Three days later, Emperor Wenxuan held a banquet at Tianxing Platform.

The Tianxing Platform was situated on a high terrace in front of the palace, with the ceremonial platform for sacrificial rites further ahead. With the Wutuo envoy Ma Ningbu arriving in the capital, His Majesty’s acceptance of Wutuo’s compensation and peace offering outwardly demonstrated the magnanimity of the Great Wei monarch, but in reality, it was also to display national prestige.

In both her past and present lives, He Yan was attending such an occasion for the first time. Early in the morning, she changed into her official robes. The red-based robes featured floral patterns with a black sash at the waist. Though her frame wasn’t as tall as a man’s and the robes were somewhat loose, her upright posture lent them an air of elegance.

Now that the entire court knew her identity as a woman, she no longer needed to maintain a masculine appearance. Qingmei only lightly drew her eyebrows and applied a thin layer of powder. Her lips were naturally pink, requiring no rouge. Her long hair was tied back in a neat ponytail.

He Yan looked at the woman in the mirror – spirited and beautiful, neither masculine nor overly feminine. This appearance was truly the most pleasing she had seen since her rebirth.

He Yan grabbed the tea from the table, took a sip, and said, “It’s about time. I should head out.”

Qingmei asked, “My Lady, are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you?”

“I’m not going to a casual banquet. What would I need you for?” He Yan laughed. “Just wait for me at home.”

She left and boarded her carriage alone.

Xiao Jue hadn’t come to escort her today. Although they would be married soon, before the wedding, He Yan’s identity as Xiao Jue’s fiancée came second to her position as Marquis of Wu’an. Public and private matters needed to be kept separate, and on such a formal occasion, it was better not to be too casual.

She had no attendants, and it was rare for someone to arrive at Tianxing Platform alone like this. The carriage had been arranged the day before. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Tianxing Platform, He Yan alighted and walked toward it alone.

Some officials had already arrived, and those who knew each other exchanged greetings. He Yan didn’t know many people and was standing alone when suddenly an excited voice called out, “Sister He!”

He Yan started, turned around, and saw Lin Shuanghe running over.

He was dressed formally today, and when not speaking, he looked like a promising young court official. He Yan asked curiously, “Brother Lin, why are you here? I thought only officials were allowed…”

“My grandfather and father are both here,” Lin Shuanghe said casually. “The Empress Dowager likes me, so she let me join in.”

Understood – Young Master Lin had pulled strings again.

Lin Shuanghe looked He Yan up and down, his eyes sparkling: “Sister He, this is my first time seeing you in official robes. Beautiful! Our Huaijin is truly blessed to have found such a heavenly beauty for a wife.”

This person always gave compliments so freely, regardless of whether they could be accepted. He Yan interrupted his flattery: “I haven’t seen Brother Lin in quite a while. What have you been busy with?”

“Don’t even mention it,” Lin Shuanghe’s face fell at the question. “I was only away from Shuojing for a year or so, but female patients accumulated in great numbers. Since my return, I’ve been diagnosing illnesses every day. Sister He, haven’t you noticed I’ve grown thin from exhaustion?”

Seeing his vibrant appearance, He Yan said, “Not at all. If you don’t want to see patients, you could simply close your door and refuse visitors. Why force yourself?”

“They’re all women,” Lin Shuanghe said seriously. “A gentleman should cherish and care for the fairer sex.”

He Yan was speechless for a moment before saying, “So that’s why you completely forgot about helping me find a residence.”

Lin Shuanghe paused, finally remembering something he had completely forgotten, and looked at He Yan strangely. “But aren’t you marrying Huaijin on the tenth day of the first month? Why do you need another residence?”

“It’s not for me,” He Yan explained helplessly. “I want to get a new house for Father and Yunsheng.” Previously, they couldn’t afford it, but now she had a proper official position. The money Xiao Jue had given her last time was enough to build a new house in the capital. Though it wouldn’t match the luxury of wealthy families, it would be much better than their current home. He Yan had decided she would consider it borrowed from Xiao Jue and repay him after receiving her salary in a year.

