The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 68
It was already late, and they had yet to find a place to stay. Jing Wang did not linger. Turning to Xie Shao, he said, “Young Master Xie, get some rest early. We’ll continue our conversation tomorrow.”
Xie Shao nodded, watching as Jing Wang departed with Pei Qing. He then bid farewell to Xu Xun as well and headed toward an inn.
Xu Xun tried to persuade him to stay, even offering his own residence for the three of them to settle in, but Xie Shao declined politely.
This was not his first time in the Eastern Capital. Eight years ago, he had left here. Now that he had returned, though much had changed, it was not so unfamiliar that he would lose his way.
With Pei Qing under Jing Wang’s care, one great weight had already lifted from his heart. And with his wife by his side, staying at someone else’s residence would be inconvenient. He had already declined Wangye’s arrangement before, and now it was the same. After such an exhausting journey, all he wanted was to spend a quiet moment with her, and together await whatever judgment tomorrow would bring.
After leaving the military camp, Xu Xun’s carriage dropped the three of them off on the street.
Xie Shao stepped down first, then turned to lift the curtain for her. Wen Shuse held his arm as she jumped down. Before she had even steadied herself, she lifted her head, taking in the sight before her. The great capital of Dafeng, the Eastern Capital.
The night market glowed with a thousand lights, shimmering and overlapping like fallen stars. Towering buildings echoed with song and laughter. The streets were filled with dazzling garments and painted faces, the clamor of voices roaring like a boiling cauldron, carriages and horses flowing endlessly without end…
The paintings her uncle had once given her came vividly to life in that instant.
Only now did she realize how small Fengcheng had been. Standing here, she felt the vastness of the world, like a river finally meeting the sea, like an eagle soaring into the open sky. No wonder scholars spent their lives studying, striving with all their might to reach this ultimate destination.
And now she understood why her uncle’s family had spared no effort to move here. Once one had seen such prosperity, how could they ever bear to leave?
Wen Shuse’s eyes lit up, shining with wonder as she stared, entranced. Tugging at the sleeve of the man beside her, she exclaimed, “So this is the Eastern Capital? It’s so lively!”
Compared to the scenes in her memories, it was indeed far more prosperous. Xie Shao himself was momentarily dazed. At her voice, he turned his head. The dirt on her face had been washed away, but she was still wearing the plain cyan robe Wei Yun had given her, loose and ill-fitting, stained with blood and mud, simple and disheveled.
As several finely dressed young ladies passed by, it only made her stand out all the more.
She herself seemed unaware, but Xie Shao found it hard to look at. He gently squeezed her hand and gave a quiet hum in response, then led her forward. “Come, I’ll take you to buy some clothes.”
Wen Shuse was naturally delighted. The dazzling prosperity before her swept away all the hardships of before, lifting her spirits. She looked this way and that, her mouth never still. “Husband, what is that? I’ve never seen it before…”
Following her gaze, Xie Shao saw several children holding long cylindrical tubes, pressing one eye to the opening while turning them, shouting excitedly, “I see the Monkey King! And the Queen Mother of the West…”
Just children’s toys. Xie Shao replied, “A shadow tube.”
Wen Shuse’s interest was instantly piqued. She grabbed his sleeve and refused to move. “Husband, buy me one too.” Her eyes lifted toward him, soft and pleading, gazing at him as though if he refused, it would be an unforgivable crime.
“Husband, this one is so pretty.”
“Husband, husband …”
“Husband, buy me another one too.”
…
The money pouch in his hand was squeezed tighter and tighter. He finally couldn’t hold back any longer.
Grabbing his young wife, he hurried forward. “It’s getting late. We should buy clothes first.”
Eight years later, the Eastern Capital had indeed grown more prosperous… and also far more full of things designed to swindle people out of their money.
How was it that no one was doing anything about it?
At last, after some effort, he managed to pull her into a ready-made clothing shop. Before he could even breathe a sigh of relief, his young wife was already dazzled by the colorful silks before her eyes.
“This color is so pretty! This pattern too! And this one… how come such beautiful designs never existed in Fengcheng…”
She muttered as she walked forward, her eyes unable to take it all in, looking as though she wished she could take the entire shop home with her.
Xie Shao’s heart tightened once more. This was no easier than being pursued and attacked in broad daylight.
