Legend of the Female General

Chapter 91: Making a Complaint

"You might as well try."

The stairway fell into silence.

After a long pause, He Yan suddenly snapped back to reality and shouted loudly, "Uncle!"

So this was the boy's uncle? Sun Ling sized up the young man before him. Seeing the handsome and elegant demeanor of the youth, he couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy. Because of the large birthmark on his face, he knew he was ugly and harbored a particular hatred for those who were good-looking. He had countless concubines in his household and often defiled innocent women outside—not entirely out of lust, but because once he seized them, he would never treat them kindly. Those beauties in his hands often met tragic ends. Sun Ling sought to destroy what he himself could never possess.

The man before him was far too striking—not just in Liang Province, but likely one of the most exceptional in the entire Wei Kingdom.

"Uncle!" He Yan jumped up and darted behind Xiao Jue, peeking out just enough to point a trembling finger at Sun Ling. "This person bullied me!"

Her tone was full of childish innocence, like a young child running home to tattle to an elder after being wronged. Fei Nu, standing to the side, was rendered speechless at the sight.

Xiao Jue stiffened slightly. Suppressing his disgust, he ignored the person tugging at his clothes from behind and focused on Sun Ling. "So it's you?"

Sun Ling's heart skipped a beat.

This young man's appearance was far too extraordinary, his expression calm yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible sharpness. Even his quiet questioning sent an involuntary chill down one's spine, stirring an inexplicable sense of dread.

Steadying himself, Sun Ling glared at Xiao Jue and said coldly, "It's me. And who are you?"

"Xiao Jue."

Xiao Jue? Sun Ling frowned suspiciously. He had never met Xiao Jue. Over half a year ago, he had heard that Xiao Jue had brought new recruits to Liang Province to garrison Liangzhou Wei, but he had rarely come to Liangzhou City and had never visited the Sun family. Of course, Sun Ling had heard of Xiao Jue—the famous young general of Wei, renowned for his striking beauty. The man before him certainly looked the part, but how could he prove he was Xiao Jue? Moreover... the esteemed Right Army Commander, traveling with only one guard? Even the son of a county magistrate like himself would never go anywhere without an entourage. And what was this nephew business about? No matter how he looked at it, these people seemed suspicious.

Sun Ling leaned over and whispered to his attendant, "Have you heard anything about General Feng Yun coming to the city recently?"

The attendant shook his head. "No, nothing."

Hearing this, Sun Ling grew even more doubtful. But he was cunning by nature and unwilling to jump to conclusions. He sneered at Xiao Jue, "If you claim to be Xiao Jue, do you have a jade token to prove your identity?"

Xiao Jue replied, "No."

Not even a jade token? Sun Ling felt even more certain now—these people were undoubtedly impostors. The thought that he had nearly been intimidated by fakes filled him with anger. He glared at Xiao Jue and barked, "I don't care who you are, but kidnapping an official's family member is a capital offense. Men, seize them!"

"What official's family member?" He Yan popped her head out from behind Xiao Jue and shouted, "That's my book servant! If you insist she's your family member, show us proof! Where's her deed of sale? You don't even have a deed, yet you arrest people at random—is there no law anymore?"

"Law?" Sun Ling grinned savagely. "In Liang Province, the Sun family is the law! Everyone, attack!"

A group of soldiers surged forward menacingly.He Yan was currently playing the role of the weak and defenseless Cheng Li Su, so of course she wouldn’t lift a finger. With an exaggerated cry, she shouted loudly, as if to stir up chaos, “Murder! The officers are killing people!”

The inn was filled with other guests staying upstairs and downstairs, and at her words, chaos erupted instantly. Even the dogs inside and outside the streets began barking wildly.

Xiao Jue said, “Fei Nu.”

The black-clad bodyguard immediately stepped in front of Xiao Jue, giving He Yan a clear view. She wasn’t sure if Fei Nu was from the Nine Banners Battalion, but judging by his skills, he was on par with her past self. If this was the standard of the Nine Banners Battalion, then with her current body as the young lady He, she probably wouldn’t even qualify.

