The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 67
The city gate of the Eastern Capital was the final stronghold of Great Feng. The city walls rose more than three zhang high, and compared to the southern city, the gate towers were far more imposing and majestic.
Looking up, one had to tilt their head so far back that even their hat threatened to fall off. Xu Xun reined in his horse before the gate and called out loudly, “Xu Xun, Military Commander of the Cavalry, under imperial order, escorting the Third Young Master Xie into the city. Open the gates!”
Moments later, the heavy vermilion doors slowly swung open to either side.
The carriage led, horses following close behind, as they sped beneath the gate. Once they crossed through, everyone let out a breath of relief.
Wei Yun, the young servant, and Minzhang rode together with the Eastern Capital’s guards. Xie Shao held Pei Qing in his arms inside the carriage, with Wen Shuse beside him. Their faces were tight with tension, every moment dragging like an eternity.
As soon as Xie Shao got into the carriage, he tore strips from his own robe and bound Pei Qing’s wounds.
But the blood still seeped out relentlessly. One of Xie Shao’s hands was soaked red, his eyes streaked with bloodshot veins. After that hoarse shout at the gate, his voice was already rasping. “Pei Qing… hold on a little longer. We’ve reached the Eastern Capital.”
Pei Qing’s face was pale as paper. He had already fallen unconscious.
Wen Shuse lifted the curtain. Outside were the bustling streets of the Eastern Capital, yet she had no mind to look. Raising her voice, she urged, “Commander Xu, please hurry a little more.”
Saving him was all that mattered. Xu Xun led them straight to the nearest military physician’s quarters.
They hurriedly carried Pei Qing down and laid him on a bed. Xu Xun quickly summoned the physician. When the doctor arrived, Xie Shao stepped back, swept his sleeve aside, and bowed deeply.
“I beg you, military doctor, please, you must save him.”
The military physician glanced at him. “To save the dying and heal the wounded is our duty. Rest assured, young master, we will do everything in our power.” With that, he drew the curtain shut, blocking everyone outside. “All unnecessary persons, please leave.”
This journey had been one of near-certain death, and only now had they narrowly escaped with their lives. As they stepped out of the room, each of them looked worn and disheveled, too exhausted to speak, silently waiting for news from within.
Wei Yun was also injured with a long gash that ran across his arm. The young servant urged him several times, and Xu Xun came over as well to persuade him to have it treated. Only then did he follow into another room.
Xie Shao remained standing at the doorway. After a while, his legs gave way, and he slowly walked to the steps, dropping heavily onto the stone bricks. His face was haggard, his gaze hollow.
Wen Shuse knew his worry. She gently took his arm. “Husband, don’t worry. Pei Qing will be alright.”
He was too exhausted; even nodding took more strength than he had.
After a moment, Xu Xun approached and called out, “Young Master Xie.” The journey had been too rushed for him to observe closely before, but now he took a careful look. With a respectful bow, he said, “When you left the Eastern Capital, you were only twelve. Who would have thought that after eight years apart, I would see you again as such a fine young man?”
Xie Shao quickly rose and returned the courtesy. “I am deeply grateful for your help, Commander Xu.”
“There is no need for thanks. This is simply my duty.” His gaze then shifted to Wen Shuse beside him.
Xie Shao promptly explained, “My wife, the Second Young Lady Wen.”
Xu Xun paused, realizing his lapse in manners, and quickly apologized. “So, it is the Third Young Madam. Forgive my poor eyesight.”
At this moment, Wen Shuse was in no better state herself. The clean clothes she had changed into just the night before were now stained with blood and dirt. Her face was smeared with dust, streaked with tears from the smoke, mottled and unrecognizable. Her hair was disheveled and tangled. It was impossible to tell what she had looked like originally.
She nodded in return. “Commander Xu.”
Xu Xun continued, “Time is pressing. I’ve had no chance to arrange proper accommodations, but I’ve had a room prepared in the military camp. Young Master, please go freshen up first, then accompany me into the palace to see His Majesty.”
The matter of the forged imperial edict had yet to be clarified, and the Xie family had not been cleared of suspicion. Those in the palace were surely waiting for him.
From Fengcheng onward, they had been hunted the entire way, nearly losing their lives at the Crown Prince’s hands. This debt had to be settled.
Xie Shao turned to look at the door behind him.
Xu Xun reassured him, “Rest easy, Young Master Xie. These military doctors have seen countless battles. There’s no injury they haven’t treated. Young Master Pei is blessed with a strong fate. He will surely pull through.”
