The journey from Zhongshan State to Yuyang took approximately four to five days.
Early the next morning, Xiao Qiao accompanied Madam Xu as they left the house.
Wei Yan was already waiting at the gate. Behind him stood two rows of about a hundred guards.
As Wei Yan was tasked with guarding Youzhou, he would not be accompanying them. These guards would escort them throughout the journey. They were all from the Wei family’s elite Tiger Warriors, personally selected by Wei Yan for their loyalty and fighting prowess.
Seeing Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao emerge, Wei Yan immediately stepped forward to assist Madam Xu.
Outside the main gate, four double-horse carriages were waiting. The lead carriage was the epitome of luxury, with a brass-adorned canopy, white jade inlays on the crossbar, a blue-green exterior with red trim, and a silk-lined interior. It had four windows on each side – two for ventilation and two for viewing. Pearl tassels adorned its four corners.
Wei Yan helped Madam Xu down the steps towards the carriage. Upon seeing it, Madam Xu shook her head, saying, “I asked you to prepare a carriage, but this is far too extravagant.”
Wei Yan replied, “How can it be too extravagant for someone of Grandmother’s status? This is nothing compared to what the nobles in Luoyang ride. Besides, the journey will take several days, and given Grandmother’s age, I feared you might grow weary. That’s why I prepared a slightly more comfortable one.”
Madam Xu smiled, “You always have a way with words. Well, since it’s ready, I might as well use it. It’s good that your sister-in-law is traveling with me. My old bones can manage, but she’s delicate and needs a comfortable ride. You’ve thought of everything.”
Wei Yan smiled and helped Madam Xu into the carriage. He then stepped back, making way for Xiao Qiao, and said with a smile, “Sister-in-law, please get in.”
A maid lightly assisted Xiao Qiao, who lifted her skirt slightly and stepped onto the footboard. However, as she stepped onto the carriage floor, her foot slipped slightly, causing her to lose balance. Wei Yan, standing just a few steps away, reacted swiftly. Before Xiao Qiao could react, he had already reached out to support her lower back, softly saying, “Be careful, Sister-in-law.” He then immediately let go.
In truth, Xiao Qiao could have steadied herself, but Wei Yan’s reaction was quicker.
Initially, her impression of him had been extremely poor. After learning of his identity and rarely encountering him over the past few days, she had seen him behave with dignity and grace whenever they met in the Wei mansion. His conduct no longer showed any trace of impropriety, and the disgust she had felt due to his initial rudeness had gradually faded.
Now, being unexpectedly assisted by him, although she felt a bit awkward, she turned back, gave him a faint smile, and thanked him before bowing her head and entering the carriage to sit beside Madam Xu.
The accompanying servants, Zhong Mao, Chun Niang, and others, along with their belongings, boarded the following carriages. Once everything was ready, armed riders led the way, with guards flanking both sides. The procession passed through the streets and out of the city. Wei Yan continued to escort them for several dozen li before Madam Xu repeatedly urged him to return. Only then did Wei Yan stop.
He stood still, watching the line of carriages slowly disappear along the road. He couldn’t help but flex the hand that had touched her waist.
Her waist was so slender that his single hand could almost encircle it. Though the touch was brief and through a layer of clothing, the delicate softness that struck his heart seemed to linger on his palm, refusing to fade.
…
After setting out, Xiao Qiao learned why Madam Xu, at her advanced age, insisted on making the arduous journey to Zhongshan State.
Yuan Shi, the mother of the current King Liu Duan of Zhongshan, was Madam Xu’s close friend from their maiden days, as dear as a sister. Although their interactions had decreased in recent years due to age and distance, their old friendship remained strong.
Yuan Shi had fallen gravely ill last year, and her condition had worsened. Yesterday, Madam Xu received news from Zhongshan that Yuan Shi might not have much time left. Thinking of her old friend, Madam Xu had spent a sleepless night and decided this morning to go see her one last time.
“New clothes are best, but old friends are dearest.”
Madam Xu gazed out of the carriage window at the endless wilderness, lost in thought for a long while before finally sighing.
