“Manman! Manman! Wake up!” A gentle yet worried voice echoed in her ears, followed by a gentle push that roused her from sleep. Qiao Xiao’s eyes flew open, finding herself still lying on the bed she had slept in for the past two years. Her entire body was drenched in sweat as if she had just emerged from water.
Beside her, sharing the bed and the one who had awakened her, was her cousin Qiao Da, the daughter of her uncle, Yanzhou Inspector Qiao Yue. Qiao Da’s childhood name was Afan, and at seventeen, she was three years older than Qiao Xiao. The two cousins had grown up together and were extremely close, often sharing a bed.
Seeing that Qiao Xiao had finally awakened, Qiao Da felt her forehead, discovering it was covered in cold sweat. She hurriedly got out of bed, not disturbing the sleeping maids in the outer room. She lit an oil lamp, took a cloth, and carefully wiped the sweat from her cousin who still lay in bed. Fearing Qiao Xiao might catch a chill, she helped her change into one of her clean undergarments. Finally, she poured a cup of water and handed it to Qiao Xiao.
Qiao Xiao, feeling parched, gratefully accepted the water.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Qiao Da watched her drink and sighed, “Another nightmare? Manman, I remember you used to sleep so soundly. What’s happened these past two years? You often have nightmares now. Did you accidentally encounter something unclean outside? Should I tell Mother tomorrow and ask her to invite a spirit medium to the house to take a look?”
Qiao Xiao’s mother had passed away a few years ago, and Madam Ding, her aunt, cared for Qiao Xiao dearly, often inquiring about her well-being.
Qiao Xiao quickly shook her head. “Sister, there’s no need. I’m fine.”
Qiao Da took the cup and placed it back on the table, still concerned. “What exactly did you dream about? Your whole body was ice-cold.”
…
Such dreams had frequently occurred since two years ago when Qiao Xiao’s soul had inexplicably transmigrated into the body of this girl in this chaotic era.
But she knew this wasn’t merely a nightmare.
It seemed that not only had she become Qiao Xiao, the twelve-year-old daughter of Qiao Ping, the Governor of Dongjun in Yanzhou, but she had also inherited all the memories of Qiao Xiao’s previous life spanning twenty short years.
The terrifying scene she had just dreamed of was the final moment of her previous life.
Everything in the dream was so bloody and real.
Consort Liu, the thirteen-year-old girl who died under the blade of a palace servant, and the eerie gaze from her eye as she stared at Qiao Xiao in her dying moments – even now, awake, it sent chills down her spine.
Her chest still seemed to retain the piercing pain and coldness of the sword that had run her through.
Not wanting to recall anymore, she curled up against Qiao Da, murmuring, “I just dreamed of being chased by a fierce tiger…”
Qiao Da smiled, affectionately stroking her hair. She leaned over to blow out the lamp, then felt her way back under the covers. Embracing Qiao Xiao, she gently patted her back and said softly, “Don’t be afraid, Sister is here with you.”
Qiao Xiao made a soft sound of acknowledgment and, leaning against Qiao Da’s soft, warm body, slowly closed her eyes.
The moonlight of the Little Cold month in the eleventh month of the seventh year of Dingkang of the Great Han dynasty filtered through the window paper, quietly illuminating a patch of floor in front of the bed.
Qiao Xiao’s mind gradually settled, but she couldn’t fall back asleep.
Qiao Da beside her seemed to be in a similar state.
Thinking Qiao Xiao had fallen asleep, she gently tucked the blanket around her cousin, then tossed and turned, unable to find sleep herself.
Listening to Qiao Da’s breathing, Qiao Xiao knew what was troubling her.
…
The Qiao sisters of Yanzhou were renowned for their beauty, famous throughout Henan. People said, “If the spirit of the Luo River is ten parts divine, the Qiao sisters possess eight of those parts.” When Qiao Da was ten, she was betrothed to the son of the influential Governor of Dongping, Cui. Unexpectedly, two years ago, when Qiao Da was fifteen and preparing for marriage, Dongping was conquered by Zhou Qun of Rencheng. Governor Cui and his son both perished in battle, and the marriage was abruptly ended.
