Legend of the Female General

Chapter 197: Matchmaking

Several days had passed without any news from Lin Shuanghe regarding the house he was helping He Yan find. Ever since returning to Shuojing, Lin Shuanghe seemed to have vanished into thin air. He Yan didn’t feel comfortable going to his door unannounced, nor did she want to rush someone who was doing her a favor. After a while, she began to suspect he was doing this on purpose.

Xiao Jue continued to leave early and return late, though no one knew what kept him so busy. He Yan appeared during the day, but she hadn’t returned to the Xu family since her last visit to see Fuwang. She needed to let Fuwang stew for a while. If He Yan didn’t show up for too long, Fuwang would surely abandon his game of push-and-pull, fearing he might lose this cash cow. To prove his worth, he would only work harder to gather useful information from the Xu family.

He Yan was in no hurry.

Over the past few days, aside from secretly meeting He Yunsheng once more, she had also spent several days observing the “He family” residence from a distance. Perhaps due to He Rufei’s influence, the number of guards outside the He family’s gate had more than doubled. Unable to reveal herself, He Yan could only watch from the shadows. Aside from attending court, He Rufei didn’t do much else. His social engagements with colleagues mostly took place in taverns, and he never brought anyone home. Additionally, he had visited the Xu family once, carrying what he claimed were tonics for his cousin. But was he really there to see He Xinying? He Yan didn’t think so.

To outsiders, however, He Rufei’s gesture only highlighted his close relationship with his sister. There were even rumors that after the incident with the previous Madam Xu, He Rufei had become even more careful in looking after this younger sister, ultimately earning him a reputation for kindness.

He Yan found it somewhat amusing, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the He family’s endless repertoire of performances.

Autumn had arrived, and the summer heat had completely faded. One day, upon returning home, He Yan was surprised to find the courtyard unusually lively. She had left early in the morning and had no idea what was happening. Bai Guo came skipping over, whispering, “Madam is entertaining guests in the courtyard, Young Master. You should freshen up a bit and go take a look.” She leaned in closer, speaking mysteriously, “There are quite a few young ladies here today, and the Second Young Master is also present.”

Being young, Bai Guo spoke without shyness or hesitation, her words filled with childlike innocence. However, to He Yan, this news was far from pleasant.

Bai Rongwei had previously mentioned hosting a banquet before the Mid-Autumn Festival, ostensibly to invite ladies and young misses, but in reality, it was to arrange a match for Xiao Jue. He Yan hadn’t expected things to move so quickly. She thought to herself, Xiao Jue usually returned late—sometimes even after she had already gone to bed. Yet today, with young ladies present, he was back so early. How convenient.

Seeing He Yan remain silent, Bai Guo called out, “Young Master?”

He Yan snapped back to reality and forced a smile. “I won’t go. I’ve been running around outside all day and I’m exhausted. I’d like to rest in my room first.”Bai Guo: "But..." She sensed He Yan was in a low mood and felt puzzled. This Young Master He had a gentle temperament and no airs—he would voluntarily clear the dishes, and sometimes, noticing her craving for snacks, he would secretly save pastries from the meals for her. Bai Guo felt that among all the masters she had served, apart from the eldest young master and his wife, this Young Master He was the best. Yet today, his unhappiness was almost plainly written on his face. Having served him for some time now, Bai Guo wondered, could he have been wronged outside?

Before she could figure it out, she saw He Yan lower his head and walk quickly along the corridor.

He Yan thought to himself: out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, this corridor connected directly to the pavilion garden of the main courtyard. Bai Rongwei spotted him at once and called out, "Young Master He!"

To pretend not to hear would be too deliberate. He Yan had no choice but to brace himself and turn around, smiling at Bai Rongwei. "Madam Xiao."

Bai Rongwei rose and walked toward him. "I was just asking Huaijin when you would return, worried you might miss today's autumn banquet. You've come just in time—we haven't started yet."

The host's enthusiasm made leaving at this moment seem impolite. He Yan had to approach and bow to her. "You are too kind, Madam."

