Rebirth of a Star General Chapter 257

Chapter 257: Please Recruit

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On the third day of the second month, Prince Guangshuo ascended the throne as the new emperor, adopting the “Qingyuan” reign title from the previous emperor. His posthumous name was “Zhaokang.”

After Emperor Zhaokang took the throne, he rejected the Wutuo’s peace proposal, thoroughly investigated and settled the remnants of Xu Xiang’s faction, posthumously honored Wei Xuanzhang, the master of Xianchang Academy, with the title “Wenzheng.” The truth about the Mingshui case was revealed to the world.

After Xu Jingfu holding power in the court for many years, colluding with the Crown Prince to oppress the people, and now with the Crown Prince fallen, those who followed the Crown Prince, including Xu’s faction, would not be spared.

The only exception might be Xu Jingfu’s proud disciple, the Fourth Son of the Chu family in the house of Shi Jinbo. Not long ago, Emperor Zhaokang approved Chu Zilan’s resignation. After leaving the Chu family, Chu Zilan disappeared from Shuojing City. Some say they saw him at the inn outside the city, but most likely, he had left Shuojing. As for where he was heading, no one knew. However, no one has seen the stunning maid by his side either.

In the courtyard, Qingmei was feeding the bones to Second Fur.

Watching the two of them enjoying themselves, He Yan felt a bit dazed.

“Do you also want to gnaw on that bone?” someone beside her asked with a slight teasing tone.

He Yan snapped out of her thoughts and saw Xiao Jue walking in from outside. He had gone out early this morning and had been summoned several times by the Fourth Prince… or, Emperor Zhaokang now.

He Yan understood the Fourth Prince’s intentions. Now that there were remnants of the Crown Prince’s faction in the court, Xiao Jue and Yan He, who were part of the resistance, were the ones Emperor Zhaokang had decided to rely on.

It should have been a good thing, but He Yan felt a bit uneasy.

“Do you have something on your mind?” Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow.

“After the emperor ascended the throne, things seemed to have settled down.” He Yan looked towards the sky. “But those Wutuo people should not be willing to let it go. You also know that during the transition of power, especially now when the court is divided, it’s the most dangerous time.”

Power transition, sitting on that position is still not stable, especially with various opinions in the court. It’s the easiest time for someone to take advantage of the situation. He Yan had dealt with those Wutuo people before, and in her opinion, they didn’t seem like the type to willingly back down.

“I know,” Xiao Jue said in a calm voice.

He Yan looked at him, “How did the emperor handle those Wutuo envoys?”

“Previously, the Crown Prince released those people, but now some of them have been captured. However, the news should have reached Wutuo.”

“Are you suggesting they will act soon?”

Xiao Jue smirked, “Exactly.”

He Yan sighed silently. Although she was a military general, she didn’t like wars. Wars meant bloodshed, sacrifices, and countless families torn apart. Especially at a time like this.

Moreover…

She looked at the man beside her, and the man’s gaze fell on the yellow dog playing in the yard, his lips slightly curled.

This was a rare moment of tranquility.

Well, she swallowed the words on her lips and, after a moment, reached out to hold Xiao Jue’s arm, speaking solemnly, “Xiao Jue, I want to eat braised pigeon tonight.”

“…”

…

The calm days always seemed exceptionally short.

Emperor Zhaokang had been on the throne for less than ten days when the Wutuo people launched a full-scale invasion of Great Wei, advancing north along the Xing River.

The war between the Wutuo people and Great Wei, planned for decades, finally broke out after much preparation.

Due to insufficient forces, Jiuchuan, Jijun, Yunzi, and Bingjiang were occupied by Wutuo forces within a short three days. After breaching the city gates, the Wutuo people massacred the cities, and according to those who managed to escape, bodies piled up along the riverbank, turning the river water bright red.

Emperor Zhaokang was furious and immediately ordered measures against the enemy. However, after years of focusing on culture over martial power, apart from General Fengyun and Flying Phoenix General, there were few available military leaders. Seeing that the military power of the Fuyue Army was now restored to the royal family, it was left to be commanded.

Emperor Zhaokang asked in the court who was willing to lead the troops to suppress the chaos. Except for General Gui De Zhonglang Yan He and the Right Army Commander Xiao Jue, no one stepped forward. To be more accurate, it’s not that there was no one; there were veteran generals willing to take up arms, but unfortunately, they were too old to return to the battlefield.

