The Legend of Chu Qiao - V1C7
Prologue 1- Major Chu Qiao
Prologue 2- A Storm is coming
Prologue 3- Time's up!
1- Royal Hunt
2- Zhuge, Wei, Mu, Jue, Che... and Yan
3- Fifth Brother
4- Fate is a Bitch!
5- Bloody Heart
6- Bastards
7- Snakes
8- Boundaries
9- Rocks and Plum Blossoms
10- Thank You, Sisters!
11- My name is 'None'
12- The Lantern Festival
13- Liar, liar!
14- The winner is the predator
15- Ambushed by a pervert. Saved by a Prince
Chapter 7
Snakes
Snakes
One year later…
It was the end of the ice month[1], marking the close of 770 in the Bai Cang calendar. The Quan Rong people had invaded the northwestern border, setting everything ablaze as their massive army advanced.
Within just twenty days, the conflict intensified, dragging tens of thousands of ordinary civilians from the outskirts into the fray. The northwestern gates were strategically located between the western territories controlled by the Ba Tu Ha clan and those governed by the Yan King of Northern Yan. The historical rivalry between the Old Ba Tu and Northern Yan’s Lion King had spanned many years.
At this moment, the Mu He clan, allied with Old Ba Tu, was entrenching its influence within the empire, and the Ba Tu Ha family was gaining the upper hand. After a year of turmoil, they managed to seize control of the northwestern gates by brutal means, eliminating the officers stationed there. Meanwhile, other clans were dispatching their heirs to the northwest in a bid to infiltrate the empire's largest military system. Consequently, seasoned generals who had long defended the border were ousted, replaced by inexperienced elites unfamiliar with the realities of battle.
The Quan Rong people seized the opportunity created by the chaos to invade, easily breaching the gates and unleashing their cavalry on the fertile lands beyond. Although the Ba Tu Ha family quickly mobilized their elite troops to resist, their unfamiliarity with the enemy and internal disorder hindered their efforts. The soldiers' confusion worsened, prompting a surge of urgent letters to the capital, pleading with the Zhen Huang elders for reinforcements to counter the invasion.
At the end of the corner month[2] of the 771 in the Bai Cang calendar, the broken star made its appearance, prompting Zhao Ming to seek refuge. A priest from the Qin Temple delivered a dire prophecy: the Taihe star is indifferent, and the waters of chi are frozen. Calamity is imminent.
After extensive discussions, the seven influential families agreed to send the Huang Tian Brigade to the gates to restore stability in the northwestern region. When the order was issued, it reached the Sheng Jin Palace. The emperor read it and responded simply: "Permitted."
Shortly afterward, strong winds swept through Zhen Huang’s capital, causing alarm among the powerful families. That night, tumultuous currents roared beneath the thick layer of ice on the river's surface, spreading fear.
Chu Qiao was diligently working among the dried bushes at the northern pavilion, carefully looking for winter cat snakes[3]. Suddenly, a loud horn echoed from afar, reminiscent of a majestic crane's call. She stood up slowly, squinting towards the south of Zhen Huang City, where the Cheng Jin Palace could be seen.
At night, the roads were difficult to navigate.
The next afternoon, heavy snow fell under the sun. Inside the Qing Shan Pavilion, two white jade Guardian Lions[4] glittered, their intricate carvings shining brightly. The previous night’s snowfall had piled up nearly a foot. The cleaners moved past the lions, avoiding eye contact, knowing they could get into trouble.
Jin Cai wore a traditional dark ebony Han vest paired with a vivid red dress, fastened with a pink belt at the waist. She also had on wula shoes[5]. Her attire indicates she must have received enough bribes to afford these expensive clothes and shoes. It was common for merchants selling honey, meat, or rare—and sometimes household-unavailable—items to offer bribes. Masters generally accepted these as long as they were not overly showy.
Standing on the snow-covered ground, she was as striking as ever. This young servant, always by the side of the Fourth Young Master, was barely thirteen yet exuded an air of grace. While she was warm and gentle next to her Master, she now adopted a proud and overbearing demeanor. With a cold tone, she looked down on the children.
