Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 205

Chapter 205: Yuhua Temple

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The second young master of the Xiao family has a fiancée now. His Majesty personally granted the marriage, and the fiancée is a girl who disguises herself as a boy. She and Xiao Jue fought side by side on the battlefield, achieved remarkable military exploits, and is now the first female marquis since the founding of Great Wei, Marquis Wuan. 

Overnight, the streets and alleys of Shuojing City were abuzz with the same topic in every teahouse and tavern. Some said that the second young master of the Xiao family was truly extraordinary, and his fiancée seemed to be a formidable person who could hold her own. Others questioned why he didn’t marry Miss Shen from the Shen family and instead chose an ordinary girl with no background, especially someone who defied conventions and showed herself so openly. 

Regardless of the public opinion, the Xiao family remained enveloped in joy. Early the next morning, Bai Rongwei, along with Xiao Jing and the ceremonial gifts hastily prepared overnight, took Xiao Jue and visited the He family. 

Undoubtedly, it once again attracted a crowd of onlookers from the neighborhood. 

He Sui couldn’t help but lament inwardly, feeling that the Xiao family came too quickly. They hadn’t even had the chance to send Qingmei out to buy tea leaves. Qingmei was also helpless and could only pour a few cups of hot water. The whole family sat cramped in the room, watching the people across from them. 

He Yan had just finished practicing martial arts in the backyard. The Xiao family arrived in a hurry, and she didn’t have time to change her clothes. So, when Xiao Jing and the others sat down, they saw a young girl wearing a sturdy outfit, with her hair tied into a bun, walking over while wiping the sweat from her forehead. 

He Yan initially thought it was only Xiao Jue who had come today. However, when she took a second look, Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing were also present. She felt a bit overwhelmed and looked towards Xiao Jue. Before Xiao Jue could speak, Xiao Jing spoke first, “Lord He, Miss He, we came today without any prior notice, which is indeed impolite. Please forgive us.” 

“No problem, no problem,” He Sui smiled. He had not slept all night, sitting in the courtyard and looking at the sky for several hours. He found He Yan’s engagement to be too sudden, and he wasn’t entirely sure even if it was bestowed by His Majesty. People said Xiao Jue was an excellent match, but such families were never in the same world as theirs. 

He had spent too little time with Xiao Jue last night to form a clear opinion. He vaguely felt that General Fengyun was not as arrogant as the rumors suggested, better than Fan Cheng in many ways. However, He Sui had also heard a bit about Xiao Jue’s family background. Currently, Xiao Jue had no elders other than his brother and sister-in-law. Xiao Jing was known as a gentleman in the capital, while Bai Rongwei was unknown to him. He was concerned about his daughter marrying into such a family, especially since He Yan had been pampered at home. If other families didn’t treat her as well as they did, how would she fare? 

He Sui did not want He Yan to marry into a prestigious family. As the saying goes, a good match should be compatible in social status. It would be better for her to marry into an ordinary family, where she could be cherished. 

He Sui was worried. 

However, the attitude of Xiao Jue’s brother and sister-in-law was somewhat unexpected for He Sui. Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing were not people who coveted vanity. They were sincerely grateful that Xiao Jue had found someone he cared for. Afraid of scaring the girl away, they were extremely considerate. They discussed every detail of the engagement with He Sui, and seeing how seriously the Xiao family took this matter made He Sui feel a little relieved. 

Being valued was always a good thing. 

He Yan sat on the side, utterly unable to get a word in. Fortunately, He Yunsheng had gone to school early in the morning; otherwise, staying in the house, He Yan didn’t know how he would have made it hard for the Xiao family. 

He Sui also observed Xiao Jue. The main couple of the Xiao family seemed reliable, and He Sui did not doubt Xiao Jue’s personal excellence. However, rumors circulated that Xiao Jue was indifferent to romance, cold and ruthless. He wondered what Xiao Jue’s thoughts were regarding He Yan. Occasionally, he would ask Xiao Jue questions about He Yan, such as her preferences, skills, and performance in the Liangzhou Garrison… 

Xiao Jue answered each question. 

He Yan: “…” 

Here, she felt like a complete outsider. When this warm meeting finally came to an end, He Sui even attempted to invite them for a meal. 

