Legend of the Female General

Chapter 270 Extra: The Secret of the Moon (Yan Xiu Extra to be Updated After the New Year)

Xiao Jue had always believed that He Yan was a liar.

In the eyes of outsiders, He Yan was righteous, forthright, carefree, and generous. But in his eyes, she was gluttonous, sleepy, prone to nonsense, and even stingy and greedy for money.

Everyone had secrets. People living in this world were not entirely defined by good and evil, black and white. Human hearts were complex, and human nature was contradictory. But He Yan was likely the most contradictory woman he had ever met in his life.

The pitiful soul hiding in the darkness, unwilling to reveal her true feelings, and the brave, skilled, confident female general on the battlefield seemed so vastly different that, over the years, no one had ever connected "He Yan" with "He Rufei."

For instance, the soldiers of the Pacify Yue Army on the Martial Arts Field often said that their leader, General Guiyue, had a heart broader than any man's, acted more freely than any man, never looked back, and always strode forward. With her there, the army's morale remained steady. Even if the sky were to fall, it would be nothing more than that.

But Xiao Jue actually knew that He Yan was not someone who never looked back.

She held a longer-lasting attachment and deeper affection for the past than others, especially those good, precious memories. She carefully preserved them, never treating them lightly.

Hua Youxian from Jinling City often sent over some newly brewed sweet wine. Every time she tasted it, she would write a sincere reply letter. After finishing the wine, she would also carefully store the wine jar away. The women of Rundu sent her clothes and boots they had sewn themselves each season, with exquisite embroidery and perfect tailoring. He Yan herself hadn't bought new clothes in a long time.

Sometimes, when Lin Shuanghe saw this, he would whisper worriedly in Xiao Jue's ear, "Huai Jin, do you think my little sister He might become the next Chu Linfeng if she goes on like this?"

Xiao Jue rewarded him with a single word: "Get lost."

Cui Yuezhi from Jiyang City occasionally wrote letters too, telling her about recent good news, and about Nine Rivers... She would read the letters carefully, store them with care. In the wooden drawer of her study, the letters were neatly stacked together, piled high... She couldn't bear to burn them.

She appeared carefree, but in reality, she was particularly fearful of "loss."

When Ermao died, He Yan was very sad.

In this world, birth, aging, illness, and death were the norms of human life. Whether people or animals, there would come a day when they departed. He Yan didn't like to shed tears, and she didn't cry when Ermao died either. But in the days that followed, Xiao Jue often found her sitting on the threshold of the courtyard, staring blankly at the bowl Ermao used to drink from.

He would walk over, say nothing, and sit with her for a while.

He Yan's attitude toward "loss" was not as carefree as it appeared on the surface. After the battle of Wutuo, when her comrades-in-arms fell, there were still battles to fight, so she forced herself not to dwell on it. But later, after returning to Shuojing, she was actually sad for a long time.

And the only thing he could do was stay by He Yan's side, ensuring that, at least in terms of "loss," his name would never appear.Over these two years, many wives from various families had privately approached Bai Rongwei, inquiring whether Xiao Jue had any plans to take a concubine. After all, the two Xiao brothers were exceptionally outstanding to begin with. Xiao Jing was one thing—having been married to Bai Rongwei for so many years and still deeply devoted to her even after their daughter Xiao Peipei was born—there was simply no opening there. But Xiao Jue was different. In the past, the world believed he was merely blessed with a handsome appearance but possessed an overly cold and arrogant temperament, destined never to marry. Yet later, he married He Yan, the daughter of a captain, and was exceedingly doting toward his wife.

When someone cold-hearted and indifferent finally awakens to love, it stirs the heart far more than the gentle and affectionate. The most common thought among ordinary people is: If she can, why can’t I? Moreover, He Yan had not yet borne a child for the Xiao family and, being a military officer, surely lacked the coquettish charm of those sweet and adorable young ladies who knew how to capture a man’s heart. Thus, many believed they had a chance.

