Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Teasing

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Having successfully brushed off He Yunsheng’s inquiries, He Yan finally managed to slip two bills into his hands. She also took the opportunity to remind He Yunsheng, aside from He Sui, not to disclose anything about having seen her. 

He Yunsheng, growing impatient, remarked, “I naturally know that, but you…” He looked at He Yan and added, “You’re not going to disappear again, are you?” 

On that day, while they were on the boat and Fan Cheng encountered trouble, He Yan, disguised as an assassin, left after telling He Yunsheng, “We will definitely meet again.” However, not long after, she joined the army. 

On that day, when they were on the boat and Fan Cheng had an accident, when He Yan disguised herself as an assassin and left, she had also said to He Yunsheng, “We will definitely meet again.” But shortly after that, she joined the military. 

He Yan sighed in her heart, thinking, “This child is almost being haunted by her deception.” She tiptoed and touched He Yunsheng’s head. He Yunsheng turned his head to avoid her, she laughed, “Don’t worry, I’ve got an official position now, and I’m in Shuojing. Don’t worry, I’ll come to see you in a few days. Just focus on your studies. As your elder sister, you can’t be less successful than me in the future.” 

He Yunsheng’s face darkened, saying, “How is that possible?” 

Thinking that He Yan was about to mock him, he was surprised to see the girl in front of him, pretending to be a young boy, smiling at him with a gentle voice, “I know, our Yunsheng is the best.” 

He Yunsheng blushed, muttering quietly, “Don’t need you to say that.” 

He Yan escorted He Yunsheng to the alley he had come from, then lowered the veil on her head, turned around, and walked away. Being cautious in all things was always beneficial. 

As they parted ways, He Yan walked on the street, thinking about what happened to He Yunsheng earlier. After that, Fan Cheng’s family was still causing trouble for He Sui. Although things had calmed down for a while, who knew if he would repeat the same tricks in the future. While her official position could exert pressure on the Fan family, revealing herself recklessly might not be appropriate, especially considering her past actions at the Fan residence. 

It needed careful consideration, but it was reassuring to see that He Yunsheng had indeed grown up. Thinking about this, He Yan smiled. The young man had now taken on the responsibilities of a man. When faced with ridicule and mockery from others, he no longer immediately responded with anger as he used to. He had learned patience, a growth that was both heartwarming and comforting. 

Lost in thought, He Yan unconsciously arrived at the entrance of the Xiao family. It was already afternoon, and the servant at the door, upon seeing He Yan, greeted her with a smile, calling her “Young Master He,” and opened the door. He Yan felt a warm feeling inside; the people of the Xiao family treated her quite kindly. 

Entering the house, He Yan walked into the courtyard. She didn’t know if Xiao Jue had returned at this moment, but if he had, she wanted to talk to him about the recent events. However, as she walked into the corridor, she encountered Bai Rongwei, who was instructing servants. 

He Yan had a good impression of this Madam Xiao. She was gentle, considerate, and skilled at taking care of others’ feelings. Seeing He Yan, Bai Rongwei was momentarily surprised, then smiled and said, “Young Master He.” 

He Yan nodded to her, “Madam.” 

“Huaijin hasn’t returned to the mansion yet,” Bai Rongwei asked He Yan, “Has Master He had dinner? If not, what would you like to eat? I can have the kitchen prepare something and send it to your room.” 

“No need to trouble yourself,” He Yan quickly replied, “I just ate outside.” 

She had just taken the reward silver and treated He Yunsheng to some snacks in a teahouse. Although it couldn’t compare to the delicacies of a restaurant, it was still good. He Yunsheng, for the most part, rarely dined out. At first, he was a bit reserved, but later on, he ate quite happily.

Bai Rongwei smiled, “Alright, then we’ll make it a bit later.” She looked at He Yan, “Young Master He is the first friend Huaijin brought home. It seems that when you were in Liangzhou, you took good care of him.” 

“Not really, it’s Commander who took care of me,” He Yan blushed. 

“Huaijin rarely gets close to people. Treating you like this must be because Young Master He is worth truly befriending,” Bai Rongwei sighed, “He usually doesn’t like to reveal himself. If there’s anything he didn’t do well, please bear with him. This child has a good heart, but he always insists on showing an indifferent appearance.” 

