The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 87

Chapter 87

The hemp-robed old man receded into the distance.

Wei Shao suddenly remembered.

This old man was likely the very same person Gongsun Yang had mentioned to him on Tantai Platform one night back in Xindu, when they had chanced upon each other. He was Wang Baishi, the contemporary successor of the Mohist school.

Wei Shao felt somewhat surprised, never expecting a chance encounter here.

Yet after the initial surprise passed, he did not truly take to heart the parting words Baishi had spoken before leaving.

Purple Star Astrology and the discourse of heavenly mandate were things he had never believed in.

From the moment he witnessed his father and elder brother die in battle at the age of twelve, he had firmly believed that only personal strength could ensure survival, and only absolute awe and power could make men submit.

All else was nothing more than flowers in a mirror or the moon in water. Furthermore, from ancient times to the present day, plenty of people had used the rhetoric of heavenly mandates to build momentum for themselves and gather the hearts of the people. How many of them had actually managed to ascend to the imperial throne?

However, since his ambitions were set upon the realm, and the situation under heaven had already reached this point, he had no intention of concealing his ambitions any further, nor would he continue to maintain the hypocritical facade of a loyal minister of the Han dynasty before the world under his status as the Hegemon of the North.

Wei Shao stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought for a moment, before turning around, mounting his horse, and riding away.

Seeing him about to leave, the citizens behind him chased after him reluctantly. Unable to keep up, they knelt and bowed on the ground one after another to see him off.

Once Wei Shao reached the main road, he galloped at full speed, continuing toward the direction of Jiuli Pass.

With such a detour midway through his journey, the back-and-forth delay meant that by the time he rushed to Jiuli Pass, it would be tomorrow at the earliest.

Presumably, Xiao Qiao had already passed through and entered Lingbi.

Lei Yan and the other attendants were all delighted to see their lord win over the hearts of the people without even intending to. Although his domain had not yet reached the Huai River, his reputation would undoubtedly flare up spectacularly around the Huai River region from now on.

Wei Shao, however, felt somewhat anxious in his heart. He did not make any further stops along the way. Early the next morning, he doubled back onto his original route. As he passed near Xiao County, he suddenly saw a military force approaching from the opposite side of the highway in the distance, their banners waving and dust flying. As they drew a bit closer, he could make them out; in the center of the flags fluttering in the wind, the word "Yang" was written as large as a bushel. Knowing it was Yang Xin's men, he spurred his horse forward.

Yang Xin was leading his troops forward along the road when he spotted a line of over ten riders approaching from the opposite side. They actually did not avoid the grand army and came straight forward, which was truly unusual. Suspecting a trap, out of caution, he ordered the grand army behind him to halt while he watched along with them. Once the other party drew near, he saw that the leading young man had a majestic expression and was looking straight at him, his demeanor as deep and steady as a mountain and abyss. Hesitating for a moment, just as he was about to question them, he heard someone behind the other party shout loudly, "Is the Envoy perhaps Yang Xin of Yang Province? I am Lei Yan, a deputy general under the banner of the Marquis of Yan of You Province. My lord is here!"

Although Yang Xin had previously allied with Wei Shao to catch Xue Tai off guard, he had never personally seen the face of Wei Shao of the north. He had only heard that the man was young, barely over twenty years old, with an outstanding appearance. Focusing his gaze to look, he saw the young man casting his eyes toward him, a smile on his face as he nodded in acknowledgment. Overjoyed, he flipped himself off his horse and strode forward to meet him.

Wei Shao also dismounted, and the two exchanged courtesies on the road. Yang Xin then offered a flurry of compliments, stating that he had long heard the great name of the Marquis of Yan and that it was truly an honor to meet him today.

Wei Shao said, "Yesterday I dispatched someone to deliver a letter to the Envoy. Did the Envoy receive it? Is the siege of Xiao County lifted?"

