Legend of the Female General

Chapter 251: The Beauty Trap

Once the New Year passed, though it was early spring, the snow had not ceased. After a night of snowfall, a layer of white frost blanketed the courtyard.

When He Yan awoke, Xiao Jue was already gone again.

It was rather strange. She had never been one to sleep in lazily. Back when she lived in the barracks of Liangzhou Guard, surrounded by men, she was the only one who would wake before dawn. But perhaps it was because Xiao Jue’s bed was exceptionally soft and warm, allowing her to sleep soundly through the night, or maybe because Xiao Jue simply rose too early. In any case, whenever she woke, the space beside her was empty.

Rubbing her eyes, He Yan sat up, threw off the covers, and climbed out of bed. After a simple wash, she draped her outer robe over her shoulders and opened the door. As soon as she did, a flash of cold light caught her eye.

Xiao Jue was practicing swordplay in the courtyard.

It seemed he understood the saying that three days without practice would leave one’s skills rusty. Even though he was no longer at Liangzhou Guard, he had not abandoned his daily training. He Yan leaned against a pillar, watching him, and took the opportunity to see how his swordsmanship had improved over the years.

The morning was cold, yet Xiao Jue wore only a plain, frost-colored robe. When dressed in dark colors, he appeared aloof and restrained, but in light hues, he looked exceptionally radiant and dashing, reminiscent of the handsome youth who had always ranked first at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy.

The Xiao family’s courtyard was vast. Aside from the pomegranate tree outside the window of Xiao Jue’s study, there were no other plants or trees. The open ground was perfect for sword practice. With a single sweep of his blade, the accumulated snow in the courtyard was swept up by the sword’s energy, scattering in all directions. The Drink Autumn Sword gleamed with a crystalline sheen, framing its wielder as if he were in a painting—a breathtaking sight of flowing light and grace.

As He Yan watched, her own hands began to itch. In a few quick strides, she returned to the room and grabbed Qinglang from where it hung on the wall.

Since retrieving Qinglang from He Rufei, she had polished it many times but had never once used it. There simply hadn’t been an occasion to do so. After all, Shuojing was not a battlefield, and one couldn’t just draw a sword and spar with others at will. But today was the perfect opportunity. Since Xiao Jue was also practicing, why not see whether the gap between the first-ranked and the lowest-ranked student of the Virtuous Prosperity Academy remained as insurmountable as before?

He Yan removed her cloak, took Qinglang in hand, and let out a light laugh as she stepped outside. Xiao Jue had his back to her. Suddenly, she drew her sword and thrust toward his back, calling out, “Xiao Jue, let me test your skills!”

The young man turned abruptly, his Drink Autumn meeting Qinglang with a crisp clang. In the next moment, both took several steps back.

Xiao Jue looked at her, raising an eyebrow slightly. “A duel?”

“Afraid?” He Yan tapped her toes lightly, laughing as she swung her sword and charged toward him.

“I’ll oblige.” His voice carried a warmth that sounded particularly pleasing in the snowy morning air.

Qingmei, holding a broom, stepped outside just in time to see the two sparring in the courtyard. For a moment, she was transfixed. Though she knew He Yan was skilled, she had only heard others speak of it and had never witnessed it herself. Now, watching He Yan execute her sword moves with fluid grace, she felt both amazed and anxious, murmuring, “Young Master, please go easy on her. Our young mistress is delicate and frail…”

Fei Nu happened to walk in from outside at that moment. Hearing this, he couldn’t help but glance at He Yan, who was tilting her head to avoid Xiao Jue’s Drink Autumn before kicking off the trunk of the pomegranate tree in the courtyard and using the momentum to leap back. The kick seemed casual, yet it made the entire trunk tremble slightly, sending snow fluttering down in a cascade.

He withdrew his gaze, utterly failing to see where the description “delicate and frail” applied.He Yan turned her head to look at Xiao Jue.

Sparring with Xiao Jue was an immensely exhilarating experience.

His swordsmanship had already been exceptional years ago, and now, after all this time, it had grown even more refined. There was a faint, elusive similarity to He Yan’s own sword techniques, after all, her skills had initially been guided by Xiao Jue, and traces of those early lessons still lingered. Yet the clumsy fool who used to get hit on the head by his scabbard in the moonlit bamboo grove now wielded his longsword with the grace of a soaring dragon or a swift swallow, agile and fluid. As they exchanged blows, it was difficult to determine who held the upper hand.

“Guard Fei Nu,” Qingmei asked, unable to follow the duel clearly, “is the young master going easy on the young mistress?”

