Legend of the Female General

Chapter 262 Grand Finale (2)

Yellow sands stretched for thousands of miles, dark clouds pressed low, and wind-whipped dust swirled as two armies clashed, their battle cries shaking the heavens.

After the Great Wei forces had camped outside Nine Rivers City for five days, the Wutuo people within the city walls could no longer restrain themselves.

The military stoves decreased day by day, and the female marquis from Great Wei never confronted them head-on. Even when their scouts skirmished with Great Wei soldiers, the Great Wei troops would only chase them to just outside the city gates before daring to advance no further. Arrogance was etched into the bones of the Wutuo people. Gradually, the messages Maka and Huyate had sent back earlier came to be seen merely as excuses for their incompetence.

A woman—she had only gained some reputation thanks to her famous general husband. Nothing to fear. She couldn’t even control her own Great Wei subordinates. See, after just five days, half of them had already deserted. The Wutuo leader firmly believed the Great Wei soldiers were cowardly and afraid to fight. That very night, he ordered elite troops to travel light and pursue the remaining Great Wei army.

When the Wutuo soldiers reached outside the city and advanced onto the Gobi Desert, they suddenly heard deafening battle cries ahead. Great Wei troops lying in ambush on both sides unleashed a torrent of arrows like a sudden storm, catching them completely off guard. At that moment, cavalry wielding long sabers charged forward. At their head was a young woman clad in crimson armor, her eyes fierce and proud, holding a pale blue longsword as if she could slice through the sky itself. Riding the wind, she seemed invincible.

The two armies clashed, war drums thundering.

In the past, under the command of the Flying Goose General, the Pacify Yue Army had been like divine warriors, unstoppable. Since the true Flying Goose General had departed, they had never felt such pride and triumph as they did today. That seemingly frail and delicate woman seemed to harbor immense power within her slender frame. In her hands, the Pacify Yue Army became the finest blade—every formation and ambush executed with flawless precision. He Yan crouched low on her horse, her sword an extension of her arm as she charged into the enemy ranks without a trace of fear. Where her blade danced, hot blood sprayed, and enemy heads rolled beneath her horse’s hooves. A bold, radiant smile graced her lips, illuminating the gloomy night on the Gobi Desert.

The Wutuo people were utterly routed, abandoning their armor and dragging their weapons in retreat.

As the last drop of blood was wiped from the long saber, the fierce battle came to an end.

The Wutuo soldiers were either dead or captured. Though the city gates remained unbreached, the first battle was decisively won.

The deputy general, ignoring his own exhaustion, excitedly ran over to the woman who was walking back and exclaimed, “My lord, this victory was too brilliant! Your strategies were divine!”

He Yan smiled. “It was not my achievement alone.”

Her armor was stained with blood, and her face bore smears of gore—perhaps not all from the Wutuo people. Yet she stood tall and straight, showing no trace of fatigue. Instead, her eyes shone brightly, her spirit vibrant, filling the surrounding Pacify Yue Army soldiers with a sense of reassurance whenever they looked at her.

It seemed that as long as she was there, they would surely emerge victorious in this struggle against the Wutuo people.

In the military, strength and prowess always spoke loudest. If there had still been doubts within the Pacify Yue Army about He Yan’s leadership, or confusion over why she ordered the daily reduction of military stoves, after this battle, she had truly won the army’s hearts. Everyone had seen with their own eyes the effectiveness of her ambushes and formations. She had led from the front on the battlefield, setting an example for her soldiers. The might of her sword was no illusion.

Perhaps, if the true Flying Goose General were here, she would have carried herself with the same majestic bearing.He Yan said, "Have the medics treat the wounded brothers first. Those with minor injuries or no injuries, clean up the battlefield." After a pause, she added, "At dawn, we will attack the city again."

"Attack the city? It's only been one night. The brothers are probably..."

He Yan smiled. "Not a real attack—just to harass them."

This battle, though won beautifully, was not an easy victory. The troops sent out were the elite of the Wutuo People. The Pacify Yue Army struggled somewhat in the fight, only gaining the upper hand by seizing the initiative. And this was merely the first step.

Someone ran up from behind, panting as he called out, "He... He, sir!"

He Yan turned to see Jiang Jiao. She asked, "What's wrong?"

"Brother Shan..." Jiang Jiao's expression was grim. "You should go see."

