Legend of the Female General

Chapter 238: Sovereign and Subject

Yan He had left, and as the sky gradually darkened, Lin Shuanghe also prepared to depart. Before leaving, he instructed Xiao Jue, "Remember to feed He Yan her medicine. After taking it, she should wake up before long. I’ll come again tomorrow, Huaijin. Don’t worry too much."

After seeing Lin Shuanghe off, He Sui and He Yun Sheng were also deeply concerned about He Yan. However, with Xiao Jue keeping watch by her bedside, they felt it inappropriate to enter. He Sui eventually pulled He Yun Sheng away.

The medicine in the bowl gradually cooled. Xiao Jue helped He Yan sit up, carefully scooping a spoonful of the medicine to feed her. The liquid trickled from the corner of her mouth, and he hurriedly set the bowl aside, wiping the traces of medicine from her lips with a handkerchief. A slight frown creased his brow.

He Yan’s face remained pale. She had always been carefree and cheerful, the type to crack jokes even when severely injured, reassuring those around her not to worry. Yet now, for the first time, she appeared distressed even in her dreams.

He reached out, gently stroking the top of her head, then glanced at the nearly cooled medicine on the table. After a moment’s hesitation, he finally made up his mind, picked up the bowl again, and took a sip.

The girl on the bed lay with her eyes tightly shut, her eyelashes softly lowered, revealing a vulnerability he had never seen before. The young man’s gaze lingered on her, his body stiffening slightly. After a brief struggle, he slowly leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

The medicine was no longer hot, just warm enough. By the time he finished feeding her the bowl, his ears were flushed red. He let out a soft sigh of relief, straightened up, and tucked the blanket securely around He Yan.

The notion of being a gentleman had never been a consideration for Xiao Jue. In the past, he had always acted on impulse, guided solely by his own desires. Only with this woman before him did he find himself hesitating, constantly fearing he might provoke her resistance.

Xiao Jue carried the empty bowl outside. As soon as he stepped out, he spotted a young man crouching under the eaves across the courtyard, idly drawing patterns in the snow with a branch.

It was He Yun Sheng.

Seeing Xiao Jue emerge, He Yun Sheng’s eyes lit up. Xiao Jue placed the empty bowl in the kitchen, and by the time he returned, He Yun Sheng had already made his way to He Yan’s door, looking at Xiao Jue with an expression of hesitation.

Xiao Jue closed the door to He Yan’s room to keep the wind out before turning to He Yun Sheng. "Do you have something to say to me?"

He Yun Sheng swallowed hard.

In the past, he had admired and revered Xiao Jue deeply. Likely, every young man in Shuojing City felt the same way. When had that changed? Perhaps it was the day He Yan took the blame for Fan Cheng’s death on the Spring River, drawing the pursuers away alone. At that moment, He Yun Sheng suddenly realized that mere admiration was useless. Only by becoming stronger himself could he protect He Yan, He Sui, and those he cared about. Instead of fixating on distant figures, it was better to focus on improving himself.

Later, He Yan returned, becoming the Marquis of Wu’an and bringing back a fiancé.

And that fiancé happened to be Xiao Jue.

He Yun Sheng harbored no real animosity toward Xiao Jue. His apparent resistance stemmed solely from his concern for He Yan. He Yan had nearly lost her life for Fan Cheng—who could say Xiao Jue wouldn’t become another Fan Cheng? No one could be certain.But today he had also seen it: when He Yan fainted, Xiao Jue stayed by her bedside, wiping her hands and cooling her medicine, never leaving her side for a moment. He thought, Xiao Jue must like his sister, and this affection ran deeper than he and He Sui had imagined.

"Commander Xiao," the young man spoke nervously yet resolutely, "will you always treat He Yan this well?"

Xiao Jue glanced at him in surprise, paused for a moment, and replied, "Yes."

"My sister... she's very different from other women." He Yun Sheng thought for a while before slowly continuing, "When she wants to do something, no one can stop her. When she doesn't want to do something, no one can force her."

"But she's a good person. Don't hurt her." He Yun Sheng said, "If you hurt her, I..." The young man's voice deepened, "I will do whatever it takes to seek justice for her."