“There’s no need to,” Fei Nu replied, inwardly surprised. “The young mistress’s swordsmanship is excellent.”

He Yan’s swordplay was intricate and unpredictable, with angles that defied convention. Liu Buwang, recognizing her as a woman, had emphasized “adaptability” in her techniques, freeing her from rigid forms and allowing for endless variations. With Qinglang in hand, she moved like a swirling green mist, dazzling to the eye. Xiao Jue’s style, however, was more “steady,” his sword energy robust and resilient, growing stronger against formidable opponents. Even as He Yan encircled him, he countered every move. Drink Autumn gleamed with a cold light, reflecting the snow on the ground like a mirror or ice.

After another dozen exchanges, He Yan suddenly retreated, lowering her head and clutching her chest with a soft gasp.

Seeing this, Xiao Jue paused mid-motion, immediately sheathing his sword and stepping forward to support her. “What’s wrong?”

Half-embraced by him, He Yan suddenly looked up with a sly smile. Xiao Jue was taken aback, and in the next moment, she struck out with her palm. He raised his hand to block, but the force still pushed him back several steps.

“A wise general attacks the enemy’s morale. Offer them beauty to weaken their resolve and exhaust their strength, thus turning defeat into victory.”

The girl held her sword aloft, looking immensely pleased with herself. “Commander Xiao isn’t very capable, is he? He can’t even see through a honey trap.”

“Honey trap?” he echoed slowly, then chuckled softly before lunging forward with his sword.

He Yan raised her blade to parry.

They exchanged another several dozen moves.

Xiao Jue seized He Yan’s arm, restraining her hand from behind. Remarkably, he still found the leisure to tease her by her ear, “Calling yourself a beauty? You’re quite confident.”

“A warrior would rather die than be humiliated.” He Yan twisted around, wrenching her hand free, and pressed her sword forward before spinning back to thrust at him.

A flicker of amusement passed through the young man’s eyes. Suddenly, he sheathed his sword, placing it behind his back, and stood directly facing the tip of her blade. His move was so abrupt that He Yan’s sword, already in full momentum, nearly pierced his chest. Panicked, she forcefully pulled Qinglang back. But the sword’s energy carried her forward, leaving her no room to evade, and she stumbled straight into Xiao Jue’s arms.

Xiao Jue had no choice but to catch her fully.

“What are you doing?” He Yan snapped angrily.

Xiao Jue replied unhurriedly, “One who does not harm themselves, when harmed, appears genuine.” He looked down at He Yan, a slight curve at the corner of his lips. “General He isn’t very capable either, is she? She can’t even see through a self-injury ruse.”

“Self-injury ruse?” He Yan fumed. “As the Right Army Commander, do you think it’s appropriate to use such a tactic?”

“All is fair in war,” he said calmly.

He Yan sighed, “How despicable.”

The man before her gazed down, his dark eyes holding a hint of amusement. He Yan was momentarily stunned, watching as he slowly leaned closer. Startled, she immediately shut her eyes in nervous anticipation.The next moment, a slight vibration came from the chest being held. She opened her eyes to see Xiao Jue holding back laughter as he stared at her, stopping just a fraction away from her face. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "A beauty trap?"

He Yan instantly felt the shame of being accused of letting lust cloud her judgment. Without a word, she turned and walked away.

Xiao Jue pulled her back again, gently kissing her forehead. "General He is formidable. I admit defeat."

Qingmei: "..."

She abruptly turned her head away, covering her eyes with her hand, and whispered, "...How did it suddenly come to this..."

Chi Wu, who had arrived at some unknown time and had been watching for who knew how long, frowned and spoke up, "This isn't a sword fight—it's clearly flirting. The young master is really... how could he treat Drink Autumn like this?"

Hearing this, Qingmei seemed to notice Chi Wu for the first time. The sight of him reminded her of what He Yan had said to her during the New Year's Eve at the He family. Without a word, she picked up her broom and walked out, not even glancing at Chi Wu.

Chi Wu was baffled and asked Fei Nu, "I didn't provoke her, did I? What's wrong with her?"

Fei Nu: "..."

He patted Chi Wu on the shoulder without saying anything and followed Qingmei out.

...

That morning, a guest also arrived at the Crown Prince's residence.

