Legend of the Female General

Chapter 259: Farewell

On the day before her departure, He Yan spent the entire time with He Sui and He Yun Sheng.

Upon learning that she was going to Nine Rivers, He Yun Sheng was extremely agitated and scolded her, “I know you’re skilled, but He Yan, that place is Nine Rivers. Whether you were in Rundu or Jiyang before, at least you weren’t fighting alone. You’ve never led troops on your own—how can you stand against those Wutuo people? They are cunning and brutal. Once they breached Nine Rivers, they began slaughtering the city. You’re a woman. If you were truly captured…” He Yun Sheng shuddered, imagining a fate worse than death.

“He Yun Sheng!” He Sui raised his voice. “Watch your words.”

The young man fell silent abruptly, but his gaze toward He Yan remained filled with endless worry.

No matter how much the new recruits of Liangzhou Guard praised He Yan, telling him she was capable of anything, in the hearts of the He father and son, He Yan was still the delicate young girl who used to clamor for new clothes and lip rouge. A pampered flower transplanted into the wild might survive wind and sun, but how could such a flower be expected to fight and kill, to struggle and risk her life?

It was simply absurd.

“The imperial decree has been issued, and the military tally is in my hands,” He Yan said helplessly. “Yun Sheng, calm down. I haven’t even gone to Nine Rivers yet, and you’re already predicting my defeat. If word of this reaches the emperor’s ears, our He family will be in serious trouble.”

He Yun Sheng was left speechless by her words. After a moment, he muttered, “It’s all because you’re showing off!”

“A true man,” He Yan teased him, “should step forward when the nation is in peril. How can one only think of oneself? Isn’t that what your academy’s teachers teach?”

“I don’t care about all that,” the young man gritted his teeth. “I only care about my own family. Besides, if I could go in your place, I’d do it without hesitation. What’s wrong with the court? With so many men, they’re sending a woman to the front lines.”

He Yan smiled. “Yun Sheng, by that logic, the Flying Goose General you once admired was also a woman, wasn’t she?”

She patted the young man’s shoulder. “I haven’t thought too much about it, nor do I believe that being a woman means I should hide behind others. It’s simply because I believe I can fight on the battlefield, so I’m going. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman.”

“Yan Yan,” He Sui looked at her, his eyes slightly reddened, though he tried to maintain a brave and carefree demeanor. “Well said. Your father thinks the same way. You’re a child with your own ideas. Since you volunteered to go to Nine Rivers, you must have a plan. I won’t stand in your way. Don’t listen to Yun Sheng’s nonsense. I believe you’ll surely defeat those Wutuo people.”

As he spoke, he choked up.

If He Sui weren’t too old and unqualified, he would have taken up a sword and followed He Yan to the battlefield himself. Saying he was at ease would be a lie—she was his only daughter, raised as a precious jewel. He had already worried endlessly when she secretly joined Liangzhou Guard, and now she was truly going to face the Wutuo people in battle. How could he be relaxed?

But if this was the path He Yan had chosen for herself, the only thing he, as her father, could do was to support her."Your father once wondered if our He family would ever produce a military commander, but I always thought it would be Yun Sheng. I never expected it to be Yan Yan." He gazed at the young woman before him with emotion. Who could have imagined that the once spoiled and carefree girl, always clamoring for new rouge, would now become a heroine leading troops into battle against the enemy?

His heart swelled with both pride and sorrow—pride that his daughter He Yan was so exceptional, surpassing all the young men in the world; sorrow that a young woman on the battlefield would face cruelties and darkness no other girl had ever encountered.

But if she wished to be an eagle soaring in the sky, she should be allowed to fly freely, not kept as a kite with its string held tightly in his hand.

She had her own world to conquer, even if that world was a distant place beyond the reach of her father.

"Your father believes your mother will surely watch over you from heaven," He Sui said.

He Yan looked at He Sui. Her father was tolerant and generous, even now thinking entirely of her well-being. Though his heart ached unbearably, he never showed it, nor would he ever use himself as a tool to hold his daughter back.

How fortunate she was to have them as her family.

"Don’t worry, Father," He Yan grasped He Sui’s hand—large and rough, with thick calluses from years of labor. "Once I defeat those Wutuo People, I’ll return soon."

