Chapter 238: Sovereign and Subject
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Yan He left, and as the sky gradually darkened, Lin Shuanghe also had to leave. Before leaving, he instructed Xiao Jue, “Remember to feed the medicine to Miss He. After taking the medicine, she should wake up soon. I’ll come by again tomorrow. Xiao Jue, don’t worry too much.”
After seeing Lin Shuanghe off, although He Sui and He Yunsheng were worried about He Yan, Xiao Jue was guarding by her side, and they couldn’t intrude. He Sui dragged He Yunsheng away.
The medicine in the bowl gradually cooled. Xiao Jue helped He Yan up, scooped up a spoonful of medicine, and carefully fed it to her. The medicine flowed from the corner of He Yan’s mouth, and he quickly put down the medicine bowl, wiping away the traces of medicine on He Yan’s lips with a handkerchief, his brows furrowed slightly.
He Yan’s face remained pale. She had always been carefree, always smiling and joking even if she was seriously injured. Now, for the first time, he saw her in discomfort even in her dreams.
Xiao Jue reached out, gently stroking He Yan’s hair, and turned to look at the medicine on the table that was about to cool down. After hesitating for a moment, he finally made up his mind. He picked up the medicine bowl again, took a sip, and lowered his head.
The girl lying on the bed kept her eyes tightly closed, and her soft eyelashes hung down, revealing a hint of vulnerability that was not present before. The young man’s gaze focused on her, and his body stiffened. After struggling for a moment, he finally slowly bent down, lowering his head to cover her lips.
The medicine had cooled down and was pleasantly warm. After finishing the bowl, his ears were already red. He let out a sigh of relief, then sat up straight, covering He Yan with her blanket.
Regarding the matter of propriety, Xiao Jue never considered it. In the past, his actions were based on his own preferences, and only when it came to this girl did he have numerous concerns, fearing that he might arouse her resistance.
Xiao Jue took the empty medicine bowl out. As soon as he stepped out, he saw a young man squatting under the eaves on the opposite side of the courtyard, casually drawing on the snowy ground with a branch.
It was He Yunsheng.
Seeing Xiao Jue coming out, He Yunsheng’s eyes lit up. After Xiao Jue put the empty bowl in the kitchen and returned, He Yunsheng had already arrived at He Yan’s door, looking at Xiao Jue with a hesitant expression.
Xiao Jue closed He Yan’s door carefully to prevent the wind from blowing in, and then looked at He Yunsheng. “Do you have something to say to me?”
He Yunsheng swallowed his saliva.
He used to admire and respect Xiao Jue. Perhaps all the young men in Shuojing City were like him. When did things change? It was probably from the day He Yan was on the Chunlai River, taking the blame for him, diverting the pursuers alone. He Yunsheng suddenly realized that just admiring and idolizing others was useless. Only by becoming strong himself could he protect He Yan, protect He Sui, and protect the people he wanted to protect. Instead of focusing on distant figures, it was better to spend more effort on improving himself.
Later, He Yan came back and became Marquis Wuan, bringing back a fiancé.
This fiancé happened to be Xiao Jue.
He Yunsheng actually harbored no hostility towards Xiao Jue. The apparent resistance he displayed was merely due to worrying about He Yan. He Yan had once almost lost her life for Fan Cheng. How could one be certain that Xiao Jue wasn’t another Fan Cheng? No one could make it clear.
However, today, he also saw He Yan faint, and Xiao Jue stayed by He Yan’s bedside, wiping her hands, cooling the medicine, never leaving for a moment. He thought that Xiao Jue should like his sister, and this affection was deeper than what He Sui and He Yunsheng had imagined.
“Commander Xiao,” the young man spoke hesitantly, a bit determined, “Will you always treat He Yan like this?”
Xiao Jue looked at him somewhat unexpectedly, remained silent for a moment, and then answered, “Yes.”
“My sister… is different from other girls.” He Yunsheng thought for a moment before slowly speaking, “No one can stop her from doing what she wants, and no one can force her to do what she doesn’t want.”