…
Several days later, Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao arrived in Lunu.
Zhongshan State was established during the Jianwu era. Its first ruler was originally a son of Emperor Han of Jianwu, initially enfeoffed as Duke of Qinghe, later promoted to King, with his fief changed to Dingzhou and the capital set in Lunu. The current King Liu Duan was the tenth or so generation, over two hundred years later.
Like Langya State and Ji’yin State, these once-powerful fiefdoms representing supreme imperial authority had long since fallen from grace, though their territories remained and their titles were not abolished. Zhongshan State was relatively better off; although Dingzhou was now effectively under Wei Shao’s control, the royal family still maintained their original fief and treatment. Unlike some other enfeoffed states where local powers had encroached upon or completely seized their territories.
Even so, as the carriage entered Lunu City, Xiao Qiao looked out the window and saw scenes of gloom and decay lining both sides of the street. It was like a once-wealthy household whose vermilion gates had lost their luster, leaving only faded traces to remind one of past glories.
King Liu Duan of Zhongshan had learned of Madam Xu’s impending arrival yesterday and personally came out of the city to welcome Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao into the royal palace.
Liu Duan was of a lower generation than Madam Xu, and his existence now depended on Wei Shao’s goodwill. He treated Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao with utmost respect. After going through the complex etiquette of entering the royal palace, he arranged for meticulous hospitality. Madam Xu requested simplicity in everything, and after a brief rest and change of clothes, she immediately took Xiao Qiao to visit the bedridden Yuan Shi.
Yuan Shi was about the same age as Madam Xu, but she was now at life’s end, lying on her sickbed in very poor spirits. When Madam Xu held her hand and called her by her maiden name, Yuan Shi no longer recognized her. Her swollen eyes stared blankly at Madam Xu, unmoving.
Liu Duan said that his mother had been like this since last year. She used to recognize him, but now she showed no response even when he called to her. Despite seeking treatment from various sources, it was beyond help. Thinking of his mother’s old friendship with Madam Xu, he feared being blamed for not informing her, which was why he had sent that letter.
Madam Xu kept only Xiao Qiao with her, then sat by the bed holding Yuan Shi’s hand for a long time, talking to her as if in a monologue. Xiao Qiao listened carefully to Madam Xu’s words, which were mostly reminiscences of their girlhood days in the inner chambers.
Madam Xu’s tone was calm and gentle, without any trace of sorrow. When she recalled sneaking out with Yuan Shi during the Lantern Festival in their youth and accidentally encountering a handsome young man who made both their hearts flutter, her voice even carried a hint of joy. But for some reason, as Xiao Qiao listened, she gradually began to feel sad, as if something was blocking her heart.
Madam Xu sat with the unresponsive Yuan Shi, talking for a long time until the sun was about to set. Then she left with Xiao Qiao.
When she came out, her eyes were slightly red.
Liu Duan and other members of the royal family had been waiting outside. Seeing Madam Xu emerge, he hurriedly came forward and respectfully invited her to a banquet. Madam Xu did not refuse and attended with Xiao Qiao. At the banquet, from Liu Duan down to the royal guests in attendance, all flattered and catered to Madam Xu, and also repeatedly complimented Xiao Qiao. Madam Xu maintained a pleasant demeanor throughout, showing no signs of distress. After the banquet, she sighed to Xiao Qiao, “The Liu clan has lasted over 400 years, yet has declined to this state. Such is the will of Heaven!”
Returning to their lodgings, Madam Xu seemed to still be immersed in the emotions of meeting Yuan Shi on her deathbed earlier in the day. She sat motionless before the lamp for a long time, with Xiao Qiao quietly keeping her company.
Zhong Mao entered and asked Madam Xu to change and rest, but Madam Xu didn’t move.
Xiao Qiao was about to join in persuading her, considering the fatigue from the journey over the past few days and today’s social obligations, when Madam Xu suddenly turned to her and said, “You must have found it amusing when I was rambling to Yuan Shi this afternoon. Now that I’m old, I seem to love reminiscing about my youth. In the blink of an eye, my hair has turned white, and everything feels like a dream.”
