Legend of the Female General

Chapter 218: Backing

When He Yan and Xiao Jue returned to the He residence, He Sui and He Yun Sheng were actually sitting properly inside the house. He Yan was taken aback, surprised that today was so peaceful. Upon seeing Xiao Jue, He Sui stood up with a smile and said, "When we returned, we heard from Guard Chi Wu that Commander Xiao took my daughter out. Now that you’re back, I wonder if you’ve eaten yet? Would you like to join us?"

He Yan replied, "We’ve eaten, we’ve eaten. No need." She glanced at Chi Wu standing to the side, who nonchalantly turned his face away. He Yan thought to herself, Hah, so the master and servant are in cahoots, not only deceiving me but also my old father along the way.

"Uncle, please call me Huaijin," Xiao Jue said.

He Yun Sheng choked and started coughing violently.

He Sui glared at He Yun Sheng and stuffed a flatbread into his mouth. "Eat properly! We have guests at home, and you’re spraying rice everywhere. How rude!"

He Yan then said, "It’s fine, Father, Yun Sheng. You two eat. I still have something to discuss with Xiao Jue, so I’ll head inside first." With that, she pulled Xiao Jue away.

If she stayed any longer, even she would feel uncomfortable around her father.

He Sui smiled affectionately. "Go ahead."

After the two of them left, He Yun Sheng pulled the flatbread out of his mouth and grumbled, "Father, is this really okay?"

"What?"

"He Yan is bringing a man into her boudoir. What will people say if word gets out? Back when that scoundrel Fan Cheng was around, you’d fly into a rage at home if He Yan so much as glanced at him outside. Why are you so lenient with Commander Xiao?"

He Sui scolded him, "How can Commander Xiao be compared to Fan Cheng?"

"They’re both men. What’s the difference?"

He Sui looked at He Yun Sheng, equally puzzled. "Weren’t you the one who admired General Feng Yun the most before? Why are you acting so awkward now?"

He Yun Sheng slammed his chopsticks on the table and said angrily, "Even General Feng Yun shouldn’t be sneaking into a woman’s boudoir before marriage."

"Did he sneak in on his own?" He Sui smacked him on the head. "Are you blind? Your sister dragged him in!"

There was no rebuttal to that. He Yun Sheng puffed out his cheeks and stewed for a long time before gritting his teeth and saying, "What a hopeless person, blinded by lust!"

...

Unaware that her earlier actions had sparked a dispute between her old father and foolish brother in the room, He Yan dragged Xiao Jue into her room, closed the door, and lit the oil lamp with a fire starter. "Alright, no one’s here now."

As soon as Xiao Jue entered the room, he felt as though he might go blind.

The room was garishly decorated, completely at odds with He Yan’s temperament. It was filled with rouge and powder, sachets and curtains. Anyone who didn’t know better would think a delicate young lady lived here. But upon turning around and seeing the heroine who had jumped onto the table to pour tea, the sight was truly jarring in such a setting.

He picked up a flower-engraved bronze mirror from the table and asked in bewilderment, "Do you like this kind of thing?"He Yan glanced around. "How could that be? These were all left by the original Miss He." She snapped back to reality. "Don't think I like this sort of thing. It's just that if I tore everything down, it would be too different from the past and might arouse suspicion. Besides..." She sighed. "I already feel guilty for occupying her place. If I were to replace all these things as well, I'm afraid the real Miss He would come to settle accounts with me in the underworld."

Xiao Jue frowned. "Nonsense."

He Yan blinked. "Children's words carry no harm. Don't take it seriously."

Xiao Jue looked at her leisurely. "Not afraid of me anymore?"

"I was never afraid of you," He Yan replied with a smile. "Now that you know my secret anyway." She acted like a shameless rogue. "Besides, when we fought on the mountain earlier, I wasn't any worse than you. I even cut your sword in half with one strike."

Though she had cheated.

Her smug expression wasn't annoying now. Xiao Jue smiled and remembered something else. "What about your sword?"

He Yan's smile faltered slightly.

Her sword referred to the Green Lang Sword. Rather than asking about the sword, Xiao Jue was really asking what she planned to do about the Xu and He families next.