Seeing him silent at her side, she turned, pulled him closer, and tried to draw him into her joy. “When I first left Fengcheng, I thought men’s clothing was quite novel. On me, it looked petite and handsome, with its own charm. But after traveling all this way, I find myself missing how I looked as a young lady again.”
Then suddenly she asked, “Husband, do you still remember how I looked before?”
Xie Shao nodded.
The young lady asked again, “Then… was I beautiful?”
At once, an image surfaced in his mind: her standing in the street, a silk shawl draped over her arms, head tilted, one hand adjusting her high coiffure. The moment he had first seen her like that, a thought had flashed through him: what a strikingly beautiful young lady.
Later, living under the same roof, he had come to realize how skilled she was at dressing herself. Her outfits were almost never repeated. Still, there was no denying it. “You were beautiful.”
“And yet… why do I feel it was just so-so…” She had always been confident in her appearance, but now, seeing better things, she realized that the fabrics and patterns sent to Fengcheng had all been outdated. “Back in Fengcheng, I was considered one of the finest young ladies. But only after coming to the Eastern Capital do I understand there is always a sky beyond the sky, and people beyond people. If I don’t take more care of myself, I’ll be swallowed up in the crowd. Wouldn’t that bring shame to you and to Fengcheng? Husband, why don’t you buy me a few more outfits…” She waved, about to call the shopkeeper. “Please take my measure…”
Her arm was gently tugged, pulling her into a quiet corner.
Wen Shuse looked at him in confusion, only to hear him lean in and say softly, “Wife, you may not realize, but even in the Eastern Capital, your beauty is something that leaves a lasting impression at a single glance.”
Since their marriage, he had never once praised her. Hearing such words so suddenly, her heart naturally lifted, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.
Xie Shao cleared his throat lightly, then added in a low voice, “So, you don’t need fine adornment. You are naturally beautiful; you already outshine countless young ladies. At least in my eyes, you are the most beautiful of all.”
Everyone liked to be praised, but when they went too far, they began to feel less real.
Wen Shuse paused, then slowly caught a hint of something off. “Husband… why the more I listen to your words, the more they sound like you’re just humoring me?”
It wasn’t entirely an excuse. Driven to this point, he could only tell her the truth, doing his best to coax her gently. “Wife, please be a little understanding. Your husband doesn’t have enough money on him.”
No matter how gently he spoke, it had no effect. His wife’s face fell in disappointment, and she let out a long, drawn “Oh…” her gaze drifting away from him to the silks in the distance, like a child denied a sweet, her eyes full of reluctant longing.
Seeing this, Xie Shao felt as though he were being slowly flayed alive.
She had followed him through life and death, and yet he couldn’t even afford to buy her a few sets of clothes. He suddenly recalled something Zhou Kuang had once said to him: ” What kind of man lets his wife suffer?
In twenty years of life, he had never suffered such a blow.
For a fleeting moment, he even had the absurd impulse to ask where one might sell oneself, but a thought was just a thought. He could never lower himself like that. This body of his belonged only to his wife alone.
What else could he do? He could only continue coaxing her. Slipping an arm around her shoulders, he spoke softly, “I’ll buy you a sugar figurine later, alright?”
Fortunately, she was easy to comfort. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded. “Alright.”
He let out a long breath of relief. Calling the shopkeeper over, he had the young lady measured and ordered two sets of clothes for her to change into. Then he went to pay, asking her to wait outside.
Better that she not see more and yearn for what she couldn’t have; it would only upset her further.
Wen Shuse hugged her bundle and went to the entrance, waiting for him to come out. She had long heard her uncle say that the Eastern Capital had no curfew, its nights as bright as day. Now, seeing it for herself, she knew it was no exaggeration at all.
There were far too many new and fascinating things. Pedestrians streamed past in endless flow. After admiring the scenery, she turned her curiosity to the people. Elegant young ladies adorned with flowers and silks drew admiration from both men and women alike.
For a moment, she stretched her neck, watching the graceful courtesans in the pavilion across the street.
Just as she was absorbed in the sight, her view was suddenly blocked by an ornate carriage. She quickly lifted her head. At that very moment, someone inside the carriage lifted the curtain and glanced her way.
Wen Shuse glanced instinctively, then her gaze hurriedly shifted back to the pavilion. But her expression froze in an instant. She quickly turned back to look at the person inside the carriage.
The carriage moved forward, and the young lady inside twisted around as well, staring at her in bewilderment.
An oval face, delicate willow-leaf eyebrows, features dignified and gentle, who else could it be but Wen Shuse’s elder cousin, Wen Suning, the First Young Lady Wen?
