Legend of the Female General

Chapter 246: New Year

The New Year in Shuojing City arrived swiftly.

Last year during the New Year, He Yan had been at Liangzhou Guard and couldn’t return. This year, after the celebrations, she would be getting married, so He Sui went out to purchase plenty of New Year goods, determined to have a lively celebration at home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t originally from Shuojing, and since Madam He passed away, interactions with relatives had grown even fewer. There weren’t many families they could visit.

However, the neighbors were quite enthusiastic, frequently bringing dried fruits and snacks. One household would send over a plate of dumplings they had cooked, another would share a piece of cured meat, and they often took He Yan’s hand, saying, “Yan Yan, after you marry into the Xiao family and become a young mistress, don’t forget us neighbors. I even held you when you were little.”

“Yes, yes! I even sewed little clothes for you!”

Thanks to Xiao Jue, there was no need to buy meat this year—they already had more than enough.

Still, He Yan spent her own money to buy some things and had them delivered to Wang Ba and the others, also sending New Year gifts to the instructors. They were stationed in the camp outside the city and could only celebrate the New Year alongside the soldiers. On the tenth day of the month, she would be getting married, and He Yan wanted Xiao Jue to grant them leave. Shitou and the others were friends who had followed her all the way from Liangzhou Guard, and she wanted to invite them to her wedding banquet.

However, since Xiao Jue appeared that day when she met Chu Zhao, she hadn’t seen him these past few days. He was likely busy with matters related to the Singing Water case.

The sky gradually darkened, and the faint sounds of firecrackers and fireworks could be heard in the distance. It didn’t snow tonight; it was a clear evening. He Sui moved the table into the courtyard and called He Yan and the others to eat. He Yan had wanted to help with the New Year’s Eve dinner, but He Sui refused, saying, “You’ll be getting married right after the New Year. How can I let you work? Sit down! Yan Yan, just eat.”

He Yun Sheng secretly rolled his eyes.

There was a large table full of dishes, but with only four people, including Qingmei, there were five sets of bowls and chopsticks. The empty set belonged to the late Madam He.

He Sui poured a small cup of sweet wine for everyone—a New Year gift given to him by his employer when he worked as a guard. He Sui picked up his cup, took a sip, and looked at the empty set of bowls and chopsticks. His gaze softened, tinged with emotion. “If Ah Hui were still here, seeing Yan Yan get married, she would be overjoyed.”

“Ah Hui” was the late Madam He.

He Yan felt a pang of sadness. The real Second Miss He was no longer here, but all she could do now was live well in her place, protecting He Sui, He Yun Sheng, and Qingmei.

“Dad, let’s not talk about such things on a happy day,” He Yun Sheng frowned. “Besides, maybe it’s my mother in heaven, blessing my sister as a fairy, that allowed her to marry so smoothly. Look at her—if it weren’t for heaven’s blessings, I think she’d only be able to stay home and argue with me for the rest of her life, with no one willing to marry her.”

He Yan smiled at him. “Yes, yes, but Yun Sheng, I see you’re not young anymore. I wonder what kind of girl you’ll marry in the future? And whether she’ll even be willing to look at you? If you don’t change that temper of yours, you might really end up staying home and arguing with Xiangxiang.”

“You’re talking nonsense, I…” He Yun Sheng immediately retorted.

He Yan rested her chin on her hand and leaned closer. “Oh? So you already have a girl you like? Tell me about her.”When it came to verbal sparring, He Yun Sheng had never won against He Yan. Frustrated, he turned to He Sui: "Father, look at He Yan!"

"What your sister said isn't wrong," He Sui always sided with He Yan. "You should learn more from your brother-in-law."

He Yan, who was tasting wine with her head lowered, nearly choked upon hearing this. The way he kept saying "brother-in-law" was remarkably fluent.

He Yun Sheng watched her with schadenfreude, while Qingmei covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore," He Sui raised his cup. "In the new year, may we all have good fortune and endless blessings!"

The lingering colors of fireworks could be seen in the distant night sky—the new year was approaching.

He Sui forbade He Yan from drinking too much, so she only had a small cup, just enough for the gesture. In contrast, He Yun Sheng drank quite a bit. Originally, the family had agreed to stay up together to welcome the new year, but both father and son had collapsed before the appointed time. He Yan and Qingmei went to great lengths to carry them back to their beds before returning to the main hall, where the stove was still burning warmly.