"My accident was a conspiracy between the Xu and He families. He Rufei is a fake Flying Goose General, and I must expose this. During the Battle of Huayuan, he tampered with things, causing the loyal subordinates in the Pacify Yue Army to die unjustly. I must settle this score with him clearly." He Yan's expression turned cold and sharp. "I originally planned to keep Nanny Qin as a witness. There are still surviving soldiers from the Battle of Huayuan. If we search carefully, we might find them. Compared to He Rufei, Xu Zhiheng is easier to approach. As long as someone can prove that Xu Zhiheng plotted to harm 'Madam Xu,' when Xu Zhiheng himself is in danger, he will definitely drag He Rufei down with him. Then we can follow the clues and resolve this."

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue. "What do you think?"

Since her rebirth, she had carried her secret, afraid of being discovered. Now that she suddenly had an ally, she felt much lighter. Even if Xiao Jue did nothing, having someone accompany her on this journey would give her immense strength.

"A counter-espionage plan?"

He Yan's eyes lit up.

Espionage is about making the enemy suspicious of each other; counter-espionage is about using the enemy's spies against them.

"So, should we send someone to He Rufei's side or Xu Zhiheng's side?" He Yan pondered.

"Both are possible," Xiao Jue said.

"I don't have that many people to use."

"I do," Xiao Jue glanced at her. "I'll help you."

He Yan's lips curled up again, but then she remembered something and complained, "But why didn't you tell me when you sent someone to investigate Nanny Qin earlier? I went through a lot of trouble to bribe that gatekeeper at the Xu family, Fuwang, and spent a lot of silver on him. If I had known you already found out, I wouldn't have wasted that money. Now it's all gone..."

"He Yan," Xiao Jue interrupted her, "are you out of money?"

"Ahem," He Yan coughed lightly, her fist against her lips. "Not completely."

The next moment, a stack of banknotes appeared on the table.

He Yan's eyes widened, and she swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away. "I can't accept rewards without merit."

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. "Really don't want it?"He Yan quickly grabbed it and stuffed it into her bosom, saying earnestly, "Consider it a loan. I have a salary now... I'll pay you back once I receive it."

"No need," Xiao Jue scoffed. "Keep it for yourself. Come to me again if it's not enough."

Having lived two lifetimes, this was the first time He Yan experienced the feeling of spending money like water. Although she hadn't lacked money in her previous life, back when she was with the He family, aside from necessary expenses, she had never tasted the indulgence of a "spoiled young master." Later, after earning merits, the Emperor bestowed many rewards, but in the military camp, one brother would borrow a bit today, another friend's family would be in difficulty, so what remained in the end wasn't much—and it was all handed over to the He family.

After entering the Xu family, she had to be a "virtuous wife" and couldn't spend extravagantly. Moreover, she soon went blind, and the authority of managing the household fell into He Wanru's hands—she didn't even get a glimpse of silver. Now, finally experiencing it, the taste wasn't bad.

"Xiao Jue, you're truly a great person," He Yan fawned. "You're kinder than the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of Jade Splendor Temple."

Xiao Jue chuckled. "Whoever gives you silver is a good person?"

"Not exactly," He Yan said. "But others always ask me for things. People who willingly give me things are too few." Propping her chin, she looked at Xiao Jue. "It seems you've never asked me for anything."

In her previous life, she had always been giving—whether actively or passively, emotionally or materially. Only this person before her had silently bestowed without ever demanding.

Xiao Jue lowered his gaze to look at her. After a while, he suddenly spoke, "It must have been hard, right?"

He Yan straightened up. "What?"

"Enduring so much hardship, giving away the glory you fought for, willingly returning to having nothing—doesn't it feel unfair?" he asked.

He Yan was taken aback and fell silent for a long moment. Then she said, "Before, I might have felt that way, but not anymore." She smiled. "I have Old Man He, Yunsheng, Qingmei, Xiao Mai, Shitou, Wang Ba... and you. It's much better than my previous life."

"Really, Xiao Jue," she said earnestly, "I don't feel wronged."

Xiao Jue's gaze fixed on her. A moment later, he turned his head aside and said, "Fool."

He Yan paid no mind. "Yet you were still led around by a fool. Back at Liangzhou Guard, I knew who you were from the start. Second Young Master Xiao, Commander Xiao—secretly teaching me swordsmanship as classmates, doing good deeds without leaving your name. Who would believe it if word got out? The world would think Second Young Master Xiao had ulterior motives toward me."