Xiao Qiao replied, “How could I dare to find it amusing? Although the rosy cheeks in the mirror fade and youth doesn’t linger, there’s also the saying that as the nest is built, the young birds grow. Grandmother, you were simply remembering old times, that’s why you felt emotional.”
Madam Xu repeated “As the nest is built, the young birds grow” and smiled. She gently patted the back of Xiao Qiao’s hand and turned to Zhong Mao, saying, “This child always knows just what to say to touch my heart.”
Zhong Mao smiled and said, “The young mistress is afraid that you might be too sad and neglect your health, so she’s comforting you. And you’re so pleased by it.”
Madam Xu said, “Alright, it’s been a tiring day. Let’s all retire early.”
Zhong Mao acknowledged and helped Xiao Qiao assist Madam Xu to her feet.
Nothing more was said that night.
The next day, after consulting with the imperial physician and learning that Yuan Shi had little time left, Madam Xu decided to stay for a few more days. That day, many of Madam Xu’s clan members came to pay their respects, their words full of flattery. When they turned to Xiao Qiao, seeing her heavenly beauty and graceful demeanor, they couldn’t help but be captivated.
With the Wei family’s rising fortunes, although young, Xiao Qiao was the future mistress of the Wei household. She seemed to be in Madam Xu’s favor, always by her side. This made people regard her even more highly, and many secretly offered her gifts behind Madam Xu’s back. Xiao Qiao, of course, refused them all, returning everything, and declined to meet anyone privately. After two or three days of this, one evening, Xiao Qiao returned with Madam Xu from visiting Yuan Shi.
Yuan Shi was having difficulty breathing today, and the physician implied she only had a day or two left.
Madam Xu returned in low spirits. As Xiao Qiao was comforting her, a maid suddenly knocked on the door: “Madam, the eldest daughter of the Su family, the wife of the Duke of Zuofengyi, has learned of your arrival in Zhongshan and has come to pay her respects.”
Xiao Qiao’s eyes flickered briefly, but she quickly concealed her reaction.
She knew that in Da Qiao’s previous life, this person had always been present.
It’s just that before, it was a vague, lifeless name in her memory. Now, suddenly, this person was about to appear before her in the flesh.
Madam Xu seemed to pause, muttering to herself, “She was widowed last year, wasn’t she still in Luoyang? How did she come here?” After a moment’s thought, she asked for her to be shown in.
Xiao Qiao quickly stood up to excuse herself, but Madam Xu said, “Stay, it’s fine. In terms of generation, I’m her mother’s aunt, and she calls me Great-Aunt, so we’re distantly related.”
Xiao Qiao lowered her eyes, responded with a “Yes,” and sat back down beside Madam Xu.
A moment later, she heard the tinkling of jewelry approaching from afar, at first faint, then gradually clearer, like a musical rhythm. One could imagine how the woman walking must sway like a willow in the wind, graceful in every movement.
A young woman in plain clothes appeared at the door.
Xiao Qiao looked at her.
This young woman appeared to be a few years older than Wei Shao, about twenty-four or twenty-five. Her black hair was styled in a loose bun, and her face was quite beautiful, especially her eyes, which seemed to captivate anyone she looked at. She had an excellent figure, and even her plain clothes couldn’t hide her mature curves, which added a different flavor to her appearance.
The young woman reached the threshold, slightly lifting her skirt, and was led by the maid to stand before Madam Xu. She bowed respectfully. After paying her respects, she said, “Your great-niece E Huang heard of Great-Aunt’s arrival two days ago. I hadn’t paid my respects in many years and was overjoyed. I wanted to come earlier, but I thought Great-Aunt must be busy and feared disturbing your important matters, so I held back. Today, I couldn’t contain my longing any longer and came despite the late hour. I hope I haven’t disturbed Great-Aunt’s peace.”
She bowed again after speaking.
As soon as she spoke, Xiao Qiao was surprised. Her voice was slightly hoarse as if it had been damaged somehow.