The consequences of the royal family’s indulgence in comfort for so many years were now revealed at this moment.

On the Jinluan hall, Emperor Zhaokang gazed at the civil and military officials below the steps, his face as calm as water. He sighed, “Gentlemen, you are incapable of protecting our great Great Wei’s rivers and mountains.”

However, amidst the quiet, someone stepped forward, their voice clear and resolute, “Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the Fuyue Army to resist the enemy in Jiuchuan.”

A woman dressed in red court attire stood in the hall, appearing exceptionally upright and valiant. She raised her head, looking towards the emperor on the high seat with clean and determined eyes.

This was the Wuan Marquis, He Yan, and also the wife of General Fengyun.

Emperor Zhaokang paused slightly.

In the struggle against the Crown Prince, the Xiao family had ultimately stood on his side. Xiao Jue was also very clever, not directly getting involved. Emperor Zhaokang intended to favor Xiao Jue, but he couldn’t give him too much power. After much consideration, he ended up promoting He Yan’s rank.

He Yan was, after all, a woman, and now she was just a marquis. Promoting He Yan’s rank served as both a reward for Xiao Jue and a measure to prevent the Xiao family’s influence from becoming too unsettling. Just as the current Empress Dowager once said, “Do not underestimate women.” Promoting He Yan’s rank, in a way, served as a check on Xiao Jue.

However, Emperor Zhaokang had not expected He Yan to step forward at this moment.

He instinctively looked at Xiao Jue, attempting to catch a trace of emotion on Xiao Jue’s face at this moment. Unfortunately, the renowned Right Army Commander of Great Wei, with a calm expression, showed no ripples.

Did he know about this matter early on? But if he knew, why didn’t he discuss it privately with Emperor Zhaokang earlier and waited until now to bring it up?

He Yan bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, I have clashed with the Wutuo people several times. I dare to ask Your Majesty to allow me to lead the troops to Jiuchuan.”

Before Emperor Zhaokang could speak, a civil official said, “Wuan Marquis, you are just a woman. How can you lead the troops against the enemy?”

“Sir, perhaps you have forgotten,” He Yan’s tone was neither humble nor overbearing, “the once world-renowned Flying Phoenix General was originally a woman.”

The official was left speechless by her words.

Indeed, that real Flying Phoenix General was a woman.

Emperor Zhaokang fell silent for a moment before saying, “This matter is of great importance. I cannot decide hastily. After careful consideration, I will make a resolution.”

He looked at Xiao Jue.

Up to this point, Emperor Zhaokang still couldn’t be sure if Xiao Jue knew about He Yan’s plan. If Xiao Jue supported He Yan’s decision, he would surely come to him privately. If Xiao Jue spoke first, Emperor Zhaokang would consider agreeing. If He Yan truly lacked the ability, the Right Army Commander of Great Wei, Xiao Jue, wouldn’t easily let his wife go to her death.

Of course, the most crucial point was, as the Empress Dowager had said, Great Wei had no one left. There were very few capable military leaders, and even if He Yan didn’t go, who else could?

He sighed inwardly, feeling the bright yellow dragon crown on his head was exceptionally heavy.

…

After the morning court session, He Yan walked out with Xiao Jue, and unexpectedly, Yan He caught up with them from behind.

He stopped He Yan, “Hey, are you really planning to lead the troops to Jiuchuan?”

“Why?” He Yan had something on her mind and replied absentmindedly as she looked at Xiao Jue’s figure ahead.

Following her gaze, Yan He looked ahead and, after some thought, asked, “Doesn’t Xiao Huaijin know about the morning court session today?”

He Yan remained silent.

“He Yan, you are quite formidable.” Yan He understood and exclaimed, looking at her in amazement. “No wonder Xiao Huaijin looks so angry. If you can make Xiao Huaijin so furious, it seems that even if you go to Jiuchuan, those Wutuo people won’t be your match.” He pretended to pat He Yan’s shoulder, raised his hand, but then thought of He Yan being a woman and retracted it. He looked at He Yan with schadenfreude and said, “Xiao Huaijin is so angry. Wuan Marquis, I wish you good luck.” With that, he swung his sleeves and walked away on his own.

