The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Su Ehuang offered a formal bow to Wei Shao.

Wei Shao's gaze swept briefly across her face as he asked, "Is your health any better today?"

"It is somewhat better," Su Ehuang replied.

Wei Shao nodded slightly. "When you requested a meeting yesterday, it happened that I was accompanying my wife on an excursion and returned quite late, making it inconvenient to fulfill the appointment. Thus, I simply invited you to the estate today. I wonder for what matter you requested this meeting?"

Su Ehuang gazed at him intently, yet she did not speak.

Wei Shao waited for a moment. "If you have a matter, you may speak it."

Only then did Su Ehuang say, "Before Erlang, I no longer wish to feign or manipulate. To hide nothing, my purpose in coming to Jinyang this time is indeed to discuss a matter."

Wei Shao raised his eyes to look at her.

Within Su Ehuang's gaze, a thread of helpless misery gradually revealed itself.

"Erlang, I do not wish to deceive you," she said. "My journey south to Luoyang this time was truly not of my own volition; I was left with absolutely no choice. You do not know, but when my late husband was still alive and I resided in Luoyang, during a flower festival that year, I unfortunately caught the eye of Xing Xun. Ever since, that old villain coveted my appearance, repeatedly using covert threats and promises of gain to coerce me. The moment my husband passed away, when I had barely observed a few days of the mourning period, the old villain dispatched men to take me to his residence. My life was a misery beyond words. To preserve my chastity, I could only feign compliance to buy time. Later, taking advantage of the old villain being fully occupied in his battles against Yuan Zhe and Liu Kai, I finally found an opportunity to flee Luoyang and return to the Kingdom of Zhongshan."

Wei Shao's brows knit together slightly.

"After the Luli Assembly concluded last year, I returned from Yuyang to Lunu. Originally, I thought I would simply pass the remainder of my wretched days there, never imagining that the old villain Xing Xun would still refuse to give up his vile designs on me. He secretly sent emissaries several times to summon me to Luoyang for a meeting. I completely ignored them, but to my dismay, just last month, the old villain sent another letter. This time, it was issued under the name of the Young Emperor, commanding me to depart with all haste. Though my family was filled with righteous indignation, they dared not defy an imperial decree. That old villain Xing Xun relies on his military fangs to monopolize the court administration, and the entire realm reviles him. How could I ever willingly allow myself to be defiled by him? Yet under an imperial command, what choice did I have? My heart was overwhelmed with bitter sorrow, entirely unwilling and resentful. When I reached the halfway mark of my journey south at the beginning of the month, my old ailment flared up again. My body and mind were both racked with pain, and I despaired that in a world so vast, there was actually no place left for me to exist..."

"Indeed, this is the very imperial decree issued by the old villain last month, summoning me to enter Luoyang."

Su Ehuang presented a piece of yellow silk stamped with the imperial seal.

Wei Shao cast a brief glance over it, his face clouding with irritation. "That old villain Xing Xun! How dares he force you to such lengths!"

Su Ehuang gazed fixedly at Wei Shao. "I curse my wretched fate for being coveted to this extent by an evil man. Since Xing Xun is crushing me with an imperial command, matters having come to this pass, I accept my fate. When passing near Jinyang, I happened to hear that Erlang had actually stationed his forces here as well. Remembering a period of time from our youth, my heart was filled with profound emotion. After lingering in hesitation for a long time, I ultimately diverted my path to come here..."

Wei Shao rose from behind his desk, walked over to stand before the southern window for a brief period, then turned around and said, "I am aware. You may simply return to the Kingdom of Zhongshan. There is no need to pay any heed to Xing Xun's forged imperial decree; I am here."

