Legend of the Female General

Chapter 269 Extra Story: Xiao Yao (Part 2)

Amidst the bustling crowd, the man in green robes with wide sleeves resembled a splendid spring scene, softening even the night with his presence.

He Yan never expected to encounter Chu Zhao here.

His appearance remained gentle and refined, his expression as soft as ever. Compared to many years ago, he had grown even more slender, yet there seemed to be something missing in his eyes—like a pearl that had lost its luster, silent and serene.

He Yan took two steps toward him and, after standing still, asked, “Chu Fourth Young Master… why are you here?”

After the Crown Prince was convicted and the Fourth Prince ascended the throne, there had been no news of Chu Zhao. It was rumored that someone had seen him outside the city, speculating that he had left Shuojing. After Emperor Zhaokang took the throne, he intended to purge Xu Jingfu’s former associates, and the Chu family naturally fell among those targeted. Over the years, the Chu family had declined significantly. Chu Linfeng had even dismissed his nineteen concubines and relied on Madam Chu’s family to survive. As for Chu Zhao, everyone gradually forgot about him.

After all, Xu Xiang seemed like a name from a very, very long time ago.

Handsome and brave young men emerged in the capital year after year. Among the spring dreams of the women of Great Wei, the two brothers of the Xiao family had long since married and had children. This elegant and refined Chu Fourth Young Master was like a beautiful dream in a wild valley—a fleeting bloom that vanished into the river of time.

Yet here he was now, making He Yan feel as though she had returned to Jiyang many years ago.

Chu Zhao smiled and said, “I have always been in Jiyang.”

He Yan fell silent.

If he was in Jiyang, it was understandable why no one had found him. But perhaps the emperor was not truly unable to find him; it might be better that he was here.

He Yan couldn’t quite define her feelings toward Chu Zhao. Although he was Xu Jingfu’s student, he had never truly harmed her back then. It was merely a matter of differing stances. He Yan knew that Chu Zhao was a rather scheming person, not as harmless as he appeared on the surface. But many years had passed, and both love and hatred had faded. Meeting here again, they were neither friends nor enemies—just… an old acquaintance.

She noticed that the beautiful and charming maid who had once accompanied Chu Zhao was no longer by his side, and she had already guessed the reason. After a pause, she asked, “Chu Fourth Young Master, what are you doing in Jiyang now?”

“I run a calligraphy and painting gallery here, making a living,” Chu Zhao replied with a smile. “And you, Ah He? Why have you suddenly come to Jiyang?”

“Princess is getting married, and my family and I are here to attend the ceremony,” He Yan answered without concealment. Mu Xiaolou’s wedding was a major event in Jiyang, known to all its residents.

“Has Commander Xiao come as well?” he asked.

He Yan nodded.

Chu Zhao smiled as he looked at He Yan. The woman before him still wore a bright and open expression. Over the years, he had met many people, many women, but such a candid and vibrant demeanor had only ever appeared on her face. His gaze fell on the sugar tiger in He Yan’s hand, and he paused for a moment before asking softly, “Ah He… do you have children?”

“Yes,” He Yan replied. “I have a daughter, almost four years old now. Her name is Xiao Yao.”

“…Xiao Yao?”

“I chose the name. Isn’t it lovely?” He Yan said proudly. “I don’t ask much of her. As long as she is safe, healthy, and lives a carefree and unrestrained life, I will be content.”She truly had no talent for poetry and song, but the name "Xiao Yao" was one everyone praised as well-chosen.

"White clouds blanket the vast rivers and lakes, leaving me to wander free and at ease," Chu Zhao looked at her and smiled. "Ah He is very good at choosing names."

"Thank you." He Yan smiled and asked, "Chu Fourth Young Master, do you have a sweetheart now?"

Back then, Chu Zhao had lured her out at night and delivered an extremely mushy confession, which ultimately provoked Xiao Jue into a furious rage, and she had to coax him for quite some time. Now, with the passage of time, many things had long been let go. Although he was the "Chu Fourth Young Master," in reality, he should now simply be "Chu Zhao."

The Chu Fourth Young Master might have confessed his feelings to her, half-sincere and half-feigned, due to interests and positions. But who would be the sweetheart of the real Chu Zhao? With his intelligence and talent, he would never lack admirers, no matter what.

