On the high throne, the Emperor gazed at the letter presented by the palace servant, remaining silent for a long while. He Rufei’s heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand, squeezing painfully. At this point, he could be certain that the person who broke into the He family compound that night and stole the letters from the Linglong Box was none other than Xiao Jue. However… how did Xiao Jue know how to open the Linglong Box? To enter and exit the He residence undetected, unless there was an insider providing information, could it be… he looked toward He Yan, suddenly recalling how she had called him “Elder Brother” during their sword duel earlier.

That call contained countless emotions like a vengeful ghost coming to collect a debt.

Could she be…

“The real Flying Swan General was once my fellow student at Xian Chang Academy,” Xiao Jue said. “After the battle of Hua Yuan, I discovered discrepancies in General He’s identity. Upon returning to the capital, I visited Xian Chang Academy, where someone had attempted to burn down the library to destroy the Flying Swan General’s old notes.”

“Fortunately, the arson attempt failed,” Xiao Jue continued gravely. “I compared the handwriting in the academy’s records with the military texts the Flying Swan General had previously studied – they matched. Young Master He’s handwriting, however, showed no similarity.”

“How can handwriting alone prove the Flying Swan General’s identity?” Xu Jingfu spoke slowly, his gaze on Xiao Jue inscrutable. “A person’s handwriting doesn’t remain unchanged forever. It can change over time.”

He never expected that after such a roundabout approach, Xiao Jue would bring up this matter – something so absurd it was laughable.

That He Rufei’s cousin was the real Flying Swan General, and He Rufei was merely an impostor who had usurped the position and glory? How could this be possible? No one even knew the name of He Rufei’s cousin, let alone how a woman could possess such capability.

Though Xu Jingfu had harbored suspicions before, investigations had yielded nothing, so he had temporarily dismissed his doubts. Now it seemed Xiao Jue’s words were likely true. Although he didn’t understand how Xiao Jue had discovered these secrets, He Rufei’s downfall would do him more harm than good. With this in mind, even though he was extremely reluctant, at this critical moment, Xu Jingfu had no choice but to speak in He Rufei’s defense.

“This is just one piece of evidence,” Xiao Jue said calmly. “Bring in the witness.”

Guards escorted a woman to the square. She was timid, and upon seeing so many people, collapsed in terror.

“Madam Qin,” Xiao Jue said, “Tell everything you know before His Majesty, without omitting a single word.”

Xu Zhiheng’s face turned as white as paper, and he swayed unsteadily. He had been searching for Nanny Qin’s whereabouts, and though he had previously caught wind of a lead, his men had come up empty-handed. Later, because of Fu Wang’s situation, he thought He Rufei had found Nanny Qin and planned to use her to threaten him, but he never imagined that Xiao Jue had found her instead.

Upon seeing the Emperor, Nanny Qin repeatedly kowtowed, nearly in tears. “Your Majesty… this humble servant truly knows nothing. I served the Xu family’s concubine. That day, the concubine said she would kill the First Madam on Young Master’s orders… I only dared to watch from afar as they held First Madam underwater until she drowned. I heard the concubine call First Madam ‘General He’… They were also the ones who blinded First Madam’s eyes. I didn’t participate, I truly know nothing!”

“Heavens! What does this woman mean? The previous drowned First Madam Xu was the real Flying Swan General, and they killed her to silence her?”

“Does this mean Young Master Xu knew about this? But wasn’t Young Master Xu deeply in love with his late wife?”

“What kind of deep love is this? It’s chilling!”

Lin Shuanghe mumbled, “Brother He… was Madam Xu?”

Yan He couldn’t hide the surprise in his eyes, wondering if he was dreaming.

Someone nudged Wei Xuanzhang, “Master Wei so that General He in your academy was a woman? Didn’t you notice?”

Wei Xuanzhang remained silent, his mind filled with disbelief. He had strongly disliked He Rufei back then, and if not for the master’s pleading, he wouldn’t have allowed He Rufei into the academy. That youth was diligent in studies but had little talent for academics, and was unremarkable in martial arts as well. Xian Chang Academy was meant to nurture Great Wei’s future talents; such an ordinary person would have been better suited for a common academy.