Two years had passed, and Qiao Da was now seventeen. Suitors from all directions had nearly worn out their doorstep, but the marriage arrangements never seemed to work out, dragging on until now. It wasn’t until half a month ago that Qiao Da learned of a decision her father had made. He had decided to marry her to Wei Shao, who had just seized control of Hebei at the beginning of the year. This marriage, combined with Yanzhou’s strategic position, was a tactic to seek Wei Shao’s favor and gain a chance to catch their breath under the attacks of Zhou Qun from Rencheng.
Now, envoys had already been dispatched to Jizhou, where Wei Shao was currently based, and her uncle was anxiously waiting for a reply.
…
“Did I wake you?” Qiao Da, realizing Qiao Xiao wasn’t asleep, asked apologetically.
“No, you didn’t,” Qiao Xiao said softly.
A moment later, in the dim night, Qiao Xiao heard her sigh deeply as if asking her, yet also seeming to talk to herself, “Marquis Wei has a grudge against our family. He probably won’t accept this marriage proposal, right?”
Qiao Xiao remained silent.
Two years ago, after inexplicably becoming Qiao Xiao, she had always secretly hoped that the memories of her previous life – or rather, the future – were just a dream.
But as time slowly passed, she was horrified to discover that everything seemed to be real.
Events were unfolding step by step according to what she knew.
If left unchanged, Wei Shao would accept this marriage proposal. But after Qiao Da married into the Wei family, her fate was destined to be fraught with misfortune, her end even more tragic than Qiao Xiao’s own.
From the first day of her marriage to Wei Shao, her husband never touched her. Years later, when Wei Shao proclaimed himself emperor, the Qiao family was scattered – some dead, some dispersed. Qiao Da would take her own life by swallowing gold, and Wei Shao would install another woman as his empress.
That would be the end of Qiao Da’s life.
Qiao Xiao reached out and slowly grasped her cousin’s hand.
Her fingers touched ice-cold skin, devoid of any warmth.
…
The next day, Qiao Ci, Qiao Xiao’s twin brother who was the same age but born just moments after her, hurriedly returned to Dongjun from Yancheng. He arrived home late in the evening. The siblings, Qiao Xiao and Qiao Ci were also very close. Although only fourteen, Qiao Ci was already half a head taller than his sister Qiao Xiao, cutting the figure of a brave and valiant young man. Two months ago, he had been sent by their father, Qiao Ping, to Yancheng to gain experience. Hearing from the servants that the young master had returned, Qiao Xiao went to find him. As she approached her father’s study, she could hear her brother’s voice from inside, sounding very agitated.
“Father! Although Zhou Qun of Rencheng has a strong army, Yanzhou also has two hundred thousand soldiers and civilians. The previous defeat at Baima doesn’t count; victory and defeat are common in warfare! If we unite our hearts and fight to the death once more, it’s not impossible to turn the tide! I’m willing to lead the vanguard! I’ve heard that Uncle is afraid and plans to seek favor from Wei Shao. Wei Shao has wild ambitions. After swallowing up Jizhou, his influence has already reached Hebei. If we rely on him, Yanzhou might gain temporary peace, but how can we sustain it in the long run? Moreover, given the old grudge between our families, not to mention how Elder Sister will fare after marrying him, how can he truly help our Qiao family through this difficulty?”
Qiao Xiao stopped at the door, peering inside. She saw her father standing by the window with his hands behind his back, while her brother Qiao Ci paced back and forth in the study, agitated.
…
The old grudge between the Qiao and Wei families dates back ten years.
