Legend of the Female General

Chapter 122: Jiyang

On the way to the Martial Arts Field, He Yan was still thinking about what Lin Shuanghe had said earlier.

The snake-patterned Black Jade in her hand was cold as ice, its chill in the winter air sharpening her mind. Yesterday, drunk, she had snatched Xiao Jue’s jade—to think she could do something so outrageous. It seemed she really couldn’t drink casually anymore.

Lost in thought, He Yan had already reached the edge of the Martial Arts Field.

Standing before Xiao Jue was a man clad in the black armor of the Southern Garrison Troops, head bowed in silence. As she drew closer, she heard Xiao Jue’s icy voice: "Is this the formation you arranged?"

The man was likely his deputy commander, the leader responsible for training the Southern Garrison Troops’ formations. Though he appeared tall and imposing, before Xiao Jue he seemed like a child who had made a mistake, lowering his head as he said, "This subordinate knows his error. The troops may not be accustomed to Liang Province’s snowy weather…"

"Not accustomed?" Second Young Master Xiao glanced at him and retorted, "Do I need to teach you how to adapt?"

He Yan clearly saw the sturdy man tremble at Xiao Jue’s words, replying, "This subordinate will take them to train properly at once!"

"Double the daily drills," Xiao Jue said calmly. "If there’s a next time, there’s no need to stay in the Liangzhou Guard."

"Yes!" The man scurried away meekly. He Yan craned her neck to look toward the far end of the Martial Arts Field, where the man, after descending, began berating several Southern Garrison Troops soldiers at the front, restarting the military drills. She couldn’t help but click her tongue in amazement.

Xiao Jue’s attitude toward the Southern Garrison Troops differed from his approach to the Liangzhou Guard recruits. Toward the new soldiers of the Liangzhou Guard, he rarely appeared; toward Shen Han and the others, he maintained a certain distance and even a degree of politeness. Only with the Southern Garrison Troops did he truly reveal his usual self—casual, ruthless, like a commander who would curse at the slightest provocation.

When she was the Flying Goose General in the past, had she been just as detestable? He Yan silently reflected on herself.

As she was lost in thought, Xiao Jue turned around. Seeing her, he paused for a moment, then asked impatiently, "What are you doing here again?"

He Yan offered an apologetic smile, extending her palm to reveal a piece of Black Jade lying in her hand. "Commander, it seems you left something at my place last night. I’ve come specifically to return it."

"Return it?" Xiao Jue savored the words mockingly, leaning down to stare into her eyes. He curled his lips slightly and said indifferently, "What a thoughtful daughter."

He Yan: "…"

Why was this man so vindictive? Besides, even if she called him "father," it was Xiao Jue who had taken advantage of her. How did it sound from his mouth as though she had committed some unforgivable crime?

He Yan struggled to maintain her composure, replying only, "The commander truly knows how to jest. This Black Jade looks quite valuable. In the future, you should take care not to lose it and keep it safe." She picked up the jade and reached toward Xiao Jue’s waist.

Xiao Jue took a step back, his expression wary. "What are you doing?"

"Attaching it for you," He Yan said innocently. "Isn’t this jade pendant meant to be worn at the waist?"

In Xiao Jue’s mind, Lin Shuanghe’s words from yesterday suddenly surfaced: "She likes your waist."

As He Yan moved to step forward again, Xiao Jue raised a hand to block her, giving her a complicated look. "I’ll do it myself.""Oh." He Yan, not quite understanding, handed the jade pendant to him. She watched as Xiao Jue reattached it, the black jade resting against his dark blue robe, looking quite striking.

She was staring intently, unaware that Xiao Jue, seeing her expression, narrowed his eyes, turned away, and pulled his robe down.

Was he stung by an insect? He Yan wondered.

From the Martial Arts Field came the loud commands of soldiers. He Yan followed him to the edge of the terrace to look down. The Southern Garrison Troops were already well-disciplined, their morale excellent. With such formidable soldiers, he had nearly reduced someone to tears earlier. What was wrong with Xiao Jue? He was far too demanding.

If he were in charge of the Pacify Yue Army, he wouldn’t have time to eat all day—there wouldn’t be enough hours just for scolding.

