The twenty-three unclaimed female corpses were ultimately buried at Chengfeng Platform outside Liangzhou City, just as Xiao Jue had said. Looking down from the Chengfeng Platform, the valley was shrouded in clouds and mist, resembling a celestial realm.

The coffins were of the finest quality, purchased with silver from the Sun family’s treasury. Over the years, the Sun family had amassed countless riches and even maintained a specialized storehouse within their mansion for keeping gold, silver, and precious treasures.

Since the identities and backgrounds of these twenty-three people were unknown, even their tombstones could not be inscribed. Twenty-three blank tombstones marked the eternal rest of twenty-three young ladies. If they had consciousness after death, they could watch the clouds gather and disperse from this spot. If they were reborn, as Xiao Jue said, they would freely ride the wind, soaring over lakes and mountains.

He Yan and Song Taotao stood at a distance, while Chi Wu stood aside, watching people burning paper money. Xiao Jue hadn’t come for the burial. Many of these people burning paper money were relatives who had come searching for their missing female family members but ultimately couldn’t find them. Among the girls killed by Sun Ling, many didn’t even leave complete bodies, having been devoured by wolves and dogs in the wilderness of the mass graves.

An elderly woman with gray hair was burning paper money in an iron basin. She could barely walk anymore, and her grandson had carried her up the mountain path. Her granddaughter had been kidnapped by Sun Ling four years ago and never appeared again. Even among the bodies found in Sun Ling’s compound, there was no trace of her granddaughter.

The elderly woman trembled as she spoke, “I’m burning paper money for these girls. Perhaps when kind souls see Dagirl, they’ll burn paper money for her too… Rest in peace, young lady…”

Song Taotao wiped tears from her eyes with a handkerchief and said, “Being a woman is too bitter. If there’s a next life, I won’t be a woman.”

“This has nothing to do with being a woman,” He Yan watched the paper money flying in the sky. “Being a woman isn’t meant for suffering, and the same goes for men. If you’re unsatisfied with fate, you can choose a different path. However…” she looked at the blank tombstones, “for them, there was no choice at all. That’s too cruel.”

Song Taotao looked at her: “You’re very different from ordinary men.”

“What?”

“If it were ordinary men, they’d probably say, ‘What’s wrong with being women? You just need to dress beautifully and sit at home. When you’re cold, someone adds clothes, when you go out, someone serves you. You don’t need to fight outside. How can you not know you’re blessed?'” She imitated a man’s gruff voice, then continued disdainfully, “Is being a pet so good? They keep birds in cages and expect the birds to praise how beautiful the cage is. I think they’re the ones with problems.”

He Yan laughed: “You’re very different from ordinary women too.”

“I am different. By the way,” Song Taotao looked at her, “I still don’t know your name. You’re not Cheng Lisu, you’re Second Master Xiao’s subordinate, right?”

“I’m He Yan,” He Yan said, “He from firewood, Yan from peaceful times.”

“So you’re Brother He.” Song Taotao said, “You can call me Taotao.”

“This…” He Yan scratched her head, thinking it was too intimate. Though they were both women, others didn’t know that, and it might cause misunderstandings.

“It’s settled then.” Song Taotao said, “I’ve already arranged with Second Master Xiao to go to Liangzhou Garrison with you temporarily. When Second Master Xiao’s people arrive, they’ll send me back to Shuojing. So in the coming days, I might be staying with you constantly.” Song Taotao smiled with curved eyes, “I’ve never been to a garrison before.” She became cheerful again, chattering endlessly.

“Miss Song,” Chi Wu looked into the distance, “it’s getting late. Let this subordinate escort you down the mountain.”

“Let’s go,” He Yan said as well.

As they walked down the mountain, behind them at the steps of Chengfeng Platform, white chrysanthemums grew in clusters among the grass. The breeze made the chrysanthemums nod slightly like graceful young ladies bidding them farewell.

Soon, they could no longer be seen.