“The Commander is very kind,” He Yan smiled, “Everyone knows that.” 

Bai Rongwei, seeing that He Yan didn’t seem to be perfunctory, also relaxed, “That’s good. He has always been alone, and there’s no warm-hearted girl around him…” At this point, Bai Rongwei seemed to remember something and asked He Yan, “By the way, Young Master He, since you are close to Huaijin, do you know why he is upset with Miss Shen?” 

“Miss Shen?” He Yan asked, “Shen Muxue?”

Bai Rongwei nodded. 

“What happened between them?” 

“When you returned to the capital this time, Miss Shen did not accompany you. I heard it was because Huaijin had to rush to Rundu, and he didn’t want Miss Shen to endure the hardships of the journey. However… Miss Shen has already returned to the capital recently, but the two of them haven’t met. If it were usual, Miss Shen would have come to the mansion.” 

Seeing that He Yan seemed lost in thought, Bai Rongwei explained, “You probably already know about the relationship between the Shen family and our family. When Father had trouble, only Uncle Shen was willing to speak up for the Xiao family in the court. Miss Shen admired Huaijin since childhood, and in times of trouble, true feelings emerged. Even though Huaijin used to be indifferent to Miss Shen because of Uncle Shen’s relationship, he still had to take care of her to some extent. Later, Miss Shen secretly went to the place where Huaijin was leading troops, and at that time, it was chaotic with war. It wasn’t safe to send her back, so Miss Shen stayed on the battlefield, learned medicine, and assisted Huaijin in various matters.” 

“Uncle Shen had no choice but to ask Huaijin to take care of her. Huaijin, out of consideration for Uncle Shen, protected Miss Shen’s safety on the battlefield.” 

He Yan had known before that Shen Muxue had gone to the battlefield for Xiao Jue, but she didn’t know the details. Hearing Bai Rongwei explain the ins and outs, a hint of bitterness surfaced in her heart. Shen Muxue’s actions were already very brave and devoted, just as Liang Ping and others had said that day on the martial arts field—any man would be moved and sympathetic to her. 

She asked with a voice that hid all emotions, “Madam, do you want the two of them to be together?” 

“How could that be?” Bai Rongwei was astonished, then chuckled, “I and Rubi had this idea before, but later we saw that Huaijin really has no interest in Miss Shen, so we gave up. Young Master He, you are close to Huaijin, you should understand. According to Huaijin’s personality, no one can force him to do anything, let alone getting married. If he’s not interested, we naturally can’t force him, which would not only harm Huaijin but also the young lady.” 

He Yan was somewhat skeptical and asked Bai Rongwei, “Madam’s meaning, I don’t quite understand.” 

“Even if they can’t be a couple, they can still be friends. Miss Shen refuses to visit, indicating that there is a conflict between them. But Huaijin is not a petty person, and Miss Shen is not an unreasonable girl. Thinking about it, there is only one possibility…” She looked at He Yan, her eyes shining, adding a touch of anticipation to her usually gentle expression. 

He Yan, puzzled, looked at her. 

“Does Huaijin have a girl he likes?” 

He Yan: “Huh?” 

Bai Rongwei continued on her own, “If Huaijin has a girl he likes, everything makes sense. Only this would truly hurt Miss Shen’s heart, making her unwilling to visit. Young Master He, have you seen any signs that Huaijin has someone he cares about?” 

He Yan: “…I don’t think so.” 

“How could there be none?” Bai Rongwei was slightly disappointed but quickly continued to inquire, “Then, in the Liangzhou Garrison, has there been any girl who was close to Huaijin?” 

“In the Liangzhou Garrison, besides Miss Shen, there were no other girls…” He Yan said, then suddenly stopped talking. In fact, in the Liangzhou Garrison, there was a girl who was close to Xiao Jue. Isn’t that her?

But Xiao Jue liked her, and because of the conflict between herself and Shen Muxue…. this sounded quite absurd. 

Bai Rongwei sighed, “I see… it’s really worrying.” 

