Legend of the Female General – CH 093

Chapter 93. Yuan Baozhen.

He Yan accompanied Song Taotao until the evening before heading back to the inn.

Along the way, they passed a vendor selling candied hawthorns—bright red skewers stuck into a straw stand, looking irresistibly sweet. He Yan fished out her last few copper coins and bought several sticks, handing the largest one to Song Taotao. “Hungry? Have this to tide you over. We will get something proper to eat once we are back at the inn.”

Thank heavens—she had been worrying the entire time about what to do if Song Taotao wanted to dine at a restaurant and she did not have enough money. Fortunately, perhaps because she had eaten too much in the morning, the picky young girl had not shown much appetite, only stopping for a few cups of tea and a couple of pastries, which cost just a few coppers.

Song Taotao accepted the candied hawthorn and looked at He Yan. “You have worked hard today.” After a pause, she added, “Actually, there’s really nothing worth seeing in Liangzhou, and the things here are just average. If it were not for avoiding Young Master Xiao, I would not have made you accompany me for so long.”

“Huh?” He Yan took a stick for herself, biting into one of the hawthorns. The tartness of the fruit and the sweetness of the sugar blended into a refreshing tang that made her mouth water. She sighed inwardly—it had been so long since she’d eaten such childish treats. She asked, “What? You do not like General Xiao?”

“It’s not that I dislike him, it is just… I am a little afraid of him.” The girl pouted. “It’s like everyone becomes inferior in front of him.”

He Yan laughed at that. Inferior? Song Taotao was still too young. With a grin, she said, “But he’s handsome and capable—most girls like that, do they not?”

Back in the day, at Xianchang Academy, there were always girls sneaking around to catch a glimpse of Xiao Jue. He Yan had never met a girl who did not like him—Song Taotao was quite the exception.

“I am not like them,” Song Taotao sniffed. “They only care about appearances, but someone that cold, who does not even know how to sweet-talk, would be miserable to live with. I do not like that type. I prefer gentle ones.” She sighed with an air of worldly wisdom, adding regretfully, “Someone like Eldest Young Master Xiao would have been perfect—too bad he’s already married.”

He Yan nearly choked on her hawthorn.

What? Xiao Jue had been scheming to become the uncle of his nephew’s wife, but little did he know this girl was actually dreaming of becoming his sister-in-law!

Song Taotao truly lived up to having almost been her “little fiancée”—her tastes were certainly unique. He Yan said, “Actually, General Xiao can be quite gentle sometimes… but it is rare to find someone who dislikes him like you do.” A thought struck her, and she decided to probe further. “Do you know about General Feihong, who shares his fame? Have you ever met him?”

“General Feihong?” Song Taotao replied. “You mean the eldest son of the He family? The one who supposedly could not show his face because of scars, always wearing a mask to put on airs?”

He Yan: “…”

“It’s impressive how he kept that mask on for ten whole years. I saw him before I ran away from the marriage—he’d taken it off by then, and he looked decent enough. Do you know why he wore it?” Song Taotao asked.

He Yan: “Why?”

“Naturally, it is to create a spectacle for himself. Think about it—he did not remove his mask earlier or later, but specifically chose to do so right before His Majesty’s conferment and audience. He claims a divine physician helped heal his facial scars, but what kind of physician could erase every trace of scarring? For years, everyone knew the eldest He son was hideously ugly. Suddenly, he takes off the mask and turns out to be a handsome gentleman—how bizarre! So what was originally a five in appearance becomes a seven.”

He Yan could not help but applaud Song Taotao inwardly. That was so well argued—if she were not the one who had worn the mask herself, she might have believed Song Taotao’s words.

“And how do you think General Feihong compares to General Xiao?”

Song Taotao answered without hesitation: “Of course, it is the Second Young Master Xiao! That He family’s son is not as good-looking as the Second Young Master Xiao!”

Fine. This world truly judged people by appearances.

He Yan spoke with slight embarrassment: “I have never seen General Feihong. We share the same surname, and I have always wanted to see him in person. I wonder if I will ever get the chance?”

