The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 106
Chapter 106
Although Chen Rui had already drawn his last breath, the force with which his teeth locked onto Xiao Qiao's foot was extraordinarily immense.
Lin the Imperial Guard and the others, who had just recovered from their shock nearby, rushed forward to pry open his jaw. For a long moment, they could not force it apart. Ultimately, it was Chun Niang who removed the shoe from Xiao Qiao's foot, allowing her to finally break free.
She had been wearing a pair of soft slippers meant for walking indoors. Having the tips of her toes bitten like that by Chen Rui just before he died brought both sharp pain and an incomparable fright. By the time she was carried back to her room, her body had gone entirely limp upon the bed.
Chun Niang examined her foot and saw a deep, red teeth mark left upon the snow-white skin just beneath two of her toes. Fortunately, the skin was not broken, but Chun Niang was still distressed beyond measure. A maidservant had already brought fresh water; after Chun Niang helped wash the foot, she gently applied a healing salve, slipped a pair of socks over it, and pulled up the quilt.
Outside, Lin the Imperial Guard and his men had already withdrawn. A portion remained behind to continue guarding the premises, while the rest left through the western city gate under the cover of night, gathering manpower to launch a search toward Dragon Mountain.
The room finally grew quiet.
Chun Niang stayed by Xiao Qiao's side for a long time, watching her close her eyes as if she had fallen asleep. Just as she was about to rise and extinguish the lamp, Xiao Qiao reached out and caught her hand. Though her eyes remained closed, her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she said in a soft voice, "Chun Niang, I want you to sleep here with me."
Chun Niang knew she had been terribly frightened tonight and had never intended to leave in the first place. Feeling a wave of pity, she touched Xiao Qiao's forehead and lay back down beside her.
The next morning, when Xiao Qiao woke up, she was running a mild fever. Chun Niang busied herself sending for a physician and preparing medicine.
Xiao Qiao waited all the way until evening, but the search of the mountain by Lin the Imperial Guard and his men yielded no results.
Dragon Mountain was simply too vast and its terrain treacherous. Without any specific direction, blindly searching for a person whose hiding place was completely unknown was an immense challenge. To find him while he was still alive required a massive stroke of luck.
Xiao Qiao grew extremely anxious.
Lin the Imperial Guard increased the manpower, deploying another detachment from the four city gates to join the mountain search.
Another night passed, yet still nothing was found.
Throughout this night, Xiao Qiao drifted in and out of sleep.
The shadow Chen Rui had cast over her still lingered, and her heart grew even heavier whenever she thought of the Qiang youth named Yuan.
Though it was a mere chance encounter, it felt like a twist of fate.
If they could not find him soon, even if he were not harmed by wild insects or beasts, the youth would likely perish from hunger and thirst.
When she arranged for Jia Si to rescue him, her primary consideration had indeed been the Beihe tribe standing behind the boy.
But having reached this point, she no longer thought of such calculations. She only hoped to find him while he was still breathing.
On the evening of the third day, the sky gradually darkened.
Just as Xiao Qiao began to feel a sense of despair, good news suddenly arrived.
Jia Si, who had rushed back during the latter half of the previous night, learned of the situation at the city gate. Without even taking the time to enter the city to beg the Lady's forgiveness for his prior failure, he immediately led his men straight to Dragon Mountain to join the search.
Just moments ago, near a conspicuous spot at the foot of the northern mountain, he had passed a vaulted tomb—a sight very common to the local area—before suddenly turning back. He ordered his men to clear away the wild weeds before the tomb and push aside the stones blocking its entrance. Sure enough, inside the burial chamber, squeezed into a corner, they found the unconscious youth, Yuan.
His mouth was gagged, and his hands and feet were tightly bound. Because he had been tied up for so long, deep, purplish-black bruises had been chafed into his wrists and ankles where the ropes cut deep.
Yuan was brought back immediately. After being fed some water, he regained consciousness.
Once the physician finished his diagnosis and treatment, Xia Gu helped wash him, changed his clothes, and gently massaged his stiff arms and legs. After consuming some liquid nourishment, he fell into a deep sleep out of sheer exhaustion.
Xiao Qiao's own body had not fully recovered, but her spirits rose tremendously. Upon hearing a report that Jia Si was waiting outside to beg for her punishment, she summoned him inside.
