Legend of the Female General – CH 142

Chapter 142. Mu Hongjin.

“I never imagined the Right Army Commander would have the time to come all the way to my Jiyang, even going so far as to disguise himself as someone else.”

He Yan thought to herself, “Had we been discovered?” Judging by the tone, it did not seem like she had just found out.

Looking at Xiao Jue, he showed no surprise at the words, only lazily smiling as he replied calmly, “Is this how Your Highness treats the savior of the Little Princess—by launching an inquisition?”

“They are guilty,” Mu Hongjin said coldly. “And you are not innocent either. Your purpose in coming to Jiyang certainly could not be to see how well I am doing.”

“It seems Your Highness is doing quite well,” Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “Though others in Jiyang City may not be so fortunate.”

Mu Hongjin sat on her high seat, her gaze fixed on Xiao Jue for a moment before she suddenly laughed. With that laugh, the icy, unapproachable aura she had just moments ago melted away considerably. She leaned back against the soft cushion and casually gestured to the guest chairs beside her. “Sit. Do not say I’ve neglected guests who have come from afar.”

He Yan expressed her thanks and sat down with Xiao Jue in the seats beside them.

This was Princess of Mengji, Mu Hongjin. He Yan’s eyes lingered on her, feeling she was not quite what she had imagined. Before arriving in Jiyang, He Yan had envisioned Princess of Mengji as somewhat older—kind, dignified, and steady. Later, guessing she might be an old acquaintance of Liu Buwang, she thought she might be someone straightforward and loyal. But she had not expected the real Mu Hongjin to be so beautiful and powerful, domineering yet unrestrained.

“Your Highness…” He Yan hesitated before asking, “When did you find out?”

“Do you think my Jiyang City is so easy to enter, or do you take me for a mere decoration, unable to see through such things?” Mu Hongjin stroked a translucent ruby ring on her finger and said calmly, “I’ve known since the day you entered the city. That fool Cui Yuezhi may not have noticed, but that does not mean everyone is as foolish as he is. I was waiting to see what you were up to, but since you saved Xiao Lou, I will skip the games.”

She looked at Xiao Jue. “Speak, General Xiao. What brings you to Jiyang City?”

“I came to find someone,” Xiao Jue said. “His name is Chai Anxi. He was once under my father’s command and went missing after the Battle of Ming River. I traced his whereabouts to Jiyang, but so far, I have not found him. As for the Cuwei Pavilion where he was hiding, it was burned down half a month ago.” He smiled faintly. “Since Your Highness already knows our identities, I ask for your assistance. With your help, finding someone in Jiyang City should not be too difficult.”

Mu Hongjin’s smile faded slightly. “General Xiao, you did not plan for this day all along, did you? Calculating how to use my hand to do your work?”

Xiao Jue smiled faintly.

“You have quite the nerve!”

He Yan inwardly clicked her tongue. They were in Mu Hongjin’s territory, without any soldiers, and yet Xiao Jue not only failed to keep a low profile but even dared to provoke Mu Hongjin. His attitude when asking for a favor was so audacious that even He Yan found it excessive, let alone Mu Hongjin.

The young man spoke casually, “Wutu people have infiltrated Jiyang City. Your Highness must have been troubled these days. Chai Anxi may have clues about the Wutu people. By helping me, you are helping yourself.”

Mu Hongjin stared at him. “Why should I believe you?”

“Trusting me brings no loss,” Xiao Jue’s voice remained calm. “It also depends on what Your Highness is most concerned about at the moment.”

Silence filled the hall for a moment, followed by slow, intermittent applause. Mu Hongjin clapped her hands lazily, her gaze fixed on Xiao Jue with an indescribable mix of wariness and admiration. “General Fengyun truly lives up to his reputation. Even if he were not a military commander, he would excel as a strategist.”

“Your Highness flatters me.”

Mu Hongjin stood up. “You are right. Wutu people have infiltrated Jiyang City, and I have indeed been troubled by this for a long time. But how can you prove that the person you are looking for knows the whereabouts of the Wutu people?”

