The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 77

Chapter 77

After Zong Ji and Xiao Qiao exchanged greetings, he said: "Previously, I received the Lady's trust and was entrusted with this matter, which is truly an honor. Last night, I managed to inquire into some things, though I do not know if they will be of help to the Lady. Fearing that I might delay the Lady's proper business if I waited, I specially requested a meeting first thing this morning, hoping I have not caused a disturbance."

Xiao Qiao said: "You have spent much care. I am all ears."

Zong Ji then said: "After the Lady departed the day before yesterday, I went to seek out that local marquis's household. I hired beggars to keep watch at the front gate, while I observed from the back gate. Throughout the day, there was no movement; the doors remained tightly shut. It was not until it turned dark yesterday that I finally saw a man hurriedly enter through the back gate. Seeing that his traces were suspicious, I waited until no one was around and flipped over the wall to go within, and in the end, it unexpectedly allowed me to hear some secrets..."

Zong Ji cast a glance at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her focusing her mind to listen closely with an attentive expression, he himself conversely paused slightly.

Last night, after he flipped over the wall into the high walls of the local marquis's residence, borrowing the cover of the night to avoid the servants, he followed the lamplight and finally arrived outside a room of the main house. Peering inside from a dark place, he saw that the man who had entered from the back gate was currently within this room, already stripped completely bare and climbing slickly onto the bed, playfully bantering with a naked woman upon the bed.

That woman was not yet thirty years of age and possessed some good looks. Looking at her residence, she should be the mistress of this place. As the two performed the acts of Duke Zhou, the sounds of lust and waves of wild words never stopped; one could tell at a single listen that it was an illicit coupling. Zong Ji waited quietly outside. Once the matters within the room were finished, he again tilted his ear to listen closely to the man and woman speaking inside the room, and finally heard some interesting things.

Facing this Lady of the Wei Estate, Zong Ji naturally would not describe the scene he had witnessed earlier last night. He merely carried past it with a vague phrase, and subsequently said: "During the conversation between those two, the woman claimed she possessed a rare poison in her hands named the Bodhi Goodness, passed down from the Kingdom of Shendu (India) and refined from snake venom. It is incomparably wondrous and toxic, colorless and odorless. One needs only to drop a single dot into food, and the one who encounters the poison will experience difficulty swallowing and total body paralysis. Their thoughts will remain clear, yet their mouth will be unable to speak. Only after three days will they slowly stop breathing and die. The most wonderful aspect lies in the complete absence of any unusual appearance; it will merely seem as though it were caused by a sudden stroke. The man was curious and requested to look. The woman took out a tiny porcelain vial, claiming she had already used some of it out a few days ago, and because she truly could not bear to part with such a wondrous medicine, she had only kept this little bit in her hand."

In truth, it was that after the matter last night, that man and woman were flirting. The woman laughingly spat that most men in the world were ungrateful, claiming that if this man dared to fail her in the future, she would use this wondrous poison to drug him to death. The man naturally swore oaths and made vows, wanting to see this poison again. At first, the woman had probably merely spoken off the cuff, and the moment the words left her mouth, she appeared to regret it somewhat. Afterward, unable to withstand the man's entreaties, she still draped on her clothing and rose, taking out the poison from a secret box to let the man look.

Zong Ji looked toward Xiao Qiao and continued, saying: "After the two of them finished looking at the poison, they put it away and subsequently went to sleep. I waited for another brief moment, and estimating there should be no other matters, I flipped over the wall and came out. Fearing the Lady would be anxious in her heart, I specially requested the Lady to come meet this morning to inform her of the matters witnessed last night one by one."

Xiao Qiao's brow furrowed slightly. Pondering for a brief moment, she lifted her eyes and asked: "Who is that man? Do you perhaps know?"

Zong Ji said: "The man is merely in his early twenties, tall and long-limbed, with a hawkish nose, wearing a purple robe..." He carefully recalled again, "That's right, I heard the woman once refer to him as 'Young Master Su.' The rest could not be known."

The moment Zong Ji described that man's appearance and features, the image of Su Xin leapt into Xiao Qiao's mind. Once she heard the form of address "Young Master Su," it was all the more certain beyond doubt.

The woman within Zong Ji's mouth, being nearly thirty years of age, naturally could not be Su Euhuang. In all probability, she was that widowed Madam of the marquis surnamed Li.

It appeared that the line she had threaded together last night was not wrong. Su Euhuang indeed should have already departed Yuyang. But her nephew Su Xin had stayed behind, and had furthermore hooked up with the local marquis's Madam.

Snake venom coming from India... the unspeakable relationship between Su Xin and the local marquis's Madam... Nanny Jiang having come to the Li family a few days ago... the local marquis's Madam saying the poison had once been used out a bit...

