Legend of the Female General

Chapter 146: Reunion

Upon arriving at the Mengji Prince’s residence, He Yan and Xiao Jue alighted from the carriage and were led inside by the maidservants of the estate. Having visited the residence before, they felt much more at ease than the last time. The maidservant guided He Yan and Xiao Jue to the entrance of the banquet hall and respectfully said, “Her Highness and the esteemed guest are inside. Young Master Qiao and Madam may enter directly.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue stepped into the banquet hall.

Mu Hongjin reclined on a soft couch, her crimson robe spread out around her, a faint smile playing on her lips as she listened to the qin player plucking the strings beside her. At the low table in front of the couch, another person sat with his back to He Yan. He wore a robe the color of green bamboo, with a jade hairpin in his hair. His silhouette looked somewhat familiar.

While she was still pondering who this person might be, Mu Hongjin’s gaze swept over them, and she smiled. “Commander Xiao has arrived.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue bowed to Mu Hongjin. At the same time, the man who had been sitting with his back to them stood up and turned to look their way.

His features were as gentle and elegant as ever, as pure and ethereal as an immortal. He Yan never expected to see Chu Zhao here, in the Mengji Prince’s residence in Jiyang.

The shock lasted only a moment before He Yan inwardly cursed her luck. She was currently disguised as a woman, and she had no idea what Chu Zhao would think upon seeing her. His identity was still unclear, and if he were to report this to Xu Jingfu, Xu Jingfu might use it to cause trouble for Xiao Jue.

She paused in her steps, instinctively retreating half a step behind Xiao Jue in an attempt to shield herself from Chu Zhao’s gaze. Yet she knew that unless she turned and left immediately, her identity would inevitably be discovered by Chu Zhao today.

Xiao Jue seemed to sense her unease. He glanced at her sideways and scoffed, “What are you afraid of?”

Before He Yan could respond, Chu Zhao had already bowed to Xiao Jue and said with a smile, “Commander Xiao, Miss He.”

Well, he must have seen her. There was no need to hide her face now. Even without looking in a mirror, He Yan knew her expression must be dreadful.

Xiao Jue said, “Chu Fourth Young Master.”

“It seems you are already acquainted,” Mu Hongjin remarked with a smile. “Please, take a seat. Chu Fourth Young Master is an esteemed guest from Shuojing.”

Xiao Jue and He Yan sat down at a nearby low table.

A maidservant approached to pour tea, and Mu Hongjin waved her hand, dismissing the qin player who had been performing. The banquet hall fell silent. He Yan lowered her head, watching the tea leaves float up and down in her cup. Illness enters through the mouth, and trouble arises from careless words. In times like these, it was best to speak as little as possible.

Xiao Jue turned to Chu Zhao and asked, “What brings Chu Fourth Young Master to Jiyang?”

He got straight to the point, without any pleasantries. Chu Zhao smiled faintly before replying, “I have come to Jiyang regarding the matter of the Wutuo People.”

The Wutuo People? He Yan pricked up her ears to listen as Chu Zhao continued, “There are Wutuo People currently hiding among the populace in Jiyang City. I fear unrest may erupt soon. I have come to lend Her Highness a hand, to prevent more of Jiyang’s citizens from suffering this calamity.”

He turned to Princess Meng Ji.

Xiao Jue’s lips curved slightly. “May I ask how Chu Fourth Young Master learned that Wutuo People have infiltrated Jiyang?”

“In Shuojing City, we captured a Wutuo person plotting an uprising. Following the trail, we discovered that his contact is currently in Jiyang. Through intercepted secret correspondence, my father and I learned that the Wutuo People plan to launch a war in Jiyang. If they cut off the canal, it would spell trouble for all of Great Wei. Therefore, my father ordered me to rush to Jiyang immediately to inform Her Highness and prepare in advance.”Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with faint mockery. "As far as I know, Shi Jinbo has long since stopped managing affairs within the residence. I doubt he can command Fourth Young Master."

Lin Shuanghe had said the same to He Yan—Shi Jinbo spent his days dallying with flowers and grass, having long abandoned any involvement in major or minor household matters. The inner quarters were managed by Lady Shi Jinbo, and as for the rest, ever since Chu Zhao gained Xu Jingfu's backing, Shi Jinbo's residence had effectively become Chu Zhao's domain.