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then lowered his head and smiled. "Not everyone is as fortunate as Commander Xiao."

Just as He Yan was about to speak, suddenly, someone's voice came from nearby.

"What are you doing here?"

She turned to see Xiao Jue walking out of the night, his expression slightly cold, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"Commander Xiao," Chu Zhao was also surprised, then smiled. "It's been a long time."

Meanwhile, Fourth Concubine, standing by a cosmetics stall, trembled with fear. Earlier, He Yan had gone to buy a Sugar Figure, and after finishing her purchase, she had run into a handsome young master. The two stood to the side talking. This in itself wasn’t unusual—perhaps they had met an old acquaintance. But as Fourth Concubine watched, she began to sense something amiss. Xiao Second Madam’s expression was open and honest, but the handsome young master’s gaze seemed to carry affection for Xiao Second Madam.

Yet it wasn’t the kind of obsessive affection—how to put it? It was more like the desolate loneliness of someone who had once loved deeply but had been abandoned.

Having spent much time with Second Aunt, Fourth Concubine prided herself on having developed a keen eye. She only wished she had a plate of melon seeds at hand; otherwise, she could have sat there cracking them for hours. A handsome young master disappointed in love was generally someone to be pitied. Just as Fourth Concubine’s mind wandered, imagining what past entanglements these two might have had and how Xiao Second Madam might have wronged this talented young man, she suddenly felt a shadow appear beside her. Looking up, she was nearly scared out of her wits.

Commander Xiao had arrived at some point!

He stood right beside her, calmly watching the two in the distance, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Fourth Concubine swore she saw Commander Xiao’s fingers, resting on the sword at his waist, turn slightly white.

In Jiyang City, many men, jealous over their beloved women, would fight over them, which wasn’t unusual. But... looking at that delicate young master in blue robes, he might very well be beaten to death by Commander Xiao. And as for Xiao Second Madam... she had heard that people in the Central Plains placed great emphasis on a woman’s chastity. She wondered if Xiao Second Madam could bear the accusation of infidelity.

Fourth Concubine wanted to warn them but was too intimidated by the imposing presence beside her. In the end, she shrank back two steps. She saw that Xiao Second Madam had said something, and the young master in blue looked even more dejected.

Then, Commander Xiao stepped forward—

The moment He Yan saw Xiao Jue appear, she inwardly groaned. For some reason, this man always showed up at the most opportune moments in such situations. He had held a grudge against Chu Zhao back then, and even after all these years, judging by his current expression, he likely hadn’t become any more magnanimous."I was here buying a sugar figure and happened to run into Chu Fourth Young Master, so we exchanged a few words," He Yan explained tactfully. "We had only spoken two sentences when you arrived."

Xiao Jue merely glanced at Chu Zhao before turning his gaze to He Yan. "Let's go."

Two words, each one chillingly cold.

He Yan then bid farewell to Chu Zhao. "Well then, Chu Fourth Young Master, we'll take our leave first."

Chu Zhao smiled and nodded, watching as the two walked away until their figures disappeared into the crowd. Only then did he withdraw his gaze.

The waters of Jiyang remained as clear and serene as ever. He had thought that after all these years, his heart would be as still as water when it came to old acquaintances. Yet, the moment he saw her, he realized he had never truly let go.

But that was all it could ever be.

The sugar figure vendor's stall was crowded with lively onlookers. The young man in green robes stepped forward, lowered his eyes, and said softly, "Young man, I'd like a flower basket."

...

Xiao Jue walked swiftly.

He Yan followed behind him, feeling utterly overwhelmed. She called out, "Wait, Xiao Jue, Fourth Concubine is still behind us..."

"She's already gone back."

He Yan: "?"

Fourth Concubine was truly lacking in loyalty, leaving such a volatile situation for her to handle alone. Now she had to figure out how to placate him herself.

He Yan caught up to Xiao Jue in a few quick strides. Without caring whether he was willing or what expression he wore, she grabbed his arm. "Xiao Jue..."

"What, not continuing your reunion with your Chu Fourth Young Master?" he mocked.

"It wasn't a reunion, just a greeting," He Yan thought to herself. Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao must have had some ill-fated connection in a past life. Every time they encountered Chu Zhao, Xiao Jue became unusually agitated. In life, there were three things to guard against: fire, theft, and Chu Zhao.