The previous distress and doubts suddenly became clear in a single flash.

Su Euhuang concealed her body in the rear, manipulating Nanny Jiang in the front, the local marquis's Madam, as well as her nephew Su Xin.

The sole unresolved point was why Nanny Jiang would be willing to be used by Su Euhuang, becoming a puppet for her to stretch her own hand into the Wei Estate.

According to what Xiao Qiao knew, Nanny Jiang had already arrived at Lady Zhu's side twenty years ago. At that time, Su Euhuang was also only four or five years old; it was impossible to have buried a person so early. It was as if Lady Zhu had even been of grace to Nanny Jiang in her early years. Furthermore, Nanny Jiang right now also seemed to possess no husband and no children, being nothing more than an old widow. Reasonably speaking, she had no motive to betray Lady Zhu to do matters for Su Euhuang.

But Xiao Qiao had no leisure to think closely on this at this moment.

She already understood the relationships of all the people on this line, her heart thumping directly.

After Zong Ji finished speaking, he looked at Xiao Qiao. Seeing her expression change slightly and her lips appear as if they had faintly lost some color, he hesitated for a bit and said: "Does the Lady still possess a place where I can be of use? If there is any, please command freely; I am extremely willing to hear your dispatch."

His tone was exceedingly sincere.

Xiao Qiao was called back to her senses by him, hurriedly smiling to express her thanks: "Many thanks to Young Master Zong! These past few days have truly been laborious. What you have just spoken has helped me an immense deal! My gratitude cannot be expressed in words. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay it! At this moment there is temporarily no other matter, and I still have things at home, so I shall take my leave first."

Xiao Qiao performed a deep bow of thanks to him, turned around, and departed.

Zong Ji could not resist following to escort her a few steps, finally stopping outside the door. Gazing fixedly at her hurriedly departing back, he went slightly blank in thought.

...

Zheng Shu's movements were nimble. In just under two days, she obtained the doll that was said to have been suppressed by the Grand Shaman, quietly sending it over to transfer it to Nanny Jiang. Nanny Jiang brought it into the Wei Estate and gave it to Lady Zhu yesterday, saying that according to what the Grand Shaman spoke, the doll had already been placed under a talisman curse; the closer it was to the person being cursed, the better the effect. It required Lady Zhu to drop another drop of her own blood onto the brow of the doll, add prayers, and apply resentment. Afterward, hiding it facing toward the Western Chambers in the northeast corner, it could take effect, and she could then quietly await the movements from the Western Chambers' side.

Lady Zhu believed it deeply without doubt. Staring at that strange-featured doll with the Qiao girl's birth characters written on its heart, her heart gave a burst of wild thumping. Shaking her hand and gritting her teeth to take a needle, she was also not afraid of the pain, piercing her own fingertip. Squeezing out a drop of blood and letting it drop onto the brow of the doll, she prayed in her heart: Husband's spirit in heaven, eldest son's spirit in heaven, I today avenge the hatred and wipe out the grievances for you two. Hoping you two possess spirits to help me eliminate the daughter of the Qiao family. After reciting it repeatedly a few times, following what Nanny Jiang spoke, she placed the doll well. Last night she was excited, tense, and uneasy all at once, unable to sleep for the entire night. Rising early in the morning, her two eyes were glaringly bright. Without even combing her hair, she dispatched someone to quietly go to the opposite Western Chambers to inquire for news. Returning, they said that side was perfectly quiet without movement. Lady Zhu could not avoid feeling disappointed. Nanny Jiang dismissed the people out and said with a smile: "Madam, do not be anxious. This has only been a single night's worth of work, so how could it be that fast? When Madam has no matters, pray more in your heart. The Grand Shaman spoke: the heavier the resentment, the better the effect will manifest. Wait a few more days, and it will definitely take effect."

Lady Zhu originally possessed limited horizons. Back then, relying upon an old favor, she married into the Wei family. Although she curried favor with Madame Xu in hundreds of ways, she had never obtained her high regard. Her husband toward her was also nothing more than treating each other with the respect due to a guest. While her husband was alive, she worried every day about her husband taking concubines. When her husband and eldest son died, she was only a bit over thirty years old, and overnight, her entire heart was filled with resentment. During these subsequent ten years, she placed all her mental focus onto her second son, Wei Shao. Yet this son, though filial, was not close to her heart, and from the age of seventeen onward, he was frequently not at home. Lady Zhu's spirit was empty and lacked anything to rely upon. After bringing her niece Zheng Shu—who was customarily able to coax her into compliance—to her side, under Zheng Shu's inculcation, she gradually became obsessed with shamanic sorcery.