"Merely baseless rumors spread by outsiders," Chu Zhao replied with good humor. "I dare not disobey my father's words."

Mu Hongjin seemed to detect something beneath the exchange between the two men. She was in no hurry to speak, lazily sipping her tea while quietly observing.

"If you wished to inform Her Highness, a secret letter would have sufficed," Xiao Jue scoffed. "Was it really necessary for Chu Fourth Young Master to make the journey in person?"

"Because there is something even more important that must be delivered into Her Highness's hands personally."

Mu Hongjin chuckled softly. "Chu Fourth Young Master has brought the Wutuo People's military defense map."

Xiao Jue and He Yan simultaneously looked up at Mu Hongjin.

With the enemy's military defense map, half the battle was already won. But how had Chu Zhao obtained something so crucial?

He Yan couldn't help but ask, "How did Chu Fourth Young Master acquire this map? And how can we be certain whether what it depicts is true or false?"

"How I obtained it was purely by chance," Chu Zhao replied with a gentle smile. "As for its authenticity, I cannot be certain either. That is why I could only bring it to Her Highness, the Princess." He paused, then turned his gaze to Xiao Jue. "But seeing Commander Xiao here puts my mind at ease. With Commander Xiao present, regardless of whether the military defense map is genuine or false, Jiyang City will surely be protected. After all, when it comes to water attacks, among Great Wei's brilliant commanders, only Commander Xiao's achievements are recorded in history."

At these words, He Yan's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but glance at Xiao Jue. The water attack at Guo City Long Valley was a hurdle Xiao Jue struggled to overcome in his heart. Chu Zilan's words were akin to twisting a knife in his wound.

Xiao Jue's expression remained calm. He curved his lips slightly and met Chu Zhao's gaze. "Chu Fourth Young Master traveled all the way to Jiyang just to bring a military defense map of uncertain authenticity. Isn't that a bit of an overreaction? Or perhaps..." He paused, his eyes meaningful, "you have other important matters to attend to?"

"How can it be an overreaction when it concerns the fate of Great Wei?" Chu Zhao shook his head. "I will remain in Jiyang to stand together with all of you. If the Wutuo People truly harbor ill intentions, I will join Commander Xiao in resisting the enemy. If the information proves false, it will merely be a false alarm, and everyone will rejoice."

"Stand together in resisting the enemy?" Xiao Jue drawled lazily. "When Chu Fourth Young Master finds himself in dire straits, no one will be able to rush to your rescue in time."

Chu Zhao smiled without responding.

Second Young Master Xiao's skill in mocking others was unmatched. Moreover, Chu Zilan was indeed frail and scholarly; if trouble arose, he would likely become a burden.

"Commander Xiao," Mu Hongjin, having watched the drama unfold long enough, now had a rough understanding of the relationship between the two men. She looked at Xiao Jue. "This Princess will have a copy made of the military defense map brought by Chu Fourth Young Master and deliver it to you. All the soldiers inside and outside Jiyang City, totaling just twenty thousand, will also be under your command. According to the secret message brought by Chu Fourth Young Master, the Wutuo People are certain to cause trouble within ten days. During these ten days, we..." She paused thoughtfully, "must ensure the safety and security of Jiyang's citizens."

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness has considered everything thoroughly."Mu Hongjin's gaze swept over the smiling Chu Zhao. "Chu Fourth Young Master has come from afar, and you are old acquaintances. These days, Fourth Young Master will also stay at the Cui residence. If you have important matters to discuss, it will be convenient."

Chu Zhao returned the courtesy. "Your Highness is thoughtful."

He Yan: "..."

Mu Hongjin was truly impressive—arranging two sworn rivals together right from the start. Forget discussing important matters; He Yan pondered, given how their conversations alone could be filled with hidden daggers, getting through these ten days peacefully would be no simple task.

After exchanging more pleasantries, Mu Hongjin stood and had someone escort He Yan's group back to the Cui residence. When the banquet hall was empty, an elderly maid beside her asked, "Why did Your Highness arrange for Chu Fourth Young Master to stay at Commander Xiao's residence? Commander Xiao seems displeased with him."

"These two are at odds," Mu Hongjin said softly. "Being at odds means they can keep each other in check. Xiao Huaijin is a military genius, but Jiyang City cannot be entirely at his mercy. After all, who knows whether what he says is true or false?"