They wore worn, patched clothes, barely covering their arms and legs, and repaired so many times they resembled patchwork quilts, as they carried jade dogs; most of them wore straw shoes[6]. Her clothing stood out sharply in contrast. She ordered, "Hold them tightly. The Young Master said jade is alive. It becomes smooth and clear with human energy. You, worthless servants, should feel honored to serve the Fourth Young Master. Don’t slack off. If anyone disobeys when I return, I’ll have you dragged to Ting Lake to feed the fish." The children nodded nervously, while Jin Cai sneered and returned to the warmth of the flower room.
After the snow, the temperature continued to drop. Even the warmth of a ferret-fur coat and the heaters offered little relief, yet the children remained in their thin clothing, their lips freezing and turning blue within moments.
Chu Qiao, carrying a tray of fresh peaches, stepped out of Lan Shan Yard. Spotting her, Jin Cai hurried out of the flower room and called to her. Chu Qiao paused and turned around, her face looking confused. She said, with a tilt of her head, "Sister Jin Cai, is something wrong?"
“The Fourth Young Master is taking his afternoon nap. Just pass me the peaches.”
Chu Qiao smiled and nodded, then handed the tray of peaches. Jin Cai turned and stepped back into the flower room. Before she could settle, a loud roar burst from Xuan Hall.
Jin Cai quickly set down the peaches and started to leave. Just as she approached the exit, something struck her face with a swift movement. When it hit, it felt soft and cold, with a slick texture. But the smell was extremely fishy and nauseating. Jin Cai glanced down and was horrified to see a small snake with its head lifted. Overcome with fear, she screamed and collapsed to the ground.
Chu Qiao rushed into the room and found Zhuge Yue lying on the couch in a light-green robe, his brow deeply furrowed. Dark blood was trickling from a bite on his wrist, clearly inflicted by the snake. Without hesitation, she moved closer, grasped his wrist, and grabbed a fruit knife from the table to make an incision on the wound.
Servants outside the room witnessed this, and some hurried in to apprehend what they thought was a treacherous slave.
Zhuge Yue raised his eyebrows and waved his hand, signaling his servants to hold back. They watched as Chu Qiao cut a cross-shaped gash on his wrist, applied pressure, and then sucked the poison from the wound before spitting it out. She urged him, "Young Master, please don’t exert any strength, or the poison will spread faster. I’ll go fetch a doctor right away."
A group of slaves gathered at the door, and Jin Cai rushed in, pushing Chu Qiao aside as she knelt beside Zhuge Yue, gripping his hand tightly. Tearfully, she asked, "Young Master, are you alright?"
Zhuge Yue frowned at her grasping hand, annoyance flickering in his eyes. He kicked her away with his foot and snarled, "Get out!"
When Jin Cai landed on the ground, she let out a terrified scream. Snakes were slithering everywhere—almost twenty of them—and they looked both eerie and unsettling.
Chu Qiao quickly lit a candle, knowing that fire would help drive the snakes away, as they were afraid of it. As she raised it, the snakes retreated immediately. The Zhuge clan doctor rushed into the room as the onlookers scattered. The servants of Qing Shan Court knelt at the entrance, fear etched on their pale faces.
After a moment, the doctor emerged alone and called to the servants, "Who here is Xing’er?"
Chu Qiao pushed her way through the crowd, her petite frame and gentle demeanor clearly visible. She quietly raised her hand and replied softly, "That’s me, sir."
The doctor stared in surprise at her youth. Slightly taken aback, he said uncertainly, "Come inside. The Fourth Young Master mentioned you drew blood for him and asked me to check on you as well."
A few dozen servants kneeling there gasped in disbelief, their eyes fixed on Chu Qiao. Her expression shifted to one of fright, and she bowed multiple times, expressing gratitude for the Master’s kindness before following the doctor into Xuan Hall.
Outside, the servants who had once revered the powerful but dismissed the weak began to view Chu Qiao with new respect.
A short time later, Chu Qiao emerged, her expression calm and devoid of worry.
After the doctor left, Jin Cai and Chu Qiao were called by several senior servants. They quickly knelt down with their heads bowed to the ground.
Zhuge Yue reclined in his chair, half-closed eyes focused as he asked, "Who is on duty in this household today?"
Jin Cai looked sideways at Chu Qiao, her face pale with dread as she stammered, "Young Master, I, I am... I just..."
