The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 29 Part 1

The elegant small building had a plaque hanging at its entrance, inscribed with the two words “Yanyu Tower.” Lin Aoxue’s gaze lingered on the plaque for a long time, her expression thoughtful.

In front of the building stood a notice board with a couplet posted on it. However, only the first half of the couplet was written, as if awaiting someone to complete the second half. Many scholars and literati had gathered there, discussing the meaning of the verse and doing their best to provide a matching line.

Perhaps because Lin Aoxue had been standing outside for too long, a young attendant at the entrance noticed her. He frowned slightly and walked up to her. Though there was a trace of disdain in his eyes, he did not let it show on his face. Instead, he clasped his hands politely and said, “Honored guest, if you wish to enter Yanyu Tower, please complete the couplet at the entrance. If you are merely passing by, I ask that you not linger here.”

Lin Aoxue was dressed in the most ordinary coarse cloth garments, while the patrons of Yanyu Tower were all clad in luxurious attire, either wealthy or noble. Even the young attendant’s clothing was more refined than hers. Standing there, she seemed completely out of place with the elegant atmosphere surrounding Yanyu Tower.

The attendant’s attitude was polite enough, and Lin Aoxue had no reason to take offense. She glanced at the couplet on the notice board and immediately knew she could not match it. Having spent ten years honing her martial arts, she had long grown rusty in poetry and literature. With a respectful bow of apology, she turned and left.

Back at the inn, she asked the innkeeper about the small building she had seen on the street. Knowing that she was an outsider, the innkeeper explained that the building was called Yanyu Tower and was backed by powerful forces in the capital. It was a place where the nobility gathered to enjoy poetry and music, and ordinary people were not permitted entry.

Officials below the fifth rank needed either a special invitation stamped with a unique seal or exceptional literary talent to complete the couplet at the entrance in order to enter Yanyu Tower.

Hearing about these regulations, Lin Aoxue found them rather curious. At the same time, she couldn’t help but associate the Yanyu Tower in the capital with the Yanyu Tower in the northern frontier. However, the Yanyu Tower in the north was a brothel, while the one in the capital was far more refined.

To her knowledge, ten years ago, this small building had not existed in the capital.

Perhaps it was merely a coincidence of names.

Even though she reached this conclusion, Lin Aoxue couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity when she recalled the brief melody she had overheard. But since she had no way of entering Yanyu Tower to investigate, she pushed the thought aside.

She sat in the inn’s main hall for a while and ordered a pot of warm wine. Just as she had taken two sips, Guo Wencheng returned from outside. He had gone to visit his old family home but, unsurprisingly, was turned away. Looking dejected, he seemed rather dispirited.

Seeing Lin Aoxue drinking, he joined her and drank two cups as well.

As they drank and chatted idly, Lin Aoxue casually brought up Yanyu Tower. She mentioned how she had come across a small building with the same name as the Yanyu Tower in the northern frontier, yet with an entirely different atmosphere.

Guo Wencheng laughed, teasing her for appearing rigid on the surface but actually having an appreciation for poetry and romance. Realizing that he, too, knew little about it, Lin Aoxue refrained from asking further.

***

The next day, an imperial summons arrived, calling both Guo Wencheng and Lin Aoxue to the palace. Their names had been recorded when they entered the city, and the emperor had previously issued a decree that any generals arriving from the northern frontier should be reported immediately. Thus, the emperor was already aware of Guo Wencheng’s return.

Guo Wencheng donned his military uniform, while Lin Aoxue changed into her soldier’s attire. Led by a court messenger, they made their way to the imperial palace. The palace was vast and majestic, with three layers of gates leading from the outer entrance to the inner chambers. Each gate required verification of identity and the presentation of an official token.

As a mere qianhu, Lin Aoxue had no such token. Without the court messenger guiding them, she wouldn’t have even been able to step through the outermost palace gate.

Following their guide, they arrived at the Xuande Hall, where the emperor held court. At the entrance, they surrendered their weapons before stepping inside to meet the emperor.

On either side of the hall, rows of officials stood in their court robes. Their positions were arranged in descending order of rank, from the jade steps near the throne to the great hall’s entrance. The higher their status, the more elaborate the embroidery on their garments, making it easy to distinguish their ranks.

Lin Aoxue recognized many of the officials present. Some of them had once called her father “brother” before her family’s downfall, yet after their misfortune, they had distanced themselves faster than anyone, eager to sever all ties.