Wen Shuse had never expected that on her very first night in the capital, she would run into her.
The two stared at each other across half a street, both stunned. After a long moment, Wen Shuse came back to herself and called out, “Elder Sister?”
Wen Suning had thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. Hearing that call, she knew she had not mistaken her. She immediately turned and told the driver to stop.
Wen Shuse hurried over, her steps quick and light. Watching Wen Suning step down from the carriage, she looked at her elder cousin up and down, silently marveling. Truly, the Eastern Capital nurtured its people well. Her elder sister’s bearing was clearly even more refined than before. A trace of admiration rose in her eyes. “Elder Sister, since coming to the capital, you’ve grown even more beautiful.”
But in Wen Suning’s eyes, it was an entirely different matter.
The reason she hadn’t recognized her at first glance was precisely because of how she was dressed. Now, her brows furrowed tightly as she asked, “Why are you here? Where is Second Uncle?”
“In Fengcheng.”
Wen Suning was taken aback. “You came alone?”
Wen Shuse turned her head toward the shop entrance. Xie Shao had just stepped out. “No, I came with my husband.”
Wen Suning’s brows furrowed even tighter.
The Xie family’s affairs had already caused an uproar throughout the Eastern Capital. The Eldest Master Xie had been accused of rebellion, even driving Jing Wang from his fiefdom. Though the Emperor had yet to pass judgment, the Xie family was already hanging by a thread.
If anything truly happened to the Xie family, how could Wen Shuse escape unscathed?
Not just her, most likely, even their father would be implicated.
She couldn’t help recalling the advice she had once given her, and a trace of frustration rose within her. “I told you back then to leave the Xie family, sell the house, and come to the Eastern Capital with Grandmother. But you wouldn’t listen.”
Wen Shuse remembered. She had indeed said that to part ways with Xie Shao and come to the capital.
But what conflict was there in that now? She did not regret her decision. On the contrary, she was grateful she had stayed with the Xie family. Her husband was good, and she herself was doing well.
“How is Uncle?”
Wen Suning gave a small nod, clearly not wanting to say more. She took out a purse from her sleeve, drew out two taels of silver, and handed them over. “The house we’re living in is rented. It’s small, with no extra rooms. Even if you came to us, Father likely wouldn’t be able to help. I don’t have much money on me either, but take these for now.”
After sending money out for six or seven years with her own hands, she was finally receiving some back for once. It was rare enough to feel like the sun rising in the west.
Only a fool would refuse money. Wen Shuse didn’t stand on ceremony. “Thank you, Elder Sister.”
Wen Suning did not bother with her further. “Take care of yourself.” Just before getting into the carriage, she still gave a slight nod toward Xie Shao behind her, though it was clear she did not think much of him.
Xie Shao naturally recognized her as the First Young Lady Wen. Only after the carriage had driven off did he walk over.
He had expected to see a face clouded with sorrow. Instead, his wife turned around, spread her palm open, and grinned as she showed him. “No need for you to spend this time. I’ve got silver now. I can buy my own sugar figurine.”
—
His young wife was completely unaffected. After buying a sugar figurine, the more she wandered, the more spirited she became. Meanwhile, the man beside her looked increasingly worn and dejected. By the time they reached the inn, he deliberately lagged a few steps behind and said to Minzhang, “Tomorrow, go look around and see if there’s any work copying texts.”
On just the first night, the dozen or so taels they had on hand were already gone. And the money for the inn had been scraped together from his wife’s own person. If they stayed a few more days, wouldn’t they starve?
A single coin could suffocate a hero. Thinking of his past extravagance, he felt a deep, gut-wrenching regret.
“Yes.” Minzhang had long felt the same. It seemed his master would have to start working hard from now on.
—
While they were out, everything had felt novel enough to forget the fatigue. Only after entering the inn room and soaking in the bath did Wen Shuse finally feel how utterly exhausted she was.
In a single day, she had brushed past life and death, returned from the gates of the underworld. Both body and mind were worn to the brink. As the hot water enveloped her, drowsiness quickly overtook her.
After some time, the man outside knocked lightly on the door. “Are you done?”
She startled awake, hurriedly responding, “Yes.” Reaching out toward the screen to grab her clothes, she caught nothing and in an instant, half her sleep vanished.
Oh no.
She hadn’t brought any fresh clothes in with her.
