Legend of the Female General

Chapter 131: Crimson Attire

Amidst all the clamor, the eyebrows were finally drawn.

He Yan snatched the Snail Ink from his hand and said, "Alright, alright, you can go now!"

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. "Aren’t you going to look in the mirror?"

"I’ll take a look after I change!" He Yan felt that as long as this person remained seated here, her face would continue to burn. It was best to send him away. Pushing and shoving, she escorted him out the door. As soon as she opened it, she was startled to find Cui Jiao and Hong Qiao standing outside. He Yan asked, "Why are you two here?"

Cui Jiao looked flustered. "We brought the pastries, but when we saw the young master... drawing the young madam’s eyebrows, we didn’t dare disturb."

He Yan: "..."

Xiao Jue, however, showed no sign of discomfort whatsoever. He simply said, "Take your time changing. I’ll go find Steward Lin."

The two maidservants followed He Yan back into the room. Hong Qiao trailed behind her and said enviously, "The young master treats the young madam so well."

He Yan: "Huh?"

"He even drew your eyebrows himself," Cui Jiao chimed in. Perhaps their fear of He Yan had lessened slightly, as the two young girls grew bolder. "Even among loving couples, I’ve never seen anyone go to such lengths."

Well, the illusion of this celestial couple had now been inadvertently solidified. He Yan smiled and asked, "Do you know how to do makeup and hairstyles?"

This was a bit difficult for her. It wasn’t that she couldn’t style a woman’s hair, but she only knew the simplest styles, which likely wouldn’t live up to the title of "wealthy merchant’s wife."

"I know how to do makeup, and Hong Qiao is skilled—she styles hair beautifully," Cui Jiao replied. "What kind of hairstyle would you like today, madam? And would you prefer a light or vibrant makeup look?"

He Yan looked bewildered. "I’m attending a banquet. As long as I don’t appear impolite, it’s fine." She pointed to the chest Xiao Jue had sent over. "The clothes I’m wearing today are all in there. Just pick one for me."

Cui Jiao walked over to the chest and picked up the Tear Silk, exclaiming in surprise, "What beautiful fabric! Madam, is this clothing worn by mermaids?"

He Yan: "...Mermaids don’t wear clothes." What, does this garment have the word "mermaid" written on it? How is it that everyone else can see it, but she can’t?

He Yan said, "I won’t wear this today. Pick something else for me." It cost a hundred gold, after all. At the very least, it should be worn on the most important occasions to justify the price.

After all, one’s body, hair, and skin are gifts from one’s parents. How a person looks is entirely determined by what their parents gave them. No amount of dressing up can change that. Still... it had been so long since she had acted like a woman again. Her usually calm heart felt a hint of unease.

She hoped she wouldn’t embarrass herself too much.

...

In the neighboring room, Lin Shuanghe reclined on the couch, sipping tea.

Xiao Jue sat at the table, polishing the Night Fragrance Zither. As Lin Shuanghe watched, he recalled the time he taught He Yan to play the zither and her clumsy skills.

Xiao Jue was an elegant man, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. But how could a young woman like He Yan produce such an unpleasant sound on the zither? If tonight at the Cui family banquet, He Yan, as "Wen Yuyan," were asked to give a demonstration, it would be quite amusing.

However... with Xiao Jue around, they should be able to turn misfortune into fortune.

"You keep looking at me," Second Young Master Xiao remarked sharply. "Is something the matter?""No, not at all." Lin Shuanghe fanned himself with his folding fan. "Why are you so suspicious? I was just thinking how charming and lovely my little sister He Yan would look dressed as a woman."

Xiao Jue paused while wiping his qin and slowly retorted, "Are your eyes broken?"

"Don't you think so too?"

"Not at all."

Lin Shuanghe was displeased. "You can question my medical skills, but not my judgment of women. I could tell at first glance that He Yan is a true beauty. Of course, at the Liangzhou Guard, she has to dress plainly and keep a low profile to avoid revealing her identity. But those features—if she were to dress as a woman, she'd be stunning! Besides, you're just being stubborn. Don't you like her too?"

Xiao Jue gave a faint, cold smile. "Which of your eyes saw that I like her?"