Not one of them had spoken up in defense of her father.

It was then that Lin Aoxue understood—most human relationships were built on self-interest, and true loyalty and sincerity were rare.

Upon entering the hall, Lin Aoxue kept her head bowed. Given her status, she only needed to stand respectfully behind Guo Wencheng and avoid any improper behavior. A brief glance when she entered gave her a general impression of the emperor seated above.

The emperor took note of Guo Wencheng entering with a low-ranking soldier in tow. However, what particularly caught his attention was the mask on the soldier’s face. After they knelt and bowed three times, calling out “Long live the emperor,” he did not immediately allow them to rise. 

Instead, he asked, “Why does the soldier before me cover his face?”

Even in the presence of the Son of Heaven, Lin Aoxue did not appear flustered. Hearing the emperor’s question, she responded in a composed and respectful manner, “Your Majesty, this humble subject bears scars upon my face, burn marks that are unsightly. I feared they might offend Your Majesty’s eyes.”

Though Lin Aoxue’s rank was low, she was still a soldier of the Northern Frontier Army and a subject of the empire.

The emperor dismissed her concerns and ordered her to remove the mask.

Lin Aoxue’s expression remained calm. The emperor was clearly curious, and she could not defy his command. Since he had assured her there would be no consequences, she had no reason to hesitate. Without a second thought, she removed the mask covering the right side of her face.

The moment the mask was lifted, the court officials were visibly startled. Many instinctively took a step back, and some even gasped aloud in shock. Only the grand chancellor, Prince Beichen He, and the commander of the Imperial Guards remained unfazed.

The emperor himself was startled, but since he had given his word, he could not go back on it. Forcing himself to remain composed, he swallowed before raising his hand to signal Lin Aoxue to put her mask back on. Only then did he say, “Rise,” and shift his attention to Guo Wencheng, indicating for him to report on the situation at the border.

Before coming to the Xuande Hall, Guo Wencheng had already carefully considered what he should say before the emperor. Without hesitation, he recounted the military affairs of the border in recent years, including some significant battles that had taken place before Lin Aoxue had joined the army.

At the end of his report, Guo Wencheng made a point to mention Lin Aoxue’s name, saying, “Your Majesty, Qianhu Lin was trained under Master Hongming, and his martial skills alone are enough to strike fear into the barbarians. Since enlisting after last autumn’s harvest, he has accumulated numerous military merits in just one year. Moreover, in the battle of Poyan a month ago, he played a crucial role.”

Guo Wencheng briefly described Lin Aoxue’s heroic deeds on the battlefield. Hearing of her exceptional performance in reclaiming Poyan, the emperor was quite pleased.

However, since Lin Aoxue had only been in the army for a short time, military promotions below the fourth-rank general level were determined solely by Grand General Beichen Long. Only ranks above fourth grade required formal documents submitted to the capital. Thus, the emperor merely rewarded Lin Aoxue with gold, silver, and jewels, along with a few words of encouragement.

Guo Wencheng was also granted rewards—the emperor raised his stipend and promoted him from a deputy general to a proper fourth-rank general, instructing him and Lin Aoxue to remain in the capital for the time being. They were to return to the northern border in the spring when the weather became warmer.

In an effort to project his benevolence, the emperor did not harshly criticize the previous loss of Poyan to the barbarians. However, he remarked that the northern frontier had suffered heavy casualties in recent years, and training new soldiers was no easy task. Therefore, he ordered the Third Prince, Beichen Yu, to lead fifty thousand elite troops to reinforce the northern frontier while also gaining experience.

Upon hearing the emperor’s decision, Guo Wencheng’s brows furrowed slightly, though almost imperceptibly. However, he did not voice his opinion and instead joined Lin Aoxue in expressing gratitude for the imperial favor.

Looking fatigued, the emperor waved his hand, signaling the eunuch to announce the dismissal of the court. The assembled officials bowed and sent the emperor off before they slowly and orderly exited the hall.

Upon leaving Xuande Hall, Guo Wencheng stopped Lin Aoxue, informing her that he would be returning to his family home once more and would not be accompanying her. Thus, after exiting the palace, the two parted ways. Lin Aoxue saw him off before intending to head straight back to the inn.

She had barely taken a few steps when a middle-aged man’s voice called out from behind. 

“Qianhu Lin, please wait.”