“But she is a good person, and you must not hurt her.” He Yunsheng said, “If you hurt her, I…” The young man’s voice became deep, “Even if I have to pay any price, I will demand an explanation for her.”
Xiao Jue looked at him, smiled after a while, and said, “Okay.” After a pause, he added, “But you probably won’t have that chance.”
He Yunsheng also smiled along, “This is a conversation between two men. After He Yan wakes up, don’t tell her about this.”
Xiao Jue lowered his gaze to the accumulated snow on the ground. The snow in the courtyard hadn’t been cleared yet, forming a thin layer. He asked He Yunsheng, “Do you care a lot about He Yan?”
The young man instinctively wanted to refute, but when the words reached his lips, he sighed, “She is my sister.”
She was his sister. Although she had always bullied him, scolded him, grabbed the pastries he liked, and loved to complain to He Sui, she also stood in front of him silently, protecting him.
In this world, besides He Sui, they were the closest people to him. How could he not care?
“That’s good,” the young man said in a low voice, “In the future, continue to care for her like this.”
“I will always care for her.” He Yunsheng said, unable to help but glance at the young man standing beside him again. For some reason, the previous worries suddenly dissipated a lot.
Xiao Jue… was different from Fan Cheng.
…
He Yan had a long dream.
In the dream, she still looked like a child, wearing a mask. At that time, she hadn’t gone to Xianchang Academy to study and was still a poor thing who could only stay in the mansion, sneaking out every day through the dog hole. One morning, when she came back from Donghuang Mountain to fetch water for the monks, she accidentally ran into the servant who was pouring night incense early in the mansion when she crawled back through the dog hole. Frightened, she turned and ran, accidentally bumping into someone.
The person’s skirt was very fragrant, like the flowers in spring, so fragrant that it made people nostalgic. Her voice was soft, with a hint of laughter.
A pair of hands lifted her from the ground.
The lady’s eyes bore some resemblance to He Yan, and her gaze was gentle as she pulled He Yan slightly to her side, covering her figure. After the servants left, she gently patted He Yan’s hand and whispered, “It’s okay, be careful.”
He Yan, wearing a mask, couldn’t be seen clearly by the other party. But she thought, at that time, the face beneath the mask must have appeared innocent, filled with a desire to be close.
The lady turned and left, He Yan followed behind, wanting to call her mother, but for some reason, even though the distance was close, she couldn’t catch up. She watched the lady get farther and farther away until she disappeared from her sight. She fell to the ground in embarrassment, feeling both sad and wronged, unable to hold back a loud cry.
“He Yan?” It seemed like someone was calling her name.
He Yan opened her eyes to meet the concerned gaze of Xiao Jue. She felt her face was cool and subconsciously touched it, only to find it wet with tears.
In an instant, she understood everything.
The events on Tianxing Terrace replayed in her mind, and with closed eyes, the inevitable pain surged, overwhelming her.
“My mother…” She had just uttered a word when tears rolled down.
He Yan originally thought that between her and Second Madam He, despite the mother-daughter title, there was no real mother-daughter bond. During those years when she longed for maternal care, Second Madam He was perpetually absent. There was no resentment, but there was some hidden blame. Even after her rebirth, she didn’t know how to face Second Madam He with a new attitude. Now, she would never have that chance again.
“The Emperor has granted permission to bury Second Madam He,” Xiao Jue whispered, “He Yan…” He couldn’t find words to comfort the girl before him. “Don’t hold back, cry if you want to.”
Cuiluo had been here and revealed the truth. Second Madam He had prepared for today early on. She hadn’t been poisoned by He Rufei, as the poison was hidden by herself. With her frail body, Second Madam He wouldn’t have lived much longer anyway. She asked Cuiluo for the token that could go to Tianxing Terrace and took advantage of the He family’s inattention to climb out through the dog hole that He Yan had dug earlier. She hurried to Tianxing Terrace to use her own life as the final piece of evidence for He Yan.
The so-called deal with Xiao Jue was her last life-saving talisman hidden by He Xinying and the escape route she arranged for He Yan.