She stared intently, tugging so hard on Xiao Jue’s clothes that they began to distort. Xiao Jue scolded in a low voice, “Let go.”

“Oh.” He Yan snapped out of it and quickly released his sleeve, which was now crumpled from her grip. She patted it a couple of times, trying to smooth it out, and fawned, “Uncle, Brother Fei Nu is really skilled. Amazing!”

She didn’t need to think hard to imagine that her current behavior was probably no different from He Yun Sheng’s.

Xiao Jue ignored her.

The officers from the Liang Province government were all cut from the same cloth as Sun Ling—spoiled with fine wine and food daily, they had long grown accustomed to eating without working. They might be able to bully the weak, elderly, women, and children, but when faced with someone who could actually fight, they stood no chance.

Fei Nu alone knocked all of them to the ground.

Seeing this, Sun Ling took a step back and ordered his servant, “Go! Call everyone here!”

The servant turned to run but hadn’t even taken a full step before a pebble struck him, causing his legs to buckle as he knelt.

He Yan secretly tossed away the pebble in her hand. Of course, she couldn’t let anyone go for reinforcements. It wasn’t that they couldn’t handle a fight, but fighting back and forth was exhausting, and Fei Nu needed rest too.

Suddenly, Sun Ling found himself without a single usable subordinate. Half in anger and half in fear, he pointed at Xiao Jue and shouted, “You… you dare assault officers of the law? Have you no fear of the law?!”

“Didn’t you say that in Liang Province, you are the law?” He Yan felt she was acting like a dog relying on its master’s power as she hid behind Xiao Jue and retorted, “Sir, your ‘law’ isn’t very impressive, is it? You can’t even beat someone’s bodyguard.”

“You!”

Sun Ling whipped out the lash from his waist, aiming for He Yan’s face. She ducked behind Xiao Jue, and in the next moment, Fei Nu had already seized the whip and kicked out. Sun Ling stumbled and fell, and Fei Nu promptly stepped on his head, pressing his face into the dirt.

He Yan clicked her tongue in amazement. Fei Nu seemed quiet, but he was quite ruthless.

“Young Master, should I kill him?” Fei Nu asked.

“Y-you… you wouldn’t dare kill me… My father is the magistrate of Ji County in Liang Province,” Sun Ling’s words were muffled under the pressure, but even now, he refused to believe they would actually kill him. He still managed to threaten, “My father will never let you go! You’ll all die!”

“Young man, don’t go cursing others.” Seeing he was already subdued, He Yan stepped forward and crouched beside Sun Ling, tilting her head as she looked at him. “Besides, who doesn’t die? Do you think you’re some monster who’ll live forever? If so, I’d really admire you.”Her lecturing tone, more infuriating and humiliating than Fei Nu stepping on his face, left Sun Ling speechless with rage.

He Yan felt not an ounce of sympathy for this man. In all the world, she despised nothing more than those who bullied the weak. Men who preyed on women were even more despicable—anyone with a shred of conscience wouldn’t do such things. Only worthless men resorted to tormenting women. To dare lay hands on an innocent young girl—this man was nothing but a beast.

She was about to taunt Sun Ling further when sudden commotion erupted downstairs, as if a crowd was ascending. Before she could even rise to her feet, someone had already burst into the hallway, shouting, "My son!"

He Yan turned toward the voice and saw a man rush to Sun Ling’s side. Fei Nu lifted his foot, and the man immediately cradled Sun Ling’s head, crying out in distress, "My son! Are you hurt anywhere?"

The man was middle-aged, bearing a striking resemblance to Sun Ling, with an identical black birthmark on his cheek. But being older, his ugliness carried a vulgar, sleazy air, made all the more grotesque by his gaudy attire.

He Yan prided herself on not being shallow enough to judge by appearances, yet she couldn’t help averting her gaze from this man. Turning instead to Xiao Jue’s face, then his waist, she felt an immediate sense of relief wash over her, body and soul.

Now this was true beauty in the mortal world.