However, when He Rufei later led the Fu Yue Army against the Xi Qiang people, it changed his opinion. Anyone who could protect the country was a good man.

Thinking back now, He Rufei had shown signs of being different from other youths while at Xian Chang Academy. For instance, always wears a mask and keeps to himself. The teachers had assumed he was self-conscious about his appearance, but now everything made sense.

So that awkward yet hardworking youth was a girl, afraid of having her identity discovered, which was why she always remained alone.

He couldn’t describe his feelings. Wei Xuanzhang had always believed women should stay home to support their husbands and educate their children, not appear in public. Women had long hair but short wisdom, he’d thought. Now, however, he could no longer utter a word of criticism, feeling only respect and pity for the deceased Flying Swan General.

Fifth Prince Guang Ji quietly pulled Fourth Prince Guang Shuo aside: “Fourth Brother, I don’t understand what they’re saying. What happened to the Flying Swan General?”

Guang Shuo suppressed his astonishment and said, “Nothing.” Looking at He Rufei kneeling before the Emperor, he felt deep emotion.

He remembered He Rufei. Initially, He Rufei had made a name for himself in the Fu Yue Army, later revealed to be the eldest son of the He family, earning universal praise in court. It took courage for a well-born young master to go to war. Moreover, the Flying Swan General’s heroic bearing was legendary among the troops, and he had greatly admired him. But now Xiao Jue had revealed the truth – that brave general who had fought fearlessly on the battlefield had been a fragile woman beneath the armor.

After winning the battles, the merit wasn’t hers, the praise wasn’t hers, even her identity wasn’t hers. Finally dying from her own family’s schemes – it all seemed so cruel.

The Emperor’s gaze was heavy as he looked toward the civil officials. “Xu Zhiheng, were you aware of this?”

“No… no… I have been wrongly accused!” Xu Zhiheng’s legs gave way as he fell to his knees. “This servant woman is slandering me! I never… it was her mistress! He Wanru was jealous of my wife and secretly harmed her, causing her to drown. After learning of this, I killed He Wanru to avenge my wife, but I never knew my wife was the Flying Swan General! I truly didn’t know!”

His tears flowed freely as he spoke with great sincerity, making anyone who saw him feel he was wronged. He Yan coldly watched Xu Zhiheng’s act, suddenly feeling that this spineless man before her bore no resemblance to the youth in blue she had met at the hunting grounds years ago.

Crown Prince Guang Yan had no dealings with He Rufei, only knowing vaguely that He Rufei seemed to have some connection with Minister Xu. Speaking up for He Rufei now wasn’t for his sake, nor Minister Xu’s, but to silence Xiao Jue. After all, Xiao Jue was his enemy, not his friend.

“Of course, these alone wouldn’t be enough to condemn Young Master He. Moreover,” his eyes showed mockery, “Young Master He’s crimes don’t end here.”

Guang Yan was startled, and Xu Jingfu’s heart sank. Then they heard Xiao Jue say: “He Rufei committed treason by conspiring with the enemy. To avoid having his identity exposed during the Battle of Hua Yuan, he secretly communicated with the Wu Tuo people, willing to sacrifice the lives of our Great Wei soldiers in exchange for Wu Tuo’s leniency.”

Ma Ningbu had been watching this good show from the sidelines, never expecting the fire to suddenly spread to him, causing his expression to change slightly.

No one spoke.

The cold wind in the square whistled through the flying banners, like the vengeful spirits of those who had died on the battlefield, finally reaching the place where they could voice their grievances.

“He Rufei,” Xiao Jue sneered, “you are truly a coward.”

“Commander Xiao, some things shouldn’t be said without clarity,” Xu Jingfu said.

Xiao Jue remained unmoved, only ordering his subordinates to present the evidence to the Emperor.