"Enough," Zhuge Yue’s voice was cold and deep. "You know the rules. I won’t tolerate lazy servants. Go and receive thirty lashes with the cane. After that, take my letter to the An Jun Court to seek employment elsewhere."
Upon hearing his words, tears streamed down Jin Cai’s face as she kowtowed repeatedly, pleading, "Young Master, please forgive me this time! I promise I won’t do it again."
Zhuge Yue raised an eyebrow, and two strong guards stepped forward, taking Jin Cai away.
"Who are the gatekeepers?" he inquired.
Two servants knelt on the floor, trembling as they kept their heads bowed to the ground. They were so frightened that they didn’t speak a word.
Zhuge Yue[7] opened his eyes and looked at the two servants, and said, "It's you two?" With a slight sneer, he added, "All this time, you've been hitting others. This time, grab the canes and go to the well to hit each other. When one dies, the other won't have to face punishment."
The house was filled with dead silence. Zhuge Yue was upset because of his injured wrist. He frowned and ordered, "Get out, all of you! Just looking at you makes me angry."
Everyone appeared relieved, as if the storm was over. They shuffled back in unison. This time, a small voice suddenly squeaked, "Young Master, can I shift the pots containing burnt rattan outside Xuan Hall?"
Zhuge Yue raised his brows, looking toward the voice.
It was the end of the ice month[1], marking the close of 770 in the Bai Cang calendar. The Quan Rong people had invaded the northwestern border, setting everything ablaze as their massive army advanced.
Within just twenty days, the conflict intensified, dragging tens of thousands of ordinary civilians from the outskirts into the fray. The northwestern gates were strategically located between the western territories controlled by the Ba Tu Ha clan and those governed by the Yan King of Northern Yan. The historical rivalry between the Old Ba Tu and Northern Yan’s Lion King had spanned many years.
At this moment, the Mu He clan, allied with Old Ba Tu, was entrenching its influence within the empire, and the Ba Tu Ha family was gaining the upper hand. After a year of turmoil, they managed to seize control of the northwestern gates by brutal means, eliminating the officers stationed there. Meanwhile, other clans were dispatching their heirs to the northwest in a bid to infiltrate the empire's largest military system. Consequently, seasoned generals who had long defended the border were ousted, replaced by inexperienced elites unfamiliar with the realities of battle.
The Quan Rong people seized the opportunity created by the chaos to invade, easily breaching the gates and unleashing their cavalry on the fertile lands beyond. Although the Ba Tu Ha family quickly mobilized their elite troops to resist, their unfamiliarity with the enemy and internal disorder hindered their efforts. The soldiers' confusion worsened, prompting a surge of urgent letters to the capital, pleading with the Zhen Huang elders for reinforcements to counter the invasion.
At the end of the corner month[2] of the 771 in the Bai Cang calendar, the broken star made its appearance, prompting Zhao Ming to seek refuge. A priest from the Qin Temple delivered a dire prophecy: the Taihe star is indifferent, and the waters of chi are frozen. Calamity is imminent.
After extensive discussions, the seven influential families agreed to send the Huang Tian Brigade to the gates to restore stability in the northwestern region. When the order was issued, it reached the Sheng Jin Palace. The emperor read it and responded simply: "Permitted."
Shortly afterward, strong winds swept through Zhen Huang’s capital, causing alarm among the powerful families. That night, tumultuous currents roared beneath the thick layer of ice on the river's surface, spreading fear.
·········⋆༺𓆩❀𓆪༻⋆·········
Chu Qiao was diligently working among the dried bushes at the northern pavilion, carefully looking for winter cat snakes[3]. Suddenly, a loud horn echoed from afar, reminiscent of a majestic crane's call. She stood up slowly, squinting towards the south of Zhen Huang City, where the Cheng Jin Palace could be seen.
At night, the roads were difficult to navigate.
The next afternoon, heavy snow fell under the sun. Inside the Qing Shan Pavilion, two white jade Guardian Lions[4] glittered, their intricate carvings shining brightly. The previous night’s snowfall had piled up nearly a foot. The cleaners moved past the lions, avoiding eye contact, knowing they could get into trouble.