"Even if I were capable, I can't foresee the future," He Yan said, looking at him. "I didn't expect him to be in Jiyang City now. Do you think the Emperor knows about this?"

Xiao Jue scoffed. "He's known for a long time."

Although she had vaguely suspected as much, hearing it from Xiao Jue still made He Yan sigh. Since Chu Zhao had entered Jiyang City, it seemed unlikely he would ever leave again. The latter half of his life would be spent imprisoned here, though... for him, it might not be such a bad ending.

Noticing her expression, Xiao Jue sneered. "You seem quite concerned about him."

Here we go again, He Yan thought helplessly. "Brother, it's been so many years. Why are you still holding onto this? I think of you every moment. Look," she said, bringing the sugar tiger in her hand to his lips. "I spent a fortune on this sugar figure for you. Consider it an apology—"

Xiao Jue pushed her hand away, both angered and amused by her shameless lies. "Have you stopped even trying to put effort into lying now?"

"Who's lying? Do you want me to stand on a rooftop and shout, 'I, He Yan, love Commander Xiao the most. We've looked at maps together—'"

"He Yan—"

He Yan grinned. "You know it in your heart..."

Xiao Jue stared at her for a long moment before finally relenting. Fine, she always had ten thousand ways to find a different path to placate him, even if her efforts weren't always sincere.

He warned, "I'll let it go this time, He Yan. But if you meet him privately again..."

He Yan thought to herself, as if she would come to Jiyang often. Once this visit was over, who knew when she would return here again."However," Xiao Jue glanced at the sugar figure in her hand, "I don't accept this apology."

"Then how do you want me to make it up to you?"

He raised an eyebrow, saying nothing, his gaze fixed intently on her.

He Yan: "..."

She gritted her teeth and said, "Xiao Jue, you're just coveting my beauty, lusting after my body!"

Xiao Jue hummed in agreement, responding smoothly, "Exactly."

He Yan was left speechless.

...

That night was another muddled, chaotic night.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yao woke up. The sugar tiger had long since melted into a puddle of syrup during the night. Holding the bare bamboo stick, He Yan said seriously in front of Xiao Yao, "Ti—ger—see? This is a tiger—"

Xiao Yao stared at her with a blank, confused expression.

Xiao Jue walked in from outside and, seeing her teasing Xiao Yao again, fell silent for a moment. He walked over, picked up Xiao Yao, and said, "Time to eat."

The Cui family's breakfast was as lavish as ever. After the meal, Cui Yuezhi was going to the palace to help. The customs in Jiyang City were different from those in the Central Plains—the main wedding ceremony took place in the evening.

While taking care of the little one, Xiao Jue didn't forget to push the dishes He Yan liked in front of her. Fourth Concubine, passing by, froze for a moment at the sight. After the meal, she secretly pulled He Yan aside, hesitating for a while before whispering, "Xiao Second Madam, could you teach me a thing or two about your husband-taming skills?"

He Yan nearly doubted her own hearing. She asked, "What skills did you say?"

"Husband-taming skills!" Fourth Concubine said somewhat sheepishly. "It wasn't that I wanted to leave first last night—it was just that Commander Xiao had already arrived, and I didn't want to intrude. I definitely didn't abandon you on purpose! But... Commander Xiao looked quite displeased at the time, yet this morning he seems back to normal. I just wanted to ask, how did you manage it?"

How did she manage it? She'd have to ask her own waist about that.

He Yan laughed awkwardly. "Actually, I don't have any husband-taming skills..."

"How is that possible?" Fourth Concubine grew anxious. "I still remember what you said back at the mansion with Miss Ling and the others. So many years have passed—surely your husband-taming skills have improved even more. Please teach me a little, I promise I won't share it with anyone."

As if it were some secret manual! He Yan never expected that the nonsense she'd spouted back at the Cui mansion would be regarded as a classic.

But faced with Fourth Concubine's eager, thirsting gaze, He Yan couldn't bear to disappoint her. So she began spinning tales again: "Husband-taming skills—they may seem about control, but they're actually about release. You have to... alternate tension with relaxation, be both distant and close, sometimes cold as ice, sometimes passionately clinging. Ahem, maybe as you tame him, practice makes perfect."

