The Prisoner of Beauty - Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Later that evening, the scouts sent ahead to survey the roads returned with a report: Liuhe Ferry was also frozen solid, and all boats were grounded.

Wei Shao found a local man who knew the Yellow River’s waterways inside out. The man informed him of a narrow stretch where the channel constricted. Given the current bitter cold, if it froze for just a few more days, the ice would be sturdy enough to walk upon. He volunteered to lead them across when the time came.

That night, Wei Shao left the ancient ferry of Wuchao with Xiao Qiao. They traveled dozens of li before settling into a government courier station, waiting for the ice to grow thick enough for a crossing.

This particular region lay close to Luoyang, the imperial capital. Because of this proximity, the local provincial governor had never been able to expand his own power, and the area remained under the direct jurisdiction of the imperial court. When the stationmaster caught wind that Wei Shao, the Marquis of Youzhou, had arrived with his lady for a temporary stay, he did his utmost to welcome and flatter them.

Ever since Wei Shao had taken personal command of the army at the age of seventeen, he had resisted the Xiongnu, pacified the borders, and campaigned endlessly from east to west. In his quest to conquer cities and seize territory, he had exhausted his mind and body nearly every single day. He was so accustomed to danger that he slept with a sword beneath his pillow, never truly experiencing a single moment of genuine relaxation.

Now, with the ferry blocked by ice, Wei Shao experienced an unprecedented, deeply satisfying respite over the next few days of waiting. Outside, the world was a frozen expanse of ice and snow; inside the room, it was as warm as spring. The woman who held his heart was right at his fingertips. He cast all other matters from his mind, throwing his worries to the wind. He simply held Xiao Qiao in his arms, losing track of day and night as they indulged in the absolute heights of intimacy.

In ancient times, King Zhou of Shang and King You of Zhou had both neglected the affairs of state out of infatuation with their favored women, leading their kingdoms to ruin through debauchery. Wei Shao had always despised them, viewing them as foolish rulers. Yet he never expected that he, too, would become so utterly captivated by a woman’s charms. He was so hopelessly infatuation that Lei Yan and Jia Si did not catch a single glimpse of their lord for three entire days. On the fourth day, when urgent news arrived and they requested an audience, they were informed that the Lord Marquis had taken the Lady out early that morning to admire the snow, without leaving word as to when they would return. The two generals were left utterly astonished.

Alas! Good grief! For the Marquis of Wei, this was truly unprecedented!

...

After several days of living in a world of their own, Wei Shao suddenly felt a burst of inspiration early that morning. The scenery along the Yellow River had been renowned for its grandeur since ancient times. Although he had passed through this region before, his travels had always been hurried, leaving him no time to pause and appreciate it. Back then, he had possessed neither the inclination nor the leisure. Now, since they were stranded here and unable to cross, and since he had a beautiful companion by his side, why not take her out to admire the sights? It would ensure their journey was not entirely in vain.

He was a man of impulsive action. The moment the whim struck him, he immediately wanted to take her out.

For the past few days, he had kept her shut inside the room, not allowing her to take a single step beyond the door. Wei Shao had been like a ravenous beast, insatiable in his desires. Although Xiao Qiao had accommodated him with gentle compliance, her body was delicate after all. Facing his relentless demands day and night, she had gradually found it difficult to endure. Just as she was fretting over this, she heard that his interest had finally turned toward the outdoors. Overjoyed, she had absolutely no reason to refuse.

Chun Niang wrapped her tightly from head to toe, topping it off with an apricot-colored brocade padded cloak with a hood. Early that morning, Wei Shao quietly led her out through the back door of the courier station. Sharing a single horse, they rode together along the riverbank.

Although the snow had cleared and the sky was bright that day, the northern wind howled fiercely, making the cold even more biting than it had been over the previous few days. Xiao Qiao rode with him, snuggling deep into his warm embrace. Wei Shao wrapped his own snow cloak tightly around her as an extra layer, leaving only her eyes exposed to the open air. Xiao Qiao did not feel the slightest bit of cold.

After being cooped up for days, she was finally out to breathe the fresh air, and her spirits were quite high. Along the way, she admired the scenery while chatting and laughing with him. Before long, they arrived beneath a high, steep hill. The two of them came to a halt. Wei Shao took Xiao Qiao by the hand, leading her at a leisurely pace up to the crest of the hill. Finally, they stood side by side atop a flat stone platform, gazing out into the distance.

Beneath their feet, two blue-white lines of ice marking the riverbanks wound magnificently from west to east. The Great River, which usually rushed with torrential force, was now frozen solid for thousands of li. The surface of the ice reflected the morning sun like a vast, crystalline plain. Rolling terrain stretched along both banks, covered in boundless snowfields. At the very edge of their vision, the snow-capped hills looked like twisting dragons in the distance.