"Father!" Sun Ling, seeing his backer arrive, pointed at He Yan and Xiao Jue with a sudden surge of vigor, as if revived by sheer spite. "These two impersonated imperial officials, kidnapped my concubine, and assaulted my men! Father, arrest them! I want them dead and buried in unmarked graves!"

"How dare you!" the man roared, his fury erupting as he jabbed a finger at He Yan and the others. "Seize them at once!"

"So the illustrious Magistrate Sun has arrived," He Yan said with a cheerful smile. "Why waste the effort? Your men are no match for us anyway. Just a bunch of useless gluttons."

Caught off guard by such brazen defiance, Magistrate Sun faltered momentarily before his rage redoubled. "Take them down—dead or alive!" he bellowed.

Dead or alive? He Yan frowned. No wonder the Sun father and son were said to wield unchecked power in Liang Province. Even imperial officials in the capital might not dare claim such authority, yet these two tossed it around so casually.

"Sun Xiangfu." Xiao Jue’s voice cut through the chaos, cold and sharp as a blade. "Open your eyes wide and take a good look. Do you recognize me?"

When the news had reached him, Sun Xiangfu hadn’t fully grasped the situation—only that Sun Ling had gone to apprehend someone and ended up being the one humiliated. As a father, he’d rushed to his son’s defense, and in Liang Province, he hadn’t thought twice about it. But seeing Sun Ling beaten so badly had filled him with anguish. In the dim light, he hadn’t scrutinized Xiao Jue’s face. Now, at those words, he looked up properly.

And froze.

A moment later, Sun Xiangfu suddenly swept his robes aside and dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the floor in trembling terror. "This lowly official... had no idea the Commander had already arrived! I failed to welcome you properly—please forgive this offense, Commander!"

Commander? Sun Ling gaped at his father in shock.Seeing Sun Xiangfu finally come to his senses and his pathetic demeanor, He Yan figured he wouldn’t be able to stir up any trouble. She smiled and said, “What crime does Magistrate Sun seek forgiveness for? When your son came upstairs earlier, he tried to abduct my servant, threatened my life, and vowed to make me suffer worse than death in front of my uncle—quite the display of might. And now you ask for our mercy? How dare we?”

“Isn’t that right, Uncle?” She turned to Xiao Jue, lodging her complaint with righteous indignation.

Apart from Xiao Jue, the invitation had also been extended to his nephew, the young master of the Right Secretary’s household. Since this youth was calling Xiao Jue “uncle,” he must be Cheng Li Su. Sun Xiangfu’s heart sank as he realized his unfilial son had offended both uncle and nephew.

Sun Xiangfu slapped Sun Ling hard across the face, the sharp crack echoing loudly in the room. Sun Ling’s head jerked to the side from the force.

Kneeling, Sun Xiangfu kowtowed repeatedly. “This lowly official failed in raising his son. The boy is blind and foolish, failing to recognize Commander Xiao and the young master. For offending Your Excellency, I beg your magnanimous forgiveness. I swear to discipline him properly upon our return.”

When Xiao Jue remained silent, Sun Xiangfu gritted his teeth and struck Sun Ling again. Already injured, Sun Ling was slower to react. Stunned by the first blow, he let out a piercing scream at the second. But Sun Xiangfu couldn’t stop now—this performance was for Xiao Jue’s benefit, and he couldn’t afford to show weakness. As he struck, he berated, “You unfilial wretch! Have you forgotten all the virtues I taught you? How dare you falsely accuse others! I know you admire Commander Xiao and acted out of righteous anger, thinking someone impersonated him… but this is the real Commander Xiao! Your good intentions have brought disaster!”

He Yan: “…” She was utterly impressed. Just listen to how well officials could spin words. In her past life, even as a third-rank military officer, she’d never possessed such silver-tongued eloquence. If she’d been this articulate, perhaps she could’ve risen to first rank, earned a noble title, or even been enfeoffed as a prince.

