Legend of the Female General

Chapter 268 Extra Story One: Xiao Yao (Part One)

In April, the weather in Shuojing gradually warmed.

By the riverbank, children were flying kites, their strings stretched far into the distance as they competed to see whose kite could soar higher. Their laughter carried beyond the long shore, drawing passersby to stop and watch.

Near the city gate, several carriages were parked, as if someone was about to leave the capital, with relatives and friends seeing them off. Directly opposite the carriages, a young man in a long robe was chattering incessantly. Upon closer listening, his words were all: "The journey is long, so you must be careful on this trip. Yao Yao hates bumpy rides the most. When you hold her, remember to wrap her in a blanket..."

"He Yun Sheng," the woman opposite him couldn’t help but interrupt, "if you keep talking like this, we won’t be able to leave before dark."

"Exactly," the woman standing beside He Yun Sheng glared at him reproachfully before turning to He Yan. "Sister, don’t worry. Go to Jiyang with peace of mind. Yun Sheng and I will take good care of things at home."

He Yan nodded and gestured for Xiao Yao, who was being held by Xiao Jue inside the carriage, to wave goodbye to He Yun Sheng and Song Taotao. Xiao Yao called out in her childish voice, "Uncle, Auntie, goodbye."

"Be good on the road," He Yun Sheng leaned closer to Xiao Yao, pinching her chubby little cheek with a slight smile. "When you come back, Uncle will buy you candy."

Xiao Yao bit her finger and grinned at him.

"Alright, you can head back now," Xiao Jue said. "We’re leaving."

The carriage curtain was lowered, and the vehicle sped off toward the city gates.

Time passed quickly. Seven years had already gone by since the battle with the Wutuo People.

Seven years were enough for a young boy to grow into a man who could stand tall and take responsibility. He Yun Sheng was no longer the naive youth who once accompanied He Yan to sell Da Nai cakes on the streets. Over the years, his martial skills had stood out, and his relentless efforts had earned him the favor of Emperor Zhaokang. Step by step, steadily and surely, he had risen to become the deputy commander of the Fifth Battalion.

Though his official rank had risen, others saw him as aloof and distant. Only He Yan knew that He Yun Sheng remained as prone to unnecessary worry as ever. It was a wonder that Song Taotao had taken a liking to him despite this.

Song Taotao had married He Yun Sheng four years ago.

Her marriage to He Yun Sheng had truly taken He Yan by surprise. After all, Song Taotao had originally been engaged to Cheng Li Su. However, Song Taotao and Cheng Li Su had never developed any feelings of admiration for each other. Even after several years, nothing had changed, and eventually, the Song and Cheng families dissolved the engagement. It seemed like nothing out of the ordinary, but who could have guessed that as soon as the engagement was broken off, Song Taotao would rush to the He family’s doorstep and boldly declare her love for He Yun Sheng, shocking everyone?

Master Song, a scholar, nearly fainted from anger upon hearing the news, while Madam Song felt Song Taotao’s actions were far too outrageous. The only one who supported Song Taotao was, surprisingly, her former fiancé, Cheng Li Su.

Cheng Li Su secretly went to the Song family’s doorstep and encouraged her, saying, "Well done, Ms. Song. You’ve finally done something I admire. Don’t mind what others say. My brother He is one of the most outstanding young talents in Shuojing City. Opportunities like this don’t come often, so don’t give up because of a few words from others. Don’t worry, I, your former fiancé," he patted his chest with a sense of righteousness, "will definitely help you achieve your wish!"On one hand, he encouraged Song Taotao, and on the other, he went to find He Yunsheng. He Yan once personally witnessed Cheng Lisu trying to persuade He Yunsheng: "Uncle He, my former fiancée, though she’s spoiled, willful, pretentious, fierce as a tiger, and utterly useless, she’s actually somewhat decent-looking. Her family is wealthy, and what’s more, she’s deeply devoted to you. Why not give her a chance? Maybe as you spend time together, feelings will develop?"

