Legend of the Female General

Chapter 255: Forcing the Palace

Xiao Jue returned to Xiao Manor in the evening.

As dusk approached, He Yan had just reached the courtyard gate when she saw him and hurriedly asked, "Xiao Jue, do you know about Master Wei..."

"I just returned from the Wei residence," Xiao Jue replied before stepping into the inner room.

He had gone to the Southern Garrison Troops outside the city early in the morning for training, only to learn later about Wei Xuanzhang's death by remonstrance, prompting him to rush back. After returning from the Wei residence, he hadn't even had time to change his clothes.

"I need to go out tonight," he said.

He Yan's heart sank as she looked at him. "Xiao Jue..."

He walked over to her and asked, "Do you still have the Black Jade I gave you?"

He Yan paused, then untied the jade pendant from her waist and held it in her hand.

"I will leave some people at the manor. If I haven't returned by tomorrow morning, take this jade and leave the city to find Shen Han of the Liangzhou Guard."

"Xiao Jue," He Yan didn't answer directly. Instead, she grabbed his hand, her expression uneasy. "Are you..."

She didn't finish her sentence. Some things were understood without words, and there was no need to voice them.

Xiao Jue looked down at her. He knew that although He Yan was bold in her actions, she had never crossed the line all these years. But...

"Time is running out," he said softly after a moment, covering her hands with his.

He Yan remained silent for a long time before nodding. "I understand."

Once a decision was made, there was no point in hesitating. Moreover, it seemed inevitable, whether it happened sooner or later.

She just hadn't expected it to come so quickly.

"Go with peace of mind," she said, looking up at Xiao Jue, her expression relaxed once more. "I will guard the Xiao family here. No one will get past my sword. But Xiao Jue, remember this: your sister-in-law is pregnant and cannot bear any shocks. So tomorrow morning," she tightened her grip on his hands, "you must return. If you don't, I will take my sword and go to the palace to find you."

Xiao Jue was taken aback and snapped, "How dare you?"

He Yan remained unmoved. "See if I dare or not."

The girl's gaze was resolute. She had always been stubborn, and once she set her mind to something, there was no turning back. After a long standoff, Xiao Jue finally relented. "I promise you."

He Yan smiled. "It's a deal."

...

Night enveloped the entire palace.

In the Golden Luan Hall, Crown Prince Guang Yan walked slowly.

The palace attendants had been dismissed, leaving only a few trusted aides guarding the entrance. He slowly ascended the steps until he reached the top, stopping before the dragon throne.

On the bright yellow armrests of the dragon throne, golden dragons were intricately carved. He reached out and slowly traced the dragon's beard and scales. Though cold to the touch, they ignited a fire in his blood, making it boil with fervor.

Guang Yan turned and sat upon the dragon throne.

He looked down the steps, imagining the scene of officials bowing and ministers kneeling before him. As the Son of Heaven, it was only right that the world submit to him. The mere thought of this filled Guang Yan with pride and exhilaration.

"Father..." he murmured softly. "Your son has finally taken this seat."

The world, at last, was his!From the moment he was born, everyone had told him, both openly and covertly, that Emperor Wenxuan would eventually hand over the empire to him, and that in the future, he would become the Son of Heaven of Great Wei. Thus, Guang Yan had always believed this, but at some point, he realized the situation had already changed.

A Guang Shuo had appeared, who was more suited to be the Son of Heaven than he was.

Emperor Wenxuan's favoritism toward Consort Lan and her son made him uneasy, and his delay in drafting the succession edict made Guang Yan feel betrayed. An emperor like Emperor Wenxuan, indecisive and unable to discern people clearly, was utterly unworthy of being an emperor. Guang Yan thought, he had never intended to kill his father and usurp the throne, but only by doing so could everything return to how it should be.

He was merely reclaiming what was rightfully his.

But...

Guang Yan gazed at the empty hall, feeling no joy in his heart. He understood that the reason he had many followers in the court in the past was largely because of Xu Jingfu. Now that Xu Jingfu was gone, many of those former followers, opportunistic as they were, had switched their allegiance to Guang Shuo.

And He Rufei was already dead, and from the very beginning, he had been a fraud. If Xiao Huaijin sided with Guang Shuo, he would have no military force to contend with Guang Shuo and could only rely on those Wutuo People. That was why he insisted on agreeing to make peace with the Wutuo People and accepting their absurd condition of opening a Trade Market in Great Wei.