The Xiao family residence had been renovated according to the preferences of Old General Xiao's wife during his lifetime. Since Xiao Jue's grandmother was from Suzhou, the Xiao family's courtyard in Shuojing appeared exceptionally elegant and refined. Bai Rongwei had invited only a few guests—four or five in total. Whether they were her close friends or not, the four young ladies seated there were each uniquely beautiful and captivating.

Xiao Jue sat beside Xiao Jing. The two brothers were famously handsome men in Great Wei, and for a moment, they seemed to illuminate the courtyard like a fairyland.

In Great Wei, the strict separation of men and women and the rule that boys and girls should not share seats after the age of seven had been abolished shortly after Emperor Wenxuan ascended the throne. Emperor Wenxuan admired the free-spirited elegance of scholars of the past and believed people should not be constrained by outdated etiquette. Thus, Great Wei was not as strict with unmarried men and women as previous dynasties had been.

Bai Rongwei smiled and explained to the other guests at the banquet, "This is Young Master He, a good friend of Huaijin. Despite his youth, he has already been personally appointed by His Majesty as Wu Anlang." She instructed a servant to bring an extra set of bowls and chopsticks for He Yan, but for some reason, they were placed beside Xiao Jing. Bai Rongwei herself sat next to a round-faced lady and said to He Yan, "Today, I invited a few friends to the residence to taste the newly made chrysanthemum pastries. Please treat this as an ordinary family gathering—no need for formality, just relax."

Although she said this, aside from Xiao Jing and his wife, the older ladies, and the indifferent Xiao Jue, the others could hardly be described as relaxed.

He Yan sat beside Xiao Jing and glanced at Xiao Jue, who was seated on Xiao Jing's other side. Xiao Jue rarely touched his chopsticks, spending most of the time simply sitting there. Though he concealed it well, a closer look revealed a faint impatience between his brows.

The young ladies, however, were different. They sat on the long bench directly opposite Xiao Jue. The more timid ones stole subtle glances at him with lingering affection that was impossible to ignore. The bolder ones stared directly at Xiao Jue, their beautiful eyes filled with admiration that could melt one's bones.Well now, He Yan thought to herself, Bai Rongwei knew Xiao Jue didn’t like someone like Shen Muxue, so the four young ladies she had brought were nothing like Shen Muxue’s cold and aloof temperament. But in terms of looks, they were just as beautiful as Shen Muxue. Sitting here, she already felt like flipping the table and leaving. If Shen Muxue were here, she’d probably be furious too.

But even though she thought so, she couldn’t show it on her face. He Yan lowered her head to eat. In times like these, it was best to follow the rule of not speaking while eating or sleeping—just treat it as an ordinary meal, except there were four beautiful young ladies sitting across from them.

This meal was extremely awkward.

Not only was He Yan uncomfortable, but by the end, even Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were struggling to keep up. After all, although Xiao Jue’s personality wasn’t as gentle as Xiao Jing’s, his face was still enough to attract attention. And since Xiao Jing was already married, the four young ladies all turned their gazes toward Xiao Jue.

They were all noble young ladies carefully raised in Shuojing, so they were well-versed in etiquette. But beyond that, the four of them still found ways to strike up conversations with Xiao Jue, asking meaningless questions like, “Does Second Young Master Xiao like autumn?” “What do you usually do in your free time?” “Will you be staying in Shuojing from now on?” and so on.

Xiao Jue did answer, but if he could answer with one word, he would never use two. Most of the time, Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing stepped in to fill in the gaps.

He Yan felt quite pleased inside, but then she thought she was being ridiculous—why was she happy about something like this? Was she possessed?

As night fell and the meal ended, the ladies took their leave with Xiao Jing and his wife, while He Yan and Xiao Jue stood to the side. The four young ladies’ reluctant gazes almost pierced through Xiao Jue. One of the bolder young ladies looked at Xiao Jue and asked with a smile, “Second Young Master Xiao, back in the hunting grounds, your grace was unmatched. If you have some free time one day, would you be willing to spar with me in archery?”

Xiao Jue stared at her expressionlessly for a moment before curling the corner of his mouth. “I have a habit when sparring.”

The young lady looked expectant.

“Life or death, no regrets.”

“Ahem, ahem—” Xiao Jing quickly interjected, laughing. “Huai Jin is joking. He likes to joke.”

