After returning from Madam Xu’s quarters, Xiao Qiao entrusted the matter to Chun Niang, who reviewed all the maids and servants in the west wing that day. Apart from the few maids she had originally brought and those from Madam Xu’s side who remained untouched, among the rest, she kept those who were usually diligent in their work. The rest – those who were sycophantic, lazy, had wandering eyes, or simply didn’t look right – were all dismissed, ultimately reducing the number by half.

One person was assigned to guard the door, four to manage the courtyard, with one specifically designated to clean Wei Shao’s study while others were forbidden to enter. Two were kept for the small kitchen, three were led by Old Woman Lin to serve Wei Shao daily as before, and two were kept on standby to be assigned as needed.

After clearly assigning tasks, Xiao Qiao also dipped into her pocket to increase the monthly wages of all the remaining servants. This not only made the courtyard much quieter and reduced the number of watching eyes, but also made the remaining servants feel grateful and honored to have been recognized by the Lady.

When Xiao Qiao first arrived, while the situation in other parts of the Wei household was unknown, some servants in the west wing inevitably looked down on her. Now, after more than half a year, they saw that not only did she have Madam Xu’s favor, but the Marquis had also gradually grown close to her. Although much of this closeness occurred behind closed doors, servants were adept at observing and sensing things. Over time, even if they couldn’t see what was happening behind closed doors, they could still sense the atmosphere. The servants had no deep-seated grudge against the Qiao family, and since both Madam Xu and the Master treated her well, who would dare to look down on her anymore? Moreover, now that the Lady had increased their wages, those who remained were all delighted and competed to show their loyalty to Chun Niang.

…

Although Yang Feng, the envoy from Yanzhou, had met Wei Shao at the welcoming banquet last night, according to custom, the “official business” of this visit was to be conducted today in a more formal meeting.

Gong Sun Yang arrived at the government office early in the morning to prepare for the Marquis’s meeting with Yang Feng. To his surprise, he found that the Marquis had arrived even earlier. When he entered, he saw Wei Shao already seated in the hall, reading documents on the desk, apparently having been there for some time. Quite astonished, he asked, “Why is the Marquis here so early?”

Wei Shao replied, “I was in Zhuo Commandery for the past few days, and a lot of work has piled up. I need to deal with it as soon as possible.”

Hearing this, Gong Sun Yang couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect, thinking that his painstaking efforts in supporting the right person had not been in vain. The Marquis had left his beautiful wife at home and come to the office early to work, showing such diligence and resistance to feminine charms. How could great things not be achieved in the future? Not daring to disturb him further, he briefly reported the morning’s meeting arrangements with Yang Feng.

Wei Shao impatiently said, “I fully authorize you to meet with Yang Feng on my behalf and send him back as soon as possible. What is there to discuss with him?”

Gong Sun Yang said, “If the Lord doesn’t meet him, the Qiao family might think otherwise. Moreover, the young master of the Qiao family has also come with Yang Feng. If the Lord has no urgent matters, it would be better to meet them. If you don’t wish to speak much with the Yanzhou envoy, I can speak on your behalf.”

Wei Shao fell silent.

Having assisted Wei Shao for many years, Gong Sun Yang had somewhat figured out his temperament. Sometimes, although he could be irritable and stubborn, not listening to others, if what was said made sense, even if he didn’t accept it at the time, he would usually respond quickly afterward. Not to mention that in recent years, as he had grown older, the air of the “Little Conqueror” from his younger days had gradually subsided. Observing his expression and seeing his silence, Gong Sun Yang knew he had agreed. He excused himself and went to make arrangements.

At the hour of Chen (7-9 am), Wei Shao met with Yang Feng, Qiao Ci, and the other members of the Yanzhou delegation in the meeting hall.

Qiao Yue’s purpose in sending Yang Feng this time was nothing more than to take the opportunity to repair and strengthen the relationship between the two families. The meeting proceeded in a dull and uninteresting manner. It was almost entirely Gong Sun Yang and Yang Feng exchanging pleasantries. Wei Shao barely spoke, and Qiao Ci had nothing to say. Feeling uncomfortable, Qiao Ci stole glances at his brother-in-law, seeing him sitting upright in the center, his gaze unfocused, seemingly lost in thought far beyond the present. Knowing that he must look down on his uncle’s obsequious behavior, Qiao Ci felt even more ashamed. Finally, as the meeting ended and Qiao Ci was just beginning to feel relieved, he saw Wei Shao immediately stand up from the couch and stride out.

Qiao Ci felt somewhat dejected. If not for Madam Xu and his sister’s insistence on him staying, he would have wanted to leave today. As he was listlessly following Yang Feng out of the government office gates, suddenly a man who looked like a personal guard ran towards him. Reaching him, the man cupped his hands in a military salute and said, “The Marquis asked me to inquire if the young master would be interested in taking a walk around. The Marquis could accompany you.”

