Later, the scouts sent to reconnoiter reported that the Liuhe Ferry was also ice-bound and no boats were operating.
Wei Shao found a local familiar with the Great River’s channels, who knew of a narrow passage. Given the severe cold, if it froze for a few more days, it would become passable. He offered to guide them across the river when the time came.
That evening, Wei Shao took Xiao Qiao and left Wuchao Ancient Ferry, traveling dozens of li to stay at a post station, waiting for the ice to thicken enough for crossing.
This area, close to the capital Luoyang, was still under imperial control, preventing local governors from gaining too much power. The postmaster, hearing that Wei Shao of Youzhou was staying with his consort, did his utmost to accommodate them.
Since taking command of the army at seventeen, Wei Shao had been constantly engaged in repelling the Xiongnu, pacifying borders, campaigning east and west, attacking cities, and seizing territory. He had been exerting himself to the utmost almost daily, even sleeping with a sword under his pillow, never truly relaxing.
Today, with the ferry crossing blocked, Wei Shao found himself experiencing unprecedented ease in the days of waiting ahead. Outside it was bitterly cold, but inside the room, there was a warmth of spring. The woman who delighted his heart was within reach. He set aside all other thoughts, abandoning them to focus solely on embracing Xiao Qiao, indulging in the pleasures of love day and night without distinction.
In ancient times, King Zhou of Shang and King You of Zhou both neglected state affairs due to their infatuation with favored women, leading to the downfall of their kingdoms through debauchery. Wei Shao had despised them, considering them foolish rulers. Yet he never expected that one day he too would be so entranced by a woman’s charms, losing all sense of propriety. For three days, Lei Yan and Jia Si didn’t see their lord show his face even once. On the fourth day, when they came to report some news, they were told that the lord had taken his lady out early to enjoy the snow, with no mention of when they would return to the post station. They were utterly baffled.
Alas! How lamentable! This was unprecedented for Lord Wei!
…
After several days of aimless wandering, early one morning, Wei Shao suddenly felt inspired. He thought of how the Yellow River area had always been known for its majestic scenery. Although he had passed through before, it had always been in haste, never stopping to appreciate it. Back then, he had neither the interest nor the leisure. Now that they were delayed here, unable to cross the river, and with a beautiful companion by his side, why not take her out to enjoy the scenery? It wouldn’t be a wasted trip after all.
He was a man of action. Once the idea struck, he immediately wanted to take her out.
For the past few days, he had kept her confined to their room without a single step outside. Wei Shao had been insatiable, and although Xiao Qiao had responded with gentle compliance, her delicate body eventually struggled to keep up with his constant demands. She was just beginning to worry when she heard early that morning that he had finally turned his interest outward. Overjoyed, how could she not agree?
Chuniang dressed her from head to toe in warm layers, with an outer coat of apricot brocade lined with cotton and adorned with a hood. Early in the morning, Wei Shao quietly led her out through the back door of the post station. They rode together on one horse, following the river upstream.
Although the snow had cleared and the sky was bright that day, the north wind howled fiercely, and the cold was even more severe than in the previous days. Xiao Qiao, riding with him, nestled in his warm embrace. Wei Shao wrapped her again in his snow cloak, leaving only her eyes exposed. Xiao Qiao felt no cold at all.
After being confined for several days, she finally got to go out for some fresh air, and her mood was somewhat elated. Along the way, they enjoyed the scenery and chatted and laughed together. Before they knew it, they arrived at the foot of a high, steep hill. The two stopped. Wei Shao took Xiao Qiao’s hand, leading her up the slope with occasional pauses, until they finally stood side by side on a stone platform at the top, gazing out in all directions.
At their feet, two lines of greenish-white ice-covered riverbanks meandered majestically from west to east. The once-surging great river was now frozen for thousands of li, its icy surface reflecting the sun like a vast crystalline plain. The undulating terrain on both banks created a vast snowy wilderness. At the limit of their vision, the snow-capped hills resembled the silhouettes of writhing dragons.