"And that mole on your waist... tsk tsk."

Xiao Jue's expression stiffened slightly.

"Rebelling, are you?" he asked.

"Just speaking the truth," He Yan spread her hands.

Xiao Jue stood up and made to leave.

"Ah, are you angry?" He Yan quickly grabbed his sleeve to stop him, putting on an exaggerated tone to apologize. "I was wrong, I shouldn't have teased you. Commander Xiao, don't be angry. I apologize. How can I make it up to you?"

Xiao Jue paused in his steps, then suddenly turned around. He Yan was sitting at the table and was startled by his abrupt turn. The distance between them was extremely close. He leaned down, bending toward He Yan, and said with a half-smile, "Is that so?"

He Yan stared at him blankly, nodding instinctively.

He leaned even closer, his lips curving slightly. "Alright."

"Wh-what?"

"Let's... get married as soon as possible."

He Yan was stunned.The young man's handsome, bright face was close at hand, his gaze deep enough to draw one in. "He Rufei has already begun to suspect your identity. It's too dangerous for you to be alone."

"I want to protect you."

...

Nearly a quarter of an hour after Xiao Jue had left, He Yan was still sitting at the table, thinking about what he had said before he went.

As soon as He Yun Sheng entered, he frowned and asked, "He Yan, did you find money or treasure? Why are you smiling so creepily?"

He Yan turned around, rubbing her face, and asked in confusion, "Was I smiling?"

He Yun Sheng sighed and sat down at the table himself. "No wonder Father looks at General Feng Yun as if he were a fat sheep. With your qualities, if he took a liking to you, it would either be because there's something wrong with his eyes or his brain."

He Yan plucked a leaf and threw it at him. "Is that any way to talk about your sister?"

"Do you even act like a sister?" He Yun Sheng scoffed. "You even dragged him into your room. Father and I are men too, ahem. Why don't you pay more attention?"

"Why are you more old-fashioned than Father?" He Yan wondered. "So young, yet acting like an old man. I brought him in because we had important matters to discuss. What were you thinking?"

He Yun Sheng said impatiently, "I don't care about that. I came here to discuss your dowry."

He Yan: "What?"

The young man's face showed genuine distress. "Now that the Emperor has bestowed the marriage, there's no choice but to go through with it. The Xiao family is wealthy, but our family can barely support ourselves. I'm still studying and can't work to earn money like before. Although you became an official, you were fined a year's salary, so now only Father is earning wages. The money you gave me before, Father and I saved it for your future. Who knew you'd end up with such a family? That little money might not be enough, so... what I mean is..."

"What do you mean?"

"Delay the wedding. Wait until I start earning money later, save enough for your dowry, and then you can marry into the Xiao family."

He Yan: "..."

Her silly brother was truly a genius, able to come up with such an idea. Fortunately, Xiao Jue wasn't here. If he had heard it—just after saying they should marry as soon as possible, only to have He Yun Sheng undermine him—it would have caused a serious rift.

"Isn't it just about money?" He Yan said. "At worst, I'll just go to Letong Manor again."

"How dare you!" He Yun Sheng said angrily. "In the past, it was one thing, but now you're at least a person of some reputation. How can you still act so recklessly like before? If Commander Xiao finds out, what will he think of you?"

He Yan: "..."

Hah, He Yan thought to herself, Xiao Jue had already looked at the map with her. What more could he think? He'd think whatever he wanted. This kid had no experience and was making a fuss over nothing. But she knew this was just how the young man was, so she said, "Alright, I won't go. Isn't it just money?" She took out a stack of banknotes from her pocket—these were given to her by Xiao Jue earlier. "I have plenty here."

He Yun Sheng was taken aback. "Where did you get those banknotes?"

"I borrowed them from Xiao Jue," He Yan said matter-of-factly. "If it's not enough, I'll ask him for more."

"Are you crazy?" He Yun Sheng scolded. "You're borrowing money from him to fund your own dowry? Tell me, does that even make sense?""Unconventional, but there's no need to be so shocked." He Yan smiled at him. "Actually, the matter of the dowry isn't a big deal. You should know that anything in this world that can be resolved with money is not a major issue."