Sun Xiangfu landed dozens of blows until Sun Ling’s screams faded into silence. Sun Xiangfu’s heart ached at the sight. Despite his many wives and concubines, this was his only son. This spectacle was meant to prompt Xiao Jue to relent.

Yet the cold and unfeeling Right Army Commander remained an impassive spectator, offering no reprieve. At this rate, Sun Ling might be beaten to death.

With no other choice, Sun Xiangfu released his son and crawled on his knees to Xiao Jue, kowtowing desperately. “Commander, any more and he’ll die. I beg you to spare my son’s life! Punish me instead, Commander!”

For a moment, the scene was almost pitiable—Sun Xiangfu kowtowing frantically on the floor, Sun Ling lying motionless with blood at his lips. Had He Yan not witnessed Sun Ling’s true nature earlier, she might’ve been moved by this display of paternal devotion. After all, the son was the villain—what fault lay with the old father?

But Xiao Jue did not disappoint. Even as Sun Xiangfu’s forehead split from the force of his kowtows, Xiao Jue’s expression remained unmoved.

Just as Sun Xiangfu felt he could endure no more, Xiao Jue finally spoke.He said, "A child's misdeeds reflect the father's failure. Sun Xiangfu," he leaned down, staring at Sun Xiangfu from above, his voice equally calm, "have you forgotten how Zhao Nuo died?"

At these words, Sun Xiangfu's sobbing abruptly ceased, a chilling dread washing over him from head to toe.

How did Zhao Nuo die? Zhao Nuo was beheaded after being pushed beneath the execution platform by the very man before him. And who was Zhao Nuo? He was the eldest legitimate son of the current Minister of Revenue!

How could he have forgotten this? When Zhao Nuo met his end, countless high-ranking officials had pleaded for mercy on account of the Minister's status. Yet the sixteen-year-old Xiao Jue hadn't even blinked—executing him without hesitation, leaving even the Emperor powerless to intervene.

This man meant business. If he could kill the son of the Minister of Revenue, then what was he, Sun Xiangfu? Though he might act like a tyrant in Liang Province, in truth, he was merely a minor county magistrate.

Sun Xiangfu was so terrified he nearly burst into tears, trembling as he begged, "Commander, spare my life! I beg for your mercy!"

Sun Ling couldn't understand why his father feared Xiao Jue to such an extent, but seeing him in this state, he too grew uneasy.

The guests upstairs and downstairs were all stunned by the sudden turn of events. Witnessing the usually domineering magistrate and his son reduced to such pitiful states brought them no small satisfaction.

After what felt like an eternity, Xiao Jue finally turned his back and said, "Get up."

Sun Xiangfu, weak to the point of fainting, stared at Xiao Jue's retreating figure. "Commander?"

"If there's a next time," Xiao Jue said, "it will be his life."

Overjoyed, Sun Xiangfu dragged Sun Ling to kowtow before Xiao Jue. "The Commander is magnanimous, unwilling to hold my worthless son accountable. Rest assured, Commander, if there is ever a next time, I will personally end his life—no need for you to dirty your hands!"

Xiao Jue walked back toward the room. "Take your men and leave this place immediately."

"Commander... won't you stay at my residence?" Sun Xiangfu ventured cautiously.

"No need. I still have matters in Liang Province. When Yuan Baozhen arrives, I will visit."

Sun Xiangfu wanted to say more but held back. Today's events had been too abrupt—this was no place for further discussion. Better to take Sun Ling back first and find a physician to examine him. So he complied with Xiao Jue's orders and instructed his men to move quickly.

...

Sun Xiangfu acted swiftly. Within the time it took an incense stick to burn, his men had withdrawn completely, even cleaning up the mess from earlier. The guests gradually dispersed as well. The innkeeper, never expecting such an intimidating figure to have taken up residence in his establishment, still wore a look of fear. He Yan patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, we're all quite friendly. No need to be afraid. Your Mung Bean Chess Noodles are delicious—I’d like to have them again tomorrow."

Seeing the young man's carefree demeanor, the innkeeper relaxed. Once he had left, He Yan let out a sigh of relief. But when she turned and saw Xiao Jue's back, her heart tightened again.

