The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Yan Province

In just over a month, their long-time archenemy Zhou Qun had arrived first, followed by a coalition of forces under his command.

Yan Province had actually suffered the oppressive onslaught of massive enemy armies twice.

Qiao Ping led Qiao Ci and a host of family generals, drawing up battle formations to resist with all their might.

The first time, Zhou Qun was repelled and fled in defeat.

Just as the soldiers and civilians of Yan Province breathed a sigh of relief, they never expected that Zhou Qun would reorganize his troops and launch another invasion.

This time, backed by coalition forces, his momentum was even grander than before. He charged straight at Juye, the gateway to Yan Province, displaying an unyielding stance that suggested he would not stop until Yan Province was utterly destroyed.

At that time, Qiao Yue was deeply terrified, believing that Yan Province could absolutely not rely on luck to repel the invaders like the last time.

Consulting with his strategist Zhang Pu and others, he proposed that they should go with the flow, submit a letter of surrender, and bow their heads as vassals to Xing Xun in exchange for peace.

Last year, Xing Xun had declared himself emperor, establishing the dynastic name Jiang. His imperial edicts had reached all the nine provinces under heaven, ordering the feudal lords and regional governors of every region to pay tribute and courtly obeisance.

At the time, those who responded were few and far between.

Among the feudal lords and governors under heaven, some were terrified by his tyrannical might, some were assessing the situation, and others had their own separate calculations.

Thus, no one raised a banner or spoke out in opposition. However, no one was willing to openly comply with the edict either, fearing they would bear the infamy of being a rebel and a traitor.

Yan Province was no exception.

Yet, the state of affairs had developed rapidly, reaching such a critical juncture.

Qiao Yue finally could not withstand the pressure and made this decision.

Naturally, it met with fierce opposition from Qiao Ping.

Within Yan Province, Qiao Ping’s prestige was now greater than ever, and most of the family generals followed his orders.

Qiao Yue could not win the argument, and moreover, he was informed by Qiao Ping that he was acquainted with that green-eyed general from Lingbi, who was willing to lead his troops to assist in the war.

Qiao Yue remained half-believing and half-doubting, and could only reluctantly drop the matter.

After several chaotic battles, finally just yesterday, not only was Zhou Qun's army thoroughly routed, but Zhou Qun himself also lost his life amidst the melee. It was expected that in the short term, Xing Xun would be incapable of launching another attack on Yan Province.

The soldiers and civilians of Yan Province all held their heads high in exultation.

If one were to speak of merit, the foremost belonged to the green-eyed general.

Amidst thousands of troops and tens of thousands of horses, he moved as if passing through an unpopulated realm.

The reason Yan Province's long-time archenemy, Zhou Qun, met his demise at Juye was also because he was intercepted by the green-eyed general's deployed forces during his retreat, and was ultimately slain.

If not for his swift reinforcement, it would have been utterly impossible to achieve such a glorious victory.

The soldiers and civilians of Yan Province all sang the praises of the green-eyed general's battlefield fame, eagerly anticipating his triumphant return to catch a glimpse of his elegant demeanor.

...

On the day Qiao Ping and his son returned from Juye, they rode into the city on horseback, receiving a roaring welcome from the citizens lining the streets.

However, they did not see the rumored green-eyed general accompanying them, leaving the populace somewhat disappointed.

Qiao Yue led his men to welcome Qiao Ping's triumphant return in front of the residence.

A smile graced his face.

Yet, the look of joy carried a hint of reluctance.

Upon receiving Qiao Ping into the residence, Qiao Yue asked, "Why did that green-eyed general not enter the city with you today? I have heard of this person before. Although he rose as a leader of refugees and his background is rather humble, as the saying goes, heroes do not care about their origins. Since our Yan Province received his aid this time, I should personally express my gratitude to him."

Qiao Ping invited Qiao Yue into the study, dismissed the attendants, and said, "I was just about to discuss this matter with Elder Brother. To tell you the truth, the green-eyed general is no outsider. Elder Brother knows him as well."

Qiao Yue was puzzled. "Who is it?"

"It is none other than Bi Zhi."

Qiao Yue did not react at first, a look of doubt crossing his face. "Who is Bi Zhi?"

He paused for a moment. Suddenly, as if remembering, his eyes went wide with a look of utter disbelief. "Are you saying it is Bi Zhi, the household horse groom who enticed my daughter away back then?"

Qiao Ping nodded. "Precisely."

Qiao Yue froze.

"Bi Zhi is currently just outside the city gates. He desires an audience with Elder Brother to bear thorns on his back and plead for punishment."