The path of shamanism was identical to an evil cult; once believed deeply, it was like being brainwashed. What was loved was loved all the more, and what was hated was also magnified ten times and a hundred times. Over many years, Lady Zhu had already become unable to extricate herself, and the little bit of intellect she originally possessed was completely gone. Hearing Nanny Jiang's advice, she also felt it made sense, nodding her head as she said: "It is I who was impatient."

Nanny Jiang said: "As for the Northern Rooms' side, Madam has also not stepped foot there for some days. You should go reveal your face, lest the Old Madame feel that Madam does not contain her in your eyes."

Ever since that matter of Wei Yan, Lady Zhu had been filled with a guilty conscience and fear, consistently not revealing her face again. When Madame Xu fell ill, she also did not dare to go over, using the excuse that she herself was also ill and feared passing on the illness, not going to the Northern Rooms even once. Within her heart, she was actually also somewhat apprehensive, fearing Madame Xu would take offense. Being spoken to by Nanny Jiang, she hesitated for a bit and said with difficulty: "The Old Blind Nanny detests me; I fear even if I go, I will also be bringing unpleasantness upon myself."

Nanny Jiang patiently advised: "This servant heard that the Qiao girl has recently been swaying before the Old Madame morning and night, putting on an appearance of wishing nothing more than to move over to live together, borrowing the opportunity to invite the Old Madame's joy. Madam is just too honest, never doing these facade matters, which is why you suffered a great loss. On ordinary days it would be fine, but right now the Old Madame is bedridden with illness; it is exactly proper to go over to execute filial piety. Madam need not worry about the Old Madame giving you a cold face. This servant possesses a plan; if Madam acts according to what this servant speaks, the Old Madame will definitely break the ice and dissipate old grievances with Madam."

Lady Zhu said: "The Old Blind Nanny possesses an extremely deep prejudice against me. No matter how I spend effort to curry favor, she will also not accept the sentiment."

Nanny Jiang said: "Madam act according to my instructions, and you shall know the outcome."

...

When Madame Xu woke up this morning, she felt her spirit was quite a bit better than the previous days. Because she had been lying down for a long duration previously, she possessed some backaches and muscle pains, so she went down to the floor, donned her clothing, and wanted to go out into the courtyard to walk about a bit.

Seeing her complexion was not bad, Nanny Zhong did not dissuade her. Helping her don her clothing and seeing that the weather was cold, she took a purple lamb-wool cloak to drape over her shoulders in her stead. Supporting her as they were about to go out, that kitty cat came over. Madame Xu ordered a maidservant to cradle it and walk together. Recalling that she had not yet seen Xiao Qiao come this morning, she inquired a phrase.

Nanny Zhong said: "First thing in the morning, the Lady's side dispatched someone over to speak a word, saying the Lady possesses some separate matters this morning and will come slightly later to serve."

Madame Xu recalled how she had been serving here morning and night these past days, and furthermore she had more or less seen a bit of it out: she appeared to be particularly tense regarding herself, conversely looking as if she wished nothing more than to constantly stick before her presence. She did not think toward other things, merely believing that with this illness of hers, it must have frightened her. Her heart was also full of tenderness, so she smiled and said: "She has labored hard these past days. Dismiss someone over in a bit to speak a word, just say I am much better, telling her she need not guard morning and night anymore, and should go do whatever she herself ought to do."

Nanny Zhong complied, taking Madame Xu's walking stick to hand over. Together with that cat-cradling maidservant, they slowly went toward the courtyard. Just as they walked out the door, from far away they unexpectedly saw Lady Zhu, who had disappeared for many days, coming. She personally held a tray, upon which was a lidded bowl; it was unknown what was contained within. Behind her followed Nanny Jiang.

Madame Xu's expression subsequently turned indifferent. Stopping upon the steps, she watched Lady Zhu come over swiftly, hand the tray to Nanny Jiang, and step forward to pay her respects.

Madame Xu then turned around to go inside and sat down. Lady Zhu followed within, once more respectfully kneeling and kowtowing, asking after Madame Xu's peace.

Madame Xu said indifferently: "I am very well. I heard you were also ill. If you are ill, you should properly nurture yourself. Just return."

