Legend of the Female General

Chapter 147: Zi Lan

“Any news on Chai Anxi’s whereabouts?”

Ying Xiang shook her head. “This servant has learned that Princess Meng Ji is currently sending people everywhere to search for Chai Anxi.”

Chu Zhao smiled indifferently. “Xiao Huaijin came to Jiyang for no other reason than to find someone.” After a pause, he asked the woman beside him, “And who is Liu Buwang?”

“I’ve never heard of this person before. On the surface, he is Commander Xiao’s martial arts master.”

“Xiao Huaijin doesn’t have a martial arts master.”

Ying Xiang nodded. “But they seem to trust and value this Master Liu greatly.”

Chu Zhao set down his teacup. “None of that matters. What’s most important is to find Chai Anxi before Xiao Huaijin does.”

“This servant understands.” After a moment, Ying Xiang hesitantly spoke again, “But how does the Young Master plan to treat Miss He?” Although she had already learned from Chu Zhao’s own words that He Yan was a woman and had mentally prepared herself, it wasn’t until she truly saw He Yan’s feminine form through the window that it felt real. It was incredibly difficult to connect the delicate, frail young girl before her eyes with the dashing, sharp youth from her memories.

“Don’t you think it’s intriguing that Xiao Huaijin has a woman by his side?” Chu Zhao smiled faintly. “I’m very curious to know just how much trust this woman has earned from him.”

Ying Xiang lowered her eyes and fell silent. Only the steam rising from the tea in the cup drifted into the air, vanishing without a trace.

…

On the other side, the people in the room were each seated.

“This is the military defense map of the Wutuo People.” He Yan handed the scroll to Liu Buwang.

“The Fourth Young Master from the Shi Jinbo residence brought news that the Wutuo People will attack Jiyang soon, but we don’t know yet if it’s true or false. Master, please take a look at this map and see if there are any issues.”

Liu Buwang examined it for a moment before setting the scroll down. “I don’t know if this map is genuine or not, but if the Wutuo People truly intend to attack Jiyang, they would indeed start from the canal, just as depicted here.”

After all, the most important feature of Jiyang City was this canal. Severing the canal would mean cutting off the city’s lifeline.

“Master Liu mentioned earlier that you came to Jiyang while investigating the Wutuo People,” Xiao Jue said, turning to Liu Buwang. “Could you elaborate on the reason?”

Liu Buwang thought for a moment before replying, “Every year around the time of the Water God Festival, I return to Jiyang to visit. This year, before I even reached Jiyang, I encountered a massacre outside the city. Someone had slaughtered an entire village of commoners overnight, then disguised themselves in the villagers’ clothes to enter the city under false identities. A child who managed to escape told me about it. At first, I thought it was a case of revenge or robbery, but during my investigation, I discovered that the perpetrators were not from Great Wei. These Wutuo People disguised themselves as commoners to infiltrate the city, and this wasn’t a recent development. What I uncovered is likely only a small part—it’s probable that many villagers outside the city had already fallen victim before this, and there are likely many disguised Wutuo People within Jiyang City.”

“Master, are you saying many Wutuo People have already entered?” He Yan asked.

Liu Buwang nodded. “Yes, they’ve been planning this for a long time. They were waiting for the Water God Festival to cause chaos, which is why they kidnapped the Little Princess. However, their plans were disrupted by you, so they will likely act again soon.”

“Master Liu, are you saying Jiyang City will soon be at war?” Lin Shuanghe asked nervously. “Doesn’t that make this place very unsafe?”"No need to worry," He Yan reassured him. "Princess Meng Ji mentioned to us that she would evacuate the citizens from the city in the coming days to a safer place. Brother Lin can follow along with the people of Jiyang City. Nothing will happen."

Lin Shuanghe felt somewhat relieved but immediately put on a righteous and solemn expression. "What do you mean, follow the city's people? Am I the kind of person who fears death and clings to life? Naturally, I will advance and retreat with my brothers, sharing life and death. Don't try to persuade me—I must stay with you all, and I will never live alone."

He Yan fell silent for a moment before turning to Liu Buwang. "Master, Princess Meng Ji has handed over the city gate troops to the commander. Would you like to take a look as well?"

