Legend of the Female General

Chapter 165: Not Allowed to Go

The sky gradually darkened.

The medicinal brews prepared for the drillmasters had all been taken and consumed by them. Since Lin Shuanghe arrived at Liangzhou Guard, Xiao Jue’s decoctions had been handled by Lin Shuanghe, leaving Shen Muxue without even a conversational opening. Standing there, Shen Muxue watched as Xiao Jue focused intently on the daily training drills of the Southern Garrison Troops, showing no intention of speaking with her. As time passed, an awkwardness naturally settled in.

After all, she was the delicate and noble young lady of the Censor’s household, her deeply ingrained pride formidable. She could abandon everything to share hardships with Xiao Jue, forsaking the life of a pampered official’s daughter to serve as a medical attendant in such a harsh and bitter land. Yet she could not bring herself to express her feelings to Xiao Jue as openly and directly as girls from ordinary families, or even servants and maids.

Shen Muxue had always hoped that as long as she stayed by Xiao Jue’s side, he would eventually recognize her virtues and take the initiative to tell her that they were the most perfectly matched pair in the world. This was her reserve, and she had always felt secure, for over the years, many stunning beauties had thrown themselves at Xiao Jue, yet he had never shown the slightest interest. Xiao Jue simply kept women at a distance.

But now, Shen Muxue was perplexed. Certain things gave her a foreboding sense: what if, before she could make Xiao Jue see her worth, he had already fallen in love with someone else?

Shen Muxue could not bear to imagine such a scene.

Picking up the empty bamboo basket, she turned to leave without bidding farewell to Xiao Jue. When Xiao Jue was drilling troops, he disliked being disturbed—over the years, she had come to understand his preferences thoroughly.

“Miss Shen,” someone called out to her.

Shen Muxue looked up to see a man in wide sleeves and a long robe smiling and pointing ahead. “If you keep walking with your head down like that, you’ll bump into the stone up ahead.”

Not far away stood a massive boulder. The new recruits of Liangzhou Guard often liked to sharpen their blades or hack at it recklessly, leaving its surface pitted with scars and carved with all sorts of crude insults. Distracted, she had failed to notice such a large stone. Had Chu Zhao not warned her, she would have walked straight into it.

Shen Muxue halted and gave a slight bow to Chu Zhao. “Chu Fourth Young Master.”

She knew that Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao held opposing stances, as Chu Zhao was, after all, Xu Xiang’s prized disciple. Yet Chu Zhao was handsome and gentle in temperament, making it difficult for ordinary women to harbor ill feelings toward him. Shen Muxue was no exception; whenever they met, she never neglected proper etiquette.

“Miss Shen seems preoccupied,” Chu Zhao said with a faint smile. “Could it be that you are troubled over Commander Xiao?”

Shen Muxue was startled, momentarily flustered by the sense that her innermost thoughts had been exposed. However, she quickly composed herself and replied softly, “Not at all. I was merely pondering the medical principles from the texts I read today. Chu Fourth Young Master is overthinking.”

Chu Zhao nodded and was about to continue on his way. As they passed each other, Shen Muxue felt a sudden impulse and asked, “Chu Fourth Young Master seems to be on good terms with a recruit named He Yan in Liangzhou Guard?”

Shen Muxue had seen Chu Zhao speaking with He Yan on several occasions. Although Chu Zhao was usually approachable and never put on airs as an official’s son, he was by no means an enthusiastic or talkative person. At Liangzhou Guard, aside from conversing with that excessively beautiful maidservant, he had little interaction with others. Yet with He Yan, his demeanor was notably warm and friendly."Brother He?" Chu Zhao paused, "Brother He is my good friend from Liangzhou Guard. Does Miss Shen have something to find him for?"

His straightforward acknowledgment left Shen Muxue momentarily at a loss for what to ask next. After a moment, she looked at Chu Zhao and said, "When the Wutuo People attacked Jiyang, I heard that Chu Fourth Young Master was also there, staying at the residence of the Central Cavalry Officer along with the Commander and the others. Since Chu Fourth Young Master is also a close friend of He Yan, you must know quite a bit about him."

Chu Zhao listened quietly as she spoke.

Shen Muxue hesitated before asking, "How is the relationship between the Commander and He Yan? Do they get along well?"