As she watched, He Yan voiced her thoughts aloud. "They’re training quite well. You were too harsh earlier."

"Harsh?"

"Yes," He Yan said. "If it were me, I’d have been scared to death."

Xiao Jue laughed again, his smile tinged with mockery. "I don’t think you find me harsh."

"That’s because I’m used to being scolded." He Yan looked down at the Southern Garrison Troops. "Arrowhead Formation."

Xiao Jue asked, "What do you think?"

"They’ve already drilled it well, but with the snowy ground slippery lately, the soldier on the left in the last row is struggling to keep up."

"Besides the Arrowhead Formation, what other formations do you know?" Xiao Jue asked casually.

"Hmm, many," He Yan counted on her fingers. "Scattered Stars Formation, Mandarin Duck Formation, Fish Scale Formation, Crane Wing Formation…" She listed over a dozen before noticing Xiao Jue’s gaze fixed on her. She paused and asked, "Why… are you looking at me?"

Xiao Jue turned, resting his hands on the terrace railing, and replied lazily, "Admiring your brilliance, General Star."

He Yan: "…"

She decided to brazen it out. "Since I’m so capable, Commander, won’t you consider promoting me? Making me your right-hand man? With our combined strength, we could conquer the world!"

Xiao Jue scoffed. "Who’s ‘we’?"

"Don’t keep pushing people away like that. You should learn to be as approachable as I am."

Xiao Jue ignored her. Just as He Yan was about to speak again, a voice came from behind. "Young Master."

It was Fei Nu.

"Young Master," Fei Nu glanced at He Yan. "There’s movement on Lei Hou’s side."

Xiao Jue nodded. "Understood." He turned and headed downstairs, likely to the dungeon. He Yan initially intended to follow but hesitated after a step.

Forget it. If anything important happened, Xiao Jue would let her know. Following him now would only get in his way. Better to find Chu Zhao and ask if she had done anything inappropriate while drunk yesterday.

If she had, she’d have to line up to apologize.

With that thought, she waved to Xiao Jue. "I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t accompany you, Commander. We’ll meet again later."

Fei Nu twitched his lips at her presumptuousness. Who had invited her anyway?

Xiao Jue was already accustomed to He Yan’s shamelessness and descended the steps. "Let’s go."

…

When He Yan arrived at Chu Zhao’s room, he was practicing calligraphy.

Yesterday, she had come in a hurry, at night, and only drank in the courtyard, not paying attention to Chu Zhao’s living quarters. Today, she realized it wasn’t just lacking in luxury—it could be described as downright shabby.The room contained only a table and a bed, with just two chairs and no decorative carvings. However, this Chu Fourth Young Master seemed quite adept at finding his own joy. He had placed incense burners and hung gauze curtains in the room, lending the otherwise simple quarters a touch of reclusive elegance.

Ying Xiang smiled upon seeing her. "Is Young Master He here to see our master?"

"Well," He Yan replied, "I... came to bring Fourth Young Master Chu some snacks." She lifted the box in her hand, which contained the scallion oil pastries Lin Shuanghe had given her that morning. He Yan had originally planned to save a few for when she was hungry, but since she was visiting Chu Zhao, it wouldn't do to come empty-handed, so she reluctantly offered them as a gift.

"Fourth Young Master is practicing calligraphy," Ying Xiang said with a smile. "Please follow me, Young Master He."

He Yan followed her inside and saw Chu Zhao seated at the table, writing.

Standing behind him, she couldn't help but read the words aloud.

"Green mountains without a speck of dust, clear skies without a single cloud. Only the moon in the heavens, and a solitary soul in the mountains."

"Now hearing the rustle of pines, now hearing the toll of bells, now hearing the murmur of streams, now hearing the chirp of insects."

As her voice trailed off, Chu Zhao finished the last stroke, turned around, and smiled upon seeing her. "Brother He, you've come."

He Yan circled around his calligraphy and praised, "Young Master Chu's handwriting is truly excellent."