Jin Cai wore a traditional dark ebony Han vest paired with a vivid red dress, fastened with a pink belt at the waist. She also had on wula shoes[5]. Her attire indicates she must have received enough bribes to afford these expensive clothes and shoes. It was common for merchants selling honey, meat, or rare—and sometimes household-unavailable—items to offer bribes. Masters generally accepted these as long as they were not overly showy.
Standing on the snow-covered ground, she was as striking as ever. This young servant, always by the side of the Fourth Young Master, was barely thirteen yet exuded an air of grace. While she was warm and gentle next to her Master, she now adopted a proud and overbearing demeanor. With a cold tone, she looked down on the children.
They wore worn, patched clothes, barely covering their arms and legs, and repaired so many times they resembled patchwork quilts, as they carried jade dogs; most of them wore straw shoes[6]. Her clothing stood out sharply in contrast. She ordered, "Hold them tightly. The Young Master said jade is alive. It becomes smooth and clear with human energy. You, worthless servants, should feel honored to serve the Fourth Young Master. Don’t slack off. If anyone disobeys when I return, I’ll have you dragged to Ting Lake to feed the fish." The children nodded nervously, while Jin Cai sneered and returned to the warmth of the flower room.
After the snow, the temperature continued to drop. Even the warmth of a ferret-fur coat and the heaters offered little relief, yet the children remained in their thin clothing, their lips freezing and turning blue within moments.
Chu Qiao, carrying a tray of fresh peaches, stepped out of Lan Shan Yard. Spotting her, Jin Cai hurried out of the flower room and called to her. Chu Qiao paused and turned around, her face looking confused. She said, with a tilt of her head, "Sister Jin Cai, is something wrong?"
“The Fourth Young Master is taking his afternoon nap. Just pass me the peaches.”
Chu Qiao smiled and nodded, then handed the tray of peaches. Jin Cai turned and stepped back into the flower room. Before she could settle, a loud roar burst from Xuan Hall.
Jin Cai quickly set down the peaches and started to leave. Just as she approached the exit, something struck her face with a swift movement. When it hit, it felt soft and cold, with a slick texture. But the smell was extremely fishy and nauseating. Jin Cai glanced down and was horrified to see a small snake with its head lifted. Overcome with fear, she screamed and collapsed to the ground.
Chu Qiao rushed into the room and found Zhuge Yue lying on the couch in a light-green robe, his brow deeply furrowed. Dark blood was trickling from a bite on his wrist, clearly inflicted by the snake. Without hesitation, she moved closer, grasped his wrist, and grabbed a fruit knife from the table to make an incision on the wound.
Servants outside the room witnessed this, and some hurried in to apprehend what they thought was a treacherous slave.
Zhuge Yue raised his eyebrows and waved his hand, signaling his servants to hold back. They watched as Chu Qiao cut a cross-shaped gash on his wrist, applied pressure, and then sucked the poison from the wound before spitting it out. She urged him, "Young Master, please don’t exert any strength, or the poison will spread faster. I’ll go fetch a doctor right away."
A group of slaves gathered at the door, and Jin Cai rushed in, pushing Chu Qiao aside as she knelt beside Zhuge Yue, gripping his hand tightly. Tearfully, she asked, "Young Master, are you alright?"
Zhuge Yue frowned at her grasping hand, annoyance flickering in his eyes. He kicked her away with his foot and snarled, "Get out!"
When Jin Cai landed on the ground, she let out a terrified scream. Snakes were slithering everywhere—almost twenty of them—and they looked both eerie and unsettling.
Chu Qiao quickly lit a candle, knowing that fire would help drive the snakes away, as they were afraid of it. As she raised it, the snakes retreated immediately. The Zhuge clan doctor rushed into the room as the onlookers scattered. The servants of Qing Shan Court knelt at the entrance, fear etched on their pale faces.
After a moment, the doctor emerged alone and called to the servants, "Who here is Xing’er?"
Chu Qiao pushed her way through the crowd, her petite frame and gentle demeanor clearly visible. She quietly raised her hand and replied softly, "That’s me, sir."
The doctor stared in surprise at her youth. Slightly taken aback, he said uncertainly, "Come inside. The Fourth Young Master mentioned you drew blood for him and asked me to check on you as well."