“Oh, it’s for Uncle and your brother,” Lin Shuanghe sighed in relief, patting He Yan’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, leave it to your big brother. I’ll handle it perfectly!”

He Yan: “Weren’t you just saying you were too busy with work to attend to such matters?”

“Well, if I squeeze my schedule, I can find some time.”

“So you were deliberately avoiding helping me before.”

“Sister He, how could you think that of me?”

As they were joking around, Lin Shuanghe suddenly waved to someone behind He Yan, “Huaijin!”

He Yan turned to look and saw Xiao Jue and Xiao Jing approaching from the other direction.

The two brothers were exceptionally handsome, standing out among the young officials like cranes among chickens. As they drew near, He Yan bowed to Xiao Jing, who smiled and said, “This is my first time attending Tianxing Platform with a female official. Miss He’s spirited appearance truly shows that women are no less capable than men.”

He Yan exchanged pleasantries, while Lin Shuanghe stroked his chin, his gaze moving between He Yan and Xiao Jue before saying, “I must say, you two do make a perfect match.”

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue, who was also wearing his official robes. By coincidence, the floral patterns on his dark blue robes matched those on her robes. With the sash at his waist, he appeared especially noble and handsome.

“Sister He,” Lin Shuanghe said, “Just think, once you’re promoted a few more ranks, you and Huaijin can go to and from court together. How convenient! You’ll be the first such couple in all of Great Wei.”

“Miss He hasn’t yet married into the family,” Xiao Jing said softly. “Master Lin should be careful with his words. If others overhear, it could damage Miss He’s reputation.”

He Yan looked up at Xiao Jing. People said the eldest Young Master Xiao was a gentle and courteous gentleman, and now she understood why – even such small matters warranted his attention. However, when he pointed it out, it didn’t seem pedantic but rather thoughtful. No wonder Song Taotao had wanted to become Xiao Jue’s sister-in-law before – someone like Xiao Jing would be hard to find even with a lantern in all of Great Wei.

Lost in thought, someone suddenly appeared before her, subtly blocking her view of Xiao Jing. He Yan looked up to meet Xiao Jue’s gaze, which showed traces of displeasure.

He seemed quite protective of his elder brother, He Yan pondered, worried that she might have designs on Xiao Jing?

At this moment, someone called Lin Shuanghe’s name from the front – probably one of his friends – and Lin Shuanghe went to investigate. Xiao Jing also walked a few steps forward to chat with his colleagues.

He Yan finally had a moment alone with Xiao Jue. She moved closer to him, spreading her sleeves to ask, “How is it? These are newly issued official robes, and today is my first time wearing them. Don’t I look stylish and fierce?”

The sunlight fell on the girl’s face, seeming to illuminate each of her fine eyelashes distinctly. Her eyes were bright and spirited, and when she smiled, she still retained some of that pure youthful vigor. The red official robes added a unique heroic air to her bearing, making her distinctly different from other women with her gallant demeanor.

Among thousands of women in the world, only she was so unique.

Xiao Jue turned aside, averting his gaze.

Seeing his reaction, He Yan withdrew her sleeves and moved even closer: “Isn’t that right?”

“I don’t see any fierceness,” Xiao Jue couldn’t resist her persistence. He looked down at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes and a slight curve to his lips as he deliberately teased her, “Just foolishness constantly spilling out.”

He Yan gritted her teeth: “You really can’t say anything nice, can you?” She turned as if to leave, but unexpectedly spun back and bumped into someone, nearly falling into their embrace.

When she steadied herself, Chu Zhao stood before her: “Miss He.”

“…Fourth Young Master Chu.”

Xiao Jue pulled He Yan back to his side. Chu Zhao first glanced at Xiao Jue, then his gaze fell on He Yan, still with that familiar gentle smile, “I’ve heard about Miss He’s happy news. Allow me to offer my early congratulations to you both on your wedding.”

“Likewise,” He Yan smiled. “I also wish Fourth Young Master and Miss Xu a happy union.”

At these words, Chu Zhao’s eyes trembled slightly, showing a hint of melancholy, but he still bowed to He Yan before walking away.

