The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Upon hearing this phrase uttered from Madame Xu's mouth, Xiao Qiao subconsciously lowered her eyes.

She knew this was likely merely an exclamation voiced by Madame Xu in response to the scene that had just unfolded.

Yet she suddenly felt somewhat afraid to look at what kind of expression the opposite Wei Shao—and even Wei Yan—would possess at this moment.

She felt even more afraid to meet Madame Xu's single eye, which currently exuded nothing but the color of joy.

Although, up until this very moment, she remained entirely unclear as to what concrete matter had occurred between these two brothers, Wei Shao and Wei Yan.

But there was one point she knew: a heart-sickness had undoubtedly arisen between the two of them, and this heart-sickness was by no means small. As for the cause, it roughly could not be separated from herself.

To speak frankly, even if Wei Yan truly harbored thoughts he should not have toward her and subsequently enraged Wei Shao, she did not feel this was her own fault. Just like that night when Wei Shao violated her because of it, how utterly innocent she was.

Yet at this very moment, she suddenly felt a touch of panic.

It was not that she possessed a massive face and was putting feathers in her own cap; rather, she was afraid.

The phrase Madame Xu had spoken just now suddenly served as a reminder to her.

If, by some worst-case scenario, these two brothers surnamed Wei truly had a falling out and a rupture because of her, and the matter escalated before Madame Xu, how would Madame Xu view her? How would she continue to establish a footing within the Wei family in the future?

To put it in a slightly more sentimental manner, from the first moment she trod upon thin ice to marry into the Wei family, arrive in Yuyang, and meet Madame Xu, the Old Madame had treated her quite well. If she were to learn that the two brothers had developed a rift because of her, what would her state of mind be?

Brothers are like limbs; women are like clothes. This famous quote of a thousand generations originally deserved to be despised and cast aside.

Yet right now, she actually hoped it were so. She would rather Wei Shao view her as a piece of clothing than have Madame Xu give birth to even a single shred of misunderstanding toward her, or feel hurt and sorrow because of it. By the same token, if Wei Shao had managed to bring matters to an unmanageable state merely because another man unilaterally harbored intentions toward her—even if that person was his elder brother—aside from "reckless" and "brainless," she truly could not think of any other evaluation.

Originally during these past two days regarding this matter, she had mostly felt wronged and was even throwing a silent tantrum in her heart solely because of the capriciousness and harsh treatment Wei Shao had displayed.

But suddenly, within this split second, her mind cleared up.

If handled improperly, the severity of this matter would lead to consequences she would be unable to bear.

Within the flash of her thoughts, Xiao Qiao swiftly raised her eyes, looking toward the opposite Wei Shao.

She hoped he would be able to see the look in her eyes at this moment.

But at this moment, Wei Shao was not looking at her.

His two eyes looked straight ahead at Madame Xu beside her, his expression appearing respectful and peaceful.

He said, "Grandmother has worked hard since early morning; your grandson shall escort Grandmother back to the city."

Within the city, the Grand Luli Banquet would be held, and the camp banquets within the military camps of the East, West, South, and North Gates would also begin. Before late night arrived, it was feared they would not disperse.

Madame Xu knew he and Wei Yan would still be extremely busy during the rest of this day, so how could she truly require the two brothers to escort her back? Just like when they came in the morning, she exited the Azure Dragon Gate amidst the send-off from the two of them and the numerous Grand Protectors.

Qiao Ci was also among the ranks, standing on the outside along with the crowd. The wound upon his arm had already been wrapped up, and he appeared to be in no great trouble.

Only then did Xiao Qiao settle her mind. Seeing her younger brother look toward her across the wall of people, she nodded slightly toward him.

Madame Xu spotted Qiao Ci, gesturing with her hand to call him over. The crowd hastily yielded a path for him.

Madame Xu inquired after his injury.

Qiao Ci bowed his body: "This lad is fine; thank you, Old Ancestress, for your care and love."

Madame Xu said, "I saw it all. Heroes emerge from youth. As for being upright, pure, and benevolent, that is even more rare." She turned to Xiao Qiao, "Your brother is very good; it can be seen you possess a consistent family style."

