Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 218

Chapter 218: Providing Support

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When He Yan and Xiao Jue returned to the He family, surprisingly, He Sui and He Yunsheng were sitting peacefully in the house. He Yan was momentarily stunned, somewhat surprised that everything was so calm today. It was He Sui who, upon seeing Xiao Jue, stood up with a smile and said, “When we returned, Guard Chiwu said Commander Xiao took the little daughter out. Now that you’re back, I wonder if you’ve had dinner. Would you like to join us?”

He Yan said, “We’ve already eaten, no need.” She glanced at Chiwu standing nearby, who was acting as if nothing happened. He Yan thought, how nice, these two, master and servant, have colluded not only to deceive her but also to deceive her old father.

“Uncle can call me Huaijin,” Xiao Jue said.

He Yunsheng coughed uncontrollably.

He Sui, with a stern look, handed a pancake to He Yunsheng and said, “Eat well! There are guests at home, and spraying rice grains everywhere is too impolite!”

He Yan said, “It’s fine. Dad, Yunsheng, you guys eat. I have something to talk to Xiao Jue. Let’s go inside first.” After saying that, she pulled Xiao Jue and left.

Staying here any longer, she could sense even her own father was uncomfortable.

He Sui smiled affectionately, “Go ahead.”

After the two left, He Yunsheng sounding discontent. “Dad, is this really okay?”

“What?”

“He Yan took a man into the women’s quarters. What would people say if this got out? When that bastard Fan Cheng was around, He Yan couldn’t even take a second look at him without you getting angry. Why are you so lenient with Commander Xiao?”

He Sui scolded him, “Can Commander Xiao be compared to Fan Cheng?”

“Both are men; what’s the difference?”

He Sui looked at He Yunsheng, also puzzled. “You used to admire General Fengyun the most. Why does it seem awkward now?”

He Yunsheng slammed the chopsticks onto the table, furious. “General Fengyun hasn’t even gotten married, and he’s sneaking into a woman’s room!”

“Did he go on his own accord?” He Sui slapped his head, “Don’t you have eyes, your sister dragged him in?”

This statement couldn’t be refuted. He Yunsheng sulked for a while, cheeks puffed up. He gnashed his teeth and said, “Such an unreliable guy, blinded by lust!”

…

He Yan was unaware that her recent actions had caused a dispute between her old father and foolish brother. She dragged Xiao Jue into her room, closed the door, and lit an oil lamp with a match. “Alright, now we’re alone.”

Upon entering the room, Xiao Jue felt like he had almost been blinded.

The room was decorated fancily, completely different from He Yan’s demeanor. It was filled with rouge and makeup, sachets, and curtains. Someone unfamiliar might think a delicate young lady lived here. However, when he looked again, the female hero who had jumped onto the table and was pouring tea seemed out of place in this room.

He picked up a copper mirror on the table, engraved with flowers, and asked in confusion, “Do you like this?”

He Yan glanced at it, “How could I? These are all left by the original Miss He.” She returned to her senses, “Don’t think I like this. But if we dismantle everything and change it completely, it might arouse suspicion. Besides…” She sighed, “I’ve already taken someone else’s place, and I feel guilty. If I replace all these things or remove them, I’m afraid the real Miss He will come looking for me in the underworld.”

Xiao Jue frowned, “Nonsense.”

He Yan blinked, “Children speak without thinking. Don’t mind it.”

Xiao Jue calmly looked at her, “Not afraid of me now?”

“I was never afraid of you.” He Yan smiled, “Besides, you now know my secret.” She acted like a rogue, “Moreover, on the mountain just now, when we fought, I wasn’t worse than you. I even cut your sword into two pieces.”

Even though she had cheated.

This arrogant attitude, now, didn’t bother him. Xiao Jue smiled and thought of another matter, “What about your sword?”

He Yan’s smile faltered slightly.

Her sword referred to Qinglang sword, and rather than Xiao Jue asking about the sword, it seemed more like he was asking about her plans regarding the Xu family and He family.