If before it was because he feared the Wutuo People would leak the news and displease Emperor Wenxuan, now it was because he had struck a deal with the Wutuo People, and the price they would pay was to eliminate Guang Shuo's supporters and his own thorn in the side, Xiao Huaijin.

It was fair, Guang Yan believed. Nothing was more important than gaining this empire.

Thinking that after tomorrow, once he ascended the throne, everyone in the world would bow to him in reverence and fear, Guang Yan couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Father's remains have yet to be interred in the imperial mausoleum, and Your Highness has yet to ascend the throne. How is it appropriate for you to sit on the dragon throne?" A sudden voice interrupted his laughter. "Is this not somewhat improper?"

Guang Yan abruptly looked ahead. At the entrance of the hall, two of his trusted aides were restraining Guang Shuo, preventing him from entering.

Guang Shuo looked at him calmly.

"Let him in," Guang Yan said with a malicious smile. "My fourth brother."

The aides released their hold, and Guang Shuo walked in.

Guang Yan rose from the dragon throne and looked at him with interest. "Tomorrow is the day Consort Lan is to be buried alive. Isn't my dear fourth brother the most benevolent and filial? Why not seize this last opportunity to speak more with Consort Lan instead of coming here?" He spoke meaningfully. "Could it be that Fourth Brother also wishes to sit on this throne?"

"While Father was alive, he never mentioned burial alive. The so-called edict Your Highness speaks of may not be genuine," Guang Shuo remained unmoved.

"How is it not genuine?" Guang Yan sneered. "Speaking of which, for Father to be interred in the imperial mausoleum with Consort Lan buried alive is also a blessing for Consort Lan. Father always favored Consort Lan greatly, and after his passing, he feared he would never find another confidante like her, so he chose to take her along. Why does Fourth Brother speak as if he resents this? With the edict in hand, how can you prove it is false?"

"Whether it is true or false, Your Highness knows best. However, it no longer matters," Guang Shuo sighed.

"Exactly!" The Crown Prince clapped his hands. "True or false, it doesn't matter. Fourth Brother, you've finally said something useful.""What I have to say goes beyond that." Guang Shuo looked at Guang Yan standing on the steps above, his gaze calm. "I also wish to speak of Your Highness's crime of patricide, regicide, and usurping the throne through conspiracy."

As these words fell, the entire hall fell into complete silence.

The servants guarding the entrance were on high alert, staring at Guang Shuo. Yet Guang Shuo merely stood there quietly, carrying no weapons. From appearance alone, he seemed like a scholar who could not even subdue a chicken.

Guang Yan stared at him intently. "What did you say?"

"I said," Guang Shuo's gaze met his without yielding an inch, "Your Highness, you committed patricide and regicide, and conspired to usurp the throne."

Guang Yan observed the man before him. In the past, Guang Shuo had always been cautious and reticent in his presence, never involving himself in court affairs. Though Guang Yan disliked him, he had always believed in his heart that Guang Shuo could not stir up any waves. But now, at some unknown point, this man's gaze was no longer as timid as before. When he looked directly at him, it was as if an invisible fire burned within, carrying the unique, unrestrained arrogance of the imperial family.

"Nonsense!" Guang Yan sneered. "I am the Crown Prince. The world is rightfully mine. Why would I commit patricide and regicide, going through such trouble for no gain? If anyone should be accused of conspiring to usurp the throne, it should be you!" His voice turned sinister. "Hasn't Fourth Brother always hoped that Father would depose the eldest and establish the youngest? What, now that your plan has failed, you want to falsely accuse me out of thin air?"

"Your Highness, why do you think the world is yours?" Guang Shuo suddenly smiled faintly. "Plan failed?"

Guang Yan's smile froze at the corner of his mouth. "What do you mean by that?"

Guang Shuo only smiled without answering.

Suddenly, Guang Yan realized something and shouted loudly, "Guards, come—"

Indeed, someone came, but they were not his men. Soldiers clad in golden armor poured in from outside, led by none other than Yan He.

"Guide Central General?" Guang Yan was stunned, then furious. "Have you gone mad? Do you not know this is rebellion? This is colluding to cause chaos!"

Guang Yan had never deliberately suppressed Yan He. For one, the Yan family were newly risen nobles who had always remained neutral in court struggles, unlike the prominent and conspicuous Xiao family. Secondly, Guang Yan had heard that Yan He was at odds with Xiao Huaijin. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and Guang Yan had even once wanted to recruit Yan He for his own use. However, Yan He was often away from Shuojing for long periods, and his father was as cunning as a fox, offering empty promises but never truly allowing Guang Yan to gain any advantage.