"Both of them. Xiao Huaijin, if you really disliked her, why did you play the hero and save the beauty at the embroidery shop today? You couldn't stand seeing others bully He Yan, could you?" Lin Shuanghe sighed again. "But I can't blame you. I think when it comes to dealing with women, He Yan is a bit clueless. She can't even recognize obvious jealousy. Tonight, we're guests at the Cui family. You know how these wealthy households are—crowded and full of gossip. If anyone causes trouble, you must protect He Yan."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"She's your wife now, Young Master Qiao. Besides, if anyone at the Cui family gives He Yan a hard time, nine times out of ten, it's because of you. Your face can get away with anything, but our He Yan will suffer. You know she's not cunning in social matters, but you are. Take care of her, alright? Take care of her."

He went on and on, chattering endlessly.

It was unclear how long he had been talking, but the sky was already growing dark. Lin Shuanghe finished his pot of tea, stretched, and sat up from the couch. He glanced out the window. "It's been so long? Has my little sister He Yan finished changing?"

Xiao Jue had long since finished wiping his qin and was leaning against the table, feigning sleep. Hearing this, he opened his eyes and said calmly, "Just go and call her."

It was getting late; Cui Yuezhi's people would be arriving soon.

"Alright." Lin Shuanghe stood up. Outside the door, Chi Wu and Fei Nu were standing guard. The group looked toward He Yan's room. Lin Shuanghe cleared his throat and knocked lightly on the door. "Young Madam, Young Madam, are you ready?"

Inside, there was a flurry of hurried sounds. They heard Hong Qiao exclaim anxiously, "Wait! Madam, you forgot to put in the hairpin!"

Then came Cui Jiao's reminder, "The earrings! You haven't put on the earrings either!"

A clattering sound followed, as if something had fallen over, leaving those outside speechless.

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow slightly. Chi Wu whispered to Fei Nu, "Have you ever seen a man wear makeup? Just thinking about it is terrifying."

Fei Nu replied, "...Be careful with your words."

Amid the chaos, the door creaked open. Cui Jiao and Hong Qiao wiped the sweat from their foreheads and said, "She's ready."

The person behind the door stepped out.

The same face, transformed from a youth to a young woman, looked entirely different.

This was a girl of sixteen or seventeen, slender and graceful. A pale green crescent moon and phoenix-tail silk dress cinched her waist tightly, accentuating its slenderness. Over it, she wore a matching cloud-patterned silk jacket. Her hair was styled in a delicate "deer-antler" bun, adorned with a single jade hairpin. Two strands of hair fell loosely in front of her ears, highlighting their delicate shape. Dangling from her ears were two white jade earrings, trembling gently with her movements.Her skin was very fair, with a thin layer of powder applied, making it as smooth and delicate as fine jade. Her eyes were exceptionally bright, always shimmering with a hint of a smile. Her brows arched like crescent moons, her gaze lively and radiant, and her lips were a vivid shade of red, captivating and enchanting.

The young woman had a petite and graceful figure, lovely and radiant, yet a faint trace of spiritedness in her brows and eyes softened the allure, making her appear poised, refreshing, and utterly charming. As a married woman, she seemed slightly youthful, but as a maiden, she was fresh, lively, and distinctive, drawing everyone’s gaze irresistibly.

The people outside the door were stunned, remaining silent for a long while.

He Yan felt uneasy and coughed lightly into her hand. "Um... does it not suit me? I don’t usually wear makeup like this..."

"Beautiful!" Lin Shuanghe was the first to applaud. "Young Madam, with just a touch of powder, you look like a celestial beauty. When the door opened, I wondered which fairy had descended to the mortal realm. It was only when you spoke that I realized it was you!"

He Yan: "..."

Lin Shuanghe’s flattery skills were on par with the young shop assistant at the embroidery workshop—both could praise blindly without a second thought, regardless of whether the listener could accept it.

She looked at Xiao Jue. This gentleman was more down-to-earth. If his words were balanced with Lin Shuanghe’s, they might reflect the truth. He Yan asked Xiao Jue, "How do I look?"

Xiao Jue’s gaze swept over her lightly. "Passable."

He Yan felt relieved and said, "Has Uncle Cui’s family arrived? If they have, let’s go!"

"They’re already waiting downstairs," Chi Wu replied. "The luggage has been loaded onto the carriage. During your stay in Jiyang, the young master and young madam will reside at the Cui residence."