“When I had my incident, it was a collusion between the Xu family and the He family. He Rufei was a fake Flying Phoenix General. I must expose this. He did something during the Huayuan battle, causing loyal subordinates in the Fuyue army to die unjustly. I have to settle this score with him.” He Yan’s eyes were cold, “I initially intended to have Qin Momo as a witness. In the Huayuan battle, there are still remnants of the defeated army; careful searching might reveal their whereabouts. Compared to He Rufei, Xu Zhiheng is more accessible. As long as someone proves that it was Xu Zhiheng plotting to harm ‘Madam Xu,’ when Xu Zhiheng is in danger, he will definitely implicate He Rufei. At that time, as long as we follow the clues, this matter can be resolved.”

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue, “What do you think?”

Since her rebirth, she had carried her own secret, not allowing anyone to discover it. Now, with an ally suddenly appearing, she felt a sense of relief. Even if Xiao Jue did nothing, just having someone accompany her would provide immeasurable strength.

“A strategy of sowing discord?”

He Yan’s eyes lit up.

A plotter causes enemies to suspect and distrust each other; a plotter of discord uses the enemy’s internal conflicts to further instigate them.

“How to proceed, though? Should we send someone to He Rufei’s side or to Xu Zhiheng’s side?” He Yan pondered.

“Both sides are fine,” Xiao Jue said.

“I don’t have so many people at my disposal.”

“I do.” Xiao Jue glanced at her. “I’ll help you.”

He Yan’s lips curled up again. Suddenly, she remembered something and complained, “But when you sent someone to check on Qin Momo earlier, why didn’t you tell me? I finally managed to bribe that little servant, Fuwang, who guards the Xu family’s gate. I spent quite a bit of silver on him. If I had known that you had already found out, I wouldn’t have wasted that money. Now, all that silver is gone…”

“He Yan,” Xiao Jue interrupted her, “Are you out of money?”

“Cough, cough,” He Yan coughed lightly, fist against her lips. “It’s not like I have nothing at all.”

In the next moment, a stack of silver appeared on the table.

He Yan stared at it wide-eyed, swallowed hard, and looked away with effort. “No merit, no reward.”

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “Really don’t want it?”

He Yan hurriedly grabbed it and stuffed it into her bosom, saying seriously, “Consider it a loan from you. I have my own salary now. I’ll pay you back when I receive it.”

“No need,” Xiao Jue sneered. “Keep it for yourself. If it’s not enough, come find me again.”

He Yan, who had lived two lifetimes, experienced the feeling of spending money like water for the first time. Although she wasn’t lacking money in her previous life, when she was still in the He family, aside from the necessary expenses, she didn’t taste the indulgence of a “prodigal son.” Later, when she achieved merit, the rewards from the Emperor were substantial, but most of it was handed over to the He family.

After entering the Xu family, she had to be a “virtuous wife,” and she couldn’t be extravagant. Moreover, after being blinded, the power was in the hands of He Wanru. She hadn’t even seen a trace of money. Now, she finally tried it, and the feeling was not bad.

“Xiao Jue, you are truly a great person,” He Yan flattered. “You are kinder than the Buddha in the Yuhua Temple.”

Xiao Jue chuckled, “Just because I gave you money, you think I’m a good person?”

“It’s not just that,” He Yan said, “Others always ask me for things. You are the only one who willingly gives me things.” She looked at Xiao Jue with her chin in her hand, “You’ve never asked me for anything.”

In her previous life, she had always been giving, whether it was actively or passively, be it emotionally or materially. Only this person had silently given without asking for anything.

Xiao Jue looked at her with lowered eyes. After a while, he suddenly spoke, “It feels unfair?”

He Yan straightened up, “What?”

“Eating a lot of bitterness, giving up the hard-won glory to others, willingly returning to a state of having nothing. Doesn’t that feel unfair?” he asked.

He Yan was stunned for a moment, silent for a while. She said, “It felt that way before, but not anymore. I have Old Dad He, Yunsheng, Qingmei, Xiao Mai, Shitou, Wang Ba, the others, and you… it’s much better than the previous life.”

“Really, Xiao Jue,” she said seriously, “I don’t feel unfairly treated.”

Xiao Jue stared at her for a moment, then turned his head and said, “Fool.”