Chu Zhao's calligraphy differed from Xiao Jue's. Xiao Jue's strokes were sharp, vigorous, and carried a cold, unrestrained boldness. Chu Zhao's writing, however, was elegant and gentle, much like the impression he gave. The poem he wrote was similarly serene and refined, making it hard to imagine he had any connection to Xu Jingfu.

But then again, considering Xu Jingfu—if He Yan hadn't grown closer to Xiao Jue recently and hadn't heard Ding Yi's words earlier—Xu Jingfu would have remained in her mind merely as an upright and incorruptible old chancellor.

"Brother He, did you come to see me for something?" Chu Zhao stood up, tidied his paper and brush, and led He Yan to the only table in the room. The two chairs were just enough. He said to Ying Xiang, "Pour some tea for Young Master He."

Ying Xiang smiled and went to fetch the tea. He Yan said, "I didn't come to you for anything in particular. It's just that I drank your Chang'an Spring last night and felt a bit guilty, so I brought some snacks." She gestured toward the snack box on the table but didn't dare open it, as it seemed too humble.

"Thank you," Chu Zhao said considerately. "I was just thinking of trying the snacks from Liangzhou Guard to see how they differ from those in Shuojing. Brother He's timing is perfect."

He Yan cleared her throat. "I almost forgot to ask, Fourth Young Master. Last night, I drank a bit too much here. Did I cause you any trouble?" She scratched her head. "I tend to talk nonsense when I'm drunk. If I said anything inappropriate, please don't take it to heart."

Chu Zhao looked at her and smiled. "Brother He, you didn't come all the way here today just to ask that, did you?"

Look at that—truly the favored disciple of the current chancellor. His keen insight left her speechless.

As if sensing He Yan's discomfort and awkwardness, Chu Zhao smiled and said, "Don't worry. Last night, Brother He didn't do anything here except discuss military strategy with me. It's just that I'm not well-versed in military matters, so I couldn't engage in a proper discussion with you, wasting your time." He looked at He Yan and added with a sigh, "But I must say, I'm quite surprised by how much Brother He knows."He Yan: "..." She silently reproached herself in her heart, vowing never to call anyone else a peacock again. Looking at her drunken behavior, she was the real peacock, wasn't she? Getting drunk and showing off how much she had read everywhere—how utterly embarrassing.

"Fourth Young Master, you flatter me too much." He Yan covered her face with her hand. "If you keep going, I'll really have no place to hide my shame."

Ying Xiang brought over two cups of tea, placing one in front of He Yan and smiling as she said, "Young Master He, please try it."

He Yan picked it up and took a small sip, unable to hold back a sigh. "So sweet."

"Tea in Shuojing isn't as bitter as in Liang Province," Ying Xiang said, placing the other cup in front of Chu Zhao. "I'm glad Young Master He likes it."

He Yan stared at the tea in front of her and suddenly thought of something else. She turned to Chu Zhao and asked casually, "Has Fourth Young Master Chu always lived in Shuojing?"

"Yes."

"Then you must know a lot about the latest happenings in Shuojing." He Yan watched the tea leaves rise and fall in her cup. "I've been in Liang Province for over half a year now. Every day here is filled with grueling training, and it's incredibly boring. Ever since I got injured, I haven't even been able to train. I've been stuck in my room all day, practically growing mold. Now that I finally have a friend from the capital," she leaned in a little closer, her gaze fixed intently on Chu Zhao, "could Fourth Young Master tell me about any interesting things that have happened in the capital over the past six months?"

"Interesting things?" Chu Zhao was taken aback.

He Yan nodded. "Just things that are fun to hear about."

"There are many of those," Chu Zhao said gently. "What kind of things would Brother He like to hear about?"

"What kind?" He Yan thought for a moment. "Ordinary households probably don't have anything particularly interesting. Let's talk about the officials in the capital—the ones in power. Like, which lord was caught cheating by his wife, or whose son isn't actually his but was picked up somewhere... things like that."

Even Chu Zhao, who was always good-natured, was momentarily speechless at He Yan's words.

He spoke slowly, "These private matters of households, I don't know much about them either. I'll just share what I do know with Brother He."

He Yan nodded eagerly.