Lin Aoxue turned to look, her gaze briefly freezing before she quickly composed herself. Relaxing naturally, she offered a cold yet respectful smile and bowed to the approaching man. “Lin Aoxue greets Your Highness.”

Prince of the First Rank, Beichen He, raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, “Qianhu Lin, do you recognize this prince?”

Lin Aoxue also smiled. “To be frank, I did not recognize Your Highness at first. However, since you referred to yourself as ‘this prince,’ I now do.”

Beichen He found this amusing. He understood that Lin Aoxue’s words implied more than just recognizing his title—she had already deduced his identity. He then pressed further, “How did you come to recognize me? There are more than a few people in the palace who refer to themselves as ‘this prince.’”

Lin Aoxue did not conceal her reasoning and answered truthfully, “Your Highness was standing to the right of the grand chancellor in court today—the closest position before His Majesty. Since my arrival in the capital yesterday, I have frequently heard that His Majesty has a close and harmonious relationship with the Prince of the First Rank’s household. From this, I made the inference that Your Highness must be the Prince of the First Rank.”

Hearing this, Beichen He burst into hearty laughter, exclaiming how interesting she was. Unlike many nobles, he carried no airs of arrogance, appearing approachable and easygoing. He patted Lin Aoxue on the shoulder and praised her, “Qianhu Lin is not only a formidable warrior but also remarkably observant. The younger generation is truly impressive!” Then, shifting his tone slightly, he smiled again and asked, “I wonder if Qianhu Lin has any free time. I would like to host you for some tea.”

The previous day, Lin Aoxue had saved Beichen Ling. Afterward, Beichen Ling had spoken to him about this Qianhu Lin. As Beichen He pondered over the various qianhus in the capital, none seemed to match Beichen Ling’s description—until today, when he saw Lin Aoxue in court. Remembering Beichen Ling’s mention of a masked individual, he confirmed that the one who had saved Beichen Ling was indeed Lin Aoxue.

Lin Aoxue clasped her fists and bowed respectfully, “Since Your Highness has extended an invitation, I am free, no matter the circumstances.”

At her words, Beichen He laughed once again, declaring that Lin Aoxue suited his temperament and that he greatly enjoyed their conversation. He then led Lin Aoxue away from the palace, while Lin Aoxue followed half a step behind to show her respect.

Beichen He was pleased with Lin Aoxue’s deference, nodding approvingly to himself.

The two walked in single file along the way. Coincidentally, the teahouse Beichen He chose was none other than Yanyu Tower, the same place where Lin Aoxue had lingered for quite some time the night before, only to be driven away by a servant.

As fate would have it, the doorkeeper on duty today was the same one from the previous night. Although Lin Aoxue had changed her clothes, her distinctive mask remained the same. When the doorkeeper saw her following behind Beichen He, he turned pale with fear.

Lin Aoxue was not someone to fuss over such trivial matters. She did not take any pleasure in benefiting from Beichen He’s presence, but she also did not reveal any of her emotions on her face. Though she appeared calm on the surface, the moment she spotted Beichen He from afar in the Xuande Hall, the hatred within her had already ignited into a roaring fire.

She followed Beichen He into Yanyu Tower, where the manager personally greeted them and led Beichen He to the most spacious and elegant private room in the establishment. The room was immaculately clean, free of even a speck of dust. Once they were seated, freshly brewed tea was promptly served.

Lin Aoxue silently mused to herself—it was no wonder that people in this world were drawn to wealth and power. Between the two, power was undoubtedly the more intoxicating. Holding immense authority meant enjoying the privilege of doing as one pleased.

Despite her deep hatred for Beichen He, Lin Aoxue had no choice but to acknowledge his cunning. He appeared refined and scholarly, like a gentleman incapable of harming even a fly. Yet behind those seemingly clean hands lay countless corpses, mountains of blood, and an immeasurable burden of sins.

Once seated, Beichen He inquired about life in the military camp. His questions were mostly trivial, insignificant matters. His tone was never condescending, and he exuded a gentle warmth that made him seem approachable.

But Lin Aoxue knew that it was all an illusion. Beichen He was a master of deception, always calculating his every move. Otherwise, years ago, he would not have been able to smile so amiably while delivering a fatal blow to his so-called dearest friend, framing the Zhenguo Grand General for treason and betrayal.