“No need to trouble Lord He,” Bai Rongwei smiled, “We need to return home first to inform relatives from all over the Xiao family. The imperial edict arrived hastily last night, and we couldn’t notify everyone. Today, we’ll inform relatives and friends.” 

“Well… another day, you must come.” He Sui laughed heartily. 

He Yan: “…” 

Their rice jar at home couldn’t even provide enough rice for a meal. With only Qingmei as their servant, if they wanted to serve a meal, the guests would probably be left hungry, and only then could they provide a simple meal of rice gruel and small dishes. He Yan looked at the cheerful He Sui and felt quite speechless. 

He Sui escorted Bai Rongwei and the others outside. The neighbors who enjoyed watching the show saw He Sui and started teasing him in a good-natured manner, “Oh, congratulations to Old He, you’ve found a good son-in-law!” 

“Old He is really lucky to have such a good daughter. Why don’t we have such good fortune?” 

“Don’t forget us when Old He becomes wealthy in the future. When Miss He was born, I even held her in my arms!” 

He Yan thought, if it were truly Miss He here, listening to these jokes, she would probably already be blushing. After all, despite her unyielding character, hearing such words could make her a bit uncomfortable. 

Walking behind He Yan, Xiao Jue seemed to deliberately leave space for He Yan to speak. He Yan asked, “Commander, what are you doing tomorrow?” 

Xiao Jue looked at her, “Why?” 

“I plan to go to Yuhua Temple on Lianxue Mountain tomorrow to pray.” He Yan smiled, “It’s Mid-Autumn Festival, and I heard that the Buddha in Yuhua Temple is very spiritual. Many people go up the mountain to pray during this time. If you have nothing to do, you can join me. There’s no harm in worshiping the Buddha.” 

She always thought that the meeting with Xiao Jue that night changed her life. Although the ultimate fate led to a tragic ending, before that outcome, it gave her a bit more courage. This courage continued to this day and created a fate with Xiao Jue. Fate was long and profound, like a red silk hanging from an ancient tree. Even if it was discarded and trampled on, someone would still bend down to pick it up and hang it in a place untouched by wind and rain. 

How fortunate. 

“I have nothing to do tomorrow.” Xiao Jue smirked, “I can join you.” 

“Great!” He Yan said, “Then, tomorrow at the hour of Chen, I’ll wait for you at the gate of the Xiao residence.” 

As soon as the words fell, Xiao Jue chuckled, and He Yan wondered, “Why are you laughing?” 

“Miss He has forgotten that she is a woman again.” Xiao Jue spoke slowly, his gaze teasing. 

He Yan understood and coughed lightly, “Between you and me, there’s no need to be bound by worldly views.” 

“You go to sleep,” he chuckled softly, “Tomorrow at the hour of Chen, I’ll come to pick you up.” 

He Yan nodded. 

… 

In this joyful He family in the capital, with laughter and cheers, another He family was filled with a heavy atmosphere, and the mansion was permeated with an ominous tension. 

He Rufei smashed the cup in his hand against the wall with a loud “bang.”

The porcelain cup collided with the corner of the wall, and the peony pattern on the cup instantly shattered into pieces. The servants and maids in the house dared not breathe loudly, standing with their heads down. 

Outsiders often spread rumors about Flying Phoenix General being hearty and straightforward, unburdened by trivial matters. While this was true, occasionally within the house, He Rufei would reveal a sinister and violent side. Even the servants would sometimes be confused. Why would the confident and majestic general, like the sun shining brightly in front of outsiders, sometimes appear as gloomy as a venomous snake in the house, with a hint of resentment in his eyes and brows? 

“You can all leave.” He Yuansheng stepped into the room, using his shoe to push the broken pieces aside, and ordered the servants to leave. 

After the door was closed, He Yuansheng sat down in front of He Rufei. 

“Now there are rumors everywhere that you displayed exceptional military tactics and retreated a thousand miles in the Battle of Huayuan. You seem quite different from before.” He Yuansheng poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, “I suggest you temporarily avoid going to court for a while.” 