But with just that one sentence, the young lady’s mother’s face had already turned pale, and she hurriedly pulled her daughter away.

Bai Rongwei was both annoyed and amused. After everyone had left, she said to Xiao Jue, “You child, you’re still the same as before. If you don’t like someone, just say so. Why go out of your way to scare others? Miss Tian has practiced martial arts, has a cheerful personality, and is graceful and poised. I think she’s quite good.”

Seeing that Xiao Jue didn’t respond, Bai Rongwei continued, “What about Miss Li? The one sitting across from you earlier, the delicate-looking one. She writes beautifully and is eloquent, very gentle and composed.”

Xiao Jue still said nothing.

Bai Rongwei glanced up and saw He Yan, so she asked her, “Young Master He, you also saw the four young ladies today. Tell me, aren’t they excellent?”

He Yan: “…”

What did this have to do with her? Trouble really did fall from the sky. But in front of everyone, He Yan had no choice but to search her conscience and slowly speak. “All four young ladies are excellent, with outstanding temperaments and appearances. Whoever marries them would be blessed by good fortune from a past life…”

Perhaps because she had received affirmation from Xiao Jue’s friend, Bai Rongwei felt she had gained half of Xiao Jue’s approval as well. She said, “Huai Jin, look, even Young Master He thinks they’re good…”Xiao Jue suddenly spoke, his voice calm. "If Sister-in-law thinks they're so good, why not invite them back for Elder Brother? Given Elder Brother's temperament and appearance, they probably wouldn't feel wronged either."

These words were cutting, and even the usually gentle and refined Xiao Jing couldn't help but issue a warning. "Xiao Huaijin!"

Unmoved, Xiao Jue glanced past Xiao Jing and said coolly, "Elder Brother might consider how you acted when Mother wanted to arrange a marriage for you. The principle of 'do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire' is something you should understand better than I do." With that, he flicked his sleeve and left, paying no heed to Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei's reactions.

He Yan stood there, feeling inexplicably awkward, and quietly defended Xiao Jue. "The Commander might be in a bad mood today. Please don't take it to heart, Madam."

"I'm not taking it to heart," Bai Rongwei said after a moment, as if just coming back to her senses. She looked at her husband. "But... was Huaijin just now... angry?"

No matter how outsiders spread rumors about the Right Army Commander's merciless and cold-hearted approach to training troops, within the residence, almost no one had ever seen Xiao Jue lose his temper. More often than not, he simply couldn't be bothered to engage. For him to so clearly wear "I am angry" on his face like this seemed like something that hadn't happened in many years.

"He's acted like this before, so why this time... is he so angry?" she wondered aloud.

...

Someone knocked on the door.

The knocks were measured, persistent, and unyielding. Even if the person inside couldn't be bothered to respond, the one outside showed no sign of giving up, as if determined to knock until the end of time if the door didn't open.

In the entire courtyard, only that female hero would have the audacity to do something like this at such a time.

Xiao Jue paused for a moment before saying, "Come in."

He Yan's head peeked in from behind the door.

Knowing Xiao Jue was in a bad mood, she wore an ingratiating smile on her face. She closed the door behind her and walked forward. "Commander, are you alright?"

Xiao Jue sat in his chair. "Perfectly fine."

Judging by his expression, he didn't look "perfectly fine" at all.

What he had said to Bai Rongwei earlier was truly somewhat excessive. However, when He Yan heard him speak that way, she couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. But she quickly scolded herself inwardly—how could she think like that? When family members had conflicts, what difference was there between her, an outsider, cheering them on for selfish reasons, and those petty individuals? During her stay here, Bai Rongwei had taken great care of her. By all accounts, she should be helping to mediate, not adding fuel to the fire.

He Yan scurried over to the opposite side of the table, leaning half her body on it as she looked at him. "Commander, Madam Xiao meant well. What you did earlier was a bit hurtful."

Xiao Jue shifted his gaze to her face, his eyes cool. "Miss He, what do you think I should have done instead?"

He had called her "Miss He" many times before—sometimes teasingly, sometimes cuttingly. But this time, it was icy cold, even carrying a hint of anger.