Bai Rongwei turned down one after another on Xiao Jue’s behalf, but there were always those bold enough, overly confident, and blinded by his striking looks, resorting to all sorts of tricks. Xiao Jue had thrown several people out the door, and once, driven to fury, nearly caused trouble for an entire family, but fortunately, He Yan managed to dissuade him.

He Yan would smile and say, “Everyone appreciates beauty. I’m not even angry, so why are you?”

If she hadn’t said that, it might have been fine, but those words only made Xiao Jue angrier.

Whenever Lin Shuanghe dropped by, he would always remark, “Who would have thought our Second Young Master Xiao, Young Master Huaijin, would be so completely wrapped around my Sister He’s finger? You know,” he sighed, “in matters between men and women, whoever cares more loses. I used to think you had the upper hand, but how is it that after a few years, you’ve been trampled underfoot?”

Xiao Jue disliked his nitpicking theory—human emotions were not warfare, to be strategized with military tactics. Still, he had to admit Lin Shuanghe was right.

The soldiers of the Pacify Yue Army always thought it was He Yan who indulged him, showering him with sweet words. But in reality, it was he who was easily stirred by He Yan, whether in major matters or minor ones.

Perhaps, according to Lin Shuanghe’s theory, he liked He Yan a little more than she liked him.

But that was fine.

In this world, having someone to like was already no easy feat. Among the countless people in the world, some were destined but not fated, others fated but not destined. People were like grains of sand in a river, meeting and parting in the blink of an eye. To encounter someone you liked in the vast, boundless world was already a stroke of luck.

Thus, there was no need to dwell too much on who liked whom more.

But He Yan loved to question him about this, often pressing him at night, “Commander Xiao, you actually fell for me in your past life, didn’t you? If I were a man, you’d definitely be a cut-sleeve.”

Xiao Jue scoffed, “I am not a cut-sleeve.”

“Hah,” she didn’t believe him at all. “Last time I went to the Martial Arts Field, I overheard Instructor Shen and Instructor Liang talking. They said back in the Liangzhou Guard, before my identity as a woman was exposed, they already thought you and I had that kind of relationship.” She looked Xiao Jue up and down, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “But with your looks, even if you were a cut-sleeve, you’d definitely be the most popular kind among them…”At such times, Xiao Jue usually couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. Once the bed curtains were drawn, the battlefield would decide the outcome.

Late into the night, she slept soundly. Xiao Jue tucked the blanket around her, resting his hands behind his head. Starlight streamed in through the window, casting a faint glow across a corner of the room.

Gazing at the edge of the bed curtains, his heart was unusually calm.

When exactly he had fallen for He Yan, even Xiao Jue himself wasn’t entirely sure. He Yan often muttered about how he had treated her with particular care during their previous lives while studying at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy. But looking back now, his care for her back then was likely because he saw many shadows of his own past in this "young man." The only difference was that she possessed a stubborn, naive insistence on holding onto her ideals amidst the murky complexities of the world.

A young man wearing a mask was already different from others, and because she had to guard her secret from being discovered, she often stood alone. She was clumsy but diligent, silent yet optimistic, weak but compassionate toward the vulnerable. In his youth, Xiao Jue occasionally wondered what kind of face lay beneath that tightly covered mask.

Whether he was feigning sleep in a tree, basking in the sun behind a rockery, or sipping tea in the bamboo grove of the Virtuous Prosperity Academy, he would always catch glimpses of various versions of "He Rufei."

She seemed so unremarkable, so insignificant, yet she shone with a light all her own—a light others failed to notice but he alone could see. The young Xiao Jue never doubted that "He Rufei" would achieve great things in the future.

If she persisted as she did.

But back then, it was merely attraction, not yet love. Like spotting a star in the night sky—not particularly bright, yet flickering persistently, impossible to ignore once seen.

Their camaraderie as classmates was genuine, which was why, after the incident at Jade Splendor Temple, he even extended a helping hand to "He Rufei’s" "younger sister."

Once was an accident, twice a coincidence, three times fate, and the fourth time—it was likely destiny.

Xiao Jue never doubted that he and He Yan were destined for each other.