Back at the inn where they were staying, Song Taotao immediately rushed to her room to bathe. They had been busy all day, and paper ash had fallen on her while burning offerings, so she needed to wash it off.

With the Sun mansion sealed, they naturally couldn’t return there to stay. They returned to their previous inn, where the innkeeper, knowing Xiao Jue’s true identity and seeing the Sun father and son become prisoners, dared not be negligent. The innkeeper, usually just a businessman, now acted like a servant, hovering around He Yan and the others attentively.

He Yan said, “It’s fine, I can manage myself.” She took a cloth and went directly into the room.

Inside, Fei Nu was packing things and was startled upon seeing her. He Yan asked, “Brother Fei Nu, what are you doing?”

Fei Nu maintained a wooden expression and said, “I will share a room with Chi Wu.”

Previously at the Sun mansion, the three of them had shared quarters, with Xiao Jue in the inner room and Fei Nu and He Yan in the outer room, without any awkwardness. He Yan casually said, “Moving back and forth is such trouble.”

Fei Nu stood still, looking at her incredulously: “You’re a woman, how can you share a room with me?”

He Yan: “…You don’t need to look so utterly mortified.”

Fei Nu said nothing, quickly packed his belongings as if she were some fearsome beast, and left immediately.

Only He Yan remained in the room.

She paused for a moment, then shook her head and smiled. Presumably, in the eyes of Xiao Jue’s servants, her behavior was quite unexpected. But having spent long years in military camps in her previous life, sharing quarters with men was nothing unusual. If she, a young woman, wasn’t embarrassed, she didn’t understand why Fei Nu was being so awkward.

He Yan walked to the bed and found clean water and white bandages on the table. There was also hot water for bathing in the room, presumably left by Fei Nu. She still had wounds, and this person, like his master, sometimes seemed cold but could be quite thoughtful.

With no one in the room, she sat down and undressed, taking a quick bath. She hadn’t had time to examine yesterday’s wounds carefully, and as she changed the old bandages, she discovered the wounds were deep.

They were certainly painful, but bearable. He Yan turned sideways to look at the girl in the mirror, seeing sword wounds on what had been fair skin. It wasn’t a pretty sight.

Young Lady, He cherished her beauty, wanting to nurture it with the finest oils and waters. Now, having just arrived, she had been marked so thoroughly – if the real Young Lady He were to return and see this sight, she would surely faint from anger.

She had already been very careful in protecting herself, but once one decides to make their way without family protection, injuries become inevitable. People grow through repeated injuries, and scars eventually become armor.

A female general’s body could never remain as unblemished as an ordinary young lady’s. Old battle scars marked it like strange knife cuts across the paper, not beautiful, even terrifying.

What girl doesn’t love beauty? Even though He Yan had lived as a man for over ten years in her previous life, when she changed back into women’s clothes and saw the sword scars on her back and body, she felt ashamed facing Xu Zhiheng. She never wore thin gauze clothes. Once, Xu Zhiheng gave her a water hibiscus-colored pomegranate gauze dress with pomegranate flowers embroidered at the shoulders and neck, thin as cicada wings. She loved it but never wore it, all because of the permanent scar left when an enemy arrow pierced her shoulder on the battlefield.

She also remembered Xu Zhiheng’s expression when he saw those scars. Though he said nothing, he deliberately avoided looking at them, which hurt more than if he had expressed his disgust directly.

He Yan stared at the bronze mirror, wondering why scars were medals on men but shame on women. How unfair that the world took it for granted that women should serve with their beauty, maintaining their appearance at all times.

Nonsense.

He Yan lowered her head and carefully applied medicine to her wounds, then wrapped them with bandages. She performed these tasks skillfully, not even furrowing her brow when it hurt and finished quickly. After resting briefly in the room, she got up and went to Xiao Jue’s door.

The room was lit, and Xiao Jue was likely inside. He Yan knocked: “Governor?”

“Come in.”

