Legend of the Female General

Chapter 127: Do You Like Me?

Above the rivers, moonlight stretched for miles, chilling the sleeves of one’s robe. Silvery light filtered through the gaps between branches in the forest, like unmelted remnants of snow.

He Yan turned her head to look at the person across from her.

The young man’s eyes were like autumn water, captivating even without embellishment. The sharp angles of his profile were both heroic and languid, and the faint smile at the corner of his lips instantly transported her back to that night at the mountain temple.

So it was you, she thought, her mind feeling both dazed and bewildered.

In the end, she never found out who he was.

She only remembered being taken to a room in the mountain temple, where a gentle-voiced woman cared for her, cleaned her up, and returned her to Xu Zhiheng.

When Xu Zhiheng asked what had happened, He Yan simply replied that she had gone for a walk and gotten lost. He didn’t press further, and as for the woman who had brought her back, Xu Zhiheng never mentioned her again. Thus, she had even less chance of discovering the identity of the stranger she had encountered.

But the words he had spoken—“If you truly wish to be strong, what does it matter if you’re blind? Even if you are blind, you can still be the most extraordinary among the blind”—remained etched in her mind, not a single word forgotten.

Later, she tried to discern shapes by sound, learning to live without her eyes. The process was arduous, but whenever she felt like giving up, she would think of the moon behind the mountain temple that night.

The moonlight was so beautiful—it would be a shame to give up just like that.

She had also reflected on everything that had happened that day. Calming her mind to recall, some things might not have been accidental. How was it such a coincidence that she overheard the maids’ conversation at the door? How was it that no one from the Xu household noticed as she stumbled alone into the mountains? And when she was returned, why did Xu Zhiheng so easily believe her story without further inquiry?

It was simply that they wished for her to end her own life.

She was not a snow-white kitten raised in the courtyard of a wealthy family, content to be cradled by a lady or young mistress and amused with a ball of yarn, docile and fragile. She was a stray cat that had emerged from the dark alleys—dirty and tenacious, capable of hunting from atop a wall even if blind.

They wished for her death, but she refused to die. After all, in this world, someone had once given her a piece of candy, teaching her the sweetness of life.

He Yan had always thought that the stranger from that night must have been a kind-hearted gentleman or a patient young master, but she never imagined it was Xiao Jue.

How could it have been him?

She spoke softly, “What kind of person was… Madam Xu?”

Xiao Jue smiled lazily, “A fierce, tearful woman with a terrible temper.”

He Yan laughed along, though her eyes grew slightly damp. “Does Madam Xu know you speak of her like this behind her back?”

The worst side of her life had been left with Xiao Jue that night. And the gentlest side of Xiao Jue’s life had likely been left with her that night as well.

He never knew that his momentary stay had become He Yan’s only salvation in her despair.

The moon hung alone and cold in the sky, but no one knew that he had once cast its light so tenderly upon one person.

“She never had the chance to find out,” Xiao Jue said calmly.

Because Madam Xu was dead.

“Perhaps she knows,” He Yan lowered her head with a smile, then looked up at the sky and sighed, “The moonlight is truly beautiful.”Xiao Jue leaned back on his hands, looking up without meeting her gaze. "Didn't you say you were going to drink with Chu Zilan? Didn't bring any wine?"

He Yan declared loudly, "A toast to the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas!" She cupped her hands as if holding a cup, moonlight spilling into her palms as though filling it to the brim. Raising her hands toward the vast sky, she offered a toast: "To the moon!"

The young man watched coldly and scoffed, "You're insane."

But the girl turned to him, earnestly raising her imaginary "cup" in his direction. "And to you too!"

No longer carrying the weary, shadowed look from before, He Yan's eyes now shone brightly, her smile radiant. The way she looked at him even held a trace of gratitude.

Gratitude?

He raised an eyebrow, letting out a derisive laugh, refusing to acknowledge her foolish gesture. "Flattery."

He Yan stared into Xiao Jue's eyes, silently thinking to herself.

Really... thank you so much.

...

That night, He Yan and Xiao Jue sat together until very late. In the end, it was simply too cold on the mountain, so they finally made their way down.

By the time they returned, it was already midnight, and she woke up later than usual the next day. After lunch, she intended to find Chu Zhao to discuss the events of the previous night, only to discover upon arrival that he had already left, the place empty.