Yang Xin said, "Yesterday I received the Marquis's message, only then learning that Xue Tai had actually bypassed Xiao County with the intent to divert water and submerge the city. Fortunately, the Marquis went to block them, otherwise I would have only just woken from a dream. Furthermore, knowing the Marquis was leading an army here was like heaven aiding me; how could I sit still and await my death? At that time, I charged out of the city, and Xue Tai was utterly defeated by me, retreating back to Lingbi. Remembering the Marquis, I specifically came to welcome you. I wonder where the Marquis's grand army is? What honorable business brings you south?" After speaking, he peered behind Wei Shao.

Wei Shao smiled slightly. "To not hide it from the Envoy, my journey south this time is purely for private matters, and I did not bring an army. Furthermore, this place is also the Envoy's territory. If I were to lead an army here, would that not be an offense against the Envoy?"

Yang Xin was startled.

This time he had been besieged by Xue Tai in Xiao County, unable to charge out, while Xue Tai could not break in for the time being either, resulting in a standoff that lasted for many days.

Yesterday, Xue Tai ordered his soldiers to continue falsely arranging banners miles outside the city and lighting campfires to cook meals to deceive Yang Xin. Yang Xin had not suspected a thing. Suddenly, an arrow was shot onto the city wall, wrapped with a letter. The soldiers brought it and handed it over to Yang Xin. The letter was actually written in Wei Shao's own hand. At the end of the letter, a fish tally identical to the one from their previous correspondence was stamped. Only then did Yang Xin know that a major disaster had occurred, and just as he had told Wei Shao just now, he knew that if he did not charge out, all the citizens of the city would fail to escape catastrophe if the Anle Dyke were truly destroyed. Moreover, the arrival of Wei Shao's grand army as rear support added to their morale. He immediately gathered his generals to pass the news down. Upon learning of it, the soldiers were all shocked and furious, cursing Xue Tai's wickedness as they vied to ask for battle. Seeing that a battle with their backs to the river had formed, Yang Xin took advantage of the time when Xue Tai's men were cooking meals to open the city gates and lead his army out to attack. Xue Tai was completely unprepared, his military state lax, and he was caught completely off guard. Fighting while retreating, he finally saw that he could not hold his ground, abandoned Xiao County, and fled back toward Lingbi with his remnant troops last night.

On this side, Yang Xin had lifted the siege of the city and, thinking of Wei Shao, hurriedly went to welcome him, unexpectedly meeting him halfway here on this road.

Yang Xin looked at Wei Shao, secretly astonished.

Originally, he truly thought Wei Shao had brought troops south, which was why he went to interfere in Xue Tai's matters. He never expected that there were actually only these few ten-plus people around him. With just over ten people, he had resolved his own predicament. He thought to himself: Although he is young, he is the Hegemon of the North, his reputation echoing throughout the realm, possessing a great momentum to vie for the world in the future. In today's matter, his courage and strategy are both rare sights in my life, commanding absolute admiration. In the world today, although there are many factions, those that have formed a true presence and can contend with him for the realm are very few. Although I occupy Yang Province, whether in strength or prestige, I am far from being able to compare with him. Rather than falling out and being destroyed in the future, it would be better to rely on this relationship to join him and assist his future hegemonic enterprise. If he truly replaces the Han dynasty later on, I will not lack the merit of an early supporter, which is far better than becoming his enemy.

Yang Xin made up his mind. Showing an expression of respect, he said respectfully, "My Lord's courage is extraordinary, and your wisdom surpasses others. If not for receiving my Lord's assistance this time, I would have already fallen into Xue Tai's treacherous trap. Yang Xin shall engrave this great benevolence and virtue into his heart! In the future, if there is a place where my Lord requires service, please simply give the command. Yang Xin shall quietly await the Marquis's journey south here to plan great matters together!"

How could Wei Shao fail to hear the implied meaning in Yang Xin's words? He said, "If there is wealth and honor, I shall share it with you."