The remaining people also chimed in one after another.

Qiao Ci's handsome face turned slightly red, revealing a look of bashfulness. Bowing his body once more, he said with utmost reverence, "The Old Ancestress praises me excessively; this lad is ashamed and dares not accept it."

Madame Xu nodded with a smile.

Xiao Qiao also hastily offered her thanks to Madame Xu, and together with Lady Zhu, supported her from the left and right to ascend the carriage.

Under such an occasion, Xiao Qiao had no way to speak any solitary words with him.

When she bent her waist to follow into the carriage, she turned her head, casting another glance at Wei Shao. This time, she saw that he was also currently looking at her.

She and he locked eyes for a brief moment, and subsequently she entered the carriage.

Tonight when he returns, I decide to have a talk with him.

On the journey back, Xiao Qiao thought to herself in her heart.

...

Wei Shao watched the carriage carrying the female family members gradually distance itself, conversing with the Grand Protectors nearby to request them to enter the city first, as the grand feast was about to open.

Li Dian brought over Qiao Ci, whose expression was leaping with eagerness. After a military salute, he said with a smile, "I have specially come to borrow a person from the Lord. Young Master Qiao has made a name for himself in the drill ground, and the brothers all wish to drink and form acquaintances with him. I wonder if the Lord will release the person?"

Li Dian was a famous general of the current age who could absolutely rank among the top three. Qiao Ci had known his name back when he was in Yanzhou. Seeing that he had actually come to receive him in person, alongside his trepidation, his heart was also extremely delighted, being a thousand and ten thousand times willing to grow close, and a look of anticipation unconsciously flashed from his eyes.

Wei Shao cast a glance at him, saying, "To receive such appreciation from the Grand General, why have you not offered thanks yet?"

Qiao Ci hastily offered his thanks to Li Dian.

Li Dian burst into a loud laugh, leading him away.

Wei Shao watched the retreating figures of the two distance themselves, and once again, he cast his sight toward his elder brother, Wei Yan.

Ever since descending from the arena stage, he had remained silent. Although he had accompanied him just now to escort Madame Xu to this point, he had not spoken a single word from beginning to end.

He had already departed by himself.

Outside the Azure Dragon Gate of the drill ground, people were everywhere.

His silhouette quickly disappeared into the surging crowd.

...

On this day, inside and outside Yuyang City, the bustling liveliness continued non-stop until the sky turned black.

Wei Shao finally extricated himself from the continuous banqueting and music, mounting a horse alone to head toward the west of the city.

Within Yuyang City, there was a restrictive decree: to avoid disturbing the commoners, unless it was an urgent military matter, one was not permitted to gallop on horseback upon the streets, and violators would suffer the punishment of flogging.

This restrictive decree was something Wei Shao himself had promulgated a few years ago. At the beginning of its promulgation, a General of Light Chariots violated the decree, galloping his horse through the bustling marketplace, and was ordered by him to be struck with thirty military staff strikes at the government office. From then on, the decree was strictly enforced and prohibited, and no one dared to violate it again.

At this moment, he himself had violated it.

He galloped at full speed, the horse's hooves fitted with iron shoes striking the smooth and wide stone street surface with the urgency of raindrops, startling the pedestrians returning late.

The pedestrians had already not encountered such a sight for a long time. They stopped their steps one after another, watching as a man and a horse broke through the distant night scene, galloping past their sides like the wind and disappearing once more into the end of the night scene in the blink of an eye.

The sky was already dark and dim, and the pedestrians did not see the appearance of the person upon the horse clearly, voicing a few complaints.

Wei Shao could not hear the complaints coming from behind him.

At this moment, he did not care about these things in the slightest either.

During the daytime, he had barely eaten anything, drinking only a great deal of wine. A belly full of wine.

He felt his entire body rolling hot, and even his footsteps began to stagger.

Yet his consciousness remained extremely clear.

The more wine he drank down, the more clear his consciousness became, and that dark fire ignited within his chest also burned larger and larger.

He did not pause for a single moment, riding faster and faster, until finally he practically rushed before that brilliantly lit grand gate of the Luozhong Quarters, flipping himself off the horse's back and striding rapidly into the interior.