She spoke each word deliberately, as if making a solemn vow: "I will definitely return."

…

On the evening before their departure, He Yan and Xiao Jue went out and boarded a carriage to Fengle Tower.

Lin Shuanghe had reserved the entire Fengle Tower that day, inviting a few friends for a farewell gathering. He had always been extravagant, and since he would be accompanying them to Ji County, who knew when he would have another chance to splurge like this?

Upon arriving at Fengle Tower, a waiter led them upstairs. When they reached the upper floor, only Lin Shuanghe was there. The table was laden with food and wine, with a copper pot simmering mutton in the center, its aroma filling the air. Lin Shuanghe was chatting with a beautiful qin player nearby, saying something that made the young woman laugh.

"Brother Lin," He Yan called out. Lin Shuanghe turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. He walked over, complaining, "Why are you so late? I’ve been here for ages and thought you weren’t coming today."

He Yan glanced around. "Is it just the three of us?"

Only three people, yet such a lavish spread—Lin Shuanghe truly lived up to his reputation as a spendthrift.

"Of course not. I invited Yan Nanguang and his wife as well. After all, we’re setting off together tomorrow. Consider this a farewell for everyone, including myself. But," Lin Shuanghe fanned himself, "why is Yan Nanguang so unpunctual? Could it be that he’s hiding at home crying, knowing he’ll be on the battlefield tomorrow?"

"Lin Shuanghe, who are you insulting? Who’s hiding at home crying?" Just then, a voice came from outside. They turned to see Yan He supporting Xia Chengxiu as they entered. He shot a glare at Lin Shuanghe. "Who’s the coward here? You’re hosting this feast today just to curry favor with me, so I’ll protect you in Ji County and keep you from getting hacked to death by those Wutuo People, aren’t you?" He sneered. "Don’t think I can’t see through it!"He Yan noticed Xia Chengxiu being supported by Yan He and asked with concern, "What happened to Miss Chengxiu? Is she unwell?"

Although she should technically address Xia Chengxiu as "Lady Yan," He Yan still preferred calling her "Miss Chengxiu." Xia Chengxiu was gentle and endlessly patient—it was hard to imagine how she ended up married to someone with a temper like Yan He's.

Hearing this, Xia Chengxiu looked a bit embarrassed and was about to speak when Yan He cut in. He wanted to show off but pretended to be nonchalant, saying lightly, "It's nothing. She's just pregnant now, so she needs to be careful with everything."

"Pregnant?" He Yan was taken aback.

Lin Shuanghe exclaimed excitedly, "Sister-in-law is pregnant? Come, come, let me take a look—" He reached out to grab Xia Chengxiu's hand.

Yan He slapped his hand away, shielding Xia Chengxiu, and snapped, "What are you doing?"

"Checking Sister-in-law's pulse," Lin Shuanghe said. "I am the White-robed Divine Hand, specializing in treating women. Let me see how Sister-in-law's pregnancy is progressing..."

"Get lost," Yan He kicked at him. "The imperial physician has already checked her, and she's perfectly fine. No need for your concern!"

"Sister-in-law, look at him," Lin Shuanghe gripped his fan tightly and whispered, "You need to keep him in check."

Xia Chengxiu shook her head with a smile.

Yan He's gaze fell on He Yan, who was baffled. Then he looked at Xiao Jue, who had taken a seat at the table, and suddenly declared triumphantly, "Xiao Huaijin, I'm going to be a father."

"I heard," Xiao Jue replied indifferently.

"I'm becoming a father before you!" Yan He emphasized. "I'm ahead of you!"

He Yan: "..."

Yan He must have been a fighting rooster in his past life. What was there to compare about this? Besides, she and Xiao Jue had only been married for a short while, while Yan He had been married much longer. How could that even be a fair comparison?

As He Yan was thinking this, Xiao Jue suddenly glanced up at her.

He Yan: "?"

The next moment, the Second Young Master Xiao spoke unhurriedly, "Who told you you're ahead?"

Yan He's smile froze. "What do you mean?"

"Your son hasn't been born yet, but my daughter can already recite books," he said, staring at his teacup with a slight curl of his lips.

Lin Shuanghe spat out a mouthful of tea.

He Yan: "..."