Qiao Huanqing and his wife, Wen Yuyan, had come to reunite with family. Since they were already in Jiyang, it made no sense for them to stay at an inn.

The group tidied up the room and followed them downstairs.

Two carriages awaited below—one for Xiao Jue and He Yan, and another for the steward and servants. Cui Yuezhi seemed to treat his nephew quite well, as the arrangements were meticulous.

He Yan and Xiao Jue boarded the carriage and sat facing each other. Xiao Jue remained unfazed, but He Yan felt somewhat uneasy. She fiddled with the hem of her clothes and occasionally adjusted her hair. Xiao Jue finally couldn’t bear it any longer and fixed his gaze on her. "Can you stop fidgeting?"

"Oh," He Yan replied and stopped moving, though her mind was still in disarray.

"Nervous?" he asked.

"Um... Young Master," He Yan leaned closer and spoke earnestly, "I have a question for you."

"Speak."

"Do I look like a woman? Will I give myself away at Cui Yuezhi’s home later?"

He Yan leaned in very close. Perhaps after bathing and grooming, she carried a faint, sweet fragrance unique to young women. Her bright eyes stared directly at him, and her face was small, seemingly no larger than a palm. This puzzled expression might have seemed somewhat rugged on a young man, but on her current appearance, it only added to her charm.

Xiao Jue lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Have you played the role of a man for so long that your mind has gone dull?" He paused briefly. "You are a woman to begin with."

"I know I’m a woman," He Yan explained. "But I’ve grown so accustomed to acting as a man in the Liangzhou Guard that my habits sometimes slip through. If I do anything out of place, Commander, you must remind me.""Don't worry," he tugged at the corner of his mouth. "No one would mistake this face for a man's."

He Yan said, "Then why didn't you realize I was a woman back in Liang Province?"

Xiao Jue ignored her.

After a moment, He Yan caught on and looked at him. "What you meant just now—are you saying I don't look like a man at all? That I look very much like a woman, and very pretty?"

Xiao Jue sneered, "A woman wouldn't ask such shameless questions."

"Then am I a woman or not?"

"No."

...

The carriage traveled for about the time it takes three incense sticks to burn before coming to a stop. The Cui family's coachman called from outside, "Young Master Qiao, Lady Qiao, we've arrived."

Cui Jiao and Hong Qiao stepped out first and helped He Yan down. Since she was playing the role of a young mistress, she naturally had to be attended to in front of others.

He Yan stood before the Cui residence, taking it in.

The mansions in Jiyang were built differently from those in the northern capital of Shuojing. In Shuojing, vermilion lacquered gates were commonly used, giving an imposing and dignified feel. Jiyang, being near water, favored black and white tones—elegant and lively. The gates were carved with water deity motifs, lending an exotic charm.

The servants here also wore gauzy clothing, cool and light. An elderly servant with graying hair, dressed in a pale blue robe, came forward with a smile. "This must be Young Master Qiao, and this must be Lady Qiao. I am Zhong Fu, the steward of the Cui residence. Today, the master has gone to the royal palace. The Princess has invited him to a banquet, and he likely won't return until late at night. On the master's orders, I will first settle you in. Please rest well tonight, and tomorrow the master will host a banquet to properly entertain you all."

He wasn't here? He Yan was somewhat surprised but then felt relieved. It was just as well—she could familiarize herself with the Cui residence first, making it easier to handle whatever came her way later. Besides, she wasn't yet accustomed to acting as "husband and wife" with Xiao Jue, so having an extra night to adjust was a good thing.

She immediately smiled and said, "That's fine."

The old steward breathed a sigh of relief. Before Cui Yuezhi had decided to welcome this nephew back, he had specifically inquired about Qiao Huanqing and Wen Yuyan's temperaments and habits, given how many years had passed. He only remembered Qiao Huanqing as a pleasure-seeking young master, and his newlywed wife as even more arrogant and domineering. Seeing them today, however, he felt the rumors were unfounded.

"I'll take you to your rooms first," Zhong Fu said, his gaze falling on Lin Shuanghe. "This gentleman..." He assumed he was either a friend or a brother of Qiao Huanqing, wondering what room to arrange for him.

Lin Shuanghe smiled gently. "What a coincidence—we're in the same profession. My surname is Lin, and I am Young Master Qiao's steward."