Qingmei rubbed her hands together and said, "I didn'tt expect the young master and the master to get drunk so early."

He Yan was both amused and exasperated. He Yun Sheng had proposed staying up, yet he was now sound asleep. Well, she might as well stay up on his behalf.

"Do you want one?" He Yan handed a roasted orange to Qingmei.

Qingmei took it, peeled the skin, and placed a segment in her mouth. The He family did not treat Qingmei as a servant; they didn't have as many strict master-servant rules as wealthy households. The orange was a bit sour, and Qingmei squinted her eyes, swallowing before speaking. "I didn't notice it before, but today, during the New Year, it feels like our family is a bit too quiet. With the master and young master gone, it's just you and me, miss."

Looking at other families, they were lively and joyful, full of warmth.

He Yan didn't see anything wrong with this. She had spent plenty of time alone and didn't share Qingmei's wistfulness. Instead, she looked at Qingmei and nodded. "We should have called Chi Wu over."

Qingmei was taken aback. "What does that have to do with Guard Chi Wu?"

"It has everything to do with him," He Yan said, eating an orange as she spoke. "He stayed here every day for a while recently, and you didn't say it was quiet. Now that he's not here, you say it's quiet. You must miss him."

Qingmei was stunned and denied it without thinking. "I don't, miss. Please don't talk nonsense."

"Actually, it's nothing," He Yan placed the peeled orange peel by the stove to roast, filling the hall with a fresh fragrance. "After I marry into the Xiao family, you'll be the only maid in our household, so of course, you'll come with me. By then, you and Chi Wu will see each other all the time, and you won't feel lonely anymore."

"Miss," Qingmei stomped her foot anxiously. "I really don't mean it that way."

"I think Chi Wu is quite good," He Yan teased her deliberately. "He's handsome, part of the Nine Banners Battalion, and might even earn an official position someday. Besides, he listens to you. I saw him sweep the floor when you asked and hang the laundry when you told him to. If he didn't have feelings for you, why would he be so obedient?"

"Miss!" Qingmei was flustered, her face flushed red. She stood up abruptly, no longer eating the orange or staying up for the night. "I don't mean it that way, miss. Please don't speak carelessly. There's nothing between me and Guard Chi Wu." She put the orange back and hurried away with quick, heavy steps."Ah?" He Yan called after her, "Aren't we staying up for the New Year?"

"No!"

He Yan felt a twinge of regret. Perhaps she shouldn't have teased her like that. Now she was left to keep watch alone. She picked up the orange Qingmei had set down earlier, tossing it lightly in her hand, and sighed, "Such a little hypocrite."

Someone's voice sounded, "You seem to know a lot."

He Yan turned to see Xiao Jue leaning against their front door, arms crossed, watching her with an amused smile.

"Xiao Jue?" she exclaimed, delighted. "What brings you here?" She glanced outside. "Did you just walk right in?"

"I knocked," Xiao Jue replied as he stepped inside. "But your house doesn't have guards, so whether I knocked or not makes little difference."

That was the honest truth.

He Yan pulled him over to sit by the warm stove and casually handed him an orange. "Want one?"

Xiao Jue took the orange, holding it in his hand but not eating it.

"Why did you come?" He Yan asked. "Aren'tt you staying with your brother and sister-in-law at home?"

"After the New Year's Eve dinner, I came to see you," he said, glancing around thoughtfully. "Why aren't your father and brother here?"

"Don't ask," she replied. "They got drunk, and I helped them to their rooms to sleep." She looked at Xiao Jue. "If you had come any later, I would have been asleep too."

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. "If you were waiting for me, how could you sleep?"

"I wasn't waiting for you," He Yan said, puzzled.

Xiao Jue tilted his head to look at her, his expression indifferent as he let out a faint "Oh."

Suddenly understanding, He Yan grabbed his arm and said earnestly, "How did you know I was waiting for you? I waited until everyone was finally asleep just for you! Now that no one's around, it's perfect..."

"Perfect for what?"

"Perfect..." He Yan had been making it up on the spot and couldn't think of what to say next. When she looked up, she met his slightly brightened gaze.