Standing amidst such a landscape, one could only feel the vastness and remoteness of the world. Xiao Qiao, in a moment of reverie, felt a sense of insignificance welling up inside her. Just as she was lost in these thoughts, Wei Shao suddenly raised his arm, pointing westward, and said, “Look, that’s the direction of Luoyang. It’s only a few days’ round trip by fast horse. Xing Xun has been squatting in another’s nest for years. How laughable is Yuan Zhe, boasting of a million troops, I thought he might be someone of substance, but it turns out he’s all talk!” His tone was full of disdain.
Yuan Zhe had previously attacked Xing Xun in the name of supporting the emperor, and the two sides had been at a stalemate at Sishui. Last month, they finally engaged in a major battle, but Yuan Zhe was no match for Xing Xun and suffered heavy losses, now retreating to Qingzhou.
Xiao Qiao knew that Wei Shao was probably reminiscing, which led to this sudden outburst. She followed the direction of his hand, gazing towards the imperial capital that couldn’t be seen from here.
The cold wind whipped across the hilltop, making Xiao Qiao somewhat unsteady. Wei Shao immediately put an arm around her shoulders and suddenly said, “If this realm were to become mine one day, I shall take your hand and together we’ll enjoy the honor of ten thousand chariots.”
Xiao Qiao started, raising her eyes to look at him.
Wei Shao, however, didn’t look at her, his gaze still fixed on the distant direction of the imperial capital. The words he had just spoken seemed to have slipped out casually, without much thought.
Xiao Qiao simply smiled, saying nothing.
The wind was strong on the mountaintop, so after standing there for a moment longer, Wei Shao led her back down. They rode back together as they had come, slowly making their way back. As they approached the post station, they saw Lei Yan standing at the roadside, looking around as if waiting for Wei Shao’s return.
Lei Yan spotted Wei Shao from afar and hurried towards him. Wei Shao urged his horse forward to meet him, signaling him to wait while he escorted Xiao Qiao into the post station before coming back out.
“My Lord, there’s news from Yang Xin,” Lei Yan reported as soon as he came out. “Two days ago, Xue Tai’s troops were lured into a valley in Mang Mountain by that rebel leader. They were attacked with fire from both front and rear, throwing the troops into chaos. In the ensuing battle, that green-eyed man charged into Xue Tai’s formation alone on horseback, unstoppable in his bravery. Xue Tai was startled off his horse, and an arrow struck his throat, killing him on the spot.”
Wei Shao’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. After pondering for a moment, he asked, “What’s the current situation there?”
Lei Yan replied, “With Xue Tai’s death on the battlefield, Lingbi has completely fallen into the hands of that rebel leader, greatly increasing his power. Xuzhou is in chaos. Xue Tai’s two sons have hung white banners on the city walls of Xuzhou, vowing to avenge their father by taking the green-eyed man’s head. It’s expected that there will be another fierce battle.”
“Where is Yang Xin now?”
“My Lord, as you instructed, Yang Xin led troops to provide support. Seeing the situation, he has withdrawn and is awaiting your orders.”
Wei Shao fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.
Lei Yan waited a long time without receiving a response. Remembering his encounter with the green-eyed man outside the Hu family estate, where he had nearly lost his life, he couldn’t help but say, “My Lord, although this green-eyed man is just a rebel leader, he shouldn’t be underestimated. Even Xue Tai fell by his hand. If he’s not brought under your service in the future, he could become a serious threat. Fortunately, he’s connected to you by marriage. Recruiting him might be a win-win strategy.”
Wei Shao calmly replied, “I have no such brother-in-law.”
Lei Yan was stunned for a moment before realizing his mistake. He thought to himself, indeed, although this green-eyed man had killed Xue Tai and now occupied Lingbi, he was still just a lowly rebel leader. Given the Qiao family’s status and position, even if they had fallen on hard times, they would never marry their daughter to a rebel without some hidden reason. Moreover, considering his lord’s status, how could that rebel leader be considered his brother-in-law?
Realizing he had misspoken, Lei Yan hurriedly apologized, “I spoke out of turn, please forgive me, My Lord.”
Wei Shao waved his hand, “It’s fine.”
“Is there any other news from Yanzhou?”
After a moment of reflection, as if remembering something, he asked again.
