Wei Shao sat upright behind the desk on the couch. To the left of the desk were stacks of bamboo slips and books. Some had been opened and read, while others remained tightly bound. On the right side lay his long sword. He was holding a long scroll in his hand when he heard Xiao Qiao’s footsteps entering, and he slightly raised his eyes.

Xiao Qiao walked directly in front of him, gave a slight bow, and without asking, climbed onto the couch. She knelt on the opposite side of the desk, facing him directly across it.

Wei Shao seemed to be slightly startled and glanced at her.

Xiao Qiao said, “Husband, this morning after leaving Grandmother, I learned about the military situation in Shiyi and Yanzhou. I also know that my uncle has asked you for military assistance. Besides that, my uncle also wrote a family letter to me, asking me to intercede with you on his behalf. I know I don’t have such favor or face before you, husband. But even if my uncle hadn’t written, I would have urgently sought to see you. I waited at home for a long time without seeing you return, fearing you might have already set out on the campaign. So I boldly came to the government office. If there’s any impropriety, I ask for your forgiveness.”

Wei Shao said coolly, “What do you want to say to me?”

Xiao Qiao looked directly into his eyes: “I’ve come to you, naturally, to beg you to help Yanzhou and relieve it from Xue Tai’s military threat.”

Wei Shao smiled slightly, put down the scroll in his hand, and slowly sat up straight, saying, “How can a woman meddle in affairs of state? Moreover, on what grounds do you ask me to help Yanzhou and relieve it from this military threat?”

In his tone, that familiar hint of slight mockery that Xiao Qiao knew well inadvertently revealed itself again.

Xiao Qiao lowered her eyes and said, “I know my words carry little weight. Moreover, there is an old grudge between the Qiao and Wei families. The tragedy of your father and elder uncle is inextricably linked to my Qiao family. My uncle’s insistence on marrying me to you in hopes of reconciliation is like trying to catch a bird by covering one’s own eyes – merely self-deception.”

Wei Shao narrowed his eyes: “If that’s the case, what more do you have to say?”

Xiao Qiao slowly raised her eyes: “I also know that the reason you married me last year was likely in compliance with the elders’ orders. I dare not hope for you to set aside the grudge in your heart for your father and brother. However, now that the Wei and Qiao families have become related by marriage, in the eyes of the world, it’s tantamount to allying. Now that the Qiao family is in dire straits, if you stand idly by, it would be seen as a breach of this alliance. Moreover, the Wei family is strong while the Qiao family is weak. If Yanzhou falls, it would also damage your reputation.”

Wei Shao remained silent, his expression noncommittal.

Xiao Qiao paused, taking a breath: “The East Sea is vast and deep, yet it humbly accepts all rivers; the Five Sacred Mountains are tall and grand, yet they do not reject dust and dirt. I know you have ambitions as high as the nine heavens, and abilities that can support the sky and tread the seas. When Youzhou’s Wei family is mentioned, no one in the world doesn’t know of it. Foremost is the Wei family’s reputation for resisting foreign aggression, which is unparalleled. For four generations and three eras, this has been passed down in an unbroken line, and now in your hands, it has not diminished the prestige of your ancestors. If you can generously come to Yanzhou’s aid in this crisis, not only will the military and civilians of Yanzhou be grateful, but people all over the world will praise your magnanimity.”

Wei Shao laughed: “If I don’t help, does that make me narrow-minded? Why should I care about such empty reputations? The victor becomes the king, the loser becomes the outlaw – don’t you know this principle?”

Xiao Qiao shook her head, her tone sincere: “That’s not what I meant. If you truly don’t help, I suspect it’s not entirely because of the old grudge from your grandfather’s generation. This morning, I heard from Grandmother that 150,000 troops from Binzhou are about to march on Shiyi. You need to face them head-on, so you probably can’t spare extra forces to look after Yanzhou.”

Wei Shao glanced at her.

“I’m just a woman from the inner chambers, with little knowledge. But this matter concerns the life and death of Yanzhou, so I dare to propose a strategy to you that might resolve Yanzhou’s military crisis. If you find it feasible, it won’t require much of your military strength. May I speak?”

Wei Shao seemed startled. His eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Go ahead,” he said, his tone somewhat indifferent.

“When I was still in the inner chambers in Dongju, I heard that in the Huai River region, besides Xue Tai of Xuzhou, Yang Xin, the Governor of Yangzhou, was also a major power. Xue Tai and Yang Xin have long been at odds over territory and people. Since Chen Xiang could ally with Xue Tai through marriage and grain, inciting him to attack Yanzhou, couldn’t we use the same tactic against him by allying with Yang Xin to attack Xuzhou? Once Xuzhou is in danger, Xue Tai will surely have to withdraw his troops to save himself.

As long as we can get Yang Xin to deploy his troops, no matter how much grain and wealth it takes, even if it means emptying our coffers, I’ll write to Yanzhou later, and my uncle and father will surely repay in full. You won’t have to spend a single coin. When I was married, my family prepared a dowry for me. Although it’s just a drop in the bucket, I’m willing to offer it all.”

