The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 30 Part 2

Lin Aoxue watched as Yun Yan carefully fastened the bracelet for her. Occasionally, passersby glanced their way, making her instinctively straighten her expression, though the tips of her ears betrayed her—turning visibly red.

Seeing this, Yun Yan chuckled. “If you keep that serious face, people will think we’re having a quarrel.”

Lin Aoxue pressed her lips together and said nothing. Yun Yan shook her head, dropping the subject. She released Lin Aoxue’s arm and was about to continue walking when Lin Aoxue suddenly spoke.

“Give me your bracelet.”

Yun Yan paused, looking at her in confusion.

Lin Aoxue averted her gaze as she said, “I’ll tie it for you.”

Yun Yan smiled brightly and, without hesitation, handed her the light blue bracelet. She lifted her sleeve slightly, revealing a delicate, porcelain-white wrist.

Lin Aoxue swallowed, her heartbeat suddenly pounding like a drum. Clenching her teeth, she forced down her nervousness and focused on the bracelet, carefully and meticulously tying it around Yun Yan’s wrist. Yun Yan’s skin was exceptionally fair, and the light blue string accentuated its luminous beauty. She couldn’t help but praise it sincerely, “It looks really nice.”

Yun Yan smiled radiantly, gently lifting Lin Aoxue’s arm and saying softly, “You look nice too.”

Lin Aoxue felt as if her face was about to catch fire. She didn’t dare to meet Yun Yan’s eyes, afraid that the emotions she kept buried deep inside would spill out.

Just then, her gaze landed on a nearby stall filled with colorful paper and intricate window decorations. Her eyes lit up, and she quickly pulled Yun Yan toward it. Under Yun Yan’s puzzled stare, she bought a thick stack of colored paper.

“What are you buying this for?” Yun Yan asked.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Lin Aoxue’s lips as she weighed the paper in her hands. “To cut some paper window decorations and put them up in your house.”

Yun Yan hadn’t expected Lin Aoxue to be so thoughtful. Her home was always quiet and lonely—just her, with no servants or maids. She had never even considered decorating for the new year. Yet, after just one visit, Lin Aoxue had taken it to heart.

She felt both touched and surprised. She hadn’t known that Lin Aoxue had such a skill. Curious, she said, “You know how to cut window decorations? Then why don’t you teach me?”

Lin Aoxue smiled happily. Her father had been skilled in making all sorts of small crafts, and she had learned quite a bit as a child. Hearing that Yun Yan wanted to learn, Lin Aoxue had no intention of keeping the skill to herself and agreed without hesitation.

They continued walking until they stopped at a vendor selling clay figurines. Lin Aoxue wanted to buy one for Yun Yan, but Yun Yan instead asked the vendor to sculpt one in Lin Aoxue’s likeness. When the figurine was finished, it even had a small half-mask on its face, looking strikingly lifelike, which amused Yun Yan greatly.

Once the figurine was ready, Lin Aoxue paid for it, and Yun Yan held it in her hands, her smile brimming with delight.

But before they had taken more than a few steps, a voice suddenly called out from nearby, stopping Lin Aoxue in her tracks.

“Qianhu Lin, please wait.”

The familiar voice made Lin Aoxue furrow her brows, and Yun Yan blinked in surprise.

Turning around, they saw Beichen Ling standing not far away. Lin Aoxue had not expected to run into her here, in the western market. Beichen Ling was a commandery princess of the Prince of the First Rank’s residence—why would someone of such noble status come to a place like this?

Beichen Ling was not wearing palace attire today; instead, she had dressed in plainer clothes, and there were no guards accompanying her. It was clear that she did not wish to reveal her identity.

Lin Aoxue lowered her voice so that only Yun Yan and Beichen Ling could hear her. “Lin Aoxue greets Your Highness. May I ask what Your Highness requires of me?”

Yun Yan also offered a small bow and softly greeted Beichen Ling.

Beichen Ling’s gaze flickered toward Yun Yan. She had initially thought she was mistaken, but to her surprise, the woman standing beside Lin Aoxue truly was Yun Yan. However, it was of no concern to her whom Lin Aoxue kept company with or why Yun Yan was at her side. What mattered was that she had a request to make. 

Beichen Ling got straight to the point, wasting no words. “Does Qianhu Lin have time right now? This princess has a favor to ask.”

Lin Aoxue frowned even more deeply. She had no idea what Beichen Ling needed from her, but given that she was not alone today, she intended to refuse outright.

Before she could speak, however, she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. Yun Yan had discreetly pulled at her clothing. With no choice but to reconsider, Lin Aoxue sighed inwardly and asked, “What is it that Your Highness requires?”