“Of course you will! But that eldest He son is highly favored by His Majesty now. Before I left the capital, the Emperor often summoned him to the palace. When his cousin passed away, the eldest He did not attend court for several days, and the Emperor even sent many gifts.”

He Yan’s smile was strained. “Are you talking about Madam Xu?”

“Was she married to someone surnamed Xu? I am not too sure. I do not even know her name. This elder sister was not in Shuojing before, so few in the capital knew her, and she did not have close friends. All we know is that she was General Feihong’s sister. She married just a year ago, then fell ill and went blind. After losing her sight, she wandered the garden alone, and the servants were not paying attention—she fell into the pond and drowned.” Song Taotao sighed. “How tragic. With General Feihong as her elder brother, she should have lived well no matter what. It is just fate being cruel. What was her name again? He something? Ah, I really cannot remember.”

He Yan thought to herself: Her name was He Yan. Unfortunately, this name was destined to be overshadowed by General Feihong, He Rufei. What the world knew was only the frail He family daughter, raised in seclusion at a manor—General Feihong’s sister. No one remembered her name.

“And what about Master Xu?” He Yan asked. “After Madam Xu died, what happened to him?”

“I usually stay in my residence and do not pay attention to such matters. I vaguely recall my sisters mentioning that the He lady’s husband was deeply depressed for a while after her death—truly devoted. But who knows?” Song Taotao displayed wisdom beyond her years on this matter. “When can a man’s words ever be trusted? Today he might mourn, and tomorrow he could welcome a new bride into his home.”

He Yan smiled bitterly. “You speak the absolute truth.”

“Why are you suddenly asking me these things?” Song Taotao said. “But I really do not know much. If you truly want answers, you should ask Second Young Master Xiao. They are both military officers and colleagues—he’d know more than I do.”

He Yan thought to herself, was it not all because she feared Xiao Jue’s suspicion? He already did not regard her as one of his own now. If she went around inquiring about the He family, Xiao Jue might just dig up all her secrets. She could not risk having her identity as a woman exposed before she even uncovered anything, losing her place in the military camp—that would be a true loss.

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the inn. He Yan and Song Taotao went upstairs together. Song Taotao said, “Thank you so much for today. I will go change and rest for a bit first. Later, you can join me for a meal.”

He Yan smiled. “Alright.”

Though this young lady had the habits of a spoiled noble, liking to order people around, she was not particularly annoying. After Song Taotao left, He Yan did not return to her own room. Instead, she knocked on the door next to hers.

Today was a good day—someone answered from inside. “Come in.”

The moment He Yan entered, she saw Xiao Jue sitting at the table. He was wiping the qin in front of him with a white silk cloth. He Yan took a closer look—it was the Wanxiang qin she had crushed.

“Commander, is the qin fixed? It is not broken, is it?” He Yan leaned in and asked quietly.

Xiao Jue replied lazily, “What do you want?” His tone made it clear he had no interest in further conversation.

He Yan brought her hands out from behind her back. “Look! I brought you a gift today! Even though I was accompanying Young Lady Song shopping, I still kept you in mind. Here’s some candied hawthorn for you!”

Xiao Jue glanced at the candied hawthorn in her hand. “Take it away.”

So cold. He Yan protested, “Come on, I have already tried it—it’s really sweet!”

“I do not eat sweets,” he said indifferently.

He Yan stared at him, grumbling inwardly. Who are you trying to fool? Back when they were both at Xianchang Academy, this man used to carry a small sachet with him. A close friend of his had once tried to snatch it, and Xiao Jue had guarded it fiercely. He Yan had thought it was some priceless treasure, only to later discover it was just a pouch of osmanthus candy.

Every month, he would go home for two days, and when he returned to the academy, the sachet would be full again. A man who had carried osmanthus candy with him since his youth was now telling her he did not eat sweets. Was he just looking down on this two-copper treat?

“If you will not eat it, then give it to Brother Fei Nu.” He Yan stuck the candied hawthorn into the brush holder on the table, then abruptly changed the subject, softening her expression into an ingratiating smile. “Commander, there’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you.”

