The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Xiao Qiao spent three days at her maiden home in Dongjun.

These brief three days were, in truth, the most comfortable and pleasant moments she had experienced over the past few years. It was because she felt as though she had finally glimpsed a tangible, substantial hope regarding the future that she could grasp in her hands.

What could raise a person's spirits more than having hope for the future?

Madame Ding showed her all kinds of affection, her younger brother accompanied her side morning and night, and her father, Qiao Ping—who had been constrained for many years, his grand ambitions constantly unfulfilled, leaving him thoroughly depressed—had now, upon reaching middle age, made a painful determination and finally encountered a turning point. Although he was busy and bustling these few days, he well knew his daughter was deeply concerned about the affairs of Yanzhou. Every evening upon his return, he would certainly summon Xiao Qiao to his study to sit and converse for a moment, with her younger brother also accompanying them on the side. The two of them listened to their father speak of the matters he had set his hand to during the day and look forward to the future, and none of them failed to feel inspired.

On this day, Xiao Qiao also received a letter sent by Bi Zhi, stating that he had arrived in Xucheng and was quietly awaiting her arrival.

Before leaving Yuyang, Xiao Qiao had met with Zong Ji once more. Aside from solemnly expressing her gratitude to him, she also entrusted Zong Ji with conveying the news of her imminent departure for Dongjun to Bi Zhi, hoping that if there were an opportunity, they might meet face-to-face at that time.

She had already arrived in Dongjun, and Zong Ji's traveling speed ought to be faster than hers.

According to estimates, Bi Zhi had received the letter by this time as well.

It was merely that Xiao Qiao had not expected him to have already arrived in Xucheng to wait for her.

Xucheng was less than two hundred li from Dongjun and was a small walled city under the jurisdiction of Yanzhou.

The letter was penned by Da Qiao, stating that upon learning the news of her journey south from Zong Ji, both she and her husband were extraordinarily joyful, looking forward to meeting her. Originally, she wanted to come over herself to spare Xiao Qiao the trouble of traveling back and forth on the road again, but because of her pregnancy, Bi Zhi refused to let her travel out. He would come to Xucheng to receive Xiao Qiao, then escort her to Lingbi to meet.

Xiao Qiao was joyful upon seeing the letter.

In truth, to be able to successfully return home this time, Xiao Qiao also knew it was due to Madame Xu's goodness toward her, and she harbored gratitude in her heart. Since the matters at home in Dongjun had already progressed in the direction she hoped for as she wished, the rest would depend on her father and the others. Moreover, no matter what the matter was, everything had to be taken step-by-step; it was impossible to achieve success overnight in the short term, and there was no great meaning in her remaining any longer. Therefore, Xiao Qiao was also currently pondering that once she seized the time to meet with Bi Zhi and Da Qiao, she ought to return north as well.

Consequently, on the night she received the letter, Xiao Qiao waited for her father to return. When they met in the study as they had on the previous few nights, she stated that she planned to set out and depart tomorrow.

His daughter had only returned home for a few days, yet she was already about to leave; Qiao Ping was truly reluctant to part with her in his heart. For a moment, he did not open his mouth.

Xiao Qiao was also reluctant in her heart, yet she still smiled and said, "Father, for your daughter to be able to journey south and return home this time was also due to the generous treatment of the grandmother over there. Father also knows that when I journeyed south, Grandmother had only just recovered from her illness not long ago, and my husband was also far away on a campaign. Since I have returned and visited Aunt, and the matters on Father's end have successfully been set in motion, I ought to return early. I am truly reluctant to leave Father and my younger brother, but returning too late might fail the goodness of Grandmother."

How could Qiao Ping not understand this in his heart? How could a daughter who had married out remain by his side for a long time as she had in the past? He nodded and said, "Your father understands. Tomorrow, your father shall see you off as you journey north."

Beside them, Qiao Ci suddenly let out a cough.

Xiao Qiao cast a glance at her younger brother, seeing him twitching his eyebrows at her, and recalled that matter the two of them had discussed during the day. Ultimately, she still made a determination. She returned an expressive glance to him.

Qiao Ci immediately stepped forward and said, "Does Father still remember that nameless person who repelled Xue Tai outside Juye City back then and saved your son's life before the battle lines?"

Qiao Ping's impression of the scene of that day was profound, and it was impossible for him to forget. Suddenly hearing his son mention it, he said from the bottom of his heart, "Naturally. That person not only snatched your life back from beneath the hands of Cao Xu and Zhang Biao—two of Xue Tai's major generals—but amidst the chaotic battle of the two armies, he also entered and exited as if in an unpeopled land, his might unstoppable. Afterward, however, he vanished. Your father dispatched men everywhere to search for him, but sadly, there was no further trace. Thinking back on it even now, it is still a matter of regret."