Then, she listened as this Fourth Young Master from the Shi Jinbo residence recounted all the officials, big and small, in Shuojing City. But as for the so-called "interesting" stories, she didn't hear a single one. It was all about who got promoted, whose salary increased by two dan, whose memorial to the emperor had such ugly handwriting that the emperor complained, or whose wife obtained a rare piece of fabric and gifted it to the imperial consort, earning her favor.

Fourth Young Master Chu was handsome, good-tempered, and patient—unlike Xiao Jue, who would quickly grow impatient. But talking to him, He Yan was almost at her limit.

She held back again and again. After finishing two cups of tea and still not hearing what she wanted, she couldn't take it anymore and interrupted Chu Zhao. "Fourth Young Master Chu, while you were in Shuojing, did you know the current Flying Goose General?"

At these words, Chu Zhao paused. He picked up his tea and took a sip, smiling as he asked, "Why bring him up all of a sudden?"

"I'm in Liangzhou Guard every day, and the instructors often discuss in private whether our General Feng Yun or the Flying Goose General is more impressive. I see General Feng Yun every day now, so there's nothing new about him, but I've never seen the Flying Goose General." She chuckled. "You know, the Flying Goose General and I share the same surname, He. Maybe we were family in a past life. I just want to hear if he has any interesting stories and if he's really as impressive as they say."Chu Zhao looked at He Yan for a moment, then shook his head with a smile. "General He and I are merely colleagues in the court, not particularly close. I've only met him a few times. He is a good man, very capable—extremely valiant in suppressing the Western Qiang rebellion back then."

"And now? Has he been promoted in the capital?"

"He was already a third-rank military officer. Rising too quickly would invite gossip," Chu Zhao replied. "However, His Majesty does admire him, summoning him to the palace frequently and even having him instruct the Crown Prince in swordsmanship. In the future, he may well rival Commander Xiao."

He Rufei… had already reached such heights?

He Yan's smile faltered slightly.

Chu Zhao asked, "What's wrong?"

He Yan picked up her cup and took a sip to cover her reaction. "I was just reflecting that we share the same surname, and he's only a few years older than me, yet his achievements are something I could never reach in a lifetime."

"Brother He, don't underestimate yourself," Chu Zhao comforted her with a smile. "The Flying Goose General earned his honors through risking his life on the battlefield. Besides, you're still young—there's no telling you won't surpass him someday."

These words did little to console He Yan. When she looked up again, she wore her usual carefree smile. "Is that all? What about other matters? The Flying Goose General is at an age where he should be betrothed. Surely there's a young lady he favors? Otherwise, it would be rather pitiful—two of Great Wei's most renowned generals, Feng Yun and the Flying Goose, both destined to remain solitary for life?"

Chu Zhao paused briefly, then chuckled softly. "That, I wouldn't know. But so far, there's been no news of the Flying Goose General being betrothed."

He Yan nodded.

"What is it?" Chu Zhao smiled as he looked at her. "Does Brother He have a sister at home, perhaps thinking of…"

"No, no," He Yan quickly waved her hands. "I only have a younger brother. I've never considered such things. That's the Flying Goose General—how could commoners like us dare to aspire so high? Unthinkable, truly unthinkable."

Chu Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

...

In the dungeon, Xiao Jue sat on a chair, gazing at the prisoner.

More than ten days had passed. Lei Hou had grown alarmingly thin, almost unrecognizable compared to his former self. He hadn't slept well either, seemingly tormented by nightmares, with deep hollows under his eyes. The once-tall man now appeared hunched and diminished.

Fei Nu presented a letter, whispering, "The person in contact with Lei Hou has been found. The letter was sent from Jiyang."

"Jiyang?" Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed."

"Xiao Huaijin," Lei Hou spoke up. His voice was hoarse, as if scorched by fire, on the verge of giving out. His lips were cracked and bloodied. "I've written to the contact as you instructed. As agreed, you can release my wife and children now."

Xiao Jue glanced at him and smiled. "In your eyes, am I someone who keeps promises?"

"You!" Lei Hou's expression twisted in rage. He lunged forward violently, but his hands and feet were shackled, the chains rattling with his movement. Having eaten little these past days, he lacked strength. Instead of reaching Xiao Jue, he stumbled and fell to the ground.

