The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 139

Chapter 139

From the end of the previous year, when the war between Wei Shao and Xing Xun first ignited, this struggle for hegemony unfolding across the Yellow River basin had become the focal point of attention for lords and city governors throughout the land.

Scouts traveled back and forth along the highways connecting the east, west, south, and north, delivering the latest intelligence they gathered to their lords' hands at the absolute maximum speed.

Compared to anyone else, Qiao Ping paid far closer attention to this particular war.

Even though Wei Shao had never once called him father-in-law, and even though his daughter had been married to the man for a long time now, Qiao Ping's entire impression of this son-in-law was still merely pieced together slowly from the fragmented words of others.

Yet deep down in his heart, a sense of closeness had unknowingly begun to grow toward that son-in-law whom he had never even met.

In the numerous letters exchanged with his daughter over the past year, whenever she mentioned this man, her tone gradually ceased to be just a hollow title as it had been before.

Between the lines, and quite inadvertently, a tone laced with her true feelings had begun to emerge.

Qiao Ping was accomplished in both civil and military arts. Aside from military matters, he was also highly achieved in poetry and literature, and he loved his daughter from the very depths of his soul.

His mind was far more delicate and perceptive than that of an ordinary father.

Even if his daughter had not said it explicitly, he could feel from the nuance of her writing that she had already accepted this man as her husband.

Furthermore, she was now about to have a child.

Naturally, he monitored the changing tides of the war with absolute vigilance.

He dispatched scouts, and every few days, the latest updates regarding the conflict would be delivered to Dong County without a single delay.

However, on this trip, after he concluded the Battle of Juye and returned to Dong County, the latest update on the war remained stuck on the one received half a month ago: due to severe weather, the northern expeditionary allied forces of Wei Shao, Xing Xun, and Lezheng Gong continued to confront one another across the ancient riverbeds of the Yellow River. Wei Shao was at a disadvantage.

Whether it was the news itself or the fact that the scouts were so severely overdue, both left Qiao Ping feeling profoundly anxious and uneasy.

He dispatched a new batch of scouts.

While anxiously awaiting the latest updates, this day happened to coincide with Qiao Ping’s exact fortieth birthday.

Qiao Ping himself had no desire to celebrate his birthday, but Qiao Yue insisted on marking the occasion for him, while also using it as a welcome feast for the victory in the Battle of Juye. Not only did the Inspector’s manor hold a grand banquet, but fine wine was also used to reward the soldiers.

That evening, the retainers and private troops of the Qiao family gathered in the banquet hall. Cups and plates clashed amidst a lively atmosphere, and everyone was in high spirits. Before the feast could even conclude, several individuals grew heavily intoxicated one after another and had to be escorted out.

While the entire hall was full of joy, Qiao Ci alone drank with his head down in brooding silence, without uttering a single word. Zhang Pu smiled smugly as he struck up a conversation: "The battle is won, a cause for great congratulation, and it also coincides with the Lord Governor's auspicious birthday. Tonight should be a night to drink until we drop, so why does the Young Master appear so thoroughly displeased?"

Qiao Ci turned a deaf ear and completely ignored him.

Seeing everyone turn their eyes toward him, Zhang Pu felt a flash of awkwardness. Pretending as though nothing was amiss, he smiled again: "I have a piece of excellent news, and I guarantee that once the Young Master hears it, you will surely be delighted."

He cleared his throat with a cough and pitched his voice clearly: "The Grand Commandant Wang Ba is a heavy minister of the Han dynasty, and his family has a daughter who has just reached the age of fifteen. She is beautiful and refined of character. The Grand Commandant has heard that the Young Master is a youthful hero, and intends to betroth his daughter..."

The banquet hall gradually fell quiet. Yet before his words could even finish landing, a sharp slam echoed out. Qiao Ci actually brought his wine cup crashing heavily onto the table surface, sneering: "Who do you think you are? Though my mother has passed away to the immortal realms, my father is alive and well. When did my marriage ever require you to make decisions on my behalf?"

The banquet hall instantly fell deathly silent.

Zhang Pu felt utterly embarrassed and cast his gaze toward Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue’s face darkened slightly: "Ci'er, how insolent! How can you speak in such a manner? This is my intent. You have reached the age for marriage, and as the sole male heir of our Qiao line, it is high time you consider matters of matrimony!"