He Yunsheng gave him a cold look. "Why don’t you give her a chance yourself?"

"Hey," Cheng Lisu replied earnestly, "A gentleman helps others fulfill their wishes."

He Yan, who accidentally overheard the entire conversation, thought to herself at the time that Cheng Lisu was truly a troublemaker.

At first, He Yunsheng didn’t like Song Taotao either. He Yan believed she knew her younger brother well. According to him, the kind of girl he liked should be gentle and lovely, like Xia Chengxiu or Bai Rongwei. But at first, Song Taotao clung to him relentlessly, and his heart remained as hard as iron, unmoved. Later, Song Taotao stopped coming to the He household. After holding it in for a long time, He Yunsheng finally went to He Yan one day, hesitating for a while before asking her to help propose to the Song family on his behalf.

He Yan was speechless.

From being Xiao Jue’s niece-in-law to becoming her own sister-in-law, Song Taotao’s identity had changed quite dramatically. He Yan didn’t care what outsiders said, but she couldn’t help but sigh at how unpredictable fate could be. Who would have thought that, in the very beginning, Song Taotao was originally her "fiancée"?

Young people’s affairs are unpredictable—let them figure it out themselves. At least it’s all within the family.

And besides, men are often hypocritical.

As for Cheng Lisu, the one who "helped others fulfill their wishes," he remained single to this day. His family, having learned from the incident with Song Taotao, didn’t dare arrange a marriage for him recklessly. But Cheng Lisu himself didn’t take it to heart. He spent his days busy making friends, visiting others, and playing around, still the same "useless young master" as before. The Cheng family initially hoped he would strive for more, but eventually, they simply gave up trying to control him.

In this world, being carefree is, in itself, a kind of happiness.

The carriage jolted along the road. Xiao Yao nestled in Xiao Jue’s arms, her eyes wide as she gazed at the scenery outside. She didn’t cry or fuss, her eyes filled with curiosity. He Yan snapped her fingers, and Xiao Yao suddenly turned her head, staring unblinkingly at He Yan with moist eyes. He Yan couldn’t help but laugh.

Xiao Jue: "..."

He chuckled in exasperation. "Is this how a mother should act?"

"The journey is long," He Yan said dismissively. "If I don’t find some amusement for myself, how boring would that be?"

Xiao Yao was almost three years old. When she was born, Lin Shuanghe had called his father and grandfather to wait outside the Xiao residence, just in case anything went wrong. Fortunately, Xiao Yao’s birth went smoothly. He Yan didn’t suffer too much, and the little one was very well-behaved. Her personality was neither as lively as He Yan’s nor as calm as Xiao Jue’s. He Yan thought she was a bit silly, like a little fool. Give her a grasshopper made of straw, and she’d happily play with it all day—easy to take care of.

It was precisely because of this that she decided to bring Xiao Yao along on this trip to Jiyang.

She and Xiao Jue were going to Jiyang to attend Mu Xiaolou’s wedding banquet.Back in Jiyang, when they first rescued Mu Xiaolou from the hands of villains, she was just an eleven-year-old girl. Now, she had grown into a young woman. Not only that, but Mu Hongjin had also passed the position of Princess to her. For Mu Xiaolou's wedding to her consort, Mu Hongjin had sent an invitation to He Yan and Xiao Jue, hoping that if they had the time, they could come to Jiyang in person to witness the ceremony.

Since the defeat of the Wutuo People, Great Wei had been peaceful and stable. Aside from training troops, there wasn't much else to do day to day. He Yan and Xiao Jue requested leave from Emperor Zhaokang and took Xiao Yao with them to Jiyang. He Yan thought that if Liu Buwang were still alive, he would have very much wanted to see Mu Hongjin's granddaughter step into a new life. Since Liu Buwang was no longer here, she would watch on his behalf.

Besides, she also missed her friends in Jiyang.

The carriage traveled outside the city, and along the way, someone was selling peaches. The carriage ahead stopped, and He Yan heard Lin Shuanghe's voice from outside: "Hey, Sister He, it's a long journey. Let's buy a couple of peaches to eat!"