Lin Aoxue saw through it all. And just as she suspected, Beichen He’s invitation to tea was not simply because she had saved Beichen Ling. A mere life-saving favor was not enough for a man of his stature to lower himself in such a way.

The real reason was her rising reputation at the northern frontier. Within just a year of enlisting, she had already been promoted to qianhu. Beichen He’s informants in the north had specifically mentioned her name, predicting her bright future and great potential. Though her current rank was lowly, she had limitless possibilities ahead.

Thus, Beichen He sought to bestow his favor upon her before she truly rose to prominence, drawing her into his camp. His ability to assess people’s worth was indeed razor-sharp.

Throughout the tea gathering, Lin Aoxue and Beichen He exchanged words, their conversation seemingly pleasant and cordial.

Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere of the tea house was interrupted by the sound of a guqin. The melody was refined and elegant, soothing to the soul.

Lin Aoxue immediately recognized the music—it was played by the same person she had heard the previous night. This only strengthened her conviction that she had heard a similar tune somewhere before.

She narrowed her eyes in thought, and then, as if struck by lightning, she remembered—months ago, while visiting Yanyu Tower at Xingbei Pass with Beichen Ji, she had heard Yun Yan play this very piece.

A ripple of emotion stirred within Lin Aoxue. If this was the same Yanyu Tower, could it be possible—however unlikely—that the musician outside was Yun Yan?

She tightened her grip on the teacup but did not leave to investigate. There was something more important at hand than confirming the musician’s identity.

Outside, the song ended, but no second piece followed. Lin Aoxue felt a faint sense of disappointment, but before she could dwell on it, Beichen He chuckled and asked whether she had any plans for the upcoming festival.

Lin Aoxue calmly set down her teacup and replied without hesitation, “None.”

Beichen He’s smile deepened as he clapped his hands together. “In that case, on New Year’s Eve, I plan to set up a stage for a performance at my manor. Would young Lin-xiongdi be willing to attend?”

New Year’s Eve was the most important celebration of the year. The imperial palace would host a grand banquet, while the noble and official families would hold feasts in their residences. The emperor, valuing the tradition of family reunions, typically scheduled the palace banquet at noon so as not to disrupt the festivities in the ministers’ households.

As a military officer, Guo Wencheng, having recently been promoted after reporting his service, would be eligible to attend the palace banquet. However, Lin Aoxue, being merely a qianhu, was not qualified to participate.

Beichen He’s invitation to attend the Prince of the First Rank’s banquet was an unmistakable gesture of recruitment. Lin Aoxue fully understood his intent.

In the capital, Beichen He wielded unparalleled influence, second only to the emperor. If she refused, it would be seen as an act of disrespect. If she made him believe that she was neither useful nor obedient, she could very well be eliminated without a trace.

Beichen He needed pawns. Lin Aoxue was not the only potential piece on his chessboard, but he would never allow a promising one to fall into someone else’s hands. If she refused him, she would become disposable.

With Beichen He’s status in the capital, he had nothing to fear and no need to hide his intentions. Furthermore, Lin Aoxue was merely a low-ranking officer—so even if the emperor learned of this invitation, he would not care much.

Lin Aoxue understood this perfectly, and she had no intention of refusing. She rose to her feet and bowed deeply to Beichen He, her expression sincere and respectful. 

“I am honored by Your Highness’ favor. I shall be there without fail.”

Beichen He was quite pleased with Lin Aoxue’s perceptiveness. After exchanging a few more casual remarks, he excused himself, citing urgent matters at his residence. Lin Aoxue saw Beichen He off before turning back and heading upstairs. This time, the servant did not stop her, nor did he ask for an invitation or identification badge.

On the second floor, she found the qin platform, but it was empty—the musician was already gone. She had once again missed the chance to see the person who had played the melody.

Turning to a nearby servant, she inquired, “Who was playing the qin here earlier?”

This servant had previously served tea in the private room and had witnessed Lin Aoxue conversing with Beichen He. Despite Lin Aoxue’s plain military attire, he dared not offend her and respectfully replied, “The young lady who played earlier arrived just last month. She is called Yun Yan.”

Lin Aoxue’s heart trembled, a fleeting look of shock crossing her face. But she quickly suppressed her emotions and expressionlessly nodded. She then asked whether Yun Yan would return later that day. When the servant informed her that she would not, Lin Aoxue refrained from further questions and left Yanyu Tower.