An expression of deep gratitude surfaced on Su Ehuang's face. She also rose, offering a profound bow to Wei Shao. When she lifted her face, tears already brimmed on her eyelashes. Shaking her head, she said, "The Marquis still remembers the ties of the past and is still willing to extend his protection to me; my gratitude is beyond words. It is only that I know Erlang has already established a family now. If you were to clash with Xing Xun on my account, it would create all manner of inconveniences. Furthermore, back then, it was I who first failed Erlang, so what face do I have left to beg for such protection? This was also not my purpose in coming to Jinyang."

She paused for a brief moment. Seeing Wei Shao's gaze turn toward her, she continued, "Erlang must also be aware that at my birth, I brought with me an auspicious omen, and a divine physiognomist with an absolute word prophesied that I possessed a destiny of noble status. My family believed it implicitly, and I too was burdened by this prophecy. When I was young and inexperienced, I believed it without a single shred of doubt, allowing my heart to be blinded as I cast aside love to pursue power, marrying Liu Li instead. After wandering through these twists and turns for more than ten years, only upon falling to my current plight have I finally awakened from my dream—everything was merely self-deception! Born as a woman, my fate is not mine to command. Since Xing Xun is determined to summon me to Luoyang, I shall simply go!"

A look of absolute resolve emerged in her expression.

"The old villain Xing Xun falsely wields the imperial regalia to flaunt his authority. Though he is a mere buffoon jumping on a stage, he can command the various lords of the realm to obey his orders. He was already wary of you to begin with, and now that you have achieved a grand victory in your western expedition, how could Xing Xun ever allow you to expand your power further? He will surely use a thousand strategies and a hundred plots to thwart you. Xing Xun is bound to become your great enemy in the future. In the past, I failed you. Since I am forced into a corner this time and must enter Luoyang to serve a villain with my body, I am willing to act as Erlang's eyes and ears to transmit intelligence. Should an opportunity arise, I can even eliminate Xing Xun myself, which can count as an account rendered for my past betrayal of you! In the future, I only hope Erlang can look after my family slightly; even if I die, I shall have no regrets!" Two streams of tears burst from her eyes, coursing unrestrainedly down her cheeks.

Within the parlor, a sudden hush fell, leaving the space entirely devoid of sound.

Wei Shao remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Madam Su, the past events of the old days, just as you said, were a matter of being young and inexperienced. I have long since put them down, and there is even less reason for you to keep them in your heart. Between Xing Xun and myself, a battle is inevitable sooner or later. This is a matter of a man's domain, and I have my own resolutions; there is no need for you to compromise yourself to serve a villain. Set your mind at ease and return to Lunu. With me here, I will surely protect your safety completely."

Su Ehuang gazed at Wei Shao, her face filled with deep emotion as she choked out, "Then I shall shamelessly accept the Marquis's grace! If I cannot repay it in this lifetime, I will surely return as a horse or an ox to serve you in the next!"

Having said this, she actually fell to her knees to kowtow in gratitude, her tears falling in scattering drops.

Wei Shao hurriedly said, "Madam, there is no need for this! Please rise quickly!"

Su Ehuang's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she slowly rose and said, "Erlang, I know you are often away with the military ranks throughout the year, gathering so little and separating so much from your young sister-in-law. Now that you have finally reunited with great difficulty, I dare not impose any further. I shall take my leave first. Tomorrow, I will resume my journey back to Zhongshan."

Wei Shao nodded. "Safe travels, Madam." Having spoken, he summoned a servant to escort the guest out.

Su Ehuang wiped away the tear tracks from her face, cast a final backward glance at Wei Shao, and stepped out of the parlor.

Wei Shao watched her figure gradually recede into the distance, exhaling a long breath from his chest. Just as he was about to go find Xiao Qiao, a servant rushed up in a great hurry, reporting, "Lord! Just as the Lady of the Marquis of Fengyi was about to board her carriage outside the gates, she suddenly suffered a spell of dizziness, causing her to lose her footing and fall from the carriage. She is currently unconscious."

...

Su Ehuang's fall was truly no light matter. Not only did she faint on the spot, but her forehead was also cut open, leaving a thin trail of blood.