Hong Shan had been stabbed through the chest by a Wutuo soldier. With his armor removed, his clothes were soaked in blood. Wang Ba and the others gathered around him. The medic shook his head when he saw He Yan approach.

He Yan walked over. This man, who had always smiled and patted her shoulder, calling her "Ah He" affectionately, would never wake up again.

Among this group, Hong Shan was not the most skilled fighter, but he had always worked hard to keep up with everyone. He Yan remembered that the first person she met when she enlisted in this life was Hong Shan. He treated her like a frail younger brother from his own family, always looking out for her. He had once said, "Being a cook in the army isn't so bad—at least you stay alive." But now, he had died on the battlefield.

He carried no keepsakes, nothing to take away.

Wang Ba, who was always quick to speak, remained silent now, his eyes slightly red.

They were all brothers who had been through much together, their bonds deeper than most. Yet the cruelty of war lay in the fact that no one could know in advance who would be the next to leave forever.

And she had neither the time nor the energy to grieve here.

"Bury him," she said softly, standing up and walking forward.

Wang Ba couldn't help but snap angrily, "Hey, is that it?"

"Tidy up and prepare," the woman's voice was firm and clear, without a trace of unnecessary sorrow. "At dawn, we attack the city."

...

The city gates swung open. On the ramparts, thousands of troops stood ready, war drums thundering like a storm.

A young general clad in silver armor moved like a swift silver dragon in the night, his blade gleaming with fierce, cold determination.

The Guide Central General's combat style was habitually direct and ferocious, advancing without hesitation, and his Yan Family Army followed suit. When the two armies clashed, it seemed as though no retreat was considered.

Though the plague in Ji County was severe, it had now been brought under control by Lin Shuanghe. After several minor skirmishes, the Yan Family Army had won consecutive battles. Today, with the city gates finally breached, it marked a true head-on confrontation.

Perhaps because, compared to Yan He, the Wutuo People feared General Feng Yun more, the majority of the Wutu Kingdom's troops had been dispatched to reinforce Yunzi. The remaining forces in Ji County were outnumbered by the Yan Family Army. For now, Great Wei held the upper hand.

Victory in battle was the best way to boost morale, and the Yan Family Army's spirits were high. Soldiers around them roared, "Kill the Wutuo People! Drive them out of Great Wei!"

"Out of Great Wei!"

Some even laughed and shouted, "With this victory, perhaps we'll be the first troops to return to Shuojing!"These words were music to everyone's ears, for it was well known that their General Yan He loved nothing more than competing with General Feng Yun. If they could achieve victory first and return to Shuojing ahead of others, wouldn't that mean their general had surpassed Commander Xiao?

Yan He himself found the thought quite satisfying.

Just then, he noticed the Great Wei soldiers fighting the Wutuo people ahead looked somewhat familiar. It suddenly struck him—wasn't that the man who had spoken to him a few days ago about his young child at home? Yan He remembered the man's eldest daughter was only three years old. At this moment, the man was desperately battling the Wutuo soldier before him, completely unaware of the cold arrows flying toward his back.

Yan He frowned. On the battlefield, he couldn't afford to be distracted. Yet perhaps it was the profound longing for home and reunion he had seen in the man's eyes that day, or perhaps it was the image of the little daughter waiting for her father to bring back sweet cakes that made Yan He think of the unborn child in Xia Chengxiu's womb.

Whatever the reason, he leaped forward and pushed the man aside with one hand.

The arrows grazed past their hair, and Yan He breathed a sigh of relief.

At that very moment, a panicked cry rang out beside him: "General—"

...

Yunzi bordered the sea, lying in the completely opposite direction from Ji County and Nine Rivers.

The night was as dark as ink. By the shore, the sound of waves crashing against rocks could be heard, and the wind carried the damp scent of the sea. Looking out from the coast, the sea and sky merged into one, as if boarding a ship and sailing straight ahead would lead one directly to the highest heavens.

If not for the war, the scenery here would be breathtakingly beautiful. Yet once war arrived, the vastness and tranquility transformed into desolation and bleakness.

Inside the tent, torchlight flickered. A young man clad in black armor was deep in thought as he studied the map on the sand table.

Someone entered from outside and reported, "Young Master, as you instructed, we have arranged for people carrying rice baskets to pass by the city gate."

Xiao Jue nodded. "Good."