Xiao Jue looked at her, his gaze unreadable.

He Yan, shamelessly, pressed on. “Today, while accompanying Young Lady Song, she wanted to buy clothes and jewelry. I have already spent all the silver I earned from the flag competition. I figured since Young Lady Song is your niece-in-law—your relative—and I was buying things for your relative, the silver really should not come from me. But my loyalty to you runs deep—how could I let you bear the expense? It is just… I am out of money now, too. If Young Lady Song wants to buy something else, could you spare me some silver? It would not reflect well on you if I went out shopping without money, right? Uncle? Uncle?”

The young man smiled obsequiously, her eyes glinting with cunning, like a fox cub he had once hunted. Though capable of biting, when begging for food, it put on an act of utmost docility.

Xiao Jue watched her coldly, unmoved.

He Yan asked, “So? Can I?”

His reply was merciless. “No.”

“…Really no?” She refused to give up.

“No.”

He Yan straightened up, glaring at him resentfully. In her past life, when she enlisted in the army, she had heard someone say that the moment a person truly grows up begins with borrowing money. He Yan now deeply agreed—she had already humbled herself to such an extent, yet Xiao Jue, who was so wealthy, refused to give even a little. Was he deliberately targeting her?

Xiao Jue lifted his head, his expression calm as he mocked, “I still remember I am not your uncle. Have you forgotten that Song Taotao is Cheng Lisu’s fiancée, not yours?”

It took He Yan a moment to process his words. She said, “You do not actually think I have feelings for Young Lady Song…?”

Xiao Jue lowered his gaze, continuing to wipe the surface of the qin. “I hope you still remember who you are.”

He Yan nearly cursed him out in her mind. Was this even human speech? Did Xiao Jue think she would steal Cheng Lisu’s fiancée? What a joke! If she had not left home back then, where would Cheng Lisu even get this fiancée? And here Xiao Jue was, so eager to play the uncle—did he know the girl actually wanted to be his sister-in-law? He understood nothing of her ambitions!

Fuming inwardly, He Yan forced a smile and said, “Of course, I remember who I am. I am He Yan, the first-place winner of Liangzhou’s Flag Competition.” She emphasized the words “first place” heavily before adding, “Since the Commander is unwilling to spare any silver, forget it.” She turned to leave, but suddenly remembered something. Swiveling back abruptly, she snatched the candied hawthorn from the table. “Since the Commander does not like sweets anyway, I will just take this for myself.”

She took a large, vengeful bite, chewing noisily with loud crunches as she walked out, indistinctly mumbling, “What Right Army Commander? Just a stingy miser…”

Xiao Jue: “…”

Fei Nu, who had just entered from outside, caught that last remark. Watching He Yan’s retreating figure, he turned back in confusion and closed the door.

Xiao Jue looked up at him.

“Young Master, he—”

“It’s nothing,” Xiao Jue cut him off. “Any progress today?”

Fei Nu shook his head. “He Yan stayed by Young Lady Song’s side the entire day. They did not do much—just strolled around the streets, shopping and drinking tea. He did not meet anyone.”

Xiao Jue nodded. “Understood.”

“Could it be that his contact is not in Liangzhou?” Fei Nu asked. “I cannot shake the feeling that this He Yan is a bit odd.”

Considering his extraordinary martial skills and his knowledge of military formations as a new recruit, yet no evidence could be pinned on him. But the way he behaved toward Xiao Jue was truly audacious. An ordinary person… would not act like this, would they?

“With him by my side, nothing will go wrong. Tell Chi Wu to come here and take over.”

“Young Master, do you mean for Chi Wu to accompany Young Lady Song?” Fei Nu asked.

Xiao Jue nodded. “Yuan Baozhen is nearing Liangzhou. It is not suitable for Song Taotao to travel with us. This gathering is no friendly meeting, and this banquet is no harmless feast,” he said coolly. “We must prepare for all possibilities.”

Fei Nu bowed. “Understood.”

