The Marquis Is Innocent

In "The Marquis Is Innocent" by Peng Lai Ke, the narrative begins with advice given to Marquis Yan, Wei Shao, regarding a potential marriage to a daughter of the Qiao family. He is told that despite the Qiao family's declining status over three generations in the Eastern County, they retain significant honor, described metaphorically as a "hundred-foot insect that dies but not stiff." The suggestion is that the Qiao family has sought the Marquis's favor, making the marriage advantageous for him to utilize their daughter. However, Wei Shao later experiences a profound realization and regrets his decision, admitting that the situation has caused him considerable pain. The perspective then shifts to Xiao Qiao, who muses on the nature of men, including the Emperor, remarking that "men are indeed cheap bones." Her thought process seems to lead to a sense of collapse.