"Ah Yan, have you forgotten?" Liu Buwang said helplessly. "I only know how to set up formations; I don't know how to wage war."

That was true. Liu Buwang was skilled in the art of deception, archery, horsemanship, and weaponry, but all were individual skills. Back then, when he taught her the art of deception, He Yan had to study and apply it to military formations on her own, gradually developing her own methods.

"You don't know how to wage war?" Lin Shuanghe was astonished. "But my sister He memorizes military texts so well. I thought it was a case of a master producing a brilliant disciple. How is it that my sister He is self-taught?"

He Yan laughed awkwardly. "Perhaps it's exceptional talent, or maybe I was a female general in my past life, so I grasp things instantly!"

Xiao Jue scoffed but said nothing.

"In the coming days, I will continue to track down those Wutuo People," Liu Buwang said. "If we find their leader, it might resolve many issues. As for Jiyang's city gate troops, I leave them to Commander Xiao." Liu Buwang looked at Xiao Jue, now aware of his identity. "The city gate troops are not large in number. Commander Xiao, please take extra care. The people of Jiyang are entrusted to your protection."

He seemed to hold deep affection for Jiyang. Xiao Jue nodded.

The group continued discussing matters related to the Wutuo People. Starting tomorrow, Xiao Jue would train Jiyang's city gate troops. The time was short, making it no easy task for him. Liu Buwang would continue pursuing the whereabouts of the Wutuo People. As for Lin Shuanghe, no one expected much from him; it was best for him to stay quietly at the Cui residence and await orders. He Yan, however, found herself in the most awkward position. She wanted to follow Xiao Jue to observe the city gate troops, but Mu Hongjin had not permitted her to go, leaving her uncertain whether any issues might arise. She decided to make another copy of the military defense map, planning to study it overnight to see if she could devise new formations based on Jiyang's terrain. If the map was genuine, it would make the task easier. If it was fake, she could identify its flaws and avoid being deceived.

After finishing their discussion, the group prepared to disperse. As soon as they opened the door, they saw a beautiful maidservant standing under a tree in the courtyard outside. It was Ying Xiang, Chu Zhao's personal attendant. It was unclear how long she had been waiting there. Seeing everyone emerge, she stepped forward and bowed to He Yan. "Miss He."

He Yan returned the courtesy.

"The young master has something he wishes to say to Miss He," Ying Xiang said with a smile. "He is waiting in the front hall. Does Miss He have time?"He Yan turned to look. Lin Shuanghe was subtly shaking his head at her, signaling her not to go, while Xiao Jue appeared calm, his thoughts unreadable. Seeing this, Ying Xiang smiled and said, "The young master mentioned that there might have been some misunderstandings with Miss He before and wishes to personally clarify them with her. Last time at Liangzhou Guard, he left without saying goodbye, which was quite impolite. He hopes Miss He will not take offense and considers today an apology."

The trivial matter of leaving without a word was something He Yan hadn’t dwelled on. With so many affairs at Liangzhou Guard, there was no time to fuss over such minor details. Yet the young master of the prestigious Shi Jinbo’s household remembered it so clearly and spoke so politely. If she continued to act aloof, it would seem ungrateful. Moreover... He Yan genuinely wanted to know what identity and stance Chu Zhao now held in coming to Liangzhou Guard, and whether his claim of dealing with the Wutuo People was genuine or had ulterior motives.

With this in mind, she readily replied, "Alright."

Lin Shuanghe’s expression changed drastically. "He Sister!"

"Thank you for your generosity, young master," Ying Xiang said, overjoyed.

"Commander, I’ll go see what he wants," He Yan said to Xiao Jue. "Don’t wait for me for dinner tonight." She then bid farewell to Liu Buwang. "Master, I’ll take my leave."

Lin Shuanghe wanted to dissuade her further, but He Yan had already followed Ying Xiang away. Liu Buwang, having matters to attend to, gave a slight bow to Xiao Jue and the others before departing as well.

After they left, Lin Shuanghe asked Xiao Jue, "You just let her go like that?"

"Why not?"

