In her previous life and present, this was He Yan’s first time seeing Emperor Wenxuan.

Although Emperor Wenxuan had reached the age of knowing heaven’s mandate, he appeared younger than his actual years. His complexion was ruddy, and he maintained a neat and clean appearance. Though wearing the imperial yellow dragon robe, he lacked the imposing authority He Yan had imagined. Instead, he appeared rather kind and benevolent, like an affectionate elder from an ordinary family. He didn’t put on airs either, taking his seat below the high throne and gesturing for the officials not to be too formal.

Sitting beside Emperor Wenxuan was Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang had been his wife since their youth and came from an illustrious family. She had been chosen as the Crown Princess by the previous emperor and had borne a son and daughter – the current Crown Prince Guang Yan and Princess Yuchan. Princess Yuchan was already married but was unwell recently and couldn’t attend today’s palace banquet. Seated below Empress Zhang was Noble Consort Lan.

Noble Consort Lan was around the same age as Empress Zhang but appeared more slender and delicate rather than dignified and full-figured like the Empress. She had a gentle temperament, never competing for a favor and had given birth to Fourth Prince Guang Shuo.

Fifth Prince Guang Ji, led by his nursemaid, stood beside his two brothers. His birth mother was Consort Ni, who was very young and as beautiful as a blooming flower. She had a bold and domineering personality. Originally the legitimate daughter of a minor local official, she had entered the palace through the imperial selection and rapidly rose in status after becoming pregnant with a royal child. However, Emperor Wenxuan disliked her arrogant and presumptuous character and refused to promote her rank further. In recent years, Consort Ni has become more docile.

The Second and Third Princes had been twins, born to a palace laundry maid whom Emperor Wenxuan had favored. Unfortunately, as twin births were already difficult, neither the mother nor the two children survived the delivery.

Emperor Wenxuan didn’t have many offspring. In an imperial family, having many children wasn’t necessarily advantageous – there was only one throne, and too many contenders could lead to those with ulterior motives becoming dissatisfied. Now that Fifth Prince Guang Ji was still young, only Crown Prince Guang Yan and Fourth Prince Guang Shuo could ascend to that position. With Empress Zhang’s powerful family background and the Crown Prince’s legitimate status, coupled with Noble Consort Lan’s non-competitive nature, the throne’s succession by the Crown Prince should have been beyond dispute.

However, Crown Prince Guang Yan was neither talented nor virtuous, showing no achievements in state affairs. His household was in disarray, and he typically only knew how to seek pleasure. In contrast, Fourth Prince Guang Shuo possessed both virtue and talent, showing exceptional gifts while maintaining a gentle temperament and upright character.

With such an inadequate Crown Prince and such an outstanding Fourth Prince, naturally, some people harbored other thoughts. Moreover, among the three thousand beauties in the imperial harem, Emperor Wenxuan loved Noble Consort Lan the most. Although she never fought for power, no one in the imperial harem dared to look down upon her. Gradually, the court forces split into two factions. One supported Guang Yan, while the other tried to persuade Emperor Wenxuan to replace him with Guang Shuo as Crown Prince.

He Yan remembered that while in Liangzhou, she had heard whispers that the Crown Prince disliked Xiao Jue. When Xiao Jue led troops to Liangzhou Guard, besides avoiding Xu Jingfu’s influence, this Crown Prince also played a part in it.

This meant that Xu Jingfu and Crown Prince Guang Yan were likely working together.

She pondered this while maintaining an expressionless face.

Fifth Prince Guang Ji was only five years old this year. Emperor Wenxuan, disapproving of Consort Ni’s wild and arrogant nature potentially spoiling the child, had given him to Noble Consort Lan to raise alongside her son. Though Consort Ni was furious, she could do nothing about it. After being raised under Noble Consort Lan’s care for so long, Guang Ji had grown very close to Guang Shuo. Now sitting at the banquet, he tugged at Guang Shuo’s sleeve and whispered, “Fourth Brother, Father Emperor said today he would announce something joyous – what could it be?”

Guang Shuo smiled at him, “I don’t know either. We’ll find out soon.”

Guang Yan, overhearing their conversation, sneered, “Fourth Brother, Father Emperor favors you so much, I thought you knew all his secrets. What’s this? Didn’t he inform you in advance this time?”

The Crown Prince’s provocations came every other day, but Guang Shuo didn’t take them to heart, maintaining his gentle attitude, “Your Highness jests.”