"Miss Shen, your question is somewhat odd," Chu Zhao's gaze swept over the woman before him. Shen Muxue nervously twisted the hem of her skirt. Chu Zhao smiled, "Brother He is highly skilled and straightforward in temperament, earning Commander Xiao's trust. Miss Shen should know better than anyone that Commander Xiao is by no means an easy person to approach. However, Brother He is no ordinary man; he seems to have effortlessly opened Commander Xiao's heart."

"Rather than being master and subordinate, I believe the relationship between Commander Xiao and Brother He is more like that of friends."

"Friends?" Shen Muxue's voice sharpened slightly for an instant. She frowned, "The Right Army Commander and a new recruit—their statuses are so different. How could they be friends?"

Chu Zhao laughed, "Miss Shen, you are mistaken. Making friends should always follow the heart and nature. Age, status, and position are unimportant. How can there be distinctions of high and low, noble and humble among friends? Commander Xiao has always treated Brother He very well. In Jiyang, the two of them shared a room and ate at the same table. Commander Xiao even arranged clothing and attire for Brother He. To call them merely superior and subordinate would be far too forced."

Shen Muxue listened, her heart secretly trembling.

Xiao Jue was fastidious and solitary. Sharing a meal at the same table was already his limit. Sharing a room? She could hardly imagine it. And arranging attire for He Yan—when had he ever cared about such trivial details for others?

Chu Zhao stared into Shen Muxue's eyes, "What is Miss Shen worried about?"

Meeting his thoughtful gaze, Shen Muxue couldn't help but take a step back, instinctively shaking her head in denial, "Nothing."

"Miss Shen, as a woman, you traveled all the way from Shuojing to Liang Province. You must be determined, brave, and forthright. Why do you falter in this matter?"

Shen Muxue pressed her lips together and remained silent.

"What Miss Shen fears, I can guess a little. Brother He is my friend, so I cannot say too much. However, I also admire Miss Shen's sincerity. So... if Miss Shen truly cannot let go, why not seek the truth yourself? Sometimes," he said calmly, "one should trust their intuition. Especially... a woman."

Shen Muxue looked up. The man before her still wore a gentle smile, his gaze warm and concerned, yet it made her feel an involuntary chill spreading over her body.

"I... don't understand what Chu Fourth Young Master means," she frowned, tightened her grip on the basket in her hand, and quickly walked past Chu Zhao. "I must return to prepare the medicinal herbs. Farewell, Chu Fourth Young Master."

Shen Muxue hurried away, her retreating figure looking rather flustered. Chu Zhao watched her back, the smile on his face fading slightly. After a moment, he murmured to himself, "This is getting more and more interesting."

"Shen Muxue," he whispered, "Xiao Huaijin, which one will you choose?"

...The daily training for the new recruits on the Martial Arts Field had ended.

As Lin Shuanghe passed by the Martial Arts Field, he happened to see Xiao Jue dismissing the Southern Garrison Troops. He went over to greet him, intending to return together for a meal.

"Huai Jin, haven't you been pushing my Sister He too hard in training these past few days? I haven't seen her in a long time. I must remind you, she still has injuries. Though not too serious, girls aren't like men—they need more rest. You should be more considerate."

Xiao Jue replied coldly, "Mind your own business."

"How can this be called meddling? Sister He is my friend, and yours too. Friends should help each other."

"Worry about yourself first."

Lin Shuanghe fanned himself with his folding fan, keenly sensing that Xiao Jue was in a rather bad mood today. Although this man rarely showed his emotions, whether good or bad, on his face... after all, they had been friends for many years, and some subtle hints could still be detected.

Just as he was about to ask, he looked up and saw someone else walking ahead in the distance. Within Liangzhou Guard, aside from new recruits and instructors, those not wearing the standard uniform always stood out. Lin Shuanghe called out, "Chu Fourth Young Master?"

Chu Zhao turned around and, seeing Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe, nodded. "Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin."

"It's so late, what brings Chu Fourth Young Master here?" Lin Shuanghe asked.

"I just took a walk by the Five Deer River and am heading back now."

The weather was gradually warming, carrying the heat of early summer. The Five Deer River had lost its wintry chill and was now cool and pleasant. A walk by the river at night was indeed comfortable.

Xiao Jue remained frosty and couldn't be bothered to acknowledge Chu Zhao. Lin Shuanghe, however, was naturally sociable and couldn't bear to let the atmosphere become so stiff. Yet, he and Chu Zhao had never interacted much, so he had to make small talk. He asked Chu Zhao, "What is that tied to your waist, Chu Fourth Young Master?"

Chu Zhao followed his gaze and smiled. "It's just a stone."

