“I truly didn’t know that the Right Military Commander had the leisure to come to Jiyang and go to such lengths as to impersonate someone else just to visit me.”
He Yan thought, had they been found out? Judging by her tone, it didn’t seem like a recent discovery.
Looking at Xiao Jue, he didn’t show the slightest surprise at her words. He lazily smiled and said, “Your Highness, is this how you treat the savior of the little highness, to criticize us?”
“They are guilty,” Mu Hongjin replied coldly. “But you are not innocent, your purpose for coming to Jiyang couldn’t possibly be just to see how well I’m doing.”
“It seems you’re doing quite well, Your Highness,” Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, “but as for the other people in Jiyang City, that’s less certain.”
Mu Hongjin sat on the high seat, her gaze fixed on Xiao Jue for a moment. Suddenly, she smiled, and with that smile, the earlier icy and unapproachable demeanor melted away somewhat. She reclined on the soft cushion and gestured towards the guest chairs on the side. “Please, sit down. Don’t think that I would disrespect guests who have traveled from afar.”
He Yan expressed her gratitude and sat down with Xiao Jue in the side seats.
This was Princess Mengji, Mu Hongjin, and as He Yan observed her, she couldn’t help but feel that she was somewhat different from what she had imagined. Before coming to Jiyang, she had pictured Princess Mengji as being older, benevolent, dignified, and stately. She had even guessed that she might be an acquaintance of Liu Buwang and assumed she was a straightforward and righteous person. However, in reality, Mu Hongjin was a woman of such beauty and strength, with a dominating and unrestrained presence.
“Your Highness…” He Yan hesitated for a moment before asking, “When did you discover our presence?”
“Do you think Jiyang City is so easy to enter, or that I am a mere decoration who can’t even discern this?” Mu Hongjin ran her fingers over a transparent ruby ring and continued, “From the moment you entered the city on the first day, I was aware of your presence. Just because that fool Cui Yuezhi couldn’t see through it doesn’t mean everyone is as foolish as he is. I originally waited to see what you intended to do, but since you saved Xiao Lou, I can’t be bothered to beat around the bush with you.”
She looked at Xiao Jue and said, “So, Commander Xiao, what brings you to Jiyang City?”
“We’ve come to find someone,” Xiao Jue explained. “His name is Chai Anxi. He used to be under my father’s command but went missing after the Battle of Mingshui. I traced his whereabouts to Jiyang. However, we still haven’t found him. As for the Cuiwei Pavilion where he was hiding, it was burned down half a month ago.” His lips smirked, “Since Your Highness already knows our true identities, I’m hoping you can help us. With your assistance, finding someone in Jiyang City should be a simple task.”
Mu Hongjin’s smile faded slightly. “Did Commander Xiao plan all this in advance, planning to get this Highness help to achieve your goals?”
Xiao Jue smiled faintly.
“You’re quite audacious!”
He Yan couldn’t help but be amazed. They were in Mu Hongjin’s territory, without an army, and Xiao Jue didn’t back down. He not only didn’t act submissive but also dared to challenge Mu Hongjin. The way he was seeking help was quite assertive, and even He Yan found it somewhat excessive.
The young man spoke casually, “There are Wutuo people infiltrating Jiyang City, and Your Highness must have been troubled by this for some time. Chai Anxi may have information about the Wutuo people. By helping me, you’re helping yourself.”
YOU ARE READING
Rebirth of a Star General (Legend of the Female General)
Romance[fast update] [good translation] The ancient saying goes: Most generals come from Guan Xi, while ministers come from Guan Dong. He Yan was born to be a Star General. She was merely a stepping stone for her family, and was used as her brother's subst...