Standing between such a vast sky and earth, one could not help but feel the immense grandeur of nature. For a brief moment, a profound sense of insignificance welled up in Xiao Qiao's heart. As she was sighs with emotion, Wei Shao suddenly raised his arm beside her and pointed toward the west. "Look," he said, "that is the direction of Luoyang. A round trip from here would take no more than a few days by fast horse. Xing Xun has occupied the nest like a squatter for many years. And that ridiculous Yuan Zhe, who claims to command an army of a million—I actually thought he was someone of consequence, but it turns out he is nothing more than an empty name!" His tone was entirely filled with disdain.

Yuan Zhe had previously launched a campaign against Xing Xun under the banner of rescuing the Emperor, and the two sides had been locked in a stalemate at Sishui. A major battle had finally erupted last month, but Yuan Zhe was no match for Xing Xun. Having suffered a devastating blow to his core forces, he had now retreated to Qingzhou.

Xiao Qiao knew that Wei Shao was likely stirred by the scenery before him, which had prompted this sudden outburst of emotion. She followed the direction of his pointing finger, gazing toward that magnificent imperial capital that remained hidden from view.

The cold wind howled across the hilltop, blowing so fiercely that Xiao Qiao found it difficult to stand steady. Wei Shao pulled her against his side with one arm, then suddenly murmured, "If this land should belong to me in the future, I shall take your hand and share with you the supreme honor of the imperial throne."

Xiao Qiao was stunned. She lifted her eyes to look at him.

Wei Shao, however, did not look back at her. His gaze remained fixed on the distant direction of the imperial capital. Those words just now seemed like nothing more than a casual, unintentional remark that had slipped from his lips.

Xiao Qiao offered a faint smile and said nothing.

The wind was too strong on the mountain peak. After standing for just a moment longer, Wei Shao led her back down the hill. They shared the horse just as they had on the way there, slowly making their way back. As they neared the courier station, they could see Lei Yan standing at the crossroads from afar, scanning the distance as if waiting for Wei Shao's return.

The moment Lei Yan spotted Wei Shao, he quickened his pace toward him. Wei Shao urged his horse closer, signaled for him to wait a moment, and escorted Xiao Qiao inside the courier station before turning back out.

"My Lord, news has arrived from Yang Xin."

Seeing him emerge, Lei Yan stepped forward to report. "Two days ago, Xue Tai’s troops were lured into a valley in the Mang Mountains by that refugee leader. They were hit with fire attacks from both the front and rear, and their ranks fell into chaos. During the ensuing melee, that green-eyed man charged single-handedly into Xue Tai’s formation with unstoppable valor. Xue Tai was startled right off his horse, and an arrow struck him squarely in the throat, killing him on the spot."

A flicker of surprise flashed through Wei Shao's eyes. He pondered in silence for a moment before asking, "What is the situation over there now?"

Lei Yan replied, "With Xue Tai killed before the battle lines, Lingbi has now fallen entirely into the hands of that refugee leader, and his power has grown immensely. Xuzhou is in chaos. Xue Tai still has two sons, who have raised white mourning banners atop the walls of Xuzhou City, vowing to take the green-eyed man's head in revenge. It is expected that another fierce battle lies ahead."

"Where is Yang Xin now?"

"Reporting to the Lord Marquis, Yang Xin had originally led his troops to provide support, just as you instructed. Seeing the situation change, he has already withdrawn and is currently awaiting your orders."

Wei Shao remained silent, seemingly lost in deep thought.

Receiving no response for a long time, Lei Yan recalled their encounter with the green-eyed man outside the Hu Family Village that day, where he had nearly lost his life. Although several days had passed, a lingering fear still gripped his heart when he thought of it now. He could not help but say, "My Lord, although this green-eyed man is merely a refugee leader, he really cannot be underestimated. Even Xue Tai ended up dead at his hands. If he cannot be used by you in the future, he will certainly become a major threat. Fortunately, he is related to you by marriage. If we invite him to surrender and join us, it might just be a solution that satisfies both sides."

Wei Shao said coldly, "I have no such relative."

Lei Yan froze, then came to a sudden realization. He thought to himself that this was indeed true.

Although that green-eyed man had killed Xue Tai and now occupied Lingbi, he was ultimately nothing more than a lowborn refugee leader. Given the status and position of the Qiao family, even if their power was waning, they would absolutely never marry their daughter to a refugee unless there was some hidden, unspeakable reason. Furthermore, considering his Lord's supreme status, how could a mere refugee leader possibly deserve to stand as his brother-in-law?

Lei Yan realized he had spoken out of turn and hurriedly begged for forgiveness. "This general spoke without thinking. Please do not blame me, My Lord."

Wei Shao waved his hand. "No matter."

"Is there any other news from Yanzhou?"

