Legend of the Female General

Chapter 166: Official Appointment

“You are not allowed to go.”

He Yan froze.

A moment later, she asked, “Why?”

Xiao Jue looked at her, his lips curling slightly, his tone as mocking as ever. “Chu Zilan is Xu Jingfu’s man. He has ulterior motives for staying at Liangzhou Guard. If you get too close to a spy, are you also planning to pledge allegiance to Xu Jingfu?”

This accusation was a serious one. He Yan quickly denied it, “I’m not, I haven’t!”

Xiao Jue snorted coldly and ignored her.

“Commander Xiao, of course I know Chu Fourth Young Master’s identity is special,” He Yan said with utmost sincerity. “I promise, the things we discuss in private never involve any secrets about Liangzhou Guard. Besides, I don’t even know any secrets about Liangzhou Guard. If Chu Fourth Young Master truly intends to probe military affairs, I will avoid the topic.” In her past life, she had been particularly sensitive in this regard, so Xiao Jue really didn’t need to worry about it.

“Moreover,” He Yan added, “if he truly has ulterior motives at Liangzhou Guard, getting close to him like this might actually allow me to extract some information, which could be beneficial for us.”

Xiao Jue glanced at her. “You’re so foolish that you’ll likely be exposed before you can extract anything.”

He Yan: “...”

Perhaps Jiang Jiao was wrong. It wasn’t just women—men also had days each month when they were extremely irritable and found fault with everyone.

Since Xiao Jue wouldn’t let her go today no matter what, He Yan sighed inwardly and said, “Alright, Commander Xiao, I won’t go to see him. But I should at least inform the maid by Chu Fourth Young Master’s side. Otherwise, breaking the promise without any explanation wouldn’t be good.”

Ying Xiang had spoken with such seriousness when she came earlier—she hoped it wasn’t truly an urgent matter.

Xiao Jue’s expression remained calm. “No need. You won’t be interacting with him in the future anyway.”

He Yan: “...”

Xiao Jue was truly direct in his dealings.

...

Night deepened. Ying Xiang entered from outside, closed the door, and walked over to the man by the window, lowering her voice. “Fourth Young Master, the light in Miss He’s room has gone out. She must have retired for the night.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhao showed no anger, only shaking his head with a faint smile. “As expected.”

“It must be because Commander Xiao forbade it,” Ying Xiang said. “But to break the promise without even a word of explanation is truly...”

“It’s fine,” Chu Zhao turned to look at the thrush in the birdcage hanging by the window. In this harsh, cold land, it added a touch of color because of him, as if bringing back the bustling atmosphere of Shuojing. He played with the bird for a while before turning around and saying, “The more nervous Xiao Huaijin is, the more it proves one thing.”

“He Yan is very different to him.”

The lamplight on the table flickered gently, and his voice faded into the shadows along with it.

“She will become Xiao Huaijin’s weakness.”

...

The next day, He Yan went to the Martial Arts Field for daily training as usual. Xiao Jue was also present today. Given his unusually erratic mood over the past few days, He Yan didn’t dare slack off and trained with extra effort. Around noon, just as it was almost time for a break, Shen Han and a few others suddenly rushed over from the Liangzhou Guard recruits’ side, running up to Xiao Jue and saying, “Commander, Commander, someone has arrived from the capital!”

The voice was loud enough that the Southern Garrison Troops remained unmoved, but He Yan found it strange. Why would someone from the capital come to Liangzhou Guard out of the blue? Ever since they drove away the Wutuo People led by Rida Muzi, Liangzhou Guard had enjoyed peace for over half a year. For someone to come from the capital at this time—could something major have happened?Xiao Jue instructed Tian Lang to continue drilling the new recruits while he followed Shen Han toward the other side. After a while, Shen Han and Xiao Jue reappeared, trailed by a large group of people. At the forefront was a eunuch dressed in palace robes, holding a horsetail whisk and wearing a kindly smile. Xiao Jue signaled to Tian Lang, who immediately ordered the Southern Garrison Troops to halt their daily training.

The amiable-looking eunuch stepped forward and said with a smile, "Which one is He Yan?"

He Yan, hearing her name called, was taken aback. She stepped forward and bowed, "I am, sir."