Lin Shuanghe was somewhat curious. As the Fourth Young Master of the Chu family and Xu Jingfu's prized disciple, Chu Zhao's attire, while not overly extravagant, was still refined. Lin Shuanghe had assumed the item at his waist was a piece of jade, never expecting it to be a stone. Was the Chu family on the verge of collapse? So destitute?

As if noticing Lin Shuanghe's surprise, Chu Zhao smiled, untied the stone from his waist, and handed it to him.

Lin Shuanghe took a look. It was a flat, ordinary stone, naturally shaped like a horse, with traces of carving at the tail. The head and body of the horse had also been chiseled. If it were made of jade, it might have been considered interesting and lively, but as a stone, it more resembled a toy for children, with nothing particularly remarkable about it.

It truly was just a stone.

"Why would Chu Fourth Young Master think to carry a stone on his person?" Lin Shuanghe handed the stone back to him, clearing his throat twice. "This stone hardly matches your status."

"The sentiment of a friend makes even a stone priceless," Chu Zhao replied earnestly.Upon hearing these words, Lin Shuanghe immediately felt a mischievous urge and smiled as he looked at Chu Zhao. "Does Fourth Young Master Chu mean this was a gift from a sweetheart?" His impression of Chu Zhao had greatly changed, knowing that Chu Zhao was someone Xu Pingting had her eye on. No matter how capable Chu Zhao was, he wouldn't dare openly defy Xu Xiang, who doted on his precious daughter above all else. Xu Pingting, with her lofty standards, would certainly not give Chu Zhao a mere stone. The girl who could give such a gift was likely from an ordinary family. Yet Chu Zhao dared to openly wear something given by a woman other than Xu Pingting, unafraid of being discovered by the Xu father and daughter, which would surely bring him trouble.

How could one not admire such boldness?

Chu Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head with a smile. "It’s not from a sweetheart. It’s from Brother He."

At these words, the surroundings fell silent.

Xiao Jue’s gaze settled on Chu Zhao’s face, while Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but ask eagerly, "You said it was given by Brother... He?"

"Sort of," Chu Zhao replied. "The stone was originally carved and completed by her."

Lin Shuanghe was utterly shocked.

Despite all precautions, He Yan had still fallen into it! Even giving a stone as a gift—such an act clearly showed deep affection. But it wasn’t entirely her fault. At an age when feelings first blossom, who could resist the gentle and charming advances of a handsome young master?

If it were anyone else, it might not matter, but Lin Shuanghe believed Chu Zilan was far from a suitable match. Not to mention the messy affairs in Chu Linfeng’s household, just dealing with Xu Pingting alone would be difficult. He Yan, after all, had no notable background or connections. If Xu Pingting wanted to find a reason to target He Yan, it would be as easy as turning over her hand. If Chu Zhao truly cared for He Yan, the best course of action would be to keep his distance respectfully. Yet by being so open and unguarded, wasn’t he making He Yan a living target, waiting for Xu Pingting to come and cause trouble?

Moreover, Chu Zhao knew He Yan’s true identity as a woman.

For a moment, even the usually "friendly" Lin Shuanghe regarded Chu Zhao with a hint of hostility.

Chu Zhao, perceptive as ever, noticed the sudden hostility in Lin Shuanghe’s eyes but remained unfazed. He then turned to look at Xiao Jue. The young master’s dark blue brocade robe took on a cool, desolate hue under the night sky. His figure was tall and upright, his eyes dark and unfathomable as he gazed calmly at Chu Zhao.

There seemed to be a sharp edge to his gaze.

With a smile, Chu Zhao cupped his hands in a salute. "My room is just ahead, so I won’t disturb Commander Xiao and Young Master Lin any further. Until tomorrow." With that, he turned and walked in another direction.

"This Chu Zilan seems rather unwelcoming," Lin Shuanghe murmured, watching his retreating figure.

It seemed he was targeting He Yan.

...

The lamp in the room was lit once more.

Xiao Jue changed out of his clothes and sat down at the table. During the day, he had observed the training of new recruits at the Martial Arts Field, and at night, he still had to review military reports sent from the capital.

Lin Shuanghe sat nearby, watching him. After a while, he went out and quickly returned, carrying a plate of dried fruit, which he quietly placed on Xiao Jue’s table.

Xiao Jue glanced at him.

"The kitchen happened to make some today. Since you like them, have a bit more."

Xiao Jue frowned. "What is this?"

