The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 24 Part 2

Yun Yan had not expected the usually silent Lin Aoxue to speak first, much less to ask such a question. After a brief moment of surprise, her smile suddenly became more sincere.

“Yanyu Tower was a quagmire, and so is the military camp. Jumping from one mire to another makes no real difference, don’t you think? Why should I regret something that has never truly changed?” Her response was frank, without the slightest hint of reluctance or pretense.

Lin Aoxue was momentarily dazed. Unconsciously, she had already lifted her head, gazing at Yun Yan in silence for a long time.

After the prolonged silence, Lin Aoxue’s voice finally rang out again. “Then… have you ever thought about leaving this place?”

She didn’t know why she asked this question—she even doubted for a fleeting moment whether it had truly come from her own mouth.

Yun Yan, too, was surprised by Lin Aoxue’s abrupt question. After a brief hesitation, she smiled gracefully. “Aoxue, how do you know that leaving the military camp wouldn’t simply mean stepping into another quagmire?” 

She seemed indifferent to everything. The soldiers’ gossip and Beichen Ji’s entanglements did not seem to matter to her.

Not receiving a clear answer, Lin Aoxue pressed her lips into a thin line. The coldness in her expression cracked slightly, revealing a hint of sorrow.

“If anything like this happens again, come to me,” she muttered.

Yun Yan gazed into her eyes. For some reason, a wave of emotion, one she had never felt before, surged turbulently within her, roaring and crashing. She did not respond immediately but instead asked in return, “And if you’re not here, then what?” Her question seemed to carry a deeper meaning, growing hazy under the dimming sunlight.

Yet, in that brief moment of eye contact, the flicker of pity in Lin Aoxue’s expression stabbed painfully at Yun Yan’s heart.

What she wanted was not pity, nor was it sympathy.

For a fleeting instant, she found it almost laughable, a little self-mocking. She had thought that she could truly connect with Lin Aoxue—that even if they couldn’t be the kind of friends who relied on each other, at the very least, they could empathize with one another’s struggles.

But she realized then that she and Lin Aoxue were not the same.

Lin Aoxue, though solitary, had never felt ashamed of her identity. She had grown up with the love of a father and mother. Even with hatred in her heart, she remained strong and unyielding. In this regard, Yun Yan could only feel inadequate.

Even though she had shown sincere kindness, she still couldn’t receive equal treatment from Lin Aoxue. She was not someone who gave selflessly—she hoped for some kind of return for what she offered. She was careful, cautious, afraid to give too much of herself, yet even this tentative approach was met with silent rejection.

Lin Aoxue was too rational, too guarded, making her utterly impenetrable.

Yun Yan’s question lingered in the air like curling smoke, drifting and refusing to disperse.

Lin Aoxue suddenly felt as though something was lodged in her chest, making her uncomfortable. She keenly sensed that the Yun Yan standing before her now was not quite the same as the one from a few days ago. The feeling reminded her of the time before her own identity had been revealed—beneath her composed and indifferent demeanor, there had always been a subtle sense of distance.

And now, at this very moment, Lin Aoxue saw that same distance reflected in Yun Yan’s smile.

She should have felt relieved, yet for some reason, an almost imperceptible, yet persistent ache clung to her, leaving her with an inexplicable sense of loss and regret.

She had thought this was the outcome she wanted, but human emotions were unpredictable. Even more so, her own.

Yun Yan turned and headed toward the pharmacy to prepare medicine for Lin Aoxue.

Lin Aoxue watched her figure grow smaller with each step, and an unexplainable emotion surged within her. Suddenly, she strode forward and grabbed Yun Yan’s arm.

Yun Yan halted, turning back with an expression of indifference.

Lin Aoxue instinctively withdrew her hand, suddenly feeling at a loss. Her face betrayed an unguarded panic—not the kind borne of embarrassment, but one that seemed rooted in fear, cautious and apprehensive. It was a look Yun Yan had never seen from her before.

She looked at Lin Aoxue and asked seriously, “What exactly do you want?”

Lin Aoxue clenched her teeth, shut her eyes, and as if gathering every ounce of her courage, she opened her mouth wide—only to end up uttering, in a voice as faint as a whispering mosquito, words that stood in stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

“I just… I have no say in Yanyu Tower, but at least here, in this military camp, I don’t want you to be bullied.”

Yun Yan stared at her for a long moment, utterly stunned. She had never imagined Lin Aoxue would say something like this—so frank, so direct. It was entirely unlike the way Lin Aoxue usually conducted herself.