"Looking for Chu Zilan?" Lin Shuanghe happened to pass by and remarked, "Early this morning, Chu Zilan left for the capital with the people from Shuojing."

"This morning?" He Yan was taken aback. "He didn't tell me it was this morning."

"The visitors were in a hurry," Lin Shuanghe said, unfurling his fan and waving it gently. "Brother He, meetings and partings are all a matter of fate. He was bound to return to Shuojing sooner or later. There's no need for you to cling too tightly."

He Yan was baffled. What was she clinging too tightly to? She simply felt a bit regretful that Chu Zhao hadn't even said goodbye before leaving. After all, during his time in Liang Province, Chu Fourth Young Master had diligently helped her sort through the intricate relationships within Shuojing's official circles.

But since he was already gone, dwelling on it was pointless.

Not long after Chu Zhao left, Song Taotao and Cheng Li Su also set off for Shuojing. Xiao Jue had arranged for people to escort them back to the capital. Before leaving, the young girl tearfully tugged at He Yan's sleeve. "Brother He, you must come back to see me..."

"See you for what? You're a girl. How can my big brother, a grown man, come to see you?" Cheng Li Su pulled her away and took her place, grinning at He Yan. "Big brother, look at me, come visit our residence. I'll treat you to all the best restaurants in Shuojing."

Song Taotao: "Cheng Li Su!"

"Alright, alright, we'll break off the engagement as soon as we get back," Cheng Li Su muttered under his breath, picking at his ear. "She-devil, who'd want to marry you anyway?"

The two youngsters bickered and teased each other, ensuring their journey wouldn't be lonely.

He Yan saw them off onto the carriage, feeling a sudden pang of loss. Usually, she found them noisy and mischievous, but when it came time for them to leave, she realized how much she would miss them.

When she was living as "He Rufei," due to her identity, she couldn't get too close to the siblings in the household. Cheng Li Su and Song Taotao were like younger siblings in an ordinary family, similar to He Yun Sheng in a way, fulfilling her longing for family bonds.

Wang Ba and Jiang Jiao approached. Jiang Jiao said, "Brother He."

After the misunderstanding was cleared up, Jiang Jiao finally believed that He Yan hadn't stolen anyone's wife, and his attitude improved slightly. He continued, "My family sent some things over. I picked out a few items for food and daily use. Come by later to get them from me."Wang Ba said sourly, "It's good to be the young master of a martial arts school. Even after joining the army, someone still sends you things."

"Aren't you the leader of bandits?" He Yan asked curiously. "Why haven't your men sent you anything?"

"No money! Poor! The bandit den disbanded, alright?" Wang Ba snapped in embarrassment. "Why ask me? You didn't receive anything either!"

"...I was just asking, no need to get worked up." He Yan thought to herself, how could she be the same as Wang Ba? She was living under a false identity now. If the He family were to send things here, wouldn't that be asking for trouble? Or did they think the official wanted posters weren't clear enough?

"But... Brother Jiang, why did your family suddenly send you things?" He Yan asked.

Jiang Jiao sighed helplessly. "Brother He, have you forgotten? The New Year is almost here."

New Year?

He Yan was taken aback. She had been living too comfortably these days and had nearly forgotten that in just a few days, it would be the New Year.

A new year was about to arrive.

It was a new year that belonged to "He Yan."

Suddenly, she felt a surge of joy, which surprised both Jiang Jiao and Wang Ba. Wang Ba eyed her suspiciously and asked, "Why are you so happy? Did Commander Xiao give you something good behind our backs again?"

He Yan replied seriously, "That's right! Fine wine, good food, and a bright future. Aren't you jealous? Don't you envy me?"

With that, she turned and walked away. Wang Ba stood stunned for a moment before chasing after her. "Hey, explain yourself! What exactly did he give you? Don't run!"

...

The New Year at Liangzhou Guard passed quite pleasantly. Commander Xiao, as the commanding officer, treated all the new recruits equally. Whether they were from the Southern Garrison Troops or the Liangzhou Guard, everyone enjoyed a hearty New Year's Eve feast. With dishes, meat, and fine wine, the atmosphere was lively and festive, easing the harshness of the borderlands.