Xiao Jue had always disdained the manipulative methods of stirring up emotions in the back courtyard, but Second Madam He’s methods were never very clever. She wanted to create an illusion of favoring He Xinying over He Yan but couldn’t resist caring for He Yan. In the end, she sacrificed her life to clear He Yan’s unjust accusation from her past life. A mother wouldn’t go to such lengths if she didn’t genuinely care for her daughter.
However, if this was her final wish, he was willing to cooperate and let her achieve a small satisfaction with her scheme.
Second Madam He had lived a life beyond her control, with very few moments to decide her own fate. She couldn’t decide her birth, but she could decide her death. With her death, she paved a way for a future for her two daughters, even if she couldn’t see it.
He Yan choked out, “Xiao Jue, I have no mother anymore… I won’t have a mother in the future.”
The term “mother,” although not frequent in her life, represented a glimmer of hope whenever it appeared. But with Second Madam He gone, she would never have that chance again. The fantasy of a mother-daughter relationship would forever remain just that—a fantasy, with no chance of realization.
The heavens were cruel, not even granting her this opportunity. She deeply regretted not talking more with Second Madam He the last time they were at Yuhua Temple.
Xiao Jue gazed down at her, feeling uneasy. He certainly understood the pain He Yan was going through at this moment, as he had experienced it himself.
If it were physical pain, he could endure it on behalf of He Yan. However, the grief of losing a loved one was something no one could bear for another.
“What did she say to you in the end?” He Yan asked.
At that moment, Xiao Jue was the only one by Second Madam He’s side, and no one else heard their conversation. He Yan didn’t know what Second Madam He said in her final moments, but did she leave a message for her?
“She said,” Xiao Jue paused and slowly spoke, “‘By the side of the lotus pond, there is a swan. It cannot be brought along in the bright ocean…'”
“She loved you and hoped you would live well.”
The room was filled with He Yan’s suppressed sobbing.
After some time, the room fell silent again. He Yan wiped away her tears, and her voice strained but calmer, she asked, “Xiao Jue, when the Emperor investigated the He family, what about my sister, He Xinying?”
“She has nothing to do with this matter. If…”
“I will explain the situation to the Emperor. Don’t worry.” Xiao Jue fell silent for a moment, then reached out to embrace her, whispering, “He Yan, I will be with you all the way.”
….
In the palace.
In the hall of Noble Consort Lan, the Fourth Prince was staring blankly at the burning candles.
“You came to me just to daydream?” Noble Consort Lan’s words brought Guangshuo’s thoughts back.
Guangshuo regained his composure and said, “Mother, I was just thinking about what happened on Tianxing Terrace today.”
Today’s events had shocked the entire court, sending ripples through the entire Great Wei.
“Who would have thought that Flying Phoenix General is a woman? It’s unbelievable,” Guangshuo spoke with disbelief, “So, women can fight on the battlefield and become generals.”
“Don’t underestimate women, my son,” Noble Consort Lan laughed as she picked up the teacup in front of her, her voice gentle, “Men fight on the battlefield, and women fight in the inner courtyard. Neither is easier than the other. Women in the world can do what men can do. It’s just that few are willing to stand out. Remember, if you underestimate women, you’ll suffer in the future.”
Guangshuo respectfully said, “Your son remembers.” After a pause, he sighed, “But Flying Phoenix General, Second Miss He, was eventually conspired against and killed by her own family. The He family is truly ruthless, willing to harm even their own daughter.”
Noble Consort Lan smiled without expressing any opinion, “It’s not that it didn’t come, but the time hasn’t arrived yet. The seeds sown by the He family are now bearing bitter fruit.”
“Indeed,” Guangshuo nodded, “With the current situation of the Emperor investigating the He and Xu families, the evidence is conclusive. The He family can’t turn things around. It can be considered a bit of comfort for the true General He beneath the Nine Springs.”
Noble Consort Lan looked at him and smiled without speaking.
“Royal Mother, what do you think your son should do in this situation?”