Xiao Jue looked at him, then after a long moment, smiled. "Alright." After a pause, he added, "But you probably won't get that chance."

He Yun Sheng also smiled. "This is a conversation between us two men. Don't tell He Yan when she wakes up."

Xiao Jue lowered his gaze to the accumulated snow on the ground. The snow in the courtyard hadn't been cleared in time, leaving a thin layer. He asked He Yun Sheng, "You care a lot about He Yan?"

The young man instinctively wanted to argue, but the words that came out were a sigh. "She's my sister."

She was his sister. Even though she had always bullied him, scolded him, stolen his favorite pastries, and loved to tattle to He Sui since they were young. But she would also stand in front of him, silently protecting him.

In this world, aside from He Sui, they were the closest people to each other. How could he not care?

"That's good," the young man said calmly. "Keep caring for her like this in the future."

"Of course I'll always care for her," He Yun Sheng replied, unable to resist another glance at the young man standing beside him. For some reason, his earlier worries suddenly faded quite a bit.

Xiao Jue... was different from Fan Cheng.

...

He Yan had a long dream.

In the dream, she was still her childhood self, wearing a mask. Back then, she hadn't yet gone to study at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy and was just a pitiful creature who, aside from sneaking out through the dog hole every day, could only stay in the mansion. One morning, after helping the monks fetch water from Donghuang Mountain, she crawled back through the dog hole and accidentally bumped into the servants who had gotten up early to empty the night soil. Terrified, she turned and ran, only to crash into someone.

This person's skirt was very fragrant, like spring flowers, a scent so lovely it made one linger. Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of laughter.

A pair of hands pulled her up from the ground.

The lady's eyes and brows bore some resemblance to hers, and her gaze was very gentle as she gently pulled He Yan to her side, shielding her from view. After the servants left, she patted He Yan's hand softly and whispered, "It's alright now, be careful."

He Yan was wearing a mask, so the other couldn't see her face. But she thought that back then, beneath the mask, her expression must have been foolishly filled with a longing to draw closer.The woman turned and walked away. He Yan followed behind, wanting to call out "Mother," but for some reason, despite the distance being so close, she simply couldn't catch up. She watched helplessly as the woman walked farther and farther away, until she disappeared from her sight. She stumbled and fell to the ground, her heart filled with both sorrow and grievance, and she couldn't help but burst into loud, wailing sobs.

"He Yan?" It seemed someone was calling her name in her ear.

He Yan opened her eyes and met Xiao Jue's concerned gaze. She felt something cool on her face and instinctively reached up to touch it—it was all tears.

In an instant, she understood everything.

The events on the Celestial Star Platform replayed in her mind, scene by scene. She closed her eyes, and the pain came crashing down on her, unavoidable and overwhelming.

"My mother..." As soon as she uttered the first word, tears streamed down her face.

He Yan had always believed that between her and Lady He the Second, there was only the name of mother and daughter, but none of the affection. In the years when she longed for a mother's care, Lady He the Second was forever absent. She didn't harbor hatred, but there was always a trace of resentment. Even after her rebirth, she had never known how to face Lady He the Second again. Now, she would never have that chance.

"His Majesty has permitted me to arrange Lady He the Second's burial," Xiao Jue said softly. "He Yan..." He couldn't think of any words to comfort the young woman before him. "There's no need to hold back. Cry if you want to."

Cuiluo had come here once and revealed the whole truth. Lady He the Second had been preparing for this day from the very beginning. He Rufei had not forced poison upon her—the poison was something she had hidden herself. Lady He the Second had long been resolved to die. Given her health, she wouldn't have lived much longer anyway. She had asked Cuiluo for the token to access the Celestial Star Platform and, taking advantage of the He family's inattention, crawled out through the dog hole He Yan had dug long ago. She rushed all the way to the Celestial Star Platform, sacrificing her own life to provide the final piece of evidence for He Yan.

The so-called deal with Xiao Jue was the last lifeline she had hidden for He Xinying, and it was also the escape route she had arranged for He Yan.