Yang Xin was overjoyed. Seeing that the horses of Wei Shao's entourage all seemed exhausted from running, he hurriedly ordered men to switch the horses, and personally led his own mount over to Wei Shao, saying, "Although this horse dares not claim to travel a thousand miles a day, it is still one chosen out of a thousand. Since the Marquis has come from so far away, you must presumably have other important matters. If you do not disclaim it, it can be put to use."

Wei Shao accepted the horse. Because his heart was filled with concern for Xiao Qiao, after exchanging a few more words, he took his leave and set out on the road. Seeing him off, Yang Xin suddenly remembered something and said, "Is the Marquis perhaps going to Lingbi? Lingbi belongs to Xue Tai's territory. Over this past half-year, however, a capable man has emerged in that place, sectioning off land to inflate his own power. The common people have flocked to him one after another, and by now he should also have a force of five or six thousand. Xue Tai can do nothing against him either. It is said he was originally nothing more than a hunter in the mountains, born with green eyes, yet he has risen to prominence and must not be underestimated. Just this morning, a swift scout returned to report, claiming that Xue Tai fled back to Lingbi in defeat and has gathered his troops to suppress that green-eyed man again. There will bound to be no lack of chaotic fighting. If the Marquis passes through the border, you must exercise caution and guard against it."

This was the first time Wei Shao had heard the name "Green Eyes," but it was merely a leader of displaced vagrants who had seized land to inflate himself, so he did not place it in his heart at all. He only heard that Lingbi was in chaos, yet Xiao Qiao had happened to go there. His heart grew increasingly anxious, and hastily expressing his thanks, he took his leave, mounted his horse, and rode away. He made no further stops along this stretch of the road, and before dark that day, he passed through Jiuli Pass in one breath and entered straight into Lingbi.

...

Xiao Qiao had stayed in Lingbi for two days. The close affection between the sisters went without saying, and Bi Zhi showed her even greater respect. Not only did he personally enter the forest to hunt fresh wild game for her to eat, but last night he had also proactively stayed alone in another room, letting the two sisters share a bed to converse through the night.

In the blink of an eye, another day passed, and darkness fell.

Last night, Xiao Qiao had not stood on ceremony with Bi Zhi either, sleeping for the whole night while hugging her elder sister. In her soft embrace, she acted spoiled and sought cuddles, as if she had returned to the past when they were still unwed maidens at home. The two of them talked and laughed, completely devoid of worries, filled with nothing but happiness.

Tonight, no matter how thick-skinned she was, it would not be proper to monopolize Da Qiao to sleep with her again. By evening, after chatting idly with Da Qiao for a few words, she said she was tired and wanted to return to her room to rest.

How could Da Qiao be willing to let her go? Pulling her hand, she said, "It matters not. I have already agreed with your brother-in-law. Tonight you will still accompany me to sleep."

Xiao Qiao smiled. "That will not do! If I insist on having my elder sister sleep with me again, brother-in-law might not say it aloud, but in his heart he would likely think, This younger sister is so lacking in tact, I will never pick her up to come over again next time!"

Teased by her, Da Qiao's face grew slightly warm, and she hurriedly said, "Your brother-in-law truly would not think that way! Recently, his matters have also grown busy, and he always says he cannot accompany me at all times like before. It was not easy for you to come, so he also wishes you could spend more time with me! This time, you must stay for a few more days."

Xiao Qiao held her hand and smiled, saying, "Sister, I was just joking just now! I also know brother-in-law is generous. It is just that as a younger sister, how can there be a reason to monopolize a married elder sister to accompany her to sleep at night? After staying for another day or two, it will be time for me to set out and return."

It had hurriedly been only two or three days, and Da Qiao truly felt reluctant in her heart to see her leave like this again. However, she knew in her heart that her younger sister was also someone with a husband, and it was indeed unsuitable to stay away for long when traveling out, so it was proper for her to return earlier. Thus, she no longer persistently forced her to stay, but instead held her hand. At this moment, the sound of footsteps arose outside the door.

Bi Zhi had arrived.