He Yan carefully weighed her words. "At the very least, you could have been more tactful."

Xiao Jue sneered. "Why should I?"

He Yan was left speechless.

"Would Miss He have been very tactful if it were her?" he suddenly asked.

He Yan was puzzled. "I'm a woman."

"If your father or elder brother also brought several outstanding young gentlemen with fine appearances and temperaments before you like today," he said sarcastically, "wouldn't you refuse them outright?"He Yan thought to herself that in the past, she would have been polite and courteous to save everyone’s face. But now that she had someone she liked, forcing herself to do so felt increasingly difficult.

However, she couldn’t say this to Xiao Jue. The man before her paid no heed to her evasiveness, staring directly at her as he asked again, “Miss He, what should you do?”

Meeting his gaze, He Yan couldn’t bring herself to lie. After a long pause, she slapped the table and declared, “I’ve thought about it. If I were in your position, I’d probably make the same choice as you, Marshal—maybe even speak more harshly. You’re right, Marshal, and you said it well! If you don’t like someone, just refuse them. There’s no need to give false hints. Sometimes, politeness and courtesy can be mistaken as flirtation, stirring up sleepless nights for others when you never intended anything. Isn’t that just deceitful?”

By the end, her tone carried a hint of complaint, though it was unclear who she was referring to.

Seeing her indignant expression, Xiao Jue’s expression softened slightly, and he curled his lips into a faint smile. “At least you have some awareness.”

Noticing his improved mood, He Yan took out a sachet from her sleeve and handed it to him. “This is for you.”

Xiao Jue took it, glanced at it, and looked up. “Did you make this?”

“How could I?” He Yan replied without hesitation. “I don’t know how to make such things. It was made by Madam Xiao. She made one for me too, but I forgot to give it to you earlier.” She then took out her own cloud-patterned sachet. “I heard it contains calming herbs and a protective charm inside.”

Seeing Xiao Jue holding the sachet silently, she leaned in closer. “I didn’t expect Madam Xiao to prepare one for me too, Marshal. Madam Xiao is gentle and sincere, and she did this out of genuine concern for you. Even if her approach… isn’t to your liking, you can just explain it to her clearly. There’s no need to let it harm the harmony between you. Family shouldn’t dwell on such trivial matters…”

She rambled on, leaning closer and closer until Xiao Jue chuckled softly and gently pushed her head back with a curled finger. “Stop. I’m not angry.”

He had been angry at first, but it wasn’t because of Bai Rongwei… This person still knew nothing about it. He felt a sense of helplessness—being angry at someone who was unaware meant the anger could never truly be vented.

“Really?” He Yan studied him.

“Really,” he replied, lowering his gaze. After a moment of thought, he spoke again. “I’ll be leaving the city for a few days. Will you be fine staying here alone?”

He Yan was taken aback. “Do you need my help?”

Xiao Jue had been leaving early and returning late these past few days, and He Yan could sense he was dealing with something important. Likely, it was related to Xu Jingfu and Xiao Zhongwu. Although she was busy with matters concerning the He and Xu families, if Xiao Jue needed her help, He Yan wouldn’t refuse.

“No need. I can handle it myself.”

He Yan nodded. “When will you be back?”

“I’m not sure,” Xiao Jue replied, his gaze fixed on the burning lamp wick. “I’ll try to return before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

…

Meanwhile, in the residence of Xu Xiang in the capital, the lights were brightly lit.

Xu Xiang was a scholar, and during ordinary gatherings at home, he disliked performances such as women dancing, preferring at most to invite two musicians to play the qin. Kneeling before a small table, Chu Zhao stared at the teacup before him. The steam rising from it resembled a thin veil, obscuring his expression and making his face appear somewhat indistinct.Xu Jingfu did not enjoy drinking, only tea. Those who came to the Xu family with gifts knew to cater to his preferences; even the tea leaves he rewarded to the servants could fetch a good price if taken outside.

The servants stood respectfully on both sides. Xu Jingfu had no sons, and everyone in the Xu Manor knew that he regarded this outstanding disciple as his own son. Moreover, Xu Jingfu’s only daughter, Xu Pingting, was deeply in love with Chu Zilan... Sooner or later, the teacher-student relationship would turn into that of father-in-law and son-in-law.