"When these two speak, half is truth and half is falsehood. By comparing their words, we might uncover some clues. Besides," she sighed, standing up and gazing at the vast sky outside the hall, "time is running out."

If the Wutuo People truly intended to attack Jiyang, arrangements for evacuating the city's residents would have to begin tomorrow. Her father had entrusted Jiyang to her, and for so many years, she had protected it well. Now, at this critical juncture, she could not let all her efforts go to waste.

And then there was Mu Xiaolou.

She turned around, the crimson at the corners of her eyes deepening with a cold intensity. "Bring Xiaolou to me."

...

He Yan and Xiao Jue left the palace together, with Chu Zhao walking beside them. The three of them said nothing as they exited, but He Yan was silently calculating how to weave a flawless lie.

Perhaps she should simply insist that she had always been a man and that dressing as a woman to accompany Xiao Jue to Jiyang was a last resort. As for why she played the part so convincingly, she could claim it was due to her feminine features. Even Chi Wu, who had been with them for so long, hadn't noticed, right? Thinking this, she felt slightly more at ease.

"He Yan." Just as she was lost in thought, someone called her name from beside her. He Yan turned to see Chu Zhao, who had stopped and was smiling at her.

Xiao Jue had also halted, not moving far away.

With her superior nearby, He Yan felt somewhat reassured. She smiled at Chu Zhao and said, "Fourth Young Master need not address me that way. Actually, I—"

"I never thought that after seeing you in red attire last time, I would have the chance to see you dressed as a woman again today," the young man said gently, his praise sincere, far more genuine than the blind flattery of the embroidery shop assistant or Lin Shuanghe. "This outfit suits you very well. It looks fitting on you."

He Yan's prepared explanation came to an abrupt halt. What did he mean by "last time"? Since joining the army, this was the first time she had dressed as a woman. Where had Chu Zhao seen her before? He Yan instinctively glanced at Xiao Jue, who raised an eyebrow slightly, as if waiting for an explanation. Wait, did Xiao Jue think she and Chu Zhao had been in cahoots all along?

One could eat recklessly, but words could not be spoken carelessly. He Yan replied, "I don't quite understand what you mean, Brother Chu. When did I... appear before you in red attire?"“At the Shuojing equestrian field,” Chu Zhao smiled slightly, “Miss He, in order to protect her father and younger brother, personally took to the field to teach Young Master Zhao a lesson. Her heroic and spirited demeanor was unforgettable. When the wind lifted the white veil from her face,” he lowered his head with a smile, “I accidentally caught a glimpse of her face. At that time, I already knew she was a woman.”

The Shuojing equestrian field? What kind of old, long-forgotten matter was this? Chu Zhao actually remembered it. Did his words mean that he had known she was a woman from the very beginning? He Yan was astonished: “So Brother Chu recognized me back in Liang Province?”

“At the time, it seemed Miss He did not wish for her identity to be discovered, and since it was a military garrison with many people and loose tongues, I did not expose it,” Chu Zhao said. “But now that we have met here today, there is no need to hide it any longer.” Chu Zhao looked at He Yan and spoke gently, “The reason I say these words is not for anything else, but only to put Miss He at ease. I did not reveal your identity back in Liang Province, and now in Jiyang, I will not tell anyone else. After the matter in Jiyang is resolved, I will act as if I have never met Miss He. You may still return to Liang Province to achieve great deeds without worrying about me speaking out of turn.”

He had likely noticed He Yan’s concerns during the banquet earlier and was now deliberately saying these words to reassure her.

Regardless of Chu Zhao’s true identity or his relationship with Xu Jingfu, judging solely from his manners and consideration, he was truly thoughtful and considerate, making it difficult for anyone to dislike him. He Yan smiled and said, “Then I’ll thank Brother Chu in advance.”

“Between us, there is no need for thanks,” Chu Zhao replied with a smile. “I do not wish for my presence to cause Miss He any anxiety. As for the matter of revealing secrets, I am not that kind of person.”

Xiao Jue had been standing by He Yan’s side, listening coldly to his words. Upon hearing this, a trace of mockery appeared at the corner of his lips. “Chu Fourth Young Master speaks so eloquently. Did you travel all the way to Jiyang not to reveal secrets?”

“Whether to reveal secrets depends on distinguishing friend from foe.”

“The Southern Garrison Troops do not need Chu Fourth Young Master’s concern,” Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow and said indifferently. “Even if her identity is exposed one day, I, as commander, can protect her.”