By the time Xiao Qiao received the news, Wei Shao had already ordered men to settle Su Ehuang down and had swiftly summoned a physician. The physician could diagnose nothing specific at the moment. Upon hearing from Su Ehuang's attending maidservant that she had always suffered from a head ailment, the physician stated it must be a recurrence of the head condition, compounded by the fall from a height, which caused her to remain unconscious. He bandaged the wound on her forehead and prescribed a medicinal concoction to disperse bruising and invigorate blood circulation.

It was not until nightfall that Su Ehuang gradually regained consciousness. Because she was thoroughly drained of strength and her forehead was injured, she naturally could not depart, staying the night within the estate.

This stay lasted for a full three days. On this day, the small cut on her forehead had formed a thin scar, and she was able to walk on her own. Supported by her maidservant, she sought out Xiao Qiao to express her gratitude, saying that it was improper to impose any longer and that she would return to the courier station to nurse her illness.

"Previously, I feared my younger sister might misunderstand, which is why I never mentioned to you that I was being coerced by Xing Xun and had no choice but to journey south. I never intended for Zhonglin to develop an enmity with Xing Xun on my account. When Zhonglin insisted on protecting my safety back then, I truly urged him against it with all my might, but unfortunately, Zhonglin's mind could not be swayed. He has possessed precisely this sort of stubborn temperament since childhood. Left with no choice, I temporarily accepted Zhonglin's arrangements and agreed to it at the time. Taking advantage of Zhonglin's absence at this moment, I wish to beg a favor of my younger sister—please urge Zhonglin well on my behalf, and tell him he must absolutely never provoke an enmity with Xing Xun because of me. If a conflict were to arise on my account, how could my heart ever know peace!"

Supported by her maidservant, Su Ehuang's face was white as snow, yet her gaze was extraordinarily bright.

As though speaking with immense effort, she uttered those words one by one.

Xiao Qiao commanded someone to escort her out the door.

The moment Su Ehuang departed, Chun Niang was so furious that her hands shook. Gnashing her teeth, she said, "Did the Lady see that? The words she spoke before leaving were clearly intended to provoke the Lady!"

Xiao Qiao acted as though she had heard nothing, only asking, "Is there still no reply from the Old Madame's side?"

More than half a month ago, when Su Ehuang had just arrived in Jinyang to stay at the courier station and Wei Shao had not yet returned, Xiao Qiao had dispatched a letter to Grand Madame Xu. She had handed it to Jia Cai, charging him to absolutely send a reliable person to deliver it to Grand Madame Xu via expedited courier.

Counting the travel time now, a reply should be arriving soon.

Chun Niang blanked for a second. "This servant shall go look for General Jia to inquire for news again."

...

Three days later, Chun Niang rushed to find Xiao Qiao in a great hurry, handing her a reply that she had been awaiting for some time.

Xiao Qiao dismissed Chun Niang and the maidservants, slowly opening the letter cylinder herself to pour out the silk manuscript sealed inside.

She unfurled the silk manuscript. After finishing her reading, she fell into abstraction for a moment, slowly exhaling a long breath.

...

Wei Shao had managed to steal a few days of leisure at the beginning, but over the past two days, as Gongsun Yang and the others successively returned to Jinyang, he became busy once more. Early this morning, he had gone to the military camp stationed outside the city, only returning now that the sky was dark.

Xiao Qiao assisted Wei Shao in removing his outer robes. Wei Shao reached out to embrace her, but she slipped away from his grasp, saying in a casual tone, "I haven't dispatched anyone to inquire at the courier station over these past few days, so I don't know how Madam Su's illness is progressing. Has Husband gone to visit?"

Wei Shao gave a dry cough and said, "You also know that I have been overwhelmingly busy these past few days, so where would I find the time? Once the urgent matters here are settled, I will take you back to Yuyang. Grandmother hasn't seen us in half a year either; taking this opportunity, it is time to make a trip back. As for Madam Su, once she recovers, I will naturally dispatch men to send her away."