"That’s Chu Zilan! Didn’t He Sister once like him so much she was heartbroken, watching the moon alone after being stood up? That irresponsible scoundrel is now coming back for my He Sister. Just watch—he’ll surely use his gentle tactics again to win over her heart!"

"Isn’t that good?" Xiao Jue turned, lazily mocking, "The liar finally gets what he wants."

"Aren’t you worried?" Lin Shuanghe fanned himself as he followed closely. "What if Chu Zilan, seeing how stunning my He Sister looks in her red attire, loses control and does something beastly to her?"

Xiao Jue entered the room, poured himself a cup of tea, and said nonchalantly, "Do you have some misunderstanding about Chu Zilan’s taste? Does that liar’s red attire even deserve to be called stunning?"

"How is it not stunning?" Lin Shuanghe protested indignantly. "Xiao Huaijin, you can’t compare everyone’s looks to your own face."

Xiao Jue ignored him, adding, "Besides, Chu Zilan doing something to her?" A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. "That girl could twist Chu Zilan’s head off with her bare hands. Instead of worrying about her virtue, you should worry about Chu Zilan."

Lin Shuanghe: "..."

...

He Yan met Chu Zilan in the front hall.

Seeing her arrive, Chu Zilan stood up with a smile and said, "Miss He."

"Chu Fourth Young Master," He Yan returned the greeting.

The sky had already darkened, and the night in Jiyang City was bustling and lively. Chu Zhao glanced outside and said, "Shall we take a walk?"

He Yan wasn’t sure what he was up to, but with so many people in the Cui residence, it wasn’t convenient to talk there. She replied, "Alright."

The two of them walked toward the entrance of the residence.The spring night in Jiyang was inherently warm and pleasant. Along both banks of the river, vendors carried lanterns and hawked their wares along the streets, while pavilions and towers stood in staggered harmony, creating a picturesque and winding landscape. It truly embodied the saying, "In the villages and alleyways, the sounds of strings and songs blend together, with feasts and gatherings continuing day and night."

Yet beneath such a seemingly gentle and prosperous night, who knew how many hidden dangers lurked? Behind the smiling faces of the bustling vendors, how many Wutuo People harbored ill intentions? With this thought, even the liveliest and most interesting scenes felt dull and unappealing. He Yan couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

"Is Miss He angry with me?" Chu Zhao beside her spoke softly.

"How could that be?" she replied, somewhat surprised.

"Then why have you been frowning and looking troubled ever since we stepped out together?"

He Yan chuckled. "No, it’s just that I’ve been thinking about the Wutuo People and feeling a bit worried."

After a moment of silence, Chu Zhao said, "Miss He need not worry. Her Highness the Princess will arrange everything properly. Besides, there’s also Commander Xiao, isn’t there?"

He was quite generous with his praise for Xiao Jue. He Yan, wanting to probe further, asked, "I had thought that Chu Fourth Young Master and our Commander didn’t quite get along."

"Commander Xiao has some misunderstandings about me," Chu Zhao smiled. "However, his stance and mine differ slightly. We each serve our own masters, that’s all."

He admitted it just like that? He Yan was taken aback.

"But when it comes to the Wutuo People, Commander Xiao and I share the same stance. Miss He need not worry," Chu Zhao continued. "I am a citizen of Great Wei, and naturally, I do not wish to see our land invaded by foreigners."

He Yan nodded. "That goes without saying. When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken. We should unite against external threats."

"With my words, does Miss He feel more at ease?" he asked.

He Yan replied, "Why do you say 'at ease'?"

"I will not harm Commander Xiao, and Miss He need not be so guarded against me on his account."

He Yan forced a dry laugh. "Chu Fourth Young Master is overthinking it. I am not guarding against you."

"Is that so?" Chu Zhao smiled somewhat sadly. "But ever since we met this time, you no longer call me 'Brother Chu.' Calling me Chu Fourth Young Master sounds as if you’re deliberately drawing a line between us."

Was that how it seemed? He Yan said, "That’s not the case. If you find it unpleasant, I can call you Brother Chu again."

"Then may I call you A-He?"

He Yan was momentarily stunned.