Fei Nu stopped the carriage up front, and He Yan stepped down. Lin Shuanghe was standing in front of the peach vendor, carefully selecting fresh peaches from the bamboo basket. He Yan couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Leaning against the carriage, she said, "Didn't you say you never eat from street vendors?"

Lin Shuanghe pretended not to hear her, deflecting the question. "These peaches look good. Let's buy some for Yao Yao to try too."

Seven years had passed, and Lin Shuanghe had gone from a dashing young man in white robes to a dashing man in white robes who was seven years older. In truth, there wasn't much difference in his appearance. His extravagant and particular nature had never changed either. However, after returning to Shuojing following the great war with Wutuo seven years ago, he was despondent for half a year. Later, he opened a medical clinic in Shuojing City. The Lin family had many clinics, but the one he opened was unique. It didn't treat patients; instead, it taught medical skills. Physicians in Shuojing City who were passionate about medicine often gathered at his clinic to study together. Over the years, they had developed many new and ingenious prescriptions. Though Lin Shuanghe's reputation still couldn't match Lin Qingtan's, it had gradually surpassed Lin Mu's.

While he had achieved much in medicine, his marriage had always been a headache for the Lin family. Cheng Li Su also delayed marriage, but he was younger than Lin Shuanghe after all. Lin Shuanghe was already Cheng Li Su's "uncle." His peers, like Xiao Jue, had children who could run around, while he remained alone.

But to say he was lonely and pitiful would be an overstatement. Women all over the capital were his "sisters," and his clinic was bustling with activity every day. Perhaps he simply hadn't met the woman who could truly settle him down, so he didn't force the matter.

He Yan walked over to Lin Shuanghe and joined him in picking peaches. The peach skins were pink, fresh, and looked sweet. She selected a few and sighed, "If only Qingmei were here. She's the best at picking fruits like these."

"Please, no," Lin Shuanghe replied without hesitation. "One Xiao Huaijin is enough. Do you want me to watch the master and servant raise a child together here?" He then rubbed his forehead and added, "I never imagined that some men could become like this after becoming fathers."After Xiao Jue had Xiao Yao, whenever he was out, he would hold Xiao Yao and not let go, and in daily life, he was also extremely indulgent toward Xiao Yao. This was fine, as Xiao Yao had a gentle temperament and was relatively easy to care for. As for that little rascal from Chi Wu’s family, he was always causing trouble, incredibly mischievous, often making Qingmei chase him around the yard with a stick, causing chaos every time. Yet Chi Wu would always step in to protect him, saying, "The child is still young and doesn’t understand. Don’t be so harsh. Put down the stick, and let’s talk it out properly."

The result of such situations was usually Qingmei beating him up along with the child.

He Yan sometimes watched in amazement. She never expected that the once tearful and delicate maid could now be so fierce.

Qingmei married Chi Wu in the third year after the Battle of Wutuo.

Although He Yan had often teased Qingmei before, she never took it to heart. Who Qingmei liked or wanted to marry ultimately depended on Qingmei’s own feelings. However, the two of them were destined to be together, and with mutual affection, it was only natural that they ended up together.

For this trip to Jiyang, He Yan initially planned for Qingmei and Chi Wu to go together. However, at this critical moment, it was discovered that Qingmei was pregnant and unsuitable for long-distance travel. He Yan told Qingmei to rest well at home, with Chi Wu staying to accompany her.

He Yan picked a few peaches, and after Lin Shuanghe paid, she washed them clean with the water from the wooden bucket next to the vendor and returned to her carriage.

"Here," she handed the peaches to Xiao Jue, "try one."

Xiao Jue took the peach, peeled it with a knife, cut a small piece, and fed it to Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao ate a little and happily said in a childish voice, "More—"

He Yan: "..."

Sometimes she felt that she and Xiao Jue had reversed their roles as parents. She taught Xiao Yao how to walk and even how to hold small stones, planning to teach her martial arts when she was a bit older. Meanwhile, Xiao Jue took care of all the minor details, such as... what Xiao Yao ate, wore, or played with...