Pushing open the door, she found Second Master Xiao putting away the Wanxiang Qin on the table. Without mentioning it, He Yan had almost forgotten that he had come to Liangzhou City to repair zithers. Speaking of zithers reminded He Yan of when she got drunk and damaged his instrument.

“Governor,” He Yan began awkwardly, “have you eaten?”

Xiao Jue paused his movements: “Speak directly.”

“Are we returning to the garrison tomorrow?” He Yan asked, “What do you plan to do with me?”

Now that Xiao Jue knew she was a woman, what if he decided to send her back to Shuojing? She had finally found some clues about He Rufe – she would rather die than go back.

“How would you like me to handle you?” Second Master Xiao sat down at the table, looking at her leisurely.

He Yan quickly pulled up a stool and sat beside him, analyzing seriously, “You’ve now seen my abilities. This time in Liangzhou, I warned you about the assassins, and I helped distract Yuan Baozhen’s attention. Finally, I killed Ding Yi. Counting carefully, I’ve contributed more than Brother Fei Nu.”

Next door, Fei Nu sneezed.

“Someone like me is second to none as a subordinate, and understanding as a confidant.” He Yan boasted shamelessly, “With me in Liangzhou Garrison, you’ll be like a tiger with wings. Governor, I believe you can place me in the Nine Banners Camp, and you won’t regret it.”

Xiao Jue smiled and slowly asked, “Nine Banners Camp?”

“I know the Governor is straightforward and must suspect my motives for insisting on joining the Nine Banners Camp. I’ll be direct – because building merit and achievements the usual way is too slow. I’ve heard that those in the Governor’s Nine Banners Camp can become officials even if they’re later disabled. The He family is counting on me to bring glory to our ancestors, and I think the Nine Banners Camp is a good place for that.”

She spoke candidly, and Xiao Jue took a sip of tea from the table, saying unhurriedly, “No need to wait for later, I see you’re already disabled.”

He Yan: “…What?” Could Xiao Jue tell she was Madam Xu, blind in her previous life?

As she grew nervous, she saw him pointing at his head.

He Yan: “…” He was the one with problems in his head! Why insult people for no reason?

But being under his roof meant having to bow her head, so He Yan put on a smile: “Doesn’t the Governor think so?”

Xiao Jue stared at her and sneered: “Liar, our Nine Banners Camp doesn’t accept incompetents.”

“Incompetent?” Xiao Jue could question her character but not her ability. He Yan slapped the table: “Who are you calling incompetent?”

“Someone like Ding Yi, and you got wounded fighting him,” Xiao Jue pulled at the corner of his mouth, his beautiful eyes full of mockery, “If not incompetent, then what?”

“That’s… that’s…” That’s because Young Lady He had a weak constitution, and with lessons from her previous life, she naturally had to be cautious!

“If Brother Fei Nu were here, he would be wounded too!”

“If you put as much effort into training as you do into deception, you might improve significantly.”

The more familiar he became with her, the more he showed his disagreeable youthful side. He Yan took a deep breath and suddenly smiled.

“Fine, it doesn’t matter if the Governor insists on saying this about me, or if you’re prejudiced against me. But suddenly, I’m missing that red birthmark on the Governor’s waist.”

Xiao Jue’s calm expression instantly cracked.

“You know how rumors become truth when spread enough. I’m just the daughter of a city gate officer, from an unremarkable family, with no fame myself. It’s my good fortune to have my name linked with the Governor’s.” He Yan stood up and said slowly, “In the future, when others speak of me, they’ll say I had my moment of glory, as the woman deeply loved by the Governor. Just thinking about it makes it worthwhile. Though it must trouble the Governor to be linked with someone like me since you don’t care what others say anyway, it probably doesn’t matter, right?”

Xiao Jue stared at her, his gaze sharp as knives, and said in a deep voice: “What deeply loved a woman?”

