After Xiaoqiao’s departure, the once-lively Magistrate’s mansion gradually fell silent. As the guests dispersed, Qiao Yue noticed Qiao Ping still staring motionlessly at the main gate. He approached to persuade him inside, saying, “Second brother, our niece has gone far now. You witnessed the grand send-off in the city earlier. I’m truly gratified.”
Qiao Ping slowly turned and said, “Elder brother, I have a question that I shouldn’t ask, but it has troubled me for a long time. Taking this opportunity, I dare to ask. Ten years ago, when Father led troops against Li Su but held back at the crucial moment, causing Wei Jing and his son to perish, thus incurring the Wei family’s enmity – did Father send a messenger to warn Wei Jing? You were with Father in the army then, so you should know clearly.”
Qiao Yue was taken aback, then frowned and waved his hand, saying, “That’s all in the past. Why are you suddenly bringing this up now? Whatever decisions the elders made back then, they surely had their reasons. It’s not for us as sons to question.”
Qiao Yue’s response confirmed Qiao Ping’s suspicions.
Ten years ago, after the incident in Chen Commandery, Qiao Ping was sent by his father Qiao Gui to Yuyang to offer condolences at the Wei family’s funeral. At the mourning hall, Wei family guards drew their swords in anger, accusing Qiao Gui of being cunning and disloyal, claiming he never sent any warning and merely watched from the sidelines. Qiao Ping was terrified, thinking he might not leave the Wei mansion alive. Unexpectedly, Madam Xu not only scolded the guards in front of him but also comforted Qiao Ping kindly. After this narrow escape, Qiao Ping returned to Yanzhou and recounted the entire scene to his father Qiao Gui.
He still clearly remembered his father frowning for a long time before sighing, “With such a matriarch in the Wei family, I fear it may spell trouble for our Qiao clan in the future!”
For the past decade, Qiao Ping had suspected that his father indeed never sent any warning. His father was deeply calculating and once harbored great ambitions. At that time, although the Wei family’s influence was still confined to the northern Yan and You regions, not yet encroaching on Yanzhou, Wei Jing was known for his strict military discipline and had been enfeoffed as a marquis for his merits. He also had a reputation for wisdom, attracting numerous talented individuals from across the land, and showing signs of a potential hegemon.
Perhaps Father had considered that if the Wei family were to rise to power in the future, it would be detrimental to Yanzhou’s expansion. So he went along with the flow, hoping to use Li Su’s hand to eliminate a potential threat.
“Second brother, this marriage alliance between our families has resolved past grievances and alleviated the current difficulties in Yanzhou. What’s there to be dissatisfied about? Don’t overthink it,” Qiao Yue said.
Qiao Ping smiled bitterly, “Elder brother, Manman has married as you wished, and Yanzhou’s troubles are temporarily resolved. From now on, I hope you will govern diligently and restore our Qiao family’s prestige. This will benefit the people of the commandery and provide some support for Manman in the Wei family.”
Qiao Yue looked embarrassed and laughed, “Of course. Don’t worry, second brother.”
…
Wei Liang led a squad of Wei family’s guards to escort Xiaoqiao northward. They traveled by day and rested by night. The journey was uneventful at first, but as they were about to enter Ji Province, one evening as dusk was falling and before they had reached an inn to rest, they passed through a deserted winding road. Sensing they might be followed, Wei Liang immediately ordered his men to turn back and investigate, but the guards returned reporting nothing unusual.
Though Wei Liang appeared rough, he was meticulous. He didn’t show any reaction but that night at the inn, he stood guard with a sword outside Xiaoqiao’s room. The next day, he increased security measures and hastened their pace. Finally, just before the year’s end, they successfully escorted Xiaoqiao to Xindu in Ji Province.
…
Gao Tang, the former Governor of Ji Province, had rebelled against the court, accusing Prime Minister Xun of monopolizing power, persecuting loyal officials, and reducing the Han dynasty to a mere figurehead. He killed those around him who refused to follow and declared himself emperor. The court had sent multiple troops to suppress him, but Gao Tang, having built up his forces over many years, was strong and took advantage of Ji Province’s terrain. Unable to defeat him, the court had no choice but to send Wei Shao to attack. Last autumn, Wei Shao personally led troops into Ji Province.
Previously, when other troops came to attack, the people of Ji Province suffered greatly each time. There were even incidents where government troops surrounded villages, massacred villagers, and cut off their heads to pretend they were rebel leaders’ heads to claim credit. The people were already in dire straits, and when they heard that Wei Shao of You Province had arrived, they were terrified. They abandoned the wheat in their fields waiting to be harvested and fled in all directions.
In some places, entire villages were deserted. However, after Wei Shao’s army arrived, not only did they not harm a hair, but seeing the unharvested wheat fall in the fields, the soldiers even took off their armor to harvest it, piling it at the village entrances before leaving. They also captured roving soldiers and brigands who had turned to robbery along the way. As word spread, those who had fled gradually returned home. Young men even volunteered to join the army. Contrary to expectations, people along the way beat drums and gongs to welcome Wei Shao’s army into Ji.