However, her enunciation was rhythmic, so it wasn’t jarring to hear. Compared to the voices of ordinary women, it had a unique charm.
Madam Xu also seemed a bit surprised, looking at her with one eye: “It’s been many years. I remember your voice used to be quite good, how did it become like this?”
Su E Huang lowered her eyes, showing a slight sadness: “In response to Great-Aunt, I fell ill some time ago. I recovered, but my voice was ruined.”
Madam Xu nodded: “What a pity.” She continued, “I heard about the unfortunate passing of the Duke of Zuofengyi last year. You must grieve, but don’t let sorrow damage your health.”
Su E Huang bowed deeply to her: “E Huang thanks Great-Aunt for her concern. I will certainly heed your words. I originally lived in Luoyang with my late husband, but after his passing, fearing that familiar sights would bring painful memories, I returned to Zhongshan State at the beginning of the year and have been living in seclusion. During Great-Aunt’s birthday celebration some time ago, E Huang was still in mourning and feared offending, so I could only send my blessings from afar. Thinking back to my childhood, I can never forget Great-Aunt’s care for me. I hope to have the opportunity to serve Great-Aunt again and repay your kindness.”
Madam Xu showed a faint smile: “Your filial heart is appreciated. Now, Great-Aunt has a granddaughter-in-law to attend to her, very thoughtfully, so you need not worry.”
Su E Huang finally looked at Xiao Qiao, who was sitting slightly behind and to the side of Madam Xu. Her eyes lingered on Xiao Qiao’s face for a moment before she showed a friendly smile: “This must be Brother Zhonglin’s new wife. I heard a couple of days ago that people in the city were saying that the wife of the Marquis of Yunyan has a beauty like a sun adorned with flowers. Seeing her now, I’m indeed captivated. I was so caught up in talking to Great-Aunt earlier that I neglected her. Please forgive me, sister.” She then performed the customary greeting between women meeting for the first time.
Xiao Qiao slightly bowed in return.
Normally, Madam Xu would have introduced her great-niece to Xiao Qiao at this point, but she remained silent. She only wore a faint smile as she watched Su E Huang and Xiao Qiao exchange greetings.
Su E Huang said, “I’m fortunate to have met such a celestial sister today, and my heart is at ease. If there’s a chance in the future, I hope we can interact more, to not waste this instant connection.”
Since Madam Xu didn’t introduce her, Xiao Qiao also didn’t address her as “sister” as Su E Huang had done earlier. She only smiled and said, “You flatter me, Madam. I feel the same.”
Su E Huang’s smile didn’t diminish at all. Her gaze swept over Xiao Qiao’s face one last time before she turned to Madam Xu and said, “Having finally seen your kind face, E Huang is content. Great-Aunt must be tired today, so I won’t disturb you further. I’ll take my leave now and choose another day to come and serve you.”
Madam Xu said, “You’re thoughtful.” She then looked at Zhong Mao, asking her to see Su E Huang out.
Su E Huang bowed to Madam Xu one last time before rising to leave.
As the sound of her jewelry faded away, Madam Xu was lost in thought for a moment before smiling at Xiao Qiao and saying, “You must be tired today too. Go and rest early.”
…
Xiao Qiao returned to her lodgings and sat in the bathtub to bathe.
Chun Niang was behind her, gently rubbing her long hair, slowly working up a fine, white lather. As she rinsed it off, the foam floated on the water’s surface, like tiny white lotus flowers slowly shrinking.
Xiao Qiao seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, she turned around, resting her arms on the edge of the tub, her chin on the back of her hands, and looked at Chun Niang, asking, “Chun Niang, we’ve been here for some time now. Have you heard anything about someone named Su E Huang?”
Author’s Note: Thank you, dear readers. I’ve been posting anti-piracy Zhe Yao – Chapters recently, and I’ve seen some readers asking about it. Let me explain. Generally, if there are two updates, they will be replaced at noon and in the evening. Each time, the word count will only be more than before, not less. I know this causes inconvenience for everyone, and I sincerely ask for your understanding.