In the eyes of the Wutuo people, among Great Wei's two renowned generals, the Flying Goose General was no more, leaving only General Feng Yun as the remaining formidable opponent. Therefore, Yunzi had the largest concentration of Wutuo troops. Yet ever since Xiao Jue led the Southern Garrison Troops to Yunzi, the Wutuo people had avoided any direct confrontation with him.

Perhaps it was because the Wutuo had suffered significant losses at Xiao Jue's hands over the years. Or perhaps they attributed Great Wei's victories at Rundu and Jiyang entirely to Xiao Jue and were determined not to act rashly this time. Thus, they kept the city gates tightly shut, refusing to venture out.

Fei Nu looked at the young man seated at the table. "Young Master, the Wutuo people's refusal to engage is clearly an attempt to wear down the morale of the Southern Garrison Troops. Although our soldiers from both the Southern Garrison Troops and the Nine Banners Battalion won't be intimidated by this, if this drags on, our provisions may run short."

This was the real concern.

"That's precisely their strategy," Xiao Jue said. "However," he curled his lips slightly, his gaze turning icy, "the Wutuo arrived in Yunzi before the Southern Garrison Troops. Even if there are grain reserves within the city, their numbers are large, and the stored provisions likely won't last long. Trying to exhaust us?" A mocking smile touched the young man's lips. "They'll exhaust themselves as well."

The Wutuo intended to wait until the Southern Garrison Troops ran low on supplies, grew hungry, and their morale weakened before seizing the opportunity to attack. Yet over time, it wasn't just the Southern Garrison Troops that would be worn down—the Wutuo forces would face the same predicament.

"So, Young Master had them carry rice past the city gate deliberately for the Wutuo to see?""Let them discover that Great Wei has ample grain supplies. I wonder how many more days they can hold out?"

Fei Nu lowered his head and said, "Young master is wise."

Xiao Jue set down the short rod he had been using to point at the map and turned to walk out of the tent.

Outside, there was no moon. Patrol soldiers moved about holding torches, while others sat together chewing on dry rations. When they saw Xiao Jue, they greeted him respectfully and properly.

The Southern Garrison Troops and the Nine Banners Battalion were brought up by Xiao Jue, especially the Nine Banners Battalion. Unlike in the Liangzhou Guard and the Pacify Yue Army, the soldiers and their superiors were not overly familiar. It wasn't that their feelings were cold, but rather because this Right Army Commander had a cold personality and placed great emphasis on military discipline and regulations.

Women only saw the handsome appearance of the "Jade-Faced Commander," but those in the military camp knew the heart of a living king of hell beneath that fair skin.

Thus, even jokes were rarely heard within the Southern Garrison Troops on ordinary days.

As Xiao Jue walked past the tents, a soldier nudged Chi Wu beside him and whispered, "Chi Wu, what is that hanging on the Commander's waist? Is it a sachet? How could he hang something so ugly?"

Chi Wu: "..."

Xiao Jue was, after all, one of Great Wei's top handsome men. Even in armor, he usually looked exceptionally heroic and elegant. Yet this time, when setting out with the troops, the accessory on his waist had become a sachet. It was messily embroidered, and no one could tell what it was supposed to be. But this thing was simply too eye-catching, making it hard to ignore. The soldiers didn't dare ask, but this bold one finally couldn't hold back and came to ask Chi Wu, Xiao Jue's close subordinate.

"That's right, Chi Wu, what is that thing?" another asked. "I've seen the Commander carrying it with him every day, treasuring it dearly. What's its origin?"

Chi Wu waved his hand. "That was embroidered by the young mistress for the young master. What do you all know?"

"Young mistress?"

The soldiers who had gathered around exchanged glances. The one who had spoken first wore an awkward smile. "The young mistress's needlework... is truly unique."

"It is quite unique," someone nodded. "The Commander wears such a unique sachet every day. Chi Wu, I've heard people say the Commander dotes on the young mistress very much. Is that true?"

"Impossible, when have you ever seen the Commander dote on anyone? Can you even imagine it?"

"I cannot."

Chi Wu, annoyed by the questions, stood up and scolded them, "Focus on your night watch duties! What are you all thinking about all day? Do you even have wives of your own to be so concerned about others? Be careful, or the young master will hear and have you punished with military rods!"