Qiao Ping hurriedly spoke up to intervene: "I accept Elder Brother's kind intentions on Ci'er's behalf. I am afraid Ci'er is unworthy of aiming so high as the Grand Commandant’s daughter. It would be best for Elder Brother to decline the Grand Commandant's kindness. Besides, it is rare for everyone to gather together tonight, so it is hardly appropriate to discuss such matters here. Everyone, please, just focus on enjoying your wine!"

Qiao Ping naturally knew that exactly when he was fighting the Battle of Juye against Zhou Qun who had raised troops to invade them, Liu Yan had been supported and proclaimed Emperor in Langya by a faction of old Han ministers. He had established the era name Zhengguang, and in his capacity as the legitimate Han Emperor, he issued edicts to the lords of the land to heed the royal call to arms, collectively march upon the rebellious court in Luoyang, seek to purge the corruption at its source, and restore the Han dynasty.

At that time, men like Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, and Deng Xun were rushing about crying out for the cause, their voices shaking the very roof tiles.

Therefore, suddenly hearing the news that Wang Ba intended to form a marriage alliance, he was stunned for a moment and instinctively spoke out to reject it.

Qiao Yue showed open disapproval and was about to speak again when Qiao Ci suddenly stood up, stating bluntly: "Uncle, my marriage is not urgent, and it will not be too late to discuss it slowly in the future. I only wish to ask Uncle one thing. The Green-Eyed General has performed acts of salvation for our Yanzhou. Setting the past aside, this time Yanzhou suffered a second invasion, and if not for the Green-Eyed General combining his forces to fight alongside us, who knows what Yanzhou would look like today. Why does Uncle turn a blind eye and resolutely refuse to accept him? I am truly completely broad-minded yet unable to comprehend this!"

During the Battle of Juye, the Green-Eyed General had displayed awe-inspiring divine might, and Zhou Qun had also met his end due to his tactical deployment. Not a single retainer of the Qiao family was left unconvinced. They had never imagined that Qiao Yue would actually refuse to tolerate him. Everyone, constrained by Qiao Yue’s status, did not dare to speak up, but in their hearts, they were all more or less filled with confusion.

Now that Qiao Ci suddenly spoke out, it was as if he had voiced the innermost thoughts of the entire crowd, and everyone turned their gazes toward Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue kept his face thoroughly darkened and did not make a sound.

To the side, Zhang Pu spoke up: "How can the Young Master speak so disrespectfully to the Lord? Bi Zhi was nothing more than a runaway slave of the Qiao family in the past. Now, the Lord has chosen not to punish him for his crimes, which is already an act of mercy beyond the law. If we were to accept him further, would we not become a laughingstock to the entire world?"

"I only know that the times create heroes! To reject a hero of this caliber and instead judge a man's worth based entirely on his origins, pushing him away! No wonder Yanzhou has fallen to such a state, reduced to sending away a daughter to dance to another's tune just to seek self-preservation!" Qiao Ci sneered.

The moment these words were uttered, the atmosphere froze instantly.

Qiao Yue’s expression shifted violently.

"Presumptuous! The older you get, the less respect you show to your elders! To openly contradict me for the sake of a horse slave!"

Qiao Yue was so enraged that he struck the table surface with his palm, shouting fiercely.

Qiao Ping also felt a great deal of helplessness regarding his elder brother’s stubborn refusal to recognize Bi Zhi as a son-in-law.

He could only try to persuade him slowly later.

Knowing that his son had just seen Bi Zhi off and was in a depressed mood, which was why he had spoken out to clash with Qiao Yue, he could not bear to scold him too harshly. He simply stood up and said, "Ci'er is drunk. Go down and rest first!"

Qiao Ci shot a venomous glare at Zhang Pu, rose from his seat, turned around, and strode out of the banquet hall with large steps.

Qiao Ping spoke: "Elder Brother, do not take offense. Ci'er was granted the gift of life by the Green-Eyed General, and in this resolution of Yanzhou's crisis, the man provided immense assistance. Seeing that he was not even allowed to enter the gates of Dong County, and having just consumed a few cups of wine, his heart must have felt a temporary sense of injustice, which led to this offense. I will speak to him properly once I return."

Qiao Yue’s expression remained grim and dark.

Seeing this state of affairs, the various retainers knew that this wine banquet could likely no longer be enjoyed. Furthermore, each of them was already seventy to eighty percent drunk, so they stood up one after another and retreated in pairs and trios, supporting each other as they dispersed, which goes without saying.