“Why would it come to this?” He Rufei sneered disdainfully. “Victory and defeat are common in military affairs. It’s just a minor military affair; it’s not a big deal.” 

“Indeed,” He Yuansheng looked at him, “then why have you been restless since you returned home last night? Is it because of that woman named He Yan?” 

He Rufei suddenly looked up at him. 

“She’s not He Yan,” He Yuansheng casually said, “I’ve already sent someone to inquire. She’s just the daughter of a city gate military official, and there was no connection between her and our family before. I don’t know what means she used to climb onto Xiao Jue and even obtain a title. Did you get scared into this state just because of a little incident in the palace? Don’t forget, you’re Flying Phoenix General.” 

Unintentionally, the words he chose could be interpreted as mocking by a discerning person. 

He Rufei’s gaze darkened for a moment and he said, “I know it’s just a show, but at this point, someone outside is spreading rumors that I am different from the past. Then this woman, He Yan, suddenly appeared. It’s so coincidental. She even disguises herself as a man, rises in rank, and father doesn’t find it too suspicious?” 

“What do you want to say?” 

“The identity of that woman He Yan reveals no issues. With her being just a woman, she probably wouldn’t dare to scheme against the He family. Moreover, at that time, everyone involved in the previous matter was silenced. Except for the Xu family… Xu Zhiheng is timid and wouldn’t voluntarily reveal anything. Father, that woman He Yan is engaged to Xiao Huaijin, and Xiao Huaijin defended her vigorously in the court last night.” 

“Are you saying that Xiao Huaijin planned this?” He Yuansheng furrowed his brows slightly. “The He family and the Xiao family had no grudges or enmity in the past. Why would he do this?” If possible, he would prefer not to be enemies with Xiao Huaijin. Even the powerful Xu Xiang couldn’t deal with Xiao Huaijin. Moreover, he was the Commander of the Xiao family, who could behead the son of an official with a single word. 

“When He Yan was studying at Xianchang Academy, she was classmates with Xiao Jue.” He Rufei’s eyes deepened, “Perhaps he had already discovered He Yan’s secret identity. Now that we have joined forces with Xu Xiang, Xiao Huaijin wants to deal with us since he and the Xu family are at odds.” 

“We’ve been cautious…” 

“Father,” before He Yuansheng could finish, He Rufei interrupted him, “there are no impenetrable walls in the world. Everywhere in the capital is filled with eyes and ears. The grudges between the Xiao family and the Xu family, now that we’ve been involved, we cannot escape unscathed.” 

He Yuansheng sighed softly. 

He preferred to act cautiously, ensuring that all benefits were collected and all risks were borne by others. Joining forces with Xu Jingfu undoubtedly had countless benefits, but at the same time, they had attracted the attention of Xiao Huaijin. This was truly a situation that made one’s mood unpleasant.

“We are already affiliated with Xu Xiang. Xiao Huaijin will not let us go. In that case,” He Rufei’s eyes were filled with killing intent, “we should strike first.” 

He Yuansheng frowned, “Dealing with Xiao Huaijin requires caution.” 

“Who said I want to deal with Xiao Huaijin?” 

“Are you implying…” 

“They found a woman to play tricks, didn’t they?” He Rufei slowly spoke, his eyes filled with endless malice. “Let’s start with that woman.” 

… 

Unexpectedly, the arrival of the Xiao family made He Sui start thinking about renovating the house. He hadn’t thought about changing to a new residence. The silver He Yan had before, part of the silver was given to He Yunsheng, another part was used to take care of Fuwang of the Xu family, and she kept a small amount for future use. Besides, although she was now a marquis, she had neither been granted a mansion nor fields. She was also penalized with a year’s salary, even though she held an official position. She was still a clean official who did not seek any privileges. 

She had initially wanted to go to the military camp outside the city to see Wang Ba and the others. If the Hong Shan group knew she was a woman, it could be imagined how shocked they would be. However, she felt that going there rashly without a suitable reason would not be a good idea. It would be better to wait for a few more days. 

For now, she decided to go to Yuhua Temple on Lianxue Mountain to pay her respects to Buddha. 