Seeing He Yan looking at her, Bai Rongwei smiled bitterly, “At Huaijin’s age, he should have married. Not to mention getting married, he doesn’t even have a girl he likes. Rubi and I are quite worried. Among his friends in Xianchang Academy, even if they haven’t married, they have already been promised. Although Young Master Lin hasn’t been promised, he deals with girls from respectable families, so if he really wants to marry, it shouldn’t be difficult. As for Huaijin…”

He Yan couldn’t help but speak up for Xiao Jue, “If the Commander wants to get married, it’s not difficult.” 

Bai Rongwei glanced at her and smiled, “Indeed, it’s not difficult. Others are marrying girls left and right, with matchmakers knocking on their doors breaking the threshold. In our family, wanting to get married means the matchmaker brings gifts that fill the entire yard. But what’s the use of that? No matter how many girls like him, no matter how good they are, he doesn’t even give them a glance. If it weren’t for the banquets he hosts in the mansion every time he returns to the capital, he would probably leave as soon as he sees someone.” 

He Yan: “…” She didn’t know what to say and could only force a smile. 

“Speaking of which, it’s almost time to host a banquet.” Bai Rongwei looked at He Yan and smiled, “Young Master He, why don’t you join us this time? I heard that you are a few years younger than Huaijin, promising, and have an extraordinary appearance. If there’s a girl you like at the banquet… you might also establish a good marriage.” 

She was wholeheartedly thinking for He Yan, who was close to tears. She wondered why it was heartbreaking in Liangzhou Garrison, and it was unavoidable even when she returned to Shuojing. What? Is it the case that her heart, after so many trials and tribulations, wasn’t afraid of being burned? 

Forced to squeeze out a smile, He Yan said, “Let’s talk about that later… I’ve been quite busy these past few days.” 

Bai Rongwei nodded, “Young Master He, focus on your own matters; don’t worry about it. I just mentioned it casually.” 

Afraid that Bai Rongwei would continue speaking, and she would say something heart-wrenching, He Yan quickly found an excuse to say she needed to go back to her courtyard. After hastily bowing to Bai Rongwei, she returned to her room. 

Upon returning to her room and closing the door, He Yan sat down at the table, gazing at the flowers and plants in the courtyard outside the window. She slammed her fist on the table, pretending to be angry, and said, “This is outrageous!” 

If someone came again to make her look at the romantic affairs between Xiao Jue and other girls, she would just tell the world that she was a homosexual with unrequited love for Xiao Jue. Let’s see if they would still make her help in such deeds. 

… 

Meanwhile, in a certain elegant room of a restaurant in Shuojing, someone was sitting. 

Fei Nu and Chiwu stood at the door, and soon, someone walked in from outside. 

This was a woman dressed in guard attire, about thirty years old, very beautiful, but her long hair was tied into a high bun, and her brows and eyes were stern, giving her an unfriendly appearance. She walked briskly toward the elegant room, not bothering to look at Chiwu and Fei Nu on the side. She bowed to Xiao Jue and said, “Young Master.” 

“Luan Ying.” Xiao Jue looked at her, “Any news about He Rufei?” 

The woman called Luan Ying respectfully spoke, “Regarding He Rufei’s actions before, this subordinate has written a letter and had Chiwu deliver it to Young Master. In these few days, there have been new discoveries. Since He Rufei became a general, he has never left Shuojing except for the battle in Huayuan. Moreover, he has good relations with officials in the court, most of whom are civil officials.” 

“Civil officials,” Xiao Jue raised his finger and tapped on the tea cup in front of him, saying lightly, “Does he have any acquaintances among the ladies?” 

Luan Ying was stunned for a moment, then answered, “Not at all. He Rufei is now of marriageable age, and it is said that Madam He is currently looking for a suitable wife for him. However, He Rufei himself seems uninterested in women, except for his second cousin, he rarely interacts with females.” 

“Second cousin?” 

“He Yuanliang’s legitimate second daughter, now the wife newly wed to Hanlin Scholar Xu Zhiheng, He Xinying.” answered Luan Ying.

Xiao Jue lowered his eyes, looked at the tea cup in front of him for a while, then asked, “How is He Rufei’s relationship with the previous Madam Xu?” 