Qiao Ci was stunned. Looking up, he was surprised to see Wei Shao sitting on horseback by the roadside about fifty paces away, his head turned as if looking in Qiao Ci’s direction.

He was truly shocked. Exchanging a distant glance with Wei Shao, seeing his expression still cold and indifferent, Qiao Ci guessed that he must have casually sent someone to ask out of courtesy. His sister’s admonition from the other day was still in his mind, and he wouldn’t dare to be so obtuse as to actually expect Wei Shao to take time to accompany him on a leisurely stroll.

Moreover, even if they did go for a walk, facing such a brother-in-law, even the best scenery would probably feel like a chore.

Qiao Ci immediately said, “Please convey my thanks to my brother-in-law. Tell him I appreciate his kind offer, but I know he’s busy and wouldn’t dare to disturb him. Besides, Cousin Wei has already shown me around a few days ago.”

The guard memorized the message, turned and ran back to Wei Shao, reporting to him at the horse’s side.

Wei Shao glanced at Qiao Ci, turned his face away, pulled on the reins, and rode off.

…

After dealing with the matter of the west wing servants, most of the day had passed.

By evening, when Xiao Qiao was waiting for Wei Shao to return for dinner, she learned that after meeting with Yang Feng and his group in the morning, he had gone to Fanyang and hadn’t said when he would return.

Fanyang was another major city in Youzhou and also Wei Shao’s military garrison, with a standing force of fifty to sixty thousand troops. It wasn’t very far from Yuyang, just about a day’s round trip by fast horse.

He had just returned from Zhuo Commandery yesterday, and today he had gone to Fanyang without any prior mention. Something urgent must have come up again.

Xiao Qiao didn’t think much of it, but remembering that her brother Qiao Ci hadn’t returned all day and not knowing where he had gone, she went to check on his lodgings.

Qiao Ci still hadn’t returned.

Xiao Qiao instructed a servant to have Qiao Ci report to her when he returned, then went back.

As the sky gradually darkened, Xiao Qiao stood at the doorway, looking up as the servants lit the lanterns along the walkway one by one. Lost in thought, she heard footsteps from across the way and turned to look. Qiao Ci had arrived.

Qiao Ci had just returned from outside, covered in sweat, his clothes stained with dry yellow mud and dust. He immediately complained of hunger. Xiao Qiao took him to wash his face and hands. After wiping off his sweat and washing his hands, Qiao Ci followed Xiao Qiao to eat. When he was half full from wolfing down his food, Xiao Qiao asked about his whereabouts for the day.

Qiao Ci said that after leaving the government office with Yang Feng in the morning, as he was about to return to the Wei mansion, Cousin Wei sent someone to fetch him to the training grounds. When he arrived, he learned that outside Yuyang city there was a place called Luli Platform, built specifically for military demonstrations. Once a year, they held the Luli Grand Meeting, open to participants of all military ranks who had the ability. The competition was divided into two events: mounted archery and hand-to-hand combat.

The winner of the mounted archery would receive a deer, while the winner of hand-to-hand combat would receive a fine horse. The two individuals who ultimately won both the deer and the horse would not only enjoy great honor and admiration from everyone but would also be able to take up important positions in Wei’s personal guard, the Huben Army.

It was said that Li Dian, now a great general under Wei Shao, had made a name for himself as a mounted archer twenty years ago, gaining the favor of Wei Shao’s father, Wei Liang, and gradually becoming the formidable general he is today.

“Sister, the Luli Grand Meeting is coming up in a few days. Cousin Wei asked me to stay a few more days to witness the grand competition. He praised my horseback archery skills highly and suggested I show off my skills at the event. Sister, I want to participate!”

Qiao Ci’s expression was full of eager anticipation.

Although the Qiao family had declined, they had once been local rulers, and Qiao Ci, born into a noble family, naturally carried the pride of a young nobleman. This was why he couldn’t bear being mocked for his feminine appearance on the battlefield and rushed out to fight fiercely. Unfortunately, the head of the Qiao family, Uncle Qiao Yue, lacked ambition and only knew how to bow and scrape before Wei Shao. At last night’s welcoming banquet, Qiao Ci had felt greatly humiliated, and this feeling of humiliation had intensified during the morning meeting at the government office. He had been feeling quite dejected. Suddenly learning of this opportunity to showcase his skills, with his youthful ambition, how could he pass it up? He immediately told Xiao Qiao upon returning.

Xiao Qiao hesitated for a moment.

“Sister! Please, don’t stop me! I’ll only participate in the mounted archery! Nothing will happen! You know that back home, I always excelled in horseback archery. Even Father praised me for it!”