Lei Yan quickly responded, “I meant to report to you yesterday, My Lord. But I couldn’t get an audience with you, and thinking it wasn’t urgent, I let it slide. In Yanzhou, as Jia Si said, the wife of Governor Qiao has indeed been bedridden for several months. The young lady’s return this time was indeed to visit her sick mother. She stayed in Dongjun for three or four days before meeting up with that green-eyed man and going to Lingbi. The only unusual thing is that during this time, the young lady’s father, Dongjun Prefect Qiao Ping, has been posting notices at the four city gates, recruiting talents without discrimination, much like the ancient King Zhao of Yan who offered a thousand gold pieces for a horse’s bones. The whole city is abuzz with discussion.”
Wei Shao’s eyes flickered slightly, his brow furrowing.
Lei Yan, having finished his report, remained silent, waiting for Wei Shao to speak.
“Send my message to Yang Xin, tell him to be extra vigilant against the rebel leader. If Xue Tai’s sons can’t hold their ground, he should intervene if necessary. Don’t let Xuzhou fall into the hands of that green-eyed man! If he has any decisions he can’t make, he should come and tell me.”
After pondering for a while, Wei Shao finally spoke slowly.
…
Xiao Qiao returned to her room, removed her many layers of clothing, and placed a sprig of winter plum that Wei Shao had picked from the roadside into a vase, nurturing it with fresh water. After admiring it for a moment, she sat with Chuniang by the brazier, roasting chestnuts while engaging in idle chat.
Gradually, amidst the light popping sounds of the chestnut shells cracking, a faint sweet aroma filled the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of the winter plum, refreshing the spirit.
“I wonder how things are in Lingbi,” Chuniang said as she used tongs to remove the chestnuts, waiting for them to cool before peeling out the golden kernels and placing them on a plate. She fed one to Xiao Qiao and continued, “We’ve been delayed here for several days now, who knows when we’ll be able to set off again.”
As Xiao Qiao slowly chewed the sweet chestnut meat, lost in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps outside the door.
Chuniang turned her head to see Wei Shao entering unhurriedly. She quickly stood up, greeted him with a smile, and then withdrew.
Wei Shao came up behind Xiao Qiao, embraced her waist, and kissed her, asking, “What were you just talking about with Chuniang?”
Xiao Qiao turned her head to see him smiling down at her from behind, and replied with a smile, “Nothing much. We were just talking about my brother-in-law and sister in Lingbi. We don’t know how the battle is going. We’re a bit worried.”
Wei Shao looked at her for a moment. He sat down beside her, reached out, and lifted her entire body, turning her to sit on his lap.
Their eyes met.
Wei Shao gazed at her without speaking.
Xiao Qiao sensed something unusual. Seeing his eyes fixed on her face, she unconsciously raised her hand to touch her cheek, laughing, “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”
Wei Shao finally smiled and said calmly, “I have some good news for you. It should set your mind at ease. Just two days ago, the rebel leader fought Xue Tai at Mang Mountain. Xue Tai was killed in battle. The rebel leader has now taken control of the entire Lingbi region, greatly increasing his power.”
Xiao Qiao was overjoyed, her eyes suddenly bright with excitement. She exclaimed happily, her hands quickly grasping Wei Shao’s shoulders as she straightened up on his lap, “Is what you’re saying true, my lord?”
She was so excited that she inadvertently pushed Wei Shao back onto the couch.
“Are you telling the truth, my lord? You’re not deceiving me?” Xiao Qiao asked again.
Over the past few days, although she hadn’t pressed Wei Shao about the situation in Lingbi, she had been constantly worried. Although she knew Bi Zhi was skilled in warfare, the disparity in troops between him and Xue Tai was too great. With Xue Tai’s advance this time, intending to annihilate him, there were too many variables, and she truly didn’t dare to predict the outcome.
Yet unexpectedly, not only had they won, but it was such a great victory! How could she not be overjoyed?
Wei Shao, pinned beneath Xiao Qiao, looked up at her suddenly joyous and beautiful eyes so close to his own. Suppressing a strange feeling slowly rising from the depths of his heart, he raised his hand to stroke her hair, smiled slightly at her, and said, “It’s true.”