He Yan didn’t mind, “Then, aren’t you also being played by a fool? When we were in Liangzhou, I knew who you were early on. Second Young Master Xiao, Commander Xiao, secretly teaching me swordsmanship during our school days, doing good deeds without leaving your name, who would believe that? People would think Second Young Master Xiao has other motives for me.”

“And the mole on your waist… tsk, tsk.”

Xiao Jue’s face stiffened slightly.

“Rebelling, is it?” he asked.

“Just the truth,” He Yan shrugged.

Xiao Jue stood up, ready to leave.

“Oh, angry?” He Yan quickly grabbed his sleeve to stop him, apologizing with a teasing tone, “My bad, shouldn’t have teased you. Commander Xiao, don’t be angry. I apologize to you. How can I make it up to you?”

Xiao Jue paused in his steps, then suddenly turned around. He Yan was sitting at the table, caught off guard by his sudden turn. The two were very close; he leaned in, bending over towards He Yan. Smirking, he said, “Really?”

He Yan stared at him, nodded subconsciously.

He moved closer, lips slightly curved, “Alright.”

“W-what?”

“Let’s get… married as soon as possible.”

He Yan was stunned.

With the handsome face of the young man right in front of her, his eyes seemed to want to suck people in, he leaned in a bit more, smiling faintly, “He Rufei has already started to suspect your identity. It’s too dangerous for you alone.”

“I want to protect you.”

…

After Xiao Jue left, He Yan sat at the table for almost fifteen minutes, thinking about what he had said before leaving.

He Yunsheng came in with a frowning expression and asked, “He Yan, did you find money or get a treasure? Why is your smile so creepy?”

He Yan turned around, rubbed her face, and asked in confusion, “Did I smile?”

He Yunsheng sighed, sat down at the table, and said, “No wonder Dad looks at General Fengyun like he’s looking at a fat sheep. With your talent, if he can fancy you, either his eyes have a problem, or his brain does.”

He Yan plucked a leaf and threw it at him, saying, “Do you have to say it like that, little brother?”

“Do you look like an older sister?” He Yunsheng sneered. “You brought him into the room. Dad and I are both men. Huh, why don’t you pay a little attention?”

“Why are you more old-fashioned than Dad?” He Yan asked in confusion. “So young, but acting like an old man. I brought him in because we have official business to discuss. Where did your mind wander off to?”

“I’m not going to manage you, I came here to discuss the dowry with you,” He Yunsheng said impatiently.

“What?” He Yan exclaimed.

The young man’s face revealed genuine distress. “Now that the emperor has granted the marriage, it’s not an option to refuse. The Xiao family is wealthy, and our family can barely support ourselves. I’m still in school, unable to earn money as before. Even though you’ve become an official, you were penalized for a year’s salary. Now, only Dad is earning a wage for the family. The money you gave me originally was saved for your future plans. Who would have thought you found such a family? That amount might not be enough, so… what I mean is…”

“What do you mean?”

“Postpone the wedding date. Let me start earning money in the future. When I have enough for your dowry, then you can marry into the Xiao family.”

He Yan: “…”

Her naive little brother was indeed a genius to come up with such a solution. Fortunately, Xiao Jue wasn’t here at the moment. If he had heard this after just suggesting an early marriage, and He Yunsheng thwarting his plans, it would have led to conflicts.

“It’s just money, right?” He Yan said, “I can go to Le Tong Manor again if necessary.”

“You dare!” He Yunsheng exclaimed, “In the past, fine, but now you’re a person with a reputation. How can you still act recklessly? If Commander Xiao knew about this, what would he think of you?”

He Yan: “…”

Well, He Yan thought, Xiao Jue has seen her true identity, and how else could he look at her? Let him think whatever he wants. Children have limited understanding. She also knew that this young man had always been like this and said, “Alright, if we won’t go, then we won’t. Is it not just money?” She took out a stack of silver bills from her pocket, the ones Xiao Jue had given her earlier. “I have plenty here.”

He Yunsheng was stunned for a moment. “Where did you get these silver bills?”

“Borrowed them from Xiao Jue,” He Yan said matter-of-factly, “If it’s not enough, I’ll ask him for more.”