Only Qiao Yue, Qiao Ping, and Zhang Pu were left inside the hall.

Zhang Pu coughed and secretly cast a meaningful look toward Qiao Yue.

Only then did Qiao Yue finally force a strained smile, saying, "Forget it, forget it. As an elder, could I truly lower myself to the same level as Ci'er?"

Qiao Ping then offered his thanks.

Thinking of his son who had just departed in a furious rage, he felt somewhat uneasy and said, "It is getting late. I saw that Elder Brother also drank quite a bit of wine just now. Why don't we call it a night and head back to rest early?"

Qiao Yue spoke: "Second Brother, wait a moment. You have been constantly busy, and it has been a very long time since we brothers have had the leisure to sit down and drink wine like tonight. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Elder Brother will toast you first."

Zhang Pu picked up a wine pot resting on his own dining table, filled Qiao Ping’s cup to the brim, and presented it with both hands.

Qiao Yue raised his cup and spoke: "In this Battle of Juye, our Yanzhou achieved a massive and complete victory, all thanks to Second Brother's efforts. Brother toasts you, draining this cup first as a sign of respect."

Qiao Ping was taken aback, but he hurriedly accepted it and drained the wine within the cup.

Zhang Pu filled his cup once more.

"Brother knows himself to be mediocre. Over these years, both internal and external affairs have relied entirely on Second Brother’s hard work and management for Yanzhou to have its current situation. While Brother feels gratified, I cannot help but feel the shame of holding a post without contributing. For this second cup, Brother drains it first once more as a sign of respect!"

Between the two brothers, although they often had disputes due to differing opinions in ordinary times, at this moment, seeing his elder brother’s words filled with such earnest sincerity, and thinking back to the rocky path and hardships of these past years where he had exhausted his heart and soul to painstakingly build everything up, only for today to finally yield initial results, Qiao Ping could not help but feel deep waves of emotion rise within his heart. He bowed his torso and said, "Elder Brother, do not humble your younger brother so. If not for Elder Brother's immense tolerance, what could I have accomplished by my strength alone? It is your younger brother who ought to toast my elder brother instead."

After speaking, he drained it in one gulp once again.

Qiao Yue also seemed somewhat moved. He raised the third cup of wine and said, "Excellent. In the future, if we two brothers are of one mind, what matter need we worry about failing to achieve!"

Qiao Ping nodded his head and once more drank the wine in the cup completely dry.

After three cups, just as Qiao Ping was about to take his leave, Qiao Yue spoke again: "Wait a bit longer. I still have one more matter to speak of with Second Brother."

"Elder Brother, please speak."

"To not hide it from you, I have already resolved to lead Yanzhou to pledge allegiance to the Han Emperor, breaking off completely and irrevocably from the traitor Xing Xun!"

Qiao Ping was thoroughly shocked: "Liu Yan? For a matter of such monumental gravity, why did Elder Brother not mention even half a word beforehand?"

Qiao Yue spoke in a slow, deliberate manner: "Second Brother, what is the meaning of these words? Could it be that in whatever I do, I must absolutely obtain your permission first?"

Anxiousness flared in Qiao Ping's heart. The wine he had just consumed seemed to suddenly churn and roll violently inside his abdomen, burning his heart and searing his lungs. In an instant, a torrent of hot sweat broke out across his forehead and back.

"I did not mean it that way! Breaking off from Xing Xun is entirely as it should be, but as for the matter of pledging allegiance to Liu Yan, I ask Elder Brother to think thrice! The current situation under heaven is turbulent and unclear, and Yanzhou can temporarily protect itself today. In my view, we should adopt a wait-and-see approach first, and must not rashly pledge our services to Langya!"

A snort escaped Qiao Yue’s nostrils: "Second Brother, do you think I do not know what is going through your mind? You are merely still thinking of relying on Wei Shao, hoping to share a piece of his pie in the future. Brother advises you to stop harboring such empty expectations! Right now, Wei Shao is suppressed by the allied forces of Xing Xun and Lezheng Gong at the ancient riverbeds of the Yellow River. His defeat is a foregone conclusion, and he can barely ensure his own survival. Do you still expect him to shield our Qiao family in the future? Liu Yan is the legitimate Han Emperor, and the hearts of the realm turn toward him. Leaving others aside, even Yuan Zhe has openly supported him! The imperial grace is vast and bountiful, and our Qiao family has been loyal and good, commissioned for generations to govern the people here. Now, by aligning with the grand trend of the world and supporting Liu Yan, how has it become a rash move in your mouth?"