Wei Shao’s expression changed slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.

“This strategy of ‘besieging Wei to rescue Zhao’ – if I could think of it, surely you could too. I know it’s easier said than done. Getting Yang Xin to attack Xuzhou at this time means making him an enemy of Chen Xiang. Chen Xiang is powerful, and although Yang Xin is greedy, he might not be willing to offend Chen Xiang just for grain and silk. Persuading Yang Xin is the most difficult part. Looking at the world, I think only you, husband, have the personal influence and prestige to move someone like Yang Xin.”

“What do you think, husband? Is it feasible?” she finally asked softly.

…

The study fell silent.

…

Although Xiao Qiao had tried her best to remain calm, her eyes, gazing at him, still involuntarily revealed a hint of nervousness. Her tightly clenched hands were slightly damp with sweat.

The life and death of Yanzhou and the Qiao family might depend on this moment.

…

Wei Shao also looked at Xiao Qiao, his expression seemingly unchanged from before. In reality, he was extremely surprised, even shocked, by her words.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Just as she had said, after Wei Liang left last night, as he waited alone in this office for dawn, Wei Shao had already come up with this strategy of using one enemy against another.

The “hawk” he had in mind coincided with hers – it was indeed Yang Xin, the Governor of Yangzhou.

As long as he arranged it and promised substantial benefits, it wouldn’t be difficult to get Yang Xin to send troops to attack Xuzhou.

However, as he had told Madam Xu this morning, there was a hurdle in his heart.

So he hesitated between helping and not helping, finding it difficult to decide.

Whenever he thought of the Qiao family’s betrayal in the past, hatred would spread in his heart.

The tragic scene of his father and brother’s deaths in his youth was too deeply etched in his memory. With time, the shadow had not faded but had become more deeply rooted in the depths of his heart. It just hadn’t surfaced sometimes.

He had also gradually realized that this daughter of the Qiao family who had married into their family was not only beautiful but indeed pleased him. At some point, some of her unconscious expressions and small movements, perhaps unnoticed by herself, could stir his emotions and make his mind wander.

He was also willing to be kinder to her, to a certain degree and within a certain range, such as within their chambers. But once outside the door, the sensory pleasures she brought him couldn’t dilute his aversion to the Qiao family.

It was precisely because he was hesitating, or rather, he needed a reason to convince himself to aid the Qiao family according to the marriage alliance, that he had gone to see his grandmother first thing this morning.

Although his grandmother hadn’t said it explicitly, how could Wei Shao not understand her meaning?

When he left the Wei mansion gates, he had already made his decision.

In the front hall, Wei Liang and twenty or thirty other officials and generals had already been summoned and were waiting for him to issue orders.

He had just prepared everything and was about to go to the front hall when she suddenly and unexpectedly arrived here.

He had anticipated that if she learned of Yanzhou’s dire situation, she would come to beg for his help. That was within his expectations.

What he hadn’t expected was that she would come to the government office looking like a heavenly fairy, with unusually vibrant makeup and new clothes, appearing before him in an attempt to persuade him in this manner.

He had to admit, she was very clever, cleverer than he had imagined. Her words were layered and progressive, extremely persuasive.

Even if he hadn’t initially decided to help, after hearing her speech, he had no reason to refuse anymore.

…

Wei Shao’s current mood was somewhat indescribable. He wasn’t sure what he felt. Surprise? Joy? Perhaps even a bit of disappointment that he couldn’t quite explain even to himself…

…

After Xiao Qiao asked “Is it feasible?”, she waited for his answer. She waited for a long time, but he still didn’t give any response.

He just sat across from her, silent. His expression was as calm as water.

She really couldn’t guess what he was thinking at that moment.

She became even more anxious.

On the way here, she had already planned what to say. She felt her words were quite persuasive.

As long as Wei Shao had a bit of patience to listen to her, she felt she had a good chance of convincing him.

But now it seemed that her words hadn’t had much effect.

Perhaps he was still hesitating?

He could hesitate, but she couldn’t hesitate anymore. She didn’t have that luxury. She was determined to make every effort to convince him.

She had been kneeling opposite him. But suddenly, she straightened her back, her delicate fingers lightly pressing on the desk surface.

“You married me for Yanzhou as well. Yanzhou is now like meat on your plate. If it can be protected, I really can’t think of why you would give it up, only to have to snatch it back from others later.”

Wei Shao met her gaze, still expressionless.

“If Yanzhou can be fortunately preserved thanks to you this time, Manman will be very grateful.”

Xiao Qiao’s tone softened, and she suddenly leaned towards him, her lips lightly touching his tightly closed mouth.

Their faces were suddenly very close, Xiao Qiao’s exquisite, beautiful nose tip with its jade-like cool smoothness lightly touching his cheek, their breaths almost mingling, as if whispering intimately.

Wei Shao’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.

“You must be busy with important matters, husband. I dare not disturb you further. I’ll take my leave now.”

Xiao Qiao moved away from him, sat back, bowed slightly to him, then stood up and turned to leave.

“Keep that bit of dowry money for yourself to make a couple of dresses!”