“Jiyang City has always been difficult to enter but easy to leave. Chai Anxi has been hiding in Jiyang for years, and the Wutu people entered the city as if it were unguarded. There must be a connection. Someone in Your Highness’s palace or among Jiyang’s officials is colluding with outsiders, creating loopholes in the city’s defenses. It is likely the work of a single person. Whether it is Chai Anxi or the Wutu people, they entered the city with the help of a traitor.” Xiao Jue spoke calmly. “What Your Highness must do is root out the traitor, but given your current capabilities, it is already a struggle.”

Mu Hongjin smiled. “Oh? Why do you say I am struggling?”

“Because of Xiao Lou.”

Mu Hongjin’s smile faded.

He Yan understood the meaning behind Xiao Jue’s words. After Princess of Mengji’s husband passed away, she, at least, still had a son, allowing her to maintain her position as the feudal lord. But after her son’s death, only a granddaughter remained, who was still young. Although a woman could inherit the title of feudal lord and become a princess, if it were truly that simple, Mu Hongjin of the past would not have been married off to the son of a high-ranking court official to consolidate power.

The vast palace was supported by only two women—a grandmother and granddaughter. With so many people eyeing their position, internal strife and external threats, Mu Hongjin likely was not as at ease as she appeared.

“General Xiao is astute,” Mu Hongjin sighed. “Since my son’s passing, the people of Jiyang have long been unsettled. Xiao Lou is still too young to shoulder such responsibilities. The noble families have already formed their own factions, fragmented like scattered sand. It is all too easy for others to exploit such disarray. However,” she paused and looked at Xiao Jue again, “if the Wutu people have infiltrated Jiyang, I fear the situation in Great Wei’s Central Plains is also unstable.”

“Your Highness is wise.”

“So,” Mu Hongjin raised her chin slightly, “do you wish to join forces with me?”

“If Your Highness is willing,” Xiao Jue smiled faintly, “it would be my pleasure.”

Mu Hongjin nodded. “I will have people search the city for Chai Anxi. If this person is alive, no matter how well he hides, I assure you, we will find him. However, you must also promise me,” a glint of cunning flashed in her eyes. “It is said that General Fengyun is a master of strategy, brilliant and resourceful. The predicament of the Wutu people in Jiyang City must be resolved together by you and me.”

This time, she used the first-person pronoun instead of a formal designation, indicating that she placed herself on equal footing with Xiao Jue in seeking cooperation.

Xiao Jue nodded. “Certainly.”

With the air cleared, Mu Hongjin’s face softened from its initial sternness, even showing a hint of friendly warmth. “Cui Yuezhi had you come all the way to the palace and wait in the outer hall for so long. I imagine you have not eaten yet. Since you are here, stay for a meal before you leave. Once Xiao Lou changes her clothes, she will come to thank you in person.”

She then turned her gaze to He Yan, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. “But I never expected General Xiao to choose the identity of a married man when coming to Jiyang. This one… is she your lover?”

He Yan nearly choked on her own saliva. She had long known that the people of Jiyang were straightforward, but even the Princess being this direct was still somewhat surprising.

Xiao Jue glanced at her and replied calmly, “No, she is my subordinate.”

“Subordinate?” Mu Hongjin chuckled. “But I heard from Yuezhi that yesterday, the two of you went to the Water God Festival together, crossed the Lovers’ Bridge, helped her win the prize at Wind Snatching, and rode the Firefly Boat. With General Xiao’s temperament, even a subordinate would not warrant such indulgence. And as a subordinate, her requests seem rather bold.”

He Yan pondered the deeper meaning behind these words—it was a warning for her to be more restrained in the future. After a moment’s thought, she bowed respectfully and said, “He Yan humbly accepts Your Highness’s guidance. I will be more cautious in my words and actions from now on, so as not to cause trouble for the Commander.”

Mu Hongjin was taken aback for a moment and looked at Xiao Jue. “So she really is just a subordinate.”

Xiao Jue paused briefly before replying calmly, “My subordinate is rather dull-witted. I apologize for the embarrassment, Your Highness.”

“No matter, it is your business after all.” Mu Hongjin brushed a strand of hair from her temple. “I will go find Cui Yuezhi first and instruct him to help with your search. The two of you may wait here for a moment.”

With that, she rose from her high seat and slowly disappeared behind the hall.

Only after she had left did He Yan let out a sigh of relief. For some reason, she felt she could not let her guard down too much in front of the Princess of Mengji. Perhaps it was because her presence was so commanding, making it impossible to ignore.