But the next moment, the stunned expression on her face melted away, and she suddenly let out a laugh—a bright, unrestrained laugh, like the first rays of sunlight breaking through winter’s ice, dazzling Lin Aoxue’s vision.

Lin Aoxue’s breath caught in her throat. She didn’t know how to react.

Then, to her surprise, Yun Yan reached out, took her hand, and pulled her along toward the pharmacy, her tone lighthearted and playful. “Baihu Lin, you truly are full of surprises. I thought you, too, wanted to draw a clear line between us.”

Lin Aoxue was too flustered to respond, overwhelmed by a feeling of being caught red-handed—as if someone had uncovered her carefully hidden thoughts. After all, she had intended to distance herself from Yun Yan. But fate was unpredictable. One moment, she was thinking of maintaining her detachment; the next, she was using the last of her courage to hold on.

She felt as if she were no longer herself. Ever since Yun Yan had pierced through her illusion of bravery and seen the loneliness within her heart, no matter how much she refused to admit it, the turmoil inside her remained. She found herself drawn, almost addicted, to Yun Yan’s gentleness.

Just this once… Lin Aoxue thought self-deprecatingly.

Yun Yan led Lin Aoxue to the pharmacy and had her sit and wait for a while. Meanwhile, she carefully selected medicinal herbs and skillfully prepared a healing salve. As she sealed the ointment in a small bottle, a sudden thought seemed to cross her mind. She looked up at Lin Aoxue and asked, “Are you about to leave the pass?”

Lin Aoxue was caught off guard. She blinked, staring at Yun Yan in surprise before countering, “What makes you say that?”

Yun Yan shook her head thoughtfully and replied, “Because recently, many scouts sent beyond the pass by the general have been lost. Just this morning, they even brought back a scout’s corpse for the military doctor to examine. The general is troubled by this situation. The barbarians have not yet launched an attack, and now, out of nowhere, you’ve accepted a mission to leave. So, I thought… perhaps you’re being sent beyond the pass as a scout.”

Lin Aoxue was shocked. She stared at Yun Yan as if she had just seen a ghost. Yun Yan’s analysis was clear, logical, and completely reasonable—so flawless that Lin Aoxue couldn’t find a single point to refute. For a moment, she even forgot to deny it.

Seeing Lin Aoxue in a daze, Yun Yan frowned and pressed further, “Did I guess correctly?”

Lin Aoxue swallowed hard, staring blankly at Yun Yan. After a long silence, she realized that denying it at this point was useless. With a sigh of resignation, she admitted, “Yan’er, you are truly perceptive.”

But Yun Yan showed no sign of joy at the compliment. Instead, she placed the ointment on the table, walked quickly toward Lin Aoxue, and asked with a serious expression, “Are you going alone?”

Since Yun Yan had already figured it out, Lin Aoxue saw no reason to hide the truth. At least in this matter, she felt she could trust Yun Yan. “Mm… The general told me to find someone to accompany me.”

“Have you decided who to take with you?” Yun Yan asked again.

Lin Aoxue pressed her lips together and didn’t answer immediately.

No matter who she chose to accompany her beyond the pass, it would bring her no benefit. On the contrary, it could put her in danger and even expose her true identity.

She was well aware of these hidden risks, yet she could not refuse Beichen Long’s orders. She needed room to advance. Ultimately, she had to gain control over the military, which meant she could not afford to lose Beichen Long’s trust.

Seeing Lin Aoxue’s hesitation, Yun Yan understood the answer. Her brows knitted together. Given Lin Aoxue’s unique status, traveling with anyone posed the same risks. This was an obvious issue—one that Yun Yan was sure Lin Aoxue had already thought through.

“So you’re planning to go alone?”

Lin Aoxue remained silent. She felt as if none of her thoughts could escape Yun Yan’s eyes—always noticed, always seen through at first glance.

“That won’t do; it’s too dangerous.” Yun Yan was still murmuring to herself—she was genuinely worried about Lin Aoxue.

Lin Aoxue sat in her chair while Yun Yan stood before her, forcing her to tilt her head up to look at her. The flickering candlelight on the table cast long shadows across Yun Yan’s delicate face, deepening the crease between her brows.

For a fleeting moment, a bold yet absurd thought arose in Lin Aoxue’s mind, only to be ruthlessly suppressed the next instant.

“How about I go with you?” Yun Yan said this while lowering her gaze to meet Lin Aoxue’s eyes.