Zhong Fu: "..."

"Don't be disheartened," Lin Shuanghe comforted him. "Although the Central Plains are full of talented and remarkable people, I happen to be exceptionally good-looking. Not every family's steward can be as handsome as I am."

Zhong Fu gave an awkward smile.

There were two rooms in total, not far apart. One was for Lin Shuanghe, Chi Wu, and Fei Nu, while the other was for He Yan, Xiao Jue, and the two maids. Both rooms were in the same courtyard, each quite spacious, divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The maids would sleep on the side couch behind the screen in the outer chamber, while the inner chamber included a study, a tea room, and a bedroom.

He Yan had lived in the Liangzhou Guard for a long time, but even Xiao Jue's quarters there were far inferior to this place. After all, this was the home of the Cui family's cavalry commander—the extravagance was truly impressive.Zhong Fu had the servants take Lin Shuanghe and the others to the adjacent room, while he personally led Xiao Jue to the main chamber. He asked respectfully, "Young Master, do you find the room acceptable?"

Xiao Jue lifted his gaze slightly. "Acceptable."

He Yan thought to herself, "Acceptable? Xiao Jue truly embodies the mannerisms of a wealthy young master to perfection. But perhaps it isn't an act—after all, Second Young Master Xiao was genuinely refined back in the day. Having seen the finest things, these naturally seem ordinary to him."

Zhong Fu could not hide his surprise. His master had hoped that this nephew would return to his hometown and remain in Jiyang from now on, yet he also knew that Qiao Huanqing’s family now possessed immense wealth. Fearing that Qiao Huanqing might look down on Jiyang, he had the room renovated half a month in advance and filled it with numerous treasures and antiques, all in the hopes of dazzling Qiao Huanqing and making him feel that the Cui family was no less impressive than the Qiao family.

But from the looks of it, the young master didn’t seem to care much for these things?

Unwilling to give up, Zhong Fu continued, "There is ambergris in the incense burner. If the young master likes it..."

"You may leave now," Xiao Jue said calmly. "Prepare some food and bring it over. My wife may be hungry and needs to freshen up and eat. I will call you if anything else is needed."

He Yan was quite shaken by the mention of "wife," but hearing this, she truly felt her stomach growling with hunger. After all, she hadn’t eaten much today.

Seeing this, Zhong Fu hurriedly acknowledged and withdrew, silently noting to himself: Young Master Qiao is proud and particular, not easily pleased, but he is extremely considerate toward his wife. If they wish to make him stay, they might start with the wife.

Once Zhong Fu left, He Yan instructed Cui Jiao and Hong Qiao to fetch some water. She had already bathed when changing clothes at the inn earlier today, but Xiao Jue had not.

"Young Master, you should go bathe first. We can eat together once the food arrives," He Yan said, leaning on the couch and rubbing her shoulders. "Sitting in the carriage all day has exhausted me."

Seeing her like this, Xiao Jue’s lips twitched. "Lady Qiao, sit properly."

He Yan immediately straightened her posture.

He went to bathe behind the screen in the inner room’s tea chamber.

Cui Jiao and Hong Qiao were sent out, and the two young girls looked at He Yan uncertainly. "The young master won’t let us serve him."

Like He Yan, Xiao Jue genuinely disliked having others around while bathing or changing. He Yan waved her hand and said, "It’s fine. He’s just shy. I’ll take care of it. You must be hungry too. Fei Nu and the others are next door—go find them and have a meal. After eating, rest for a while on the outer room’s couch."

"But..." Hong Qiao hesitated. "Does the lady not need us to serve her?"

He Yan waved her hand again. "No need. We, as husband and wife, enjoy doing things for each other. Go and have fun."

After all, they were still young girls. Hearing He Yan’s words, they brightened up, blushed, thanked her, and happily went to find Fei Nu and the others. In an instant, only the two of them remained in the room.

He Yan stood up from the couch and wandered around the inner room, looking around. She had only glanced at the outer room earlier, but now, examining it carefully, she realized how thoughtfully it was arranged.On the cabinet stood a red oriole, its floral branches fragrant. The writing tools were all prepared on the desk, and a chessboard lay before the small table. Shelves were piled with travelogues and storybooks, while under the window by the tree, a small pond held several colorful fish swimming leisurely. At this moment, as the sun set behind the mountains, looking out from the window revealed an atmosphere of serene elegance. The customs of Jiyang were passionate and unrestrained, and its decorations and arrangements reflected this. Such meticulous renovations were undoubtedly made specifically for Qiao Huanqing.

