The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 101

Chapter 101

In the border region where Xihe Commandery met Shang Commandery, the Huangshui River, and Liang Province, various forces—including Feng Zhao, the Inspector of Liang Province, the Shaodang Qiang, and the Beihe Qiang—interlocked like dog's teeth. To the north, they could connect with the Xiongnu. The political landscape was intricate and volatile, prone to frequent, chaotic skirmishes.

From the moment he seized Bing Province last year, the very first thing Wei Shao did was deploy his troops in the wilds of Xihe. He constructed stockades and watchtowers, linking a defensive line stretching twenty li, and left Zhang Jian, Li Chong, and Wei Liang to garrison the area. This alone demonstrated the immense magnitude of his resolve to pacify this region.

Originally, the situation had been brought under control. From the middle to the end of last year, all parties in this area had coexisted in relative peace. Unexpectedly, at the beginning of this year, the Shaodang Qiang were the first to stir up trouble, launching a cavalry raid on Shang Commandery. Because the defenses had remained vigilant, the raiders were swiftly repelled without causing significant losses. However, suspecting that Feng Zhao of Liang Province was pulling the strings from the shadows, Wei Shao had personally rushed over from You Province to take command and stabilize the situation.

A few days ago, having concluded his defensive deployments in Xihe, he intended to return to Jinyang first. Before departing, out of lingering concern, he took only a small detachment of personal guards to survey the terrain along the Great Wall at the pacified border. Unexpectedly, they encountered several hundred of Feng Zhao’s horsemen. In an instant, arrows converged and rained down upon them in torrents.

Fearing that Gongsun Yang, who was traveling with him, might come to harm, Wei Shao prioritized protecting his retreat. In the process, he was carelessly wounded in the arm by a poisoned crossbow bolt. Upon his return, he took to his bed.

With that single confinement, seven or eight days slipped by.

As night fell, the wilderness on both banks of the Xihe River was pitched in darkness, and a solemn, murderous silence gripped the military camp. The only sound was the monotonous thud of patrolling soldiers' footsteps stepping across the wooden planks of the ramparts.

Inside Wei Shao's military tent, the candlelight burned bright.

The generals who had come to visit—Zhang Jian, Li Chong, and Wei Liang—had already departed. Wei Shao's complexion was slightly paler than usual, but his spirits were excellent. He was not lying down either; at this moment, he sat upright behind his desk, still conversing with Gongsun Yang by the light of the candles.

Spread out on the desk before him was a finely drawn map on sheepskin, measuring three feet square.

Wei Shao's gaze fell upon the map. As Gongsun Yang spoke with fluent eloquence, a promising map of tomorrow’s landscape for this region materialized before his eyes once more.

By eliminating Feng Zhao, who had long served as the claw and fang of Xin Xun, and pacifying Hexi, they could open a path to Yumen in the west, forging a thoroughfare for trade and intercourse with the Western Regions.

Most importantly, to the north, they could sever the communication and logistics between the Qiang Rong and the Xiongnu.

From a military standpoint, this was the true crux of the matter.

Only by eliminating the hidden perils at his rear could he advance his troops southward without any lingering anxieties.

"...Why are the troops of Liang Province so fierce and valiant? Among them, twenty thousand are Qiang Hu soldiers who were enticed into conscription."

Gongsun Yang spoke with fluid eloquence.

"Thirty years ago, when Lord Li served as the Colonel of Qiang Protection, the people of numerous Qiang tribes, such as the Shaodang, admired Lord Li’s prestige and integrity. Those who persuaded one another to surrender numbered as many as hundreds of thousands. Longxi also enjoyed several decades of peace and security. What a pity that Lord Li was later slandered by treacherous sycophants and died wrongfully in the imperial prison. As history states, 'The Qiang value clean officials. Previously, the eight commandants loved wealth and goods, becoming a source of suffering to them. But when Huan rectified his character and maintained purity, his prestige and transformation spread vastly.' From this, it is evident that the Qiang Hu originally admired loyalty and valor, and respected incorruptible officials. However, after migrating inward, their customs differed and their languages were mutually unintelligible, leaving them completely at odds with the Han people. Naturally, they grew mutually defensive. The Colonels of Qiang Protection sent by the imperial court after Lord Li possessed the title of protecting the Qiang in name only. Not only was there no one capable of fulfilling the responsibility of holding the tally to lead and protect them, but they instead instigated discord, alienated the tribes, and were insatiably greedy and cruel. This is what led to severe conflicts, frequent rebellions, and eventually their uniting to raid and plunder the commanderies and counties."

Wei Shao listened with rapt attention the entire time.

"My Lord's most urgent task is to pacify the border. If the Qiang can be placated, placation should be the highest priority; winning their hearts is the true root of the solution. As long as the Qiang surrender their hearts, Feng Zhao is not worth fearing. Without Feng Zhao, and with no Liang Province troops available for him to borrow, Xin Xun will be like a beast stripped of its claws and fangs on one side. What is there to fear from him?"