He Yan watched his retreating figure, which seemed particularly desolate, and couldn’t help saying to Xiao Jue beside her: “Xiao Jue, don’t you think Fourth Young Master Chu is quite pitiful?”

Xiao Jue coldly replied: “I don’t think so.”

“How can that be? I feel like he…” He Yan said quietly, “He probably doesn’t like Miss Xu very much. A person’s eyes don’t lie, and his expression was off – when marriage was mentioned, there wasn’t any joy, he seemed quite sad.”

“You observed quite carefully.”

“Well, I was blind once before, so now I have to look more carefully at people… It’s a pity the imperial edict has been issued, and he can only comply. Don’t you think he’s… Hey?” He Yan looked back to find Xiao Jue had already walked ahead quite a distance. She quickly caught up: “Xiao Jue, wait for me!”

A while later.

“Xiao Jue, are you angry?”

“No.”

…

The officials took their places in the square atop the Tianxing Platform.

He Yan’s rank wasn’t high enough to stand with Xiao Jue, but the group she stood with, mindful that she was Xiao Jue’s soon-to-be wife, didn’t dare treat her poorly. Because of her small stature, worried she wouldn’t be able to see the platform, they specifically left the front row for He Yan.

He Yan stood at the front, gazing at the emperor on the platform.

From his high seat, Emperor Wenxuan smiled as he looked down at his officials.

The officials in their court robes stood in neat rows, presenting quite an impressive sight. It was said that Wutuo was covered in mountain ranges with few plains, and their palaces weren’t even half the size of Great Wei’s. Their sacrificial ceremonies must be quite modest in comparison.

He was getting old, and though he had few achievements in governance, he still hoped to leave behind one or two deeds worthy of praise. Unfortunately, there had been none in all these years. Throughout history, emperors either left their names in glory or infamy. Glory was beyond his reach now, and Emperor Wenxuan didn’t dare to face posterity’s scorn. So since his ascension to the throne, he had never undertaken grand construction projects or extensively built Buddhist temples. Only now, with this banquet at Tianxing Platform, did he regain some pride in being an emperor.

The several princes sat to one side. Fifth Prince Guangji was still young – seeing the beautiful pastries, he wanted to grab them but was stopped by Guangshuo. Guangshuo said softly, “Fifth Brother, sit properly. You represent Great Wei’s dignity.”

Guangji pouted but behaved himself, no longer daring to reach for the pastries.

Guangyan glanced at the two of them with contempt. Since Emperor Wenxuan was hosting a banquet at Tianxing Platform, it showed his sincerity in accepting Wutuo’s peace offering. The matter of establishing trading posts wasn’t urgent and could be handled gradually later. As long as he could obtain the Wutuo people’s help and eliminate Xiao Huaijin, the Fourth Prince and that cheap woman Lan Consort would eventually become his prisoners.

He was truly too impatient to ascend to that position.

The Wutuo envoy Ma Ningbu stepped forward, knelt before Emperor Wenxuan, and performed a grand bow, spouting a stream of flattering words that essentially praised the emperor’s benevolence and magnanimity, expressing amazement at Great Wei’s prosperity and splendor, declaring that henceforth Wutuo would seek friendship with Great Wei and even defer to its supremacy.

These words greatly pleased Emperor Wenxuan.

Among the officials below, some were as pleased as the Crown Prince, while others like Wei Xuanzhang had indignation written on their faces. Most, however, silently endured their anger – unable to voice it. People said the current Great Wei court no longer bore the surname Song, but rather Xu. This was bad enough, but what was the meaning of allowing foreigners to openly visit the Tianxing Platform? When exactly had Great Wei fallen to such a state?

Among the military officials, He Rufei stood at the front, his expression relaxed, showing no hatred in his gaze toward the Wutuo people. In contrast, Yan He behind him had eyes full of anger, his hands tightly clenched into fists. If not for being at Tianxing Platform in the emperor’s presence, he might have rushed up to give Ma Ningbu a beating.

Xiao Jue stood beside him. Yan He couldn’t help muttering, “What nonsense is this little shorty spouting? Who does he think he’s fooling? Wutuo wants friendship with Great Wei. If I first went to Wutuo and killed ten thousand of their civilians, then said Great Wei wanted friendship with Wutuo, would their king believe it?”