“Commander, why did you admit it so readily just now?” He Yan nudged Xiao Jue’s elbow. “You did not even try to argue.”

Xiao Jue sneered. “Not everyone is a liar like you.”

He Yan shrugged and changed the subject. “But Princess of Mengji is truly impressive. She noticed us the moment we entered the city.”

“We never intended to hide it from her,” Xiao Jue said nonchalantly. “Cui Yuezhi might still be fooled, but a woman who single-handedly holds Jiyang City steady is not so easily deceived.”

“Hmm,” He Yan wholeheartedly agreed with his words. “Women are not easily fooled when they are not swayed by emotions.”

But if they fell for someone or trusted someone, they became far too easy to deceive.

Xiao Jue glanced at her and drawled, “However, some women are not only hard to deceive but also enjoy deceiving others.”

He Yan: “…”

She retorted, “That’s not fair. Who deceived you?”

Just then, a palace maid entered and said, “Please follow me. Her Highness invites you both to dine in the banquet hall.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue then made their way to the banquet hall.

The palace’s banquet hall was also spacious. Though the walls and ceiling were adorned with colorful paintings and the floor was covered with bright carpets, the long tables were sparsely occupied, lending the place a cold and empty feel. The opulent emptiness only made it seem more desolate.

Mu Hongjin sat on a small couch beside the long table and said, “Take a seat.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue sat down at the table as instructed.

“I am not sure what you prefer to eat, so I’ve kept it simple.” Mu Hongjin seemed somewhat weary, leaning back against the cushions. “I’ve already sent Cui Yuezhi back. With him here, it is inconvenient to speak.”

Cui Yuezhi still did not know the identities of Xiao Jue and the others, which indeed made many things awkward.

The food served in the Prince’s residence was not much different from what was offered at the Cui residence. However, He Yan had never been particularly particular about food—as long as there was something to eat, it was fine. She thanked her host politely and picked up her chopsticks with restraint. Remembering that the person before her was Princess of Mengji, she ate with a bit more decorum than usual.

Mu Hongjin turned to Xiao Jue. “General Xiao, if the Wutu people have infiltrated Jiyang, what is their goal?”

“Great Wei.”

With those words, He Yan paused while drinking her soup, suddenly finding the delicious food tasteless.

“Once the Wutu people gain the upper hand and capture Jiyang, the first thing they will do is cut off the canal’s water transport. Cities along the river will suffer, lacking both food and money. Merchants will cease trading, and the Central Plains will descend into chaos. Then they will march northward, enter the capital, and storm the imperial palace.” He spoke calmly. “Nothing could be more natural.”

Mu Hongjin fell silent for a moment before saying, “Such a shocking matter, General Xiao speaks of it so lightly.”

“Because it is already on the verge of happening.” Xiao Jue replied. “Not just now—it began to show signs long ago, during my father’s battle with the Southern Barbarians at Ming River.”

“The Southern Barbarians?” Mu Hongjin was hearing about this for the first time and asked in confusion, “What does this have to do with the Southern Barbarians?”

“There is a traitor in the court. In the past, they colluded with the Southern Barbarians. Unfortunately, the Southern Barbarian rebellion was suppressed, and the Wutu Kingdom was far away. Over the years, peace prevailed, but they have been secretly building their strength. So, ‘he’ changed his collaborator from the Southern Barbarians to the Wutu Kingdom. Jiyang is the first city to be offered as a prize.”

Mu Hongjin placed a hand over her heart, frowning. “Jiyang has not seen war for many years.”

“Allow me to ask,” Xiao Jue inquired, “how many soldiers are currently in the Jiyang City Army?”

“Fewer than twenty thousand.”

He Yan frowned upon hearing this. Fewer than twenty thousand was hardly a reassuring number. After all, even the Liangzhou Garrison now had more than twenty thousand soldiers.

“General Xiao has the Southern Garrison Troops under his command, does he not?” Mu Hongjin asked. “Could the Southern Garrison Troops be deployed to Jiyang?”

“It’s too late,” Xiao Jue replied.

Both He Yan and Mu Hongjin were taken aback. Mu Hongjin said coldly, “Is General Xiao not exaggerating the danger?”

“The truth is already clear to you, Your Highness. If there truly were no urgency,” Xiao Jue remained calm, “the Little Princess would not have been abducted during the Water God Festival.”

