Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 200

Chapter 200: The Person I like

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In this life, He Yan saw Emperor Wenxuan for the first time. 

Emperor Wenxuan had reached the age of knowing destiny (50), but he looked even younger than his actual age. His complexion was rosy, and he appeared neat and tidy. Despite wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, he lacked the imposing aura that He Yan had imagined. Instead, he seemed amiable and benevolent, resembling an affable elder from an ordinary household. He didn’t put on airs and, upon arrival, gestured for the officials to relax. 

Sitting beside Emperor Wenxuan was Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang and Emperor Wenxuan had been a couple since their youth, coming from prestigious families. Originally chosen as the Crown Prince’s consort by the late emperor, Empress Zhang bore a son and a daughter, the current Crown Prince Guangyan and Princess Yuchan. Princess Yuchan, now married, was absent from the palace banquet due to recent health issues. Seated below Empress Zhang was Noble Consort Lan. 

Noble Consort Lan was of similar age to Empress Zhang. Although not as stunning as Empress Zhang, she possessed a delicate and rounded beauty, appearing slender and fragile. With a gentle temperament, she gave birth to the fourth prince, Guangshuo. 

The fifth prince, Guangji, was being led by a nursemaid and stood beside his two older brothers. His birth mother was Ni Guiren, a young and vibrant woman. Originally from a local official’s family, she entered the palace after winning a selection, and her rise was further propelled after conceiving a dragon heir. However, Emperor Wenxuan found her arrogant and refused to elevate her status to noble consort in recent years. In the past two years, Ni Guiren had become more obedient. 

The second and third princes were originally twins, conceived by a palace maid whom Emperor Wenxuan favored. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties of giving birth to twins, the mother and the babies did not survive. 

Emperor Wenxuan’s offspring were not numerous. In royal families, having many heirs might not always be a good thing; with only one throne, having more heirs could lead to rivalry and dissent. Currently, with the young age of the fifth prince, Guangji, the capable individuals for the throne were Crown Prince Guangyan and the fourth prince, Guangshuo. Empress Zhang’s family was influential, and the Crown Prince held the legitimate position. With Noble Consort Lan not vying for power, the succession of the throne by the Crown Prince seemed understandable. 

However, Crown Prince Guangyan lacked talent and virtue. He made no contributions to state affairs, indulging in pleasures and neglecting his household matters. In contrast, the fourth prince, Guangshuo, was talented, virtuous, and had an outstanding demeanor. He possessed remarkable abilities, was gentle in nature, and led a virtuous life. 

With the unsatisfactory nature of the Crown Prince and the outstanding qualities of the fourth prince, some individuals in the court began to harbor thoughts of change. Among the three thousand beauties in the harem, Emperor Wenxuan favored Noble Consort Lan. Although she didn’t vie for power, no one dared to underestimate her. Gradually, the political forces within the court divided into two factions—one supporting Crown Prince Guangyan and the other attempting to persuade Emperor Wenxuan to appoint Guangshuo as the crown prince. 

He Yan remembered hearing vague rumors during her time in Liangzhou. The Crown Prince disliked Xiao Jue, and when Xiao Jue led the army to Liangzhou, it wasn’t just to avoid Xu Jingfu’s influence; Crown Prince Guangyan also played a part in it. 

In other words, Xu Jingfu and Crown Prince Guangyan were likely working together. 

Deep in thought, He Yan remained calm on the surface. 

The fifth prince, Guangji, was only five years old this year. Emperor Wenxuan, dissatisfied with Ni Guiren’s assertive and arrogant nature, entrusted the child to Noble Consort Lan to be raised together with Guangshuo. Despite Ni Guiren’s frustration, she had no choice. Having spent considerable time under Noble Consort Lan’s care, Guangji had become close to Guangshuo. Sitting at the banquet now, he pulled on Guangshuo’s sleeve and whispered, “Fourth brother, Royal Father said there’s good news to announce. What could it be?” 

Guangshuo smiled at him, “I don’t know either. We’ll find out soon.” 

Overhearing their conversation, Crown Prince Guangyan sneered, “Fourth brother, Royal Father is so fond of you. I thought you knew all his secrets. Why didn’t he inform you in advance this time?” 

The provocation from the Crown Prince was frequent, but Guangshuo remained unperturbed, maintaining a gentle demeanor. “Your Highness is jesting.” 

The hidden currents on their side were naturally noticed by those with ulterior motives. Emperor Wenxuan was getting older… and certain matters, sooner or later, were bound to unfold.