Their undercurrents were naturally noticed by those paying attention. Emperor Wenxuan was getting older… Some things, sooner or later, would have to come to pass.

He Yan was seated in the men’s section, close to Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jing, but somewhat distant from Yan He. He Rufei sat even further away, and she could even feel Xu Zhiheng’s examining gaze. He Yan also saw Chu Zhao, who hadn’t greeted her that day. He still spoke gently with others but treated He Yan like a stranger. He Yan didn’t mind this, but today’s Chu Zhao seemed somewhat strange.

Shortly after the banquet began, Empress Zhang spoke up. She smiled and said, “Today is an auspicious day, and with Mid-Autumn approaching, I would like to do something good.”

The crowd below exchanged glances, thinking about how earlier, Run Capital and Jiyang had fought against the Wutuo people, with Great Wei defeating them decisively. Today was supposed to be a celebration of that victory, yet the protagonist Xiao Huaixin wasn’t even present. If they were to reward He Rufei, his battle at Huayuan couldn’t be considered particularly outstanding, and giving honors now would seem more insulting than glorious.

“Marquis Shijin,” Empress Zhang smiled, “Isn’t it time for your fourth son to take a wife?”

Chu Lingfeng started, standing up quickly, “Indeed it is.”

Chu Zhao also stood up alongside him.

“Chu Zilan, I know you and Minister Xu’s daughter Pingting have been childhood sweethearts. I watched Pingting grow up, and I’m very fond of you as well. Looking at you two, you seem truly made for each other. Today I shall do this good deed and betroth Pingting to you. What do you say?”

Xu Pingting wasn’t present at the banquet today, but upon hearing this, Chu Zhao knelt and said, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. This humble servant is deeply grateful.”

Xu Jingfu also smiled and accepted the decree, bowing deeply in thanks.

The banquet immediately became lively, with people around beginning to congratulate Chu Lingfeng and Xu Jingfu. Chu Lingfeng was very proud. Of his four sons, the other three were ordinary in both looks and talent, nothing special about them. Only this son, born to a mother from a small town, was both stunning and outstanding, and could even make him in-laws with the Prime Minister – this was certainly something to boast about.

Chu Zhao also smiled and gave thanks, but He Yan noticed that the smile on his face couldn’t really be called happy. Although she hadn’t spent much time with Chu Zhao, who often wore a smile, even his pretend smile now wasn’t as genuine as before.

“How pitiful,” Lin Shuanghe muttered softly, “At such a moment, one’s life is decided by a single word, how different is that from a puppet?”

He Yan turned to look at him, and Lin Shuanghe, realizing his slip, quickly smiled and said, “Ahem, Brother He, as the Empress said, they’re childhood sweethearts, so naturally they should be together.”

He Yan didn’t say anything. Although Chu Zhao and Xu Jingfu’s relationship was that of teacher and student, most times he had to rely on Xu Jingfu to get things done. Since he had chosen this path, he naturally had to sacrifice something, like… freedom. Everyone has their own choices, and while she sympathized with Chu Zhao’s situation, wasn’t this also Chu Zhao’s own decision?

Because of this happy event, the banquet became less formal and more lively than before. Seeing this, Emperor Wenxuan smiled and said, “Since that’s the case, I shall also do something good today.”

The crowd was startled – what did this mean? Could there be another happy event? Were they going to witness two joyous occasions today? Since both the Emperor and Empress were personally arranging marriages, it surely couldn’t involve minor figures.

Guang Ji’s eyes brightened as he looked at Guang Shuo, “Fourth Brother, who’s getting married this time?”

The Crown Prince also found it strange. He knew about the matter of Xu Pingting and Chu Zilan. Xu Pingting was a beautiful girl, and the Crown Prince felt somewhat regretful, but he also knew that he already had a Crown Princess, and Xu Jingfu would never let his daughter become a concubine. As for Chu Zilan, he was also someone the Crown Prince needed to win over, so he could only let Xu Pingting be given to that young Chu Zilan.

Now, about whom the Emperor wanted to arrange a marriage, he hadn’t received even the slightest hint.

“He Yan of the Liangzhou Guard, where are you?”

At these words, everyone at the banquet was shocked. Lin Shuanghe looked at He Yan in surprise, “How…”

He Yan wasn’t worried at all, standing up and stepping forward naturally, kneeling to kowtow to Emperor Wenxuan, “This commoner He Yan pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Wenxuan smiled, “You are the Wuan Lang appointed by me, how can you call yourself a commoner?”