Otherwise, why would fate repeatedly bring her before him? And why would his gaze inevitably be drawn to her?

He Yan seemed never to have changed.

The young man practicing archery under the night sky, struggling to keep up with the team, was no different from the diligent student secretly studying at the Virtuous Prosperity Academy. But once she shed her mask, she finally revealed her true self—carefree, sharp, galloping freely across the Martial Arts Field, passionate and pure as a beam of light.

Yet she was also cautious, accustomed to giving but uneasy with being "favored," always at a loss when it came to more intimate relationships.

At first, he merely thought she was a skilled liar. Later, his gaze lingered on her more and more, his emotions stirred by her. For the first time in his life, he tasted jealousy. He felt joy, anger, and indignation over her misfortunes, wishing to soothe all the pain she had endured.

He Yan made him believe that there were still many things worth looking forward to in this world.

As Lin Shuanghe often said, "Did you ever imagine you’d have a day like this?"

He never knew he would have such a day.

It turned out that beyond bearing responsibilities and misunderstandings, betrayal and slaughter, there could still be moments in life worth cherishing. What he once did not know, He Yan showed him, one by one.The person in front of him turned over and rolled into his embrace, instinctively wrapping her arms around him. He was momentarily stunned, pausing briefly before a faint smile touched the corners of his lips.

Who liked whom more—what did it matter?

He was simply more grateful to the heavens for gifting him this distant warmth amid his cruel life, allowing him to encounter his beloved and stay together without parting.

……

He Yan loved the Martial Arts Field.

After the battle with Wutuo, the Great Wei army rested and recuperated. For at least a decade or more, the Wutuo People would not have the energy to stage a comeback, yet training was still necessary. As the leader of the Pacify Yue Army now, during training sessions, she often reminded the veterans of the Pacify Yue Army of the Flying Goose General from years past.

She was similarly agile and unrestrained, yet compared to that masked woman, she carried a touch more playfulness and approachability.

There were also new recruits who refused to believe in He Yan’s abilities. On the Martial Arts Field, the woman demonstrated her skills with the blade, horse, bow, and arrow one by one, her spirited and radiant appearance shining as brightly as a pearl.

He Yan was naturally beautiful. Shuojing City of Great Wei had countless lovely young women, but one as beautiful and heroic as her was likely unique. When she donned crimson martial attire, drew the longsword from her waist with a smile, or commanded formations and instructed troops, the young men on the field would all be dazzled by her brilliance.

Lin Shuanghe came to watch twice and felt a growing sense of crisis for Xiao Jue. He remarked that back in the Liangzhou Guard days, when He Yan disguised herself as a man, the brothers in the camp had no idea of her true identity. Now that she had returned to her heroic female attire, mingling daily with these young men, the passionate and impulsive youths almost openly expressed their admiration for her.

He Yan herself didn’t notice.

In her eyes, these young men were no different from Wang Ba and the others back in the day—all good fellows, good brothers.

After the Wutuo conflict, half of the brothers from the Liangzhou Guard had left. The remaining few, having endured the trials of the battlefield, now stood out exceptionally. Even within the Liangzhou army, they were among the best. The Jiang family’s martial arts school gained great fame for producing someone like Jiang Jiao, and Master Jiang took immense pride in him.

Most of Wang Ba’s silver was sent back to the bandit stronghold where he once stayed. That stronghold no longer engaged in banditry; instead, their fishponds yielded good harvests. It was said the stronghold often took in orphaned children with nowhere to go, and Wang Ba would occasionally visit. His temper had improved greatly, and even children dared to approach him now.

After Shitou left, Xiao Mai grew the fastest. Back when Shitou protected him, he was still a playful youth obsessed with good food. Now, he had matured considerably. His archery skills advanced by leaps and bounds, surpassing even Shitou’s accuracy. He was no longer as gluttonous as before, and when speaking with He Yan, he seemed much more reserved and less cheerful than he used to be.

He Yan felt a deep melancholy, but people must grow. Fate pushes everyone onto their own paths—some remain unchanged forever, while others slowly mature.