The gatekeepers had seen the Lord riding his horse into the city on the streets before, their impression of his features deeply etched, to say nothing of his attire at this moment. They recognized him at a single encounter. Hurrying to welcome him, they nonetheless smelled the wine air filling his body, appearing as though he arrived intoxicated. Furthermore, seeing that his expression was unfavorable, they could not help but feel panic in their hearts. Wei Shao grabbed one of them by his collar: "Is Wei Yan present?"

"The Commandery Duke?"

The gatekeeper reacted instantly, nodding in great haste as he led Wei Shao toward the interior of the building.

The music courtesans inside the main hall were startled upon seeing this, not daring to make music anymore, stopping as they watched. The gatekeeper was too panicked when climbing the ladder, missing his footing with one step to take a tumble, yet he paid no heed to the pain, climbing up the stairs using both hands and feet, finally stopping before a carved lattice door as he bent his body and said in a small voice, "The Commandery Duke is right inside."

The carved lattice door was tightly closed. Distinctly, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard transmitting from within, interspersed with the joyful laughter and fine whispers of women engaging in flirtatious banter.

Wei Shao stood at the doorway for a brief moment, then suddenly raised his foot. With a bang, he kicked the door open with one strike. Startling the two music courtesans sitting by the side of the door, the courtesans shrieked, clutching the pipas in their bosoms as they retreated, looking with terror at this handsome young man who had suddenly manifested at the doorway. Seeing that his expression was gloomy to the absolute extreme, his two eyes stared at that noble guest upon the couch inside the room.

Wei Yan was currently leaning slantwise upon the couch, the garments upon his body neat and orderly, his two eyes closed, appearing to have fallen asleep from intoxication. Before him was a wine table, the cups and plates upon the table in a messy state, and several emptied wine bottles also lay in disarray on the ground. To his left and right, he was accompanied by a young maiden each; one maiden was in a red shift, one in a yellow shift, their breasts half-exposed, their cheeks flushed with red, their eyes carrying the spring tide. Just as they were speaking and laughing, they suddenly heard the door broken open by someone's kick. Startled, they turned their heads, staring with wide eyes. The noisy clamor inside the room then fell silent.

Wei Yan opened his eyes, casting a glance at Wei Shao at the doorway, his expression showing no surprise either. He merely sat up slowly, saying, "Today's matters are numerous; how could Second Brother come to my place?"

Wei Shao said coldly, "Follow me." After speaking, he turned around and departed.

Wei Yan was lost in thought for a brief moment, pushing away the two maidens to his left and right as he stood up from the couch. When descending from the couch, his footsteps staggered slightly, and the woman in red hastily came over to support him.

Wei Yan pushed her away, supporting himself against the wall as he walked out.

Wei Shao and Wei Yan exited the Luozhong Quarters one after the other, each mounting their horses. Wei Shao was in front, heading toward the direction of the east of the city. Wei Yan followed behind him, exiting the city gate and continuing out for some ten-odd li, tossing that Queen Mother Temple behind them as well, finally stopping upon a stretch of wilderness ground.

In the distant blue-purple night sky to the west, a faint first-quarter crescent moon was currently rising slowly. All around within the wilderness was dead silent; only the wild grass beside their feet was blown by the night wind, producing a burst of slight rustling sounds.

Wei Shao dismounted his horse, standing at the edge of the wilderness, his back silhouette motionless.

Wei Yan also followed in dismounting his horse. Pausing for a moment behind him, he walked toward him, saying, "Second Brother called me here, for what purpose..."

His words were not finished when Wei Shao suddenly turned his body around, clenching his fist to swing a heavy strike straight toward his face.

Caught unprepared, Wei Yan suffered a heavy strike to his face, blood welling and spurting out from his nose as his entire person also fell backward, tumbling onto the ground. His two ears rang with a buzzing sound at first, and a moment later, they slowly recovered.

He opened his eyes, seeing Wei Shao kneeling on one knee before him, his face filled with a furious expression as he said through gritted teeth, "I have always viewed you as an elder brother, and you are indeed my elder brother. Women in the world are so numerous; why must you disrespect her alone?"