“The previous Madam Xu?” Luan Ying had a moment of confusion, then said after a while, “It seems good. Before the previous Madam Xu’s health deteriorated, she had been recuperating at the estate before marriage. Although there is no evidence to prove that their relationship is intimate, after the previous Madam Xu’s death, He Rufei personally handled her funeral, which lasted for three days and nights. It shows a deep sibling bond.”

Xiao Jue tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Not necessarily.” If the bond between siblings was indeed deep, He Rufei should have stopped He Xinying from marrying Xu Zhiheng as a second wife. For his late sister, this matter was far from comforting; it was an insult. 

However, he wasn’t surprised by anything He Rufei did now. The current Flying Phoenix General was not truly “He Rufei.” 

The real He Rufei might have died before being enthroned, or perhaps he hadn’t died yet. However, the He family would never allow a woman to enjoy the luxury and wealth prepared for “He Rufei.” Hence, the current “He Rufei” emerged. 

What he didn’t understand was that in this matter, He Rufei became the beneficiary, and the He family became a community of interests. But what about that woman, “He Rufei”? What made her willingly wear a mask and fight for achievements in the name of He Rufei? Was it admiration for He Rufei? It was possible, but even if it was admiration, the persistence lasted too long. 

The true “He Rufei” was foolish, determined, and naive. But the current “He Rufei” was a clever person who let all the original trusted subordinates “die in battle” to avoid leaks. It could be imagined that the original “He Rufei” had a bleak future. 

“You go spread the word,” said Xiao Jue, “After the Battle of Huayuan, He Rufei’s ability to defeat enemies retreated a thousand miles overnight, and he is vastly different from before.” 

“After that, you must closely monitor He Rufei. Don’t let any of his actions or meetings escape your attention.” 

Luan Ying: “Yes.” 

Xiao Jue picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then looked at her. “On another note, how is your investigation going?” 

Luan Ying’s expression tightened. “Subordinate was about to report to the young master. Outside the city, it seems we have found surviving soldiers from the previous battle. However, they are hiding very tightly, and Xu Xiang’s people are also searching for their whereabouts. We found one earlier, but he refused to believe us. Before meeting us, he jumped into a well and committed suicide.” 

Xiao Jue paused in his tea-pouring motion. He put down the teacup, lowered his eyes, and said, “Continue searching for the remaining people. Be careful not to be discovered by Xu Jingfu’s people. Once you find them, inform me immediately.” He turned his head, his expression calm. “I will personally go to see them.” 

… 

It was late at night. 

The sound of a door opening next door reached He Yan’s ears. She sat at the table, startled, stood up, opened the door, and indeed saw Xiao Jue walking in next door. She called out, “Commander,” and jogged over. 

Xiao Jue looked down at her and asked, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?” 

He Yan blurted out, “I was waiting for you.” 

Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows slightly. “I’m not Yan He.” With that, he walked into the room at a moderate pace. 

He Yan followed him like a tail, only snapping back to reality after a few steps. What did he mean by what he said? Her face turned hot in an instant. 

Chiwu and Feinu didn’t follow them. He Yan closed the door for him. Xiao Jue wasn’t used to others serving him, and there were no servants in the room. At this moment, he leaned against the wall, poured two cups of tea casually, and handed one to He Yan.

“Thank you.” He Yan took the tea but didn’t intend to drink it. Holding the tea, she asked him, “Commander, I came to ask you about something. When will you take me into the palace?” 

Xiao Jue casually unbuttoned the top two buttons of his brocade robe and asked, “What do you want to do in the palace?” 

“We’ve won battles in Rundu, Jiyang, and previously in Liangzhou Garrison. The Emperor will undoubtedly reward us in person, and it’s almost Mid-Autumn Festival, so the rewards will only increase. After all, I’ve followed you for so long. When does the Emperor plan to reward us at the banquet? I want to buy some clothes in advance and dress up a bit.” He Yan explained confidently. 

Xiao Jue stared at her for a while, lips curling. “Building merit?” 

If he hadn’t mentioned it, He Yan almost forgot that she had said such words. But now, being teased by him, He Yan didn’t feel much. She nodded shamelessly, “Exactly. Half of it is already done. Commander, help me pad it a bit more. If I get a high position, in the future, when we serve together in the court, we can support each other.” 