But now, he never expected Yan He to have sided with Guang Shuo!

Guang Yan was both shocked and enraged. "How dare you treat me this way!"

"General Yan is not colluding to cause chaos," Guang Shuo said calmly. "He is merely carrying out orders to apprehend a traitorous rebel."

"Guang Shuo, do not slander me here!"

Guang Shuo smiled indifferently. "Whether this is slander or not, Your Highness knows well in your heart."

At that moment, someone else entered from outside—it was the Fifth Prince, Guang Ji, carried in by a guard. As soon as Guang Ji entered the hall, he pointed at Guang Yan and shouted, "It was Big Brother the Crown Prince! That day, I was practicing calligraphy in Father's hall and saw Big Brother the Crown Prince carrying a basket into Father's bedchamber... After Big Brother left, Chief Steward He went in and said... said Father had passed away!"

Before Guang Yan could speak, Guang Shuo continued, "Imperial Physician Lin found traces of Zhen poison in the carpet of Father's bedchamber. That day, only Your Highness brought ginseng soup to Father's bedchamber."

Guang Yan sneered. "Father did not die from poison!"No one understood better than he did how Emperor Wenxuan had died. If Guang Shuo thought he could use this to condemn him, he was gravely mistaken.

"Your Highness, whether it is true or false no longer matters."

Guang Yan was taken aback. These were the very words Guang Shuo had thrown back at him regarding the fake edict earlier. Yet now, used in this context, they were just as fitting.

At this point, the truth no longer mattered to anyone. In the struggles of the royal family, there were only winners and losers.

The winner would become the true Son of Heaven, while the loser would be utterly defeated.

"Guang Shuo, I warn you—my men will arrive at any moment. Tomorrow is the day we enter the imperial mausoleum. I—"

"Your Highness may not know," Guang Shuo looked at him with what seemed like cold pity, "General Feng Yun's forces have already reached the gates of Chengle Palace. Your men..." he spoke slowly, word by word, "have all surrendered and laid down their arms."

"Impossible!" Guang Yan's voice suddenly turned shrill. "Impossible!"

Yet in his heart, panic and fear were slowly rising. It was already this late. The hall was filled with Yan He's men, but his own forces had yet to arrive. If it was Xiao Huaijin's men outside...

Those Wutuo People... damn them! At this critical moment, those Wutuo People were utterly useless!

Chu Zilan—the name suddenly flashed into Guang Yan's mind. How could his plans have been anticipated? Had Chu Zilan leaked the information? That bastard, an ungrateful ingrate who could never be tamed!

"Guang Shuo, don't you dare gloat," Guang Yan, now at the end of his rope, gritted his teeth as he stared at the man before him, slowly backing away. "Do you think the people of the world will believe your lies? I am the Crown Prince, the heir apparent. The coronation ceremony is just around the corner. If you harm me now, everyone will talk of your conspiracy. Even if you take this throne, your reign will forever be illegitimate. You will never escape their judgment!"

"Your Highness worries too much." Guang Shuo showed no emotion in response to his words. His gaze at Guang Yan was as if looking at something pitifully absurd. "Before his passing, our father had already issued an edict to change the heir."

"You're lying!" Guang Yan's eyes widened in fury. "How could that be?"

"The edict is in the hands of a minister our father trusted. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist." Guang Shuo turned slightly, and a man behind him stepped forward, handing him a bow and arrow.

He toyed with the bow as he spoke slowly, "In that case, does Your Highness still believe the people of the world will question my legitimacy?"

Guang Yan felt as though he were about to cough up blood. At this moment, he suddenly understood what Guang Shuo had meant earlier—"whether it is true or false no longer matters."

To silence the endless gossip of the world, all it took was a single edict of succession. Who would care whether it was real or fake? The people would not investigate it one by one. As long as Guang Shuo was the one who survived in this hall today, whatever was said in the future would be whatever Guang Shuo decided.

He watched as his usually silent and unambitious fourth brother slowly raised the bow, aiming the arrow at him. Guang Yan instinctively hid behind the dragon throne, shouting angrily, "What are you doing? Guang Shuo, stop—"

His words were cut short.