"Alternate tension with relaxation?" Fourth Concubine murmured.

He Yan patted her shoulder. "Take your time to figure it out. I have to go now." She fled as if escaping, leaving Fourth Concubine standing alone, carefully pondering.

When she returned to the room, Lin Shuanghe was standing at the door. As soon as he saw He Yan, he urged, "Sister He, where did you run off to? We need to go to the palace right away. Judging by the timing, the wedding hasn't started yet. Let's go see the Princess first."

He Yan quickly agreed.

After hurriedly getting ready, the group boarded a carriage and followed Cui Yuezhi to the palace.Perhaps because of Mu Xiaolou's wedding, the Prince's Mansion now seemed much livelier than in the past. Everywhere was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, and cut-out "double happiness" characters were pasted all around. Thus, the once vast and desolate mansion had transformed into a scene of opulent splendor.

As soon as they entered, a maidservant greeted them with a smile, saying, "Lord Cui, Commander Xiao, Lord He, Young Master Lin, Her Highness has been waiting for you."

He Yan and the others followed the maidservant inside. When they reached the main hall, they heard a cheerful voice call out, "You've arrived."

He Yan looked up.

Mu Hongjin emerged from behind the hall.

She was dressed in the formal attire of the Jiyang royal family. Today was Mu Xiaolou's wedding, so it was only natural to wear red. However, this red was different from the vibrant crimson of years past—it carried a darker hue, softening the stern and striking beauty of her face, lending her a gentler appearance.

Her long braids were coiled at the back of her head, and she wore no crown. She was no longer the Princess, so she had only adorned her hair with a dark red velvet flower. Her features remained stunningly beautiful, but upon closer inspection, flecks of gray could be seen scattered within her coiled braids. She had aged, becoming more tender, and the way she looked at them was like gazing upon long-lost friends, filled with a sense of long-awaited joy.

"Your Highness," He Yan and the others bowed to her.

"It has been a long time since this place has been as lively as it is today. I am delighted that you could attend Xiaolou's wedding," she said.

Lin Shuanghe beamed and remarked, "After all these years, Your Highness remains as radiant as spring blossoms, a peerless beauty."

His knack for pleasing women had only grown over the years. Mu Hongjin chuckled softly, then shook her head, smoothing a strand of hair at her temple as she sighed, "I've grown old. What peerless beauty?" Her gaze was drawn to Xiao Yao in Xiao Jue's arms, and she asked softly, "Is this Commander Xiao's daughter? How old is she?"

He Yan replied, "Her name is Xiao Yao. She will be three soon."

Mu Hongjin reached out toward Xiao Yao. After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Yao extended her chubby arms, signaling that she could be held. Mu Hongjin cradled her in her arms, and Xiao Yao seemed to take an immediate liking to her, giggling happily and exclaiming, "Auntie..." before planting a loud kiss on Mu Hongjin's cheek.

He Yan couldn't help but think to herself: If Liu Buwang and Mu Hongjin hadn't been separated by fate all those years ago, Xiao Yao might have called Mu Hongjin "Grandmother" instead. Yet here she was, calling her "Auntie"—what a mix-up in seniority.

But Mu Hongjin didn't mind Xiao Yao's casual address. Instead, she seemed quite pleased and casually slipped a gemstone ring from her finger, placing it in Xiao Yao's hand. "Since you called me 'Auntie,' I should give Yaoyao a little gift. Do you like this?"

Xiao Yao's eyes sparkled, and she nodded vigorously, chirping brightly, "I like it!"

He Yan couldn't bear to watch. Xiao Yao was the apple of the Xiao family's eye, never lacking for food or drink, yet she was still so greedy for wealth—it was rather embarrassing.

Mu Hongjin held Xiao Yao in her arms, chatting with them, when not long after, a guard approached and said, "Your Highness, the Qin family will be arriving soon."

He Yan found the guard somewhat familiar and couldn't help but take a closer look. Cui Yuezhi chuckled and asked, "Xiao Second Madam, do you still recognize Mu Yi?"Mu Yi? He Yan recalled that during the battle of Jiyang years ago, she had fought side by side with a soldier from the Jiyang City Army named Mu Yi. Before leaving, the young man had even given her a wooden painting, which she still carefully preserved to this day. However, the Mu Yi before her now was vastly different from the one she remembered. All traces of youth and naivety had faded away, and he now appeared to be a mature man.