When Chu Zhao was ushered into the hall, Ying Xiang was kneeling on the floor, pouring tea for Guang Yan. Guang Yan glanced at Chu Zhao and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Guang Yan neither disliked nor particularly liked Chu Zhao. When Xu Jingfu was alive, things were tolerable, but after Xu Jingfu's death, Guang Yan's previous displeasure with Chu Zhao resurfaced. Yet, it wasn't as if Chu Zhao had offended him in any specific way. Upon reflection, Guang Yan simply disliked his lowly, humble origins and his excessively handsome, striking appearance.

"To share Your Highness's burdens."

Guang Yan scoffed, "Share my burdens?" He slowly straightened up and stared at Chu Zhao. "If you go and kill that fool Guang Shuo right now, that would be sharing my burdens."

Guang Shuo had recently been staying almost exclusively within the palace, never without his guards. Guang Yan's words were merely spoken in anger.

"Is Your Highness growing impatient?" Chu Zhao asked gently, unperturbed.

"Chu Zilan!" The Crown Prince waved his sleeve impatiently. "Now that Xu Jingfu is dead, is it his student's turn to teach me how to do things?"

Chu Zhao replied, "I only wish for Your Highness's well-being."

"Then stop with the nonsense!" The Crown Prince, as if already anticipating his words, fixed him with a heavy gaze. "Don't forget your place, Chu Zilan. If anything happens to me, you won't escape either. Don't think about getting away unscathed. What you should be doing now is assisting me in achieving my goals, not dragging me down behind my back. As for all that preaching, keep it to yourself. Otherwise, Xu Jingfu's fate today will be yours tomorrow!"

Ying Xiang stood quietly to the side, her head bowed meekly. Upon closer inspection, however, one could see her slightly pale fingertips.

"Go back," Guang Yan said impatiently, rising to his feet. "Don't linger in front of me. It's irritating!"

After a moment of silence, Chu Zhao's expression remained unchanged as he smiled, stood up, and bowed. "Then, I shall take my leave."

"Wait." Guang Yan suddenly stopped and glanced at Ying Xiang, speaking meaningfully, "Ying Xiang, see Chu Fourth Young Master out."

Ying Xiang stiffened slightly but responded gently, "Yes."

She walked up to Chu Zhao and said softly, "Let's go, Fourth Young Master."The two of them walked out of the hall together.

Although there was sunlight today, it was still very cold. Their feet left faint footprints on the ground.

"Have the people from Maningbu been coming these past few days?" Chu Zhao asked softly.

"Yes," Ying Xiang replied. "Last night, after the Crown Prince returned from the palace, they came again."

The two of them walked one in front of the other, maintaining a distance of exactly one step. From the side, it appeared as if they were keeping a polite distance, not very familiar with each other.

"It seems the Crown Prince has already made up his mind," Chu Zhao sighed.

Ying Xiang looked ahead. "What does Fourth Young Master plan to do?"

Chu Zhao said, "I will do my best."

"This servant has heard that Fourth Young Master once met Miss He at night before," Ying Xiang suddenly changed the subject. "You should know that Miss He is now Commander Xiao's beloved. If Fourth Young Master uses Miss He as bait, at least it could solve the immediate crisis and provide leverage for negotiations with Commander Xiao. Why would Fourth Young Master give up such an opportunity?"

"There is no need."

Ying Xiang stopped walking.

Seeing her pause, Chu Zhao turned to look at her.

"Fourth Young Master once told this servant that Miss He would become Commander Xiao's weakness," the woman before him was strikingly beautiful, but her eyes seemed to hold ice—both fragile and cold. Her voice remained gentle, yet her words were sharp as a sword. "But now, Young Master, you are mistaken. She is not Commander Xiao's weakness—she is yours."

Chu Zhao looked at her quietly. After a moment, he turned his gaze forward and spoke softly, "Ying Xiang, have you been well in the Crown Prince's residence?"

Ying Xiang was taken aback. The coldness that had gathered in her eyes moments earlier instantly dissipated like smoke. Her expression became somewhat confused. After another pause, she lowered her head and said, "This servant has been well."

Chu Zhao smiled. "If you are well, that is enough."

He continued walking forward. Ying Xiang hesitated for a moment, then followed.

The carriage was waiting at the entrance of the Crown Prince's residence. Chu Zhao turned to look at her. "Go back now. If you stay out too long, His Highness might become displeased."

Ying Xiang lifted the corners of her mouth and smiled at him, though her smile carried a hint of sorrow.

Chu Zhao boarded the carriage, and it gradually carried him away. Ying Xiang did not return immediately. Instead, she stood at the entrance, watching the direction in which the carriage had disappeared until nothing remained in sight. Only then did she slowly turn and walk step by step back inside.