As he stood up, someone noticed the boots on his feet and exclaimed in surprise, "Hey, Chi Wu, your boots are quite unique too. Why is there a flower embroidered on them?"

"What? Where's the flower? Wow, there really is a flower!"

"This must have been embroidered by a girl. Chi Wu, when did you get a sweetheart? You didn't even tell your brothers. Not very loyal!"

"What sweetheart?" Chi Wu flushed red and scolded, "Don't talk nonsense!" He then turned and walked away.

Xiao Jue walked to the riverbank.

The bank was illuminated by torchlight, reflecting shimmering ripples on the water's surface. On a moonless night, it felt somewhat desolate.

He reached out, untied the sachet from his waist. On the sachet, a crooked "moon" seemed to look back at him, as if through this clumsy needlework, he could see the brilliant smile of its maker.

The young man stared at the sachet in his hand, the corners of his lips curling up slightly.Nine Rivers and Yunzi are too far apart; news takes a long time to travel here. I wonder how she is doing over there, but... I suppose she should be able to handle it.

He raised his eyes to the sky, gazing at the endless expanse of the sea. Only the gentle sound of waves, like the murmurs of a lover in a dream, scattered faintly across the battlefield.

...

Shuojing.

A night breeze blew open the unlatched window, rustling the scrolls on the desk. The person on the bed opened their eyes, lit a lamp, got up, and walked to the window, looking out at the night sky.

The capital was peaceful, with no trace of the panic that might precede a war. It was hard to imagine what the soldiers on the battlefield thousands of miles away were doing at this moment.

Behind her, the maid’s sleepy voice sounded, "Madam, why are you up?"

Xia Chengxiu smiled. "It’s nothing. I just couldn’t sleep."

The maid walked over to her, closed the window, and helped her back inside. "Madam, please be careful. Now that you’re with child, the spring wind is quite chilly. You mustn’t catch a cold. If the General finds out, I’ll be in trouble."

Everyone in the Yan household knew that although General Yan was proud and domineering, he rarely punished the servants. However, when it came to Xia Chengxiu, he became extremely meticulous. When Xia Chengxiu first entered the household, the beautiful daughter of the steward harbored hostility toward her and secretly provoked her. When General Yan found out, he expelled her and her entire family from the estate without a shred of mercy.

Before leaving for the campaign, Yan He had specifically instructed everyone in the Yan household that if anything happened to Xia Chengxiu or the child in her womb, the entire estate would suffer the consequences.

General Yan always kept his word, so the servants were constantly on edge, fearing the slightest mishap.

As if recalling Yan He’s fussy and meticulous nature, Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but laugh. "It’s not that serious. I’m well taken care of in the estate, and the doctor comes every day to check my pulse. I’m not that delicate."

The maid smiled. "The General is just worried about you, Madam."

Xia Chengxiu lowered her head and looked at her abdomen, placing a hand on it. Though she couldn’t feel anything, it was strangely as if, through this momentary touch of blood and flesh, she could sense the joy of the little one inside.

Seeing her gesture, the maid asked with a smile, "I hope the General can make it back in time for the birth of the young master or young miss. The General loves you so much; I’m sure he’ll be the best father in Shuojing City."

"If that’s the case," Xia Chengxiu chuckled, "he must have already thought about how to raise this child long ago."

Even before the child was born, he had already chosen a name. Xia Chengxiu found it both amusing and exasperating. Before leaving, he had earnestly apologized to "Mu Xia," saying that the war was urgent and he couldn’t be by her side for now, but he would make it up to her when he returned, begging her not to be angry with her father.

Who knew whether the one in her womb was "Mu Xia" or a "fine general"?

But... Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but feel a strange anticipation. What would Yan He be like as a father? Before marrying him, she had seen this young man’s fierce and combative nature, challenging everyone in sight. Back then, she never imagined that he would later become her husband. And she never expected that the Guide Central General, who fought fiercely on the outside, would be so obedient and devoted to her at home.If he were to become a father, whether it be "Mu Xia" or "a fine general," he would surely cherish them sincerely and teach them with care. Watching them grow day by day, becoming outstanding individuals.

Just like him.

"Madam... are you missing the general?" the maid beside her asked, noticing her expression.

Xia Chengxiu smiled. Under the lamplight, the woman's gentle and graceful features appeared incredibly tender.

After a while, she replied earnestly, "Yes, I miss him."

(End of Chapter)