Compared to before, the current Bi Zhi seemed as if he had shed his old mortal clay and exchanged his bones. His gaze was deep, his steps steady, and his every action and gesture did not show the slightest hint of ostentation, yet faintly carried the air of a great master.

Xiao Qiao then smiled and greeted him.

Bi Zhi showed a smile, calling her the Lady.

He had always used this form of address to call Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao had previously told him there was no need, but he would not change it. Xiao Qiao had no choice but to let the matter drop.

Seeing her husband arrive, Da Qiao went up and said, "Just now I wanted to keep my younger sister to stay for a few more days, but I could not keep her." Her expression carried regret and reluctance.

Bi Zhi held his wife's arm, lowered his head to comfort her in a low voice for a few words, then cast a glance at Xiao Qiao. A trace of hesitation seemed to appear in his expression, as if he wanted to speak yet stopped himself.

Catching it, Xiao Qiao then said, "Is brother-in-law perhaps facing some matter?"

Da Qiao also looked at her husband.

After a slight hesitation, Bi Zhi said slowly, "I came because I want to arrange for the Lady to leave this place as quickly as possible."

Da Qiao was startled. Grasping her husband's arm, she raised her face and asked, "What has happened?"

Bi Zhi comforted her once more, supporting her to sit down before saying, "It is no great matter either, you two need not panic. It is just that just now I obtained a piece of news. The scouts reported that Xue Tai failed to attack Xiao County and has retreated in defeat, yet he has gathered his troops and seems to be heading right toward this direction. I suspect he wants to take the opportunity to come attack me as well. I already have a response prepared. It is merely that considering the Lady's honorable status, if a battle breaks out at this moment, if there should be any mishap, I would have no way to account for it to the Marquis of Yan. Therefore, after thinking it over back and forth, it is still more secure to send the Lady away before Xue Tai arrives."

Over this past year, Da Qiao had also gradually begun to grow accustomed to such fighting and killing, and she felt a heartfelt reliance upon her husband. She felt that as long as he was there, there would be nothing to fear. Hearing this, she looked at Xiao Qiao with reluctance in her eyes, yet did not voice any opposition. Because she knew in her heart that this was indeed the most secure way to handle things.

Xiao Qiao understood even more that Bi Zhi's consideration was entirely for her own safety. Agreeing in one breath, she said, "I shall listen to brother-in-law's arrangements. Originally, I also intended to set out and head north within these two days."

Bi Zhi looked at her and said, "Many thanks to the Lady for your understanding. Early tomorrow morning, I shall take a side path to personally escort you out of Lingbi."

Xiao Qiao expressed her thanks to him, then smiled slightly and said, "I happen to have a sentence that I did not have time to say earlier. Last time when Xue Tai attacked Yan Province, outside Juye City, brother-in-law saved my younger brother. I am immensely grateful. Originally, without brother-in-law's permission, I should not have spoken of your matters outside either. It was merely that I felt grateful in my heart and could not contain myself a few days ago, so I told my father. Father had also originally remembered the matter of that day all along, and later even harbored regrets because he could not find brother-in-law. Knowing of this matter, he was pleasantly surprised and entrusted me to deliver a line, saying that he firmly remembers your kindness, and your past ties with my Qiao family are also cleared from this point onward. In the future, brother-in-law is a free man. Father also said that if there is an opportunity, he hopes to be able to meet again in the future to express his thanks face-to-face."

Bi Zhi and Da Qiao looked at each other, both of their eyes showing expressions of joy.

Although the two of them had become husband and wife, it was after all a lifelong commitment they had established privately between themselves. Da Qiao moreover had a family she could not return to, which inevitably always carried a trace of regret. Now, although they had not obtained Qiao Yue's recognition, with Qiao Ping speaking in such a manner as a close elder, it carried the meaning of granting them recognition.

Bi Zhi said, "Many thanks to the Lady! I have nothing to offer in return. Bi Zhi still holds the same sentence he once promised to the Lady back then: if there is a use or service in the future, please simply give the command. The words of that day, I dare not forget!"