In terms of raising a child, the patience he displayed was comparable to Xia Chengxiu’s.

Xia Chengxiu...

Mu Xia was now seven years old. He looked very much like Yan He and was relatively tall for his age. Although his father had passed away before he was born, fortunately, the Yan family and Yan He’s friends gave him enough care, so he never developed feelings of inferiority or resentment. He was lively and highly competitive. When his archery and horsemanship teacher said his riding skills still needed improvement, he practiced diligently for three whole months until he ranked first in the assessment.

The last time He Yan saw Mu Xia, the young boy held a long sword and said arrogantly to Xiao Jue, "Commander Xiao, in a few years, you will surely become my defeated opponent!"

He Yan, who was watching from the side, couldn’t help but laugh. Yan Muxia glanced up at her and snorted, "What are you laughing at? That includes you!"

He Yan thought this young boy with his high ponytail, silver robe, and long spear was exactly like Yan He from back in the day.

Xia Chengxiu smiled and said, "He’s always been like this. I’ve told him many times, but he never changes. Please don’t take it to heart."

"No, he’s adorable," He Yan also smiled. "Mu Xia is very much like Brother Yan."

Xia Chengxiu lowered her head. "Yes, everyone says so."He Yan felt that Yan Muxia's temperament was truly excellent; at least his spirited and lively nature could bring Xia Chengxiu much comfort.

Nowadays, besides taking care of Yan Muxia, Xia Chengxiu also helped out at the academy. A few years ago, a women's academy called Yongxutang was newly established in Shuojing City, founded by the wife of Wei Xuanzhang, the head of Virtuous Prosperity Academy. Emperor Zhaokang approved it. With female generals like the Marquis of Wu'an in the court today, who knows if there might be female officials in the future, once Yongxutang cultivates a group of talented and ambitious young women?

Though progress was slow, things were gradually improving.

He Xinying also helped at Yongxutang. After Wei Xuanzhang's death, He Xinying accompanied his wife every day, forming a deep bond with her. The wife even adopted her as a goddaughter. She taught music at Yongxutang, spending her days with young girls, and grew increasingly cheerful and open-minded, no longer dwelling on the past as she once did.

He Yan often visited her. It was said that a young teacher at Yongxutang, who taught abacus, secretly admired He Xinying. He Yan had someone investigate the teacher's background and found him to be an upright and honorable person. However, what He Xinying truly felt in her heart was something only she could answer.

There was plenty of time ahead, so there was no need to rush.

Xiao Yao, having eaten her fill of peaches, fell asleep on Xiao Jue's shoulder. He Yan whispered, "Are you tired? Should I hold her for a while?"

Xiao Jue shook his head. "I'm not tired."

He Yan looked at Xiao Yao clinging to him and sighed inwardly. Truly her own child—able to eat and sleep well, exceptionally easy to raise.

She lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. Along the riverbank, the greenery stretched to the horizon, bathed in warm sunlight and gentle breezes. As she gazed, a lazy drowsiness washed over her.

Leaning against Xiao Jue's shoulder, she, like the little girl in his arms, unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

...

Seven years later, Jiyang City appeared largely unchanged compared to seven years before.

At the city gate, Cui Yuezhi, having received the news, arrived early in the morning.

When He Yan and her companions stepped out of the carriage, the first thing they saw was Cui Yuezhi and his four concubines. Cui Yuezhi was still the same—round, plump, honest, and straightforward—though he had aged somewhat. First Concubine and Fourth Concubine each held a child in their arms: Cui Yuezhi's son and daughter, Cui Yan and Cui Yingying, born to First Concubine and Fourth Concubine, respectively. Second Concubine remained as charming and beautiful as before, while Third Concubine still coughed weakly after taking a few steps, showing little change.

He Yan walked up to them and gently pinched Cui Yingying's cheek. It was soft, much like Xiao Yao's. She smiled and said, "Lord Cui, so this is..."