Jia Si was filled with shame. The moment he saw Xiao Qiao, he knelt to beg for his punishment. Xiao Qiao quickly stopped him, saying, "What crime has General Jia committed? Not only are you blameless, but you have also earned a great merit. Please, rise quickly."
Jia Si remained deeply ashamed. On that fateful night, despite outnumbering the enemy, he had allowed Chen Rui to escape with the Qiang youth. When he discovered their flight, his mind failed to grasp the trick immediately, and he continued chasing forward. It was only after pursuing them for over a hundred miles, around noon the following day, that he gradually sensed something was amiss and hurriedly turned back to Jinyang.
To neglect his duty to such an extent that the Lady was subjected to a terrifying ordeal—how could he not feel consumed by shame?
"Furthermore, this subordinate failed to round up the entire gang. Although the companions of Diao Mo were either killed or captured, Diao Mo himself managed to escape. This subordinate is utterly incompetent and has truly failed the Lady's high expectations!"
Jia Si remained kneeling, refusing to rise.
Xiao Qiao stepped to the side and smiled, saying, "General Jia, please get up quickly, do not overwhelm me! Even the most meticulous plans can have a loophole, let alone when there are unforeseen circumstances. How can you be blamed for this? On the contrary, I must thank you. Thanks to you, the Qiang youth was finally found in the nick of time. Had it been delayed by another night, he probably would not have survived. If we are speaking of merit, yours is still the greatest. But General Jia, whatever made you think someone would be hidden inside that tomb?"
Seeing him so intent on begging for punishment, Xiao Qiao deliberately steered the conversation away.
The Lady's expression was bright and pleasant, showing absolutely no intention of blaming him. Jia Si finally composed himself slightly and replied, "One should respect ghosts and gods but keep them at a distance. Moreover, that burial mound sat right near the entrance at the foot of the mountain, easily visible at a glance. For this reason, although Lin the Imperial Guard and his men had passed by it several times, they never imagined that scoundrel Chen Rui would be so utterly depraved as to stuff a person inside a tomb. I had not entertained the thought either. However, as I passed by, I noticed that the green moss growing on the piled stones at the tomb's entrance showed signs of fracturing, as though they had been recently disturbed. It did not look like an ancient, untouched grave. Furthermore, the wild weeds before the tomb bore traces of being deliberately piled up to conceal it. This aroused my suspicion, and thinking it best not to overlook anything, I opened it to investigate. It was a stroke of blind luck that I guessed correctly, nothing more. I dare not accept the Lady's praise."
Only then did Xiao Qiao understand. Filled with genuine admiration, she stepped forward to personally help Jia Si to his feet. Once he stood, she said, "General Jia, you must absolutely stop blaming yourself. I have another important matter to entrust to you."
Jia Si immediately responded, "Please command me, Lady! This subordinate will not shrink from a ten thousand deaths!"
Xiao Qiao said, "As soon as the youth is fit to travel, I ask that General Jia personally escort him and return him to Huangzhong as quickly as possible!"
...
A few days later, having regained his physical strength, Yuan set out for the territory of the Beihe Qiang in Huangzhong under the escort of Jia Si.
During those few days, Jia Si thoroughly mapped out the underwater passage in the rear garden's pond and sealed it completely tight. He also personally led his men to conduct an exhaustive inspection of every single location near the Lady's quarters in the rear courtyard where defensive vulnerabilities might still exist. Only after ensuring everything was completely secure did he finally rest.
After Yuan departed on his journey back to his homeland, the illness Xiao Qiao had contracted due to the extreme fright of that night gradually began to improve. However, she remained plagued by fear when sleeping at night. Even though the weather was growing steadily warmer, she never dared to open the windows again, keeping them bolted tight at all times. Chun Niang also continued to share her bed to keep her company.
Yet, in a letter she dispatched to Wei Shao, she did not mention a single word about Chen Rui breaking into the government office at night, nor did she say she had fallen ill. She only informed him that by a stroke of coincidence, she had rescued the youth Yuan, the grandson of the Beihe chieftain, and had now sent him on his way home. She added that if this could provide some assistance to Gongsun Yang's mission of pacification, she would count herself extremely fortunate.
...
After a long and arduous journey, Gongsun Yang had finally arrived several days prior at the territory of the Beihe Qiang tribe in Huangzhong.
Since ancient times, this region had been blessed with lush forests, abundant with birds and wild beasts. The Qiang people thrived and multiplied here, living off animal husbandry and nomadic hunting without any fixed dwellings. Later, as their population grew and interactions with the Han people became more frequent, they gradually transitioned to a settled, agricultural lifestyle.