He Yan was sitting at the men’s table, relatively close to Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jing, and a bit further from Yan He. He Rufei sat even farther away, and she could even feel Xu Zhiheng secretly sizing her up. He Yan also saw Chu Zhao; however, Chu Zhao didn’t greet her today. He still spoke softly with others but treated He Yan as if she were a stranger. He Yan didn’t mind, but Chu Zhao seemed a bit odd today. 

Not long after the banquet began, Empress Zhang spoke, smiling as she said, “Today is a good day, and Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. I want to do something good on this occasion.” 

The people below exchanged glances, thinking about the recent battle between Rundu and Jiyang, where Great Wei suffered a big loss against the Wutuo people. Today was supposed to be a celebration, but the protagonist, Xiao Huaijin, wasn’t present. If they were to commend He Rufei, his achievements in the Battle of Huayuan were not particularly outstanding. Awarding him at this moment would not only be unglamorous but also somewhat insulting. 

“Shijin Bo,” Empress Zhang smiled, “the fourth son of your mansion has come of age. It’s time for him to take a wife.” 

Chu Linfeng was taken aback, stood up, and hurriedly said, “Exactly.” 

Chu Zhao also stood up. 

“Chu Zilan, I know that you and Pingting from Lord Xu’s mansion have been childhood friends. Pingting is someone I’ve watched grow up, and I really like this child. The two of you, it seems heaven has paired you together. Today, I will do this good deed and betroth Pingting to you. How about it?” 

Xu Pingting was not present at the banquet today, only Chu Zhao heard the words and knelt down, saying, “Thank you, Empress, for your favor. I am deeply grateful.” 

Xu Jingfu also smiled and accepted the decree with a grateful bow. 

The banquet suddenly became lively. People around them began to express their thanks to Chu Linfeng and Xu Jingfu. Chu Linfeng was very proud. He had four sons, and the other three were average in appearance and talent, nothing special. Only this son, born to a mother from a small city, was both stunning and outstanding. Moreover, he could become in-laws with the prime minister. If this were to be spread, it would be quite an honor. 

Chu Zhao also smiled and expressed his gratitude, but He Yan couldn’t find joy in his smile. Although she hadn’t spent much time with Chu Zhao, and he often wore a smile, even the current forced smile seemed less genuine than before. 

“Poor thing,” Lin Shuanghe muttered softly, “at this moment, a single word has determined his entire life, not much different from a puppet.” 

He Yan glanced at him. Lin Shuanghe knew he had misspoken and quickly laughed, “Ah, Brother He, the Empress said they have been childhood friends, so naturally, they should be together.” 

He Yan didn’t say anything. Chu Zhao’s relationship with Xu Jingfu, though a teacher-student one, often relied on Xu Jingfu for matters. Since he chose this path, he would inevitably have to pay a price, such as… freedom. Everyone had their choices, and she felt sympathetic to Chu Zhao’s situation, but wasn’t it his decision? 

With this joyous event, the banquet was no longer as restrained as before, becoming lively. Seeing this, Emperor Wenxuan laughed, “Since that’s the case, today, I’ll do a good deed as well.” 

The people at the table were surprised. What did he mean? Could it be another joyous event? Were they going to witness two happy occasions today? If the Emperor and the Empress were personally arranging marriages, it certainly wouldn’t involve ordinary people. 

Guangji’s eyes lit up, looking at Guangshuo, “Fourth brother, who is he going to marry this time?” 

The Crown Prince also found it strange. He knew about the matter of Xu Pingting and Chu Zilan. That girl Xu Pingting was beautiful, and the Crown Prince felt a bit regretful, but he also knew that he already had a Crown Princess. Besides, Xu Jingfu would never let his daughter become a side concubine. As for Chu Zilan, he was someone the Crown Prince needed to win over. Therefore, he could only let Xu Pingting be cheaply given to that boy Chu Zilan. 

Now, the person Emperor Wenxuan was going to marry, he hadn’t heard any wind about it. 

“Where is He Yan from Liangzhou Garrison?” 

As soon as this statement was made, everyone at the table was stunned. Lin Shuanghe looked at He Yan in surprise, “What…?” 

He Yan wasn’t worried at all, stood up, and walked forward generously, kneeling down to Emperor Wenxuan, “He Yan, a commoner, pays respects to Your Majesty.” 

Emperor Wenxuan smiled, “You are the Wuan Lang personally appointed by me, how can you call yourself a commoner?” 

He Yan said, “I acknowledge my guilt.” 