"Cui Yan and Yingying," Cui Yuezhi declared proudly. "What do you think? Everyone says they look more and more like Commander Xiao. I think there's some resemblance too."

He Yan: "..."

Though she admitted that Cui Yan and Cui Yingying were fair and delicate, not particularly resembling Cui Yuezhi, this far-fetched connection to Xiao Jue was a stretch!

Cui Yuezhi caught sight of Xiao Yao in Xiao Jue's arms, his eyes lighting up. "Ah, this must be Yaoyao! She's so adorable, a perfect match for our Yan'er, like a pair of golden children. How about..."

Xiao Jue blocked his outstretched hand, giving him a cold glance as he said calmly, "Cui Yuezhi."Second Aunt quickly took hold of Cui Yuezhi's arm, smiling as she said, "Master truly loves to jest, Miss Xiao is still young..."

Xiao Yao looked at Cui Yuezhi in confusion, then at Xiao Jue, before finally reaching out to He Yan for a hug: "Mama—"

He Yan picked her up, and Lin Shuanghe stepped forward, clearing his throat lightly: "This isn't the place to talk, Master Cui. Let's head to your residence first."

Cui Yuezhi's mansion was spacious, and just like last time, they stayed at the Cui residence during this visit to Jiyang. However, during their previous visit, He Yan and Xiao Jue were still purely superior and subordinate, with no romantic involvement. Now, revisiting the same place, they were already married and even brought along a little tag-along. Truly, fate was unpredictable.

He Yan walked at the back, holding Xiao Yao, and curiously glanced at Cui Yuezhi beside her, asking quietly, "Since First Concubine and Fourth Concubine have already borne children for you, why are they still your concubines? Wouldn't that make Young Master Cui and Miss Cui illegitimate children?"

She had originally thought that since Cui Yuezhi only had four concubines, he might eventually take a wife. But over all these years, he had not married, and even his concubines had given birth to children. This puzzled He Yan.

"Young Lady He doesn't know," Cui Yuezhi chuckled. "Our customs in Jiyang differ from those of the Central Plains. In Jiyang, once a woman marries, she rarely remarries. If something happens to her husband and she unfortunately becomes a widow, she must remain so for life. As a cavalry commander, I never knew when my life might end in my earlier years. Taking a wife would only hold her back. Concubines are different—even if I die, they can still find their own paths."

"Who would have thought I'd be so fortunate, living well all these years? But I've grown accustomed to the four of them. If I were to elevate one to the status of a wife, would there ever be peace in the household? It's better this way," Cui Yuezhi sighed. "Treating everyone equally—each one is my favorite! Since they're all illegitimate children, there's no distinction of status!"

He Yan was at a loss for words. She could only say that Cui Yuezhi, as a man who had crossed the Lovers' Bridge four times, had a unique perspective on things, yet it made its own kind of sense.

When they arrived at the Cui residence, a middle-aged steward came out to greet them. Lin Shuanghe asked, "Where's Zhong Fu?" He remembered that during their last visit, the steward was an elderly servant with graying hair.

"Zhong Fu passed away a year ago," Cui Yuezhi said. "He was old and passed peacefully in his sleep. This is Zhong Fu's son, Zhong Gui."

He Yan felt a sudden sense of disorientation. It was only then that she truly realized seven years had passed. No matter how similar Jiyang was to the past, it was no longer the same as seven years ago.

Cui Yuezhi had already ordered the courtyard cleaned before their arrival. After settling their belongings, Xiao Yao had fallen asleep. He Yan placed her on the bed and covered her with a blanket. As she looked around the room, she suddenly remembered how, years ago, she had stood by this very bed and examined the spring-themed paintings Cui Yuezhi had meticulously arranged for them.

Xiao Jue glanced at her and, seeing He Yan standing by the bed with a thoughtful smile, raised an eyebrow and said, "Miss He, are you regretting that Cui Yuezhi didn't place any paintings here this time?"

