These past few days, Madam Ding had been unable to eat or drink, her brows furrowed with worry. Xiao Qiao had been by her side from dawn to dusk, offering comfort. She had just left Madam Ding’s chambers and was now walking with her wet nurse, Chun Niang, discussing as they went.
The Qiao family patriarch was known for his kindness towards the people, earning him great respect in the area. For the past couple of days, locals had been coming to the family gate to offer thanks and congratulations, each one beaming with joy. Although Xiao Qiao hadn’t left the house, she was aware of this. She had asked Chun Niang to inquire about it and learned that the entire city knew about the union between the Qiao and Wei families.
The threat of war had been averted, and the people were grateful, hence their visits to express thanks. As she pondered this, she suddenly spotted her father pacing back and forth at the entrance of her courtyard, looking deeply troubled. She hurried over and called out to him. Seeing his hesitation, she knew he had something to say. Once inside, she couldn’t help but ask about the news she had just heard.
Qiao Ping furrowed his brow, gazing at Xiao Qiao, and slowly said, “Mian Mian, it’s true. Your father has truly failed you…”
His beloved daughter had already found a suitable match, but now, due to unexpected circumstances, she was to be married to Wei Shao. Thinking about his delicate daughter being thrown to the tigers, alone and helpless, filled him with sorrow, leaving him speechless.
Xiao Qiao had sensed something was amiss from the start. After her father’s half-finished sentence, she observed his expression, and her heart skipped a beat.
There had been no news of Da Qiao, yet the entire city was buzzing with wedding news, which had only started in the past couple of days. Given her father’s tone, could it be that she was to replace Da Qiao in marrying into the Wei family?
But she already had a betrothal…
“Father, am I to replace my elder sister?” she hesitantly asked.
Although her father didn’t respond immediately, Xiao Qiao’s heart already knew the truth.
The news was so unexpected that she froze, her heart suddenly pounding, unable to process the information.
Initially, she had encouraged Da Qiao to elope, not only to save her from falling into the wolf’s den but also in the hope that their father could persuade their uncle to take a stand. Moreover, she was already betrothed – although she had considered finding a way to break off that engagement once this situation had passed. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that the Qiao and Wei families would still unite in marriage and that she would be the one to replace Da Qiao!
“Mian Mian, the Wei family has sent word, agreeing to the marriage. Their envoy will arrive in a few days. Your cousin has disappeared, and your uncle knelt before me, begging. Your father had no choice…” Qiao Ping explained briefly before trailing off again.
Xiao Qiao gradually came to her senses, but her thoughts remained in turmoil. She stood there, at a loss for words.
“The marriage with Prince Liu will have to be called off. Mian Mian, your father has failed you…” Qiao Ping’s eyes grew moist.
Xiao Qiao remained silent for a moment.
“Father, I understand. My mind is in chaos. Could you please leave me alone for a while?” she finally looked up at Qiao Ping, forcing a slight smile.
Seeing his daughter’s troubled expression, yet smiling instead of crying, Qiao Ping felt even more guilty and heaved a long sigh.
…
After her father left, Xiao Qiao heard him speaking softly with her wet nurse, Chun Niang, presumably asking her to take good care of Xiao Qiao. Soon after, footsteps faded away, and silence fell.
That evening, Qiao Ci learned of this news.
Later, Xiao Qiao heard from Chun Niang that he had flown into a rage, storming straight to their uncle to voice his opposition.
Their uncle, having no son of his own, had always treated his nephew as his child and held him in high regard. But this time, Qiao Ci was beaten and confined to a room by his uncle.
Xiao Qiao didn’t sleep a wink that night.
She knew her father had always doted on her and would never agree to marry her off like this unless he had no other choice. Now that news of the two families’ union had spread, with the entire city rejoicing, her father, as the prefect, was caught between a rock and a hard place, bearing the expectations of 200,000 soldiers and civilians of Yanzhou. He truly had no other option but to agree.
Earlier, she had told Da Qiao that she wished to marry Wei Shao, asking for her blessing. She had said this because she understood Da Qiao would never abandon her responsibility as the eldest daughter of the Qiao family and elope with Bi Zhuo unless she said so.
When she had painstakingly tried to change Da Qiao’s fate from her previous life, she had also secretly vowed not to follow the path of her own previous life.
The idea was beautiful, but reality had indeed dealt her a harsh blow, leaving her disoriented and confused.
Xiao Qiao couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
The path had indeed changed, but only into another dead end.
She couldn’t possibly leave like Da Qiao had. Besides, even if she wanted to run, it was impossible now. Her uncle had likely learned his lesson. No wonder for the past couple of days, wherever she went, she was always accompanied by three or four strong women from the main branch of the family.
After a night of tossing and turning, by daybreak, she had finally convinced herself to try and accept this twist of fate.
