HomeThe Prisoner of BeautyZhe Yao - Chapter 146

Zhe Yao – Chapter 146

Xiao Qiao continued to hold her daughter in her arms until she fell asleep, then gently placed her on the bed.

As the weather gradually warmed up, the little one, with her chubby body, tended to sweat around her neck and armpits while sleeping.

Xiao Qiao unfolded a thin quilt suitable for the early summer weather, covering her daughter’s body. She left the wet nurse to watch over the child and went to see Madam Xu.

Earlier, when she came to the north room, she had first gone to see Madam Xu.

Madam Xu had only asked a couple of questions about the journey before sending her to see Fei Fei.

Now, Madam Xu was in the greenhouse that Xiao Qiao had built for her before, watering a cluster of Ji Mountain double-petaled roses that had been transplanted last year.

The courtyard was full of life. Dewdrops clung to the lush green leaves of the roses, and various colored buds adorned the branches. Though not yet in full bloom, the fragrance they emitted had already attracted several bees and butterflies flitting about. Suddenly, a round-backed, gold-spotted black longhorn beetle flew in from an angle, colliding with Madam Xu and falling onto the muddy ground with a “plop.” It lay on its back, constantly flapping its wings and moving its antennae and legs, making a buzzing sound as it struggled in vain to turn over and fly again.

The cat, emerging from some unknown corner, pounced nimbly, pinning the beetle down with a paw. It sniffed and batted at the insect playfully.

Madam Xu moved the cat away and flipped the beetle over.

The longhorn beetle crawled a few steps on the muddy ground, then with a buzz of its wings, took flight once more. The black dot traced an arc in the air before disappearing into the flower bushes.

“Is Fei Fei asleep?” Madam Xu asked with a smile, turning her gaze back.

“Yes, she is,” Xiao Qiao replied.

“Grandmother…” she called out again, her throat seemingly full of countless words she wanted to say.

Yet she didn’t know where to begin.

“Hand me the scissors,” Madam Xu said.

Xiao Qiao took them from Maidservant Zhong and passed them to her.

Madam Xu accepted the pruning shears and carefully cut away a cluster of withered leaves that had white insect eggs on them.

“I know everything,” she said while trimming the branches and leaves. “It’s good that Shao can control himself. I heard your father lost his sight. How is he now?”

“He’s not in danger. With gradual treatment, his vision should recover in time,” Xiao Qiao replied, holding back her sadness.

Madam Xu paused her pruning as if recalling the past. “I still remember when your father came to Youzhou. He was elegant and broad-minded; I was deeply impressed. More than ten years have passed… time flies like a white colt glimpsed through a crack…”

A vague thought slowly surfaced in Xiao Qiao’s mind.

She wanted to ask this elderly woman, whom she deeply respected and adored, why she had been willing to accept the Qiao family’s proposal back then, allowing her only beloved grandson to marry a daughter from the Qiao family.

“Did Shao say when he might return?” Madam Xu suddenly asked.

“With the provocation in Hanzhong, he must be busy preparing for war. I’m afraid he won’t be able to return for some time…” Xiao Qiao replied, snapping back to attention.

Madam Xu’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment.

Xiao Qiao met her gaze without flinching.

“You’ve just returned and must be tired from the journey. Go and rest well first. Tomorrow, when you’ve recovered your energy, you can take Fei Fei back to the west room,” Madam Xu said, examining her for a moment before nodding with a smile on her face.

Since ancient times, armies have had special military recorders to document the names of fallen soldiers, providing compensation to their families after battles.

Although this was an ancient practice, it could only be truly implemented in prosperous dynasties or the idealized righteous armies of sages.

Born in turbulent times, with years of continuous warfare, battles were fierce and dangerous. Too many people died, and human life became as cheap as grass.

In major battles, the bodies of fallen soldiers would pile up like small hills.

Sometimes, when military rations ran low, the bodies of dead soldiers or plundered civilians would even be used as food—such occurrences were not uncommon.

When fighting and death became as routine as eating and drinking, even in Wei Shao’s army, during prolonged battles, it was impossible to record the name of every fallen soldier.

Most mothers and wives could only wait day after day, their eyes growing dim with hope until despair set in.

Of the sixteen guards who went with Wei Liang to Yanzhou and died, all names were recorded. Some were from Yuyang, from ordinary households.

The tragic news had already been sent to their families along with military compensation. They were treated as ordinary casualties.

Xiao Qiao prepared additional compensation from her dowry, enough to support the families of the deceased guards, and sent people to distribute it.

She didn’t personally go to comfort them.

The natural inequality of status meant that even if those guards’ families knew the true cause of their sons’ or husbands’ deaths, any resentment they might feel could only be expressed as gratitude and trepidation.

A few days later, she only went to visit Wei Liang’s mother and wife.

In Luoyang, when she and Wei Liang parted, Wei Liang had specifically asked that if the Lady saw his mother, she should not mention that he had been gravely injured.

It had been nearly a year and a half since they had last seen their son.

