Legend of the Female General

Chapter 201: The Moon Is Yours

Everyone in Great Wei knew that the Right Army Commander Xiao Jue possessed both elegance and martial prowess. With a sword in hand, he could safeguard peace; without it, he was a refined gentleman. Heaven had favored him, granting him both striking looks and exceptional skill. The only pity was his overly cold and ruthless nature, his merciless heart. As for him falling for someone, it seemed like nothing more than a dream. Setting aside his temperament, given his own extraordinary appearance and abilities, what kind of woman in all the world could possibly catch his eye?

Hadn’t everyone seen how the aloof fairy Shen Muxue had followed him for so many years, yet still gained not the slightest advantage?

But now, from this man’s mouth came the words “the one I love.” He Yan was dazed, the officials were dazed, and even the emperor on his high throne was momentarily stunned.

So this was how the renowned Second Young Master Xiao looked when thinking of his beloved—so gentle, as if the moonlight had shed its chill and indifference, leaving only clarity and brightness.

The autumn moon was like a mirror, reflecting one’s innermost thoughts without concealment. Joy or shyness, secrets or sorrows—nothing could escape the discerning eye.

No one could remain unmoved under such a gaze. He Yan heard her own heartbeat, thumping loudly, one beat after another, clear and powerful amidst the clamor of the banquet, leaving her defenseless.

The emperor’s laughter broke the momentary trance. “Hahaha, excellent! It’s rare for Us to see this side of Our beloved minister Xiao! The empress accomplished a good deed today, and today, We shall also accomplish one. Since the two of you are so well-matched in affection, Our beloved minister Xiao, for your great victory at Jiyang, We can think of no better reward than to grant you a marriage. Will you take this Miss He as your wife?”

Xiao Jue accepted the decree. “Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for this great kindness.”

He Yan had no choice but to kneel and accept the decree as well.

Shen Muxue’s lips turned pale, and she nearly fainted. The emperor’s word was law; once the marriage was decreed, it could not be changed. Lin Shuanghe’s heart had twisted and turned with the developments in the hall, nearly scaring him to death. Now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Though filled with doubts, this was not the time to speak. So, casting everything aside, he wholeheartedly rejoiced for his friend, excitedly telling his colleagues around him, “Did you hear that? A marriage decree! His Majesty has decreed their marriage. What a wonderful match! Look at them, how perfectly suited they are!”

Yan He had yet to recover from the shock that the Wu Anlang who had once joined him in speaking ill of He Rufei was actually a woman. Now, he was hit with this enormous news, leaving him dumbfounded and wondering if he was dreaming.

“Congratulations, Commander Xiao! Congratulations! A marriage decree from His Majesty is truly a beautiful tale!” Surprisingly, even Xu Jingfu spoke up for Xiao Jue. He not only showed no surprise but seemed to welcome the outcome, praising the marriage as a perfect match. After a moment’s thought, He Yan understood. Since Xu Jingfu and Xiao Jue were rivals, it was naturally best for Xiao Jue, given his status, to marry a woman like her—a commoner with no background. If he were to marry the daughter of a high-ranking official, it would bring Xu Jingfu nothing but harm.

Chu Zhao sat among the guests, a smile on his lips, appearing no different from usual. Yet, upon closer inspection, one could see the hand resting on his knee, the knuckles white with tension, almost crumpling the fabric of his robe.The court officials had watched a good show, some teasing, others offering congratulations. The Fifth Prince was somewhat puzzled and asked Guang Shuo, "Fourth Brother, why did His Majesty bestow a man... a woman disguised as a man to General Feng Yun as his wife? She doesn’t even look as pretty as Sister Shen."

The Fifth Prince greatly admired Xiao Jue. To young boys, Xiao Jue’s experiences were nothing short of legendary. Boys yearned for heroes and revered the strong. Guang Ji had heard from his birth mother, Consort Ni, that Sister Shen from the Censor’s household was the most suitable match for Commander Xiao. Guang Ji also believed Shen Muxue was as beautiful as a fairy. Now, a strange woman, dressed as a man, had been bestowed as Xiao Jue’s wife. For Guang Ji, this was unacceptable.