…

The next few days passed quite pleasantly.

Perhaps because they had overdone it on the first day, and Song Taotao’s hand injury had not fully healed, she had been too lazy to go out these past few days. Xiao Jue and Fei Nu were still often absent during the day, and He Yan could not bring herself to leave Song Taotao alone at the inn, so she had no choice but to keep her company.

The young girl was easy to coax. Just by casually sharing some strange and fascinating tales from He Yan’s past military days, she would listen with rapt attention. When tired, they would simply grab a bite downstairs at the inn, and the days passed by uneventfully. He Yan herself was eager to follow Xiao Jue and the others when they went out, hoping to gather some information along the way. However, they clearly had no intention of including her, making their exclusion obvious. After a few attempts, He Yan, being self-aware, stopped trying to force her way in.

This trip to Liangzhou had turned out to be rather unprofitable. The only thing she could look forward to was the arrival of Censor Yuan Baozhen. Never before had He Yan anticipated someone’s arrival so eagerly. Fortunately, after three days, the esteemed Yuan Baozhen finally arrived in Liangzhou City.

That morning, Fei Nu brought someone with him.

This was another young man dressed as a guard, named Chi Wu, who was likely another trusted subordinate of Xiao Jue. He had come to take Song Taotao away.

“You cannot stay here for now. Chi Wu will escort you to a safe place. Once matters in Liangzhou are settled, I will come to fetch you,” Xiao Jue said.

Song Taotao looked at He Yan and asked, “Then… will Young Master Cheng not come with me?”

The gazes of the others immediately turned toward He Yan, especially Xiao Jue’s, whose eyes were icy cold. In that instant, He Yan understood the unspoken message: “Handle your own mess.”

She had no choice but to step forward and smile at Song Taotao. “I have something to do with Second Young Master Xiao, so I cannot accompany you for now. But do not worry, Brother Chi Wu here will protect you.”

“What kind of thing? Is it dangerous?” Song Taotao pressed.

He Yan felt both awkward and touched—after all, the girl had not been spoiled for nothing if she was concerned about her safety. She chuckled and reassured her, “With Second Young Master Xiao around, it is not dangerous at all. Do not worry.”

“Then you must be careful,” Song Taotao urged before reluctantly leaving, glancing back every few steps.

When He Yan turned around, she was met with Xiao Jue’s mocking gaze. “I really did not do anything…” she protested.

Xiao Jue turned and walked away without another word. He Yan hurried after him. “Uncle, do not be angry! Just because Young Lady Song only asked if I was safe and not you, it does not mean she finds you too cold and unapproachable while I am warm and likable. Please do not take it to heart!”

“Shut up.” Xiao Jue stopped in his tracks and gave her a scrutinizing look from head to toe before scoffing. “If you have the energy to spout nonsense, you’d better think about how not to give yourself away at the banquet tonight. Cheng Lisu is, after all, the young master of the Right Honorable Attendant’s household. And you—” He gave her a meaningful glance. “Can you even pretend convincingly?”

With that, he strode off without looking back. He Yan stood frozen for a moment before realizing he had mocked her yet again. She yelled at his retreating figure, “What’s so special about the Right Honorable Attendant?!”

After all, she was also a young master from the He family, who was not an official? She had spent years pretending to be a young master from a prominent family—what could she not pull off? Tonight, she would make sure Xiao Jue saw her in a new light.

…

At the gates of Liangzhou, a particularly eye-catching carriage stood out among the crowd.

The carriage was lavishly decorated, adorned with exquisite embroidery depicting a grand landscape. Hidden in the grass was a white crane, its eyes crafted from black crystal, adding an especially refined and whimsical touch.

Someone lifted the carriage curtain to glance outside but, after a brief moment, let it fall back into place.

Yuan Baozhen covered his nose with a handkerchief and remarked, “The sandstorms in Liangzhou City are truly severe, far worse than in the capital.”

Now in his forties, he was actually about the same age as Sun Xiangfu, but compared to Sun, he had maintained himself exceptionally well. His clothes were neat and refined, his face fair and beardless, and he spoke with a perpetual hint of a smile, exuding an air of amiability.