The Qiao family had a horse farm, and Qiao Ping had specially hired famous teachers to instruct Qiao Ci and Liu Yan, who was living with the Qiao family at the time, in the art of horseback archery. Xiao Qiao knew that her brother was indeed excellent at it. Seeing him looking at her with pleading eyes, she finally couldn’t bring herself to refuse and nodded, “Then be careful. Don’t try to show off or force yourself to stand out. Just participate, winning or losing is secondary.”

“Thank you, Sister!”

Qiao Ci beamed with joy.

…

Wei Shao didn’t return the next day.

Qiao Ci wasn’t seen during the day and only returned late at night, covered in sweat, saying he had been practicing mounted archery at the training grounds all day. He ate dinner and went to bed early. The next day, he got up early and hurried off to the training grounds again.

Xiao Qiao knew her brother was focused on preparing for the upcoming Luli Grand Meeting in a few days, so she didn’t inquire much.

On the evening of the third day after Wei Shao had left, when it was dark, Qiao Ci, who usually would have returned by this time, was nowhere to be seen.

Feeling a bit worried, Xiao Qiao waited outside the west wing. As she was looking out, she saw Yu Lu, Qiao Ci’s attendant, returning alone, carrying Qiao Ci’s bow and arrows, but Qiao Ci wasn’t with him.

Seeing Xiao Qiao, Yu Lu hurriedly ran over and bowed. Xiao Qiao asked him where Qiao Ci had gone. Yu Lu replied, “Lord Wei saw that the young master had been practicing hard these past few days, so he took him to relax. The young master said he’d be back soon. Fearing the Lady would worry, he sent me back to inform you.”

This Yu Lu had been raised in the Qiao household since he was a child. He was named for his ugly appearance, with bulging eyes like a fish. Qiao Ping, seeing his loyal nature, had assigned him to serve his son. He had accompanied Qiao Ci on this trip to Yuyang.

Xiao Qiao noticed that Yu Lu kept his head down as he spoke, not daring to meet her eyes. Feeling suspicious, she asked, “Where did Lord Wei take the young master to relax?”

Yu Lu still kept his head down, mumbling incoherently.

“Speak up!” Xiao Qiao commanded.

Yu Lu finally stammered, “They went to a place in the city called ‘Luozhong House’ to relax.” After speaking, he blinked his eyes, looking worriedly at Xiao Qiao’s displeased expression.

Having been in Yuyang for so long, Xiao Qiao had naturally heard of Luozhong House. It was a high-class establishment for wealthy men to enjoy themselves. Hearing that Wei Yan had taken her brother to such a place, she immediately became angry. She went back to her room to change clothes, then took Chun Niang, Old Woman Lin, and another strong maidservant with her. They immediately left in a carriage, heading straight for Luozhong House.

Luozhong House was located in the bustling western part of the city, surrounded by taverns and brothels. Compared to ordinary brothels, this place was a true money pit. The patrons who frequented it were either wealthy or noble. It was said that one could spend a thousand gold pieces for a night of drunken revelry here. Naturally, the women here were more talented and beautiful than those in other establishments.

When Xiao Qiao arrived at Luozhong House, it was the busiest time of the day. The downstairs hall was brightly lit, with musicians seated on both sides, the sound of strings and bamboo flutes filling the air. Beautiful courtesans in heavy makeup, wrapped in fine silks from the south, wore enchanting smiles as they greeted the constant stream of pleasure-seeking guests.

Xiao Qiao’s carriage stopped beside the main gate of the establishment. She didn’t get out herself but sent Chun Niang and Old Woman Lin inside to call someone out.

The doorman saw a carriage stop outside and two maidservants who seemed to be from a wealthy household get out. Before he could inquire, Old Woman Lin had already pushed him aside with one hand. Seeing the aggressive manner of these two maidservants, the doorman didn’t dare to obstruct them further and hurriedly asked whom they were looking for. When he heard Chun Niang mention Wei Yan, he didn’t dare to slight them and quickly pointed them in the right direction.

Xiao Qiao sat in the carriage, watching through the window as Chun Niang’s figure disappeared inside. After a short while, she saw Qiao Ci hurriedly rushing out, running to her carriage and standing with his head bowed, not saying a word.

Xiao Qiao stared at Qiao Ci, seeing his flushed cheeks, apparently having drunk quite a bit of wine. There seemed to be a suspicious lipstick mark on his neck. She was about to speak angrily when suddenly another person quickly rushed out from inside. Looking up, she saw it was Wei Yan chasing after them.