The young man sat in his chair, tilting his head to look down at him from above, as if admiring his wretched state. After a long pause, he drawled leisurely, "I only said I'd consider it."As a prisoner, one must have the awareness of a prisoner. Lei Hou finally realized that from the moment he stepped into the Liangzhou Guard, his fate as a prisoner was sealed. He was no match for this man. At the age of sixteen, this man had drowned sixty thousand people in Guo City and executed Zhao Nuo without batting an eye. His ruthlessness and methods were unmatched.

"I beg you," he slowly knelt down, kowtowing to Xiao Jue. "Spare my wife and children."

The man looked at him for a moment before speaking slowly in his direction. "Alright, I’ll ask you again. Did you and your contact only communicate through letters?"

"Yes, yes!" Having already decided to surrender, his only goal was to persuade Xiao Jue to spare his wife and children. He poured out everything he knew, hoping to earn a shred of leniency from the man before him. "We exchanged letters once a month. The contact was originally in Shuojing, but later moved to Jiyang. That’s all I know. If you want to find him, go to Jiyang. You’ll definitely find him there!"

"Jiyang City..." Xiao Jue pondered for a moment, then looked at him. "Jiyang City doesn’t allow outsiders to stay long. What identity did your contact use to enter the city?"

"I don’t know," Lei Hou replied. "I only know he lives in the Cuiwei Pavilion in Jiyang."

"Cuiwei Pavilion." Xiao Jue stood up. "I understand."

"Xiao Huaijin... Commander Xiao!" Lei Hou called out to him, crawling forward like a dog. "I’ve told you everything I know. Can you spare my wife and children?"

The handsome young man paused at the door but did not turn around. His voice carried a hint of mockery. "No rush. Perhaps in a few days you’ll remember something else. We can release them then."

He turned and walked out.

Outside, Chi Wu was waiting by the door.

Seeing him, Chi Wu said, "Young Master, Luan Ying has sent word."

Xiao Jue: "Speak."

"We’ve found Chai Anxi’s whereabouts. He’s currently in Jiyang."

"Jiyang?" Xiao Jue turned around.

Chi Wu, unaware of what had just happened in the dungeon, hesitated. "Is something wrong?"

Fei Nu followed from behind, his expression grave. "The contact Lei Hou mentioned is also in Jiyang."

"Young Master suspects..." Fei Nu said in surprise, "that the person secretly communicating with Lei Hou is Chai Anxi?"

"Without seeing the person, it’s impossible to confirm."

"But," Chi Wu couldn’t help asking, "Jiyang is a vassal king’s territory. Outsiders are never allowed to stay long, and even short stays require a travel permit. Even we can’t just go there as we please. How did Chai Anxi get in? And how has he stayed in Jiyang for so many days? Could this be a trap?"

"Who knows? Lei Hou didn’t say either." Fei Nu glanced at Xiao Jue’s expression and cautiously asked, "Young Master, should we think of a way to go to Jiyang first?"

"Easier said than done," Chi Wu poured cold water on the idea. "Back when the old master was alive, he passed through Jiyang and wanted to stay for a few days, but King Mengji refused to let his soldiers enter the city. He said they needed a travel permit, which had to be obtained from the magistrate’s office and reported to the palace. We can’t draw attention to ourselves on this trip. How are we supposed to manage that?"

"No rush," Xiao Jue said, playing with the longevity lock in his hand. "We’ll wait a few more days."Chi Wu and Fei Nu looked at each other. Seeing the longevity lock in his hand, Fei Nu recalled Lei Hou's words in the dungeon earlier and asked, "Young Master, Lei Hou's wife and child are still being watched by our people... Should we continue or..."

In the capital, someone had been keeping an eye on Lei Hou's wife and child. Over these days, although they were confined, no harm had been done to them. News from Jiyang had arrived, and judging by Lei Hou's condition, it seemed unlikely that any more information could be extracted from him. How to handle his wife and child remained a question.

Xiao Jue's gaze fell on the longevity lock in his hand. He chuckled and casually tossed it to Chi Wu.

Chi Wu: "Young Master?"

He turned and walked forward, lazily saying, "Let it go."

(End of Chapter)