But even as the New Year was celebrated, training continued as usual. Once the New Year passed, He Yan's injuries had mostly healed, and she resumed training with the others. Although she wanted to join the Nine Banners Battalion, the daily training intensity of the Southern Garrison Troops was simply too much for someone who had just recovered from a serious illness. So, she could only endure the hardships alongside the Liangzhou Guard recruits.

Days passed peacefully like this until one day, Fei Nu received a letter from Lou County.

In the room, Fei Nu was speaking to Xiao Jue.

"Young Master, Luan Ying's message is that if the Commander has found suitable companions for the journey and is prepared, it would be best to set off in the next few days. Jiyang is not close to Liang Province. If we leave now, we won't arrive until spring, just in time for Princess Meng Ji's birthday. On the day of the Princess's birthday, Chai Anxi might appear."

Xiao Jue looked up. "Qiao Huanqing?"

"This man is the nephew of Cui Yuezhi, a general under Princess Jiyang," Fei Nu explained. "He was taken away by Cui family enemies as a child but was later rescued by someone and ended up in the Central Plains, where he was adopted by a wealthy merchant. The merchant had no sons, so Qiao Huanqing inherited his vast fortune. Last year, he married, and for some reason, Cui Yuezhi discovered his whereabouts. Cui Yuezhi has no other family left, so he wrote to invite him to attend the Princess's birthday banquet. However, Qiao Huanqing is extremely timid. Before reaching Jiyang, while passing through Lou County, he was robbed by bandits and suffered minor injuries. After hearing that the road to Jiyang was fraught with danger, he refused to go any further."

Xiao Jue's eyes flickered, and he smiled faintly without saying a word.

It went without saying that the "dangerous people" were undoubtedly Luan Ying's doing. But scaring Qiao Huanqing to the point where he dared not go to Jiyanyang was a bit too cowardly."The person sent by Luan Ying has already made arrangements with Cui Yuezhi to attend the banquet in Jiyang in place of Qiao Huanqing, but Qiao Huanqing must pay a thousand taels of gold as compensation. Qiao Huanqing has been separated from his family for many years, and Cui Yuezhi hasn’t seen this nephew in over a decade, so no one knows what Qiao Huanqing looks like now. This identity is suitable, the timing is right, and Luan Ying has already sent over the travel pass and jade token for identification. Young Master, there shouldn’t be any issues."

A nephew who has been separated from a feudal lord’s confidant for many years—this identity is indeed very convenient, but...

"You make it sound easy," Chi Wu couldn’t help but speak up, "but Luan Ying has already said that the invitation from Cui Yuezhi is for Qiao Huanqing and his wife, along with his newlywed bride. The Commander is fine, but where are we going to find a woman to pose as his wife? We can’t just say the wife disappeared halfway there!"

Fei Nu’s face remained expressionless, but he knew Chi Wu had a point. The Southern Garrison Troops and the Nine Banners Battalion had no shortage of men—whether they needed someone agile, clever, handsome, or cunning, they had it all. The only thing they lacked was women. Luan Ying was the only woman, but Luan Ying... her son was already twelve. How could she possibly act as Qiao Huanqing’s "new bride"!

Xiao Jue frowned, his handsome face showing a rare hint of difficulty.

"We could find a highly skilled death warrior..." Fei Nu suggested.

"That won’t do!" Chi Wu rejected the idea without hesitation. "If it’s someone we haven’t known for long, who knows if they’re good or bad? What if they secretly harm the Young Master? Could you or I bear that responsibility?"

Chi Wu spoke bluntly, leaving Fei Nu with nothing to say. He simply asked, "Then do you have anyone in mind?"

"Me?" Chi Wu thought hard for a moment before solemnly replying, "Not to mention the Southern Garrison Troops, even within Xiao Manor, I don’t know many women who know martial arts. When the Madam was alive, she didn’t like the Master practicing martial arts. Even the maids brought in were only skilled in poetry, painting, and tending to flowers. I haven’t met many women like that."

"Looking for a woman?" someone outside the window leisurely fanned himself with a folding fan, speaking with an air of elegance. "I know about this. Instead of asking these two rough men, Xiao Huaijin, aren’t you wasting your resources? Have they ever met women? Asking them such a difficult question—why not ask me? I’ll solve your problem."