Beichen Ling noticed Yun Yan’s subtle gesture. She had clearly seen how Lin Aoxue was about to refuse but changed her mind at Yun Yan’s silent urging.

A cold smirk flashed across Beichen Ling’s heart. This woman truly had a way of enchanting others—such skill in winning men’s favor. Just yesterday, Lin Aoxue had spoken up for Yun Yan at the Prince of the First Rank’s residence, and today, she was already yielding to her whims, openly favoring her.

As Beichen Ling silently scorned Yun Yan, she also felt her opinion of Lin Aoxue sink further. Any sympathy she had felt upon learning of Lin Aoxue’s background the day before gradually faded. However, Lin Aoxue was highly skilled in martial arts, and Beichen Ling still needed her help to ensure success. Weighing her options, she chose to speak.

“To be frank, there is a challenge platform set up ahead on West Street. It is said that the champion will receive a set of calligraphy and paintings that are of great significance to me. But I did not bring any attendants today, so I would like to ask Qianhu Lin for assistance.”

The paintings were something she greatly desired, but the competitors on the challenge platform were formidable. Beichen Ling had no martial skills of her own, and more importantly, if her father, Beichen He, learned of this matter, he would certainly forbid her from participating. Thus, she dared not return to the estate for help. Seeing Lin Aoxue here by chance, she realized that with her skills, victory would be guaranteed.

Lin Aoxue considered her words briefly, then turned to glance at Yun Yan. Their eyes met, and Yun Yan gave her a look, silently advising her not to offend Beichen Ling.

With a reluctant sigh, Lin Aoxue finally said, “Then, Your Highness, please lead the way.”

Beichen Ling was overjoyed. With Lin Aoxue agreeing to help, she no longer had the time to dwell on whatever undisclosed relationship existed between Lin Aoxue and Yun Yan. Without delay, she led the two of them toward the challenge platform at the street’s end.

***

The man on the platform was quite skilled, having already defeated more than ten challengers in a row. The contest was nearing its conclusion—according to the rules, if he won fifteen consecutive matches, he would be declared the champion. He had already won thirteen, meaning that if he could hold on for just two more rounds, he would be victorious.

At Beichen Ling’s signal, Lin Aoxue leaped onto the platform. The man opposite her showed a hint of surprise—Lin Aoxue appeared too thin and frail, making him instinctively assume she was weak. However, he knew well that judging a martial artist by appearance was a grave mistake, so he did not dare underestimate her.

After they exchanged formal salutations, both stepped back a few paces. They stared each other down for mere seconds before—without knowing who made the first move—one attacked, prompting the other to respond. In an instant, they clashed.

The man’s martial skills were indeed impressive—he could just barely match Lin Aoxue blow for blow. Meeting a worthy opponent piqued Lin Aoxue’s interest. However, her hand had been injured the previous day, limiting her movements, and with Yun Yan watching from below, she knew she could not afford to act too recklessly.

Thus, she chose to fight using only her uninjured left hand. The man, however, took this as an insult, thinking that Lin Aoxue was looking down on him. Furious, he intensified his attacks. Lin Aoxue, in turn, remained on the defensive. Below the platform, both Yun Yan and Beichen Ling frowned slightly, beginning to feel a twinge of concern.

Beichen Ling’s heart wavered—could even Lin Aoxue fail to win this match? She had heard from her father that Lin Aoxue had been exceptionally brave on the frontier, so fearsome that even barbarian soldiers trembled at her name. She had also seen Lin Aoxue’s prowess firsthand and had high hopes for her. Yet now, things did not seem to be going as expected.

After a while, Beichen Ling finally noticed that Lin Aoxue had been fighting single-handedly the entire time. It was only then that she belatedly recalled—Lin Aoxue had been injured the day before while saving Beichen He at the Prince of the First Rank’s residence. A wave of emotions surged in Beichen Ling’s heart, and for the first time, she felt a pang of guilt. Lin Aoxue had entered the fight while wounded—perhaps she had forced her into something too difficult.

Beichen Ling let out a silent sigh. If she failed to obtain the calligraphy and paintings today, she would have to find another opportunity later—perhaps she could negotiate with the victor and convince them to part with it. No matter what, she was determined to claim that prize.

Just as Beichen Ling’s mind was filled with chaotic thoughts, the situation on the platform suddenly shifted. The man had launched numerous attacks, yet Lin Aoxue had countered each one effortlessly. Gradually, he began to realize the depth of her foundation—even though she was only using one hand, he still could not break through her defenses.