Qiao Ping suddenly felt a heavy tightness in his chest, and his vision actually seemed to turn dark.

Exerting his utmost strength to steady his mind, he spoke: "Has Elder Brother ever considered that our Qiao family and the Wei family are bound by marriage! Wei Shao is ensnared in a desperate plight, and our Yanzhou ought to dispatch troops to assist him. Even if we do not assist, at a time like this, we should not make any reckless moves! Elder Brother’s action is no different from throwing stones at someone who has fallen into a well, and where do you intend to place my daughter?"

Qiao Yue spoke coldly: "Second Brother, no matter how much you talk back and forth, you simply wish to bind the life and death of our Yanzhou and the Qiao family entirely to Wei Shao, is that not it? Never mind that Wei Shao can barely save himself right now. Taking ten thousand steps back, even if he luckily escapes this calamity, there are nothing more than two paths for him in the future. He will either bow to Liu Yan as Emperor, or establish himself as a grand independent power. If he bows to Liu Yan as Emperor, my decision today coincides perfectly with his, so why can you not nod your head? If he establishes himself as a grand independent power, what difference is there between him and the traitor Xing Xun? If he incurs the crime of rebellion, it would be bad enough for our Qiao family to suffer as innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, but when that time comes and we are spat upon collectively by the realm, how would you have me face our ancestors? As for my niece, she married into the Wei family back then purely forced by the circumstances of the situation, and you were also filled with utter reluctance at the time. Since that is the case, mending the pen after the sheep are lost is not yet too late. In my view, it would be better to take this opportunity to bring her back, so that the two families can make a clean break, saving us from being tangling Uncle and nephew unclearly in the future!"

Qiao Ping could no longer contain his endurance and erupted into a towering rage: "I cannot comply with Elder Brother's words! Since Elder Brother has brought the talk to this point, I shall speak plainly as well! Elder Brother's sudden decision to pledge services to Liu Yan must be because you have concluded that Wei Shao is bound to lose this war, and fearing that Xing Xun will hold us accountable in the future, you are thus eager to wash your hands clean of Wei Shao to demonstrate your innocence, are you not? Back then, the marriage alliance between the Wei and Qiao families was originally entirely born of Elder Brother's intent. Now, at the slightest rustle of wind or movement of grass, Elder Brother breaks the faith and violates the agreement. How is such conduct any different from a blade of grass atop a wall swaying with the wind?"

Qiao Yue also flew into a massive rage: "You dare to speak to me in such a manner? Do your eyes still hold any regard for me as your elder brother? Lest you forget, I am the Master of the Qiao family, the Inspector of Yanzhou!"

Qiao Ping spoke: "I also know that when brothers quarrel within the walls, a great disaster is not far off. However, regarding this matter, forgive me for absolutely refusing to agree! I advise Elder Brother not to echo the words of others and underestimate Wei Shao. Even if he currently occupies an inferior position, in this battle of the Yellow River, he may not necessarily lack the opportunity to seize victory! The scouts I dispatched previously have, for some unknown reason, been delayed in their return journey. The news we know right now is merely regarding matters from half a month ago. Military affairs change in the blink of an eye, and what the actual situation truly is remains unknown; I am still waiting for news. I also advise Elder Brother that you might as well possess a bit more patience, and refrain from performing foolish acts that make your enemies rejoice and your loved ones grieve!"

Qiao Yue’s expression was thoroughly sinister.

"Wei Shao’s military strength was fundamentally inferior to Xing Xun’s to begin with, and with the addition of a Lezheng Gong, his forces were beaten into a shattered army during the Battle of Gaotang, which is why he retreated in defeat to Muye. If they had not encountered the severe freezing weather, he would have long since been annihilated by the allied forces. How could he possibly still have an opportunity to turn defeat into victory? I have no sons beneath my knees and view Ci'er as my own flesh and blood. Do I do this for myself? Is it not all for the long-term consideration of Yanzhou! You need not say any more. I will tell you the honest truth: I have already submitted a memorial to Langya! This matter allows no further interference from you!"

Qiao Ping suddenly felt a heavy stifling in his chest, and his vision blurred. His eyes felt as though countless fine hair-needles were piercing into them densely. Shocked by the realization that something was wrong, he shouted with a fierce roar: "You put drugs in my wine—"

His eyes suddenly throbbed with incomparable, piercing pain, to the point that he could no longer view any objects.