"Perfect... for offering you an orange," He Yan said, taking his hand and raising the orange to his chest.

Xiao Jue looked at her for a moment, then turned his head and chuckled softly.

He Yan thought to herself that she must be something like a jester. Someone as aloof and unapproachable as Xiao Jue was often amused by her—a talent ordinary people didn't possess.

"Sitting inside is boring. Want to go sit on the roof?" He Yan invited him enthusiastically.

"The roof?"

He Yan grabbed his hand and led him outside. "Yes!"

The He family's house wasn't an expensive one, and the roof wasn't too high. With a light jump, they were up. She and Xiao Jue sat side by side, hands propped behind them, looking up at the distance.

On New Year's Eve in Shuojing City, fireworks were being set off everywhere. From so far away, they couldn't see clearly, only the bright flashes like flowing stars streaking across the night sky.

"When I was little, before I joined the army, I loved climbing onto roofs," He Yan said. "The He family's roof was higher than this one. Back then, my martial arts weren't good enough to fly up, so I had to use a ladder. Once, I fell halfway down. Afraid of being discovered by Lady He, I didn't dare make a sound. For a while after that, my back hurt terribly."

Xiao Jue asked, "Why did you like climbing roofs?"

"Because they're high enough," He Yan mimed an archer's pose. "When you climb high enough, you can reach for the moon and pluck the stars."

He laughed softly. "Childish.""Who wasn't childish as a kid?" He Yan retorted. "Besides, it's been years since I last climbed a roof."

After joining the army, she lived in tents—where were there roofs to climb? And after getting married, forget about it. Thinking back now, climbing roofs was something from a long time ago.

"If you want," Xiao Jue said, "the roofs of the Xiao family will be yours from now on."

He Yan turned her head to look at him, testing the waters. "Even after I marry in?"

"Yes."

"Even if I bring you along?"

"Yes."

"Carrying snacks..."

Xiao Jue cut her off. "Whatever you want to do, it's fine."

He Yan blinked, then lowered her head and laughed, her smile spreading uncontrollably like ripples on water, growing wider and wider.

Xiao Jue glanced at her, seemingly speechless. After a moment, he said, "You're this happy just from climbing a roof?"

"Of course," He Yan replied. "I'm easy to please. I don't have expensive hobbies—just having food, clothes, and a roof to climb is enough."

Xiao Jue chuckled but didn't comment.

"Hey," He Yan nudged his arm. "How are things with Xu Xiang's remaining faction?"

Xiao Jue's smile faded. "Some have gone over to Chu Zilan."

This was something He Yan had already anticipated. She asked, "Are you saying Chu Zhao's earlier act of turning against his own family was deliberate?"

"Most likely." Xiao Jue gazed into the distance. "He has probably taken Xu Jingfu's place in the Crown Prince's heart."

"Do you know how the Emperor feels about the Wutuo People?" He Yan asked. "After this incident, the Emperor shouldn't accept any peace proposals from the Wutuo People anymore, right?"

Xiao Jue didn't speak. After a while, he shook his head slightly.

In truth, He Yan understood clearly that Emperor Wenxuan's stance was no longer the most important. The conflict between the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince would likely escalate faster because of Xu Jingfu's death. It wouldn't be long before their struggle was laid bare for all to see.

Xiao Jue and Crown Prince Guang Yan were sworn enemies. If things came to a head in the future... they would inevitably have to side with the Fourth Prince. But without legitimacy, if the Emperor drafted an edict of succession, they would suffer at least in terms of reputation.

"Don't worry," Xiao Jue said calmly. "I have a plan."

He Yan smiled. "You're right. Today is the New Year—it's better not to think about these things."

"The wedding dress is ready," Xiao Jue suddenly changed the subject. "In a few days, I'll have it delivered to your residence."

"So soon?"

Xiao Jue glanced at her. "The wedding is in less than ten days. How is that soon?"

He Yan chuckled awkwardly. "Well, that's true, but..."

She hadn't felt it before, but hearing him say it made her suddenly nervous, as if the moment was approaching.

"After tomorrow, I won't see you again."

He Yan asked, "Why?"

"Newlyweds shouldn't meet in the days before the wedding," Xiao Jue replied.