He Yan replied, “This subject acknowledges the error.”

When this name was mentioned, both Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei in the assembly turned to look at the youth in the hall. Yan He frowned, muttering, “What scene are they playing now?”

Chu Zhao silently gripped his teacup, while on the other side in the women’s section, Shen Muxue kept her head lowered, her expression unclear.

Guang Ji asked, “Who is this brother?”

Guang Shuo shook his head. The name He Yan was too unfamiliar, and they hadn’t seen this youth before. Only the title “Wuan Lang” rang some bells – seemingly someone who had served under Xiao Jue in the Liangzhou Guard and had achieved merit alongside him.

“I know that you previously went to Jiyang and Rundu with General Feng Yun, and you were also present when Ridamu Zi ambushed the Liangzhou Guard. Both the naval battle at Jiyang and the defense of Rundu were your strategies. Being both brave and resourceful at such a young age is already remarkable. I think a Wuan Lang title doesn’t do you justice. Why not give you a Marquis title? From now on, you shall be the Marquis of Wuan.”

“This…” The court officials exchanged glances.

How extraordinary was it for an unknown youth to be granted a marquis title without any powerful backing? Even the Flying Swan General at least had family members in official positions. What background did this youth have to be so formidable right from the start?

They hadn’t seen the memorials, so they naturally didn’t know how the reports from both Jiyang and Rundu had detailed He Yan’s crucial role in the campaigns. Emperor Wenxuan was especially fond of talent, particularly young talent, as it reminded him of the geniuses in poetry and literature. For geniuses, worldly conventions and rules were merely constraints.

“This subject thanks Your Majesty for the great honor.” He Yan knelt deeply, remaining perfectly calm inside.

“This kid must have had some incredible luck,” Yan He downed the tea in his cup and grumbled, “Getting promoted faster than me.”

Lin Shuanghe was genuinely happy for He Yan, his face beaming with joy.

“This cannot be!”

Suddenly, an abrupt voice cut in. He Yan turned around to see an unfamiliar face in the men’s section. He Yan hadn’t met this person before, who appeared quite young and wore official robes. The man’s features showed traces of agitation as he strode forward, lifting his robe and kneeling before Emperor Wenxuan. “Your Majesty cannot grant him a marquis title. This youth is an impostor – she isn’t a man at all, but a woman!”

As if this statement wasn’t shocking enough, the man reached out and pulled out He Yan’s wooden hairpin. Instantly, long hair cascaded down. Though the features remained the same, they now appeared as delicately beautiful as a woman’s.

The youth knelt in the hall, expression completely calm, showing not the slightest trace of panic. The observing crowd, however, erupted like boiling water.

“What’s going on? A woman?”

“Wasn’t she from Liangzhou Guard? There are women in Liangzhou Guard?”

“Whether she’s a woman or not, this is the crime of deceiving the emperor!”

From his seat, Chu Zhao’s gaze fixed on the young woman’s back, his hand hidden in his sleeve clenched into a fist. Yan He couldn’t help but stand up, exclaiming, “How is this possible?”

Lin Shuanghe had already had an ominous feeling when that person said “cannot be,” and when he pronounced the word “woman,” he nearly blacked out. However, he still persisted – at this moment, one could easily be branded as an accomplice in “deceiving the emperor.” Lin Mu held his arm, signaling him not to move rashly. Lin Shuanghe moved his lips, his mind racing to figure out how to gloss this over.

Insist it was just a feminine-looking man? Impossible – at this point, the palace matrons would only need a quick examination to reveal the truth. Perhaps claim He Yan was mentally unsound and mistakenly believed herself to be a woman? That wouldn’t work either – if truly mentally unsound, how could she have deceived so many people?

Though usually full of crafty ideas, at this moment he couldn’t think of a single solution, anxiously scratching his head, not knowing what to do.

Meanwhile, Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei, though seated in different positions along the table, both felt their hearts jump at this scene, almost crying out in shock.

The name “He Yan,” dressing as a man, entering the military, earning merit, even being granted a marquis title – how could all this still be called “coincidence”? If people had past lives, surely this was such a case.

Xu Zhiheng felt extremely guilty, his body trembling. If not for Emperor Wenxuan and his entourage being present, he would have likely fled immediately.

Who exactly was this He Yan?