“Your trip to Jiyang went very smoothly this time,” Xu Jingfu said with a smile. In his youth, he had been handsome and refined, and as he aged, he became kind and gentle in appearance. At first glance, he seemed like an amiable old man. He took a sip of tea before continuing, “However, why did you linger for a few extra days in Rundu?”

Chu Zhao replied softly, “The people of Rundu were suffering from hunger and hardship. Zi Lan could not bear to leave them alone and originally intended to stay and help, hoping to request reinforcements. Unexpectedly, General Yan led troops to aid, relieving Rundu’s urgent crisis.”

These matters could be easily verified with a little inquiry, and he was not lying. Xu Jingfu still smiled kindly, neither affirming nor refuting his words.

The atmosphere grew somewhat tense.

Just as the stalemate persisted, a woman’s voice suddenly rang out, “Father! Why didn’t you tell me Zi Lan Gege was here!” In the next moment, a young girl in a yellow dress fluttered in like a flower and sat down beside Chu Zilan.

The girl was exceptionally beautiful, delicate as a porcelain doll, with a proud and haughty air in her brows and eyes. She appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in luxurious and expensive clothing and jewelry. The ruby gold hairpin in her bun was vivid and dazzling, making her shine like a rose.

This was Xu Jingfu’s only daughter, Xu Pingting.

Xu Jingfu had gained this treasured pearl late in life and had almost spoiled her beyond measure. Even a princess of the present day likely did not live as meticulously as Xu Pingting. As soon as Xu Pingting entered the banquet hall, the atmosphere immediately eased. Xu Jingfu shook his head and chuckled, “As soon as you arrive, you start questioning me, not even sparing your father a thought. Others say daughters grow up to favor outsiders, and it’s truly...”

Upon hearing this, Xu Pingting showed no embarrassment. Instead, she raised her eyebrows and said coquettishly, “I see Father every day, but it’s been so long since I last saw Zi Lan Gege. Father, next time, could you not send Zi Lan Gege too far from the capital?” She naturally linked her arm with Chu Zhao’s and gazed at him, saying, “Zi Lan Gege, when I heard you went to Jiyang, Pingting was terrified. How could Father do such a thing? Fortunately, you’re safe. While you were away, Pingting prayed every day before the Bodhisattva for your safe return. It seems the Bodhisattva heard Pingting’s prayers and protected you.”

Xu Jingfu said sourly, “I’ve never seen you pray for your father.”

“Father!”

“Alright, alright, my little ancestor, I won’t say anymore, is that fine?” Xu Jingfu conceded, then turned to Chu Zhao, “However, Zi Lan has come at the perfect time. I happen to have something to discuss.”

Chu Zilan looked at Xu Jingfu, “Please speak, Teacher.”

“I heard that today, Xiao Rubi’s wife invited several young ladies from the households of colleagues to the Xiao Manor as guests. Though it’s called a visit, it’s nothing more than selecting a wife for Xiao Huaijin. Considering that you and Xiao Huaijin are of similar age, and since I am your teacher, I should also be concerned about such matters for you.”

Xu Pingting was taken aback, her face instantly flushing red, and she said, “Father, what are you...”"Now you know to be shy?" Xu Jingfu teased with a laugh, then continued, "Zi Lan, you are my most outstanding student and have grown up with Pingting since childhood, childhood sweethearts. I had long planned to marry Pingting to you once you grew up, and now it seems the time has come. What do you think?"

All the servants in the hall kept their heads down, concealing their surprise. Though they had long known this day would come, hearing it spoken aloud still felt unexpected. After all, given Chu Zhao's status, marrying the daughter of Xu Xiang was truly reaching beyond his station.

Chu Zhao stood up, lifted the hem of his robe, and knelt properly before Xu Jingfu, bowing deeply to him.

"Your student is deeply grateful for your esteemed affection. To be able to marry Pingting is a blessing accumulated over three lifetimes. The matter of marriage is entirely at your discretion."

Dudu, forced into the matchmaking: Don't touch me.JPG

(End of Chapter)