He Yan muttered softly, "I never took you for someone who follows rules like this."

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow.

"What I mean is," He Yan grabbed his hand and spoke earnestly, "you're absolutely right. It should be this way. With you taking care of everything so well, I'm very reassured."She now understood that Xiao Jue was someone who responded better to softness than to force. Just a few words of flattery and praise would make him quite pleased. If she had known earlier that he was so easy to coax, He Yan thought, back at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy, she should have clung to his leg and lavished him with compliments. Who knows, besides swordsmanship, he might have even taught her archery and horsemanship as well.

Her acting was clumsy, but Xiao Jue only glanced at the hand she had grabbed, paused for a moment, and then covered her hand with his own palm.

"He Yan," he called her name.

"Huh?"

"Happy New Year," he said calmly, his dark pupils filled with the stars of the night, more captivating than the fireworks in the sky.

He Yan was taken aback.

A warm sense of satisfaction gradually rose in her chest. She suddenly felt that this New Year was truly a brand-new beginning.

"You're welcome," she tilted her head, leaning against Xiao Jue's shoulder and rubbing against it vigorously. "Happy New Year to you too."

...

From the far end of the street, the sound of firecrackers drifted faintly.

Every household had freshly replaced spring couplets pasted on their doors.

However, this year, the Shi Jinbo residence was exceptionally desolate.

Originally, at this time, the Chu family should have welcomed a new bride, making it a doubly auspicious occasion. Unexpectedly, not long ago, the Xu family encountered trouble, dragging the Chu family down with them. Although Chu Zhao ultimately turned against his own kin and narrowly avoided disaster, Shi Jinbo, because of the marriage alliance with the Xu family, went from being the envy of all to a laughingstock in the capital overnight. Chu Linfeng, who valued face greatly, stayed secluded indoors throughout the New Year period, and there was not a hint of festive joy in the residence—it was eerily quiet.

In Chu Zhao's courtyard, the silence was even more profound.

In the first few days after Xu Pingting arrived, upon learning the truth of Xu Jingfu's death, she cursed Chu Zhao daily in the courtyard for his heartlessness and ingratitude. Later, after being taught some "rules" by the matrons in the courtyard for a few days, she grew much quieter. However, with this, the only bit of liveliness in the entire courtyard dissipated.

Chu Zhao sat inside the room. The sound of fireworks seemed distant, as if the world outside the gate and the world inside were two entirely different realms.

Someone entered from behind. A servant said, "Fourth Young Master, a letter has arrived from Miss Ying Xiang."

Chu Zhao took the letter and read it. After a moment, he placed it over the flame of the oil lamp, watching it gradually burn to ashes.

On the table lay a peculiarly shaped stone, flat like a human palm. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to resemble the shape of a horse, though the broken edges appeared rough and uneven. Placed alongside the other decorations on the table, it stood out starkly.

Chu Zhao's gaze fell upon the stone, his expression gradually growing distant.

The servant hesitated, struggling for a moment before finally speaking up, "Fourth Young Master, when you met Miss He that day, why didn't you use Madam Xu as bait to keep Miss He here?"

He Yan cared so deeply for He Xinying. If He Xinying had been used as leverage, perhaps He Yan and Xiao Jue's marriage might not have come to pass.

"It would have been useless," Chu Zhao replied.

The servant was puzzled and looked at the man before him. Sitting alone at the table, the faint light of the oil lamp cast his figure in a slender and lonely silhouette. In the vast courtyard, it seemed as if he were the only one there, destined to sit alone for eternity.

"She is a woman who can grasp her own fate," Chu Zhao said after a long while, smiling faintly. "No one can force her."

"Not me, not Xiao Huaijin, and certainly not He Xinying."Before his eyes rose the night market of Jiyang Water City, where a bright-eyed girl walked along the street. Amid the surging crowds and lanterns bright as day, she stood there, different from all others—like an eagle about to spread its wings. With just one glance, it was clear that what she yearned for was the vast sky, not a cage.

He was a man who could not control his own fate, which was why he had been inexplicably, helplessly, and hopelessly drawn to her, yet was destined to be abandoned.

Because, just as she had said, they were not the same kind of people.

Never had been.

(End of Chapter)