Yet, upon seeing He Yan, that maturity and steadiness quickly dissipated, replaced by hesitation and excitement. He seemed torn between wanting to look at her and not daring to, inexplicably tinged with a hint of shyness.

Cui Yuezhi remarked, "Mu Yi is now the head of the personal guards for the princess in the palace, no longer the reckless young man he once was. Mu Yi, do you still remember Xiao Second Madam, the young lady He from back then?"

Mu Yi scratched his head and replied softly, "I remember."

Xiao Jue watched the two of them with a cold gaze, while Lin Shuanghe coughed a few times, quickly steering the conversation away to prevent the young guard captain from provoking Xiao Jue's displeasure. Feigning curiosity, he asked, "And what about the Little Princess? We've been here for so long and haven't seen her yet. Back then, she wasn't even as tall as my chest. I wonder how much she's grown now?"

Mu Hongjin smiled and said, "Go and see why Xiaolou hasn't arrived yet."

Just as she spoke, a woman's voice came from behind the hall: "Grandmother, why the rush? I'm here now."

The young woman who emerged from the back was dressed in a wedding gown as fiery as flames. The gown, crafted by the finest embroiderers in Jiyang City, was adorned with delicate tassels and bells that chimed softly with every step she took. The hem of her skirt was exceptionally long, blooming like a flower. Even more striking than the gown was her face. The Golden Coronet accentuated her fair and delicate features, and she bore a striking resemblance to Mu Hongjin, with a touch of crimson at the corners of her eyes that added to her exquisite and captivating appearance. Yet, she also possessed a spirited liveliness that Mu Hongjin lacked.

At a glance, she was a girl who had grown up freely and fiercely in Jiyang City.

Her eyes quickly lit up with joy upon seeing He Yan and the others, though she tried to maintain a haughty demeanor, pretending to be indifferent as she said, "So you've arrived."

"It's been many years, and the Little Princess has grown into a young lady," Lin Shuanghe remarked, feeling a sense of paternal pride. But in the next moment, he sighed, "I never thought the Little Princess would already be married, while I remain alone."

Mu Hongjin laughed. "If you feel lonely, Master Lin, why not stay in Jiyang City for a while? There are many fine young women here. Perhaps you'll find your destined match."

"Destiny is not something to be forced," Lin Shuanghe said, unfurling his fan. "Besides, my ambitions lie elsewhere. If it is meant to be, I will be fortunate; if not, it is fate. Heaven has its own plans, so why rush?"

Mu Hongjin replied, "Master Lin is truly open-minded."

There was little time for reminiscing, as the wedding ceremony of the Jiyang royal family was intricate and elaborate. The Qin family would soon arrive, so Mu Hongjin and Mu Xiaolou headed to the ceremonial platform outside. He Yan and the others followed the maids' arrangements to rest first.

By evening, as darkness fell, lanterns in the palace were lit one by one. The once-empty area around the ceremonial platform was now adorned with long red silk drapes along the steps. The lights illuminated the high platform, making it appear both magnificent and solemn. Surrounding it were ceremonial officials, and a pair of newlyweds, supporting each other, walked toward the top of the platform.He Yan caught sight of Qin Eldest Young Master, a young man with thick eyebrows and large eyes who appeared quite heroic even in his wedding attire. Yet, he would also carefully help Mu Xiaolou adjust her overly long skirt, and the gaze he directed at her was filled with sincere affection.

From then on, the world gained another loving couple. They would become the guardians of Jiyang City, protecting this land and its people.

He Yan couldn’t help but glance toward Mu Hongjin below the stage.

The woman with striking, deep-set eyes and a radiant smile gazed at the young couple on the stage. Though her lips curved in a clear smile, a faint glimmer of tears shimmered in her eyes.

Perhaps, when she had donned her own wedding attire all those years ago, it had been filled with resignation and anger at the cruel twists of fate. But now, as Mu Xiaolou ascended the steps, at least in this moment, she was happy—genuinely in love with the man before her.