Xiao Jue laughed, “Nonsense.” 

He Yan felt a bit anxious. She wanted to enter the palace because only then could she meet Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei in person. Typically, not long after victorious generals returned to the capital, there would be a banquet in the palace with officials present. It was the perfect opportunity for her to appear. While she could wait outside the Xu and He families’ residences, the effect wouldn’t be as good as the other method. 

Moreover, entering the palace was also the best opportunity to clear her relationship with Xiao Jue. 

Thinking about this, He Yan couldn’t help feeling a bit melancholic, especially considering the things Bai Rongwei said during the day, which made her even more discouraged. 

Xiao Jue, naturally perceptive, noticed He Yan’s sudden downturn. He paused and asked, “What’s wrong?” 

He Yan raised her head, changing the subject. “Commander, did you have a quarrel with Miss Shen?” 

Xiao Jue was stunned and averted his gaze. “Why do you ask that?” 

“I met Madam Xiao at home today. She asked me if I knew the reason for your quarrel with Miss Shen.” He Yan’s voice sounded bitter. “When I left Liangzhou for Rundu, you two were still good. Later, when I saw you in Rundu, Miss Shen didn’t come with you. Brother Lin said it was because you didn’t want Miss Shen to endure the hardship of travel. Now, it seems that you two didn’t travel together because of a quarrel, right?” 

“It’s not a quarrel,” Xiao Jue interrupted her. “It’s unnecessary.” 

He Yan asked, “What do you mean by… unnecessary?” 

Xiao Jue lowered his head, staring into her eyes. There were emotions she couldn’t understand. His voice remained calm, as if nothing had happened. “She’s not someone important to me. Why should I bring her with me?” 

He Yan blinked. 

This atmosphere, this posture, this tone, it’s really easy to misunderstand. How could an ordinary girl withstand this? Even she, who had lived for two lifetimes, was stirred by these emotions. She took several deep breaths to calm herself down in her heart. 

“You can’t say that. Miss Shen has always been with you. You can be considered friends. If there is any misunderstanding, it’s better to clarify…” 

“You came to my room just to say these things?” Xiao Jue calmly asked. 

“No, not exactly.” He Yan looked at him. “I just wanted to say that if the Emperor plans to hold a banquet before Mid-Autumn Festival, Commander must take me with you.” Her gaze held an undisguised eagerness. “I’ve never seen the Emperor. If I can meet him, it would be a good opportunity to show off in front of my little brother the next time I see him.”

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, “Did you go to see He Yunsheng today?” 

“Yeah.” He Yan didn’t hide it. “I’ve been away from home for a long time, and my family is very worried. Now that I’m back in Shuojing, I should let them know I’m safe.” 

Xiao Jue looked at her, his eyes filled with meaning. “Did you tell them that you’re staying at my mansion?” 

He Yan was startled and immediately denied, “No, no! I would never do anything to tarnish your reputation, Commander. I just said I was staying at a friend’s house without specifying who. I think they won’t be able to guess that I’m staying at the Xiao mansion.” 

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Jue nodded and said, “Actually, it doesn’t matter if you say it.” He glanced at the stunned He Yan and said casually, “You are my ‘capable subordinate,’ and our relationship will be known sooner or later.” 

He Yan: “…” 

Xiao Jue’s description of their current relationship, which was supposed to be a straightforward superior-subordinate dynamic, made it sound like some forbidden romantic affair. It was embarrassing and awkward. 

He Yan cleared her throat twice. “Anyway… just remember to take me to the palace banquet. If you bring me along, I’ll definitely repay you in the future.” 

Xiao Jue looked her up and down lazily and asked, “How will you repay me?” 

He Yan replied hesitantly, “…I haven’t figured it out yet.” 

He chuckled, turned around to put the teapot back on the table, and said casually, “Alright, next time there’s a palace banquet, Miss He can go with me.” 

He Yan was pleased and smiled, “Thank you!” 

–––––––––––––– Side Note––––––––––––––

Contestant Xiao is wildly flirting with girls.

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