Early the next morning, He Yan got up and changed into a dark blue embroidered silk long dress. Fortunately, even though the He family wasn’t wealthy, He Sui was still willing to buy dresses for Miss He. However, in the past year, He Yan had grown taller, and although she was still slender, she was not as fragile as before. She looked much healthier. Qingmei picked up a bit of long hair and combed it behind her head. The rest was left loose. He Yan looked at herself in the mirror and was somewhat unaccustomed to it. Qingmei smiled joyfully, “Miss still looks beautiful like this. When you came back earlier, this servant almost didn’t recognize you.” 

He Yan thought, it’s true, I almost don’t recognize myself now. 

The few pieces of jewelry from before were all pawned at the pawnshop by He Yan. Now, if she wanted to find a hairpin, she couldn’t find one. After searching for a long time in the drawer, Qingmei found a wooden hairpin. It was probably carved by He Sui himself and was not worth much money. At that time, she didn’t bring it to pawn. 

“Miss, inserting this looks good. Commander Xiao would be delighted when he sees it.” Qingmei muttered. 

He Yunsheng and He Sui left early, but they were extremely confident in Xiao Jue. Knowing that He Yan was going to Lianxue Mountain with Xiao Jue, they didn’t ask any more questions. However, perhaps it wasn’t trust in Xiao Jue but trust in He Yan. After learning about He Yan beheading two Wutuo people’s heads in Liangzhou Garrison, the father and son’s gaze towards He Yan had changed significantly. 

“All right, all right,” He Yan touched her head, “casual is fine.” He Yan grabbed the wrapped package on the table and smiled, “I’m leaving now!” 

She didn’t ask Qingmei to follow along. After all, Qingmei walked too slowly. 

It was agreed to meet at Chen Shi. He Yan didn’t know when Xiao Jue would arrive, so she opened the front door first to see if anyone was outside. As soon as she opened it, she saw a carriage parked in front of her gate. Chiwu was driving the horse, and Xiao Jue was sitting in the carriage, reading a book with the curtain half open. 

He Yan was taken aback, walked over quickly, and asked him, “When did you arrive? Why didn’t you come in after arriving?” 

“Just arrived,” Xiao Jue put down the book in his hand, “I thought you hadn’t woken up yet, so I waited.”

He Yan skillfully climbed into the carriage, and Chiwu began the journey. He Yan sat down, rubbing her hands. “Have you had your breakfast?”

Xiao Jue glanced at her, said nothing, and took out a mahogany box from the small table in the carriage. As soon as he opened it, a fragrant aroma filled the air. It turned out to be hot and steaming pastries, along with a cup of sweet syrup.

“Did you know I hadn’t eaten yet?” He Yan was greatly moved. In the morning, she had to go up the mountain, and Qingmei had to comb her hair. She had already woken up early enough, and He Yan couldn’t bear to ask her to cook for her even earlier. She had planned to buy two steamed buns casually on the street before Xiao Jue arrived, but she didn’t expect Xiao Jue to be so thoughtful.

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “The temple’s vegetarian dishes are limited. I’m afraid it can’t satisfy your hunger.”

Seeing that he had prepared breakfast, He Yan didn’t mind his teasing about her being a glutton. He Yan chatted with Xiao Jue while eating. “Commander, I heard that Yuhua Temple on Lianxue Mountain is very spiritual. There was a man who was very poor before. His family was so poor that they couldn’t even afford to cook. One day, when he went up the mountain to chop firewood, it suddenly thundered and rained. He took shelter in Yuhua Temple. At that time, Yuhua Temple was just a dilapidated temple. This beggar looked at the Buddha and said, ‘Buddha, oh Buddha, please show me a way out. The old people in my family are starving to death.’ As a result, when he fell asleep in the temple, he had a dream. In the dream, the Buddha told him to go home and dig a hole next to the well in the courtyard.”

At this point, He Yan deliberately looked at Xiao Jue’s expression. Unfortunately, this person just looked at her with a smile that wasn’t a smile. He wasn’t eager to hear the rest of the story, nor was he urging her, as if he was just listening to an irrelevant anecdote.

He Yan almost doubted whether she didn’t express herself well. If Wang Ba were here, he would surely have asked anxiously: What happened next? What happened later?

However, the story had just begun, so naturally, she had to continue.