Wei Shao’s father, Wei Jing, had once been a third-rank Tiger Tally General. For his merits in resisting the Xiongnu, he was granted the title of Marquis of Yan and also served as the Inspector of Youzhou. Under orders from the imperial court, he joined forces with Qiao Xiao’s grandfather, Qiao Gui, who was then the Inspector of Yanzhou, to suppress the rebellion of Li Su in Chenzhou. Li Su’s forces were vast and powerful. Wei Jing and Qiao Gui allied, agreeing to attack Chenzhou from the east and west simultaneously. However, on the eve of battle, receiving news that Li Su had reinforcements arriving, Qiao Gui retreated and held his position, assessing the situation. Unaware of this, Wei Jing and his eldest son Wei Bao, outnumbered, were ultimately surrounded and killed in battle. Wei Shao, only twelve years old at the time, had also accompanied his father and brother to the battlefield. Thanks to his family retainers sacrificing their lives to protect him, he finally managed to break through the encirclement and escape back to Youzhou.
Afterward, the Qiao family offered various explanations, claiming they had sent a messenger to deliver the news, but the envoy had been ambushed and killed on the way, making it an unfortunate circumstance beyond their control. During the funeral, they also sent lavish gifts to the Wei family.
Four years ago, the eighteen-year-old Wei Shao, known as the “Little Hegemon” by his contemporaries, personally led troops in pursuit and finally exterminated Li Su’s entire clan on the shores of the Eastern Sea.
It was said that Li Su himself first endured lingchi, with Wei Shao personally wielding the knife, only dying after a thousand cuts. After death, his body was chopped into mincemeat and fed to the fish.
It was also said that shortly after, when Qiao Xiao’s grandfather died, Wei Shao, who was then attacking Hejian, upon hearing the news, coldly remarked, “The white-haired old traitor, his death is well-deserved.”
The depth of Wei Shao’s hatred was evident.
…
“My lord! Have even you become so cowardly that you dare not utter a word? If you won’t speak, I’ll go talk to Uncle myself!”
Seeing his father remain silent, Qiao Ci clenched his fists and turned to leave.
“Nonsense! You stay right there!” Qiao Ping suddenly turned around, stopping his son. He said, “Zhou Qun’s army is strong and prosperous. First, they swallowed up Dongping, destroying the Cui family’s foundation. With their victory at Baima last month, their morale is high. If they come to attack again, coupled with Wei Shao eyeing us from Hebei, how can Yanzhou’s two hundred thousand soldiers and civilians withstand it?”
“Is there no other way but to rely on Wei Shao? I can’t bear to see Elder Sister married off like this!”
Qiao Ping pondered for a moment, then sighed deeply. “Your father also knows that seeking favor from Wei Shao is not appropriate. Do you think I haven’t tried to argue against it? I suggested allying with Zhang Fu of Chengliu to fight with all our strength, which might give us a chance of victory. I knew Zhang Fu in my early years and am willing to go persuade him. But your uncle and those family retainers are set on avoiding war…”
“Father! Please, try to persuade Uncle once more!”
Unable to hold back any longer, Qiao Xiao pushed open the door and knelt before her father.
If nothing was done and events were allowed to unfold as they were, although it might solve their immediate concerns, Qiao Da’s life would be instantly ruined. And in a few years, the entire Qiao family would not survive. Qiao Xiao remembered that first, her father would die in battle, and then her brother Qiao Ci, to allow her and her future husband, the Later Emperor Liu Yan, to escape safely, would sacrifice himself to draw away the pursuing troops, ultimately dying under a hail of arrows, surrounded by Wei Shao’s soldiers.
Her father, Qiao Ping, was only thirty-five years old this year, an extremely handsome and elegant man. As the Governor of Dongjun, he had not remarried since her mother’s death a few years ago, devoting himself daily to county affairs, enforcing laws justly, and caring for the people of the county. Moreover, with the Qiao family having held positions in Yanzhou for three generations, they were highly respected by the local people. Although her father was skilled in poetry and prose, he was not a weak scholar. When he donned his battle robes, he became a formidable White Robe General.
In this life, with such a father and brother, even if she wasn’t the original Qiao Xiao, she didn’t want to lose them like this.
Qiao Ping hadn’t expected his daughter to suddenly burst in and kneel before him. He was taken aback.
“Father, Sister is right. Please!” Qiao Ci also dropped to his knees beside Qiao Xiao with a thud.
Qiao Ping furrowed his brow, stood alone by the window for a moment, and finally said, “Very well, I’ll try to persuade him one more time!”