Was Xiao Jue referring to that time at Liangzhou Guard when she got drunk and dragged him into reciting books? Lin Shuanghe laughed, covering his face with his fan, and said, "Yes, yes, Huaijin became a father before you. I can vouch for that—it's true! The little girl is so well-behaved and can recite anything!"

"How is that possible?" Yan He panicked, rushing forward to demand, "She can already recite books? Your illegitimate daughter? Xiao Huaijin, you actually have an illegitimate daughter? When did this happen? Well, well, everyone says you're arrogant and look down on everyone, but I never thought you'd be such a despicable scoundrel. And you!" He looked at He Yan with disappointment and scolded, "You're supposed to be a hero who fights on the battlefield. How can you tolerate this? Why haven't you taken a knife and chopped off this scoundrel's head?"

He Yan: "I..."

"Afraid the Xiao family's power will crush you?" Yan He glared fiercely and waved his hand grandly. "This general will back you up. Go and divorce him tomorrow!"

Xiao Jue frowned slightly."Yan Nanguang," he spoke calmly, "I don't want to fight today."

"Who's afraid of you?" Yan He immediately rolled up his sleeves eagerly upon hearing this. "Bring it on!"

"Nanguang," Xia Chengxiu shook her head disapprovingly and said softly, "Today is Young Master Lin's treat. How can we resort to violence? Besides, Commander Xiao was just joking with you. Why take it so seriously?"

As soon as Xia Chengxiu spoke, Yan He, who had been puffing up like a fighting rooster, immediately deflated and said, "...Alright then."

"The lamb is all cooked. Let's sit down and eat first," Lin Shuanghe invited everyone to sit. As he took his seat, he nudged Xiao Jue with his elbow and whispered, "Huaijin, you really are something."

Xiao Jue couldn't be bothered to respond to him.

Lin Shuanghe spent the Lin family's money as if it were water, ordering only the most expensive dishes. The entire table was practically covered in silver, but you get what you pay for—the wine and food at Fengle Tower were the best in Shuojing City.

He Yan had originally thought that although Yan He was henpecked, he was still a military officer at heart and must be careless in his actions. Unexpectedly, Yan He truly impressed her this time. He remembered what Xia Chengxiu could and couldn't eat or drink better than anyone else. He Yan guessed that even the palace eunuchs serving the imperial consorts probably only reached this level of attentiveness.

While tending to Xia Chengxiu, he said, "Hey, do you all know Yang Mingzhi?"

Xiao Jue showed no reaction upon hearing the name, but Lin Shuanghe paused and asked, "What about him?"

"Wasn't it like this before," Yan He lowered his voice, "Guang Yan agreed to let the Wutuo People open a Trade Market in Great Wei. Yang Mingzhi, as the governor of Jinling, submitted a memorial opposing it and nearly lost his official position over it. I don't know what happened, but I heard the Yang family even fell out with him over this."

He Yan glanced at Xiao Jue and asked, "What happened afterward?"

"After the Emperor ascended the throne, he actually admired Yang Mingzhi's actions. Seeing that he had been incorruptible and achieved outstanding governance during his tenure as governor of Jinling, the Emperor wanted to recall him to Shuojing, but Yang Mingzhi refused. Don't look at me—I don't know why he refused either," Yan He shrugged. "Although he's still in Jinling now, I think since the Emperor admires him, he'll eventually return to Shuojing. The Yang family must be regretting it to death now. I never realized Old Man Yang was that kind of person before."

No one at the table responded to his words.

"What exactly happened between you before?" Yan He seemed particularly curious about the matter of Yang Mingzhi and asked Xiao Jue again, "What kind of grudge could cause such a lasting rift? It's been so many years, and you still hold it against him. Xiao Huaijin," he said, "a real man should be magnanimous. What kind of man holds petty grudges like this?"

"Shut up," Lin Shuanghe shot him a glare. "I think the pettiest person at this table is you."

"I never parted ways with my closest friend."

"Give it a rest," Lin Shuanghe said disdainfully. "Do you even have a closest friend?"

"Lin Shuanghe!"

He Yan picked up a piece of white radish and placed it in Xiao Jue's bowl. When the Second Young Master Xiao wasn't in the military camp and dined out, he mostly ate vegetarian dishes, likely because he was concerned about others handling food unhygienically. Although He Yan thought he was being overly particular about this... well, to each their own habits.