A gust of wind lifted the door curtain, sweeping into the pharmacy. The candlelight reflected in Lin Aoxue’s eyes flickered wildly, and the thunderous sound of her heartbeat roared within her chest. Her fragile heart pounded recklessly, as if trying to break free, to leap straight from her throat.

She suddenly began to doubt—was this exquisitely beautiful woman before her truly human? Or was she a spirit who had emerged from the depths of the mountains, capable of both enchanting the heart and peering into its deepest secrets?

Clenching her teeth, Lin Aoxue abruptly lowered her head, shutting her eyes tightly. With weary words and the last remnants of her rationality, she defied her selfish desires and feebly refuted, “Beyond the pass is too dangerous.”

Yun Yan chuckled. The sight of Lin Aoxue bowing her head, speaking such reluctant words with clear internal conflict, was simply too easy to understand. The lingering trace of dissatisfaction in her heart dissipated in an instant. It had been her own insecurities playing tricks on her. Her efforts had not been in vain—at the very least, this person had shown so many differences in front of her.

Instead of stepping back, Yun Yan leaned closer. Her hands slid past Lin Aoxue’s cheeks and pressed against the back of the chair, trapping her in place. Forced to lift her head, Lin Aoxue found herself locked in Yun Yan’s gaze. The warm scent of her breath brushed against Lin Aoxue’s face, both alluring and intoxicating.

“If we step onto the battlefield, will you protect me?”

Her body was soft and delicate, and in such an intimate posture, she was dangerously close. A strange blush crept up from the base of Lin Aoxue’s ears, spreading across her entire face in an instant.

Lin Aoxue’s lips trembled slightly. She had not touched a drop of alcohol, yet Yun Yan’s breath seemed laced with intoxicating wine, seeping into her lungs and clouding her mind.

She slumped back into her chair, feeling an urgent voice within her scream—urging her to put distance between herself and this dangerously seductive woman. If this continued, Yun Yan’s every movement, every word, would pull at her decisions. And one day, without realizing it, she would deal her a fatal blow.

But just as that frantic voice fell silent, another whisper—soft as a mosquito’s hum—began its gentle persuasion.

Let yourself sink.

Let this tenderness, so delicate and warm, fill the loneliness that has haunted you for so many years.

In the end, she could only murmur this single word, “I will.”

Yun Yan smiled, a bright and joyful smile. The unease that had gripped Lin Aoxue’s heart as she uttered those words vanished in an instant. She let out a helpless sigh—one that Yun Yan just so happened to hear.

With a teasing glint in her eyes, Yun Yan leaned in again and reached out a slender finger, gently tapping Lin Aoxue’s forehead. She pouted playfully. “Are you worried I’ll cause trouble for you? You’re really underestimating me! I’ll have you know, I have plenty of skills. Even if you take me beyond the pass, I definitely won’t be a burden. In fact, when the time comes, we’ll see who ends up relying on whom.”

Lin Aoxue gazed at Yun Yan’s face, the candlelight reflecting off her smile, making it seem as though she was glowing. She recalled that day in the mountains of Yong’an, when Yun Yan had faced a highly venomous snake alone—calm and composed. Her throat moved involuntarily.

Yes, Yun Yan was not only highly skilled in medicine but also adept in the art of poisons. She was meticulous and well aware of her own identity. If there was anyone in the military camp most suited to accompany Lin Aoxue beyond the pass, there was no second choice—only Yun Yan.

A sense of peace settled over Lin Aoxue. She had never realized how fickle and changeable she could be.

Having received a satisfactory answer, Yun Yan, in high spirits, prepared another batch of medicinal salve. Then, she pulled Lin Aoxue along, insisting they go to see Beichen Long.

Lin Aoxue glanced outside—it was later than she had realized. “It’s already the second watch of the night. The general is likely resting by now. Let’s go in the morning.”

Yun Yan arched her elegant brows and cast a sidelong glance at Lin Aoxue, a teasing smile on her lips. “Baihu Lin wouldn’t be thinking of going back on her word and sneaking away at dawn, would she?”

Lin Aoxue chuckled. Yun Yan, so playful and charming, was truly captivating.

If this had been before today, she might have done exactly as Yun Yan suspected—slipping away unnoticed before morning came. But after tonight, the towering walls she had built within her heart had suddenly crumbled. Her vision felt broader, and her heart, unburdened.

She shook her head, and for once, her face—usually either icy cold or stiff—softened into a faint yet genuine smile. “I won’t,” she spoke simply. 

Yun Yan smiled, then let go of Lin Aoxue’s hand and allowed her to leave.