The eunuch looked He Yan up and down, his gaze unsettling. This scene was not unfamiliar to He Yan—she had experienced it before. Her heart raced with sudden surprise. Could it be...?

In the next moment, the eunuch announced, "His Majesty has issued a decree. Young Master He, receive the imperial edict."

He Yan knelt respectfully as the man before her unrolled a bright yellow scroll and proclaimed in a drawn-out voice, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: He Yan of the Liangzhou Guard, loyal and courageous, skilled in battle, has repeatedly distinguished himself in the Wutuo campaign, greatly pleasing Our heart. He is hereby conferred the title of Wu Anlang, with ceremonial robes and regalia. Let this be proclaimed throughout the land. So it is decreed—"

He Yan was stunned. Wu Anlang?

Seeing her motionless, the eunuch reminded her, "Young Master He? Hurry and receive the edict to express your gratitude."

He Yan quickly stepped forward, kowtowed, and accepted the decree. Yet her mind was still filled with doubt. Why would the Emperor reward her at this critical moment? On the surface, it seemed to be for her contributions in the recent Wutuo and Jiyang campaigns involving the Liangzhou Guard. But how did the palace learn of this? Xiao Jue would not have spoken of it, and even if Mu Hongjin had reported the events truthfully, the Emperor would hardly have taken notice of such a minor figure—especially since she was not the main protagonist in these two battles.

Before her doubts could fully settle, the eunuch clasped his hands and congratulated her with a smile, "Congratulations, congratulations! Young Master He is so talented and accomplished at such a young age. Your future is bound to be limitless."

He Yan smiled and returned the courtesy, then glanced at Xiao Jue, who was frowning slightly, seemingly not entirely pleased with the situation. He Yan understood—this matter must have taken Xiao Jue by surprise as well.

The arrival of people from the capital was not solely for the purpose of rewarding her. The main focus was on rewarding Xiao Jue, the commanding general. Chests of rewards were carried into the Liangzhou Guard. The Southern Garrison Troops, disciplined and strict, dared not look sideways. The new recruits of the Liangzhou Guard, however, had never witnessed such a spectacle. They eagerly craned their necks on the Martial Arts Field, straining to hear what was happening.

When Xiao Jue followed the palace officials into the guard headquarters to speak, the new recruits of the Liangzhou Guard swarmed around He Yan, crowding her in the center and showering her with congratulations.

"Congratulations, Brother He! You got promoted so quickly!"

"Does this mean you won’t be staying with us in the Liangzhou Guard anymore? You’ll go to the capital! To the capital! Hey, does anyone know what rank Wu Anlang is? Is it higher than an instructor? If so, will the instructor have to call you 'big brother' from now on?"

"I always said Brother He was extraordinary. The first time I saw him, I knew he was no ordinary person. It was only a matter of time before he rose to prominence."

"Pah, stop with the hindsight!"

The crowd pressed in so tightly that He Yan couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Seeing the situation turning chaotic, Hong Shan pulled her out of the throng and they sprinted away. Only when they reached the riverside, where the crowd thinned and Xiao Mai and the others caught up, did He Yan finally find a moment to breathe."Brother He, congratulations," Hong Shan laughed heartily. "You've finally achieved your wish."

"You've already completed half the journey to making a name for yourself," Huang Xiong said, twisting the prayer beads around his neck. "That's quite fast."

"What kind of dog shit luck is this?" Wang Ba said, rather unwillingly. "What kind of bewitching potion did you feed the higher-ups?"

Jiang Jiao smiled. "This is something Brother He earned step by step himself. In a place like Jiyang, one misstep could cost your life. Since he risked everything, the rewards he's received now are well-deserved."

"But," Xiao Mai looked at He Yan, "why does Brother He seem not very happy?"

Everyone turned to He Yan. Back when they were competing for flags in Liangzhou Guard, He Yan had acted as if he couldn't wait to join the Nine Banners Battalion and make his mark. Now that he'd actually been appointed an official position, there was no trace of joy on his face—instead, there was even a hint of worry.

Shitou asked, "What's wrong?"

He Yan forced a smile. "It's nothing, I just... can't quite believe it."