Time, like the wind, can never be held back.

She dismounted her horse. In the demonstration just now, her arrow had struck the bullseye firmly, shining brilliantly.

The young man retrieving the arrows gazed at her, his eyes filled with unstoppable admiration. Half shy and half excited, he said, “General, you’re amazing!”

“You flatter me,” He Yan patted his shoulder and smiled. “With more practice, you’ll be just as good.”

The young man looked at her, took two steps forward, and called out, “General—”He Yan turned back and asked, "What is it?"

"I... I'm not good with the bow. Could you... give me some pointers?" He didn't dare meet He Yan's eyes.

She was never stingy when it came to "giving pointers" to the soldiers, so she replied, "Of course. First, take the bow and try it out. Let me see."

In the distance, Lin Shuanghe fanned himself, speaking with gleeful schadenfreude, "Brother, you can actually tolerate this?"

Xiao Jue watched the scene from afar without a flicker of emotion.

"Every man on the Martial Arts Field seems to have ulterior motives toward Sister He," he stirred the pot, "We're both men, so we understand men's minds best. Look at that kid—on the surface, he's asking for guidance, but isn't he just trying to get close? I stopped using that trick back in school, and he’s still using such an old move? Tsk, tsk... Hey, why are you leaving?"

He Yan stood behind the young soldier, about to adjust his bow-holding posture, when a cold voice sounded from behind her. "Wait."

She turned to look, and the soldier was so startled he could barely speak. "...Commander Xiao!"

"Why are you here?" He Yan asked.

"I'm not on duty today," Xiao Jue glanced at the pale-faced young man, the corner of his mouth curling into a mocking smile. "I'll teach him."

The soldier's face turned even paler.

He Yan, suspecting nothing, simply said, "Then I'll leave him to you. I'll go check over there." She walked away, reassured.

The soldier watched He Yan's retreating figure, unable to voice his grievances, while the man before him raised an eyebrow, his gaze unmistakably hostile. "Practice."

Lin Shuanghe laughed uncontrollably on the side, silently offering a tear of sympathy for the young soldier.

By the time the sun set and the day's training ended, He Yan went to change in the room next to the Martial Arts Field, where she saw the soldier from that afternoon again. However, though it was late autumn, he was drenched from head to toe, as if he had been fished out of water, his lips pale. He Yan walked over, puzzled. "What happened to you?"

The soldier stepped back, avoiding her as if she were a snake or scorpion, and lowered his head. "It's nothing. I just practiced for too long. Thank you for your concern, General."

Watching his hurried departure, He Yan entered the room thoughtfully. Inside, Xiao Jue was already there. She removed her light armor and picked up her own clothes, asking Xiao Jue, "I just saw that soldier outside. What did you do to him? Why is he so exhausted?"

"If it's not exhausting, it's not training," Xiao Jue replied lightly, sipping his tea.

He Yan fastened the buttons on her collar as she spoke. "Even so, don't be too harsh. Among this batch of newcomers, I think there are several with good potential. You came late today, so you didn't see them. A few young men have excellent skills and handsome appearances. When they practiced with spears on the Martial Arts Field this morning, their movements were quite beautiful," she seemed to be reminiscing, "Their forms were so graceful, I thought they looked quite good..."

Xiao Jue's face darkened as if it were about to drip water, and he slowly retorted, "Beautiful?"

"Yes," He Yan draped her outer robe over herself. "Probably because their waists are slender. When they leaped, they looked tall and long-legged."

His eyes nearly sparked with anger. "He Yan."

"Pfft—" He Yan burst into laughter, pointing at him. "Commander Xiao, why are you so domineering? Every time I praise someone in front of you, you get incredibly angry. Such pettiness is unbecoming!"She laughed heartily, and Xiao Jue realized she was being deliberately provocative again. Even so, he couldn’t help feeling a bit displeased, pursing his lips and refusing to engage with her.