The young man smiled with exceptional gentleness, like a subtle and harmless orchid blooming in the night. In the spring evening of Jiyang, his robes carried a faint fragrance, and his features were refined and handsome. Passersby couldn’t help but glance his way—he truly drew attention. Faced with someone so good-looking and amiable, it was difficult to speak harshly. He Yan hesitated for a moment before saying, "If you wish to call me that, then do so."

A flicker of amusement passed through Chu Zhao’s eyes as he continued walking along the riverbank with He Yan. "I haven’t yet apologized to A-He for what happened before. That day, I had promised to go drinking with you at White Moon Mountain, but something came up unexpectedly, and I couldn’t make it. The next day, I left early and didn’t even have time to bid you farewell. Later, when I recalled this in Shuojing, I always felt deeply regretful.""This small matter, Brother Chu, you need not take it to heart," He Yan said. "Besides, you didn't do it on purpose, and I'm not angry because of it." If not for Chu Zhao, she wouldn't have gone to the foot of White Moon Mountain that night, wouldn't have waited for Xiao Jue, and wouldn't have known that the person who saved her from the darkness on the mountaintop behind Jade Splendor Temple all those years ago was Xiao Jue.

Perhaps this was what they called a blessing in disguise?

"A-He not holding it against me shows her magnanimity," Chu Zhao smiled gently. "But I cannot pretend it never happened; I must make amends to A-He." He looked ahead. "Let me give A-He something."

He Yan was taken aback. "What is it?"

Chu Zhao extended his hand, revealing a small tassel lying in his palm. Adorning the tassel was an exquisitely crafted pomegranate flower, carved from red jade, with red silk fringe hanging below. Though small, it was exceptionally delicate.

"Today at the entrance of the prince's residence, I noticed A-He wearing a long whip at her waist," Chu Zhao said, looking at her warmly. "I once happened to acquire a floral tassel, but I don't practice martial arts, nor do I carry any weapons. Keeping it with me would be a waste. However, this floral tassel matches A-He's long whip perfectly. Would A-He like to try it and see if it looks better?"

He Yan instinctively wanted to refuse. "No merit, no reward, Brother Chu. Let's forget it. Besides, this doesn't look cheap." The red jade was small but as clear and radiant as rosy clouds. Who knew if it might be another "several hundred gold"? Accepting gifts made one indebted. If she kept taking things here and receiving "modest gifts" there, others might think she was truly here to freeload.

"A-He calls me 'Brother Chu,' meaning you regard me as a friend. Among friends, giving gifts is a common practice. Besides, A-He worries too much. This floral tassel isn't expensive; the jade is fake. A-He need not feel burdened. Keeping it with me serves no purpose. If A-He refuses, does it mean you look down on me, or deep down, you still see me as an enemy?"

Even words tinged with blame and grievance sounded gentle and composed when spoken by him. He Yan hesitated. "Is this pomegranate flower really made of fake jade?"

Chu Zhao smiled. "If A-He wants real jade, I might need to save up some silver."

Since it was fake jade, it wasn't particularly valuable, making it easier to accept. He Yan smiled. "Then thank you, Brother Chu." She reached down, untied the Purple Jade Whip from her waist, and fastened the floral tassel to its wooden handle. The dark, glossy whip instantly gained a touch of liveliness, looking even more attractive.

"It truly matches A-He's whip," Chu Zhao remarked with a smile.

"A gift calls for a gift in return. Since Brother Chu gave me this floral tassel, I should also give you something in return." He Yan still felt uneasy about accepting gifts without reciprocation, as if she were taking advantage of Chu Zhao. She said, "Today, whatever Brother Chu fancies in this night market, I can give it to you." With that, she slipped her hand into her sleeve, feeling her pitiful string of copper coins, then added with little confidence, "But I left in a hurry and didn't bring much silver, so Brother Chu... please choose carefully."

After all, she hadn't brought Lin Shuanghe along today, so she couldn't just buy anything on a whim.

Chu Zhao couldn't help but laugh, looking at her. "Alright."He Yan followed him as they walked. The night market in Jiyang was bustling, with vendors selling everything from food and snacks to cosmetics, old books and ancient texts to rusty weapons. The two of them, with their striking appearances, received warm greetings wherever they passed.