Xiao Jue glanced at him and said calmly, "Who let him in?"

Chi Wu: "Not me!"

Fei Nu: "It wasn’t me."

"Does anyone need to let me in?" Lin Shuanghe felt quite pleased with himself. "Everyone in Liangzhou Guard knows you and I are longtime close friends. Besides, I’m the White-robed Divine Hand who can perform miracles. Of course, they treat me with respect. I can go anywhere in Liangzhou Guard without hindrance."

"Throw him out."

Fei Nu: "..."

"Hey, Xiao Huaijin, what kind of temper is that?" Lin Shuanghe said as he naturally walked in through the main door, waving his hand to signal Fei Nu and Chi Wu to leave. "Let me solve your Young Master’s tricky problem."

Fei Nu and Chi Wu withdrew. Lin Shuanghe closed the door and then the windows. Xiao Jue watched his actions coldly. Lin Shuanghe sat down in the chair opposite him and asked, "Looking for a woman?"

Xiao Jue kicked him.Lin Shuanghe sprang up. "Talk if you want to talk, but stop with all the physical contact. I wasn't eavesdropping on your conversation just now—I only caught the tail end of it, and it made no sense. What do you mean by 'a girl with good skills'? What do you need a girl with good skills for? A female bodyguard?"

Xiao Jue stared at him, then suddenly smiled. He lazily curled the corner of his mouth and said unhurriedly, "To find a 'wife.'"

Lin Shuanghe: "?"

A moment later, he suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing what Xiao Jue meant. "You're getting married? That can't be!"

"Wait, you're always criticizing arranged marriages, saying this one is blind and that one is mute. If you were to marry, it should be someone you found yourself. Why are you having Fei Nu and the others pick one out for you like you're selecting vegetables? Xiao Huaijin, are you talking nonsense?"

Xiao Jue: "Did I say I was finding a wife for myself?"

Lin Shuanghe: "You're finding one for someone else? You don't even have one yourself!"

Xiao Jue said impatiently, "It's fake. Do you understand acting?"

"Huh?" Lin Shuanghe was taken aback, slowly grasping the meaning. He stared at Xiao Jue for a long while, until Xiao Jue showed signs of displeasure, before leaning in and saying, "Are you planning to do something like last time at Liangzhou Guard, when you dealt with Sun Xiangfu—finding someone to pretend to be your wife to accomplish something?" Lin Shuanghe had eventually pried the truth about the last incident from Song Taotao. The young girl was no match for such a shrewd person; in just a few sentences, Lin Shuanghe had learned exactly what had happened.

"Not entirely stupid."

"Then isn't there someone right in front of you?" Lin Shuanghe said without hesitation, "Of course, it should be my sister He Yan! Have you forgotten? My sister He Yan is also a woman, and her skills are quite impressive. She's brave, resourceful, not pretentious, and especially adorable! If she can play your nephew, she can certainly act as your wife."

Xiao Jue: "No."

"Why not?" Lin Shuanghe was dissatisfied. "She can call you 'father'—is calling her 'wife' too much for you?"

Xiao Jue took a sip of tea and looked at him indifferently. "Did He Yan pay you to speak for her?"

"I'm so rich—why would I take money from others? But you," Lin Shuanghe leaned closer, "why are you so resistant? Xiao Huaijin, have you forgotten? You're looking for a fake wife. Don't bring out your picky criteria for a real wife now. Or perhaps..." He straightened up, elegantly fanning himself, and said in a mysterious, authoritative tone, "Are you afraid you'll fall in love with her?"

"Cough, cough, cough." Xiao Jue choked.

He said expressionlessly, "You can get lost."

"Fine, I'll get lost," Lin Shuanghe said. "Don't blame me for not reminding you—He Yan is the best candidate you could think of. Although I don't know exactly what you're planning to do, whatever it is, it's bound to be dangerous. In such perilous situations, ordinary girls definitely wouldn't be able to handle it, and those who could, you wouldn't trust. He Yan has fought alongside you several times, and you know her quite well. As for loyalty..." His gaze fell on Xiao Jue, tinged with a hint of amusement. "Are you planning to take Shen Muxue? I think she'd be more than willing to go with you, but I'm afraid if Lord Shen finds out, he'll rush to Liang Province to chop your legs off.""I've seen more women than you've trained soldiers. I can tell He Yan doesn't like you now either. A woman who doesn't like you pretending to be your wife—that's the least likely to cause trouble. If you switch to Shen Muxue? That's when real trouble will start. Most importantly, He Yan has always dressed as a man. Besides you, no one knows what she really looks like. It's as if she appeared out of thin air. If she's ever exposed, it'll be easy to conceal her identity."