“When Young Master He’s residence was robbed, supposedly of antiques and artifacts, mere external wealth caused the He family to panic and search the entire city for the thief,” Xiao Jue spoke coolly. “Why such alarm? Because Young Master He knew clearly that if the stolen items were made public, he would surely face complete disgrace.”

He Rufei gritted his teeth: “You…”

“Three letters,” the young man had already turned toward the Emperor, “two were correspondences with the Wu Tuo people, and one,” he glanced at Xu Jingfu, his lips curving, “was received from Minister Xu.”

Emperor Wen Xuan suddenly raised his eyes.

If He Rufei’s earlier matter had merely shocked and astounded him, Xiao Jue’s final words sparked intense anger and an overwhelming sense of betrayal.

Xu Jingfu… and the Wu Tuo people?

He might be a mediocre emperor who preferred to delegate authority, but that didn’t mean he enjoyed being manipulated. This trampled on imperial dignity – how could he tolerate it?

Xu Jingfu was stunned, instinctively falling to his knees, immediately protesting: “Your Majesty, this old servant has no disloyalty! I don’t know where Commander Xiao obtained these forged letters to slander me. Heaven and Earth can testify to this old servant’s loyalty to Your Majesty!”

He didn’t know where Xiao Jue had gotten the letters, nor when He Rufei had hidden them. He hadn’t spent much thought on He Rufei, considering him just a crude military officer not worth the attention. But it was precisely this carelessness that had pushed him into this predicament. He Rufei had kept one letter in reserve somewhere, not destroying it. And Xiao Jue had discovered it!

Emperor Wen Xuan examined the letters in his hands, his expression growing darker with each moment until finally, he showed no expression at all.

Whether the letters were genuine or not, he already knew in his heart. All these years, he had turned a blind eye to Xu Jingfu’s actions beside him, simply out of gratitude for Xu Jingfu’s assistance when he first ascended the throne. He had considered himself a humane emperor, different from his predecessors, but now it seemed the relationship between ruler and minister meant nothing to some people. He had given Xu Jingfu power and status, yet the man remained unsatisfied.

Once the words “conspiring with the enemy” emerged, his gaze toward Xu Jingfu held none of their former bonds.

“Commander Xiao,” among the military officials, Yan He suddenly called out loudly: “Did He Rufei truly abandon the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers at the Battle of Hua Yuan for his selfish interests?”

Xiao Jue said nothing, looking at him calmly.

Yan He’s eyes instantly reddened.

Military officials were different from civil officials – they faced the battlefield, bore weapons, and formed unique bonds with their brothers-in-arms through life and death. In battle, they strived to save every life possible and despised needless sacrifice. Yet there existed such a beast who deliberately sold out his men, watching them march to their deaths, all to protect his own worthless life.

Yan He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and knelt before Emperor Wen Xuan: “I request Your Majesty to severely punish He Rufei! Avenge the soldiers who died unjustly at the Battle of Hua Yuan!”

The military officials were first shocked, then fell silent, and finally, one by one, they removed their weapons and knelt: “We request Your Majesty to severely punish He Rufei, to avenge the soldiers who died unjustly at the Battle of Hua Yuan!”

The shouts shook the heavens. Ma Ningbu inwardly thought this was bad, and looking at Emperor Wen Xuan, saw his expression was equally shaken.

Xiao Jue spoke coldly: “The Wu Tuo people secretly colluded with court officials, causing massive casualties and needless deaths of soldiers at the Battle of Hua Yuan. Now they feign seeking peace while harboring ill intentions. Your Majesty,” Xiao Jue bowed deeply, “the Wu Tuo people’s wolfish ambitions are clear as day. Please rescind the peace agreement. As for establishing trading posts in Great Wei, it’s utterly preposterous. The urgent matter now is to purge those officials who conspire with the Wu Tuo people.”

Xu Jingfu scolded: “Xiao Huaixin, you spew vicious lies!”

“The innocent need not be agitated, Minister Xu.” Xiao Jue didn’t spare him a glance, his gaze fixed directly on Emperor Wen Xuan: “I implore Your Majesty to rescind the order.”