"Don’t talk nonsense," Guang Shuo patted his head and looked toward He Yan’s back in the hall. "Since General Feng Yun defends her so staunchly, this Miss He must have extraordinary qualities. Moreover, she was able to take to the battlefield as a woman, rise through the ranks, and be enfeoffed as a marquis. Since the founding of Great Wei, she is the first."

"What extraordinary qualities?" the Crown Prince sneered, his tone somewhat lewd. "Who knows what methods she used? Xiao Huaijin is quite fortunate—first Shen Muxue, and now a female soldier. Day and night in the tent, who knows what they’re up to..."

Guang Shuo frowned slightly. "Your Highness, be careful with your words."

The Crown Prince paid no heed.

Emperor Wenxuan looked at He Yan again. "He Yan, although you are a woman, I know you joined the army out of necessity. I am not an unreasonable person. While you are guilty of deception, considering your contributions in the Jiyang and Rundu campaigns, I will not pursue the matter. Merit is merit, fault is fault. I will penalize you with one year’s salary, but... your marquis title will be conferred as planned!"

"So generous?" Lin Shuanghe, quick-witted, slapped the table and was the first to shout, "Your Majesty is benevolent! Long live Your Majesty!"

He Yan also kowtowed and shouted "Long live," and for a moment, the court officials knelt in a large group, all loudly proclaiming "Long live."

Emperor Wenxuan, having played the role of an enlightened ruler and believing he had accomplished a good deed, felt somewhat elated by the praise and sat smiling on his high throne. Empress Zhang frowned imperceptibly, Consort Ni’s probing gaze swept over He Yan again and again, while only Consort Lan sat quietly in her seat, smiling as if everything today had nothing to do with her.

He Yan and Xiao Jue returned to their seats. Since she was now a "female family member," she could only go to the women’s seating area. She didn’t know any of the women there, but Xia Chengxiu waved to her and whispered, "Miss He, come over here."

He Yan sat down beside Xia Chengxiu, who smiled and said, "Congratulations, Miss He." He Yan returned the smile with a bow, feeling a weight finally lifted from her heart. At least, she had successfully taken the first step of openly appearing in the Great Wei court under the name "He Yan." Although she didn’t know why Xiao Jue had gotten involved or how this outcome had come about, for now, at least, no harm had been done.

Except, of course, for two people.

He Yan’s gaze swept across the seating area. The men’s and women’s seats faced each other, and her eyes accurately caught sight of Xu Zhiheng, sitting in a corner, secretly watching her.Xu Zhiheng felt extremely uneasy, a disquiet that peaked when He Yan's identity as a woman was revealed. He couldn't understand how this was possible—how could someone who had died, been buried, whose body had likely long since decayed into mud, reappear before him?

This woman, also named He Yan, bore no resemblance to his deceased wife, yet her every gesture, expression, and demeanor overlapped perfectly with the memory of the former Madam He in his mind. Especially when he stole glances at her, she would look back at him through the crowd, her meaningful gaze sending shivers down his spine.

Who exactly was she?

Xu Zhiheng did not believe in ghosts or spirits. Year after year, when it came to temple prayers and incense offerings, he was the most impatient. In his youth, his teachers always emphasized reverence for the supernatural, but he had always believed that if ghosts and spirits truly existed, there wouldn't be so many helpless situations in the world. If one couldn’t overcome others in life, how could they become fearsome after death?

But… but, He Yan wasn’t killed by him!

A chill ran through Xu Zhiheng’s heart.

He Yan was meant to die—that was the ending prepared for her by the He family. The order came from He Yuansheng, the execution was carried out by He Rufei, He Wanru was an accomplice, and he had merely remained silent. Even if a vengeful spirit were to return, shouldn’t the first targets of revenge be the He family?

Why come after him!

Summoning his courage, he glanced at He Yan again, only to see that the woman had already turned away, speaking with Xia Chengxiu beside her, as if their earlier exchange of glances had been nothing but his own illusion.

Xu Zhiheng then looked toward He Rufei. They were grasshoppers tied to the same string—if He Yan truly had returned as a ghost, she certainly wouldn’t spare He Rufei either. As if sensing Xu Zhiheng’s gaze, He Rufei glanced over, frowned slightly, and shook his head almost imperceptibly, signaling him not to be too obvious.