The scheming tactics of women in the inner chambers were something Xiao Jue had always disdained, but Lady He the Second's methods were not particularly clever to begin with. She had wanted to create the illusion of favoring He Xinying, yet she couldn't help but care for He Yan. In the end, she was willing to sacrifice her own life to clear He Yan of the grievances from her past life. A mother would never go to such lengths unless she truly loved her daughter.

But... if this was her final wish, he was willing to play along, allowing her the small satisfaction of seeing her plan succeed.

Lady He the Second's life had been one of helplessness, with few moments where she could decide her own fate. She couldn't choose her birth, but she could choose her death, using it to pave a future path for her two daughters, even though she would never see it.

He Yan choked back a sob. "Xiao Jue, I no longer have a mother... from now on, I have no mother."

The word "mother," though it had rarely been a part of her life, had always held a glimmer of hope as long as it existed. But now that Lady He the Second was gone, she would never have the chance again. The fantasy of a mother-daughter relationship would forever remain just that—a fantasy, with no opportunity to become reality.

Heaven was cruel, denying her even this chance, and it filled her with deep regret. The last time at Jade Splendor Temple, she hadn't spoken a few more words to Lady He the Second.Xiao Jue lowered his gaze to stare at her, a bitter taste in his heart. Of course he understood the pain He Yan felt at this moment, for he had once experienced it himself.

If it were physical suffering, he could endure it on her behalf, but the agony of losing a loved one—no one could bear that for her.

"What did she say to you at the end?" He Yan asked.

At that time, only Xiao Jue had been by Lady He the Second's side. No one had heard their conversation. She didn’t know what Lady He the Second had said in her final moments, but was there even a single word meant for her?

"She said," Xiao Jue paused, then slowly spoke, "'Adorned with lotus, radiant and bright, yet vast and boundless, impossible to grasp...'"

"She loved you and hoped you would live well."

The room was immediately filled with the sound of He Yan’s stifled sobs.

After an unknown length of time, the room fell silent. He Yan wiped the tears from her face, her voice barely steady. "Xiao Jue, the Emperor has raided the He and Xu families. What about my younger sister, He Xinying?"

"She has nothing to do with this matter. If—"

"I will explain this to the Emperor. Don’t worry." Xiao Jue fell silent for a moment, then reached out and pulled her into his embrace, whispering softly, "He Yan, I will always be by your side."

...

In the palace.

In Consort Lan’s chambers, the Fourth Prince was staring blankly at a burning candle.

"Did you come here just to daydream?" Consort Lan’s words pulled Guang Shuo’s thoughts back to reality.

Guang Shuo snapped out of his reverie and replied, "Mother Consort, I was just thinking about what happened today at the Celestial Platform."

Today’s events had shaken the entire court and sent shockwaves throughout Great Wei.

"The Flying Goose General was actually a woman—who could have imagined that?" Guang Shuo still sounded somewhat incredulous as he spoke of it. "So women can also go to war, can also become great generals."

"You must not underestimate women," Consort Lan said with a light laugh, picking up the teacup before her, her voice calm. "Men fight on the battlefield, women fight in the inner chambers—neither has it easier than the other. In this world, what men can do, women can also do. It’s just that too few are willing to be the first to step forward. Guang Shuo, remember this: if you look down on women, you will surely suffer greatly in the future."

Guang Shuo respectfully replied, "Your son will remember." After a pause, he sighed again. "But that Flying Goose General, the Second Miss He, was ultimately conspired against and killed by her own family. The He family truly is ruthless, to even harm their own daughter."

Consort Lan smiled noncommittally. "What goes around comes around. The seeds the He family sowed have now borne their bitter fruit."

"That’s true," Guang Shuo nodded in agreement. "Now that Father Emperor has raided the He and Xu families with solid evidence, the He family has no chance of recovering. At least this offers some comfort to the true General He, resting in the underworld."

Consort Lan looked at him, smiling without a word.

"Mother Consort, why are you looking at me like that?"

"What are your thoughts on the matter of Xu Xiang?" Consort Lan asked.

Guang Shuo was taken aback.