He Yan moved closer to him, knowing he was upset, and said, “It was just a joke. To me, these people—whether men or women—are all the same. But Commander Xiao, even if you don’t trust my character, you should at least trust yourself. No matter how beautiful they are, none can compare to you. No matter how well-proportioned their figures, I only like your waist—” Her tone took on a suggestive lilt toward the end, teasingly provocative.

Xiao Jue lifted his gaze to look at her.

He Yan had grown increasingly unrestrained lately, likely thinking that since they were an old married couple, there was no need for pretense. Yet, even her seemingly casual remarks and unintentionally flirtatious words never failed to stir something within him.

He chuckled softly, raising an eyebrow as he said, “Just wait.”

“Wait for what?”

Xiao Jue didn’t answer her.

That night, after a long and intense battle, He Yan understood.

Qingmei brought in hot water, and after bathing, He Yan curled up in Xiao Jue’s arms, murmuring, “Tell me, if we have a child someday, will they look more like you or me?”

Before Xiao Jue could respond, she answered herself, “Never mind, it’s better if they look like you. I’ve thought about it—whether it’s a boy or a girl, if they resemble you, they’ll be a beauty.”

Xiao Jue had no particular thoughts about appearances. Lin Shuanghe once said that people tend not to value what they already possess—whether it’s looks, family background, intelligence, or skill. Xiao Jue had all of these, so they didn’t matter much to him. If they were to have a child someday, he believed that as long as the child was happy, that would be enough.

But after several years of marriage, He Yan and he still had no children.

During her years at the Liangzhou Guard, she trained daily with the new recruits. To avoid being discovered, she bathed in the icy waters of the Five Deer River in the dead of winter and traveled far and wide, fighting battles in Nine Rivers… All of this had taken a toll on her body. Lin Shuanghe prescribed medicine for her to slowly recuperate. Relatives of the Xiao family, such as Cheng Li Su’s mother, often hinted at why He Yan hadn’t yet become pregnant. Some even dared to suggest to Bai Rongwei that since He Yan couldn’t conceive, Xiao Jue should take a concubine—after all, Second Young Master Xiao couldn’t possibly remain without an heir.

Xiao Jue, who happened to be passing by, coldly retorted in front of the speaker, “Do you think just any stray cat or dog is worthy of bearing the Xiao family’s descendants?”

He despised such calculated schemes.

As for children, Xiao Jue harbored few illusions. If he were to grow fond of a child someday, it would only be because it was He Yan’s and his own—nothing else mattered. Who said men must carry on the family line? When Xiao Jing married Bai Rongwei, they remained childless for years, and so what? The men of the Xiao family married and had children only for love. If it were merely for the sake of continuing the bloodline, driven by instinct like animals, what difference would there be?

If He Yan never had children, then so be it. He would devote the rest of his life to her alone.

He Yan had no idea what he was thinking. When it came to such matters, she always held many beautiful expectations. Moreover, she firmly believed that since fate had granted her and Xiao Jue two lifetimes together, it would surely not begrudge them the happiest of endings."Yunsheng has been a bit distracted lately," He Yan began to worry about other matters again. "He seems so downcast. Has he been bullied outside? I've been busy training soldiers all day and haven't had time to look after him these days. Do you know what happened to him?"

Xiao Jue remained silent for a moment before reminding her, "Song Taotao hasn't visited the He residence for half a month."

Song Taotao liked He Yunsheng—it was practically announced to the entire Shuojing City. This child's affection was straightforward and swift. When she liked someone, she showered them with gifts, from clothing and food to daily necessities, without the slightest hint of restraint. While He Yan admired her boldness, she also sympathized with Song Taotao's parents—how much worry they must endure!

And that stubborn boy He Yunsheng remained so indifferent.

But... she turned to Xiao Jue, surprised, and asked, "Do you mean Yunsheng likes Taotao?"

Xiao Jue smiled, tacitly confirming it. He Yan felt a chill run down her spine. Given He Yun Sheng’s foul temper and his tendency to glare coldly at the young lady, she truly hadn’t detected any hint of affection.