He drifted off for a brief moment, then asked as if suddenly remembering.

Lei Yan quickly replied, "I originally intended to report this to you yesterday, My Lord. However, I was unable to see you, and since it was not a critical matter, it was delayed. Regarding Yanzhou, it is indeed as Jia Si reported. The wife of Governor Qiao fell ill several months ago and has been confined to her bed. The Lady's return this time should indeed be to visit her sick mother. The Lady stayed in Dongjun for three or four days before joining that green-eyed man to head toward Lingbi. The only somewhat unusual thing is that lately, the Lady's father, Governor Qiao Ping of Dongjun, has been posting notices at all four city gates, seeking to recruit talented individuals without regard for their background. It strongly resembles the ancient tale of King Zhao of Yan buying horse bones for a thousand gold pieces. The entire city is talking about it."

Wei Shao's eyes flickered slightly, and he frowned.

Having finished his report, Lei Yan stood quietly to the side, waiting for Wei Shao to speak.

"Send a letter to Yang Xin. Tell him to maintain a strict guard against that refugee leader. If Xue Tai's sons prove to be no match for him, Yang Xin must intervene to restrain him when necessary. Do not allow Xuzhou to fall into the hands of that green-eyed man! If there are matters he cannot decide upon, he is to report them to me."

Wei Shao pondered for a long moment before finally speaking these words in a slow, deliberate tone.

...

Returning to her room, Xiao Qiao shed her tightly wrapped outerwear. She took a branch of winter plum blossoms that Wei Shao had snapped from the roadside, placed it into a vase with fresh water, and admired it for a moment. Then, she sat down by the brazier with Chun Niang, roasting chestnuts over the fire while chatting idly.

Gradually, amidst the faint crackling sounds of the chestnut shells bursting open one by one, a sweet, delicate aroma drifted through the air. It blended with the subtle fragrance of the winter plums, refreshing the spirit.

"I wonder how things are going over in Lingbi," Chun Niang said, using tongs to pull out the chestnuts. Once they had cooled slightly, she peeled away the shells to reveal the golden flesh, placing them on a plate. She fed one to Xiao Qiao and added, "We've been delayed here for days as well. I wonder when we'll be able to set out on the road."

Xiao Qiao chewed the sweet, tender chestnut flesh slowly. As she was drifting off in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps outside the door.

Chun Niang turned her head and saw Wei Shao entering at an unhurried pace. She quickly rose, offered him a smiling greeting, and excused herself from the room.

Wei Shao stepped up behind Xiao Qiao, wrapped his arms around her waist, and gave her a sweet kiss. "What were you and Chun Niang just talking about?"

Xiao Qiao turned her head. Seeing the smile on his face as he leaned over from behind to look at her, she laughed and said, "It was nothing special. We were just talking about my brother-in-law and my older sister in Lingbi. We don't know how the battle is going, so I was a bit worried."

Wei Shao gave her a look. Taking advantage of the moment, he sat down beside her, pulled her entire body into his arms, and pulled her to sit upon his lap.

The two of them locked eyes.

Wei Shao stared at her, but did not speak.

Xiao Qiao instinctively sensed that he was acting unusual. Seeing his gaze fixed squarely on her face, she subconsciously raised a hand to touch her cheek and smiled. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something painted on my face?"

Only then did Wei Shao smile, speaking in a slow, unhurried manner. "I have a piece of good news for you, which should put your mind at ease. Two days ago, the refugee leader fought Xue Tai at the Mang Mountains. Xue Tai was slain right in the middle of his army formation. The refugee leader has already taken full possession of the entire territory of Lingbi."

Xiao Qiao was overjoyed. Her eyes instantly lit up with a brilliant light, and she let out a delighted cry. Her hands flew up to clasp Wei Shao's shoulders as she straightened herself up from his lap. "Is what my husband says true?"

She was simply too excited. Caught off guard by her sudden movement, Wei Shao was pushed straight backward onto the couch by her momentum.

"Is everything my husband said true? You aren't lying to me?" Xiao Qiao pressed him further.

Over the past few days, although she had refrained from asking Wei Shao about the military situation in Lingbi, she had always been anxious about it in her heart. Although she knew Bi Zhi was skilled in warfare, the discrepancy between his forces and Xue Tai's was simply too vast. This time, Xue Tai had advanced with his full force, intending to crush him completely. There were too many variables, and she truly hadn't dared to predict the outcome.

She never expected that not only would he win, but the fruits of victory would be such a grand triumph! How could she not be beside herself with joy?

Pinned beneath Xiao Qiao on the couch, Wei Shao looked up at her beautiful eyes, which had suddenly turned radiantly joyful at such close proximity. Suppressing a trace of an odd sensation that was slowly welling up in his heart, he raised a hand to stroke her hair, offering her a faint smile. "It is absolutely true.”