No one had expected such a turn in what should have been a simple conferment of honors. Emperor Wenxuan looked at He Yan, “Wuan Lang, what do you say?”

“This subject is indeed female,” He Yan replied, “Your Majesty’s perception is keen, and this subject dares not conceal it.”

To think she would admit it so openly and calmly!

The officials erupted in commotion.

Shen Muxue sat among the women, staring fixedly at the cup before her as if she hadn’t noticed this drama unfolding. But looking closely, her fingertips were trembling slightly. Xia Chengxiu sat beside her and noticed Shen Muxue’s state with surprise but said nothing.

Empress Zhang hadn’t expected this turn of events either, surprise flashing across her expression. But seeing that Emperor Wenxuan showed no signs of shock or anger, only looking down at He Yan, after a while, the emperor’s voice finally rang out in the hall.

“I have long known that Wuan Lang is a woman.”

Shen Muxue suddenly raised her head – how was this possible?

Lin Shuanghe was also dumbfounded, and the court officials were at a loss. These twists and turns were more dramatic than any play. First revealing Wuan Lang’s female identity, and now the emperor saying he had known all along? What exactly was going on?

Chu Zhao slightly furrowed his brows, suddenly looking toward Xu Jingfu beside him. Xu Jingfu wore a kindly smile, appearing unsurprised. His thoughts flickered, seeming to glimpse some clue.

It was Empress Zhang who broke the silence, “Your Majesty, your meaning is…”

From outside, a court attendant announced loudly: “General Feng Yun arrives—”

He Yan’s heart stirred – why would Xiao Jue come? Hadn’t he left the city, saying he wouldn’t come today?

Emperor Wenxuan smiled, “What’s going on? Let’s have Beloved Official Xiao explain himself.”

He Yan’s heart pounded violently – this seemed… different from what she had expected. Why was Xiao Jue involved? She hadn’t mentioned him at all… why did the Emperor’s words suggest some connection to Xiao Jue?

Someone entered the hall.

The young Governor had changed into court robes with black base and gold embroidery. A beautiful and dignified person, like fresh willows in spring, graceful before the wind. Though a warrior who had crawled through battlefields, he showed no trace of crudeness, instead displaying the elegant bearing of a noble young master from Shuo Capital, making the other officials seem somewhat lackluster in comparison.

Shen Muxue stared intently at Xiao Jue.

Xiao Jue walked to He Yan’s side and knelt in salutation. From the officials’ perspective, they looked like a young couple performing wedding bows side by side.

“Beloved Official, rise.” Emperor Wenxuan looked at He Yan, “Wuan Lang, you may rise as well.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue stood up.

Lin Shuanghe gripped his fan so tightly that he nearly broke it. He knew that since Xiao Jue had appeared, he would certainly protect his own, but how could He Yan emerge from this unscathed?

“Lady He is my betrothed,” he said. “Fearing the uncertainties of war in Liangzhou, and unable to bear parting, I kept her by my side. However, I didn’t expect Lady He to be so intelligent and brave, able to achieve merits no less than men’s despite being a woman. Huaixin dared not deceive Your Majesty, and long ago submitted a secret memorial to the emperor about the truth.”

Emperor Wenxuan laughed heartily, seemingly finding Xiao Jue’s actions amusing, shaking his head and sighing, “I had always thought Beloved Official Xiao would never marry in this life, but unexpectedly, I can witness this iron tree blooming. In my view, men like Beloved Official Xiao, with such deep-rooted feelings, are rare in this world.”

To think he had already secretly memorialized the emperor – He Yan was startled. When had this happened? How did she not know? Even though they were in the imperial hall, she couldn’t help but look at Xiao Jue, but his expression remained calm, revealing nothing.

Just then, a woman’s sharp voice cut in, “Lies!”

Shen Muxue sat in the women’s section, her gaze like a blade piercing through He Yan. Her voice had lost its usual gentleness and grace, like a pot of boiling water, both sharp and hoarse.

“When did Governor Xiao have such a betrothed? Why do none of us know of this?”

People in Shuo Capital all knew about Shen Muxue’s situation, but thinking about it now, when did Xiao Jue acquire such a betrothed? How had there not been even a whisper of this?

Xiao Jue coldly stared at her.

Shen Muxue couldn’t help but shudder.

“She indeed is not my betrothed.”

He Yan was startled, and in the next moment, the young man’s cool, deep voice rang out with undeniable certainty.

“She is the sight in my eyes, the matter in my heart, the one in my mind.”