Xiao Qiao then said, "Father, do you remember that green-eyed Bi Zhi who used to be in our household?"

Qiao Ping looked toward Xiao Qiao: "The very horse groom who abducted your cousin?"

Xiao Qiao said, "Father must not refer to him in that manner from now on. He was precisely that nameless person who saved my younger brother on that day."

Qiao Ping looked at his daughter, then looked at his son.

Qiao Ci hurriedly said, "What Elder Sister says is no falsehood. Back then, when that man delivered me back before Father's battle lines, because I had previously seen him accompanying Aunt when she went out at home, I recognized him on the spot. It was simply that I did not dare be completely certain yet. After Xue Tai withdrew his troops, your son kept an eye on him. Seeing him depart alone, I pursued him. At first, he did not even wish to pay attention to me, but unable to withstand my persistent pursuit, he finally halted and spoke a few words with me. He said he had already wed Elder Sister. Only then was I certain that it was undoubtedly him!"

Qiao Ping was astonished to the extreme. Coming to his senses, he slowly looked toward Xiao Qiao: "Manman! Speak honestly—did you conceal something from me and do something back then?"

Seeing that her father appeared to have guessed somewhat, Xiao Qiao ceased to conceal it either, saying straightforwardly, "I shall not conceal it from Father. Elder Sister and Bi Zhi originally harbored mutual affections for each other, yet constrained by their statuses, they strictly observed the rules of propriety. This was learned by me. Although the statuses of the two of them were not equal, in my view, they were a match made in heaven. It was precisely under my forceful persuasion that Elder Sister followed Bi Zhi and left home."

Qiao Ping was dumbfounded, a pang of pain striking his chest: "Was it precisely in this manner that you substituted yourself for your elder sister and married into the Wei family?"

Seeing her father looking as though he were about to lose his breath, Xiao Qiao hurriedly went up to clench her fists and gently massage his back: "Father, appease your anger. Originally, I thought that with Elder Sister gone and the marriage discussion failing, Uncle would listen to Father's strategy. I did not expect Uncle would demand that I marry in her stead. Since the matter arose because of me, I could only marry over..."

Recalling the events of that day, Qiao Ping originally intended to harden his face and reprimand Xiao Qiao. However, seeing her widening her pair of dark and clear eyes to look at him with a face full of begging for mercy, his heart softened, and the words came out as a sigh: "You acted entirely too willfully, unexpectedly concealing it from me..."

He let out another sigh and shook his head.

Xiao Qiao let out a smile: "Father, when one enjoys wealth and honor, one ought to ponder its source, but an elite hero must never be questioned on his origin. Chen She, as a rustic farmer, raised his spear and was recorded among the aristocratic houses; the Marquis of Changping, originating as a stable slave, was enfeoffed with ten thousand households. Although Bi Zhi's origin is lowly, how do you know he will not achieve a brilliant and grand career in the future? Moreover, just now Father said yourself—if it were not for him appearing to rescue him on that day, would my younger brother not be in danger?"

Qiao Ping fell silent, and immediately said, "What my daughter says is precisely correct! Your father witnessed Bi Zhi's display of might on that day, which is rare in the world, and I still think of it frequently even now. Back then, his residing under our family's stables was truly like a flood dragon confined to shallow waters. If he encounters winds and waves, he will undoubtedly soar straight into the sky!"

Xiao Qiao said, "I dare not conceal it from Father. My journey south this time was also with the thought of meeting with the two of them. During the day, I received a letter; he is currently personally in Xucheng awaiting my arrival to take me to meet with Elder Sister. My thought is that once I have met with Elder Sister, I shall immediately journey north."

Qiao Ping let out an "ah": "So that is how it is!"

Pondering slightly, he said, "Since your cousin was personally willing to follow him of her own accord, then that matter has passed as well. Receiving his intervention on that day to save your younger brother's life before the battle lines, your father has constantly kept the gratitude in my heart. I originally thought with regret that I could not find the person of that day. Since I know now and he has arrived within the borders of my Yanzhou at this time, your father shall accompany you over tomorrow to express thanks to his face."

Although Bi Zhi had saved Qiao Ci, he had originally left Yanzhou under the status of a Qiao family horse groom and had taken Da Qiao along. According to the laws of the times, if he were captured, it would still be a capital crime. If her paternal uncle, Qiao Yue, knew of it, he would likely do nothing more than let out a cold snort, believing that a family slave rescuing his master was completely natural and right.