How was she going to explain things to this lord?

Xiao Jue didn’t return to his own room but entered He Yan’s instead. Fei Nu followed. When He Yan stepped inside, her eyes immediately fell on Tao Tao, who was huddled in the corner.

She must have been frightened earlier, hiding in the corner with her head bowed the moment Xiao Jue arrived. He Yan walked over and gently patted her back, soothing her. "They're gone now. It's all right."

Her gentle tone made both Xiao Jue and Fei Nu glance at her. Noticing their gazes, He Yan said, "Uncle—""You wouldn't tell me," he stared at He Yan with a cold sneer, "that your fiancée came to Liang Province looking for you?"

Fiancée? He Yan thought for a moment before remembering. It seemed that back then, to prevent the medical woman Shen Muxue from discovering her true gender, she had casually fabricated a story about having a fiancée. She hadn't expected Xiao Jue to still remember it.

"Nothing of the sort, Uncle," He Yan said seriously. "I was in Liang Province city when I saw that Sun Ling forcibly abducting a common girl, coercing her into prostitution. I couldn't stand by and did what I could to help. Who knew Sun Ling would be so lawless in Liang Province that he'd chase us all the way to the inn? I..." She offered an ingratiating smile. "I was just upholding your reputation for eliminating harm to the people!"

Xiao Jue scoffed. "I don't need that kind of reputation."

He Yan had no response to that.

After some thought, she decided to change tactics. "I was truly frightened just now. Fortunately, you arrived in time, Uncle. Otherwise, I don't know how badly Sun Ling would have bullied me—I might not have lived to see you again."

"You're my nephew," Xiao Jue said leisurely, curling his lips. "Who would dare bully you?"

The words sounded nice, but why did they feel so off? He Yan thought to herself, well, since she'd already called him "Uncle," and he'd taken advantage of the situation, she might as well not fuss over how much more advantage he took. It was just verbal advantage anyway—it wouldn't cost her any flesh.

"Uncle, about this young lady—shouldn't we send her home? If she stays in Liang Province, Sun Ling will surely seek revenge." He Yan tentatively sought his opinion.

"Handle it yourself."

Truly heartless, He Yan grumbled inwardly.

At that moment, the silent attendant suddenly raised her head and looked at Xiao Jue, saying, "Second Young Master Xiao?"

Her voice, though hesitant, was loud enough to be especially clear in the quiet night. Xiao Jue turned to look at her and saw a slightly dark-skinned youth with red, swollen eyes, yet whose voice carried the timidity of a young girl. He frowned slightly.

Seeing his frown, the attendant grew even more frightened and blurted out, "I'm Song Taotao!"

So her surname wasn't Tao but Song, He Yan thought. Why did the name Song Taotao sound even more familiar? Where had she heard it before? And seeing how Song Taotao had called out to Xiao Jue on her own—did the two know each other?

Thinking this, He Yan voiced her question. "You... you know him?"

Song Taotao glanced at He Yan with a complicated expression. "Second Young Master Xiao... is the one I'm supposed to be engaged to."

He Yan: "What?!"

"...'s nephew," Song Taotao finished her sentence.

He Yan let out a sigh of relief. So that was it—she had never heard any news about Xiao Jue being engaged. How could an engagement suddenly pop up? So it was his nephew... his nephew?!

She suddenly snapped back to reality and looked at Xiao Jue. "Um, Commander, how many nephews do you have?"

Xiao Jue looked at her as if she were an idiot.

He Yan instantly understood.

This was Cheng Li Su's fiancée! Cheng Li Su had come to Liang Province from Shuo Capital precisely to escape this marriage. What a coincidence—his fiancée had the same idea. Who would have thought that while fleeing the engagement, she would be abducted to Liang Province and then rescued by her? What kind of heaven-sent fate was this? They must be destined for each other!

