense golden drum set in the center of the Luli Terrace. Taking a bronze mallet adorned with red tassels from a soldier's hand, under the gaze of the multitude, she steadily swung her arm to strike the drum. After three strikes, accompanied by the humming vibration of the drum that had not yet dissipated, she said in a clear, resonant voice: "We assemble in this public hall, raising the bamboo goblets high! Empowering my brave warriors to peacefully guard the four quarters! May your longevity be boundless!"
At that time, the strong wind blew hard. Blending with the sound of the drum vibrations, her clear and元气-filled voice was carried by the wind to the airspace above the four quarters of the drill ground.
"Boundless longevity!"
"Boundless longevity!"
The drill ground was quiet at first, but a moment later, it suddenly exploded once more into a wave of "boundless longevity" cries that harmonized with the words she recited. The sound came from all directions, practically shaking the clouds and skies.
Xiao Qiao placed the bronze mallet back onto the tray and walked back steadily just as she had come.
She looked toward Madame Xu. From Madame Xu's smiling eyes, she knew she had successfully passed this "test," which was actually not easy for her.
She let out a long sigh of relief. Her expression appeared peaceful, but in truth, her heart was still beating rapidly, and a layer of sweat had been squeezed into her palms.
Although the status of women was generally low nowadays, in the Wei family, there had been a period of time when a woman managed political affairs. It was also by relying on the Madame Xu of that time that the Wei family managed to pass through that drifting low valley, laying a solid foundation for Wei Shao's subsequent political management.
Therefore, in front of the Wei family's Madame Xu, there was simply no such saying as women being unable to step out of the inner chambers.
Xiao Qiao was well aware that given her own qualifications, it was originally completely impossible for her to stand in this position on this place called the Luli Terrace with such a high posture, receiving the cheers from the multitude beneath her feet.
From her own heart, she had not longed to obtain such glory either—she never felt she deserved it. And more importantly, her heart carried some trepidation—the trepidation of having received such glory today but being unable to repay it equally in the future.
However, Madame Xu had pushed her into this position. She could not refuse.
Xiao Qiao actually did not know why Madame Xu regarded her so highly either. Since she was highly regarded by her, today's matters could not be pushed away either. The only thing she could do was to use her utmost effort to not fail Madame Xu's expectations.
Looking at it now, she seemed to have completed it fairly well. At least, she probably did not lose face.
Madame Xu had her sit by her side, gently patting the back of her hand as she said with a smile, "You did very well."
Xiao Qiao said, "By relying on Grandmother's deep affection and encouragement, I was fortunate to not disgrace my mission."
...
Following the golden drum, the Luli Grand Assembly officially began. The mighty shouts of the soldiers in the drill ground rose and fell all around, one after another, as they boosted the morale of the warriors belonging to their own legions who were entering the field.
Wei Shao and Wei Yan needed to go down into the drill ground, coming before Madame Xu to take their leave.
Wei Yan wore a smile on his face, his expression natural.
Looking at Wei Yan, Xiao Qiao could not help but think of Wei Shao's suspicious nature, which was more womanly than a woman's.
Although she did not know exactly how he had arrived at that conclusion of suspecting that she and Wei Yan had an affair, recalling the way Wei Yan had stared at her when they first met, and seeing these two individuals right in front of her now, she suddenly felt disgusted in her heart as well.
Xiao Qiao could not help but cast a glance at Wei Shao. Seeing that he happened to be staring at her, she did not avoid his gaze either, slightly tilting up her chin to lock eyes with him.
Wei Shao seemed to pause, his face sinking accordingly as he turned around and left.
Wei Yan followed suit, also descending the Luli Terrace.
With both of these plagues gone, Xiao Qiao finally felt comfortable, immediately searching for the silhouette of her younger brother, Qiao Ci, in the drill ground.
Today consisted of two bouts of martial competitions: equestrian archery and combat. What was competed in first was equestrian archery, which was precisely the project Qiao Ci participated in.
The content of the competition was to combine "riding" and "archery." Set at the finish line of the field was a golden bell suspended by ropes. All the warriors entering the battle would set out on horseback from the starting point; whoever could evade the obstruction of their opponents and be the first to shoot down the golden bell with a bow and arrow would be the victor. One could not strike an opponent's horse, but aside from this, any means could be used to obstruct the opponent. For the competing warriors' equestrian skills, archery skills, and combat abilities, it was all an immense challenge.
There were thirty-two warriors participating in the bell-shooting in total. Aside from Qiao Ci, all of them were outstanding talents in equestrian archery from the military camps of various places. They had already ridden their horses to the starting point respectively, waiting for the competition to begin.
Xiao Qiao quickly spotted her younger brother, Qiao Ci.
He was exceptionally high-spirited today, his face like a silver platter and his brows like swords. Dressed in a white robe and silver armor, with a precious bow slung over his shoulder and a precious sword hanging at his waist, he sat high upon that dapple-gray horse beneath him.
Xiao Qiao was delighted in her heart, gazing tightly at Qiao Ci. Qiao Ci seemed to feel the gaze coming from Xiao Qiao, suddenly turning his head to look at the Luli Terrace behind him. He flashed a smile at her, a surge of a young hero's vigorous and fierce spirit rushing toward her.