He Yan snapped out of her reverie and shook her head. "How could that be? After all, Yao Yao is here. Master Cui is quite sensible."

Yet she did indeed show a hint of regret, as if reminiscing fondly. Xiao Jue found it both irritating and amusing.Although Xiao Yao was nearly three years old, He Yan's face had grown thicker by the day. Perhaps it was because she spent her days training new recruits on the Martial Arts Field, constantly surrounded by those young men and youths, making her increasingly bold and unrestrained.

Seeing Xiao Yao sleeping soundly, she whispered, "I'm a bit hungry. Let the maid come watch Yao Yao while we go grab something to eat first."

Xiao Jue nodded.

The meals at the Cui residence were as exquisite as ever. While eating, He Yan began to talk about Mu Xiaolou's royal consort.

Cui Yuezhi said, "I've met the Qin family's eldest young master. He's handsome and skilled in martial arts. When the Little Princess sneaked out to play earlier and encountered ruffians, it was Qin Eldest Young Master who saved her. The Little Princess has good taste—in all of Jiyang City, there aren't many fine gentlemen like Qin Eldest Young Master!"

When Cui Yuezhi judged people, he always started with their appearance.

However, He Yan also knew that this Qin Eldest Young Master truly had no issues. She had sent Bai Xian to investigate. Luan Ying had been injured during a mission years ago and couldn't move around much, so Bai Xian, who had grown up, took over her duties. He was lively in temperament and completed tasks exceptionally well. He also liked He Yan very much, especially her embroidery. Every so often, he would ask He Yan for a piece. At one point, because he asked too frequently, it even displeased Xiao Jue, who found an opportunity to send him away on a distant assignment.

Although He Yan wasn't particularly fond of needlework, it wasn't easy to find someone in this world who appreciated her. Especially since Bai Xian always praised her embroidery as "exquisite and unparalleled" with genuine sincerity. Therefore, He Yan tried her best to fulfill every one of Bai Xian's requests.

According to the information Bai Xian gathered, this Qin Youngest Young Master was an upright gentleman, a good match to entrust one's life to.

Although in Xiao Jue's view, He Yan was worrying unnecessarily—after all, if Mu Xiaolou was to marry, Mu Hongjin would have thoroughly investigated Qin Eldest Young Master's background long ago. But He Yan always felt that since Mu Xiaolou was the granddaughter of Liu Buwang's beloved, she ought to do her utmost, both emotionally and reasonably.

"Tomorrow at the wedding banquet, you'll see what he looks like," Cui Yuezhi said, then sighed with some emotion. "The Little Princess has grown up now. Her decisive and resolute manner is exactly like the Princess's back in the day. We old folks are getting on in years too. From now on, it will be the younger generation's world."

Second Aunt cooed sweetly, "Master isn't old—he's dignified and steadfast."

He Yan: "..."

What a fine "dignified and steadfast."

After the meal, they chatted for a while longer until Xiao Yao woke up. First Concubine instructed the kitchen to prepare food suitable for a child. He Yan and Xiao Jue fed Xiao Yao, and only after she was full did they play with her.

As night fell, Fourth Concubine knocked on the door. He Yan went out and heard Fourth Concubine say, "Miss He, I'm going to the Water Market later to buy red silk for tomorrow's congratulatory gifts. Would you like to come along and pick some out? Jiyang's red silk is quite different from that of the Central Plains..."

He Yan turned to ask Xiao Jue, "Do you want to come along?"

"It's too crowded; it's not convenient with Yao Yao." After a pause, Xiao Jue said, "You go ahead. I'll come find you after I put her to sleep."

Xiao Yao always needed someone to lull her to sleep. At first, it was He Yan who did it, until one day Xiao Jue overheard her telling Xiao Yao a bedtime story: a female warrior, with one slash, cut off a bandit's head. The head rolled and rolled, right up to the female warrior's feet... Xiao Yao blinked her big eyes, listening with rapt attention.

After that, Xiao Jue no longer allowed He Yan to put Xiao Yao to bed.