At the table, Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei both heard this name and simultaneously looked at the young man in the hall. Yan He frowned and muttered to himself, “What kind of drama is this?” 

Chu Zhao secretly clenched the teacup in his hand. On the other side, Shen Muxue from the women’s table kept her head down, her expression dark and unclear. 

Guangji asked, “Who is this brother? What kind of person is he?” 

Guangshuo shook his head. The name He Yan was too unfamiliar, and they had never seen this young man. The only impression was that he was the Wuan Lang appointed by Xiao Jue, who had made achievements together with Xiao Jue in Liangzhou Garrison.

“I know you went to Jiyang and Rundu with General Fengyun before. During the surprise attack by Ridamuzi on Liangzhou Garrison, you were also present. The water battle in Jiyang and the defense of Rundu were both your ideas. With such courage and strategy at a young age, it’s not easy. I think, confining you to the position of Wuan Lang would be unfair. How about granting you the title of Marquis? In the future, you will be Marquis Wuan An.” 

“This…” The courtiers looked at each other in amazement. 

From an unknown boy to being conferred a marquisate without any prominent figures recommending him, what a spectacle! Even the former Flying Phoenix General, at least, had someone in his family holding an official position. Who was this young man that became so formidable? 

They hadn’t seen the memorial. Naturally, they didn’t know the detailed descriptions of He Yan’s crucial role in the battles presented in the memorials from Jiyang and Rundu. Emperor Wenxuan was someone who loved talent, especially young talents. It reminded him of the geniuses described in poems and writings, and for geniuses, conventions and rules were constraints. 

“This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for the grace,” He Yan bowed deeply, feeling calm inside. 

“This kid is really lucky,” Yan He poured the tea in his cup into his mouth, spoke with frustration, “He got promoted faster than me.” 

Lin Shuanghe was genuinely happy for He Yan; his face was about to crack from smiling. 

“No!” 

At that moment, a sudden voice interrupted, and He Yan turned around to see a stranger on the men’s side. He Yan had never seen this person, and he seemed quite young. Dressed in official attire, the man appeared impatient, lifted the hem of his robe, and walked forward. He also knelt down in front of Emperor Wenxuan and said, “Your Majesty, you cannot confer a marquisate on him. This kid is a fraud; he’s not a man but a woman!” 

As if finding this statement not shocking enough, the man raised his hand, pulled out the hairpin holding He Yan’s hair, revealing a cascade of long hair. The features were undoubtedly feminine, beautiful and charming like a woman. 

The young man knelt in the hall, his expression very calm, without a hint of panic. Onlookers erupted in a commotion like boiling hot water. 

“What’s going on? Is it really a woman?” 

“Wasn’t it said to be Liangzhou Garrison? Liangzhou Garrison also has women?” 

“Is it really a woman? This is deceiving the emperor!” 

At the table, Chu Zhao’s gaze focused on the girl’s back, and the hand hidden in his sleeve clenched into a fist. Yan He couldn’t help it, “What a joke!” 

Lin Shuanghe already had an ominous premonition when the man said “No.” When he said “woman,” he nearly blacked out. Yet, he still persisted. At this moment, he could easily be implicated as an accomplice in “deceiving the emperor.” Lin Mu pressed down on his arm, indicating that he shouldn’t move. Lin Shuanghe moved his lips, rapidly calculating how to get through this. 

Insisting that it was merely a case of a man having a feminine appearance? That wouldn’t work. At this stage, all it would take is a slight examination by the palace maids to reveal the truth. Perhaps say that He Yan’s mind wasn’t working well, leading to a delusion of being a woman talking nonsense? This wasn’t right either. If the mind wasn’t working well, how could he deceive so many people? 

He, who usually had many crooked ideas, couldn’t think of a single solution at this moment. He scratched his head in anxiety, not knowing what to do. 

Meanwhile, on the extended table, both Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei, although seated in different places, were shocked when they witnessed the scene. 

Uttering “He Yan” might have been a coincidence, dressing as a man and entering the military, achieving meritorious deeds, and even being granted a marquisate—every step of the way, how could it be called a “coincidence”? If there was reincarnation, it must be like this. 

Xu Zhiheng felt extremely guilty, his body trembling. If Emperor Wenxuan and his entourage weren’t present, he probably would have fled immediately. 

Who exactly was this He Yan?

No one expected that, in the midst of a seemingly routine conferment of honors, such a surprising revelation would occur. Emperor Wenxuan turned his gaze towards He Yan, “Wuan Lang, what do you have to say?” 