Lady Zhu revealed a ashamed look, prostrating herself for a long duration without rising, saying: "Imploring mother-in-law to forgive this daughter-in-law's crime! I dare not conceal it any longer. These past few days I was not actually ill; in truth, I possessed no face to come see mother-in-law again, and feared all the more that mother-in-law would blame me, which was why I falsely claimed illness to avoid within my room, not stepping out a single step. That day early in the morning when escorting Shao'er on his campaign, after Shao'er left, mother-in-law turned back in front. I contained shame within my heart and did not dare to draw near. Although I followed far behind, I also heard the turn of words spoken by mother-in-law to my daughter-in-law. Although mother-in-law was not speaking with me, every single word and phrase indeed knocked into my heart. There is a phrase that, spoken out, I am also not afraid of mother-in-law reproaching me. Since I entered the door up until now, there have been thirty years; mother-in-law has always been cold and indifferent to me. My daughter-in-law has entered the door for less than a year, yet mother-in-law is extremely close. In the past, it was not that I had not secretly resented mother-in-law's partiality. After returning to my room that day, I pondered it repeatedly, and only then did I startle into realizing that during these ten years, ever since painfully losing my husband and eldest son, I have been deeply mired in sorrow and unable to extricate myself; my words, actions, and bearing have all lacked measure. It turned out it was not that mother-in-law intentionally distanced herself from me, but rather that I myself was foolish and stubborn, deeply mired in obsession, just like drawing a circle on the ground to serve as a prison, cutting myself off from people! Thinking on how my Shao'er has consistently been filial, right now he is unexpectedly also day by day growing distant from me. If it is not my own responsibility, who else could it be?"

This turn of words just now, although it had been guided by Nanny Jiang, as Lady Zhu spoke and spoke, she thought of her own difficulties during these several decades. She could not resist tears flowing together, her voice choking, once reaching a point where she was unable to speak further. She merely knelt on the ground, her tears flowing without ceasing.

To the side, Nanny Zhong revealed a surprised look, signaling the serving women in the room to go out, while she herself also quietly retreated to the doorway.

Initially, Madame Xu's expression was cold and indifferent. Waiting until Lady Zhu finished speaking this turn of words, she watched her for a long while. Her expression slowly, finally, also softened down. Lowering her eyes in silence for a brief moment, only then did she say slowly: "Lady Zhu, you have entered the door of my Wei family for many years; if there is no outstanding merit, there is also hard labor, and I have also not completely failed to record it within my heart. It was not that I intentionally did not draw close to you. If you had also possessed this kind of realization in the past, on what basis would I have been disappointed in you to this point? Hoping what you spoke today indeed stems from your heart. Possessing a bit more wisdom in the future will also be Shao'er's blessing."

Over these many years, it was still the first time Lady Zhu encountered Madame Xu being so willing to give her a favorable countenance. Her heart loosened, and she hurriedly fished out a handkerchief to wipe away the tear stains on her face, saying: "What mother-in-law spoke, I shall record firmly within my heart. In the future, I shall thoroughly reform my past errors, time and again remembering mother-in-law's teachings."

Madame Xu nodded: "Possessing such a heart is good. Rise."

Lady Zhu rose from the ground, personally holding the tray to bring it before Madame Xu's presence. Accompanying a smiling face, she said carefully: "Mother-in-law has been bedridden with illness these past days, and presumably also possesses no appetite to eat things. This daughter-in-law originally wanted to make some tonic products to send over. It is merely that tonic products must furthermore use taking tonics after the illness is better to be proper. I then thought, mother-in-law comes from Zhongshan, and Zhongshan produces dragon-whisker noodles. The taste of your hometown might perhaps suit your appetite. Early in the morning, I personally rolled the noodles, making this small bowl to send over. It is also not much, merely a few bites. Mother-in-law eat and see if it suits your appetite. If it is good, next turn I shall make a bit more. If it is not good, speak with this daughter-in-law, and this daughter-in-law shall improve." As she spoke, she opened the bowl lid.

Within the bowl, the clear soup was still steaming with heat. A small bundle of noodles reposed within the soup. Fine as dragon whiskers, every strand connected. Paired with tender green reed sprouts, it looked extremely delectable.

Madame Xu originally possessed no appetite. It was merely that seeing the manner in which Lady Zhu looked at her attentively, she thought for a bit and said: "Let it be so, it is a patch of your intent. Bring it up."

Lady Zhu was overjoyed, holding the bowl and about to send it over.

Right at this moment, a burst of footsteps suddenly traveled from outside the door. Lady Zhu turned her head, seeing Xiao Qiao's silhouette appear at the doorway.

Xiao Qiao cradled the kitty cat within her embrace, walking straight inward with rapid steps. Drawing closer to Lady Zhu, it was unknown what happened—perhaps it was that she had not cradled it firmly, her arm moving for a bit—before one could even see clearly, the cat within her embrace unexpectedly flew and pounced toward Lady Zhu. Lady Zhu was caught unprepared, giving a startled cry, watching with open eyes as the tray within her own hands was pounced and overturned by the flying cat. Together with the tray and bowl, with a "clatter" sound, it fell to the ground.

The bowl broke into two halves, and that bowl of noodles also spilled out, the ground becoming a complete mess.