Wen Shuse turned to him. “Husband, go without worry. I will stay and take care of Pei Qing.”
Only when the Xie family was truly safe would there be a place for them to stand. Xie Shao’s gaze lingered on the door for a few breaths before he finally turned away and looked at Wen Shuse. “Minzhang will stay with you. I’ll return soon.”
They had endured too much along this journey, crossing mountains and rivers together, their hearts long since bound as one. Whatever fate awaited the Xie family, by this moment, they were ready to face it.
No further words were needed. Wen Shuse nodded. “I will wait for you, Husband.”
“Mm.” Xie Shao raised his hand and gently brushed a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Without further delay, he followed Xu Xun toward the rear courtyard.
When he emerged again, he had already composed himself. His jet-black hair was neatly arranged and bound with a silver crown. He wore a dark blue brocade round-collared robe embroidered with a landscape across the chest. His posture was straight, his frame lean, his face freshly washed, though slightly pale. It could not conceal the sharp, proud handsomeness in his features.
For a moment, Xu Xun found himself staring, his mind flashing back to the bright, spirited youth who once stood before the imperial bulletin board, speaking with bold confidence.
As Xie Shao approached, Xu Xun handed him the reins of a horse. “Third Young Master, please.”
—
After Xie Shao left, Wen Shuse sat on the steps, not moving an inch.
Minzhang went to the back courtyard to fill a water pouch and handed it to her. She drank a few sips, then continued sitting there, waiting.
The sun overhead slowly tilted westward. The shadow of the pillar crept from behind her to the front, until it fully enveloped her. At last, the door behind her opened.
Hearing the movement, Wen Shuse immediately turned and hurried to the doorway, her heart in her throat as she asked, “Doctor, how is he?”
“The bleeding has been stopped, and he has regained consciousness. But he must still get through the next few nights. Prepare nourishing foods to replenish his blood with small, frequent meals.”
At the words that he had awakened, Wen Shuse let out a long breath, her whole body suddenly weakening with relief. “Thank you, doctor.”
The military physician added, “Let the patient rest as much as possible,” before stepping out.
Wen Shuse followed Minzhang inside to check on him.
Pei Qing lay on the bed, his wound already bound in bandages. His upper body was bare, nothing covering him.
With the injured taking precedence over propriety, Wen Shuse did not mind such details. She stepped forward, glanced at his wound, and asked with concern, “Young Master Pei, how are you feeling?”
Her careful inquiries, however, only made Pei Qing feel a little embarrassed. Back in Nancheng, when he had risked his life to stop Pei Yuanqiu, he had never intended to come out alive. He hadn’t expected to survive.
On the carriage, his consciousness had faded in and out. When he opened his eyes again, he was already lying on a sickbed. The wound in his abdomen was severe. After stitching it up, the military physician had applied medicinal powder. He had only just regained consciousness when Wen Shuse suddenly came in. His gaze flickered with momentary panic, a faint flush finally returning to his pale face. Weakly, he called out, “Sister-in-law.” Unable to find any clothes to cover himself, he made as if to sit up.
“Don’t move.” Wen Shuse stopped him. “I’m your sister-in-law. A brother’s wife is like a mother. There’s no need to mind it.” Years ago, when her elder brother had been beaten by their father, it was she who had applied the medicine for him.
At her words, Pei Qing felt even more awkward. Like a mother? He was older than her…
Still, the important thing was that he had woken up; nothing else mattered. Wen Shuse appeared completely at ease, unconcerned, but Pei Qing was deeply uncomfortable.
Minzhang seemed to sense the impropriety as well. He turned and found a garment, draping it over Pei Qing.
Wei Yun and the young servant had already been taken away by members of the Wei family, leaving only the three of them behind.
From last night until now, they had narrowly escaped death, and none of them had eaten. Wen Shuse and Minzhang could endure it for a while, but Pei Qing, with such serious injuries, could not go without food.
Thanks to Commander Xu’s help, they had already managed to save Pei Qing’s life at the military camp. They were deeply grateful and could not bring themselves to trouble others further by asking for medicine and food.
She turned to Minzhang and said, “Go outside and buy some food for us.”
Minzhang, having followed a destitute master whose pockets were emptier than his face. He had no money on him at all.
His face flushed red with embarrassment, just as he stood there at a loss, when Wen Shuse rolled up her sleeve. Around her arm was tied a silk handkerchief. She untied it and unfolded it, revealing two small pieces of silver.