“Tell me, is Xiao Jue not just asking for hardship by coming to such a place?” he asked the person beside him.

Seated next to him was a man who appeared to be a guard, with an ordinary face and a thin, frail build. Were it not for the thick calluses on his palms and the base of his thumb, one might mistake him for an ordinary servant.

“I do not know,” the guard replied.

“Never mind. I will see him today anyway, and I will ask him myself when we meet,” Yuan Baozhen chuckled. “Ah, is that the Sun family’s entourage ahead?”

Sun Xiangfu had come in person to receive him.

A satisfied smile appeared on Yuan Baozhen’s face. “Good, good. This Magistrate Sun understands propriety.”

Sun Xiangfu wiped his sweat as he watched the carriage come to a halt. Although he could not afford to neglect an imperial censor’s arrival in Liangzhou, he would not normally have gone to the city gates to greet them. But now that he had already offended Xiao Jue, if he were to slight Yuan Baozhen as well, he would have no way out. He was counting on Yuan Baozhen to back him up and make Xiao Jue suffer a little. Naturally, he had to exert every ounce of effort to please the man before him.

As soon as Yuan Baozhen stepped out of the carriage, Sun Xiangfu hurried forward, clasping his hands in greeting. “Your Excellency Yuan, I failed to welcome you properly. Please forgive any discourtesy.”

“Not at all,” Yuan Baozhen replied amiably. “I find Magistrate Sun quite congenial. There’s no need for such formality.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Sun Xiangfu said, “In that case, please allow me to escort you to my residence for some rest.”

Yuan Baozhen would be staying at Sun’s residence during his time in Liangzhou. The two boarded the carriage Sun had prepared, and during the ride, Yuan Baozhen asked, “I have heard that the Right Army Commander has already arrived in Liangzhou. Is he currently at your residence?”

“General Xiao is temporarily staying at an inn in Liangzhou City, citing urgent matters. He will arrive at my residence tonight. Speaking of which, there is a matter I’d like to ask for Your Excellency’s assistance with.”

Yuan Baozhen’s eyes flickered, but his smile remained unchanged. “What seems to be troubling Magistrate Sun?”

“It’s about General Xiao. My unfilial son accidentally offended General Xiao’s nephew. I fear General Xiao may hold a grudge against me because of this. Since we are hosting a banquet tonight in Your Excellency’s honor, I was hoping you might mediate and help clear up this misunderstanding.” Sun Xiangfu wore an embarrassed expression.

Though he did not specify the details, Yuan Baozhen could guess. A magistrate who wielded unchecked power in Liangzhou would naturally raise a son who was no paragon of virtue. Xiao Jue’s nephew was the young master of the Right Honorable Attendant’s household. If the two had clashed, Sun’s son was bound to come off worse.

Thinking this to himself, he said aloud, “I believe Magistrate Sun is overestimating the severity of the matter. General Xiao is not an unreasonable man. If it were an accidental offense, a simple explanation should suffice. Why would he bear a grudge?”

“That may be so,” Sun Xiangfu wiped his sweat and forced a smile, “but General Xiao dealt with Zhao Nuo in the same manner back then, did he not?”

At these words, Yuan Baozhen’s expression darkened.

Back in the day, when Xiao Jue beheaded Zhao Nuo, the eldest legitimate son of the Minister of Revenue, at the memorial hall, it was known throughout Great Wei. However, as time passed and people dismissed it as the recklessness of youth, the incident gradually faded from memory. Now that Sun Xiangfu had brought it up again, Yuan Baozhen was reminded of it. When Zhao Nuo met his end, the first person Minister Zhao sought out was actually Minister Xu. Minister Xu submitted a memorial, and Minister Zhao went before the Golden Palace, weeping bitterly before the Emperor. Though the Emperor was deeply sympathetic, he took no action against Xiao Jue.