At court, the two of them maintained a deliberately distant relationship to avoid arousing suspicion.

Xu Zhiheng was burning with anxiety, yet the banquet was far from over, and he couldn’t leave without permission. He could only lower his head and endure the long, nauseating "victory celebration" as if sitting on pins and needles.

Emperor Wenxuan was in high spirits today and had drunk quite a bit.

Having been on the throne for many years, he possessed little talent for governance. In the early years of his reign, he had been diligent day and night, but later, realizing his own limitations, he gradually grew lazy. Though not outstanding, he was no tyrant either. With court officials overseeing affairs, nothing too disastrous occurred.

However, as Xu Jingfu’s power grew, many ministers secretly advised the emperor to be wary of Xu Xiang. Emperor Wenxuan was not unaware of the problem, but he had relied on Xu Jingfu for so many years that he couldn’t imagine anyone who could replace him.

Moreover, Xu Jingfu’s status was high. If such a minister were to fall, the court would inevitably be thrown into turmoil. Though lacking political acumen, Emperor Wenxuan had witnessed similar events during his father’s reign.

Yet, as humans are prone to self-interest, he turned a blind eye to Xu Jingfu’s actions. Xu Jingfu’s dominance had encroached upon the interests of many. Gradually, Emperor Wenxuan learned that some behind his back called him a "foolish ruler," accusing him of failing to distinguish between loyalty and treachery. But what did they know? Water too clear breeds no fish, and governing a nation was a different matter altogether. Even as the Son of Heaven, there were times when he had no choice but to yield to circumstances.Xiao Zhongwu's defeat, the Wutuo People growing restless, the Crown Prince's cruel and immoral rule... all sorts of messy matters came one after another, giving him a headache. And now, on a night like this, for him to do something "right" that everyone praised was already no easy feat. Emperor Wenxuan was genuinely pleased from the bottom of his heart.

Tonight's banquet saw the two most promising young talents in Shuojing City both granted marriages. Originally, the engagement between Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting was considered a case of the Chu family marrying above their station. But now, with Xiao Huaijin's marriage announced, Chu Zhao's engagement paled in comparison and seemed far less remarkable.

People whispered among themselves, wondering where this He Yan had come from. Xiao Zhongwu's eldest son, Xiao Rubi, had already disregarded public opinion by marrying a concubine's daughter, and now his younger son, Xiao Huaijin, had gone even further—no one had even heard her name before. Could it be that her family didn't even hold an official position?

As for Xiao Jue himself, he remained calm from beginning to end.

Lin Shuanghe sat beside him, itching to pull Xiao Jue aside immediately and ask what exactly was going on. However, with so many eyes watching, it wasn't the right time to inquire, so he had to restrain himself. Looking over at Yan He, he saw the same frustration—Yan He was so agitated he seemed ready to flip the table.

At this celebratory banquet, everyone had their own thoughts. When it finally ended, the main figures at the banquet all breathed a sigh of relief in unison. He Yan stood up, and Xia Chengxiu asked with concern, "Miss He, would you like me to accompany you?" He Yan was now under the scrutiny of countless eyes, with everyone sizing her up and calculating. Most ordinary women would struggle to handle such attention.

"It's fine," He Yan smiled, thanking her for her kindness. "I can go out on my own."

Xia Chengxiu didn't insist further. As she was about to leave, she remembered something and glanced back at Shen Muxue. Shen Muxue's face was deathly pale, her lips devoid of any color, like a rigid puppet, utterly lifeless.

She paused but ultimately said nothing, rising to find Yan He.

The emperor and his consorts had already departed. Yan He, pulling Xia Chengxiu along, stormed over with an imposing air. Seeing Lin Shuanghe but not Xiao Jue, he erupted in anger, "Where is Xiao Huaijin? And that Wu Anlang! They've deceived me so thoroughly—I demand an explanation!"

Xia Chengxiu tugged at his sleeve, as if at a loss for words, and reminded him, "The Marquis of Wu'an is a woman. Watch your words."

"Have you ever seen a woman who can chop off several heads with one swing of her sword?" Yan He shouted. "I don't care if they're women or not—are they just playing me for a fool? I feel like an idiot!"