Seeing that Qiao Yue remained silent, Qiao Ping advised, "Elder Brother, you said it yourself just now—heroes do not care about their origins. Granted, Bi Zhi should not have secretly taken my niece away from home back then, and their marriage without parental permission violates human relations and ritual laws. However, he and my niece are deeply in love, and it was a helpless act at the time. Moreover, today, my niece has not only given birth to a son, adding a splendid grandson to your line, but he himself is far from what he used to be. He commands a powerful force and has assisted our Yan Province in times of peril several times. I hope Elder Brother can discard past grievances and accept him. If so, it will be the fortune of our Qiao family, and the fortune of Yan Province!"

"He has assisted Yan Province several times?"

"In the past when Xue Tai attacked Yan Province and the two armies faced off at Juye, when Ci'er encountered danger at the front lines, it was he who appeared in the nick of time to rescue him, allowing Ci'er to narrowly escape disaster. At that time, I did not know our benefactor was Bi Zhi. When I found out later, because it was inconvenient to speak openly, I did not inform Elder Brother in a timely manner. I hope Elder Brother will not blame me."

Qiao Yue felt a wave of agitation and confusion.

This sudden piece of news left him at a complete loss for the moment.

The lowborn horse groom who had made him wish he could capture him and grind his bones to ashes whenever he thought of him had now soared to the heavens in a single bound, returning before him in the guise of Yan Province's benefactor.

Reasonably speaking, he knew Qiao Ping had a point.

Living in a chaotic world, the more assistance one had, the better.

Furthermore, given the strength that horse groom possessed today, he was indeed worth winning over.

Yet, to force himself to accept someone who was originally his own household slave as a son-in-law made him feel incredibly stifled and aggrieved.

Seeing that Qiao Ping seemed intent on persuading him further, he waved his hand in annoyance. "You must be exhausted as well. Go and have a good rest first. Allow me to consider this matter further."

Knowing that this news was quite a shock to him, Qiao Ping pressed no further and took his leave.

The moment Qiao Ping left, Qiao Yue immediately summoned Zhang Pu, recounting everything he had just learned down to the last detail. Frowning, he asked, "What do you think should be done? This Bi Zhi—should I acknowledge him or not?"

Zhang Pu was also immensely astonished. After sighing in amazement for a few moments, he pondered and said, "There is something I wonder if my lord will allow me to speak?"

"Speak freely!"

Zhang Pu opened the door to look outside. Seeing no one around, he shut the door tightly before turning around to whisper, "In my view, my lord must absolutely not allow this Bi Zhi into Yan Province!"

"What is the meaning of this?"

"My lord is originally the master of Yan Province, holding a revered status. Yet over the past two or three years, whenever anyone speaks of Yan Province, they only know the name of Qiao Ping, the Duke of Dongjun. Who ever mentions my lord's name? Even among the populace of Yan Province, seventy to eighty percent will immediately think of the Duke whenever an issue arises. My lord is benevolent and values brotherly affection, caring little for worldly fame, but I am deeply worried on your behalf. If things continue like this, I fear my lord’s position will be hard to maintain!"

Qiao Yue’s expression turned peculiar, and he remained silent.

"It is not that I am being overly suspicious, but there are clues to trace. My lord must still remember that in the past, when the young mistress returned to Dongjun once, after she left, the Duke began to recruit soldiers and buy horses despite my lord's objections. What was the meaning behind that? Before my lord, the Duke claimed it was to build strength to resist foreign aggression, but in my eyes, the Duke's intent is likely far from being as simple as merely resisting foreign aggression. Now the results are already beginning to show, and the Duke has brought Bi Zhi back to introduce him. From what I heard from my lord just now, it is not difficult to deduce that the Duke has long maintained private dealings with Bi Zhi. Although Bi Zhi is nominally my lord's son-in-law, in reality, he has long been the Duke's man. Yan Province already has the Duke; if we add Bi Zhi, where will my lord's position be in the future? Please reconsider carefully, my lord!"

Zhang Pu's words struck directly at the unmentionable hidden ailment that had been buried in Qiao Yue's heart for the past few years.

Listening to this, a cold sweat broke out across his back. "Fortunate that I asked you! Otherwise, I would have nearly invited a wolf into my house! What you say is completely correct! Bi Zhi is nothing more than a lowborn horse groom; how could my Qiao family tolerate such a son-in-law! As for that daughter of mine, she abandoned her father and turned her back on her ancestors—I have long regarded her as dead. Since I have no daughter, how could I have a son-in-law! It is just..."

He paused.

"Why does my lord knit his brows in worry?" Zhang Pu observed his expression from the side.