To witness the birth of happiness with one’s own eyes was itself a joyous thing. Her past regrets and lingering resentments seemed to find completion through Mu Xiaolou before her.

He Yan quietly tightened her grip on Xiao Jue’s hand. Xiao Jue glanced down, a faint smile touching the corner of his lips.

Lin Shuanghe adored lively occasions, and watching others marry brought him even more joy than his own wedding would. As the ceremony concluded, he happily roamed about, toasting and drinking with anyone he could find. Yet, his tolerance for alcohol was far from impressive. After a few too many cups, he grew thoroughly drunk, loudly lamenting the injustice of the heavens—how could someone as handsome and dashing as he still be alone? It was utterly outrageous.

He Yan listened with a mix of amusement and exasperation. When he finally collapsed into a drunken stupor, stumbling around and even peering under tables in search of companions, she called upon the servants of the Cui residence to help carry him into a carriage and escort him back.

All around, cheerful congratulations filled the air. He Yan also shared a few drinks with acquaintances. Her alcohol tolerance had improved somewhat since her days in the Liangzhou Guard, though it still fell short of her capacity in her previous life as the Flying Goose General. At least she no longer reached the point of reciting texts to others after a single cup. Still, with Xiao Yao present, she dared not drink too much. Xiao Jue, on the other hand, faced toast after toast without his expression faltering—truly a man who could drink a thousand cups without showing it.

Xiao Yao, still young, grew drowsy as the night wore on, her head nodding like a pecking chicken. He Yan glanced outside; the night had grown deep. She explained the situation to Mu Hongjin and prepared to take Xiao Yao home first.

Mu Hongjin was quite fond of Xiao Yao and gently patted her head. “Go on back,” she said.

After a moment’s thought, He Yan smiled and added, “Now that the Little Princess and Young Master Qin are united in harmony, like mandarin ducks side by side, I hope Your Highness will take good care of yourself as well.”

Mu Hongjin, having also drunk quite a bit, wore a slightly flushed, tipsy expression. She chuckled softly in response. “Very well.”

After they left, Mu Hongjin picked up her wine cup and walked to the window in the hall. Outside, willow branches swayed gently in the breeze, as if transported back to a spring day many years ago. It seemed as though a young man in white robes had once approached step by step, his qin melodies clear and bright, his swordplay graceful and free—a memory as vivid as yesterday.

In the bustling hall, the clamor of music and celebration gradually faded into the distance. This, she thought, must be a rare and beautiful dream. Finding a comfortable spot, Mu Hongjin rested her head against a soft cushion on the divan and slowly closed her eyes.

From within her wide sleeve, a slender, fair wrist emerged, adorned with a simple silver bracelet. Along its edges, tiny wild daisies were delicately engraved, layer upon layer, vibrant and blooming.

A maid tiptoed closer and, seeing the woman resting with closed eyes and a faint smile—as if lost in a pleasant dream—placed a finger to her lips. “Shh,” she whispered to those behind her. “Her Highness has fallen asleep. Don’t disturb her.” She gently draped a thin blanket over Mu Hongjin before quietly retreating.

…

Outside, He Yan and Xiao Jue made their way toward the carriage.

Jiyang City seemed untouched by autumn or winter, forever lingering in a summer-like warmth. A cool breeze drifted from the river, refreshing and gentle. Walking side by side with Xiao Jue, He Yan felt a sense of peace. Xiao Yao, fast asleep on Xiao Jue’s shoulder, breathed softly and steadily, lost in sweet dreams.Faint sounds of singing and laughter seemed to drift from the prince's mansion.

She lowered her head, her heart filled with a tranquility she had never known before.

Things she once thought were luxuries beyond her reach were now all around her. What she had originally desired was not much—just a simple, ordinary life.

In this lifetime, let me wander free and unburdened; do not ask of heaven. Since ancient times, all things flow east like water.

Nothing could compare to this moment—carefree and at ease.

Perhaps dreaming of something delicious, Xiao Yao smacked her lips in her sleep.

He Yan watched her for a moment before turning to Xiao Jue with a smile. "Xiao Jue, would you like some candied hawthorn?"

—The End—

Ah, no one noticed until the end that the chrysanthemum's flower language is "love hidden in the heart" [facepalm]

(End of Chapter)