Indeed, He Yan hadn’t noticed He Yun Sheng’s feelings for Song Taotao. After all, He Yun Sheng was even better at hiding his emotions than Xiao Jue. It wasn’t until some time later, when he came to He Yan and asked her and He Sui to propose to the Song family on his behalf, that He Yan realized with a start that Xiao Jue had been right.

“Do you really like Song Taotao?” she asked. “If you’re not sincere, don’t go stirring up trouble.”

“Of course I like her…” He Yun Sheng’s voice trailed off, tinged with embarrassment. Blushing, he added impatiently, “Anyway, if I marry her, I’ll treat her well for the rest of my life!”

Only then did He Yan feel reassured.

Although He Sui held no official position, He Yun Sheng had the advantage of having a sister and brother-in-law who were generals. Though young, He Yun Sheng was already making a name for himself in his career, with a future full of promise. Moreover, Song Taotao herself was fond of him, so the Song family was more than happy to agree to the match.

The engagement was settled with almost no difficulty.

He Yan had initially worried that He Yun Sheng had offended Song Taotao and that a hasty proposal might lead to him being chased out. Unexpectedly, despite his usual quiet demeanor, the young man knew how to charm a girl. Before long, He Yan saw Song Taotao happily bringing food to the He family for He Yun Sheng again.

Once the engagement was settled, the wedding preparations progressed swiftly.

Apart from the He and Song families, the happiest person turned out to be Cheng Li Su. He Yan sometimes wondered why Cheng Li Su acted as if it were his own wedding, not He Yun Sheng’s. He frequently came to the He family to help out, making him likely the first former fiancé in Shuojing City to behave this way.

Seizing an opportunity, He Yan asked him, “Why are you so happy about Taotao’s marriage? Aren’t you even a little upset?”

“Why would I be upset?” Cheng Li Su grinned as if he’d found money. “That shrew… Miss Song is now taken care of by Uncle He, so I’m free! Otherwise, I’d have to worry every day that my family might revive this engagement. This is what they call… better him than me!”

He seemed quite pleased with himself. He Yan thought for a moment, concerned that Cheng Li Su might regret it later and inadvertently turn her little nephew and brother into enemies. She asked, “Are you really not even a little fond of Taotao?”

“Not at all!” Cheng Li Su laughed. “Aunt, I know you and Uncle think I’m unreliable, but I do know what I like and dislike. Song Taotao and I are not cut from the same cloth. The girl I like should appreciate my good qualities, just as I do. But Song Taotao takes one look at me and thinks I’m lazy and useless. How could we possibly be husband and wife? We can’t even be friends without clashing!”

Seeing how confidently he spoke, He Yan thought, Well, young people have their own minds. Since Cheng Li Su truly had no feelings for Song Taotao, the way things had turned out could be considered another kind of happy ending.

She then threw herself into helping He Yun Sheng prepare for the wedding.

On the day He Yun Sheng got married, He Yan felt deeply sentimental.Clearly, He Yunsheng was the one getting married, yet He Yan acted like an old mother sending her daughter off, her eyes growing moist. Even He Sui, the father, wasn’t as emotional as He Yan. He Xinying stood beside her, observing her expression, and whispered, “Today is Young Master He’s joyous occasion, Sister. Why do you look so sad?”

He Yan replied, “I’m not sad. I’m just overwhelmed with happiness.”

In her previous life, she had family, but for many reasons, she couldn’t get close to them. Even He Xinying by her side—the two sisters only truly grew close in this life, after the He family’s downfall.

But He Yunsheng was different. From the moment she opened her eyes as the “He Eldest Miss,” He Sui and He Yunsheng became her “family” in this life. Though poor, they gave her a warmth she had never experienced before. Now, that green-robed youth who had awkwardly accepted the pastries she handed him on the back hill had finally grown into a mature man, with a beloved woman of his own, becoming an adult.

When faced with something too perfect, people often feel a sense of unreality. Sometimes, He Yan even wondered if everything before her was just a long, beautiful dream, fearing that once she woke, it would all vanish.