Xiao Jue calmly gazed at the teacup in his hand, whether he had taken Lin Shuanghe's words to heart or not was unclear.

"A woman's heart is the hardest to guess. Someone like He Yan, who is straightforward and wears everything on her face—or says it outright—is the most suitable for this kind of work."

"You might as well call her an idiot."

Lin Shuanghe choked on his words, angrily saying, "I've said all I need to say. I only said this much because we're brothers. Think it over carefully! Once you've made up your mind, then choose someone!" With that, he grabbed his fan and stormed out.

After he left, Xiao Jue placed the teacup back on the table and let out a faint sigh.

...

Night had fallen. After washing up, He Yan sat before the mirror.

The New Year's feasts in the army had been too lavish. Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, she seemed to have gained a little weight. Fortunately, Miss He was naturally slender and delicate. A bit of extra flesh didn't make her overly plump but instead reduced her gauntness, adding a touch of delicate charm. She looked quite like a young lady raised in a wealthy household.

But such delicacy was entirely out of place in the military camp. He Yan waved a fist at her reflection in the mirror, making a fierce expression. Satisfied that her imposing aura remained undiminished, she relaxed. Then she walked to the bed and climbed in.

The bed was as cold as a block of ice. The army was short on charcoal, and although the weather had warmed slightly after the New Year, nights like this were still chilly.

She had to warm the bedding beneath her with her own body.

Just as a bit of warmth began to spread, she suddenly heard a knock at the door. He Yan was taken aback, cursing inwardly. Who could it be at this hour? She had just managed to warm the bedding, and now she'd have to go out into the cold again. The knocking continued. Even if she wanted to pretend she hadn't heard it, it was impossible. Reluctantly, she draped her outer robe over her shoulders and went to open the door. Standing outside was Lin Shuanghe.

This man, really—on such a cold night, he wore only a thin white robe. Even if it was padded, it couldn't be very thick, or it wouldn't look so elegantly flowing. He was even fanning himself. He Yan couldn't help but grab his fan. "Doctor Lin, could you please stop fanning? It's really cold."

Lin Shuanghe paused, smiling. "Of course."

"What brings you here so late?"

Lin Shuanghe replied, "Brother He, may we speak inside?"

"I have no issue with that," He Yan said, "but didn't Brother Lin say that a man and a woman alone..."

Before she could finish, the young man brushed past her into the room, stomping his feet. "I'm freezing to death!"

He Yan: "..."

She closed the door and turned around. Lin Shuanghe was still chattering. "Why don't you have a charcoal brazier in here? It's too cold."

"The charcoal is used up," He Yan said patiently. "Since it's so cold, Doctor Lin, could you just tell me what this is about?"

"I thought about it, and I must tell you..."

A "knock, knock, knock" interrupted him. Both of them looked toward the inner door of the room—the knocking was coming from inside.He Yan was taken aback—knocking at the main gate, was it Xiao Jue? What did Xiao Jue mean by knocking in the middle of the night? She looked at Lin Shuanghe, who also wore a puzzled expression. He Yan then walked over, hesitated for a moment, and directly unlocked the door.

Second Young Master Xiao appeared calm and elegant, his gaze sweeping over Lin Shuanghe briefly before quickly returning to He Yan. Whether it was He Yan’s imagination or not, she felt his expression seemed somewhat odd.

"Commander... what is the matter?"

"Miss He." He took a step forward, slightly leaning down, his gaze level with hers. The young man's face was handsome, his long, autumn-water-like eyes filled with moonlight. At such close distance, she could clearly see his long, slightly upturned eyelashes. His voice was low and magnetic, making her blush and her heart race.

"Do you like me?"

Yan Yan: !!! Who could resist this?!

The old-fashioned Mary Sue trope of pretending to be a couple is really cheesy, but for some reason, I love this kind of cheesy trope (covering face).

(End of Chapter)