At the end of the road ahead, a crowd had gathered around a vendor. He Yan followed Chu Zhao forward to take a look and saw it was a Sugar Figure stall. The vendor was a young man dressed in clean blue cloth, sitting in front of a small stall. In front of him was a polished stone slab, and beside it, a large pot simmered with crystal-clear, bright red syrup. He scooped a ladleful of syrup from the pot and poured it onto the stone slab. His movements were swift, the ladle rising and falling in his hand like a paintbrush. The falling strands of syrup traced out intricate or exquisite patterns, quickly taking shape. Then, with a small spatula, he lifted the design from the slab and attached it to a bamboo stick.

"This is the Sugar Figure," He Yan said happily. "I didn’t expect Jiyang to have it too."

Back in Shuojing, there used to be temple fairs every year. Due to her delicate identity and fear of being exposed, she avoided crowded places whenever possible, so she had never attended a temple fair. She could only wait for her sisters to return from the fair and secretly listen to them describe the lively scenes and novel attractions. The "Sugar Figure" was one of them. In Shuojing, there was a master who made "Sugar Figures" exceptionally well. Every time He Yan heard them talk about it, she yearned to see it for herself. Once, unable to resist any longer, she secretly begged Lady He to bring one back for her. Perhaps out of pity for her longing, Lady He took pity on her and indeed brought one back from the temple fair. He Yan still remembered it was a bird pattern. She couldn’t bear to eat it and instead stuck the Sugar Figure in a pen holder. But the weather was hot, and within two days, it melted, leaving sticky syrup all over the table. She was scolded by Lady He.

At the time, she didn’t find it dirty, only regretful as she tried to scoop it up with her hands, thinking, "If only the Sugar Figure could have lasted a little longer."

She never expected to encounter the novelty she missed in her childhood here in Jiyang. And judging by the young man’s skill, it seemed comparable to that of the old master in Shuojing. He Yan pulled Chu Zhao forward, squeezing through the crowd. On a nearby straw bundle, many finished Sugar Figures were already stuck, depicting auspicious flowers, birds, phoenixes, and various animals, all vividly lifelike.

Chu Zhao glanced at He Yan and suddenly smiled, saying, "I really like this. If you want to give me something, how about a Sugar Figure?"

"You like this? That’s easy!" He Yan said grandly, waving a hand. "Young man, what’s the most expensive Sugar Figure you have?" Beside them, a sign clearly listed the price at two coins each. She had brought a handful of copper coins, which should be more than enough.

The young vendor smiled. "The most expensive is the Flower Basket, eight coins in total. Would the young lady like one?"

What was a Flower Basket? But choosing the most expensive was surely the right choice. He Yan asked Chu Zhao, "What do you think, Brother Chu?"

Chu Zhao held back a laugh. "That’s fine."

"Young man," He Yan counted out eight copper coins, "please make a Flower Basket, and make it beautiful."

The vendor replied, "No problem!"He scooped a ladle of syrup from the pot, first making a thin round base, then drizzling a circle of sugar lines over it. Slowly, he began drawing vertically. He Yan watched intently, her eyes fixed as the flower basket transformed from a flat base into something rich and lively. It gained a basket frame, then a handle. The vendor was quite generous, adding plenty of flowers to the handle. He Yan counted them—roses, daffodils, chrysanthemums, peach blossoms, lotus flowers... blooms from different seasons were all gathered into one basket, vibrant and dazzling.

As she watched the basket gradually fill up, He Yan suddenly had an idea and asked the vendor, "Young man, this flower basket is for a friend. Could you write my friend's name on it?"

"Of course!"

Chu Zhao paused, his smile fading slightly. "Ah He, there's no need for that..."

"Why not?" He Yan asked, puzzled. "Your name is so lovely—it would be a shame not to put it on the basket."

"Lovely...?"

"Yes," He Yan nodded. "Zhao means brightness, and Zi Lan means fragrant herb. The person who gave you this name must have loved you deeply, hoping you would possess noble character and a bright future, hence bestowing such an elegant courtesy name."

Chu Zhao was taken aback, but the girl had already turned away and said to the vendor, "Young man, please write the characters 'Zi Lan'."

(End of Chapter)