With the people’s support, Wei Shao’s forces became even stronger. After several battles, Gao Tang lost several cities and finally retreated to Xindu, shutting the gates. Wei Shao didn’t rush to attack but stationed his troops nearby. By early next year, after several months of siege, he took Xindu in one swift assault. Gao Tang, with nowhere to run, committed suicide.
When the people of Ji Province heard the news, they rushed to spread the word. They urged respected elders to present a petition on behalf of the people, begging Wei Shao to stay. Wei Shao reported to the court, claiming that outside Xindu there were still many of Gao Tang’s remnant forces terrorizing the countryside, so he would continue to station troops to eliminate the remaining rebels in response to the people’s wishes. The court, wary of his expanding influence, initially refused and ordered him to withdraw from Ji.
Wei Shao complied and began to withdraw. Unexpectedly, several subsequent Governors of Ji sent by the court were blocked by crowds at the city gates. After several such incidents, no one dared to take up the post of Ji Governor. The court, unable to control the situation from afar, had no choice but to comply with the people’s wishes and ordered Wei Shao to temporarily govern Ji. Wei Shao then re-entered Ji, with people lining the streets to welcome him. It has been nearly a year since then.
Recently, Wei Shao has been in Xindu. Since Xindu is closer than Yuyang, it was decided to hold the wedding here.
…
Xindu, an ancient city, is not very large, but it is well-known throughout Ji.
During the Warring States period, when Zhao lost Handan to Wei for three years, they made Xindu their temporary capital. A palace called Xin Palace was built in the city, with a tower named Tan Tower. Made of a hundred-year-old sandalwood, it stood over a hundred feet tall. From its top, one could see the entire city. After several hundred years and multiple renovations, it still stands today. The word “gong” (palace) in “Xin Palace” was removed and changed to “di” (residence), becoming today’s Lord’s official residence.
When Wei Shao is in Xindu, he stays in the former Xin Palace.
Xiaoqiao’s wedding carriage slowly entered through the city gate.
Through the carriage window, she saw the still waters of the moat. The main road in the city, paved with large blue stones, was wide and smooth, able to accommodate ten horses riding abreast. Houses lined both sides. The city’s streets were quite different from the familiar scenes of Dongjun. The ancient style of Yan and Zhao was palpable. Men and women, old and young walking on the street stopped to stare curiously at her large carriage, as if they didn’t know that Wei Shao was about to take a wife.
Under the curious gazes along the way, the carriage finally stopped in front of Xin Palace. Armored guards standing at the gate recognized Wei Liang and opened the gates to let them in.
Xiaoqiao was helped down, finally free from the jolting carriage after many days of travel. She entered Xin Palace with her maid Chunliang and several other attendants.
During the journey, to pass the time, Chunliang had imagined many scenes of what it would be like when they arrived at the wedding site.
Now seeing it with her own eyes, although Xin Palace was grand with imposing halls, it was eerily quiet inside. Far from the joyous wedding preparations Chunliang had imagined, there were hardly any people to be seen. After a while, a woman in her forties appeared, dressed properly with a stern face that showed some severity. This woman, leading several maidservants, introduced herself as Madam Zhong, saying she had been ordered to receive the new bride from the Qiao family. Although her tone was respectful, the look in her eyes when regarding Xiaoqiao seemed somewhat cold.
Xiaoqiao guessed that although this woman was a servant, she must hold some status in the Wei family. Following custom, she addressed her as “Niang Zhong.”
“I wouldn’t dare. I am but a lowly servant, here to serve at your command. My Lady may call me Zhong Ao,” she replied.
Zhong Ao led Xiaoqiao to her lodgings, named “Yu Yang,” facing south with excellent lighting.
Zhong Ao left two maidservants to attend to Xiaoqiao, saying if she needed anything, she could ask for her. After a slight bow to Xiaoqiao, she turned and left.
Once Zhong Ao had gone, Chunliang was greatly disappointed and felt sorry for Xiaoqiao. She sent away the two maidservants left by Zhong Ao and busied herself with the other maids setting up the bed and seats, all the while complaining in a low voice. Finally, she asked, “Is that Marquis Wei even in the city now? And when is the wedding date?”
Chunliang was confused, and Xiaoqiao was equally clueless. She massaged her legs, which had become sore from sitting in the carriage for so long, then got up and went to the window, pushing it open to look outside.
The courtyard was spacious. Near her lodging in Yu Yang, an ancient tall tower rose from the ground. A beam of sunlight happened to pierce through the gap between the flying eaves and curving corners, casting a bright spot of light that slightly dazzled the eyes.
…
Every day, servants regularly brought food and hot soup, the care was indeed meticulous. But Xiaoqiao seemed unable to leave Xin Palace, and she seemed to have been forgotten.
Zhong Ao hadn’t shown her face since that day, and as for her husband – if he could be called that – the man named Wei Shao, he hadn’t even shown a shadow of himself.