Having been interrupted by Yan He, He Yan didn’t get angry. Regarding today’s matter, she didn’t discuss it with Xiao Jue and directly sought permission in the Jinluan Hall. She estimated that Xiao Jue was also angry. However, there were many considerations, and she really didn’t know how to approach Xiao Jue.

By this time, Xiao Jue had already walked towards the carriage outside the palace belonging to the Xiao family. He Yan hurried to catch up and entered the carriage with him. The carriage driver urged the horses, and on the way back to the Xiao residence, He Yan occasionally lifted her head to glance at the person beside her. Xiao Jue appeared calm, and the calmer he seemed, the more He Yan could sense his current anger.

He Yan remained silent, thinking about how to speak.

When the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Xiao residence, Xiao Jue got off the carriage by himself, walking inside without looking back. He Yan followed suit, jumping off the carriage. Perhaps the atmosphere in the carriage was too stagnant, and the kind carriage driver reminded He Yan, “Madam, the young master’s mood doesn’t seem good today. If you can, console him.”

He Yan smiled, “Certainly.”

As she followed Xiao Jue into the Xiao residence and returned to the courtyard, Qingmei was sunning quilts in the yard. Seeing He Yan, she happily exclaimed, “Madam—”

“Hush.” He Yan made a hushing gesture to her and followed Xiao Jue into the house.

As soon as they entered, she closed the door, and the first thing she faced was Xiao Jue’s slightly chilly eyes.

Without saying a word, He Yan approached him, encircling his waist, “You need to calm down first.”

Xiao Jue stood in the room, motionless, allowing her to embrace him. He coldly said, “Don’t use the same trick every time.”

Although it lacked novelty, it worked. He Yan secretly complained in her heart. She didn’t want to use this trick every time, but Second Young Master Xiao always fell for it so what could she do?

“I’ll explain.” He Yan held onto his waistband, speaking sincerely, “I did want to tell you, but every time I thought about it, I felt it would ruin the atmosphere. Later, it got delayed until today. Let me say it first; I definitely didn’t act without reporting. Even if I did, the one reported to was the emperor, not you. Today, I was afraid that if I didn’t say it, the emperor would appoint someone else to lead the troops, so I had to speak up. Xiao Jue,” she raised her head to look at him, “I really didn’t mean to.”

Xiao Jue avoided her gaze, his tone cold, “Miss He, you’re even using the same old trick to deceive people now?”

Even the words “Miss He” were said, showing that he was really angry. He Yan’s heart trembled, and she hurriedly said, “Xiao Jue, as a commander, how can you jump to conclusions? I truly didn’t lie to you.”

She did want to say it, but during these peaceful days, whenever she saw Xiao Jue’s rare moments of relaxation, she didn’t want to bring up these matters.

“Well, I did have some apprehensions.” Seeing Xiao Second Young Master’s attitude still icy, He Yan honestly admitted her selfishness, “I… I didn’t know how to talk to you.”

She released her hand that was clutching Xiao Jue’s waist belt, like a child who had made a mistake, looking down at her own toes, her tone hesitant, “With the chaos on the side of the Wutuo people, you are going to lead troops to Yunzi. Yunzi and Jiuchuan are not in the same direction. If I take the initiative to ask the emperor for permission to lead troops into battle, and if the emperor agrees, I will have to lead the troops to Jiuchuan alone.” 

“You must be very worried.” 

She glanced at Xiao Jue’s face affectionately, seeing Xiao Jue looking down at her, her eyes brightened, and she quickly turned her head away. He Yan had a sense of certainty, grabbing his hand, looking up at him, and speaking affectionately, “After marrying you, I realized that all the men in Shoujing City are not as considerate as you. The way you handle being a husband is unique. You must be worried about a delicate wife like me being alone outside. If I really lead troops to Jiuchuan, you’ll probably miss me and worry about me every day. You might even lock me in the house. As such a delicate daughter, I wouldn’t see the light of day…” 

She started to talk nonsense again, making Xiao Jue laugh out of frustration. He glanced at her and said, “Lock you in the house?” he scoffed. “There’s no delicate wife in the world that can break down the door with a punch like you.” 

“You’ve misunderstood me,” He Yan pointed to her chest. “Although I may look strong and powerful, my heart is fragile. For example, when you were angry just now, I felt really sad, like my heart was breaking.” 