Suddenly hearing from the Lady that Wei Liang would likely be able to return home for a visit soon, Wei Liang’s mother and wife were overjoyed.

They were extremely grateful for the Lady’s visit.

When Xiao Qiao took her leave, Wei Liang’s mother insisted on seeing her off to the door, despite her advanced age.

On her way home, Xiao Qiao’s mind was filled with conflicting emotions as she recalled the beaming faces of Wei Liang’s mother and wife.

The carriage moved slowly through the streets, gradually approaching the Wei mansion in the north of the city. It stopped at the entrance.

As Spring Maiden helped Xiao Qiao down from the carriage, she immediately noticed a black Ferghana stallion tied to the hitching post beside the right stone base of the main gate.

The black steed was tall and strong, with long, slender legs. Its coat was sleek and shiny as if it had just stopped not long ago, with sweat still glistening on its neck and shoulders.

A groom was wiping down his sweaty coat.

“My Lord’s horse!” Spring Maiden exclaimed, recognizing it instantly, her voice filled with joy.

Xiao Qiao’s heart skipped a beat, and her blood seemed to suddenly flow faster.

The doorman, seeing the carriage return, hurried forward to greet them: “My Lady has returned! My Lord has also just returned! You’ve arrived one after the other!”

Spring Maiden, holding Xiao Qiao’s arm, almost dragged her through the main gate, heading straight for the west room. They only stopped when they reached the courtyard entrance.

The pace had been a bit quick, and Xiao Qiao caught her breath as they stopped.

A line of maids and servants stood at the base of the steps. Housekeeper Lin was peering out from the courtyard gate. Upon seeing Xiao Qiao, she hurried out, her face beaming with a smile. In a low voice, she said, “My Lord has returned! He’s in the room! The young Miss is asleep, and My Lord is watching her, not taking his eyes off her for even a moment. Oh my, his heart must be melting…”

Spring Maiden’s eyes shone with happiness. She continued to escort Xiao Qiao to the base of the steps, helping to tuck a few stray hairs that had been blown loose by the wind behind her ear. After examining her, she smiled softly and said, “My Lady looks beautiful today. Go on in.”

Xiao Qiao paused at the doorway, facing the slightly ajar door. She took a deep breath to compose herself, then gently pushed it open and walked in.

Could this soft, small person sleeping peacefully before his eyes, as delicate and beautiful as a little flower, really be his daughter, Wei Shao’s child?

Wei Shao sat on the edge of the bed, leaning in, holding his breath as he gazed down at the tiny figure sleeping on the bed.

Soft hair, faint eyebrows, long lashes, a small nose, pink lips slightly parted in sleep, chubby little arms and legs…

Wei Shao leaned in closer, inhaling the faint milky scent of her skin.

His heart melted completely, and he even felt an urge to gently nibble on her tiny hands and feet.

It seemed only this could express his love and regret for her.

She had grown so big, and he was only now coming back to see her.

Wei Shao stared at his daughter’s sleeping face, drinking in every detail. Suddenly, he noticed a thin layer of sweat on the tip of her nose.

He slowly reached out his hand towards her little face, carefully trying to wipe away the sweat.

As his fingertip was about to touch her nose, he turned his head and saw Xiao Qiao standing by the screen near the small window, her eyes fixed on him.

A gentle breeze blew in from outside, lightly stirring the low-hanging carved curtain. The curtain couldn’t block out the afternoon sun entirely, and a few scattered rays fell on one side of her face, making her skin appear like jade and her eyes even more clear and bright.

She stood there quietly, looking at him, with a soft smile playing on her slightly upturned lips.

Wei Shao’s hand paused in mid-air for a moment.

Without returning her gaze, he withdrew his hand and immediately stood up from the bed, walking towards the door.

As he passed in front of her, his figure quickly disappeared beyond the threshold.

Wei Shao kowtowed to Madam Xu: “Grandson has only now returned to see Grandmother, I am truly unfilial. How is Grandmother’s health?”

Since Wei Shao had left for Bingzhou early last year, he had been constantly engaged in military affairs. It wasn’t until now that Madam Xu saw him again, and she was overjoyed. She grasped his arm to help him up, examined him for a moment, and said with a smile, “Good, good. Though you’ve grown darker and thinner, your spirit seems fine. Did you just see your wife and daughter?”

Wei Shao replied, “I have.”

“Your mother hasn’t seen you in a long time and misses you dearly.”

Wei Shao said, “I’ve already sent someone to inform her. After I leave Grandmother, I’ll go see her.”

Madam Xu nodded and smiled, “It’s good that you’re home. I’m fine, and there’s nothing urgent here. How long will you stay this time? It’s important to spend time with your wife and daughter…”

“Reporting to Grandmother, I’ve returned this time firstly because I’ve been worried about you, not having seen you for so long, and secondly because I wasn’t here when Fei Fei was born, which wasn’t right. So I’ve come back before leading the troops out. I’m afraid I can’t stay long and will have to leave in a few days.”