He Yan replied with a smile: “I’m so exceptional that everyone in Liangzhou Garrison knows me and has always admired me as a rare good man. When they suddenly discover I’m a woman, they certainly won’t believe it. They’ll wonder why a woman is in the military camp. Then I can only say it’s because the Governor loves me deeply and couldn’t bear to be separated from me, so he hid me in the military camp and even brought me along to guard Liangzhou. Others will only envy my good fortune, and of course, marvel at the Governor’s deep love.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jue laughed instead of getting angry: “Shameless!”

He Yan leaned on the table and quickly said: “I’m not unreasonable. I’m not asking the Governor to pull strings to get me into the Nine Banners Camp, I just hope you’ll give me a chance to prove myself. Let’s return to the garrison and pretend this never happened, and please put aside your prejudices against me, and treat me as an ordinary soldier. Oh right,” she seemed to remember something, “I’m currently injured and need to change bandages at night. It would be inconvenient to continue living with the men, so I’ll have to trouble the Governor to find me a separate room, one where I can bathe.”

Xiao Jue coldly replied: “Don’t even think about it.”

“Then I’ll just have to be the woman deeply loved by the Governor.” He Yan turned away carelessly, “Even if you put me in a carriage and send me back to Shuojing, I can still make it known to everyone. Hmm, this inn seems quite nice, just one scream from me…”

Xiao Jue held his forehead: “He Yan!”

He Yan smiled with hidden daggers: “Well, who called me a liar?”

Xiao Jue: “I agree to your terms.”

He Yan’s expression changed faster than the innkeeper’s three-year-old child, touching her chest regretfully as she spoke: “It’s somewhat disappointing not to be the Governor’s deeply loved woman.”

Xiao Jue’s face turned ashen: “Get out!”

He Yan happily whistled as she left.

Early the next morning, when Fei Nu and Chi Wu woke up and went out, they found He Yan was even earlier than them.

Probably because they were returning to Liangzhou Garrison, she had specially tidied herself up, choosing clothes that Cheng Lisu rarely wore, looking fresh and spirited. She was naturally good-looking, and if Fei Nu hadn’t known she was a woman, he would have had to admire what a handsome young man she made.

Chi Wu, unaware of He Yan’s identity, stood at a distance with folded arms and asked Fei Nu quietly: “You say this person is unmatched in Liangzhou Garrison? Looking at this build, it doesn’t seem likely.”

Fei Nu sighed, thinking that wasn’t the only thing that didn’t seem right.

Just then, Song Taotao came up from downstairs holding red dates. Seeing He Yan, she naturally extended her hand and smiled: “Brother He, these dates were given by the innkeeper, they’re very sweet, would you like to try some?”

Liangzhou was famous for red dates, which were large and sweet, looking very appealing in their bright red color. He Yan accepted them, saying: “Thank you.”

The young man and woman standing there made a pleasing sight, inspiring imagination. Chi Wu nudged Fei Nu’s arm and said mischievously: “Something seems off here. Could Second Miss Song have taken a fancy to He Yan? What about Young Master Cheng?”

Fei Nu gave him a complicated look: “…What nonsense are you worried about!”

“How is this nonsense? Young Master Cheng is the Master’s uncle, of course, we should help him. Should I privately teach that boy a lesson, make him stay away from Second Miss Song? Our Young Master Cheng is pure-hearted, how could he compete with He Yan? Look, look at how he smiles at Second Miss Song, tsk tsk tsk, I can’t even watch anymore.”

“Say less, the Master hates gossipmongers,” Fei Nu said, “Let’s just focus on our duties.”

As Chi Wu was about to say more, the door opened and Xiao Jue walked out.

“Governor.” He Yan greeted him warmly.

Xiao Jue seemed not to see her, passing by without sparing a glance, and said to Fei Nu: “Is the carriage ready?”

“All waiting downstairs.” Fei Nu answered.

“Let’s depart.” He went downstairs.

Chi Wu and Fei Nu exchanged glances, and Chi Wu whispered: “Did He Yan anger our Master?”

“Let’s get to work.” Fei Nu didn’t answer and followed downstairs.