Gongsun Yang added, "Among the Qiang Hu today, the Shaodang and Beihe clans are the greatest. The Shaodang have strong soldiers, but the chieftain of the Beihe is highly respected and of noble character; none of the Qiang in the Huangshui region do not know and revere his name. The ones who attacked Shang Commandery last month were the Shaodang; the Beihe did not participate. My Lord can begin with the Beihe. If my Lord trusts me, I am willing to choose an opportunity to go to the Beihe on your behalf to convey your intentions of conciliation. As long as the Beihe is the first to submit, the other Qiang tribes—such as the Ruo, Shenlang, and Zhong—will surely follow suit in droves. As for the remaining Shaodang, even if they do not surrender, how can they withstand the sharp edge of my Lord's military vanguard?"

Wei Shao immediately shook his head. "Mister's strategy is excellent. However, there is no need for Mister to personally go into danger. I can simply dispatch another envoy."

Gongsun Yang said, "For the sake of Yang's worthless life, my Lord went so far as to risk your own person. Fortunately, my Lord is blessed by heaven, otherwise Gongsun Yang would not be able to redeem his guilt even by dying ten thousand deaths! It is merely a trip to Huangshui on my Lord’s behalf to expend a few words; what danger is there to speak of? If anyone else goes, I will not rest easy. My Lord’s grand strategy is paramount; I beg you to grant your permission."

While Wei Shao was hesitating, Gongsun Yang smiled again and said, "If we subdue the Qiang Hu in the future, my Lord can appoint a trustworthy person to serve as the Colonel of Qiang Protection, holding the tally to execute the duties of leadership and protection, settling grievances, and inquiring after their hardships. If so, why worry that the western border will not be pacified? Once the western border is settled, we can plot for greater matters. Furthermore, in the future, when we extend the nation's domain, my Lord's prestige will reach as far as the Western Regions, which is by no means beyond expectation!"

Within Wei Shao's eyes, a faint, sharp light gleamed as he smiled and said, "In that case, I must trouble the Military Advisor!"

Gongsun Yang said, "This was originally the responsibility I was meant to assist with; why speak of trouble!"

Wei Shao's emotions surged somewhat. Pressing both hands against the desk, he rose abruptly and said, "If this conciliation succeeds, I shall credit the Military Advisor with a monumental achievement!"

Before his voice could even fade, he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. His body swayed slightly. Though the movement was miniscule and he quickly steadied himself, continuing to converse and laugh freely, it had already caught Gongsun Yang's eye. Hurrying forward to support him, Gongsun Yang said, "It is getting late. My Lord’s sick body has not yet fully recovered; it is best to rest early. I shall take my leave now."

Wei Shao brushed away the hand extended to support him and laughed, "I am no woman who will collapse at a breath of wind. I have merely suffered a slight flesh wound. Besides, I have been nursing it for many days; why must Mister be like this! I recovered long ago, but you all always love to make a fuss out of nothing, forbidding me from doing this and forbidding me from doing that..."

He suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Since there are no pressing matters here for the time being, I shall set out to return to Jinyang tomorrow! If there is an emergency, a swift horse can deliver a message like a shooting star."

Seeing that Gongsun Yang looked as though he was about to speak again, Wei Shao waved his hand to interrupt him, "The Military Advisor need not advise me further. I know my own body best. Moreover, the road from here to Jinyang is convenient. I shall set out first thing tomorrow morning."

...

The day the Lord Marquis returned from being struck by the poisoned arrow, he initially lay in bed for three days. From the moment he could walk on the ground, he had been brooding over returning to Jinyang.

Gongsun Yang had naturally exerted his life's utmost effort to stop him.

He was also slightly versed in the medical arts. Knowing that with the Lord Marquis’s current physical condition, the greatest taboo was traveling long distances, he earnestly advised him that quiet recuperation was best.

With great difficulty, he had managed to placate him. Seeing him mention returning to Jinyang again at this moment, looking as if he could no longer suppress his impatience, Gongsun Yang could not help but sigh secretly in his heart and say, "There is something I have done. I hope my Lord will not blame me when I speak of it."

Wei Shao looked toward him, "What matter is there to blame?"

Gongsun Yang said, "When my Lord is wounded and recuperating, there ought to be a attentive person by your side to care for you; only in this way can you recover as quickly as possible. There is no suitable person to provide care in the military barracks. Knowing that the Lady should have arrived in Jinyang by now, I took it upon myself to dispatch someone to Jinyang a few days ago with a letter, informing the Lady of the Lord Marquis’s recent situation and requesting her to come and tend to your illness. If the Lady set out after receiving the letter, I estimate that within a day or two, she should be arriving. The Lord Marquis had better not return; wait patiently. Lest the Lady arrives only for you and her to miss each other on the road."

Wei Shao was stunned. After hesitating for a long while, he said, "This... this... I'm afraid this is somewhat inappropriate... Among the military regulations, there are seventeen articles and fifty-four capital offenses, one of which states that women must not be harbored in the camp... Though I am the commander, it is unseemly for me to break this rule from my end..."