The Beihe tribe along the Huang River had, under the leadership of their current Chieftain Yuan Wang over the course of several decades, settled into agriculture in this region. Their population had multiplied greatly, numbering nearly two hundred thousand, making them the second largest Qiang tribe after the Shaodang clan. Half of them were able-bodied youths; they farmed and herded in times of peace and became soldiers in times of war, every single one of them valiant and fierce.
Three days ago, upon learning that an envoy sent by Wei Shao had arrived, Chieftain Yuan Wang, who had been bedridden with illness for several months, personally dragged his sick body to welcome him inside and entertain him.
Gongsun Yang conveyed Wei Shao's policy of conciliation. He promised that they would absolutely never levy additional forced labor or taxes, nor would they forcibly conscript men into the army, and under no circumstances would they plunder the population. Emulating the ancient three-chapter legal covenant, they were willing to smear blood as an oath.
Although Yuan Wang personally received Gongsun Yang and maintained a highly respectful attitude, he remained reserved regarding the matter of pacification and did not give a definitive agreement immediately.
Gongsun Yang also understood well that after decades of estrangement, during which suppression and rebellion had continuously intertwined, a mass of ice three feet thick does not form overnight. How could suspicions be dispelled so easily? Therefore, he was in no hurry. After presenting Wei Shao's gifts to express his reverence for the elderly elder, he remained behind, continuing to persuade him with patience.
Following a long conversation by candlelight the previous night where they bared their hearts to one another, the old Chieftain Yuan Wang was finally moved by Gongsun Yang's sincerity. He stated that he wished to be allowed one more night to consider it and would provide his answer the following morning.
Today, Gongsun Yang rose early, waiting for his meeting with Yuan Wang.
Although Yuan Wang had not explicitly declared his stance the previous night, judging by his expressions and demeanor, Gongsun Yang felt that the probability of success was nine out of ten.
He felt very confident.
However, when the appointed hour arrived, Yuan Wang did not appear as scheduled.
Just as Gongsun Yang was about to head out, a member of his retinue entered in a great hurry and reported, "Military Advisor, this is bad! Word has just arrived that an envoy from the Shaodang Qiang arrived early this morning. No one knows what he said to Yuan Wang, but Yuan Wang actually fainted away. The situation looks grim; it seems they mean to do harm to the Military Advisor. It would be best for the Military Advisor to leave this place as quickly as possible!"
During the days Gongsun Yang had stayed here, besides persuading Yuan Wang, he had not been idle. He had secretly befriended someone close to the chieftain. This piece of news had been urgently delivered by that very person just moments ago.
The two deputy generals who had escorted Gongsun Yang here immediately grew alert, turning their gazes toward him.
Gongsun Yang pondered for a moment before saying, "A disaster that is meant to be cannot be avoided. Now that we have come this far, how can we abandon our efforts when success is within reach, fleeing simply out of fear of harm? I will go over and take a look; then we will know what has occurred!"
With that, he stepped out of the door and walked straight to Yuan Wang's command tent, requesting the attendants to announce him. A moment later, he was invited inside. The moment he entered, two large men stepped forward to meet him, drawing their blades and pointing them at him to bar his approach.
Gongsun Yang cast a glance across the room.
Yuan Wang was currently being supported as he sat upon the main seat, which was covered with a magnificent, plush wool rug. His sickly countenance was ash-white, and his eyes seemed to harbor traces of tears. Beside him stood a Qiang man with an unfamiliar face, glaring sideways at him. The remaining members of the Beihe tribe all glared back with eyes full of fury.
Gongsun Yang was secretly startled, yet his countenance remained as immovable as a mountain. He merely said, "I rose early today and have been waiting all this time for the Chieftain's favorable tidings, yet I have waited long without their arrival. Therefore, I have come to inquire."
He raised his hand, pushing aside the edge of a blade that was pointed directly at his face.
"Last night, I conversed with the Chieftain, baring our hearts to one another; the scene feels as though it were right before my eyes. Why is it that early this morning, we suddenly meet with drawn blades?" He looked toward Yuan Wang.
Yuan Wang's expression was grim, and he did not utter a single word. An elder of the tribe standing near him roared in fury, "You actually still have the face to put on such an act! From the very first day you arrived, I knew you harbored ill intentions! You Han people have always said one thing and done another, wiping honey on your lips while plunging a knife into someone's back! Men, there is no need to waste words with him. Just draw a blade and kill him!"