In a violent fury, Qiao Ping flipped the dining table before him with a single heave. Relying on the residual impression of the positions from just now, he drew his sword and lunged with a thrust toward Zhang Pu who was opposite him. Zhang Pu was struck in the shoulder by the sword, let out a wretched scream, and collapsed onto the ground.

Qiao Ping swung his sword intending to hack and kill further, but the potency of the drug took effect with rapid speed. Swaying unsteadily, the long sword plunged to the earth, and his body followed suit, collapsing onto the ground.

Relying on the absolute last shred of awareness remaining in his conscious mind, he gritted his teeth and hissed in a rasping voice: "Elder Brother, Yanzhou is feared to be ruined at your hands—"

Qiao Yue's entire frame trembled. Watching Qiao Ping’s struggles gradually cease upon the ground, only then did he sprint forward with rapid steps. He tested his breathing and, knowing that he had merely fallen unconscious, finally let out a sigh of relief. Turning his head abruptly, he spoke in a rage: "What drug did you put into the wine? Why can his eyes no longer view objects?"

Zhang Pu had been pierced through the shoulder and sat slumped on the ground, using one hand to cover the bleeding wound, his heart also feeling a wave of panic and confusion.

The drug thrown into this wine had been given by Liu Shan, who claimed it was colorless and odorless, but its medicinal properties were several times stronger than ordinary knockout powder. Fearing that it would fail to bring Qiao Ping down, he had thrown in a larger amount.

Qiao Ping collapsing at this moment was entirely within expectations.

However, the damage to his eyesight was something he too had failed to anticipate.

Forcing himself to endure the pain in his shoulder, he spoke: "Lord, do not panic. Presumably, the Lord Governor’s fury struck his heart just now, which caused him to temporarily be unable to view objects. After a few days pass, it will slowly get better. The Lord's urgent priority right now is to control the Lord Governor, and tomorrow morning, in the names of both the Lord and the Lord Governor, announce it to the retainers and private troops, then wait for His Majesty to personally arrive to help the Lord take control of the situation. Once the Han Emperor arrives, who would still dare to refuse to submit?"

Qiao Yue managed to steady his mind with difficulty and said, "How are things on Ci'er’s end? Just subdue him, you must not cause him harm!"

Zhang Pu nodded: "Lord, set your mind at ease. I have already arranged capable and trusted confidants; it will be absolutely flawless."


Qiao Ci left the banquet hall in a furious rage to catch the breeze outside. Thinking of how his eldest brother-in-law was not accepted by his uncle, and how the fortunes of his second brother-in-law's war at the Yellow River were difficult to predict while he himself had plenty of heart but insufficient strength, his mind grew increasingly vexed. As the effects of the wine surged up, he went back, fell onto his bed, and went straight to sleep.

Waking up early the next morning, he discovered that he had been locked inside his room from the outside.

The guards stated they had come here acting on the orders of the Lord Governor, instructing the Young Master to face the wall and reflect upon his errors inside the room.

Qiao Ci did not think much of it at first.

Last night, it was indeed he who had publicly contradicted Qiao Yue, which constituted an offense against a superior and a great lack of filial piety. It was entirely normal for his father to be displeased and want him to face the wall to reflect.

However, very quickly, suspicion arose within his mind.

Among the guards dispatched, there were over a dozen visible ones alone, guarding every single door and window tightly and securely.

How was this letting him face the wall to reflect? It was clearly the posture of guarding a prisoner.

Furthermore, they were all entirely people from his uncle’s side.

The more Qiao Ci thought, the more incorrect it felt. He immediately sought to go out, but was blocked by the guards. Intending to force his way through, over a hundred guards surged out from the shadows, binding him in a death grip.

Furious, Qiao Ci fought with all his might to break through the line, rushing into the courtyard, but he was tripped up by a tripwire set up in secret and captured, locked away once again.

This confinement lasted for a full three days.

On the fourth day, Lady Ding carried a food basket to visit Qiao Ci.

The deputy general ordered to guard Qiao Ci was named Chen Shao, a trusted confidant of Qiao Yue. At first, he refused to grant passage, stating that he was acting on the orders of the Lord and that no one whomsoever could enter or exit. Before his words could finish, Lady Ding spat fiercely directly onto his face and barked in a rage: "I do not care what that old fossil said! I am delivering some food to my own nephew, and you dare to block me? If you want to kill me, then kill me; otherwise, I am entering this door through and through!" After speaking, she walked forward.