Yet her father was indeed sufficiently open-minded, just as she had hoped. Not only did he completely refrain from mentioning past matters, but he even said he would personally express his gratitude to him. Xiao Qiao felt even more respect and love for her father in her heart. She smiled and shook her head: "I told Father this matter merely to let Father have a general idea in your heart beforehand. Bi Zhi rescuing my younger brother on that day was also not to win Father's gratitude. Furthermore, I did not inform him beforehand that Father would also go with me. If Father suddenly reveals your face, I fear it might also be inconvenient for him. Once I meet him, I shall convey Father's gratitude on your behalf. In the future, if there is a suitable opportunity, it will not be too late for Father to meet with him again."

Hearing this, Qiao Ping felt it was reasonable as well. Thinking for a moment, he said, "That is fine as well. If my daughter meets him, convey my words: the Qiao family expunges his slave status. Starting from this moment, he is no different from an ordinary civilian. I hope he treats your elder sister well and achieves great things in the future, so as not to fail your elder sister's devotion toward him."

Xiao Qiao was extraordinarily joyful, expressing her thanks to her father repeatedly.

...

On the very day the Grand Shaman Temple of Mount Yu was burned to the ground, the Grand Shaman was executed at the intersection of the bustling market. The Yanzhou Magistrate issued a proclamation to be posted beside the gates of the four quarters of the city, stating that shamanism was a wicked path, generated specifically to delude people's hearts and cause no small harm. Therefore, a clearance and purge were enacted to warn the citizens against becoming obsessed again in the future.

The incident occurred suddenly, causing widespread discussion throughout the city. It was not until several days later that this major event, which had caused a sensation throughout the city, could be considered to have slowly calmed down.

On this day, when Wei Shao returned to the residence from the government office, the sky was already pitch-black.

Entering the grand main gate, he turned into the rear residence and repaired straight toward the northern quarters. Walking to that three-way intersection, his footsteps halted slightly out of habit, casting a glance toward the direction of the western quarters on his right-hand side. He then continued to stride forward.

Madame Xu was seated upon her couch, facing a small, double-eared copper brazier used for warming. She seemed to be spacing out and pondering something when she suddenly heard a serving woman outside the door call out "Master." Raising her eyes to look, she saw Wei Shao enter enveloped in chilly air, a smile appearing upon her face. When Wei Shao drew near and inquired after her health, she asked him if he had consumed his evening meal. Hearing him say he had not eaten yet, she felt a bit distressed, hurriedly instructing Nurse Zhong to deliver the food and drink inside.

Under Madame Xu's gaze, Wei Shao silently finished his evening meal in two or three bites. Once the food table was removed, Wei Shao said, "How has Grandmother's health been these past few days? Since my return, I have been entangled in official affairs and have still failed to fulfill my filial duties at Grandmother's knees, leaving me highly uneasy. Grandmother, do not blame me."

Madame Xu said, "Grandmother is very well. You need not keep it on your mind."

Having finished speaking, she carefully scrutinized her grandson. She saw that a trail of faint weariness seemed to be carried between his eyebrows. Thinking of how he had left early and returned late every day since his return these past few days, speaking little before her, she pondered for a moment and let out a slight sigh: "Shao'er, Grandmother originally had no desire to let you know of the troubles within the rear residence of our family, so as to avoid adding to your anxieties out of nowhere. Furthermore, to speak in reverse, the rear residence is originally the affair of us womenfolk. If there is unrest, it is also Grandmother's oversight first. If blame is to be laid, blame me first. However, this time, since your mother has been placed into confinement, a justification must always be given to you. This time, your mother's actions went too far. If she is allowed to continue as in the past, who knows what kind of disaster will be provoked in the future? Grandmother knows you are a filial son; you will not blame Grandmother in your heart, right?"

Wei Shao said, "Why does Grandmother speak such words? My mother was muddle-headed to the extreme, committing such an act. Confinement to reflect on her errors is already Grandmother's immense leniency toward her. Even if your grandson is muddle-headed, I would not be so incapable of distinguishing right from wrong to such an extent."

Madame Xu nodded: "It is well that you can think in this manner. Regarding the affairs of the rear residence this time, let it stop right here on your end; you need not keep it on your mind any longer. Grandmother knows the boundaries in her own heart."

Wei Shao said, "Although the incident occurred in the rear residence, the danger nevertheless leaves me with lingering fear. If it were not for her..."

He paused for a moment, skipping past it: "If it were not for Grandmother being blessed by heaven, your grandson truly dares not imagine..."