Chu Zhao was taken aback and looked at He Yan: “Miss He has joined the Southern Garrison Troops?”

He Yan: “...Yes.”

Xiao Jue had already promised that if she pretended to be his wife to resolve the matter in Jiyang, he would let her join the Southern Garrison Troops. Although the matter was not yet fully resolved, whether she joined or not was simply a matter of his word. Since he said she could join, then she had joined.

Chu Zhao’s eyes flickered slightly. After a moment, he smiled and said, “Then let me congratulate Miss He... no, Brother He.”

He Yan nodded.

Xiao Jue looked at him calmly. “If there’s nothing else, please find your own carriage, Chu Fourth Young Master. It is not suitable for a married couple to share a carriage with outsiders. Chu Fourth Young Master, please excuse yourself.”

He made no effort to conceal his disdain for Chu Zhao, but Chu Zhao was not angered. He only smiled and said, “Commander Xiao, we shall meet at the Cui residence.” Then he smiled at He Yan.

He Yan awkwardly returned the smile.

Chi Wu drove the carriage over. He Yan and Xiao Jue boarded the carriage, and as soon as they sat down, they heard Xiao Jue’s cold voice: “Was it you who raced against that Zhao fellow at the Shuojing equestrian field?”He Yan inwardly groaned in distress. Here it comes, here it comes. When Chu Zhao mentioned the incident at the horse farm, she had nearly forgotten that Xiao Jue had also been present at the time. Moreover, Xiao Jue had even gifted He Yun Sheng a horse, which He Yun Sheng had named "Xiangxiang."

"...Yes." Before he could speak, He Yan took the initiative to speak first. "The horse you gifted to my younger brother, Commander, he absolutely adores it. He cuts grass to feed it every day! I never had the chance to thank you properly. If you hadn’t appeared to resolve the situation back then, I don’t know how much trouble our family would have faced from that Zhao fellow. Your great kindness and generosity, He Yan has no way to repay."

Xiao Jue’s gaze turned slightly cold. "So you recognized me from the very beginning, is that it?"

He Yan was at a loss for words.

It wasn’t just from the beginning—she had known him in her past life. But how could she possibly explain that?

"You are the Right Army Commander, General Feng Yun. Who in Great Wei could match your heroic and imposing presence? I did indeed recognize you. But back then, you were a lofty cloud high above, while I was just a tiny ant by your boot. Even if I recognized you, you wouldn’t have known me. Later, after entering the military camp, I assumed you had long forgotten the matter. After all, someone as esteemed and busy as you, Commander, how could you remember a tiny ant?" He Yan leaned closer to him. "How was I to know that you still remembered this?"

Even though he knew this person could spin lies effortlessly and had a pile of flattering words at the ready, seeing her sitting beside him with bright eyes and gleaming teeth, putting on an earnest performance, even his slight displeasure turned into amusement. Chu Zhao had actually discovered this person’s identity as a woman earlier than he had. It sounded as though he had been kept in the dark and had fallen behind.

Xiao Jue shifted his gaze away and said calmly, "Have you met with him since then?"

"No, no," He Yan quickly replied. "In Shuojing, I only met him twice." Then she added with a complaint, "How was I to know it was such a coincidence that he was also at the horse farm and saw my face? If I had known, I would have covered my face completely, wearing an iron mask. Let’s see how sharp-eyed he could be then, and he still wouldn’t know who I am."

"You didn’t want him to see your face?"

"Of course not," He Yan said, baffled. "Leaving a loophole for others to exploit—who knows if something might happen because of it?"

Xiao Jue chuckled softly. "Not entirely foolish."

"Commander," He Yan asked, "do you think Chu Fourth Young Master will actually reveal my identity to others?" Although Chu Zhao had said as much, He Yan truly didn’t dare to trust him easily, especially given his own delicate position. It wasn’t even clear whether he was friend or foe at this point.

"Now you’re afraid?"

"It’s not exactly fear," He Yan said. "If he intends to reveal it, I’ll just pack up and run away beforehand." He Yan sighed as she spoke. "It’s just that I’ve been in Liangzhou Guard for so long now, and I truly can’t bear to part with you, Commander. If I really have to leave you, it will surely be very difficult."

"What you can’t bear to part with is the opportunity to join the Southern Garrison Troops, isn’t it?" Xiao Jue remained unmoved.