In the blink of an eye, it was almost the end of the year. Chunliang began to grow anxious. She caught the two maidservants and inquired countless times, but the maidservants seemed to follow Zhong Ao’s lead – they shook their heads no matter what was asked. When pressed further, they would kneel and kowtow, begging forgiveness. This angered Chunliang greatly, and she wanted to go find Zhong Ao to get some answers, but Xiaoqiao stopped her.
Accept what comes. It’s just the beginning. If he’s not in a hurry, she’s even less so.
The Spring Festival of the seventh year of Dingkang was approaching. On clear days, Xiaoqiao would climb Tan Tower and see nearby residents busy cleaning their houses, washing clothes, and airing bedding in preparation for the Spring Festival.
It was only after arriving here that Xiaoqiao learned that the Spring Festival, viewed by later generations as the most important and auspicious holiday of the year for family reunions, was not considered lucky in the simple understanding passed down from ancient times. Like the nodes of bamboo, where the smooth bamboo is interrupted by knots, these days were called “Jie” (festivals). The so-called Spring Festival was considered the most inauspicious day of spring. It was to ward off evil and pray for blessings that people began celebrating the Spring Festival with house cleaning and family gatherings. The level of festivity was far less than in later times.
Xiaoqiao couldn’t go out. Of course, she hadn’t thought about going out herself, but no one prevented her from climbing the nearby Tan Tower to gaze into the distance.
Tan Tower was indeed very tall, even higher than the city walls. Standing on the observation deck at the top, one could see a vast wilderness beyond the city walls as far as the eye could reach.
…
A few days before the year’s end, it snowed.
At noon, the snow stopped, and the sun came out, surprisingly bright and beautiful.
Xiaoqiao had dozed in her room all afternoon. In the evening, she climbed Tan Tower.
In recent days, she would climb Tan Tower at this time to wait for the sunset.
Beyond the city walls was an endless expanse of wilderness. Watching the last rays of the setting sun disappear over the horizon, finally swallowed completely by the earth, if she were a poet, she might have been able to write a poem about watching the sunset from the tower that could be passed down through generations.
This dusk was not much different from previous ones, except that the rooftops were covered with a layer of snow like cotton, and the streets were a patchwork of black and white. The white was snow, the black was the original color of the roads exposed where pedestrians had trampled and melted the snow. As usual, people were bustling about, taking advantage of these last moments before darkness fell. Carrying loads on shoulder poles, pushing carts, walking briskly… A few children were happily building snowmen in the corner of an alley, their laughter seemingly carrying up to this high tower.
“It’s getting dark! It’s too cold and dry! The wind cuts like a knife! There’s a brazier in the room, my lady, let’s go down!”
Chunliang, being plump, was a bit out of breath after climbing several dozen steps. She urged Xiaoqiao while putting an extra fox fur cloak on her.
Chunliang had never left the mild climate of Dongjun in the first half of her life. New to this place, she was somewhat unaccustomed to the climate here and would have preferred to stay indoors from morning to night.
The wind at the top of Tan Tower was indeed very strong. Xiaoqiao clasped her hands together and brought them to her mouth, blowing a few breaths of warm air, then pressed her palms, still warm, against her cold cheeks. She was about to turn and go down with Chunliang when suddenly, from the direction of the sunset in the distance, came a faint surge of sound.
At first, this sound was indistinct and muffled. Xiaoqiao thought she was hearing things. But quickly, the sound became clearer, coming unexpectedly, like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear day.
Xiaoqiao couldn’t help but stop and turn her head to look into the distance again.
Outside the city walls, the vast expanse of white wilderness that had seemed dead asleep suddenly appeared to awaken. At the limit of her vision, a cloud of snow seemed to be swept up by a gale, rising from the ground and obscuring the sky, blocking half of the setting sun on the horizon. Banners seemed to appear intermittently within it.
“What is that?”
Chunliang followed her gaze and looked out, her eyes widening, her voice becoming alarmed.
Xiaoqiao continued to watch.
The sound of muffled thunder grew clearer.
She finally saw clearly that it was a large troop of cavalry, numbering in the thousands, rapidly galloping towards the city. As they drew nearer, the sound became like roaring thunder.
“The Lord returns—”
“The Lord returns—”
Amidst the hoofbeats that seemed to shake the ground, moments later, at the foot of the city wall by the gate, cheers suddenly erupted. These cheers, carried by the wind, grew louder and louder, rising into the twilight sky of ancient Xindu and reaching Xiaoqiao’s ears.
The people in the streets heard it too, pausing their steps. After a brief moment of stillness, they all sprinted toward the city gate.
“Jun Hou returns! Jun Hou returns!”
The entire ancient city stirred, with more people rushing out of their homes to share the news.
…
After Xiao Qiao had spent half a month in the Xingu Palace, on this snowy evening, Yan Hou Wei Shao finally returned to Xindu from the distant Bōling, having traveled hundreds of miles.