Madam Xu looked at him, “Are you going to fight the Yue Zheng brothers in Hanzhong?”

“No. We’re marching to attack Langya. After destroying Langya, we’ll deal with the Yue Zheng brothers.”

Madam Xu was slightly taken aback, her expression gradually becoming serious. “Why? Yue Zheng Kai has proclaimed against you, why are you attacking Langya first?”

“I know that in this Yanzhou affair, Liu Yan stirred up trouble…” she hesitated.

“Grandmother misunderstands,” Wei Shao smiled slightly. “I’ve decided on this strategy not for revenge, but with other intentions.”

Madam Xu’s brows relaxed, and her single eye gazed at him, a glimmer of light flickering as she smiled, “Tell Grandmother about it.”

“Liu Yan has declared himself emperor, claiming legitimacy as a member of the Han royal family. Although the Langya court has gathered some people, apart from Yuan Zhe, the rest are not worth worrying about. Even Yuan Zhe, after his defeat at Sishui, is now weary and depleted, and his strength greatly diminished. While Liu Yan’s power is not yet consolidated, and everyone thinks I will respond to the Hanzhong provocation, I’ll do the unexpected. I plan to divide my forces into three routes, attacking Langya and Xuzhou simultaneously from Taishan, Pei, and Qiao counties. Once we form an encirclement, it will be like catching a turtle in a jar – Langya will surely fall!”

Wei Shao’s tone sounded rather calm.

Madam Xu pondered, “This strategy indeed catches them off guard and unprepared. But with the provocation from Hanzhong, how will you respond if they send troops?”

Wei Shao smiled, “Although the Yue Zheng family in Hanzhong has considerable strength, they have internal issues. I’ve heard that Yue Zheng Gong’s sons have always been outwardly harmonious but inwardly competitive, secretly vying for power. With Yue Zheng Gong’s death, it’s like a pack of wolves losing their leader – the sons will surely be suspicious and wary of each other. Yue Zheng Kai is fond of glory, and although he proclaimed me after declaring himself emperor, it seems passionate but is likely a reluctant move to save face. If I send him generous gifts to appease him, along with the offer of a city to show my goodwill, he will surely take the opportunity to stand down. Let the Yue Zheng family remain self-important in Hanzhong, with brothers consuming each other internally. After I destroy Langya, I’ll attack them, and it will be twice the result with half the effort. By then, who in the world could contend with me?”

At this point, his tone finally revealed a hint of undisguised pride.

Madam Xu slowly rose from her seat and walked to the window, leaning on her cane. She stood silently for a moment, gazing at the distant mountains.

“Shao’er, by my reckoning, I am also a distant branch of the Han family. The decline of the Han dynasty began with Emperor Ai. If one day you can realize your grand ambitions, you must remember: success and failure are intertwined, principles do not always prevail, those who follow virtue prosper, those who defy it to perish.”

“Grandson will certainly remember Grandmother’s teachings,” Wei Shao stood up and respectfully replied.

Previously, Xiao Qiao had been reluctant to sleep apart from her daughter at night, usually sharing the bed with her and having either the wet nurse or Spring Maiden sleep in the same room.

Today, with Wei Shao’s return, as soon as it got dark, Fei Fei was carried by the wet nurse to the adjacent side room.

Xiao Qiao followed. At the end of the You hour (5-7 pm), as usual, Fei Fei fell into a sweet sleep after being well-fed.

The wet nurse gently urged her, “My Lady, you may go now. I’ll take care of her.”

Xiao Qiao placed a light kiss on her daughter’s forehead, gave some instructions to the wet nurse, and then returned to her room.

Wei Shao had gone out after seeing Madam Xu and Lady Zhu during the day and hadn’t returned yet.

Assisted by Spring Maiden, Xiao Qiao bathed and changed into a newly tailored lake-green casual summer outfit.

Due to her youth, her figure recovered quickly after childbirth. Now, four months later, her waist was still slender enough to be encircled by one hand, and her figure remained as lithe as when she was a young girl.

Only her breasts had become fuller, making her old clothes too tight, necessitating the tailoring of several new sets.

The soft silk fabric clung to her skin, completely enveloping her graceful figure while leaving little to the imagination.

Xiao Qiao personally prepared Wei Shao’s bathing clothes and items for his return, then waited for him in the room.

She waited until very late, nearly the end of the Hai hour (9-11 pm), before finally hearing his footsteps returning.

Xiao Qiao went to greet him.

Wei Shao entered with an expressionless face, his gaze sweeping across the bed before turning to Xiao Qiao.

Xiao Qiao said softly, “Fei Fei is sleeping next door with the wet nurse.”

Wei Shao’s brow furrowed as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He brushed past her and entered the bathing room, closing the door with a “bang.”

1 COMMENT

  1. Ive never met ML as stubborn as Wei Shou. I wonder how this drama will be accepted by people of this generation. The dynamic of ml & fl here well reflected people in ancient times but now the world has changed…

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Chapters