She interrupted Yan He's words, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Miss Chengxiu, are you hoping for a little young master or a little young lady in your belly?"Xia Chengxiu smiled. She wasn't exactly a stunning beauty, but she had her own gentle charm. "Whether it's a little master or a little miss, I'll be happy with either," she said.

He Yan then turned to Yan He. "What about General Yan?"

"I don't care if it's a master or a miss. As long as it's my wife's child, of course I'll love it." The moment Yan He mentioned his unborn child, his pride swelled visibly. He declared smugly, "If it were someone else's child, I'd hate it whether it's a master or a miss!"

He Yan: "..."

This man truly was arrogant. Who knew how other people's children had offended him.

Lin Shuanghe also asked Xia Chengxiu, "Sister-in-law, have you thought of a name for the child yet?"

"Well..." Xia Chengxiu showed a troubled expression.

"I have my own ideas about that," Yan He cut in. "If it's a daughter, she'll be called Yan Muxia."

He Yan: "...Does that mean 'admiring Chengxiu'?"

"Didn't expect you, who's utterly hopeless at poetry, to be so clever this time." Yan He spoke triumphantly. "Well? Don't you think this general is quite skilled at naming?"

He Yan was speechless.

Yan He probably didn't realize one thing: while his devotion to his wife was admirable, whenever he proudly flaunted his affection for her, it made him seem a little—no, exceptionally—foolish.

"Indeed, quite skilled at naming," He Yan played along. "And if it's a son?"

Yan He then appeared somewhat disinterested. "Then call him Yan Liangjiang. I hope when he grows up, he can become an outstanding general like his father."

"What kind of person is this?" Lin Shuanghe mocked. "Still finding ways to praise himself."

"Lin Shuanghe!" Yan He snapped angrily. "Do you still want to stay alive when you reach Ji County?"

"I do, I do," Lin Shuanghe clasped his hands in a gesture of pleading. "I beg General Yan to save this humble one's worthless life."

Only then was Yan He satisfied.

He Yan, gnawing on a lamb leg, asked, "But Brother Lin, your decision to go to Ji County truly surprises me. I thought even if you were to go to the battlefield, you'd choose Yunzi or Nine Rivers."

Going to Yunzi would allow him to be with Xiao Jue, while going to Nine Rivers would mean being with her. It wasn't that He Yan was boasting, but objectively speaking, Lin Shuanghe's relationship with her or Xiao Jue was certainly closer than with Yan He. However, she later realized that since Ji County was currently plagued by an epidemic, Lin Shuanghe's choice to go there must be because of the plague.

"Sister He," Lin Shuanghe had called her "sister-in-law" a few times before but ultimately found it awkward and reverted to "sister." He said, "I know your and Huaijin's capabilities. Whether I'm there or not makes little difference. General Yan is different. If I'm not around and he gets injured or something, without a divine physician to treat him, what if it delays the war effort? His interpersonal skills are terrible—if those military doctors seize the chance to poison his medicine, tsk tsk tsk, how tragic!"

Yan He flew into a rage. "Lin Shuanghe, I see your dog mouth can't spit out ivory! How could I possibly get injured? That's absurd! I'm telling you, don't come begging for my help later. Get lost!"

He Yan knew Lin Shuanghe was just spouting nonsense. This man might seem unreliable, like a frivolous young master, but in truth, he had strong convictions. A son raised by the Lin family of Shuojing could never truly be a coward who feared death.He Yan raised the cup in her hand. Since they were setting out on their journey tomorrow, she dared not get drunk today and had instead switched to sweet rice wine. She said, "Lady Youxian gifted us a jar of Bifang wine earlier, but let's not drink it today. After we drive away those Wutuo People and return to Fengle Tower, we'll ask Brother Lin to prepare a fine feast for us. Only then will we truly do justice to such fine wine."

"For now, let's make do with this rice wine and toast to our success in defeating the enemy—victorious in every battle, conquering all obstacles, with frequent reports of triumph, and a triumphant return. How about that?"

"Excellent!" Lin Shuanghe was the first to applaud. "Well said!"

Xiao Jue glanced at her and smiled.

Five cups clinked together in the air, producing a crisp sound like the clash of weapons or the triumphant blast of a victory horn.

"Bottoms up."

(End of Chapter)