Mu Xiao Lou was part of their plan, but they happened to encounter He Yan and the others, disrupting their scheme. One could imagine that if He Yan and the others had not appeared that day and Mu Xiao Lou had been successfully abducted, there would only have been two outcomes. First, news of the Little Princess’s disappearance would spread, plunging the entire city of Jiyang into panic. With no heir to the princess, the people would grow restless, the noble families would stir up trouble, and those lurking in the shadows would seize the opportunity to muddy the waters and seize power directly. The second outcome was even simpler: they would use Mu Xiao Lou as a bargaining chip to negotiate directly with Mu Hongjin. If Mu Hongjin truly loved her granddaughter, she would hand over the throne without a fight, allowing the other side to take control of the entire city of Jiyang without shedding a drop of blood.

Neither outcome was something Jiyang could afford at present.

“What do you mean… ?” Mu Hongjin asked.

“Prepare for a fierce battle ahead of time,” Xiao Jue answered.

This topic was far too heavy, and for a moment, everyone in the banquet hall fell silent. Just then, a crisp, lively voice rang out: “Grandmother!”

It was Mu Xiao Lou.

Mu Xiao Lou had changed into fresh clothes—a bright red robe embroidered with golden lotuses, both luxurious and exquisite. She was not wearing the Golden Coronet; instead, two braids hung over her chest, and a small forehead ornament dangled from her brow. She looked exactly like a young Mu Hongjin, a lively and spirited girl from a foreign land. However, compared to Mu Hongjin’s domineering beauty, Mu Xiao Lou was more delicate and haughty.

Back in the familiar palace, Mu Xiao Lou was no longer as quiet as she had been at the Cui residence. She flitted over like a little bird, hopped onto Mu Hongjin’s soft couch, and nestled beside her, asking, “Grandmother, why is Cavalry Commander Cui not here?”

“Cavalry Commander Cui has matters to attend to,” Mu Hongjin replied, her tone much more affectionate as she smiled and patted Mu Xiao Lou’s head. “Your saviors are here. Should you not thank them?”

Mu Xiao Lou turned to look at He Yan and Xiao Jue, then softly murmured after a moment, “Thank you for saving me.”

Her tone carried a hint of reluctance, as if she found it hard to swallow her pride.

He Yan did not press the issue and instead asked Mu Hongjin, “How did the Little Princess end up in the hands of those villains that day? Did they sneak into the palace?”

If that were the case, those thieves were truly audacious.

Mu Hongjin glanced at Mu Xiao Lou. “You tell them.”

“It’s nothing much,” Mu Xiao Lou said, stealing a look at her grandmother’s expression before continuing, “I wanted to see the Water God Festival but did not want the guards following me, so I left the palace on my own. On the way, I met those people who said they could help me ride the Firefly Boat. After I boarded, I drank some tea and could not move anymore. Then, I met you.”

She spoke lightly, likely afraid of being scolded by Mu Hongjin, but it was clear she had faced considerable danger. Still, it was normal for a child her age to be playful. Mu Hongjin only had this one granddaughter and surely watched over her closely, fearing any mishap. It was understandable that the child wanted to go out and have fun on her own.

She just had terribly bad luck and had been targeted early on.

“I truly thank you,” Mu Hongjin sighed. “If anything had happened to Xiao Lou, I do not know how I could go on living.”

“Your Highness, please do not say such things. The Little Princess is blessed by fortune. Even if she had not met us, she would have met someone else and would have been safe and sound.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Xiao Lou muttered, “It was not really you who saved me anyway. It was an uncle.” Then, she turned to He Yan. “Is that uncle not coming today? When can he come? Tell him when you go back that I want to see him. Can he come to the palace and play with me?”

This was the first Mu Hongjin had heard of such a person, and she asked in confusion, “What uncle?”

“He’s an uncle like an immortal,” Mu Xiao Lou said excitedly, gesturing to Mu Hongjin. “He’s very tall, wearing white clothes. He’s so amazing! When I was being held captive, he appeared and knocked the knife away! He has a sword, and he carries a qin on his back.”

Mu Hongjin’s expression gradually stiffened.