“Are you crazy?” He Yunsheng scolded, “You borrowed money from him to raise your own dowry? Does this make any sense?”

“Not really, but there’s no need to be so surprised,” He Yan smiled at him, “Actually, preparing a dowry is not a big deal. You have to understand that in this world, things that can be solved with money are not significant matters.”

In reality, Xiao Jue didn’t care about her secret of having already died once, or whether she was “Flying Phoenix General.” Either way, both were less shocking than using dowry. But since Xiao Jue didn’t care, the issue of money was not something to worry about.

“I know you’re well-informed,” He Yunsheng patiently comforted her, “but in Shuojing City, if a woman gets married without a dowry, she’ll be subject to cold stares and gossip in her in-laws’ home. You…”

“But other women in Shuojing, after marriage, depend on their husbands,” He Yan said, “I have my official salary.”

“But you’re currently being penalized…”

“I have my official salary.”

“Our family background is not high…”

“I have my official salary.”

He Yunsheng was frustrated by He Yan’s repeated response, and finally said, “Fine, you have your official salary. In the end, you just don’t want to postpone the wedding, right? You are so infatuated with General Fengyun.”

“Didn’t you say that yourself?” He Yan looked at him askew, “If you were a woman, you would only admire him.”

He Yunsheng coughed and, shaking his sleeves, stood up. “Forget it. I can see that you are already infatuated, and you won’t listen to anything. Whatever, my father and I will think of a solution for the dowry. You take care of yourself!”

He Yunsheng left.

He Yan sighed in relief.

She laid back on the bed, thinking about what Xiao Jue had said. About marriage, in her previous life, she had hoped and anticipated marrying another person, but the outcome was regrettable. However, this time, when she heard it from Xiao Jue, she surprisingly didn’t feel much resistance or disgust. It seemed that even if it were her, she could still have expectations.

However, it was not just that.

Xiao Jue was right; the situation in Shuojing was not stable. Dealing with the He family and Xu family with her current identity as the Wuan Marquis had many constraints. On Xiao Jue’s side, Xu Jingfu and the Crown Prince were watching closely, and the Wutuo people would arrive in the capital soon. The power struggle between the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince was not over. The whole situation in Great Wei was becoming turbulent, and no one knew how it would end.

As Xiao Jue had said, she also wanted to protect him.

…

Xiao Jue returned to his residence.

He returned late, and Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei had already gone to rest.

In these years, he spent little time in Shuojing. Even when he returned every year, he would leave early and return late. His brother and sister-in-law had long been accustomed to it. However, the kitchen often prepared hot meals for him, so he wouldn’t return home hungry at night.

The courtyard’s snow had been swept away. He walked into the house, placed Drinking Autumn on the table, and took off his outer garment.

Fei Nu followed him.

“Go to the Xu family tomorrow,” Xiao Jue said.

Fei Nu was surprised. “Young Master, isn’t Luan Ying watching the Xu family?”

“I’m not asking you to investigate.” Xiao Jue said, “Go find the gatekeeper at the Xu family called Fuwang, give him some money, and make a deal with him.”

Fei Nu was puzzled for a moment, nodded, and accepted the order.

Xiao Jue whispered a few words to him, and Fei Nu’s face showed a trace of astonishment. Although he didn’t understand why Xiao Jue wanted to do this, he didn’t ask any questions. After agreeing, he left the room.

Xiao Jue sighed softly, his gaze falling on the Drinking Autumn sword hanging on the wall.

He Yan’s identity destined that her revenge could only proceed with caution and secrecy. However, even if the He family and Xu family lived one more day in the world, it would still make people unhappy.

There were some things He Yan couldn’t do, but he could do without any reservations. There were some means that He Yan was reluctant to use, but he didn’t mind.

Xiao Jue stood up, walked to the Drinking Autumn sword, and ran his hand over the scabbard. The scabbard was as cold as snow. The young man lowered his head in contemplation.

The most precious things for a fierce general on the battlefield were nothing more than the warhorse beneath him and the sword in his hand.

Losing the sword was like a beast losing its sharp teeth and fangs. The past life of this fool was a continuous process of loss, to the point that now, he wanted to take back everything that belonged to her for her.

Even more.

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