Gongsun Yang said with a solemn countenance, "Why does the Lord Marquis speak this way? How can the Lady be compared to ordinary women? Furthermore, the Lord Marquis is not bringing the Lady into the camp without reason; you are poisoned and wounded, precisely requiring the Lady’s attentive care to recover early. How can this be considered breaking the rules? General Zhang, General Li, and General Wei also hope the Lady can come sooner to care for the Lord Marquis’s wound."

Within Wei Shao's heart, joy had already begun to leap uncontrollably, yet his face adopted an even graver expression. After looking troubled for a moment, he finally conceded with a reluctant air, "Though I still feel it is inappropriate, since the Military Advisor concealed it from me and sent the letter out anyway, I am also..."

He suddenly remembered something, "There won't be any danger on the road, will there?"

Gongsun Yang hurriedly said, "Rest assured, my Lord! In addition to sending the letter to the Lady, I also sent another message to Commander Jia. With Commander Jia escorting her, the journey will certainly be without peril!"

Wei Shao finally set his mind completely at ease. Nodding with an air of absolute gravity, he said, "I understand. Mister has worked hard during the day; return to your tent to rest early as well."

...

After Gongsun Yang left, how could Wei Shao be in the mood to sleep? Lying on that campaign cot in the barracks, he tossed and turned, growing more clear-headed the more he tried to sleep. Finally, he simply got up and sat behind his desk to read a book on military strategy.

His eyes were fixed on the characters on the bamboo slips, but a strand of his heroic soul unconsciously drifted away.

He knew she had already arrived in Jinyang long ago.

Initially, before he was wounded, the reason he had delayed his return was not only because he was entangled in affairs here, but also because he felt a bit lacking in confidence.

After all, back then, she had been utterly unwilling to come. It was because he could not rest easy leaving her home alone that he had forcibly brought her over.

Now it was perfect. Though he had accidentally suffered a bit of a wound, lay in bed for a few days, and was still dizzy and lightheaded, there was still an unexpected harvest—she was coming of her own accord.

For the first time, Wei Shao felt that Gongsun Yang was truly an indispensable and trusted right-hand man. Taking an arrow to save him that day was truly worth it.

Wei Shao then began to ponder how he should behave in front of her when she arrived.

Should he tell her that he was already largely fine so she wouldn't worry about him further, or should he put on an act to win her pity?

This decision was truly difficult to make. It was even more difficult than maneuvering troops and deploying formations in battle.

Wei Shao pondered for a long time, and before he could resolve this dilemma, another thought suddenly popped into his mind.

In truth, could it be that she still held a grudge against him in her heart, so even though she clearly knew he was injured, she hardened her heart and simply did not care whether he lived or died?

Following that, Wei Shao became unsettled by this newly emerged thought in his mind.

If she truly possessed such a hardened heart that she didn't care about his life or death even knowing he was poisoned and wounded, then...

Then she shouldn't expect him to be courteous to the Qiao family either! Whenever the whim struck him and he wanted to draw blood, she had better not come crying and sobbing to beg him!

Wei Shao worked himself into a fierce mood. Thinking back to the beginning of the year, just because he had drunk too much wine that night and said a single sentence telling her to sever ties with the Qiao family, she had stopped giving him a pleasant countenance, let alone voluntarily sleeping with him.

He increasingly felt that Gongsun Yang's letter had likely been written in vain.

The initial excitement, pleasant surprise, and anticipation in Wei Shao's heart slowly receded like the tide passing its peak. Finally, he felt somewhat irritated, and could no longer read the military book.

He truly felt a bit exhausted.

Encountering this woman, his body was tired, and his heart was even more weary.

Outside his tent, a sudden flurry of slightly disorganized footsteps approached from afar, seemingly interspersed with a few deliberately lowered voices.

...

Early the morning after Xiao Qiao received the letter, she told Jia Si to escort her to Xihe Commandery. Regardless of the bumps and hardships, she hurried all the way, and was finally delivered here through the night.

Just moments ago, the carriage stopped outside the camp gates. Clad in a cloak, she stepped down from the carriage cabin.

The centurion responsible for guarding the gates had received prior instructions from Gongsun Yang, knowing the Lady might arrive within these two days. He immediately granted passage and personally led her inside, walking swiftly toward the main command tent.

Anxious with concern, Xiao Qiao followed the centurion hurriedly into the military camp, passing one tent after another, until they finally arrived before that large tent and came to a halt.

"Reporting to the Lord Marquis! The Lady has arrived!"

The centurion announced.

There was no sound from within for a moment.

Anxious in her heart, Xiao Qiao lifted the tent flap and went straight inside.

The candles inside the tent were still lit.

As soon as she raised her eyes, she saw Wei Shao lying on a campaign cot, completely motionless, as if he had fallen asleep. She hurriedly walked over. Drawing near, she slowed her pace, and finally sat down beside him with light, careful steps. Holding her breath, she scrutinized him. Seeing him lying properly on the pillow with his eyes closed, his face somewhat pale and looking a far cry from his usual irritating manner, a pang of heartache instantly struck her, and she could not resist gently taking one of his hands.