Wei Yan closed his eyes slightly, raising his hand to wipe away the blood continuously welling from his nose.

Wei Shao let out a cold laugh: "I thought for a day, and finally figured it out a bit. Although you and I are brothers, you should also harbor dissatisfaction toward me in your heart, correct? Therefore, I simply called you out. Whatever words you have, speak them clearly. If you wish to fight, let us have a satisfying fight!"

He stared at Wei Yan.

Wei Yan locked eyes with him, his breathing gradually becoming heavy and coarse. Suddenly, he let out a loud roar, swinging a fist toward Wei Shao just as he had struck himself earlier.

Wei Shao was struck onto the ground by him. Wiping away the blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, he leaped up, pouncing toward Wei Yan like a ferocious tiger.

At first, the two still came and went, but by the end, it practically transformed into a brawl meant to vent resentment, their strikes showing no mercy whatsoever, every fist hitting flesh, and soon they were each injured.

Wei Shao was pinned down by Wei Yan, his abdomen suffering two heavy fist strikes from him. His internal organs ached thoroughly as if displaced. Letting out a furious roar, his entire person flipped and straightened up, reversing to pin Wei Yan's two hands behind his back, firmly suppressing him beneath his body.

They had already fought for a long time, both panting like bulls, originally approaching the point of being exhausted of strength.

But at this moment, Wei Yan felt a burst of pain bordering on broken bones transmit from his two arms being bent by him.

Wei Shao's two eyes were crimson red. Abruptly curving his elbow, the elbow tip smashed down toward Wei Yan's temple. Just as it was about to strike down heavily, it suddenly came to a hard stop, stopping at a place no more than one inch above.

He had already felt the fierce killing intent coming from Wei Shao, yet he had no way to evade it. He was held down in a death grip by Wei Shao, feeling the strength in his body slowly draining away along with the pain.

He smelled the scent of approaching death.

Yet it was very strange; at this moment, he possessed not a single shred of fear. His inner heart felt extraordinarily peaceful instead, a peace akin to liberation.

He closed his eyes, waiting to endure that final heavy strike carrying colossal rage coming from his younger brother, who was also his Lord.

But that strike did not arrive as expected.

He opened his eyes. He saw Wei Shao slowly retract his arm, suddenly loosening his grip on him with a release.

He instantly collapsed onto the ground.

"This matter is uncovered right here. From now on, I will not mention it again, nor will I keep it in my heart. I do what I say. Whether you wish to continue being brothers of twenty years in the future is entirely up to you."

Wei Shao gasped for large mouthfuls of air, standing up to turn around and depart.

His footsteps were somewhat shambolic at first, but he walked faster and faster, finally arriving by the horse's side to flip onto the horse's back, galloping away as his silhouette quickly disappeared at the end of the wilderness.

Wei Yan remained lying upon the wild ground, his two eyes looking at the deep blue night sky overhead adorned with numerous stars, just as if he had fallen asleep, motionless.

...

After returning home during the daytime, Xiao Qiao had been waiting for Wei Shao to return.

She knew he was busy with matters today; even if he returned, it should be very late.

She had not expected that before the hour of Hai had even arrived, he returned.

What caused her even greater shock was that he actually returned carrying injuries. The corner of his brow and the corner of his lips were both broken, the blood that flowed out somewhat condensed and dried, and the back of his hand was also broken. As for his body, it could not be discerned for the time being.

Xiao Qiao had never seen him in such a wretched state. She was startled. Hurrying to meet him, she inquired, "What happened to you? How could you be in such a state?"

Wei Shao fixed his gaze tightly upon her, not speaking for a long semi-silence, his look somewhat strange.

Xiao Qiao was looked at by him until panic gradually arose. Settling her mind, she took another step closer toward him: "Just who beat you into this state?"

Wei Shao finally said, "I was beaten by him."

A sentence without head or tail. Xiao Qiao was startled, and suddenly she understood. Her heart instantly turned cold.

"However, he was beaten even worse by me."

Wei Shao, however, suddenly revealed a slight smile, looking at her as he spoke in a slow, drawn-out manner.