The man outside seemed to sense her predicament. “Wait a moment.”
Wait a moment? What did that mean?
Was he going to bring them in for her?
The two outfits they had ordered at the clothing shop wouldn’t be ready for another two or three days. Tonight, she would still have to wear her old clothes. Of the two sets Wei Yun had given her, she had already worn one, and the other was unwashed and had been left behind at the mute girl’s courtyard. The only thing she could change into now was the robe belonging to Second Master Wen in her bundle.
But inside that bundle, besides the clothes, some things absolutely could not be seen by her husband at this moment…
Wen Shuse’s mind buzzed as if it had exploded. She hurriedly called out, “Husband!”
The man outside seemed startled by her sudden shout and turned back. “Hmm?”
“Do you… Do you have any clean clothes? Could you lend me something to wear?”
Xie Shao paused. “Didn’t Jing Wang return your bundle to you?”
“The clothes inside belong to my father. He’s never been particular about such things, unlike Husband. You’re always so clean, and you even carry a natural fragrance. Your clothes smell nice too…”
After she finished speaking, there was no reply for a long moment.
A short while later, she heard his footsteps retreating. Unsure whether he had agreed, she waited anxiously for the sound of them returning.
They came closer and closer. Before long, over the top of the screen, a snow-white inner robe was draped across.
A familiar, subtle fragrance reached her. Without even looking, Wen Shuse knew it wasn’t her father’s. She let out a quiet breath of relief. “Thank you, Husband.” She quickly pulled it down and slipped it on.
Xie Shao was taller than her father, and the trousers were longer as well. When Wen Shuse stepped out from the bathing room, she had to hold up the hems with both hands, muttering, “Husband, they’re too big…”
Xie Shao had yet to recover from her earlier words. When he saw her come out, his gaze flicked toward her. The garment that had been on him just yesterday was now worn close against his young wife’s body.
Her hair was freshly washed, falling in damp strands over her shoulders. The steam had flushed her cheeks a rosy red, and the oversized robe draped loosely over her frame, slipping to reveal her shoulders and the curve of her neck, her skin so fair it almost dazzled the eye.
What he had said earlier had not been false.
In his eyes, she truly was the most beautiful.
His throat suddenly felt dry. He swallowed lightly and turned his gaze away. “Make do for tonight. Dry your hair and get some rest.” Taking another set of clothes, he quickly retreated into the bathing room.
Xie Shao was exhausted as well. After a quick wash, he dried his hair inside, mindful of sparing her any embarrassment.
When he came out, Wen Shuse was already lying in bed.
The night before, they had shared a bed in the farmhouse. With an unspoken beginning, everything that followed came naturally. Knowing he preferred the outer side, Wen Shuse had already left that spot for him.
He stepped to the bedside and saw her eyes closed. Carefully, he sat down, but before he could even lift his legs onto the bed, the entire frame sank with a groan, followed by a series of creaks.
Creak… creak…
Xie Shao stiffened, instinctively glancing toward her.
She had opened her eyes, too, looking at him in surprise. Afraid he might feel self-conscious, she gently reassured him, “Husband, you’re already very lean.”
Bracing himself, he lay down anyway, the creaking continued in his ears as if the bed might collapse at any moment.
At first, when Minzhang said he had found an inn for just twenty wen a night, Wen Shuse thought they had gotten a bargain. Now it was clear that cheap goods were never of good quality.
Once he lay down, Xie Shao didn’t dare move again. “Go to sleep.”
Wen Shuse also didn’t dare move. She tilted her head slightly and asked, “Husband, what did His Majesty say?”
The fact that he had returned with Jing Wang today already suggested that the Xie family was likely safe. But she still wasn’t certain.
Xie Shao raised his hand, moving as carefully as possible, and took hold of her hand resting on the blanket, clasping it gently in his palm. In a low voice, he said, “There won’t be any trouble. News will come from the palace tomorrow.”
Earlier that day, he had followed Commander Xu into the palace for an audience with the emperor, with Jing Wang also present.
Commander Xu reported everything that had happened in Nancheng. After listening, the emperor remained silent for a long while, then asked him to recount every detail of what had happened in Fengcheng without omission.
Still, the emperor said nothing. Instead, he had someone offer Xie Shao a seat, served him tea, and even inquired after his father.
Only after they left did they hear the sound of a teacup smashing inside the room, followed by the emperor’s furious voice. “That unfilial son! He is unworthy of his position…”