Xia Chengxiu: "...Be careful. My father is here. What if he hears you?"

Lord Xia, Xia Chengxiu's father, was looking their way. Yan He was startled, cleared his throat, and lowered his voice slightly, though his face still burned with anger. Clenching his fists, he asked, "Where are they?"

Lin Shuanghe spread his hands: "They left."

"Left?" Yan He widened his eyes in disbelief. "When?"

"Right after the emperor left," Lin Shuanghe fanned himself. "They've just been granted this marriage and are going to be husband and wife. What business is it of yours, an outsider?" He glanced at Xia Chengxiu and smiled meaningfully. "Or are you still not giving up, hoping to bring Sister He into your tent?"

Now that He Yan's identity was exposed, he might as well openly call her "Sister He."These words struck at the heart of the matter, leaving Yan He's face pale with anger. "Don't speak nonsense!" He then turned to Xia Chengxiu, who was smiling without a word, and whispered emphatically, "I'm not at all familiar with Wu Anlang!"

"Then you should head back early," Lin Shuanghe patted his shoulder. "On the day they get married, we'll definitely invite you to the wedding feast. Don't worry, don't worry." With that, he hummed a tuneless melody and strode away.

...

In a certain courtyard within the palace, weeds grew wild. It was already autumn, with flowers and leaves withering away. Uninhabited and rarely visited, the place felt even more desolate and lonely. A bright moon hung over the eaves, casting a frosty white glow across the courtyard.

The person in front stopped walking, and the girl following behind halted, asking in confusion, "What is this place?"

"An abandoned detached palace," Xiao Jue replied. "It's guarded, so no one will come in."

The palace was vast. This was He Yan's first time entering the palace, but not Xiao Jue's. It was normal for him to know of secret passages and hidden corners. Seeing that the area was indeed deserted, He Yan felt somewhat relieved and finally turned to him to ask, "Commander, what is going on? Why did the Emperor say today that you had already informed him of my identity?"

Xiao Jue replied calmly, "Didn't you give Zhao Shiming a letter?"

He Yan was startled. "How did you know?"

He didn't answer, but He Yan figured it out. Xiao Jue had many capable and unusual people under his command. It wasn't just within the palace—the letter had likely fallen into Xiao Jue's hands even before reaching the palace.

"Why did you write the letter behind my back?" Xiao Jue asked.

He Yan gave a bitter smile. "I always felt my identity couldn't be hidden for long. Rather than having it exposed by someone else at some point, it was better to prepare in advance. Besides, once the crime of deceiving the Emperor is confirmed, wouldn't you be implicated as well?"

Before leaving Rundu, she had asked the county magistrate of Rundu to deliver a letter to the Emperor on her behalf. After the battle at Rundu, the city officials would record the events in a memorial to be presented to the Emperor. And within that memorial, this letter would expose He Yan's identity.

However, while clarifying her identity as a woman, the letter also bore the signatures of tens of thousands of people from Rundu.

Although He Yan had never met Emperor Wenxuan, she had always heard from Lin Shuanghe that Emperor Wenxuan was a mediocre ruler but also a soft-hearted one. At times, as long as Xu Jingfu wasn't there to fan the flames, he possessed a rare sympathy and compassion for others, uncommon among the imperial family. During the previous emperor's reign, when a minister made a mistake, tens of thousands of people petitioned for him. Moved by the minister's past merits, the previous emperor pardoned him from the death penalty. Throughout his life, Emperor Wenxuan admired his father the most and often deliberately emulated his actions. Therefore, when Zhao Shiming presented this petition from tens of thousands of people, Emperor Wenxuan would hesitate.

Moreover, He Yan's achievements were undeniable. The battles at Liangzhou Guard, Jiyang, and Rundu—each victory deserved commendation. In comparison, disguising herself as a man was not a major offense. Furthermore, she hadn't actively chosen to disguise herself as a man; it was a desperate move, a chance enlistment when she had no other options.