Emperor Wen Xuan suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion.

In all his years as emperor, easy days had been few. Most times he felt tired, but never like today, when he truly felt old – so old that even sitting on this throne felt too high and cold.

“Father,” Fourth Prince Guang Shuo, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped forward and addressed Emperor Wen Xuan, “Whether Commander Xiao’s words are true or false, at this moment, the matter of friendly relations with Wu Tuo must be reconsidered. As for Young Master He and Lord Xu… we cannot let things stand before the truth comes to light. The Flying Swan General matter is no small issue. If Commander Xiao speaks the truth, everyone involved cannot escape responsibility.”

These words implicated Xu Jingfu as well.

Xu Jingfu felt a sweetness in his throat, a pressure in his chest nearly making him cough blood. Fourth Prince Guang Shuo had always been well-behaved. Though Xu Jingfu supported Crown Prince Guang Yan and was wary of Guang Shuo, in his heart, he believed Guang Shuo lacked the courage to compete for the throne. If he had it, things wouldn’t have dragged on until now. Guang Shuo’s temperament resembled Emperor Wen Xuan’s, carrying that useless imperial compassion, so he could never compare to Guang Yan.

Yet Guang Shuo’s words now would become the final straw that broke the camel’s back.

Sure enough, Emperor Wen Xuan glanced at Guang Shuo. At this crucial moment, he didn’t resent Guang Shuo’s interference in state affairs. Rather, he felt Guang Shuo’s words offered a way to resolve the situation, awakening him from his sense of betrayal.

Observing Emperor Wen Xuan’s expression, Xu Jingfu knew things were bad. If the Emperor spoke now, accepting Guang Shuo’s words, then He Rufei would have no chance of redemption. With He Rufei’s fall, that letter would become damning evidence against himself. He couldn’t be taken away here and now, leaving only Guang Yan outside – that fool Guang Yan had no way to save him, and Xiao Huaixin wouldn’t miss this opportunity. Once today passed, he would completely lose any chance of turning things around!

“Your Majesty…” Xu Jingfu wept, “This old servant is wronged! This old servant believes not a single word Commander Xiao speaks is true – it’s all fabricated nonsense. They say the Flying Swan General and the Feng Yun General were always at odds, which now proves true. This old servant doesn’t know how General He offended Commander Xiao to make him commit such a vicious attack!”

Even at this point, he refused to give up.

“Commander Xiao isn’t lying!” a woman’s voice suddenly rang out, sharp and piercing.

He Yan’s heart jolted. Looking back, she saw a woman stumbling through the crowd. Her clothes were filthy as if she’d been rolling on the ground, appearing from nowhere. Her hair was disheveled, but her features were delicate.

It was Second Madam He.

He Yan froze, wanting to step forward but fearing the discovery of her identity, forced to remain in place.

Xiao Jue was also surprised. He Rufei’s expression shook as Second Madam He ignored everyone, throwing herself before the Star Platform, prostrating before Emperor Wen Xuan, crying out: “This humble woman can testify, Your Majesty, I can testify. He Rufei is no Flying Swan General – he’s an impostor! When He Rufei was born alongside my daughter, he was sickly. The doctor predicted He Rufei wouldn’t live past three years. To preserve the noble title, my husband and his elder brother had my daughter He Yan dress as a boy, switching identities with He Rufei.”

He Yan’s hands trembled slightly.

Second Madam He crawled forward two steps, “My daughter went to war at sixteen, fortunately earning military merit. Upon returning to the capital, He Rufei had recovered, and when Your Majesty bestowed honors and appointed commanders, He Yan and He Rufei returned to their original identities. This would have been fine,” she caught her breath, pointing hatefully at He Rufei nearby, “but they were ruthless! Fearing the identity would be exposed, they poisoned my daughter, first blinding her eyes, then drowning her in a pond.”

“Commander Xiao hasn’t deceived you, Your Majesty,” Second Madam He cried out: “My daughter He Yan was the true Flying Swan General!”