Xiao Qiao cast a glance at him, offering a smile. "The water is prepared; Husband may go bathe." Having spoken, she turned away.

Looking at her retreating figure, Wei Shao swiftly pursued her, catching her from behind in a tight embrace, his manner exceedingly intimate. "I haven't seen you all day. Wash together with me."

Xiao Qiao replied listlessly, "I have already bathed. I feel somewhat fatigued from the day, so I shall go lie down first."

Wei Shao carried her onto the bed and kissed her, but seeing that she showed little response, he felt a bit deflated. Stopping his movements, he said, "I already told you previously—she was coveted by Xing Xun and went toward Luoyang under coercion, which was a matter of utter helplessness, so I called her to turn back. She herself had actively stated at the time that she would return to the Kingdom of Zhongshan the following day. Who could have foreseen such an accident? Just let her rest and recuperate for a few more days; once she is well, I will simply send her on her way. Why is it that you always refuse to let this matter rest?"

With her eyes closed, Xiao Qiao said, "I only said I was fatigued; I didn't say anything else. Husband shares an old acquaintance with her, so Husband may make the arrangements himself. I trust Husband."

Wei Shao stared at her. "Are you vexed?"

Xiao Qiao kept her eyes shut. "No."

"You are vexed."

"I am not!"

"You are clearly vexed!"

Xiao Qiao slowly opened her eyes, meeting the gaze of Wei Shao, who was hovering above her and looking down. "Since Husband is entirely certain that I must be vexed, if I were not vexed, it would instead be my fault."

Wei Shao's brow had originally been furrowed, but after scrutinizing her for a moment, it gradually smoothed out. He suddenly said, "Manman, that Madam Su wishes to rely on me now is something I am not entirely oblivious to. On Grandmother's birthday last year, she once entrusted someone to deliver a letter to me, but I did not accept it at the time. Back then, I had only recently married you, and our relationship was cold and detached, yet I still had no intention of becoming further entangled with her. How much less would I do so now?"

Xiao Qiao was caught by surprise.

"Whether what she told me is true or false carries no weight, and I have no desire to delve deeply into it. I know she has lost her husband now, and her repeated attempts to approach me in this manner must also be out of a desire to find a reliance. Had I not married you, out of consideration for the ties of our youth, perhaps I might have taken her in. But now, I have married you. Since I have you, and I also know you love nothing more than to flip over jars of vinegar in jealousy, how could I ever mess around with her and add to my own vexations? My handling of the matter today is entirely out of consideration for the ties of our companionship during our youth, and harbors no other meaning. Just endure it a bit longer; once she nurses her illness for a few more days and can resume her journey, I will immediately dispatch men to send her back to the Kingdom of Zhongshan."

Xiao Qiao's eyes locked with his, their gazes meeting.

She pouted her lips slightly, saying in a soft voice, "I am not a person who flips over jars of vinegar in jealousy!"

"Good, good, it is this husband who has wronged you; Manman is the most generous." Wei Shao laughed, hooking the tip of her nose. "Are you still fatigued?"

Xiao Qiao bit her lip. "Still fatigued."

Wei Shao leaned toward her. "Then allow this husband to dispel your fatigue for you."

Xiao Qiao evaded him and said, "Husband, there is a matter I have not mentioned to you previously. Because I received a letter from Grandmother today, in which she spoke of some matters regarding how she was nearly harmed last year, I happened to recall it. It is only that I do not know whether I ought to speak of it."

Wei Shao's face was buried beneath her neck, pressing kisses upon a patch of icy, jade-like skin freshly emerged from the bath. He stopped immediately, raising his head. "What matter?"

"Before Grandmother met with disaster last year, someone once witnessed Su Xin together with that Lady of the Marquis of the Li surname."

Xiao Qiao looked at Wei Shao as she spoke.