A few dozen servants kneeling there gasped in disbelief, their eyes fixed on Chu Qiao. Her expression shifted to one of fright, and she bowed multiple times, expressing gratitude for the Master’s kindness before following the doctor into Xuan Hall.
Outside, the servants who had once revered the powerful but dismissed the weak began to view Chu Qiao with new respect.
A short time later, Chu Qiao emerged, her expression calm and devoid of worry.
After the doctor left, Jin Cai and Chu Qiao were called by several senior servants. They quickly knelt down with their heads bowed to the ground.
Zhuge Yue reclined in his chair, half-closed eyes focused as he asked, "Who is on duty in this household today?"
Jin Cai looked sideways at Chu Qiao, her face pale with dread as she stammered, "Young Master, I, I am... I just..."
"Enough," Zhuge Yue’s voice was cold and deep. "You know the rules. I won’t tolerate lazy servants. Go and receive thirty lashes with the cane. After that, take my letter to the An Jun Court to seek employment elsewhere."
Upon hearing his words, tears streamed down Jin Cai’s face as she kowtowed repeatedly, pleading, "Young Master, please forgive me this time! I promise I won’t do it again."
Zhuge Yue raised an eyebrow, and two strong guards stepped forward, taking Jin Cai away.
"Who are the gatekeepers?" he inquired.
Two servants knelt on the floor, trembling as they kept their heads bowed to the ground. They were so frightened that they didn’t speak a word.
Zhuge Yue[7] opened his eyes and looked at the two servants, and said, "It's you two?" With a slight sneer, he added, "All this time, you've been hitting others. This time, grab the canes and go to the well to hit each other. When one dies, the other won't have to face punishment."
The house was filled with dead silence. Zhuge Yue was upset because of his injured wrist. He frowned and ordered, "Get out, all of you! Just looking at you makes me angry."
Everyone appeared relieved, as if the storm was over. They shuffled back in unison. This time, a small voice suddenly squeaked, "Young Master, can I shift the pots containing burnt rattan outside Xuan Hall?"
Zhuge Yue raised his brows, looking toward the voice.
[1] Gregorian date: between 22 December – 21 January * Phenological name: 冰月; bīngyuè; 'ice month' * Branch name: 丑月; chǒuyuè; 'ox month' * Modern name: 十二月; 'twelfth month' or 臘月; 腊月; làyuè; 'end-of-year month'
[2] Gregorian date: between 21 January – 20 February * Phenological name: 陬月; zōuyuè; 'corner month'. square of Pegasus month * Branch name: 寅月; yínyuè; 'tiger month' * Modern name: 正月; zhēngyuè; 'first month'
[3] In China, "cat snakes" primarily refer to the genus Boiga , a group of rear-fanged, mildly venomous colubrids known for their large eyes and vertical "cat-like" pupils. During the winter, these snakes are generally inactive across most of China as they enter brumation (a dormant state for reptiles), though they may occasionally be seen in the warmer southern regions during mild spells.
[4] "Fu Dogs" (or Foo Dogs) are traditional Chinese guardian statues that are actually stylized lions, but were called "dogs" by Westerners. Symbolism: They represent protection, warding off evil spirits and negative energy. Jade Material: While often made of stone or bronze, high-end versions are carved from Jade, a stone associated with the soul and immortality in Chinese culture. Placement: They are always displayed in pairs (one male with a ball, one female with a cub) and should face outward near entryways
[5] Northern Boots (Wula Shoes): In frigid northern regions, people wore thick leather (sheepskin) boots or thick, felted footwear, sometimes stuffed with dried grass for extra warmth. Ancient Chinese warm shoes primarily featured thick straw boots ("straw nests") in the north, woven from cattail, corn husks, or reeds packed with reed flowers for insulation against -30C temperatures. For added protection, these were often paired with hide, cloth, or wooden soles, while nomadic tribes wore animal-fur boots.
[6] In ancient China, slaves and lower-class individuals often wore simple, practical footwear designed for durability rather than warmth. During winter, they typically wore straw shoes (草鞋, cǎoxié), which were common across all social ranks, but for colder weather, these were likely stuffed with extra straw, rags, or worn with cloth wrappings for insulation
[7] Going forward, the name Zhuge Yue will be used in the narrative, except in dialogues where Fourth Master will still be utilized.
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