"Now that Xiao Huaijin and Xu Xiang have completely torn off all pretenses, and Xiao Huaijin has sent Xu Xiang back to prison, he won’t let this opportunity slip. I suspect he has other evidence in his hands."

"Your son thinks the same," Guang Shuo replied. "But..."

"But what?"

"Father Emperor likely won’t deal too harshly with Xu Xiang.""Your father is a man who cherishes the past," Consort Lan gazed into the distance. "When the Emperor first ascended the throne, it was Xu Xiang who assisted him in securing that position. Naturally, he holds a unique bond of loyalty and gratitude toward Xu Xiang that others do not share. However, your father has grown old."

Guang Shuo looked at the woman before him.

"An aging emperor will make plans for the future. No matter how irresponsible your father may seem, he would never wish to see the Great Wei dynasty crumble in his hands. Whether for the Crown Prince or for the future heir, the Emperor will certainly punish Xu Xiang. Guang Shuo, if you intend to contend, you must contend for Xiao Huaijin."

"The art of persuasion is akin to the art of war—winning hearts is paramount. Xiao Huaijin seeks to clear his father's name and redress injustice. If you offer support at this moment, it will be like sending charcoal in snowy weather."

Guang Shuo remained silent for a while before saying, "Mother, I understand."

"You are as benevolent as your father," Consort Lan looked at him gently. "I know you dislike political maneuvering and the complexities of human hearts, but Guang Shuo, if you wish to become an emperor, you must learn to govern your subjects. This is not a bad thing. Since you were born into the imperial palace and wish to choose your own destiny, this is inevitable. There is no such thing as having the best of both worlds. Look at your father—he lived freely all his life, yet now, is he not also bound?"

Guang Shuo said nothing.

The candle wax had spilled across the desk like red tears. The hall was silent, save for the faint fragrance wafting from the woman's sleeves, filling the vast and chilly space with an ethereal scent.

...

Xiao Jue entered the palace in the middle of the night.

When the eunuch announced his entry into the imperial study, Emperor Wenxuan had not yet retired. The desk was littered with memorials and case files, scattered haphazardly, but he had no mind to read them.

He was not a diligent ruler. Perhaps in the first two years of his reign, he had tried to be one, but he eventually gave up. In this world, there are emperors who strive for excellence and those who are mediocre and aimless. Throughout his life, Emperor Wenxuan felt that being a mediocre emperor was not so bad. All he ever wanted was to live a simple, uneventful life, and when the time came, pass the throne to his son. That would suffice.

And indeed, he had lived most of his life this way. Sometimes, Emperor Wenxuan even found it quite pleasant. Unlike his father, who was perpetually burdened and busy, or the previous emperors who led military campaigns and conquests, he lived more easily and longer than any of them.

Was Great Wei not thriving? As long as one knew how to employ capable people—generals to defend the land and ministers to govern the court—it was an era of peace and prosperity. Until today, when the truth he believed was completely overturned. Sitting here, Emperor Wenxuan suddenly realized that all these years, he had never truly been a proper emperor.

He was never cut out to be an emperor. If he had not been born into the royal family, he would have preferred to be a leisurely prince, an ordinary official's son, or even the son of a wealthy merchant—without great ambitions or talents, content to write poetry, paint, and enjoy the pleasures of life. Instead, he now sat in this position, where every action affected the lives of millions. If he performed poorly, people would curse him behind his back; if he performed well, others would simply deem it his duty.

An emperor who yearns for freedom is a great taboo in the royal family. He had hidden his true feelings deep within, but it turned out that everyone could see through him.

Xiao Jue entered.

Emperor Wenxuan looked at the young man before him.He still remembered when Xiao Zhongwu first brought Xiao Jue before him. Xiao Jue was just a youth then, truly beautiful, his handsomeness surpassing even that of the imperial princes. His expression was proud, yet tinged with a careless nonchalance, entirely different from his gentle and courteous elder brother. Emperor Wenxuan had thought to himself at the time: That military man Xiao Zhongwu actually has two such outstanding sons—it really is something to envy.