“Second Master Xiao is still as cold as ever.” Song Taotao stood on He Yan’s side, moving He Yan considerably. The young girl sympathetically said to her: “Working under him must be very difficult. When I return to Shuojing, I’ll speak with my father and see if we can find you an official position in the capital. With your skills and character, it shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Huh?” He Yan hadn’t expected Song Taotao to have such plans and waved her hand: “That won’t be necessary. Thank you for your kindness, Miss Song, but I’m quite happy in Liangzhou Garrison. Governor Xiao isn’t an unreasonable person, he’s quite good, and it’s my honor to work for him.”

Song Taotao thought she was just speaking up for Xiao Jue and disagreed, “How is he worthy of your loyalty? Everyone in Shuojing says he’s cold and heartless…”

Although Xiao Jue’s temperament wasn’t great, Yan couldn’t in good conscience criticize him, and just smiled: “If he’s not good, then why did he find a way to cause trouble for the Sun father and son who bullied you? If he’s truly not good, why would he bother with those unclaimed female corpses found in Sun Xiangfu’s mansion, arranging their burial and inviting monks to perform services for them?”

“But…” Song Taotao wanted to argue.

The young man smiled and patted her head, saying gently: “Miss Song, you’re still young and don’t understand that many things can’t be judged by appearances, and many people’s true nature can only be known through interaction. Those who seem caring and considerate aren’t necessarily good people, and those you think are cold and heartless villains might have sides unknown to others.”

Song Taotao was stunned, and before she could think it through, He Yan had already gone downstairs. Still feeling the warmth of the young man’s palm on her head, she blushed and quickly followed, muttering softly: “What do you mean I’m young, you’re not much older than me.”

At least she didn’t continue arguing.

He Yan lowered her head and smiled, remembering what Xiao Jue had said yesterday about those poor girls.

“Outside Liangzhou City, there is a peak platform called Chengfeng. These women had no control over their lives, like caged birds and pondfish. Buried here, may they freely ride the wind and soar over lakes and mountains in their next life.”

He could understand those women’s desperation, which was why he could say such things.

So, she magnanimously forgave Xiao Jue’s rudeness toward her, not taking his malicious behavior to heart.

After all, gentle people were rare in this world.

She went downstairs and saw Xiao Jue standing by the carriage, walked over, and asked: “Governor, will you ride with me?”

Since Song Taotao was a young lady, and they had all ridden horses on the way here, they couldn’t have her ride back with them, so Fei Nu arranged two carriages.

Xiao Jue turned to look at her.

He Yan explained: “I certainly can’t ride in the same carriage as Miss Song. We’re an unmarried man and woman – what would others think if they saw us? What about Miss Song’s reputation?”

Xiao Jue: “So?”

“So I should share a carriage with the Governor, right?” He Yan said with a grin and was about to climb into the carriage when Xiao Jue grabbed her collar and pulled her down.

If He Yan hadn’t grabbed his sleeve, she might have lost her balance.

“Are you not considering yourself a woman, or not considering me a man?” He raised his eyebrows: “Liar, you seem to have gotten too deep into your role, so let me remind you. The mission is over, you don’t need to pretend to be Cheng Lisu anymore.” After speaking, he distastefully dusted off the sleeve He Yan had just grabbed.

Chi Wu, passing by, happened to hear Xiao Jue’s last sentence and immediately came over to pull at He Yan’s clothes, dragging her aside: “That’s right, that’s right! Still, think you’re Young Master Cheng? How can you be so insensitive? Come here, ride horses with us!”

He Yan had only been joking and hadn’t intended to ride with Xiao Jue. She readily mounted her horse.

Fei Nu instructed the carriage driver: “There’s a young lady in the carriage, don’t go too fast.”

He Yan paused, then couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t that she was being presumptuous, but she had been wounded fighting Ding Yi and couldn’t ride too vigorously.

Who knew if this consideration was intentional? After all, she was also a young lady.

Chi Wu said: “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Yanyan: Not bad, if I do say so myself.