“I am indeed a woman,” He Yan said, “Your Majesty has keen insight, and I dare not conceal the truth.” 

He admitted it so frankly? 

The courtiers were in an uproar. 

Sitting among the women, Shen Muxue stared at her cup with unwavering focus. Although she seemed undisturbed by the commotion, careful observation would reveal a slight trembling in her fingertips. Xia Chengxiu, seated next to her, was somewhat surprised by Shen Muxue’s reaction but didn’t say anything. 

Even Empress Zhang hadn’t anticipated this turn of events, showing a hint of surprise on her face. However, Emperor Wenxuan didn’t display anger or shock; he merely lowered his head, looking at He Yan. After a while, the emperor’s voice echoed in the hall. 

“In fact, I’ve known for a long time that Wuan Lang is a woman.” 

Shen Muxue raised her head abruptly—how could this be? 

Lin Shuanghe was also dumbfounded, and the courtiers were at a loss. The unfolding drama, full of twists and turns, had everyone captivated. First, they revealed that Wuan Lang was a woman, and now the emperor claimed he had known about it all along. What on earth was happening? 

Chu Zhao furrowed his brows slightly, suddenly looking at Xu Jingfu next to him. Xu Jingfu wore a gentle smile, seemingly unfazed, as if he had glimpsed a clue. 

Breaking the silence, Empress Zhang asked, “Your Majesty, are you saying…” 

A eunuch outside the hall announced loudly, “General Fengyun has arrived—” 

He Yan’s heart trembled. Why would Xiao Jue come? Didn’t he go out of the city today? Why would he come over now? 

Emperor Wenxuan smiled, “What’s going on? Let Minister Xiao explain.” 

He Yan’s heart shook violently. This seemed different from what she had anticipated. Why would Xiao Jue get involved? She never mentioned Xiao Jue at all… Why did Emperor Wenxuan’s words seem to be related to Xiao Jue? 

Someone entered the hall. 

The young Commander had changed into a morning court dress with a black base embroidered in gold, exuding an air of elegance and grace. Despite being a military man who had fought on the battlefield, there was no hint of coarseness about him. He looked like a noble young master from the prosperous capital, overshadowing the officials in the hall. 

Shen Muxue stared at Xiao Jue intently. 

Xiao Jue walked to He Yan’s side, bowed in respect, and from the perspective of the officials, he and He Yan looked like a newlywed couple bowing together. 

“Beloved Minister, please rise,” Emperor Wenxuan said, glancing at He Yan. “Wuan Lang, you too.” 

He Yan and Xiao Jue stood up. 

Lin Shuanghe tightly gripped his fan, almost breaking it. He knew that since Xiao Jue had appeared, he would undoubtedly protect He Yan. However, how could he ensure He Yan’s safe retreat? 

“Miss He is my fiancée,” Xiao Jue said. “Out of fear of separation due to the uncertainties of war in Liangzhou, I brought her with me. I didn’t expect Miss He to be so intelligent and brave, achieving merits not inferior to those of men. I didn’t dare deceive Your Majesty and reported the truth to you a long time ago.”

Emperor Wenxuan burst into hearty laughter, seemingly amused by Xiao Jue’s situation. He shook his head and sighed, “I always thought Minister Xiao had no intention of marrying in this lifetime. I never expected to witness the day when an iron tree blossoms. In my opinion, there are not many men in this world with such deep-rooted affections as Minister Xiao.” 

Having secretly reported to Emperor Wenxuan long ago left He Yan stunned. When did this happen? Even now, in the hall, she couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Jue. However, he remained composed, revealing no trace of his intentions. 

At this moment, a sharp female voice interjected, “Lies.” 

Shen Muxue sat among the women, staring at He Yan with eyes that seemed to pierce through her. Her voice, unlike its previous gentleness, resembled scalding water—sharp and hoarse. 

“When did Commander Xiao have such a fiancée? Why don’t any of us know?” she questioned. 

People in Shuojing City knew about Shen Muxue’s situation. However, upon reflection, when did Xiao Jue acquire such a fiancée, and why was there no hint of this news? 

Xiao Jue stared coldly at her. 

Shen Muxue couldn’t help but shudder. 

“She is indeed not my fiancée.” 

He Yan was momentarily stunned. In the next instant, a clear and slightly cold voice rang out, unmistakably certain. 

“She is the scenery in my eyes, the matter in my heart, and the person that I like.” 

——Side note—— 

For a perfectionist like me, I’ve finally reached a chapter with a whole number, marking a significant point in the development of their relationship! (ヾ(？°?°?)?)

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