"I originally thought that with my niece married to Wei Shao, Yan Province would have something to rely on in the future. I never expected that Wei Shao would be unable to even save himself now, let alone protect Yan Province. My Qiao family and Xing Xun originally minded our own business. When Xing Xun declared himself emperor, of all the nine provinces under heaven, ours was not the only one that failed to respond. He did not attack anyone else, yet he specifically drove Zhou Qun to assault Yan Province; it must be because my Qiao family forged a marriage alliance with Wei Shao. At that time, my second brother refused to listen to my words and completely ripped away all civility with Xing Xun. Although we have luckily won two battles now, there is no guarantee that Xing Xun won't cause trouble again in the future. If I do not accept Bi Zhi at this juncture, how will Yan Province handle itself if Xing Xun raises troops to invade again?"

He let out a long sigh. "Forming a marriage alliance with the Wei family back then was meant to give us an extra reliance, but I never imagined we would end up dragged down by it instead, bringing disaster upon ourselves and leaving us stuck in a dilemma, trapped on all sides!"

Zhang Pu said, "My lord's concerns are entirely justified. After Xing Xun declared himself emperor, he launched a massive army to campaign against Wei Shao. Wei Shao was already at a disadvantage, and now that Xing Xun has secured the allegiance of Lezheng Gong, it is truly adding wings to a tiger. Although the two warring sides are currently deadlocked along the old Yellow Riverbed and the outcome is yet to be decided, anyone with eyes can see that Wei Shao's defeat is a foregone conclusion. Right now, he is nothing more than an arrow at the end of its flight, merely putting up a desperate struggle!"

Qiao Yue became increasingly worried. Unable to remain seated, he stood up and began pacing around the room, sighing deeply time and again.

Watching him from the side, Zhang Pu suddenly remarked, "My lord need not be so anxious. There is actually an opportunity right now that can help my lord turn the tide."

Qiao Yue stopped, turning his head to ask, "What opportunity?"

Zhang Pu strode quickly to the desk, picked up a brush, and wrote a few characters.

Qiao Yue walked over and glanced at it.

"Liu Yan?"

He was thoroughly astonished.

"Precisely!" Zhang Pu nodded. "The Prince of Langya who once received the favor of the Qiao family has now been supported by the heroes of the realm to ascend the imperial throne. My lord must have heard of this as well."

Qiao Yue frowned. "Of course I know. But so what? What does that have to do with me?"

Zhang Pu leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "To be frank, when Liu Yan resided in Dongjun back then, I was somewhat well-acquainted with him. Just a few days ago, he dispatched someone to deliver a letter to me, instructing me to pass it on to my lord."

Having said that, under Qiao Yue's astonished gaze, he drew a yellow silk imperial letter from his sleeve and respectfully presented it with both hands.

Qiao Yue hurriedly received it, unfurled it, and read it rapidly.

For a moment, his thoughts surged so wildly that the fingers holding the silk letter trembled slightly.

Zhang Pu spoke eloquently from the side, "Xing Xun’s foul reputation precedes him. He usurped the throne and declared himself emperor without a proper or rightful claim; sooner or later, the whole world will rise up to attack him. Liu Yan, on the other hand, commands the advantages of heaven, earth, and the people. On the civil side, he has Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun—all of whom are venerable ministers, elder statesmen, and eminent dignitaries. On the military side, he has commandants from all over flocking to join him, and even Yuan Zhe supports him as emperor, with mighty soldiers and thriving steeds. This battle at the Yellow River will surely be the watershed for the grand trends of the world. In the future, the nine provinces will be split in two. Xing Xun and Lezheng Gong will occupy the rebel capital, while Liu Yan will lead the realm as the orthodox Han Emperor. Because of Wei Shao, my lord has already offended Xing Xun, leaving you with no path of retreat. Yet Liu Yan looks back with gratitude upon the life-saving favor, writing this imperial letter in his own hand, offering high offices and generous peerages, leaving positions open in anticipation. Just now I said this was an opportunity—does my lord believe I was mistaken?"

As Qiao Yue listened, a strange gleam gradually lit up his eyes. Clasping his hands behind his back, he paced excitedly around the room several times. Suddenly remembering something, he stopped short and hesitated, saying, "However, regarding my second brother..."

"Has my lord forgotten what I just said? Wei Shao is the Duke's son-in-law, and the Duke is secretly pushing my lord aside, likely harboring the intent to replace you long ago. How can my lord still expect the Duke to work with you with one heart and mind?"

Qiao Yue's expression turned somewhat ugly. After staring blankly into space for a long while, he finally said, "You also know that things are not what they used to be. If he does not nod his head, the family generals and private troops may not necessarily be willing to follow my bidding."