Instantly, blade-wielding men pressed forward. The two deputy generals behind Gongsun Yang flew into a rage, drawing their own weapons and standing before him as they declared, "Who dares to make a move? To harm a single hair on our Military Advisor's head is to make an enemy of our Lord! For those who dare to make an enemy of the Lord, Chen Xiang of Bingzhou serves as a recent example! Ask yourselves, are you stronger than Chen Xiang?"
The opposing side fell into a momentary silence.
Gongsun Yang looked at Yuan Wang, whose face had turned an even deeper shade of ash-white. Taking a step forward, he asked with concern, "Chieftain, what exactly has occurred, or what have you heard someone say to make you suddenly alter your mind? I have also stated before that it is not that my Lord fears war, but rather that he considers the stability of the borders and the welfare of the people. It is also to repair the past injustices inflicted upon your noble tribe by the former lords of Bingzhou that he dispatched me here to convey his intent of pacification. Everything stems entirely from sincerity. I face you with an open heart; I hope the Chieftain will also face me with equal openness. If there is something to be said, speak it without reservation!"
Yuan Wang slowly stood up and waved his hand, prompting the several blade-wielding men to sheathe their weapons.
"Master Gongsun, my grandson—he has clearly perished at the hands of you Han people! If this vengeance is not avenged, how can I face my poor, pitiful grandson? Do not blame me! It is simply that you Han people are all birds of a feather, repeatedly betraying trust and righteousness! My own death is a small matter, but I absolutely dare not entrust the future of my entire clan into the hands of the Han people again! I should never have harbored you as a guest in the first place! Forget it, I will not make things difficult for you either. Go! The goodwill of the Marquis of Yan is something my Beihe people dare not accept!"
Gongsun Yang was greatly shocked. After a moment of deliberation, he said, "I understand the Chieftain's current state of mind; you must be filled with incomparable grief. I ought to mourn alongside you. However, I am only afraid that out of your deep love for your grandson, the Chieftain might be utilized by those with ulterior motives. May I ask if the Chieftain could inform me who it was that harmed your grandson? Is the news absolutely certain? If there is any need for assistance, I am willing to exert my utmost efforts!"
Yuan Wang replied, "There is no need to say any more. The Han people cannot be trusted! My mind is made up! If you do not leave now, do not blame me for being discourteous!"
Seeing that success was right within their grasp, he had not expected to suddenly encounter such a dramatic reversal. Gongsun Yang knew in his heart that everything must have been caused by that unfamiliar Qiang man who had suddenly arrived. He was truly loath to depart just like this. While he was hovering in hesitation, he suddenly heard a flurry of rushed footsteps coming from outside the tent. Following that, a voice from afar came shouting in, "Chieftain! The young master has returned! The young master has returned!"
Gongsun Yang turned his head and saw from a distance a delicate youth dressed in Han clothing, surrounded by a crowd, walking rapidly toward them.
Walking beside the youth was a Han man. It was actually Jia Si!
Gongsun Yang was astonished beyond measure.
He immediately guessed that this youth must be the very grandson whom Yuan Wang had believed to be dead just a moment ago.
For him to rush back at such a precise moment was naturally a tremendous stroke of good fortune.
But how did Jia Si happen to be together with him?
Gongsun Yang's mind was filled with a maze of questions, leaving him utterly dumbfounded. Yuan Wang, however, trembled all over. His eyes went wide as a look of unbelievable, wild ecstasy washed over his face. He rushed out in a few strides, tightly embracing the youth who was running toward him, his old tears streaming down on the spot.
The nearby Beihe tribesmen all cheered and leaped for joy, their faces lighting up with bright smiles one after another. Some knelt upon the ground, bowing in worship to the gods.
Once their emotions settled slightly, the youth muttered a few words. Gongsun Yang saw Yuan Wang suddenly release him, swiftly turn back to face him, and actually bow deeply to the very ground, saying with the utmost reverence, "Master Gongsun, I offended you just now! The Lady of the Marquis of Yan has shown an immense life-saving grace toward my grandson. I am willing to accept the pacification of the Marquis of Yan and lead my entire clan of Beihe Qiang to swear allegiance! I am willing to smear blood as an oath! If this oath is violated, may both gods and men strike us down together!”