Seeing Xiao Jue’s silence, Yan He grew angrier and turned his head to say sarcastically, “Aren’t you the Cloud General? Are you just going to watch the Wutuo people run wild at Tianxing Platform?”

Xiao Jue calmly replied, “Aren’t you the Commander of Returning Virtue? If you want to teach them a lesson, why don’t you go up yourself?”

Yan He was speechless, snorted, and fell silent.

Meanwhile, Emperor Wenxuan accepted the Wutuo envoy’s flattery and gifts. Ma Ningbu continued, “Wutuo’s warriors excel at wrestling. They regularly perform wrestling matches at ceremonies and feasts for our king, and today wish to demonstrate their skills for Your Majesty.”

Yan He said, “Showing off in front of experts.”

Emperor Wenxuan himself didn’t particularly enjoy these displays of martial arts. Since his ascension, the court had emphasized civil matters over military ones. However, since the Wutuo envoy had proposed it himself, they couldn’t refuse without appearing ungracious. Therefore, he lazily waved his hand, “Granted.”

Ma Ningbu turned back and two strapping men emerged from among the Wutuo envoys. These two men looked different from the typically short Wutuo people, appearing exceptionally tall and strong. Their hair was braided into many thin braids at the back of their heads.

Ma Ningbu said, “Your Majesty, these are Wutuo’s finest warriors, Nadaduo and Huyunmu, who wish to humbly demonstrate their skills.”

The two Wutuo men walked to the space in the center of the square, removed their outer garments, and despite the freezing weather, went bare-chested. With loud shouts, they began wrestling.

Standing among the officials, He Yan heard those behind her whispering, “Truly barbaric. This grappling is extremely undignified, utterly unseemly.”

He Yan didn’t find it undignified, instead noting that wrestling relied more on skill than brute force. Others only saw them trying to throw each other down but failed to notice the foot sweeps, back throws, mental strategy, and speed required. These two Wutuo men were indeed not to be underestimated.

The wrestling match took a long time to determine a winner. The Great Wei officials, including the emperor, watched with some boredom as the match wasn’t particularly spectacular. Afterward, they still had to praise it against their better judgment.

Emperor Wenxuan rewarded each warrior with a platter of silver. After Ma Ningbu expressed his thanks, he said, “We hear that Great Wei’s military is full of talent, with many more warriors than Wutuo. Since all the officials are present today, would Your Majesty graciously allow our Wutuo warriors to broaden their horizons?”

Were they asking for a competition?

Emperor Wenxuan’s interest was suddenly piqued.

Historical records mentioned that when receiving foreign envoys in the past, when a foreign princess had spoken provocatively, she was thoroughly humiliated by a military official’s daughter using archery skills, greatly enhancing their prestige. Though its truth was uncertain, this opportunity for face-slapping that had presented itself was simply perfect.

Great Wei was vast with a large population – among the many talented individuals in the square today, they could surely handle two Wutuo men. Moreover, the Great Wei people were slim and dignified, appearing much more pleasing to the eye compared to these barbarians. For instance, Flying Hong and Cloud General were both exceptionally handsome men – when they fought, they would surely make the Wutuo people feel ashamed.

Thinking of this, Emperor Wenxuan said cheerfully, “That’s not difficult. Great Wei’s men never back down. If you choose someone from among our military officials, they will meet your challenge.”

Emperor Wenxuan wasn’t worried about the military officials being unable to defeat the Wutuo men. Firstly, these two Wutuo men hadn’t even used weapons earlier, just relying on brute force to grapple, showing their lack of skill. Secondly, if the Wutuo people were truly clever, they wouldn’t dare to win under public scrutiny.

After all, Wutuo still wanted to establish trading posts in Great Wei.

Ma Ningbu smiled and said, “I hear Your Majesty recently bestowed the title of first female marquis in Great Wei.”

Everyone present was startled.

Emperor Wenxuan also started, saying, “That’s correct.”

“That female marquis’s reputation has reached even us in Wutuo. We heard she once accompanied Cloud General to the battlefield, showing great courage and wisdom. Is she present today?”