Madame Xu cast a glance at him and smiled faintly: "Indeed, if it were not for your wife being alert and timely releasing the cat to obstruct it, I fear that by the time you returned from this campaign, Grandmother would already be unable to see your face..."

Wei Shao suddenly leaned forward, raising his arms to tightly grasp one of Madame Xu's hands with his own pair of hands, refusing to release it for a long while.

Madame Xu looked at him with a smile, her other hand covering the back of his large, thick hand, tapping it gently as if to soothe him, and said, "Grandmother is fine now, it has all passed..."

Wei Shao finally slowly released Madame Xu's hand, straightening his body once more, and said, "Grandmother, I listened to the statement of the Yuyang Magistrate. The poison Nanny Jiang intended to use to drug Grandmother came from that woman of the Xiang County Marquis's residence, and that woman died on the very day the incident occurred. How was Nanny Jiang able to obtain the medicine from that woman's hands? What was that woman's origin? Did she truly execute the deed under orders from my mother? It is not that your grandson wishes to defend my mother. Rather, the process contains a multitude of suspicions. If this matter is not thoroughly investigated, my heart will not be at ease."

Madame Xu watched Wei Shao for a moment, then said slowly, "Your grandmother is old and has dozed off in the past, yet I am not muddled yet. Having walked before the gates of hell this time, what you worry about, Grandmother has naturally thought of as well. Leave this matter to Grandmother herself! It is still that same sentence: do your external affairs well, and regarding these demons and monsters of the rear residence, Grandmother shall handle them herself. You need not distract your mind further."

Wei Shao hesitated for a moment.

"What, do you fail to trust even Grandmother?" Madame Xu's single eye was bright and full of spirit.

Wei Shao pondered for a moment, then said, "Since Grandmother has spoken in this manner, your grandson shall listen to Grandmother's words. If Grandmother makes progress, please inform me early, so as to let your grandson put his mind at ease."

Madame Xu smiled and nodded. Casting a glance at him, she suddenly said, "Do you miss your wife a bit? It was also Grandmother who was not good. At that time, when she said she was returning to visit the sick, Grandmother's heart softened for a moment, and so I let her leave. Yet I failed to ask clearly about the date of her return. Causing you to return home at this time, only to end up solitary and alone. Grandmother also feels quite distressed watching you."

Wei Shao was taken aback, a sliver of awkwardness flitting across the depths of his eyes. Immediately adopting a solemn expression, he said, "How could that be! Grandmother has misunderstood! Her returning is simply her returning. Let alone it being only such a short time; even if she is pleased to reside in the Qiao family for a year or half a year, I would also be without issue. I am a grown man, and my own external affairs are more than I can manage; how could I care about these things?"

Madame Xu raised her eyebrows, appearing as if she had put her mind at ease: "That is good then. Originally, I was still worried you would be longing for your wife. This is good."

Wei Shao smiled faintly, accompanying Madame Xu to converse for a few more phrases and instructing the serving women to serve her mindfully, before he himself respectfully took his leave.

...

Wei Shao returned to the western quarters alone, feeling a bit sullen. Entering the inner courtyard, the moment he raised his eyes, he saw that the lamps and candles within the room were bright, and a slender human shadow seemed to be swaying before the window. His heart gave a fierce leap, and he immediately accelerated his pace, ascending the steps in a few bounds. He threw the door open with a single push, which unexpectedly gave a start to a maidservant who was currently changing the candles before the desk. Turning her head and seeing it was Wei Shao, she hurriedly retreated and bowed her torso, calling him "Marquis."

Wei Shao's expression then turned cold. Listening to the maidservant's explanation there, he brushed his sleeve impatiently. Seeing his unsightly face, the maidservant did not dare remain any longer, hurriedly retreating outward.

Wei Shao went to his study, returning only late into the night. Lying down, however, he was still unable to sleep. Closing his eyes, Xiao Qiao's appearance surfaced before his eyes—either teasing and laughing with him, or pouting her lips in reproach. His thinking left his mouth dry and his tongue parched, yet reaching out, the side of his pillow was empty. Within his heart and down below, a trail of fire gradually seemed to burst forth in unison.

Suddenly, he thought again: "I went out on a distant campaign, my life and death uncertain. On that night, her face stated she wanted to keep me here, yet she did not remain at home to guard against my return, unexpectedly abandoning me to return to Yanzhou without even leaving a single word or phrase! Everyone says women are prone to jealousy. With her abandoning me and leaving like this, if I took the opportunity to sleep with someone else, could it be that she would completely not care either?”