As she reached the door, she suddenly heard Wei Shao say behind her, his tone calm but with a hint of teasing.

She stopped and turned her head.

Wei Shao had risen from the couch, smoothed his sleeves, and quickly passed by Xiao Qiao, stepping over the threshold towards the front hall.

…

In the front hall, twenty to thirty civil and military officials of Yuyang had been waiting anxiously. They finally saw Wei Shao emerge from the rear hall, and immediately stood still in two rows, awaiting orders.

Wei Shao issued commands, appointing Li Dian as Grand General to lead 150,000 troops divided into five routes towards Shiyi. Li Chong would lead the first route on the left, Zhang Jian the second route on the right, and the other three routes were also each assigned top generals, all loyal and battle-hardened Wei family commanders. These five top generals were each to lead their troops and set out on the appointed day.

Wei Shao also appointed Chief Clerk Wei Quan as Grand Marshal to oversee supplies en route, while he would lead a separate elite personal guard unit.

The generals and officials received their orders and military tokens and then dispersed. Wei Liang remained on the side, seeing everyone leave without his name being called. Thinking Wei Shao distrusted him because of losing the young lady on the road at the end of last year, he anxiously went up to ask, “Does My Lord not trust Liang?”

Wei Shao smiled and said, “General, I have an important task for you, which is why I kept you till the end.”

Wei Liang was puzzled. Wei Shao leaned in and whispered something to him. Wei Liang was very surprised.

“I’ve decided that we must fight for Shiyi and also protect Yanzhou. Chen Xiang has married his daughter to Xue Tai’s son, and the promised ten thousand hu of grain and one thousand gold are already on the way. Master Gong Sun’s letter mentions that to ensure absolute safety, Chen Xiang is avoiding the main roads and taking small paths, with a thousand troops escorting the convoy. I’m giving you two thousand troops to intercept and capture all the people and supplies for me. I’ll send an envoy to Yangzhou immediately with my secret letter, promising Yang Xin that if he attacks Xuzhou, forcing the withdrawal of troops from Yanzhou, once the matter is settled, we’ll send him the grain and silk, plus a thousand northern horses. Yang Xin has long coveted Xuzhou, and with my backing, how could he pass up such an opportunity?”

Wei Liang laughed heartily: “My Lord’s plan is brilliant! If Xuzhou falls, where can Xue Tai find safety? He’ll surely have to withdraw his troops to save the city! With Chen Xiang losing his daughter and supplies, and Xue Tai failing in his scheme and losing out, let’s see how these two can remain good in-laws!”

Wei Shao smiled slightly: “This matter concerns the fate of Yanzhou and cannot afford any mistakes. General, you must act with utmost caution.”

Wei Liang stopped laughing and said seriously: “My Lord, please rest assured. With the lesson from last time, Wei Liang will be a hundred times more cautious and will not fail your trust!”

…

From early morning, the people in the city began to feel the atmosphere grow tense. Large groups of soldiers continuously passed through the north, south, and east city gates, gathering on the open fields outside the west gate. The military forces were dense, with banners blocking out the sky, stretching as far as the eye could see. Soon, news spread that the Lord was sending a large army to Shiyi for a decisive battle with Chen Xiang. The people, who had always been fond of Wei Shao’s army, rushed to the west gate upon hearing this, bringing rice and provisions. Grand Marshal Wei Quan thanked the people but politely declined all offerings.

While the atmosphere of war preparation was thick in Yuyang city, the mood within the high walls of the Wei mansion was also different from usual.

Madam Xu and Madam Zhu learned that Wei Shao was going to war again, with the vanguard already on the move. Although they were accustomed to such partings, they still felt reluctant in their hearts. Knowing that Wei Shao would surely return to bid farewell before departing, Madam Xu, afternoon, brought Madam Zhu and Xiao Qiao to wait in the front hall.

Madam Xu’s expression was no different from usual, she just sat quietly waiting. Madam Zhu, however, showed worry on her face, her eyes seeming a bit red, and she occasionally turned her face away to wipe the corners of her eyes.

Madam Xu noticed but didn’t say anything, though she was somewhat displeased.

Xiao Qiao and Madam Xu waited together until night fell when they finally received the news. Wei Shao was busy with military affairs and likely wouldn’t return tonight. To spare his grandmother and mother from waiting in vain, he suggested they each return to their rooms to rest and that he would visit them later to say his goodbyes.

Only then did Madam Xu instruct everyone to disperse to their quarters.

…

Although Wei Shao hadn’t explicitly stated it that morning, his remark before rising indicated that he had decided to lend support to Yanzhou. After returning from the government office, Xiao Qiao felt a little more at ease. Once Madam Xu sent everyone to their rooms, she remained waiting in hers.

She waited until very late, past midnight, and when the hour was close to the second watch, she could no longer hold on and lay down by the bed, dozing off. As her consciousness blurred, she heard voices outside the door—Spring Lady speaking with someone—and then the familiar sound of footsteps…

Reacting instinctively, Xiao Qiao sat up abruptly from her pillow before fully opening her eyes.

Wei Shao was back.