She handed them to Minzhang. “Take this first.” Then she reached toward the back of her collar. After a moment, she pulled out a few more pieces.
Then from her trouser leg, then from her shoes and socks…
Gathering them together, the bits of silver added up to nearly ten taels.
She had taken out every last bit of money she had; now she was completely emptied. Ignoring the stunned looks of the two men, she instructed Minzhang, “Buy more nourishing food for Young Master Pei, things that replenish blood. Get something for us to eat as well. With whatever remains, find out if there’s a cheaper inn.”
They couldn’t stay in the military camp forever.
When Wei Yun left, he had repeatedly invited them, saying that once Xie Shao returned, they could go to the Wei Mansion first. But because of rescuing Xie Shao, they had already dragged Young Master Wei into danger and nearly lost his life because of them. How could they have the face to trouble him further?
For now, they would find an inn, let Pei Qing recover properly, and make plans afterward.
With this bit of silver, their urgent need was finally eased. Minzhang hurried out to take care of it.
When Wen Shuse turned back, she saw Pei Qing looking at her with guilt in his eyes. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”
“You needn’t thank me, Young Master Pei.” Her gaze brushed lightly over the inside of his wrist, her expression calm. “I never give money for free. Once you’ve recovered, just earn it back and repay me.”
Pei Qing nodded.
His body was still too weak. After being awake for only a short while, he could no longer hold on and soon fell asleep again.
Wen Shuse stayed by his side, her eyes once more drifting to his wrist. It was only in the carriage that she had noticed the crisscrossing scars there; one look was enough to tell they were self-inflicted.
Only then had she understood what the mute girl had been trying to tell her.
Up on the mountain, he must have already made up his mind. He had never planned to survive.
In the past, in her eyes, those young and reckless had all been idle playboys, drifting through life without purpose, never knowing hardship. Only now did she realize how shallow her understanding had been.
Pei Yuanqiu’s final act of defiance would likely cost him his life as well. She could only hope that Pei Qing would be able to move past it and live well.
—
Half an hour later, Minzhang returned. The military camp had also sent over medicine and food. After feeding Pei Qing his medicine, the two of them finally ate their fill.
Minzhang reported, “I’ve booked a room at an inn. Once Master returns, we can head there.”
Wen Shuse nodded. After a full day of turmoil, her head felt heavy and muddled, yet she did not dare sleep. She kept waiting for Xie Shao.
Unease lingered in her heart. No matter how reckless the Crown Prince’s actions had been, he was still the Emperor’s only biological son. What fate awaited the Xie family would depend entirely on whether the Emperor was a wise ruler.
It was nearly dusk when Xie Shao finally returned, with Jing Wang behind him.
The moment he saw Wen Shuse, a trace of tension appeared in Xie Shao’s gaze. She understood what he was worried about and gave him a reassuring smile with a nod.
Xie Shao hurried into the room, Jing Wang following close behind.
Seeing that Pei Qing had awakened, the weight in Xie Shao’s heart finally lifted, yet he couldn’t help but speak irritably, shooting him a glance. “Still alive, huh?”
Pei Qing managed a strained smile. “Tough fate. Not so easy to die.”
At the sight of Jing Wang, Pei Qing hurried to rise, but Wangye stopped him at once. “Young Master Pei is injured. There’s no need for formalities.” He glanced over the wound, then summoned the military physician to inquire about his condition. Turning back, he said, “Your injuries are serious. Come stay at my residence for now. There are imperial physicians there; it will be easier to care for you.”
Pei Qing’s expression tightened. “How could I trouble Your Highness…”
“What trouble is there? Your recovery comes first.”
They had only just arrived in the Eastern Capital and had yet to find lodging. Pei Qing’s injuries could not be taken lightly. Staying at Jing Wang Manison would indeed be far better.
Xie Shao agreed as well.
After speaking for a while longer, Jing Wang instructed his attendants to carry Pei Qing to the carriage.
When they came out, they saw Wen Shuse standing at the doorway. Jing Wang paused before her, taking in her disheveled state, and a trace of admiration appeared in his eyes. “Lady Wen is truly courageous. That you all made it to the Eastern Capital. Your contribution is indispensable.”
Wen Shuse lowered herself in a respectful bow. “It is Your Highness’s benevolence and virtue.”
Jing Wang smiled, then seemed to recall something. He had someone bring a bundle down from the carriage and handed it to her. “Now returned to its rightful owner. Lady Wen, please see if anything is missing.”
Wen Shuse quickly shook her head. “They are only a few garments. Thank you, Your Highness, for taking care of them.”