The guards did not dare to forcibly obstruct her, watching blankly as Lady Ding went inside.

Chen Shao had no choice but to chase after her, requesting to first take a look inside the food basket.

Lady Ding personally lifted the lid.

As Chen Shao inspected it carefully, Lady Ding spoke coldly from the side: "Does General Chen also wish to search my person?"

Chen Shao hurriedly said, "I dare not!"

Hesitating for a moment, he thought to himself that Lady Ding had always been weak and stayed out of affairs, raising the Young Master like her own son. Her sudden appearance here today was surely due to her worrying about the Young Master, so even if she were allowed inside, it was unlikely that any trouble would be bred.

He then commanded the guards to make way.

Lady Ding let out a cold snort, gathered her food basket, and walked forward.

While Chen Shao ordered men to keep a tight watch, he simultaneously dispatched someone in secret to inform Qiao Yue.

Qiao Ci had long since heard the commotion outside. The moment Lady Ding walked in, he flew forward and asked anxiously: "Aunt, what exactly has happened? Is my father well? Why did Uncle lock me up—"

"Bah! That old fossil! Do not call him Uncle ever again!"

Lady Ding cursed with deep hatred, catching hold of Qiao Ci’s arms to look him up and down. Seeing that he was free of any major harm, she finally breathed a sigh of relief and spoke: "How your father has been these past few days, I have not been allowed to see, and I do not know the details, but he must have also been locked up by that old fossil!"

Qiao Ci was furious at first, turning around to rush out again, but upon reaching the doorway, he came to a sudden, rigid halt and slowly turned his body back around.

"Aunt, what exactly has happened over these past few days? Tell me!"

Lady Ding let out a long sigh: "The old fossil listened to Zhang Pu's words and pledged allegiance to Liu Yan! That Liu Yan is inside our house this very day!"

Qiao Ci was completely dumbfounded.


Yesterday, Qiao Yue had welcomed Liu Yan into Yanzhou, summoning the retainers and private troops to bow to him with the rituals due to a monarch and subject. Subsequently, he claimed that he and Qiao Ping had jointly deliberated and decided to lead Yanzhou to devote its service to the Han Emperor.

Because the matter occurred so suddenly, every single person present was astonished at the time. Furthermore, over these two days, none had seen Qiao Ping show his face, so they could not help but harbor some doubts.

Back then, Liu Yan had risked his life to rescue the young Emperor from the jaws of danger, escaping Luoyang. Unbeknownst to them, the young Emperor had passed away on the road due to a severe illness, and only after that had he been supported as the new Emperor by old Han ministers like Wang Ba and Dong Cheng, becoming the legitimate monarch of the Han line.

This matter was known to all people under heaven.

Now that he had arrived in Yanzhou, and their lord Qiao Yue repeatedly spoke of himself as a Han minister, if they were to voice any questions, it would be an open defiance of a superior, and could even be viewed as rebellion.

Therefore, in the end, the crowd had all followed Qiao Yue in performing the rituals of monarch and subject toward Liu Yan.


"Your aunt does not understand what constitutes the grand affairs of the world; I only know that the old fossil listened to Zhang Pu and pledged allegiance to Liu Yan. He must have faced opposition from your father, so he plotted against him! Yanzhou has already been seized by Liu Yan's control, and the retainers who ordinarily take orders from your father were all replaced overnight. You must absolutely not act on impulse. You must wait until you escape to deliver the message to your eldest brother-in-law, telling him to come and rescue your father! Otherwise, if things are delayed any further, I fear something terrible will happen to your father!"

The joints of Qiao Ci’s two fists creaked loudly as he clenched them. His chest heaved violently, but managing to rein in his emotions, he nodded and said, "Thank you for informing me, Aunt. I understand what to do. Aunt, please depart quickly, lest you suffer blame."

Lady Ding spoke: "The old fossil is devoid of affection and righteousness, refusing to recognize my daughter and son-in-law, so I do not view him as a husband either. What blame of his should I still fear? There are nearly a hundred guards outside, and out there lie layer upon layer of checkpoints. You cannot escape alone no matter what. You can take me hostage to fight your way out."

Qiao Ci rejected it immediately: "How can I place Aunt in such a dangerous plight?"