…
The next day, the marriage envoy from the Wei family arrived. His name was Cai Xun, the Yizhao Shi of Yuyang. Qiao Yue led Qiao Ping and other family officials to welcome him formally, receiving him with a great ceremony in the main hall. After three rounds of drinks, Qiao Yue reluctantly explained that his eldest daughter, who was originally intended for the marriage, had unfortunately fallen ill. The physician had declared her unsuitable for marriage. Fortunately, his brother had another daughter whose beauty and talents surpassed those of the eldest. He hoped to propose to her for the marriage instead, to forge the bond between the two families.
Although Zhang Pu had repeatedly assured him that the Wei family would accept, Qiao Yue was still somewhat apprehensive, fearing they might think him disrespectful. To his surprise, Cai Xun showed no displeasure, engaging in pleasant conversation and stating he would quickly send word to his lord and await his reply. Only then did Qiao Yue feel slightly relieved. After the banquet, he escorted Cai Xun to the guest house, instructing the staff to treat him with the highest honors. Upon returning, he anxiously waited for about ten days before receiving a response.
As Zhang Pu had said, the Wei family agreed.
Qiao Yue was overjoyed.
…
At that time, marriage customs followed the ancient Six Rites. For noble families like the Qiao and Wei, the process from the initial proposal to the final wedding would normally take at least half a year. However, this time, both families had only one goal in mind: to complete the marriage as quickly as possible. Within a couple of days, the betrothal gifts from the Wei family arrived. The bride price was an impressive ten thousand gold, along with twelve fine horses, just slightly less than the imperial wedding standard. On the day the betrothal gifts entered Puyang through the north gate, music accompanied them to the governor’s mansion. Crowds lined the streets to watch, exclaiming in admiration at the spectacle.
Soon after, the eighth day of the coming month was set for the Wei family to receive the bride. It was an auspicious day for weddings and travel.
It was already mid-November, with only a few days left. The entire Qiao household was busy preparing for the wedding.
At that time, extravagant weddings were in vogue, with luxury being a point of pride. The dowries for both Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao had long been prepared and were already substantial. Now that Da Qiao was gone, the Qiao family, not wanting to appear stingy, combined both dowries for Xiao Qiao. When it was sent out of the city on the day of the wedding, the procession stretched for miles, creating a magnificent sight. As for Xiao Qiao’s money, it was even more generous. Feeling guilty about his daughter, Qiao Ping, thinking of her future life in the Wei family and how having money would make things easier, almost emptied his coffers for her. The main branch of the family also added a significant amount. In terms of ready cash, Xiao Qiao had indeed become a veritable little rich lady.
In the blink of an eye, the auspicious day arrived. Wei Shao himself didn’t come. Wei Liang, a Huben Zhonglang General of the Wei clan, came to receive the bride on his behalf. Standing nine feet tall, with piercing eyes and a full beard, his body rippling with muscles, he carried a sword weighing thirty-six jin. He was one of the ten generals under Wei Shao’s command, renowned for his bravery and skill in battle. Unlike the previous envoy Cai Xun, Wei Liang was not friendly or approachable. He seemed somewhat arrogant, barely acknowledging the Qiao family members. Qiao Yue was displeased but, as they were now seeking the Wei family’s favor, he dared not show his annoyance and maintained a courteous facade.
The next day was the day of Xiao Qiao’s departure from her family home for her wedding. The Qiao family’s main gate was wide open, decorated festively inside and out. People from all directions had put on their best clothes and gathered to see off the governor’s daughter.
As Xiaoqiao emerged from her bath early in the morning, she stood with her hair unbound, her naked form revealed. Though only fourteen years of age, her figure, while not as full as a mature woman’s, boasted rounded breasts and hips, with a waist one could encircle with one hand. Her delicate, pink-tinged body, coupled with flawless, soft skin that gleamed like snow, created a beauty almost too dazzling to behold directly.
Surrounded by maidservants, she was dressed in layers: first in a deep red inner garment, then an outer black robe. They secured a wide sash around her waist, added an apron-like covering, and adorned her with jade pendants. She donned silk stockings and wooden clogs with upturned toes. Finally, her dark hair was coiled atop her head, secured with a hairpin, and embellished with pearl flowers and dangling ornaments. Once fully attired, she stood graceful and dignified, her beauty both delicate and stately, incomparable to any. The maidservants gathered around, murmuring praises.
Madam Ding took Xiaoqiao’s delicate hands in her own, offering numerous instructions. After a moment of silent gazing, her eyes slowly reddening, she said, “Manman, your aunt knows that Afan’s heartless departure from her parents may not necessarily be a bad thing for her. But it’s you who must suffer, marrying into the Wei family in her place. Your aunt thanks you on behalf of your sister. You two are close, and if you ever learn of her whereabouts, please inform me. I promise not to let your uncle know.”
Xiaoqiao smiled and agreed to everything. When the auspicious hour arrived, she was escorted to the main hall by her attendants.