In truth, Xiao Jue didn't care about the secret that she had already died once, nor that she was the "Flying Goose General"—both were far more shocking than a dowry. But since Xiao Jue didn't mind either, financial matters truly didn't need to be worried about.

"I know you've seen a lot of the world," He Yun Sheng patiently tried to comfort her, "but when other women in Shuojing City marry, if they don't have a dowry, they'll face cold looks and gossip from their in-laws. You..."

"But other women in Shuojing rely on their husbands for support after marriage," He Yan said. "I have a salary."

"You're currently being penalized..."

"I have a salary."

"Our family background isn't high..."

"I have a salary."

He Yun Sheng was left speechless by He Yan's rebuttals and finally said, "Fine, you have a salary. So, going back and forth, you just don't want to postpone the wedding date, right? You really like General Feng Yun that much?"

"Isn't that what you said yourself?" He Yan tilted her head to look at him. "If you were a woman, you'd only admire him."

He Yun Sheng choked and coughed, flicking his sleeve as he stood up. "Forget it, I can see you're already completely infatuated and won't listen to anything I say. Fine, Father and I will think of something about the dowry. You just take care of yourself!"

He Yun Sheng left.

He Yan breathed a sigh of relief.

She lay back on the couch, thinking of what Xiao Jue had said. As for marriage, in her past life, she hadn't been without hope and anticipation when marrying another person, but the outcome had been frustrating. However, hearing it from Xiao Jue this time around, she surprisingly didn't feel much resistance or aversion. It seemed that with him, she could still hold onto some hope.

But it wasn't just that.

Xiao Jue was right—the situation in Shuojing was unstable now. On her end, dealing with the He and Xu families, acting with her current identity as the Marquis of Wu'an, came with many constraints. On Xiao Jue's end, Xu Jingfu and the Crown Prince were watching closely, the Wutuo People would soon enter the capital, the covert struggle between the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince hadn't ended, and the entire Great Wei was on the brink of turmoil. No one knew how it would all end.

Just as Xiao Jue had said, she also wanted to protect him.

...

Xiao Jue returned to his residence.

He returned late—Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei had already retired for the night.

Over the years, he hadn't spent much time in Shuojing. Even when he returned each year, he left early and returned late. His elder brother and sister-in-law were already accustomed to it, but the kitchen often kept warm meals ready for him, lest he return late at night with nothing to eat.

The snow in the courtyard had been swept clean. He entered the room, placed Drink Autumn on the table, and removed his outer robe.

Fei Nu followed him inside.

"Go to the Xu family tomorrow," Xiao Jue said.

Fei Nu was taken aback. "Young Master, isn't Luan Ying keeping an eye on the Xu family?"

"I'm not asking you to investigate," Xiao Jue replied. "Find the gatekeeper at the Xu family named Fuwang. Give him some money and make a deal with him."

Fei Nu was momentarily stunned but nodded in agreement.

Xiao Jue then whispered a few more instructions to him. Fei Nu's face showed a hint of surprise. Though he didn't understand why Xiao Jue wanted to do this, he said nothing and withdrew from the room after acknowledging the orders.He let out a soft sigh of relief, his gaze falling upon the Drink Autumn Sword hanging on the wall.

He Yan’s identity destined her revenge to be cautious and restrained, never allowing her to act freely and unrestrainedly. Yet, letting the He and Xu families linger in this world for even one more day would only bring discomfort to the heart.

There were things He Yan could not do openly, but he could act without hesitation. There were methods she was unwilling to use—those lacking in honor—but he had no such reservations.

Xiao Jue stood up and walked over to the Drink Autumn Sword. He reached out and gently stroked the scabbard, which felt as cold as snow. The young man lowered his head, lost in thought.

For a fierce general on the battlefield, the most precious things were nothing more than the warhorse beneath them and the sword in their hand.

If one were to lose their sword, it would be like a beast losing its sharp teeth and claws. This fool’s entire life had been a continuous process of loss, to the point where now, he very much wanted to reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to her.

And even more.

The governor’s greatest mistake was not being born at the right time, forced to remain pure and restrained...

Now, even a simple kiss can’t have eye contact or descriptive buildup, huh!

(End of Chapter)