Zhang Pu said, "I have a strategy to offer. My lord can first drive Bi Zhi away; this matter must be decided by my lord alone. Even if the Duke is unwilling, he cannot refute it. After driving Bi Zhi away, my lord can select close confidants, catch the Duke unawares, and subdue him. Announce to the outside world that the Duke is gravely ill and unable to manage affairs, thereby seizing the military power from the Duke's hands. Thus, Yan Province will return entirely to my lord's possession. When that time comes, whether it winds or rains, will it not be entirely up to my lord's sole word?"

Qiao Yue wavered, unable to decide.

"My lord! Benevolence does not command armies, and a true man must possess a ruthless streak! Has my lord still not learned the lesson from your past soft-heartedness, which resulted in your position being compromised? Wei Shao will definitely lose this battle! Once Xing Xun destroys Wei Shao, his spearhead will be turned toward Yan Province once more. If my lord hesitates further and misses this opportunity for Liu Yan's protection, I fear the century-old foundation of Yan Province will be utterly ruined! Moreover, my lord is not taking the Duke's life, merely subduing him. Why does my lord remain undecided?"

Qiao Yue shuddered. Gashing his teeth, he made up his mind and nodded, saying, "We shall proceed exactly as you say!"

Zhang Pu was overjoyed and knelt in obeisance, shouting, "My lord is wise! Liu Yan possesses exceptional talent and grand vision, and the hearts of the realm turn toward him; he will surely be the lord of the Han dynasty's resurgence. Bearing the merit of supporting him, glory, splendor, wealth, and honor are within my lord's easy grasp!"

...

On the first day of the third lunar month, the crescent moon resembled a hook.

Above the boundless, open plains of Muye, the spring chill remained biting, and the heavy snow that had covered the ground throughout a long winter had not completely thawed.

Yet between the crevices of the rocks and fissures in the crags, the green moss had quietly returned to life.

The wind echoed and chanted across the wilderness day and night, seemingly no longer carrying a bone-chilling frost. If one closed their eyes, perhaps they could even catch a faint scent of the gentle, rolling spring breeze.

Though delayed, this spring in Muye had finally arrived.

Just a few days after Lezheng Gong withdrew his troops, Xing Xun, who had been locked in a stalemate with Wei Shao for several months, could no longer contain himself. At this dim and gloomy hour of dawn, he split his forces into three routes, advancing along the old Yellow Riverbed with an overwhelming, crushing momentum to launch an all-out assault against the enemy camp opposite him.

Wei Shao's entire army had long since donned their armor and raised their spears, waiting in battle-ready formations.

Ox horns unleashed a low, soul-stirring blare that echoed across the plains.

A grand battle destined to shed enough blood to float shields opened its curtains.

The fierce clash continued fitfully for three days.

Over a thousand years ago, upon this very stretch of land named Muye, an equally earth-shaking war had occurred, causing the sky and earth to lose color and blocking out the sun and moon.

Following that ancient war, someone, bearing the name of a sage ruler for generations, established an eight-hundred-year era of prosperity and peace across the rivers and mountains, winning a brilliant and glorious reputation.

While another made a dismal exit from the annals of history in an inglorious manner.

It is said that a single general's success is built upon ten thousand rotting bones; how much more so when plotting for the state, the throne, and ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains?

The souls of those warriors buried underground, who had slumbered for over a thousand years, seemed to be awakened once more by the fresh blood, blades, and halberds, groaning and crying out as they broke through the soil from the dark world.

Dragons fought in the wilderness, their blood black and yellow.

The wind and clouds roared in fury; gods and ghosts wept in sorrow.

The soldiers wielded their lances furiously to advance, treading upon sharp blades and drinking blood.

Mortal flesh was no longer treated as mortal flesh.

The sole remaining thought was to keep their eyes bloodshot, coat themselves in gore, grip the sabers, spears, swords, and halberds in their hands, drive the rolling chariots forward, and follow the grand banner ahead.

Kill, kill, kill!

...

Lezheng Gong commanded his grand army, crossing the already thawed Yellow River via pontoon bridges. Afterward, they marched rapidly day and night, wishing they could grow a pair of wings to rush back to Liang Province.

On this day of marching, they were finally nearing Mount Hua when he gradually sensed that something was amiss.

Marching along the way, there was not the slightest trace left by the movement of a massive army.

When he questioned passersby in the villages and market towns, they were entirely oblivious to any large force passing through recently.

Lezheng Gong hesitated. Just then, the vanguard scouts dispatched ahead finally returned on swift horses, bringing another message from his eldest son, Lezheng Kai.