As Lin Aoxue walked back to her tent, the image of Yun Yan’s radiant smile under the candlelight lingered in her mind, refusing to fade.

A new trouble had taken root in her heart. Yet, once again, it was because of the same person.

***

The next morning, carrying her packed belongings, Lin Aoxue headed to the military doctor’s quarters. Yun Yan was already waiting for her. As planned, they went together to meet Beichen Long.

Yun Yan took the initiative to request permission to accompany Lin Aoxue beyond the pass. Beichen Long was taken aback, his expression shifting from surprise to doubt as he looked at Lin Aoxue. Of all the people in the camp, why had she chosen Yun Yan—a woman?

He had assumed Lin Aoxue would pick Shang Wu or Liu Meng.

Frowning, Beichen Long found himself, for the first time, questioning Lin Aoxue’s character. Could it be that her long-standing reputation for being indifferent to women had all been an act?

Lin Aoxue, however, remained unfazed. Her expression was calm, her gaze steady, and she spoke in an even, composed tone, “Grand General, the barbarians are well aware that our army does not have female soldiers. Doctor Yun is untrained in combat, and with just a slight disguise, she can easily pass as an ordinary woman. If she travels with me, we will blend in more seamlessly as common civilians, making it easier to evade the enemy’s spies. Moreover, Doctor Yun is meticulous and highly skilled in medicine. After much deliberation, I concluded that she was the best choice to accompany me beyond the pass. I ask for your understanding.”

Standing behind Lin Aoxue, Yun Yan kept her head lowered, but the corners of her lips curled up involuntarily.

She hadn’t expected this—Lin Aoxue, who always seemed so dull and rigid, was surprisingly eloquent in front of others. She had skillfully left out the fact that it was Yun Yan who had volunteered, instead taking full responsibility for the decision upon herself.

After Lin Aoxue finished speaking, Beichen Long remained silent for a long time. He then furrowed his brows and looked at Yun Yan again. After carefully considering her words, he nodded and said, “In that case, I will go with your suggestion.”

***

Lin Aoxue had successfully persuaded Beichen Long, and with Yun Yan, they quietly left the military camp.

The mission to scout the enemy’s movements beyond the pass was extremely secretive. Had Yun Yan not figured it out herself, Lin Aoxue would not have volunteered the information. Thus, the only people who knew about Lin Aoxue and Yun Yan’s departure were the guards at the pass who had received secret orders, and Beichen Long.

For three days, Beichen Ji went to the military doctor’s quarters but never saw Yun Yan. The physicians who had been working in the quarters had changed shifts multiple times, yet Yun Yan was nowhere to be found.

This left Beichen Ji puzzled. He continued his usual practice drills, only to find that Lin Aoxue, who was supposed to join him, was also missing. Instead, another baihu had come to take her place.

Beichen Ji was even more confused and asked the new baihu where Lin Aoxue had gone. The baihu explained that he had been temporarily assigned to oversee the soldiers’ drills.

With both Yun Yan and Lin Aoxue missing, Beichen Ji’s confusion grew. After the training session, he hurried to Lin Aoxue’s quarters, but there was no sign of her. The unresolved tension from his previous disagreement with Lin Aoxue still lingered in his mind. Now, with her absence, and Yun Yan gone as well, he became anxious and quickly went to find Beichen Long.

Upon hearing Beichen Ji’s concerns, and understanding Beichen Ji’s feelings for Yun Yan, Beichen Long did not hesitate to tell him outright that Lin Aoxue had left on a mission. Yun Yan had requested to accompany her, and he had agreed to the request.

Upon hearing this, Beichen Ji froze, staring blankly at his feet.

Beichen Long walked over to him, giving him a knowing look, and spoke with a hint of advice, “A true man should not be so tangled in matters of the heart. Besides, Yun Yan never had any thoughts of you. There are plenty of young women from respectable families at Xingbei Pass. If you truly wish to marry, there are many well-known families in Guanzhong. Take your pick.”

After speaking, Beichen Long patted Beichen Ji’s shoulder and, before Beichen Ji could respond, waved him off.

“Alright, you don’t need to go to the training grounds for the next few days. Go and think things over.”

Beichen Ji walked out of the grand general’s tent in a daze. The sunlight hit his face, and the brightness was so sharp it made his eyes squint.

***

Meanwhile, Lin Aoxue and Yun Yan had already disguised themselves as ordinary civilians and successfully infiltrated a village beyond the pass, searching for the scattered troops of the barbarian forces.