Emperor Wenxuan slightly furrowed his brow. He never expected that when choosing an opponent, Ma Ningbu would select He Yan. Among all the civil and military officials, the Wutuo people had chosen a woman. How could a woman’s strength compare to a man’s? Although he had heard of He Yan’s merits on the battlefield, he had seen with his own eyes that she was just a small, delicate woman. Standing next to those two Wutuo men would be like a lamb beside black bears.

“She is but a woman.”

“But not an ordinary woman.” Ma Ningbu smiled, “We have women warriors in Wutuo as well, but none have ever served as court officials. Since she was kept at Cloud General’s side, she must be different from ordinary women. Your Majesty,” he bowed down, “please allow that female marquis to face our Wutuo warrior.”

Guangshuo shook his head slightly – these Wutuo people were clearly bullying a woman, or perhaps seeking personal revenge. But Guangshuo knew his father’s temperament well; once he had given his word, he wouldn’t go back on it.

Emperor Wenxuan was silent for a moment before saying, “Marquis of Wu’an.”

He Yan stepped forward and bowed, “Your subject is here.”

“You shall compete with their warrior.”

The venue was silent for a moment before whispers gradually arose.

Lin Shuanghe hurriedly asked Lin Mu beside him, “Father, how can they let a woman compete?”

Lin Mu said, “Be quiet.”

Xiao Jing also looked worried. Yan He elbowed Xiao Jue beside him, unable to help saying, “Hey, your wife is being forced into this, how can you be so calm? Xiao Huaijin, you’re truly heartless.”

Xiao Jue ignored him.

He Yan stood up, but instead of immediately accepting the emperor’s words, she looked at Ma Ningbu and asked, “Envoy Ma Ningbu, what do you think of Great Wei’s two famous generals?”

Ma Ningbu looked at the woman before him. Before coming to Great Wei, He Yan’s name had already spread throughout Wutuo. This woman had fought alongside Xiao Jue at Jiyang City, and at Rundu City had single-handedly given Huyate a hard time. Even the spies sent into the Liangzhou Guard were first discovered by her. While Xiao Huaijin was fearsome, this woman who had appeared out of nowhere was also extraordinary.

She was just like Flying Hong General He Rufei of years past, always capable of turning the tide. He Rufei, that eagle, had finally had his wings clipped with great difficulty – could another formidable opponent to Wutuo be emerging?

Even if she was just a woman.

A woman who could go to battle and kill was no longer just a woman. In some ways, she had earned the right to compete with men.

Ma Ningbu said, “Cloud General and Flying Hong General are admirable heroes. They are talents that appear once in a hundred – no, a thousand years.”

“What a coincidence, I think so too.” He Yan smiled slightly. “Just as your Wutuo warriors come to Great Wei wanting to test themselves against heroes they encounter, I too have heroes I admire. If you just want to see my skills, there’s no need to compete with me. Lord Ma Ningbu,” she said, “I excel at swordplay. In wrestling, I cannot display my true abilities. Only with swords – and if with swords, I won’t compete with you.”

Emperor Wenxuan’s eyes lit up.

He Yan meant she wanted to compete with Xiao Jue? This was excellent – she and Xiao Jue would soon be husband and wife. If she won, it could be said Xiao Jue let her win; if she lost, it would be to one of their own, so Great Wei wouldn’t lose face.

Thinking of this, Emperor Wenxuan immediately said, “We approve. Since we want to see the Marquis of Wu’an’s skills, we should choose what she excels at. Marquis of Wu’an, with whom do you wish to cross swords?”

Those who had been holding their breath for He Yan all breathed a collective sigh of relief. The emperor’s words had given He Yan a way out. The officials who had been eager to watch were somewhat disappointed – naturally, He Yan would choose Xiao Jue. A match between husband and wife could be arranged to end however they wished.

While everyone was thinking this, He Yan walked to the line of military officials. She did not stop beside Xiao Jue, but continued until she stood before He Rufei, then looked at the person before her.

“Flying Hong General,” her smile was brilliant, carrying a barely perceptible trace of mockery, “I want to see your sword.”

Jiaojiao: Did you pay me for my appearance? (.)