Uncle Qiao Yue and Father Qiao Ping were waiting there. Her brother Qiao Ci, dissatisfied with the marriage arrangement, still refused to appear. Qiao Ping’s reluctance was evident, and even her uncle seemed emotional. He stepped forward to offer some advice, mainly reminding her to be gentle and dutiful to her in-laws. Xiaoqiao briefly bid farewell to her father, fighting back tears as she knelt before him.
As Qiao Ping helped her up, music began playing outside, urging the bride to depart. But Qiao Ping, still unwilling to let his daughter go, held onto her arm. Zhang Pu, the strategist who had been standing behind them, approached with a smile and said, “Marquis Wei is known throughout the land for his heroism and handsomeness. This is truly a match made in heaven for your daughter. Why are you so reluctant to let her go?”
With all eyes upon them, Qiao Ping gave his daughter’s hand one last firm squeeze before slowly releasing it.
Xiaoqiao glanced at Zhang Pu. She knew that for successfully arranging this marriage alliance, her uncle had rewarded him with two hundred gold pieces and two maids, and now relied on him even more. He had been quite smug these past few days.
Although she understood he was acting in the family’s interest, and the alliance did temporarily resolve the crisis in Yanzhou, she still couldn’t shake off the feeling of being manipulated. As Xiaoqiao turned away, she casually moved closer to him. Hidden by her many layers of skirts, she raised one wooden-clog-clad foot and deliberately stomped on his toes with all her might.
The wooden sole was as hard as stone, and Xiaoqiao put her full strength into it. The pain was so intense that Zhang Pu cried out involuntarily. Looking up, he saw Xiaoqiao smiling sweetly at him and immediately understood. Noticing everyone in the hall turning to look at him reproachfully for his outburst, he forced a bitter smile and, ignoring the throbbing pain in his foot, bowed slightly and retreated. Later, when he had a chance to examine his foot in private, he found his toes bruised and swollen, and the pain lasted for several days.
Seeing Zhang Pu’s pained expression as he tried not to cry out, Xiaoqiao felt slightly better. She took one last look at her father, remembering her private farewell with her brother earlier that morning, and sighed inwardly before turning to leave.
Outside the Qiao family gates, crowds of people in new clotheslined both sides of the road. When Xiaoqiao finally appeared, looking as beautiful as a celestial maiden, they knelt and cheered so loudly it seemed to shake the heavens.
According to current wedding customs, the groom should personally come to escort the bride as a sign of respect. However, Wei Shao did not appear, instead sending Wei Liang as his representative, which somewhat disappointed the people of Dongjun. The Qiao family was already well-respected locally, and the people were grateful for Xiaoqiao’s marriage preventing a war. Not wanting the Wei family to underestimate the magistrate’s daughter, they had gathered in full force. After Xiaoqiao boarded the wedding carriage, people continuously threw fruits into it. Even after leaving the city, for more than ten miles, people still knelt to see her off, singing blessings loudly. Even the usually arrogant Wei Liang seemed to take notice by the end.
Xiaoqiao, who had initially been reluctant to marry, was moved by this outpouring of emotion. She suddenly began to understand why her sister Daqiao had been unwilling to simply run away. After leaving the city, she sat quietly, contemplating while holding an apple given to her by a three-year-old child.
…
“Stop!”
When Xiaoqiao’s wedding procession had traveled more than thirty miles and the surroundings had become increasingly desolate, a lone horseman suddenly caught up with them, calling for them to halt.
Wei Liang immediately ordered his men to draw their swords in defense. Xiaoqiao, recognizing her brother Qiao Ci’s voice, quickly leaned out to explain. Wei Liang looked back, confirmed it was indeed the young master of the Qiao family, and then ordered his men to sheathe their weapons and stop the carriage.
Xiaoqiao alighted. Qiao Ci leaped from his horse and ran to her, grasping her hand tightly. “Sister! There’s one more thing I forgot to tell you. I hate that I’m so useless, that today I can only watch helplessly as you marry like this. But don’t worry, sister. I swear to the heavens today that I will become strong, someone you can rely on. If that Wei Shao mistreats you, I’ll bring you back home. I won’t let anyone bully you!”
This stubborn fourteen-year-old boy, his voice still breaking and with only the faintest trace of down on his upper lip, spoke with unwavering determination.
His words, carried by the wind, reached Wei Liang’s ears. Wei Liang remained silent, his face twisted in a cold smirk.
Xiaoqiao hadn’t expected her brother to chase them so far just to say these words. Remembering how in her past life he had sacrificed himself to help her and Liu Yan escape, the tears she had been holding back all morning finally fell.
“Brother! I understand. I’ll live well, and please, take care of Father for me in the future!”
Qiao Ci nodded.
Seeing the siblings’ reluctance to part, Wei Liang finally lost patience and urged them to continue.
Xiaoqiao released her brother’s hand, encouraging him to return home as she boarded the carriage once more.
Qiao Ci’s figure stood by the roadside, gradually shrinking to a small dot before disappearing completely from view.
As Xiaoqiao turned her head, she saw in the distance, at the edge of the gray winter sky, a lone wild goose flying south.