A sudden gust of wind swept through the Golden Hall, extinguishing the surrounding lamps. In the dimly lit hall, a thick stream of blood slowly trickled down the dragon throne, staining the dragon's beard and head on the armrest with striking clarity.

Like a silent gaze, or perhaps a cold mockery.The wind masked all murderous intent; it was a cold night.

...

As dawn's first light crept in, He Yan gazed out the window at the gradually brightening sky, her expression growing solemn.

From the moment Xiao Jue left last night until now, she hadn't slept a wink. Bai Rongwei was pregnant, so He Yan didn't dare tell her anything else. Though Xiao Jing had some suspicions, he was kept in the dark and ultimately unaware of what had happened. He Yan kept watch alone, occasionally rubbing the Black Jade in her hand, wondering what she should do if Xiao Jue hadn't returned by morning.

Even if she went out of the city to find Shen Han, there was no guarantee everything would be safe.

Just as she was thinking this, there was movement outside. He Yan abruptly stood up and rushed out the door, only to see Xiao Jue walking in from outside.

His armor still bore traces of dark bloodstains. He Yan asked, "Are you injured?"

At this hour, even Qingmei hadn't woken up yet. Xiao Jue frowned slightly and asked, "You didn't sleep all night?"

"I couldn't sleep even if I tried." He Yan stared at his face. He looked somewhat weary but otherwise fine. She asked, "This blood..."

"It's not mine." Xiao Jue paused. "Let's talk inside."

The two entered the room, and He Yan closed the door behind them before turning to ask, "Last night in the palace..."

"The Crown Prince is dead," Xiao Jue said, looking at her.

This was expected. In fact, ever since that day at the Wei residence when she saw Yan He, He Yan had sensed it coming. Yan He hadn't directly answered her question, but often, silence was an answer in itself.

He Yan helped him hang Drink Autumn on the wall. Xiao Jue removed his armor and sat down at the table. He Yan poured a cup of hot tea and pushed it toward him. "Xiao Jue, what exactly happened last night?"

Xiao Jue looked at her. After a moment, knowing that if he didn't speak, he wouldn't be able to leave today, he sighed and recounted the events of the previous night.

He Yan listened intently.

What had happened in the Golden Hall last night, Xiao Jue only learned afterward. At the time, he had been leading half of the Southern Garrison Troops, clashing with the Crown Prince's men in front of Chengle Palace. Yan He had taken his men inside, and when they emerged, they only knew that Guang Yan had been shot and killed by Guang Shuo himself.

"Did you... deliberately avoid going into the Golden Hall?" He Yan hesitated before asking.

Xiao Jue lowered his head and smiled faintly, his voice calm. "The Xiao family is different from the Yan family. The Yan family is newly prominent and still relies on the royal family. I hold too much military power myself. If I had witnessed the Fourth Prince shooting his brother, even if nothing happened now, over time, the Fourth Prince would inevitably feel uneasy."

"I didn't want to plant a thorn in the Fourth Prince's heart."

The will of heaven is unpredictable. With Guang Yan gone, the Fourth Prince would become the supreme ruler in the future. Even if he harbored no ill will now, once he ascended to that position, circumstances might force his hand, or events might change him. It was better to avoid such a possibility from the start.

"In that case, letting Yan He go was also a good choice. The Yan family doesn't hold much military power, they're newly prominent, and they lack deep roots. The Fourth Prince can use them without hesitation," He Yan said. "I just didn't expect Yan He to follow the Fourth Prince as well."

The Yan family had remained neutral for so many years, cunning as foxes, yet at the last moment, they dealt Guang Yan a fatal blow. Guang Yan himself probably never saw it coming.

"When the skin is gone, where can the hair attach?" Xiao Jue picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "When the time comes to make a choice, even if you don't want to, you must."He Yan breathed a sigh of relief. "Anyway, it's good that you're safe. But..." She looked at Xiao Jue and asked softly, "Did His Majesty really issue an edict early on to change the heir to the throne? And did the Fifth Prince truly witness the Crown Prince poisoning him?"

One incident after another came too coincidentally, making Guang Shuo's ascension to the throne an unquestionable and logical outcome.

"Whether it's true or false doesn't matter," Xiao Jue lowered his gaze. "The Crown Prince is already dead."

Everything was settled.

Yan Yan's main stage is still the battlefield, not the court—otherwise, this story would be titled The Female Prime Minister or The Female Politician... Probably around fifty or sixty thousand words left to finish. Eager readers can save it for later~

(End of Chapter)