"Hah," Wang Ba sneered. "This is like a beggar finding money—he's so happy he's gone mad. What's there to be unhappy about? So pretentious!"

He Yan didn't say anything. In fact, she wasn't exactly unhappy, just somewhat puzzled. Precisely because in her previous life as "He Rufei," she had earned her achievements step by step through her own efforts, she knew how difficult promotion was. Now, being inexplicably and suddenly appointed as an official was truly unreasonable. And, of all things, it was the position of Wu Anlang.

It was hard not to think too much about it.

Perhaps she should go ask Xiao Jue what exactly was going on behind the scenes.

...

After speaking with Hong Shan and the others, He Yan planned to go back and find Xiao Jue to clarify what had happened.

Before she reached her quarters, she saw Shen Muxue and Xiao Jue in the courtyard in front of the house. The two stood under a tree, with Shen Muxue saying something to Xiao Jue. After a while, Shen Muxue bent down and picked up a bolt of silk from a box on the ground. Among the rewards bestowed by the emperor were probably precious fabrics. Unfortunately, Xiao Jue had no family, and in Liangzhou Guard, Shen Muxue was the only woman, so these clothing materials naturally went to her.

Shen Muxue seemed very happy, holding the silk and thanking Xiao Jue. Ever since He Yan had met Shen Muxue, this girl had always been cold and distant, like an unapproachable fairy. But now, seeing her smiling so radiantly at Xiao Jue made He Yan's steps falter. Her legs felt as heavy as lead, making it difficult to take another step forward.

Hesitating, she decided to wait until the two had finished speaking before approaching. Unexpectedly, a voice sounded beside her ear: "Why aren't you going over?"

He Yan turned around to see Chu Zhao standing before her, looking at her with some confusion.

"It's not too urgent. It's fine to wait a bit before going over," He Yan replied evasively. "Brother Chu, why are you here?"

"I came looking for you," Chu Zhao said, glancing at the two under the tree and then at He Yan. "Since Brother He isn't in a hurry, why not attend to my matter first?"

He Yan thought for a moment and said, "Alright."

She turned and walked with Chu Zhao in the opposite direction from Xiao Jue, asking, "Brother Chu, is there something urgent you need from me?"

"It seems Brother He is truly very busy with daily training, so busy that you've forgotten the agreement we made last night and still haven't remembered it now."He Yan suddenly realized that she had actually remembered it earlier today, but once the imperial decree from the capital arrived, she had completely forgotten about Chu Zhao’s matter. Hearing this, she apologized, "I’m sorry, I accidentally fell asleep last night. I originally intended to come and apologize to you today, but..."

"Just a joke, don’t take it to heart," Chu Zhao smiled. "You received an official promotion today, of course you should be happy."

He Yan paused in her steps. "You already know?"

"I knew yesterday."

Seeing He Yan’s puzzled expression, Chu Zhao explained, "The messenger from the capital sent me a carrier pigeon message yesterday, saying they would arrive today. I came to find you last night precisely to discuss this matter. I thought that since you were suddenly being promoted, it would be better to give you a heads-up in advance so you wouldn’t be caught off guard. I didn’t expect you to be asleep. But seeing how calm you are even after the promotion, it seems I worried for nothing."

"You’re saying the messenger from the capital sent you a carrier pigeon message yesterday?" He Yan looked at him. "Why would they inform you?"

Even Xiao Jue probably hadn’t received the news in advance.

"Because," Chu Zhao met her gaze and smiled gently, "I was the one who petitioned His Majesty to promote you."

It was him?

Even though He Yan had considered many possibilities, she never expected this one. She could only ask, "Why did you do this, Brother Chu?"

Chu Zhao continued walking forward, speaking softly, "In Jiyang City, both of us witnessed firsthand the brutality of the Wutuo soldiers. By the canal, you gave me the fire- and water-resistant clothing, for which I am deeply grateful. War is cruel, yet you showed no fear. Your bravery and courage are evident to me. Moreover, I had also heard about your fierce battle with Rida Muzi before this. For Great Wei to have a hero like you is a blessing."

"I don’t know why Commander Xiao refused to promote you, but I thought, if I could help you ‘achieve merit and build a career,’ I would be more than willing to assist."