He Yunsheng led the bride into the He family courtyard, and cheers erupted all around. The courtyard was packed to the brim. She had many friends, and everyone was happy to join in the celebration for He Yunsheng’s wedding. Wang Ba and the others were, of course, present, along with the instructors from Liangzhou Guard, Bai Rongwei, Xiao Jing… Xiao Jue stood on her other side, like an elder brother to He Yunsheng, watching the newlyweds enter the wedding hall.

Amid the excitement, Lin Shuanghe exclaimed dramatically, “Even Yunsheng is married, yet I’m still alone.”

Cheng Lisu patted his shoulder. “It’s fine, Uncle Lin. I’m alone too. We’re in this together.”

Lin Shuanghe: “…”

The newlyweds performed the wedding ceremony, and the banquet was lively. He Yan drank too much.

Nowadays, aside from holidays, she drank very moderately, as who knew if she’d start reciting texts in front of others once drunk. If Xiao Jue saw it, it was one thing, but if word spread to outsiders or reached the Pacify Yue Army, who knew what kind of impression they’d form of her as a general. They’d probably think she loved showing off, revealing her true colors when drunk, insisting on flaunting her talents.

But on He Yunsheng’s joyous wedding day, she had to drink what was necessary.

By the time Xiao Jue came over, He Yan was already drunk.

She sat at the table, saw him, and waved at Xiao Jue, calling out, “Commander Xiao!”

Xiao Jue helped her up and said to He Sui, “Yan Yan is drunk. I’ll take her back first.”

“Go ahead, go ahead,” He Sui replied. “It’s getting late. You two head back, and come drink Taotao’s tea tomorrow morning if you have time.”

Xiao Jue nodded, supporting He Yan out of the hall, reminding her as they went, “There are steps. Watch your feet.”

He Yan suddenly turned, wrapped her arms around his waist, and refused to move.

Xiao Jue took a deep breath and looked down at the person before him. “He Eldest Miss, it’s time to go home.”

“Commander Xiao,” she looked up at him, her appearance not betraying her drunkenness, and said, “Let me tell you a secret.”

“Go ahead.”Behind them, the sounds of music and laughter from the wedding hall gradually faded. The night wind was cold and desolate. He pulled He Yan's outer garment tighter around her, only to see her point at the moon on the rooftop and say, "...I like the moon."

He suddenly froze.

There was a moment in his memory when she had said the same thing to him.

Back then, he hadn't fully fallen in love with He Yan yet, but his heart had already stirred. Her soft whispers in his ear were dismissed as casual jokes, never realizing how much sincerity was hidden within those playful words.

If she were destined to hide in the darkness, in places untouched by moonlight, she would do just that—standing far away, keeping her secrets buried deep in her heart.

The woman before him flashed a bright smile, her eyes sparkling like stars. She reached out, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered softly in his ear, "I'll tell you another secret."

Rising on her tiptoes, she gently pressed her lips to his.

"The moon is you."

In that instant, the moonlight became as timeless as poetry and painting. All the worldly fireworks and countless charms paled in comparison to this fleeting eternity before him.

The moon was lonely and cold, hanging high in the sky. Until one day, he saw a traveler stumbling through endless darkness, walking alone. He casually cast a ray of light, illuminating a stretch of the traveler's path ahead.

And in that moment, he glimpsed a world of blooming beauty, warm sunlight, and radiant clouds.

He Yan seemed utterly exhausted, leaning against his chest. Her eyes closed, and she fell into a deep sleep. He stood still for a moment, then lowered his head and placed a reverent kiss on her forehead. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the room.

The autumn night stretched on endlessly. In the courtyard, lush green grass swayed, moths fluttered toward the candlelight, and the wind sighed like a whisper. The man walked step by step, the curve of his lips filled with the joy of youth.

She didn't know—the moon had its own secret.

She was the moon's hidden longing, the moon's beloved. She was the beginning of his heart's stirring and the destination of their shared journey.

This was the moon's secret.

The final extra chapter is about Yan He and Chengxiu. It will be updated after the New Year—I don’t want to affect everyone's mood during the holidays [covers face].

Wishing everyone an early Happy New Year!

(End of Chapter)