He Yan felt a pang of emotion. Cui Yuezhi truly harbored genuine affection for this nephew. Unfortunately, the real Qiao Huanqing was a coward and had no particular desire to meet this uncle.

She closed the window and turned back to light the lamp in the oil lamp. The lamp stand was shaped like mandarin ducks frolicking in water, and beside the small table was a beauty-shaped lantern, casting a faint, flickering light across the room.

It was said that Qiao Huanqing and Wen Yuyan had been married for less than three months, still in the honeymoon phase. Cui Yuezhi had been thoughtful, even arranging the bed with care—warm red gauze curtains and silk red bedding embroidered with a pattern of a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons. Even the candles were red, and a fruit tray nearby held dried longans and other dried fruits.

As He Yan looked around, she couldn’t help but feel that the bedroom was arranged very much like a bridal chamber. If she were to find a red bridal veil to cover her head and gather a few people to make a commotion, it would be no different from a wedding day.

Were she and Xiao Jue really going to sleep in such a place tonight? She hadn’t thought about it before, but now that it occurred to her, she felt utterly uncomfortable.

The lamplight slowly climbed the walls, and He Yan noticed what seemed to be a pattern on the wall by the bed. Since this place was near water, murals often depicted scenes of Jiyang’s people worshipping the water god, lively and amusing. Thinking it was such a scene, He Yan kicked off her shoes, picked up the beauty-shaped lantern, climbed onto the bed, and carefully examined it under the lantern’s glow.

After bathing, Xiao Jue put on his inner garments and draped his middle robe over them before stepping out. As soon as he emerged, he saw He Yan holding the lantern and scrutinizing the wall… mural? She looked as serious and focused as if studying a treasure map.

He paused for a moment, watching her intently. Seeing that He Yan was completely absorbed and hadn’t noticed his arrival, he silently walked over to her side and bent down to follow her gaze.

He Yan was lost in thought when she suddenly heard a calm voice behind her: “What are you looking at?”

“Cough, cough, cough—” She was startled, nearly choking on her own saliva. At the same time, Xiao Jue also saw clearly what was painted on the wall.

Little figures in intimate positions… in all sorts of strange and unusual postures.

His face instantly turned cold with anger. “He… Yuyan!”

“Yes, yes, yes!” He Yan trembled in fright.

“What are you looking at!”

This was meant as an accusation, but He Yan misunderstood it as a question, thinking Xiao Jue didn’t know what it was. She stammered, “S-s-spring pictures. Haven’t you seen them before?”

Xiao Jue’s expression darkened, almost seething with anger. “I wasn’t asking you!”

Since her rebirth, He Yan had spent a considerable amount of time with Xiao Jue and had seen him angry before, but even then, he remained cold and detached. This was the first time she had seen him so openly furious.

But why was he so angry? Was it because she hadn’t called him over to look?"I... you were bathing inside, I just happened to see it. If you want to look first, go ahead... don't be angry... there's nothing much to see in this painting anyway... the brushwork is too heavy, the figures are too ugly. If you like this sort of thing, there are many with much finer lines..." He Yan replied timidly, "I'll find some for you."

Xiao Jue was so furious he nearly spat blood, sneering coldly, "Oh? You've seen many of these?"

"N-not that many," He Yan said. "Maybe... more than you?"

In her past life as "He Rufei," many brothers in the camp secretly hid such "treasure maps." When nights grew dull, they would bring them out for everyone to admire. He Yan had been forced to view quite a few. From initial shame and indignation to later numbness, until she could calmly critique them with others—it had taken only a few years.

Such vulgar words, and she actually seemed proud of them? Truly reckless and ignorant of the consequences. Xiao Jue sneered inwardly, abruptly slamming her against the wall. One hand braced beside her as his body pressed close, carrying the familiar scent of moon orchid.

His gaze was sharp as lightning, yet tinged with a faint, elusive flirtatiousness at the corners of his eyes and brows. His voice was hoarse and low, his dark pupils fixed intently on her as he said softly, "Then would you like to give it a try?"

(End of Chapter)