She was shameless in her words now, leaving Xiao Jue speechless. After a while, he spoke blandly, “Do you think I would disagree if you want to lead troops to Jiuchuan?” 

He Yan didn’t say anything. 

He looked at the woman in front of him, slightly annoyed, but mixed with an imperceptible helplessness in his annoyance. Finally, he turned around and said, “If you had just told me directly, I wouldn’t have stopped you.” 

He Yan watched his back, the playful smile from before fading, and she whispered softly, “I thought if it were you, you would let me go to Yunzi with you…”

“Jiuchuan is adjacent to Moxian, and you are familiar with the terrain of Moxian. Naturally, you would prefer to lead the Fuyue army to Jiuchuan.” Xiao Jue’s voice remained calm. “In Yunzi, you may not fully leverage your strengths.”

He Yan was taken aback, and as he turned around, their gazes met.

Clear, open, and transparent like a mirror, reflecting all her thoughts.

He actually knew everything.

He Yan paused, then opened her arms again to embrace the person in front of her, murmuring, “How do you know everything…”

She did prefer to go to Jiuchuan. She had never been to Yunzi before. If she went to Yunzi with Xiao Jue, Emperor Zhaokang would undoubtedly appoint another general to go to Jiuchuan. Yet, no one knew Jiuchuan better than she did. It wasn’t about self-confidence; she knew better than anyone how to win battles in Jiuchuan.

Currently, there was no capable person in Great Wei. The only slightly eased battlefield was Bingjiang, while Jiuchuan, Jijun, and Yunzi were in the worst situation. Even though she was confident in herself, Xiao Jue, as her husband, might not want her to go to dangerous places alone.

Just like Madam Xiao used to prevent Xiao Zhongwu.

“I said,” Xiao Jue’s voice came from above, “do whatever you want, as long as you can do it.”

He Yan raised her gaze, asking, “Do you believe I can do it?”

He grunted softly, “General He can handle anything.”

He Yan looked at his awkward appearance and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

What seemed difficult to explain was now clarified in just a few words. He treated her with absolute tolerance, to the point where He Yan felt that some of her thoughts and concerns were ridiculous.

“However, the emperor might not directly give me military power.” He Yan’s smile only lasted a moment before she remembered another matter.

After all, in the eyes of outsiders, even her title of Wuan Marquis was obtained with a bit of Xiao Jue’s influence. Even if she hadn’t led troops alone in Jiyang or Rundu, if she were directly given military power, others might not accept it.

“I will go to the palace to see the emperor, and the military power of the Fuyue army should be handed over to you.” Xiao Jue said, “But how to make your subordinates believe, that’s up to you.”

“Is what you’re saying true?” He Yan suddenly became excited.

To make her subordinates believe, she had plenty of ways. If Xiao Jue could persuade Emperor Zhaokang, then this matter would be set in stone.

“The emperor did not directly respond to you today because he is waiting for my opinion.” He smirked, “He doesn’t trust you, but he trusts me. If I assure him, he will believe in your ability to lead troops.”

“At this critical moment, isn’t the emperor afraid that giving military power to both of us will create an excessive concentration of power in our hands, posing a threat to him?” He Yan playfully joked. At this juncture, whoever possessed military power would have an advantage. Although the crown prince was no longer present, there was temporarily no one in the royal family who could pose a threat to Emperor Zhaokang. Still, generals with outstanding achievements… throughout history, this has never been a joyful matter.

“Big Brother and Sister-in-law are still in the capital. Besides, Sister-in-law is already pregnant with the Xiao family’s blood. In a few years, the emperor shouldn’t suspect the Xiao family.”

Another stone in He Yan’s heart was lifted, but… she looked at the person in front of her and asked, “I have another question. Do you believe I can defeat those Wutuo people?”

Seemingly finding her question ridiculous, Xiao Jue couldn’t help but laugh. Not giving a direct answer, he turned his head lazily, saying, “In the world, who wouldn’t bow down to you?”

Although his words sounded teasing and mocking, there was a hint of pride in his tone, as if he was proud of her accomplishments.

He Yan was greatly encouraged by these words. She tiptoed and leaned close to Xiao Jue’s ear, whispering, “Mutual admiration, Commander Xiao.”

“I also believe that you will be swift and victorious, winning triumphantly.”

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