“What about Minister Xu’s matter?” Noble Consort Lan asked.
Guangshuo was taken aback.
“Now, Xiao Huaijin and Minister Xu have completely torn apart. Since Xiao Huaijin sent Minister Xu to prison, he won’t let go of this opportunity. I believe he still has other evidence in his hands.”
“Your son also thinks the same,” Guangshuo replied, “But…”
“But what?”
“The Emperor might not be harsh on Minister Xu.”
“Your Emperor is sentimental,” Noble Consort Lan looked into the distance, “When the Emperor ascended the throne, it was Minister Xu who assisted him in securing that position. Naturally, there is a bond between them that others do not have. However, your Emperor is getting old.”
Guangshuo looked at the woman before him.
“An aging emperor will plan for the future. Even if your Royal Father is unreasonable, he wouldn’t want the Great Wei’s prosperity to crumble in his hands. Whether for the Crown Prince or the future heir, the Emperor will certainly punish Minister Xu. Guangshuo, if you want to contend, contend with Xiao Huaijin.”
“The art of dealing with people is like the strategy of warfare; attacking the heart is paramount. Xiao Huaijin is fighting to clear his father’s name. If you add to his success at this time, it’s like giving charcoal in the snow.”
Guangshuo remained silent for a while and said, “Royal Mother, your son understands.”
“You are as benevolent as your father,” Noble Consort Lan looked at him gently. “I know you dislike the intrigues of power, but Guangshuo, if you want to be an emperor, you must learn to govern your ministers. It’s not a bad thing. Born in the imperial palace and desiring to choose your own destiny, you must do so. There is no such thing as having the best of both worlds. Look at your father; he lived freely for a lifetime and now he’s also bound.”
Guangshuo remained silent.
The candle wax overflowed onto the desk, resembling red tears. The great hall was quiet, and only the woman’s sleeves emitted a fragrant scent, creating an atmosphere of emptiness and coldness.
…
Xiao Jue entered the palace in the middle of the night.
When the eunuch announced his entry into the imperial study, Emperor Wenxuan had not retired yet. The desk was covered with memorials and documents scattered haphazardly; he had no intention of reading them.
He wasn’t a diligent monarch. Perhaps in the first two years of his reign, he attempted to be so, but later on, he gave up. There were emperors who energetically governed, and there were kings who were mediocre and inactive. Emperor Wenxuan thought it was fine to live an ordinary life. His only wish was to live a quiet life until the time came to pass the throne to his son. That would be enough.
He had indeed lived this way for most of his life, and sometimes, Emperor Wenxuan found it quite beautiful. He wasn’t like his father, who was constantly busy, nor like the emperors before him who personally led campaigns. He lived more relaxedly and longer than any of them.
Great Wei had also been doing well. As long as one was good at utilizing talent, with military commanders defending the country and civil officials managing court affairs, it was a time of peace and prosperity. Until today, he believed the truth he thought had been completely overturned. Emperor Wenxuan sat here and suddenly realized that these years he had truly not been a good emperor.
He never had a talent for ruling. If he hadn’t been born into the imperial family, he would have preferred to be a leisurely prince, an ordinary official’s son, or even the son of a wealthy merchant. He had no grand ambitions, no remarkable talents—just writing poems, painting pictures, and enjoying the pleasures of life. Rather than being in his current position, where every action involved the lives and deaths of millions, where doing poorly would result in criticism and doing well would be considered the least he should do.
A monarch yearning for freedom is a taboo in the imperial family. He hid his thoughts deep down, but it turned out that everyone could see through them.
Xiao Jue came in.
Emperor Wenxuan looked at the young man before him.
He still remembered when Xiao Zhongwu brought Xiao Jue before him for the first time. Xiao Jue was still just a young boy, exceptionally handsome, outshining even the royal princes. He had a proud demeanor, mixed with a bit of careless indifference, completely different from his polite and gentle elder brother. At that time, Emperor Wenxuan had thought, Xiao Zhongwu, a military man, unexpectedly had two outstanding sons, making others envious.
Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, Xiao Jue had grown this much. The youthful innocence had completely faded away. Looking into his eyes, they were calm, respectful, and carried a touch of coolness.
Suddenly, he thought of Xiao Zhongwu.
“Now that I think about it, you and your father actually share some resemblance,” Emperor Wenxuan said.
He had always thought that Xiao Jue resembled Madam Xiao, bright-eyed and beautiful. But in reality, Xiao Jue’s sharpness and composure came from his father.
“Your Majesty, do you still remember this humble subject’s father?” Xiao Jue calmly spoke.
Emperor Wenxuan was taken aback.
He thought that after so long, his memory might be somewhat blurred, but when he recalled it, Xiao Zhongwu’s appearance was surprisingly vivid. That tall man always wore golden armor and carried a sword. Unlike the scholarly officials in the court, he seemed like the northwest wind—cold, unrestrained, and with a refreshing openness that made everyone who longed for freedom envy him.
Emperor Wenxuan envied him as well.
But in the end, Xiao Zhongwu died, and the Xiao family almost collapsed. If it weren’t for the young man in front of him leading three thousand soldiers to Guocheng, perhaps the present Great Wei would no longer have the Xiao family.
He looked at Xiao Jue. “Did you, at the beginning, harbor resentment towards Zhen?”
“This humble subject wouldn’t dare.”
Emperor Wenxuan chuckled softly. “Wouldn’t dare means you have. Under the heavens, only this person in front of him had the courage to say such things to his face. However, he didn’t feel angry. Perhaps because for many years, no one had dared to speak the truth in front of him.
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Jue said, “this humble subject earnestly implores Your Majesty to spare the wife of the Hanlin scholar, Xu Zhiheng, Lady He Xinying.”
“He Xinying?”
“At first, the real Flying Phoenix General, Second Miss He of the He family, were blood sisters. After Second Miss He was conspired and drowned in the pond, the He family married Second Miss He’s younger sister, He Xinying, to Xu Zhiheng as his concubine. I have inquired, and Madam Xu is completely unaware of the exchange of identities between Flying Phoenix General and He Rufei.”
“Your benevolence, please, for the sake of the deceased Flying Phoenix General, be lenient to He Xinying and spare her life.”
“Flying Phoenix General…” Emperor Wenxuan muttered.
All that happened today at Tianxing Terrace was because of Flying Phoenix General. However, he had not anticipated that the Flying Phoenix General he personally honored back then turned out to be a woman.
When He Rufei removed her mask, revealing a handsome face, Emperor Wenxuan had doubted his claim of having a birthmark on his face and being ugly. Now, it seemed that the He family had already started a deception from that moment.
If Second Miss He were still alive, Emperor Wenxuan might have punished her for her participation in deceiving the emperor. However, Second Miss He died in such a tragic manner. When someone passed away, all the negative aspects about them were forgotten. People tended to be forgiving when looking at a deceased person, thinking of her in a positive light.
“Enough, spare her life,” Emperor Wenxuan sighed. “After all, Flying Phoenix General once truly fought bravely for Great Wei and pacified the rebellion in the Western Qiang region.”
“On behalf of Flying Phoenix General, I thank Your Majesty for your mercy.”
Emperor Wenxuan looked at Xiao Jue and chuckled. “I heard that you and Flying Phoenix General were once classmates. Seeing you intercede for her like this, it seems you are also someone who values old friendships. If Flying Phoenix General knows about it from below, she should be gratified.”
Xiao Jue remained silent. Emperor Wenxuan waved his hand. “You may leave.”
As the young man bowed and turned to leave, Emperor Wenxuan called him back.
In a tired tone, typical of a monarch who had reigned for many years, he asked, “For so many years, I treated Xu Xiang kindly. Why did he still harbor rebellious intentions?”
The eunuch kept his head lowered, not daring to speak.
After a while, the young man spoke lightly, “Excessive favor can breed arrogance, and too much kindness can turn into resentment. Perhaps, Your Majesty, you have been too generous to him.”
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