The hall was now empty. A maidservant attending there said to her, "Miss Ying Xiang, His Highness asks you to go to the bedchamber."

Her body trembled slightly, and her lips turned pale. After a moment's pause, she lifted the hem of her skirt and walked toward the bedchamber.

As soon as she entered, she saw Crown Prince Guang Yan reclining on a soft couch. Seeing Ying Xiang enter, Guang Yan asked playfully, "Why did it take so long?"

Ying Xiang walked over calmly, a smile on her face. "Was it long? It was only half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Your Highness must not find fault with this servant like this."

She half-knelt before Guang Yan, leaning against his knee. In the past, Guang Yan had loved this pitiable and endearing posture of hers. But today, as his hand stroked Ying Xiang's hair, his tone was unsettlingly gentle, like the calm before a brewing storm. "Half an incense stick's time is enough to do certain things, isn't it? For example, reporting all the affairs of this Crown Prince's residence to Chu Zilan?"

"Your Highness?" Ying Xiang stared wide-eyed in shock. "What do you mean?"The hand that had been gently stroking her hair suddenly tightened, gripping her throat. Ying Xiang’s neck was slender and fair, a sight that evoked pity, but now, caught in that palm, it seemed as though it might shatter at any moment—frail and tragically beautiful.

“What business did Chu Zilan have visiting today? He isn’t some worm in my belly, able to know my every thought. I entered the palace yesterday, and today he rushes over in haste. Ying Xiang, oh Ying Xiang,” Guang Yan stared at her, his voice venomous, “I underestimated you!”

Chu Zhao’s arrival was far too coincidental. Of course, perhaps it was because he was too eager to stop her, and in doing so, he exposed himself. Guang Yan had always been a suspicious person. The reason he had never doubted Ying Xiang before was that this woman’s appearance was utterly deceptive. She seemed no different from any other woman in the mansion who vied for favor by desperately trying to please him. Moreover, because she had been sent by Chu Zhao and had no one to rely on, she served him with exceptional devotion.

To be fair, Guang Yan’s fondness for Ying Xiang was not without reason. Her beauty was such that even if she were sent to the palace, few could compare. But now, knowing that she had been secretly passing messages to Chu Zilan within the Crown Prince’s mansion, that fondness turned into the fury and humiliation of betrayal!

“You wretch!” He abruptly released his grip and slapped her, sending the woman before him tumbling to the ground, unable to rise for a long while.

“I always wondered why, with such beauty, he was willing to give you to me when I asked. All these years, he never once touched you.” A lewd smile spread across Guang Yan’s face. “Chu Zilan’s ambitions are far from small. Raising you like this was nothing more than nurturing a tool, waiting for the right moment to send you out as a favor. But Ying Xiang,” he slowly crouched before her, grabbing her hair and forcing her to look up at him, “haven’t I treated you well? Since you entered my mansion, why do you still think of serving him? Have you forgotten that your master is me, not Chu Zilan!”

Ying Xiang looked up at him. Her face bore the deep red imprint of Guang Yan’s slap, a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth, and a bruise on her neck. Yet her expression showed no trace of anger or fear. Instead, she gazed at Guang Yan with the same gentle, affectionate look as always, whispering softly, “This servant belongs to Your Highness.”

It was hard to imagine that a woman of such breathtaking beauty, radiant and captivating, lacked the arrogance and flamboyance one might expect. Instead, she resembled a helpless white rabbit, forever pitiful and submissive.

Guang Yan released her hair, and she fell back, only to be kicked in the chest.

“Even now, you still put on an act before me. You are truly loyal and devoted to Chu Zilan. But it seems he does not feel the same about you.” Guang Yan stood up, his voice sinister. “Tell me, if I were to kill you, would he seek revenge for you?”

“This servant… belongs to Your Highness. In life, I am Your Highness’s person; in death, I am Your Highness’s ghost. I have no connection whatsoever with Chu Fourth Young Master,” Ying Xiang replied softly.

“Well said.” The Crown Prince clapped his hands in delight. “With such eloquence, no wonder I’ve favored you for so long.”"However, you wretch, you must know," a flicker of malice passed through his eyes, "what I despise most in this life is disloyalty. If you wish to be a pair of adulterers with Chu Zilan, I won't stop you. But know this: for every action, there is a price to pay."

He turned to look at Ying Xiang.

Ying Xiang raised her head, meeting his malicious and violent gaze, and couldn't help but shudder.

"I won't kill you, but I won't let you off easy either," he said.

(End of Chapter)