"Plums!" Lin Shuanghe slapped his thigh, speaking earnestly. "Don’t you like sour things? These are freshly picked and unprocessed—as sour as they come."

After a moment of silence, Xiao Jue said, "Take it away."Lin Shuanghe straightened up, fanning himself as he said, "I'm not leaving. Xiao Huaijin, even Chu Zilan has said so much—how can you still sit still? If you don’t act soon, He Yan will be taken away by Chu Zilan sooner or later."

The young man replied indifferently, "It has nothing to do with me."

"You, me, and He Yan—we’ve faced life and death together in Jiyang City. Even if there’s no affection, there’s still loyalty. What kind of person Chu Zilan is, both of us know very well. As fellow men, what he wants is obvious even to a fool. Chu Zilan can’t break free from Xu Pingting, yet he wants He Yan to pine for him. You don’t know, but back when I was in Jiyang, He Yan was so lovesick over Chu Zilan that she told me she didn’t plan to marry in this lifetime. Tell me, what kind of sin has this man committed?"

Xiao Jue lowered his eyes, a flicker of emotion passing through them, but he didn’t stop Lin Shuanghe from continuing.

"He doesn’t have the ability to marry her, yet he insists on provoking her. I think this man lacks integrity," Lin Shuanghe said. "He Yan may be a bit naive, but she’s skilled, loyal, and quite good-looking. Apart from her ordinary family background, how is she inferior to anyone else? Such a fine girl shouldn’t be ruined by Chu Zilan. In Liangzhou Guard, aside from me, you’re the only one who can match Chu Zilan. Go and win He Yan’s heart back, and we can plan from there."

Xiao Jue sneered, "What kind of person do you take me for?"

"I know this is unfair to you," Lin Shuanghe patted his friend’s shoulder. "But think about it—if Chu Zilan continues to act so recklessly, trouble is bound to happen sooner or later. Can you say for sure there aren’t people arranged by Xu Pingting around him? Once word gets back, He Yan will be in big trouble. I can’t stand by and do nothing, and neither can you. After all, you two pretended to be husband and wife once. A day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection—how can you be so heartless?"

This was getting more and more outrageous. Xiao Jue said, "If you keep spouting nonsense, I’ll have someone send you back to Shuojing tomorrow."

Lin Shuanghe choked back his words, sighed, and said, "I’ve said all I needed to say. If you won’t act, I will. I can’t just stand by and let He Yan be bullied by Xu Pingting for nothing."

With that, he turned and left.

The room fell silent once more. Xiao Jue’s gaze fell on the plate of unripe plums on the table, and a wave of irritation suddenly washed over him. The brush in his hand snapped in two.

The next moment, a rustling sound came from the middle door, followed by the click of the lock opening. Even though the door was already open, the person outside still pretended to knock politely: "Commander, may I come in?"

Xiao Jue: "..."

"If you don’t say anything, I’ll take it as a yes," the person said very naturally, pushing the door open. As soon as she entered, she met Xiao Jue’s icy gaze.

"Ahem," He Yan straightened up. "Commander, you’re in the room? Why didn’t you say anything? I thought you weren’t here."

Xiao Jue: "What do you want?"

"I came to ask you," He Yan said seriously, "During tomorrow’s training, should I follow today’s routine or stick to the previous one?"

Even though she had offended Xiao Jue and made him angry today, he was still her superior. He Yan had to swallow her pride and come ask politely.

"If your stamina allows, you can increase it fivefold."Why does it sound like his anger hasn't subsided, but is actually growing stronger? He Yan pondered, feeling it would be wiser not to provoke Xiao Jue today, so she nodded, "I understand. Then, Commander, rest early. I have matters to attend to and won't disturb you any longer." With that, she prepared to leave.

"You're very busy?" Xiao Jue scoffed, "What matters?"

"Chu Fourth Young Master asked me to go see him tonight, saying he has something very important to tell me," He Yan replied. "It should be about time."

She spoke with unease. In truth, He Yan had no idea what Chu Zhao wanted with her. When Ying Xiang came to deliver the message, she had been solemn and earnest, making it impossible to take the matter lightly.

Xiao Jue lifted his gaze to look at her.

Under the lamplight, the young commander's face was breathtakingly handsome. His inner robe hung loosely, his skin as smooth as jade, yet his eyes were like a frozen pond that had endured three winters—sharp and intimidating enough to make one shrink back.

His voice, however, remained calm, carrying a trace of barely perceptible anger.

"You are not allowed to go."

(End of Chapter)