Lady Ding shook her head, affectionately stroking the hair at Qiao Ci’s temples, and spoke: "Set your mind at ease. Although the old fossil and I lost our marital affection long ago, I reckon he would not dare to violently deal a killing blow in public. Once we clear the city gates, you just focus on fleeing."

Seeing that Qiao Ci still seemed to hesitate, she spoke in anger again: "Your father’s life and death are completely uncertain, and Yanzhou has fallen into the hands of others. If you allow yourself to be trapped to death here, do you truly wish for the Qiao family line to be severed at the hands of that old fossil?"

Qiao Ci’s eyes welled with tears. He fell to his knees before Lady Ding, kowtowing as he spoke: "Aunt's grand righteousness receives your nephew's bow!"

Only then did Lady Ding’s expression soften. She helped him up, fished out a hidden knife from her person, presented it, and spoke: "Take me hostage and head out."


Receiving the news, Qiao Yue arrived with a band of men, only to see Lady Ding with a knife pressed against her neck by Qiao Ci, the two of them already having arrived beside the screen wall just inside the main gate.

Several hundred soldiers surrounded Qiao Ci and Lady Ding.

Exasperated and furious, Qiao Yue parted the soldiers and rushed forward, shouting, "Ci'er, what do you think you are doing? Drop the knife quickly and follow me back!"

"Where is my father right now? Call him out. Once I see him, I will naturally follow you back. Whether to beat or kill me, the decision will be yours to make!"

Qiao Ci stared at him, uttering it word by word.

Qiao Yue felt a pang of guilt for a moment and could not find words to speak.

To the side, Zhang Pu hurriedly spoke: "Young Master, do not act on impulse. Quickly release the Madam..."

"I am speaking to my uncle. What sort of creature are you to butt in?"

Qiao Ci shouted in rebuke.

Zhang Pu's face displayed a look of embarrassment.

Steadying his mind, Qiao Yue spoke: "On the night of the birthday banquet, your father later drank too much wine. On his way back, he took a fall, striking his forehead directly, which resulted in his falling unconscious. Ci'er, set your mind at ease, your uncle has already invited excellent physicians who are currently treating him, and he will take a turn for the better in no time. Drop the knife for now and follow me inside first; I will take you to visit him..."

A dark shadow flitted across the depths of Qiao Ci’s eyes. Without uttering a single word, he turned his torso and kept Lady Ding hostage as he continued toward the exit.

The soldiers ordinarily only submitted to the father and son pair of Qiao Ping and Qiao Ci. Seeing such a scene play out today, although they did not understand the underlying reasons, their hearts were all entirely aligned with Qiao Ci. Furthermore, with Lady Ding in his hands, who among them would truly step up to block him? They merely put up a hollow display, granting passage almost the entire way, allowing the two to arrive at the entrance.

Qiao Ci barked an order to open the gates.

Anxious, Zhang Pu commanded the soldiers to obstruct them.

Driven by the command, the soldiers gradually closed in once more.

Lady Ding suddenly halted her footsteps, turned her head, and spoke in a raised voice: "Your Majesty, I know you are nearby! You are now the Emperor of the Han line, holding the supreme position of honor, yet do you still remember the time when you fell into hardship during your youth and lodged at my house? How did I treat you back then? I do not dare to plot for Your Majesty's repayment, but at this moment I am taken hostage by my nephew, and he absolutely must exit the city, yet his uncle refuses to let him go. If he cannot go out, it will surely be disadvantageous to me. Your Majesty has always possessed the beautiful reputation of an extraordinary and elegant talent. I heard that when Your Majesty was proclaimed Emperor in Langya, the people of the world even danced and sang, praising Your Majesty as an unparalleled ruler of benevolence and kindness! I know Qiao Yue listens to you. Even an ant values its life, how much more so a human being? I implore Your Majesty to look upon our past ties and save my life; my gratitude will be boundless!"

Lady Ding ordinarily lived in seclusion and seldom showed her face, yet this speech at this moment was phrased word for word as though it entered straight into the hearts of the people.

The soldiers actually followed Lady Ding's gaze and turned their heads one after another, as if Liu Yan truly were standing right behind them.

For a brief period, inside the Qiao family gates where several hundred people were crammed, not a single sound could be heard.

A moment later, Liu Shan turned out from behind the screen wall, approached Qiao Yue’s ear, and whispered an instruction.

Though Qiao Yue felt unreconciled in his heart, he had no choice but to comply. Casting a venomous glare at Lady Ding, he forced out: "Let him out of the city!”