These words sounded perfectly reasonable, yet for some reason, He Yan still felt uneasy. After a moment of thought, she said, "But Brother Chu, your actions truly surprise me."

"You don’t seem particularly happy about the promotion?" he asked.

"I’m just a bit overwhelmed for the moment."

Chu Zhao looked at her, then after a pause, smiled. "I thought you would be very happy. After all, with this promotion, you are one step closer to Commander Xiao. Since you like him, you no longer have to worry about the difference in status."

He Yan nearly choked on her own saliva and stared at Chu Zhao in shock. "What did you say?"

"Doesn’t Brother He like Commander Xiao?" Chu Zhao smiled warmly, touching his nose. "Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so upset just now when you saw Physician Shen and Commander Xiao together."

"I wasn’t," He Yan instinctively denied.

Chu Zhao smiled without pressing further, yet he didn’t dismiss her words either. For a moment, He Yan felt deeply frustrated, wondering if she had missed many subtle details over time. How was it that everyone seemed to see it so clearly—Liu Buwang, Lin Shuanghe, and even Chu Zhao?

Had she been that obvious? She had always been restrained, polite, and careful.

Chu Zhao looked into the distance. "Actually, Commander Xiao might not be indifferent to you either. After all, given his temperament, he has shown you considerable care."

He Yan asked, "You think so?""If Brother He wishes to know Commander Xiao's true feelings, it's actually quite simple," Chu Zhao said with a smile. "I can help you test him."

"How would you test him?" He Yan was baffled.

The man before her suddenly leaned in. He Yan, who had been leaning against a tree, nearly threw a punch out of reflex as he drew close. His face stopped just inches from hers, his gaze smiling and particularly intoxicating. "It's simple. Brother He is a woman, so you may not understand a man's possessiveness. If I deliberately act very close to you, and if Commander Xiao truly cares for you, he will surely become very angry. If he remains indifferent... then you need not waste any more effort on him. So, it's a very straightforward method."

He Yan silently repeated his words in her mind before grasping his meaning. When it came to military strategy, she could recite the Thirty-Six Stratagems backward and forward, but this kind of emotional maneuvering was something she had never encountered before. She immediately asked, "...According to you, wouldn't this be taking advantage of you?"

Chu Zhao continued to look at her with a smile, his gaze unbearably gentle. "If it's for Brother He, being taken advantage of doesn't matter."

These words were truly touching.

However...

He Yan straightened up and took a step to the side, avoiding his approaching chest. "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Chu, but I don't wish to do this."

A flicker of surprise passed through Chu Zhao's eyes. "Why?"

"I think I understand what you mean. But when it comes to matters of the heart, how can we mix in schemes? Whether I confess my feelings openly or keep them hidden for a lifetime, I want to be honest and straightforward. If I have to exhaust myself with tests and guesses, wouldn't that be exhausting? Even if I gained such a relationship, it wouldn't be what I truly desire. Haven't you heard the saying, Brother Chu? Using lies to test lies only leads to more lies. In the end, I wouldn't know what was real and what was false."

He Yan didn't voice the rest of her thoughts: Xiao Jue disliked Chu Zhao intensely. Even if Xiao Jue didn't care for her, seeing her with Chu Zhao would still provoke his anger. If she misinterpreted that as jealousy, wouldn't she just be deluding herself?

Chu Zhao was momentarily stunned. "Aren't you curious, Brother He, about what place you hold in Commander Xiao's heart?"

"Not curious."

He Yan answered so briskly that Chu Zhao was left speechless for a moment.

"Chu Fourth Young Master, I never intended for him to know," He Yan said. "And I don't plan for him to know in the future either. So, I appreciate your kindness."

"You don't want to be with him?"

"Things in this world change in the blink of an eye. The word 'together,' Chu Fourth Young Master, can only be certain for a moment, not a lifetime. And all I can be certain of is my own heart."

Chu Zhao looked at He Yan, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. After a moment, he regained his earlier smile. "Since it's Brother He's wish, I won't presume to act on my own. However, my offer still stands. If one day you change your mind and wish to 'use' me, I won't refuse in the slightest."

He Yan also smiled, her tone particularly firm. "That day will never come."

...