No wonder, when Sun Ling had come earlier and He Yan introduced herself as Cheng Li Su, Song Taotao had been so shocked she dropped her boots—it was because she had been startled by the news of her fiancé."Second Young Master Xiao," Song Taotao looked conflicted, "I... I don't want to return to Shuojing for now. I heard you're stationed at Liang Province Garrison. Could I go with you to the garrison? I... I promise I won't cause any trouble!"

"You're sure you want to go to Liang Province Garrison?" Second Young Master Xiao replied coldly. "Your fiancé is currently right here."

Song Taotao's expression froze, and He Yan thought she looked like she might burst into tears any moment.

"Ms. Song, don't you like Young Master Cheng?" He Yan whispered, "I think he's quite nice." Cheng Li Su, aside from being a bit silly, was actually decent. Sometimes he was a bit naive, but his heart was in the right place. His looks could be considered handsome and charming, and his family background was beyond reproach—hardly the kind to be so thoroughly disliked.

"He can't do anything," the girl said, her face full of disdain at the mention of Cheng Li Su. "No talent in literature or martial arts, and he doesn’t even try! I don’t like him at all. He’s not even as good as you."

He Yan was flattered. She had only known Song Taotao for less than half a day and already received such high praise—it was truly an honor.

Xiao Jue glanced at her and said to Song Taotao, "We’ll discuss this later. For now, rest. I’ll call a physician tomorrow."

Song Taotao nodded.

He Yan yawned, feeling drowsy herself. Since Song Taotao was a girl, the innkeeper arranged a separate room for her, right next to theirs. Fei Nu shared the room with He Yan but took the smaller side couch, leaving the bed for her. He Yan was deeply grateful, though she felt a little guilty.

But that guilt was soon overshadowed by other thoughts.

Saving Song Taotao tonight had been pure coincidence—she never expected the girl she rescued to be Cheng Li Su’s betrothed. These two were truly childish, running away from their wedding and fleeing all the way to distant Liang Province. Luckily, He Yan had stumbled upon her today, or who knew what might have happened.

Sun Xiangfu seemed terrified of Xiao Jue, and for good reason—Xiao Jue’s arrogance was downright infuriating. Even at the peak of her military achievements and status, He Yan had never spoken to colleagues or subordinates so dismissively. It all came down to differences in character.

No wonder Cheng Li Su had grown up into a "useless young master" who couldn’t do anything yet remained utterly unapologetic. With an uncle as formidable as Xiao Jue, who needed to excel in both literature and martial arts? Just a casual complaint from her tonight had forced the father-son magistrate duo, who held sway over Liang Province, to kneel and apologize. This feeling of being protected was novel—and rather pleasant.

Thinking about it now, He Yan couldn’t help but feel a little envious of Cheng Li Su.

There was no way Song Taotao could stay alone in Liang Province—she’d need constant protection. Who knew if the Suns would seek revenge? The best solution would be to send her back to her parents in the capital, where the Song family could protect her. But since she had fled all the way to Liang Province to escape the marriage, she might not willingly return. Besides, finding someone trustworthy to escort her back wouldn’t be easy.

For now, the only option was to keep her at the Liang Province garrison for safety. He Yan wondered what expression Cheng Li Su would make when he saw Song Taotao. Would they start fighting? If they did, it wouldn’t matter—there was a perfectly good Martial Arts Field ready for use.

He Yan didn’t even know what she was rambling about anymore. All these thoughts swirled together into one question:

Who exactly was Song Taotao?

Why did this name feel so familiar, as if it were on the tip of her tongue, yet she just couldn’t recall?Fei Nu was a martial artist who slept without making a sound, utterly silent. He Yan had long grown accustomed to the thunderous snoring in Liang Province's military barracks, so the sudden quiet made it hard to fall asleep. She tossed and turned—who would have thought that enlisting would lead to her becoming someone's niece? It was truly unbelievable.

Enlisting... enlisting!

In the darkness, He Yan abruptly sat up.

She finally remembered who Song Taotao was.

In fact, the first time He Yan had a major argument with He Yuansheng and subsequently snuck out at night to join the Pacify Yue Army was all because of this Ms. Song.

(End of Chapter)