The eldest young master stated that upon thorough investigation, the previous intelligence proved to be nothing more than a false alarm. Yang Xin and Guo Quan had only led a total of five thousand troops, arriving at the pass merely to make a hollow display of strength and feign an attack. A few days ago, they had already been routed by his son's defending forces and were no longer a concern. He requested his father not to withdraw the army but to focus entirely on campaigning against Wei Shao.

Lezheng Gong was thunderstruck.

Turning around in an instant, he immediately ordered his men to summon Rong Yan.

But he was informed that Rong Yan’s whereabouts were already unknown.

Lezheng Gong finally came to a complete realization. Crying out that he had been thoroughly duped, he immediately ordered his troops to turn around, marching back toward Muye with utmost speed.

However, everything was already too late.

Three days later, while he was still halfway on the road back to the Yellow River, he received a piece of news that pierced his heart and tore his liver, causing unspeakable agony:

On the first day of the third lunar month, Wei Shao thoroughly crushed Xing Xun at Muye.

...

At the end of last year, when Xing Xun crossed the Yellow River to begin his northern expedition, he commanded a grand, sweeping force of five hundred thousand troops.

In the single battle of Muye, it vanished like ash and smoke.

By the time he fled back to Luoyang, his remnant troops numbered fewer than one hundred thousand.

The remaining forces were either dead or wounded, scattered in collapse, or had surrendered.

Wei Shao had won.

He had not only defeated the Great Jiang Emperor, but he had also triumphed over Lezheng Gong.

Sitting atop his yellow roan prized steed, Lezheng Gong stared straight toward the direction of Muye, north of the Yellow River, his eyes wide as saucers, failing to utter a single sound for a very long time.

It was as though the man had frozen into a stone statue.

His son Lezheng Jun and the various generals and ministers knelt before his horse, filled with nervous trepidation.

Lezheng Jun had never in his life seen his father display such a bizarre expression.

It seemed like grief, like fury, resembling a weep, yet looking like a smile.

In the past, even if he suffered the heaviest of defeats, he would absolutely never cause others to feel such chilling dread as he did at this moment.

"Father—"

He called out tentatively.

Lezheng Gong finally snapped out of his daze.

He withdrew his gaze from looking northward.

"Return to Hanzhong."

He issued an order in a remarkably calm tone. Immediately afterward, he turned his horse around, slowly letting the steed amble forward.

After taking a dozen or so paces, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood and fell headfirst off his horse, losing consciousness on the spot.

...

In the late spring of Yuyang, the gentle breeze was pleasant, the grass grew tall, and the orioles flitted about.

All living things thrived in vibrant prosperity.

Early in the morning, just as the first ray of morning sunlight shone through the window of the delivery room, amidst the crisp, wailing cry of a newborn entering the world, Xiao Qiao successfully gave birth.

...

In November of last year, Wei Shao had deployed his troops to the Yellow River. Soon after, Xiao Qiao's pregnancy stabilized, and she safely made her way back to Yuyang under secure escort.

During the intervals of waiting to give birth, she also successively learned of the military situation regarding Wei Shao's campaign along the banks of the Yellow River.

Regarding the wartime developments, Madame Xu would never hide anything from her just because she was pregnant, regardless of whether the news was good or bad.

Since her man was destined to never settle for the ordinary, then as his wife, she had to be constantly prepared to bear the consequences, whether good or bad.

Although Madame Xu had never explicitly said this to her, Xiao Qiao understood it perfectly.

This was likely the wisdom that the elderly lady had garnered from her half-century of life experiences.

Xiao Qiao was immensely grateful for this.

Because she wanted to know as well.

For the first time in her life, alongside the child in her womb, it felt as though she accompanied Wei Shao through this extraordinary, protracted war.

From the initial disadvantage to a step-by-step reversal, until finally, the army pointed its spears straight at Luoyang.

Once Luoyang was conquered, Wei Shao would be able to return.

When he returned, what awaited to welcome him would be their newly born daughter.

...

Madame Xu carefully took that tiny, soft body wrapped in swaddling clothes from the midwife's hands, staring intently at the little face whose eyes were still tightly shut for a very long time.

Although she had only just separated from her mother's body, she already possessed long eyelashes and pitch-black newborn hair. Under the illumination of the morning sunlight, her delicate and tender skin radiated the lustrous, smooth sheen of fine jade.

"What a lovable, beautiful child!"

Madame Xu cradled her, speaking softly with delight, her voice brimming with heartfelt joy and happiness.

"In ancient times on Mount Huo, there lived a spiritual beast named the Feifei; raising it can rid a person of all worries. Let this child's childhood name be Feifei."

Madame Xu smiled as she spoke to Xiao Qiao.