In the blink of an eye, Xiao Jue had already grown so much. The youthful innocence had completely faded from him. The gaze he now fixed upon him was calm, respectful, and held a touch of cool detachment.

He suddenly thought of Xiao Zhongwu.

"Actually, looking at you now, you do share some resemblance with your father," Emperor Wenxuan said.

He had always thought Xiao Jue took after Madam Xiao, with his bright and beautiful eyes and brows. But his sharpness and composure all came from his father.

"Your Majesty still remembers this humble subject's father?" Xiao Jue spoke calmly.

Emperor Wenxuan was taken aback.

He thought that after so long, his memory might have grown hazy. But when he recalled, Xiao Zhongwu's image was surprisingly clear. That tall man who always wore golden armor and carried a sword was different from the refined, scholarly civil officials at court. He was like the wind of the northwest—fierce, unrestrained, carrying an open and forthright cheerfulness that made all who yearned for freedom feel envious.

Emperor Wenxuan had been envious too.

But in the end, Xiao Zhongwu died. The Xiao family nearly collapsed. If not for this young man before him leading three thousand troops to Guo City, perhaps there would be no Xiao family left in Great Wei today.

He looked at Xiao Jue. "Back then, did you resent me?"

"This humble subject would not dare."

Emperor Wenxuan chuckled softly. 'Would not dare'—that meant he had. In all the world, only this person before him had the audacity to say such a thing to his face. Yet, he did not feel anger. Perhaps it was because, for many years, no one had dared to speak the truth in his presence.

"Your Majesty," Xiao Jue said, "this humble subject earnestly requests Your Majesty to spare the life of He Xinying, the wife of Hanlin Academician Xu Zhiheng."

"He Xinying?"

"The true Flying Goose General, the second young lady of the He family, her full-blooded sister from the same mother," Xiao Jue explained. "After the second young lady was drowned in a pond by conspiracy, the He family married her younger sister, He Xinying, to Xu Zhiheng as his second wife." He looked at Emperor Wenxuan. "Lady He the Second is already dead. Madam Xu is the only remaining relative of the Flying Goose General still in this world. Moreover, this subject has inquired and learned that Madam Xu was completely unaware of the exchanged identities between the Flying Goose General and He Rufei."

"Your Majesty is benevolent and virtuous. For the sake of the deceased Flying Goose General, please show leniency to He Xinying and spare her life."

"The Flying Goose General..." Emperor Wenxuan murmured.

Everything that happened today at Tianxing Terrace was because of the Flying Goose General. However, he truly had not expected that the Flying Goose he had personally enfeoffed back then was actually a woman.

When He Rufei removed his mask back then, revealing a handsome face, Emperor Wenxuan had still doubted whether the past claims of a birthmark and ugly appearance were false. Now it seemed that from that moment on, the He family had already begun their deception to fool the world.If the Second Miss He were still alive, Emperor Wenxuan might still have punished her for her crime, as she too had deceived the sovereign. But Second Miss He was dead, and had died so tragically. Death extinguishes all, and all the faults of the living are forgotten. When looking upon the dead, people are always more forgiving, finding nothing but goodness in them.

"Let it be. Spare her life," Emperor Wenxuan sighed. "After all, the Flying Goose General once truly charged into battle for Great Wei and quelled the Western Qiang rebellion."

"I thank Your Majesty's grace on behalf of the Flying Goose General."

Emperor Wenxuan looked at Xiao Jue and smiled instead. "I heard you and the Flying Goose General were once classmates. To go to such lengths for her, it seems you are a man who cherishes old ties. The Flying Goose General, in the afterlife, would surely be comforted."

Xiao Jue remained silent. Emperor Wenxuan waved his hand. "You may leave."

The young man bowed and was about to leave when Emperor Wenxuan called out to him again.

The emperor's voice carried deep exhaustion. "All these years, I have treated Xu Xiang with great favor. Why would he still harbor thoughts of rebellion?"

The attendant lowered his head, not daring to speak.

After a moment, the young man replied calmly, "Excessive favor breeds arrogance; too much kindness turns to resentment. Perhaps Your Majesty has been too generous to him."

(End of Chapter)