“After this person woke up, he still remembered what happened in the dream. When he returned home, he carried a hoe and dug a hole next to the well at night. As he dug, he dug out a bag of gold from the ground.”

“This poor man got gold and started a business with it. Later, it got better and better. He became a local tycoon. After having money, he went to Yuhua Temple again, gave a generous offering to the abbot of Yuhua Temple, and helped renovate the temple, turning the Buddha statue into a gold body. Later, Yuhua Temple became more and more spiritual. People said that the more offerings you make, the more your wishes will come true.”

After finishing the story, He Yan finished the last sip of sweet syrup. “How about it, Commander, do you think the legend is amazing?”

Xiao Jue remained noncommittal. “Miss He’s storytelling skills are not bad.”

He Yan: “…”

Indeed, she fabricated the story herself. She had heard it from someone but had forgotten who. Of course, it wasn’t Yuhua Temple; it was another temple. However, it was enough to scare people. Unexpectedly, Xiao Jue straightforwardly exposed it. He Yan almost doubted whether her ability to deceive people had truly regressed.

Seeing her disappointment, Xiao Jue said, “The abbot of Yuhua Temple is very familiar with my eldest brother.”

He Yan: “Ah?”

“So, your story is too false.”

He Yan fell silent.

It was indeed embarrassing to deceive people in front of those who knew them. However… she looked at Xiao Jue, “Okay, this temple is not Yuhua Temple, but the story is true. Commander, do you believe that sometimes things that happen in dreams may be true?”

Xiao Jue: “Dreams?”

“Have you ever thought that perhaps everything happening now, whether in Liangzhou or Jiyang, or Rundu, is just a dream? You wake up from the dream, and you become another person, and everything you had originally becomes nothing.” Her voice was clear and seemed to contain other profound meanings, causing Xiao Jue to involuntarily look at her.

After contemplating for a while, he said after a moment, “Even if it’s a dream, it doesn’t matter.”

He Yan looked at him.

“Waking up from the dream, you can start over from the beginning.”

He Yan was stunned for a moment and couldn’t help but smile.

True, if you wake up from the dream, starting over is just fine. Just like in her previous life when she met Xiao Jue, then she died. In her past life, she became a general and also made wedding clothes for others. Yet, upon waking up, starting anew, she still encountered Xiao Jue and became the warlike He Yan once again.

Things destined to be yours, even if temporarily lost, will return in another way.

Just like the moon and her sword.

…

The weather was clear and sunny today, with many worshippers.

At the entrance of Yuhua Temple, a carriage stopped, and a young woman helped an ailing lady down from the carriage. The lady was somewhat beautiful, but she appeared pale and frail. The woman beside her bore a resemblance to her, presumably her daughter.

“Mother, take it slow. Be careful of your steps,” He Xinying whispered.

Second Madam He nodded gently.

He Xinying sighed inwardly. When she left home for marriage, Second Madam He’s health was already not good. Now, it seemed to be deteriorating further. This morning, she went to the He family to pick up her mother, and as she supported her mother’s arm, she felt Second Madam He’s arm was so delicate that she could easily grip it—worryingly thin.

“Father, how did he take care of you? The doctors hired by the mansion, are they just idling around? Should I ask my husband to invite a royal physician from the palace to check on you, mother? How can I be at ease like this?” He Xinying was both distressed and dissatisfied.

Madam He gently shook her head. “I’m fine. There’s no need to trouble.”

He Xinying felt both distressed and helpless as she supported Second Madam He, slowly making their way inside. The He family generally didn’t favor going up the mountain to worship, and today, it was only the mother and daughter who had ventured up. The guards waited outside the temple, and He Xinying first took Second Madam He to meet the abbot, presenting the agreed-upon offering.

Originally, He Xinying didn’t have a genuine intention to come and worship the Buddha today. It was merely an excuse to meet her mother and, incidentally, discuss her discoveries at the Xu residence. However, seeing Second Madam He in such a weakened state, she found herself unable to utter any words.

Well, she decided not to burden her mother with these matters. As for the doubts about Xu Zhiheng, she would investigate them herself.

After all, there was plenty of time ahead, and there was no need to rush.

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