Her merits outweighed her faults, she was a young genius, and she was a woman. The petition from tens of thousands of people would become the final straw for the Emperor. If he wanted the people's support, Emperor Wenxuan could not order her execution. Otherwise, what would the new recruits of Liangzhou Guard think? What would the people of Jiyang think? What would the women saved in Rundu think?He Yan thought she had considered every angle and had successfully persuaded Zhao Shijie, but she never expected Xiao Jue would intervene at this critical moment.

"The letter was intercepted by me," he said.

He Yan stared at him.

"Your plan is well thought out, but not flawless. You might escape unscathed, but there is also a chance you could lose your life." And as long as there was even the slightest possibility, he would not let He Yan take the risk.

"But Commander, didn’t you also expose my identity?" He Yan asked, puzzled. "How did you convince His Majesty?"

She did not know that in the memorial Xiao Jue submitted on her behalf, he had tied their fates together from the very beginning. There was no mention of Fan Cheng or any forced circumstances. Everything was framed as Xiao Jue acting out of personal desire, bringing He Yan into the military camp. If it were to be considered a crime of deceiving the emperor, both of them would be punished together. However, with the Wutuo People eyeing them covetously, Emperor Wenxuan could not afford to lose Xiao Jue, who guarded the territory of Great Wei. Therefore, the emperor would not punish them, and even if he did, Xiao Jue would take full responsibility.

Of course, Xiao Jue had embellished the story, making the memorial as moving as a widely circulated love story, easily swaying Emperor Wenxuan’s romantic heart.

Afterward, he secretly leaked the news of this matter to Xu Jingfu. When it came to Xiao Jue’s marriage, aside from Xiao Jing and his wife, the most concerned person was likely Xu Jingfu. Everyone in Shuojing knew that Shen Muxue was the most likely candidate to marry Xiao Jue. If the Shen and Xiao families became in-laws… all of Censor Shen’s faction would side with Xiao Jue, which troubled Xu Jingfu greatly.

Even if it wasn’t Shen Muxue, Xu Jingfu would be displeased if Xiao Jue married the daughter of any official in Shuojing’s court, as it would only strengthen his influence. At this moment, He Yan suddenly appeared. Xu Jingfu sent someone to investigate and discovered she was merely the daughter of a city gate captain, considering it a stroke of luck falling from the sky.

Thus, not only would he not oppose it, but he would also wholeheartedly support the marriage between Xiao Jue and He Yan. Xiao Jue marrying a woman who offered no help to his political career was something Xu Jingfu would gladly witness.

And so, the scene at today’s victory banquet unfolded.

Xiao Jue only shared some key points. After hearing them, He Yan fell silent for a long time. She never imagined things would escalate to this extent. Her purpose in writing that letter, aside from freeing herself from a potentially fatal accusation, was to avoid implicating Xiao Jue and to distance herself from him. Yet, in the process, she had somehow ended up entangled in a marriage arrangement.

Although at one point, when he uttered the words "the one I love," her heart had indeed stirred, wishing time would freeze in that moment.

But dreams must eventually end. She had things she must accomplish and could not allow Xiao Jue to sacrifice his precious life for her sake, no matter how much he wanted to protect her. His life should be like the bright, pure moon in the sky—clean, radiant, forever untainted by the dark, rotting filth of the gutter.

Having been illuminated by it was enough; she did not hope for more.

"Commander," He Yan took a deep breath and looked up at him, "you didn’t have to ask His Majesty for a marriage decree just to help me. Maintaining a false marriage is too unfair to you."

"It’s not false," Xiao Jue interrupted her.

He Yan was taken aback. "What did you say?""The words spoken in the hall were not false." The young man's voice was gentle, his lashes lowered, and in his dark pupils, autumn waters rippled faintly, tender beyond words.

In the cold night of late autumn, the courtyard lay deep and silent, the Milky Way quiet, the slanting moon climbing the curtain. Yet even this beautiful night could not compare to the captivating gleam in someone's eyes.

He asked, "Do you like the moon?"

He Yan answered dazedly, "...I do."

The next moment, something warm and cool was pressed into her hand. He Yan looked down to see the snake-patterned Black Jade lying in her palm—the very piece she had drunkenly snatched away, rumored to be the Xiao family’s heirloom. The giant serpent seemed almost alive.

“Now, the moon is yours.”

(End of Chapter)