He Yan inwardly groaned, hoping this little ancestor would stop talking and not say another word. But Mu Xiao Lou seemed to have taken quite a liking to Liu Buwang. As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with excitement, eager to tell Mu Hongjin everything she knew.

“He can also play the qin. He played a piece for me—the very one you often play, Grandmother. But he played it much better than you. He said the piece is called… called ‘Slow Passing of Time.’ Grandmother, why have I never heard you mention the name of this piece? Is that really what it is called?”

Mu Hongjin looked at Mu Xiao Lou and slowly spoke, her voice dry and strained. “Since you’ve met him, do you know his name?”

“I asked him,” Mu Xiao Lou replied. “He said he is called Yunlin Hermit, but I heard others refer to him as Master Liu. You should ask him,” Mu Xiao Lou pointed at Xiao Jue, “Yunlin Hermit seems to be his master. I heard Cavalry Officer Cui ask about it.”

Mu Hongjin looked at Xiao Jue. “Is that so?”

He Yan’s palms grew sweaty with tension as she heard Xiao Jue answer, “Yes.”

The banquet hall fell into an inexplicable heaviness. Mu Hongjin said nothing, merely leaning back on the couch. Even Mu Xiao Lou did not notice as her gaze grew distant, as if recalling faraway memories, her eyes no longer holding room for anyone else.

He Yan thought to herself, judging by this, Mu Hongjin and Liu Buwang were not merely old acquaintances—their connection likely ran deep.

After an unknown length of time, Mu Hongjin finally snapped back to reality and said calmly, “I understand.”

She did not ask to meet him again, nor did she inquire about Liu Buwang’s whereabouts, as if this person were merely a passerby whose name was forgotten after hearing it. Her expression returned to its usual calm, the momentary gloom completely dissipating, as if she had once again become the aloof, unapproachable Princess from their first meeting.

If she had pressed further, it might have been better. But letting it go so easily only made He Yan suspicious. An uneasy feeling clawed at her heart like a restless cat, and she finally could not hold back, asking, “Your Highness, are you and Yunlin Hermit old acquaintances?”

Xiao Jue glanced at her, his eyes carrying a warning.

He Yan paid no heed. Liu Buwang was, after all, her relative, and now she finally had a glimpse into his past. How could she give up? Moreover, Mu Hongjin’s expression… at the very least, she and Liu Buwang were not enemies, were they?

Mu Hongjin had not expected He Yan to ask so abruptly. She looked at He Yan, who met her gaze openly. After a moment, Mu Hongjin smiled and said, “General Xiao, your subordinate truly has great courage.”

Xiao Jue’s gaze remained cool and indifferent. “Your Highness is magnanimous.”

“This princess has not even said anything yet; there’s no need for you to rush to defend her.” Mu Hongjin smiled faintly. “It’s just that no one has dared to ask this question for many years.”

He Yan found it strange. Could they really be enemies?

If they were enemies, why would Liu Buwang be so kind to Mu Xiao Lou? After all, Mu Xiao Lou looked so much like Mu Hongjin. How could anyone be gentle toward someone who resembled their enemy?

“Actually, there’s no harm in telling you,” Mu Hongjin said calmly. “Many years ago, before this princess was married, I once sneaked out of the palace.” She glanced at Mu Xiao Lou and added gently, “Just like Xiao Lou did yesterday.”

“But this princess was fortunate. I did not encounter any villains. Instead, I met a young man who had just come down from the mountains.”

Her beautiful eyes were fixed on a colorful mural on the distant wall, depicting a young girl sitting under a flowering tree, weaving a garland. The vibrant peach-pink hues were as bright and beautiful as the spring of that year.

“This princess admired this young man and clung to him, using the excuse of having no money and nowhere to go to stay by his side.”

Mu Xiao Lou was also hearing about her grandmother’s past for the first time, widening her eyes in surprise.

“This was the first time I have ever liked someone, and naturally, I did so with utmost sincerity. However, that young man already had someone in his heart and did not like me, treating me quite coldly. My father told me that the marriage had been arranged and would take place in a few days. So, I begged that young man to take me away with him.”

He Yan was so shocked she could not speak. Princess of Mengji was truly bold, daring to elope before marriage.

“On the agreed day, he did not come,” Mu Hongjin said calmly. “I was found by my father’s men and returned to Jiyang to marry.”

“After that, I never saw him again.”