“Cutting a tree without uprooting it ensures its regrowth; damming a river without stopping its source ensures its flow will resume; eliminating calamity without addressing its root ensures chaos will return.” At the time, Minister Xu had only said this: “If this boy is not removed, he will surely become a grave threat to us in the future.”

They all thought of eliminating Xiao Jue swiftly while he was still young and unformed. But ever since he led the Southern Garrison Troops to the southern barbarian lands, he left no further opportunity for others. His growth was astonishing—within just a few years, the same person who had slain Zhao Nuo and was once deemed incomprehensible by the world now made such actions seem utterly ordinary.

This was the result of Xiao Jue’s efforts over these years.

He was far more formidable and much younger than Xiao Zhongwu.

“My Lord, Lord Yuan?” Seeing Yuan Baozhen’s strange expression and prolonged silence, Sun Xiangfu grew uneasy and spoke up hesitantly.

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking of other matters,” Yuan Baozhen replied with a smile. “Since General Xiao is attending the banquet tonight, I will speak to him on your behalf. However, I cannot quite grasp General Xiao’s temperament. If he does not heed my words, do not hold it against me.”

“Not at all, not at all,” Sun Xiangfu said, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Just the fact that Lord Yuan is willing to speak up for me is already more than I could ask for.”

Yuan Baozhen shook his head with a smile, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere.

No matter how formidable Xiao Jue was, his purpose in coming to Liangzhou this time was to eliminate this thorn in Minister Xu’s side.

He could only hope everything would go smoothly.

…

By evening, He Yan was ready to leave with Xiao Jue.

They were heading to Sun Xiangfu’s residence, which was why they had to send Song Taotao away beforehand. Otherwise, if Sun Ling saw Song Taotao, or vice versa, who knew what chaos might ensue?

Since it was a banquet, He Yan deliberately dressed in a very “Cheng Lisu” style—a honey-colored robe with a red carp embroidered at the hem. While Cheng Lisu wore such clothes with an air of adorable innocence, He Yan carried it differently, exuding a bright and carefree charm, yet still appearing as a refined young man. She also picked out a matching hairpin to adorn her head and did not forget to bring along her folding fan. Holding the half-opened fan across her chest, she admired her reflection in the bronze mirror, quite pleased with herself.

Once ready, He Yan stepped out the door—only to find Xiao Jue standing right outside.

He had changed into a dark blue double-crane brocade robe with subtle patterns. Today, he was not wearing his golden coronet, opting instead for a simple sandalwood hairpin. At first glance, his attire seemed understated, but upon closer inspection, the fabric and embroidery were of the finest quality. His striking beauty, now accentuated by this ensemble, softened his usual coldness, adding a touch of elegance. With his jade-like grace and noble bearing, he was the very picture of a dignified and aristocratic young lord.

He Yan thought to herself: the radiantly beautiful youth of the past had finally grown into this exquisitely handsome man. At first glance, he seemed unchanged, yet upon reflection, he appeared entirely different from before.

Xiao Jue turned slightly and met He Yan’s slightly dazed gaze. The corner of his lips curled as he remarked, “Wipe your drool.”

He Yan instinctively wiped her mouth before snapping back to reality. “There is not any!”

“You look like a fool,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain. “And you still think you can deceive Yuan Baozhen?”

He Yan bristled at his words. With a flick of her wrist, she snapped open her fan with an air of effortless charm. Walking up to Xiao Jue, she smiled sweetly and whispered, “Dressed like this, if I were in Shoujing, I would not dare compare myself to the Commander, but at the very least, I could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Young Master Cheng. Otherwise, why would Young Lady Song specifically entrust me with her parting words—and not you?”

The young man’s eyes and brows were brimming with laughter, his gaze sparkling like stars, yet still undeniably foolish. Xiao Jue mocked, “Because you are stupid.”

“What?”

“Stupid people always need constant reminders.”

He Yan frowned. “Uncle, do you really hate me that much?” Could this man go a single day without taunting her?

“You are my nephew. How could I hate you?” Xiao Jue gave her a faintly amused glance and ordered Fei Nu, “Let’s go.”