He Yan said to Fourth Concubine, "Alright, let's go ahead."

Fourth Concubine smiled. "Good."

...

Jiyang City's Water Market was as bustling as ever.The Water God Festival had passed, but vendors large and small had not yet left. Over the past two years, travel permits in Jiyang City had been relaxed somewhat, and many merchants had come to Jiyang to do business, making the Water Market increasingly prosperous. Goods from the Western Regions to the Jiangnan region could all be seen here.

Fourth Concubine, being the youngest and around the same age as He Yan, walked alongside her and explained, "The city is different from before now. Does Little He Lady also think it’s much livelier than before?"

He Yan sighed, "Indeed it is."

On the river, boats and barges of all sizes were brightly lit, illuminating both banks as if it were daytime. Vendors energetically hawked their goods, and He Yan wandered along, occasionally stopping when she spotted something novel, buying it with the intention of giving it to Xiao Yao to play with later.

She was no longer that destitute little soldier; she now had a salary, and the rewards from her military achievements in that battle years ago had filled the courtyard. Over the years, although her purse wasn’t exactly full, it was no longer as flat as a thin pancake, as it had been before.

As the two of them walked, young men from Jiyang occasionally passed by, their gazes lingering on He Yan.

Noticing their stares, He Yan asked Fourth Concubine, "Is there something on my face?"

Fourth Concubine chuckled and explained, "No, Little He Lady, they’re looking at you because you’re beautiful and they admire you."

He Yan covered her mouth with her hand and coughed lightly twice. "...You flatter me."

Fourth Concubine smiled without saying more. The men of Jiyang couldn’t distinguish between the hairstyles of married women and young maidens from the Central Plains; they only saw this young woman’s lively and elegant features, as refreshing as a gentle breeze, and naturally felt admiration. After all, everyone appreciates beauty. But it was hard to say how Xiao Second Madam had grown—seven years had passed, yet time had left no traces of aging on her. Her appearance seemed no different from before, yet there was something distinct—perhaps a hint of gentleness now mingled with the heroic spirit in her eyes.

This gentleness blended perfectly with her straightforwardness, making her stand out in the crowd like a glowing pearl, impossible to ignore.

He Yan noticed a crowd gathered ahead and took a few steps forward. She saw a vendor sitting in front of an iron pot, skillfully scooping up brown sugar from the pot and drawing on a white stone slab. Immediately delighted, she exclaimed, "It’s sugar figures!"

"Aren’t there sugar figures in Shuojing City?" Fourth Concubine wondered why she was so excited.

"There are, but they’re not as well-made as the ones in Jiyang, and there aren’t as many varieties," He Yan replied with a smile. "Since we’re here, I might as well buy one to take back for Yao Yao later."

She said to Fourth Concubine, "It’s too crowded. Wait here for me, and I’ll come back after buying it."

Before Fourth Concubine could say anything, He Yan had already pushed through the crowd and headed toward the sugar figure vendor.

Squeezing her way to the front, He Yan took out a string of copper coins and said, "Young man, I’d like a big tiger. Please make it look majestic."

"Coming right up—"

The vendor was very skilled, and in no time, a majestic tiger was stuck on a bamboo stick. He Yan handed over the money, took the sugar figure in one hand, and looked at it with great satisfaction.Earlier, Qingmei had made a cloth tiger for Xiao Yao, which he adored so much that he carried it with him while eating and even slept with it. Later, that cloth tiger was accidentally dropped into a brazier by her and burned, causing Xiao Yao to cry for most of the day. Before Qingmei could finish making a new one, He Yan and the others had to set off for Jiyang.

Since Xiao Yao loved tigers so much, he would surely be delighted to see this candy tiger.

Holding the candy tiger, He Yan squeezed her way out of the crowd and was about to leave when suddenly, she heard someone call her name from behind, sounding hesitant and uncertain: "...A-He?"

He Yan turned around and saw a man in green robes standing not far from her, his expression both surprised and complicated.

"Chu... Fourth Young Master?"

(End of Chapter)