As He Yan's figure gradually faded into the distance, Ying Xiang stepped out of the house and said softly, "Fourth Young Master."

Chu Zhao looked at his empty hands and clicked his tongue. "She actually refused.""Miss He doesn't intend to let Commander Xiao know her feelings," Ying Xiang sighed. "She doesn't want to put Commander Xiao in a difficult position."

Chu Zhao smiled faintly. "There are actually such foolish women in this world. They neither strive for what they want nor seek to stay together, clinging to feelings that are invisible and intangible, yet believing them to be the noblest thing in the world. Ridiculous."

This reminded him of Ye Runmei, who was the same. Women who sacrifice themselves for love are all equally foolish and deserving of contempt.

Ying Xiang lowered her gaze and remained silent. After a long while, she heard Chu Zhao say, "Let's go."

...

He Yan slowly made her way back.

She never expected that it was actually Chu Zhao who had petitioned Emperor Wenxuan to grant her an official position. The reasons Chu Zhao gave her sounded perfectly reasonable. If He Yan were truly a clueless new recruit, suddenly receiving such an appointment would likely send her into raptures. Any previous prejudices or suspicions she held toward Chu Zhao would instantly vanish, and she might even blame herself for judging a gentleman with a petty heart.

But she was no ordinary, ignorant soldier. As a member of the Flying Swan, she was well-versed in military affairs and leadership. Therefore, He Yan understood better than anyone that the title of Wu Anlang was merely an honorary position with no real authority. It sounded impressive—a fourth-rank title, all flowery and grand—but in reality, it held no power to command troops. In her previous life, she had relied on no one, starting as a new recruit and having to sell countless merits to her superiors just to earn a minor position. Only through gradual promotions, until no one could overshadow her achievements, did she finally gain the emperor's recognition. But now, though it seemed like she had soared to the skies in one step, she actually wielded less authority than a centurion.

If Chu Zhao had merely petitioned the emperor, leaving the specific appointment to His Majesty's discretion, that would have been one thing. But if the title of Wu Anlang was personally proposed by Chu Zhao, the implications ran much deeper.

He had petitioned for her appointment, yet requested a position with no real authority. What exactly was he scheming?

...

In the room, Fei Nu and Lin Shuanghe stood, looking at the figure by the window.

"My sister He has been appointed?" Lin Shuanghe was utterly confused. "Didn't you say you would petition the emperor after returning to Shuojing? What's going on?"

"Young Master Lin," Fei Nu couldn't help but interject, "this time, it was Chu Fourth Young Master who petitioned the emperor."

"Chu Zilan?" Lin Shuanghe frowned. "What does my sister He's appointment have to do with him? What kind of favor is he trying to curry?"

Xiao Jue's expression remained calm, though upon closer inspection, a hint of coldness flickered in his eyes.

Fei Nu sighed. "It's not about currying favor or not. Being appointed now is not a good thing."

Lin Shuanghe paused in fanning himself, glancing at Fei Nu and then at Xiao Jue. "What do you mean by that? I'm not quite following."

"I originally intended to petition for her appointment under her true identity as a woman after returning to the capital," Xiao Jue said calmly. "Chu Zilan preempted me. On the surface, he appears to have helped He Yan, but in reality, he has planted a hidden danger."

"One day, if He Yan's identity is exposed, it will be considered deceiving the emperor—a crime punishable by death and the extermination of nine clans."

Lin Shuanghe gasped sharply.

He stammered, "N-no way. Didn't Chu Zilan already know about my sister He's identity as a woman? It's been kept secret for so long... Surely it won't be exposed in the future, right?"

"That's precisely where Chu Zilan's brilliance lies," Xiao Jue sneered. "What he truly wants to deal with is me."

He Yan was merely a tool to be used. Chu Zhao indeed kept He Yan's secret, not announcing her identity to the world. Instead, he turned around and petitioned for her to be granted a title, successfully turning her identity into a trap. Without this incident, on the day He Yan's identity as a woman was exposed, she could have found various excuses to deal with it. But after the emperor rewarded and promoted her, it became different.

He Yan would become the sharpest blade, piercing straight into Xiao Jue's heart.

This was Chu Zilan's plan.

(End of Chapter)