Wei Yan ran to Xiao Qiao’s carriage, glanced at the dejected and silent Qiao Ci, patted his shoulder comfortingly, then turned to Xiao Qiao, whose face was half-visible through the carriage window, and said, “Sister-in-law, please don’t blame Young Master Qiao. It’s entirely my fault. Seeing him practicing so hard at the training grounds these past few days, I forcibly brought him here to drink and relax, with no other intentions. The girls who accompanied us were all clean. Sister-in-law, please don’t worry.”

Xiao Qiao was truly angry, and although she tried hard to control herself, some annoyance showed in her expression. She said coldly, “I know that since my brother arrived, you have been taking care of him in many ways these past few days, Elder Brother. I should be thanking you. I also know that you meant well tonight, and I shouldn’t have come here to spoil the fun. However, my brother is still underage. Back in Dongjun, our father strictly disciplined him, not allowing him to enter such establishments before coming of age. If I have offended you in any way just now, please forgive me, Elder Brother. Please continue as you were. I’ll take my brother back first.”

After speaking, she nodded slightly to Wei Yan, then turned her gaze to Qiao Ci, who was still hanging his head, and frowned, saying, “Aren’t you going to get your horse and come back with me?”

Qiao Ci responded with a quick “Yes,” hurriedly fetched his horse, and mounted it.

Xiao Qiao lowered the carriage curtain, and the carriage followed behind.

Wei Yan watched as Xiao Qiao’s carriage gradually disappeared into the distance. His expression was dazed as he stood alone in place for a long time.

…

Xiao Qiao watched Qiao Ci riding his horse in front, returning to the Wei mansion in silence. As soon as they entered, she immediately took him to her room and sent Chun Niang, Old Woman Lin, and the others out.

The night wind had blown away much of Qiao Ci’s flushed appearance on the ride back, but his face was still quite red. He sneaked a glance at his sister’s furrowed brows, feeling panicked, and looked towards Chun Niang for help.

Chun Niang tried to mediate, “My Lady, this is the young master’s first offense, and besides…”

“Chun Niang, you go out.”

Chun Niang shook her head and had no choice but to leave.

“Is that a place you should be going?” As soon as the door closed, Xiao Qiao scolded, “How did I teach you back home? How old are you? Not even sixteen yet, and you dare to go to such a place!”

Qiao Ci’s face turned red again with shame. He stammered, “Sister, I was wrong… I originally didn’t want to go, but when Cousin Wei called, all the brothers I had been with at the training grounds were watching me, I…”

He stopped, looking at Xiao Qiao with pleading eyes.

…

In fact, among the young men of noble families at this time, it wasn’t uncommon for those around Qiao Ci’s age, not yet sixteen, to have already been intimate with maids in their households, even though they were still a year or two away from marriage. Qiao Ci was an exception. This was because of his simple nature and naivety, and he had never paid much attention to such matters before. After Xiao Qiao arrived, she sent away all the maids around Qiao Ci who seemed untrustworthy and had consciously instilled in her brother the concept of lifelong monogamy and not being intimate with other women before marriage.

She wasn’t trying to raise Qiao Ci to be a good man by 21st-century standards. After all, the social environment was what it was. But for now, she wanted to guide him as much as she could. As for the future, after her brother came of age, got married, and established his career, how he would behave was beyond her control.

But for now, she absolutely would not allow him to frequent places like Luozhong House.

…

After hearing Qiao Ci’s explanation, Xiao Qiao suddenly seemed to understand.

Her brother probably didn’t want to go himself. But when Wei Yan called him, with so many people around, he was probably afraid of being mocked if he refused.

Xiao Qiao looked into her brother’s handsome eyes, and the anger she had felt earlier gradually began to subside.

“Sister! Please don’t be angry with me. I promise I’ll never dare to go again—”

Qiao Ci pleaded pitifully.

“Sister is also concerned about your health. You’re not even sixteen yet—”

“I thought something serious had happened! It’s just a small matter, why make such a big fuss?”

Before Xiao Qiao could finish speaking, a voice suddenly interrupted her from behind. Then, the door was pushed open with a “bang.”

Xiao Qiao turned her head to see Wei Shao, who had gone to Fanyang two days ago, striding in. As he walked, he spoke in a dismissive tone.

Qiao Ci, seeing his brother-in-law suddenly return and seemingly speaking up for him, was somewhat surprised, his mouth slightly open.

Xiao Qiao was stunned for a moment, then frowned slightly and said coldly, “I’m disciplining my brother. Does the Marquis need to interfere in this as well?”

Wei Shao seemed not to have heard her. He walked straight up to Qiao Ci and said, “You can go back now. It’s just a small matter. Next time, if you’re coming back late, just remember to send a message back earlier.”

Qiao Ci looked at his brother-in-law, then stole a glance at his sister, who was standing to the side with a stern face. Suddenly feeling a chill run down his neck, he shrank his neck and hurriedly lowered his head, slipping out.