"How can you think of me like that?" He Yan said seriously. "With my skills, I would be valued under any commander. The reason I can’t forget about the Southern Garrison Troops is precisely because they are the troops you lead, Commander." Perhaps because Xiao Jue often accused her of flattery, He Yan had unknowingly become able to speak flattering words without blushing or losing her breath.

"Commander, do you still stand by what you said earlier?"

"What did I say?""Even if my identity is exposed and everyone knows I'm a woman, you can still protect me?"

Xiao Jue scoffed, "No need to worry. No matter how far the Chu family's reach extends, it can't penetrate deep into my Southern Garrison Troops. However," his beautiful eyes fixed on He Yan, he added indifferently, "Why should I go through so much trouble and take so many risks for someone as troublesome as Miss He?"

"Because we have the special bond of having looked at the map together," He Yan replied with composure.

Xiao Jue's calm expression suddenly cracked: "...What did you say?"

"Don't worry," He Yan raised a finger to her lips in a silencing gesture, "I will absolutely not tell anyone that the Commander looked at the map with me on his very first day in Jiyang."

...

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Cui residence. As soon as He Yan and Xiao Jue entered and before they reached the courtyard, they saw Lin Shuanghe hurrying toward them. Spotting the two, Lin Shuanghe snapped his fan shut: "You're finally back. Do you know..."

"Chu Fourth Young Master has come to Jiyang," He Yan said before he could finish.

"You already know?" Lin Shuanghe was taken aback. "He arrived just before you. I heard it was arranged by Princess Meng Ji, and he's now staying at the Cui residence. What's going on?" He glanced around to ensure no one was nearby and whispered, "Could there be some conspiracy? And you, Sister He," Lin Shuanghe said with a headache, "You can't let Chu Zilan see you like this. What if your identity is exposed?"

"We've already met at the Prince's residence just now," He Yan reassured him. "Chu Fourth Young Master has also promised us that he won't reveal this matter to others for now. Brother Lin can rest easy for the moment."

"You've already met?" Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue, then at He Yan, gradually understanding. He asked, "Was the person Princess Meng Ji summoned you to the Prince's residence to meet none other than Chu Zilan?"

He Yan nodded.

"What is Chu Zilan doing in Jiyang?" Lin Shuanghe wondered. "A young master from Shuojing wouldn't travel this far just for sightseeing. Why does he arrive right after you get to Jiyang? What a coincidence."

Unaware of the matter concerning the Wutuo People, He Yan said, "It's a long story. Where's my master?"

"Master Liu has also just returned," Lin Shuanghe replied. "Why?"

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. "When we rescued the Little Princess earlier, my master mentioned that he came to Jiyang City to investigate a group of Wutuo People. Since the information brought by Chu Fourth Young Master is related to the Wutuo People, why not invite my master as well? By comparing our various pieces of information, we might uncover something new." She paused, worried that Xiao Jue might not trust Liu Buwang, and added, "My master is definitely not a bad person. You can trust him, Commander."

Xiao Jue gave a slight nod. "Invite Master Liu, and let's discuss this together inside."

...

In the courtyard, servants were moving items unloaded from the carriage into the room one by one—from clothing to food, even bedding and incense—everything was provided. All these things had been prepared for Chu Zhao by Miss Xu before his departure for Jiyang. Such thoughtful and caring preparations would have moved and comforted anyone else immensely. Yet, sitting in the room, watching the empty spaces on the small table gradually fill up, Chu Zhao's expression remained unreadable.

Ying Xiang approached.Due to the terrain and rivers of Jiyang, the women there tend to have deep, striking features, leaning toward a captivating beauty. Even so, Ying Xiang still stood out as the most eye-catching among them. She carried a tea tray to Chu Zhao’s side, set down the teapot, poured him a cup of tea, and said softly, "Young master, the room has been tidied up."

Chu Zhao nodded and looked toward the courtyard outside.

The room arranged by Cui Yuezhi was not far from Commander Xiao’s quarters.

"Commander Xiao has just returned to the residence," Ying Xiang said. "He entered the room with that swordsman in white and Young Master Lin. They must be talking together."

As for what was said, there was no doubt it must have been related to him.

However, he wouldn't take such a matter to heart.

Chu Zhao took a sip of tea and asked, "Any news of Chai Anxi's whereabouts?"

(End of Chapter)