Over a hundred moves passed, and he still failed to gain the upper hand. On the contrary, Lin Aoxue made two sudden changes in her technique that nearly sent him tumbling off the platform.

Then, on her third maneuver, her attack carried an overwhelming force, executed with such precision that he had no room to retreat. Faced with no other choice, he abruptly leaped off the platform to avoid being struck.

“Ha ha ha! Your martial skills are truly formidable—I concede defeat!”

Laughing heartily, he quickly disappeared from sight.

Lin Aoxue was amused by his straightforward nature. She raised her palm in a salute and called out loudly, “You are too modest! Thank you for the match!”

As soon as he withdrew, another challenger stepped forward. However, none of them were on par with the previous opponent. Even with only one hand, Lin Aoxue won the remaining matches with ease, claiming victory in all fifteen rounds.

Having won the contest, Lin Aoxue was handed the set of calligraphy and paintings as promised. The platform master was in high spirits as he presented the prize to her.

But the moment Lin Aoxue unfurled the scroll before her, she suddenly froze—her expression shifting ever so slightly.

She realized that this set of calligraphy and paintings was an early practice work of her father’s. Later, he had gifted it to someone else. After her family’s decline, the items once given away by the Nation’s Protector Grand General naturally lost their value. Many old acquaintances, eager to distance themselves from her father, had sold those belongings at extremely low prices.

She had never expected that, after so many years, she would see this particular set again, preserved so well.

The crowd below was in an uproar. Lin Aoxue quickly regained her composure, suppressing the shock on her face. With slightly trembling hands, she accepted the paintings, thanked the platform master, and descended amidst the cheers of the onlookers.

Beichen Ling, having obtained the paintings, was overjoyed. She once again expressed her gratitude to Lin Aoxue and, without hesitation, removed the valuable jade pendant from her waist, offering it as a token of appreciation.

A flash of complex emotion flickered through Lin Aoxue’s eyes, but it was swiftly drowned by pain and hatred. 

Her ever-shifting gaze quickly settled into cold indifference. She glanced at the jade pendant in Beichen Ling’s hand and, with a hardened expression, shook her head. “It was just a small effort. I cannot accept such a reward from Your Highness.”

She could not understand why Beichen Ling was acting this way. Back then, she had conspired with her father to frame Lin Aoxue’s father, yet now she put on this pretense—who was she trying to impress?

Lin Aoxue feared that if she continued looking at Beichen Ling’s seemingly innocent face, she would no longer be able to suppress the fury in her heart. Unwilling to stay any longer, she curtly stated that she had other pressing matters and asked the princess to enjoy the paintings on her own. With that, she turned and strode away.

Yun Yan was taken aback. Lin Aoxue had always been indifferent to others, but she had never been so openly cold, especially to someone as distinguished as a commandery princess of the Prince of the First Rank’s household.

Blinking in helpless surprise, Yun Yan bowed slightly to Beichen Ling before hurrying after Lin Aoxue.

Beichen Ling stood there, momentarily stunned, her outstretched hand still holding the jade pendant in midair. Watching Lin Aoxue and Yun Yan disappear into the distance, she found herself at a loss for words. After a long moment, she silently put the pendant away, her expression complex as she carried the paintings and left the western market.

***

Following Lin Aoxue, Yun Yan couldn’t help but find the situation strange. She marveled at Lin Aoxue’s audacity—even daring to show such an attitude toward a commandery princess.

She couldn’t figure out why Lin Aoxue was so angry. She could only guess that perhaps Lin Aoxue had been reluctant to fight on Beichen Ling’s behalf all along and had bottled up her resentment until it finally erupted.

Thinking of this, Yun Yan felt a twinge of guilt. Lin Aoxue had never wanted to help in the first place—it was only because she had persuaded her earlier that Lin Aoxue had reluctantly agreed. Quickening her pace, she called out softly, “Aoxue?”

Lin Aoxue halted and turned back to see Yun Yan looking at her with concern. At that moment, she realized she had lost control of her emotions. Pressing her lips together, she still appeared somewhat dazed.

Yun Yan tilted her head and said, “If you don’t want to entertain these people, then you can refuse them outright in the future.”

But people who were too rigid often suffered for it.

Still, Lin Aoxue was different from her at heart. This was simply Lin Aoxue’s nature. If it were anyone else, Yun Yan wouldn’t care. But she didn’t want to see Lin Aoxue change herself just to fit into the world’s expectations. After all, Lin Aoxue would return to the northern frontlines after the new year. Perhaps the battlefield was where she truly belonged.

Lin Aoxue let out a soft sigh, her face clouded with a hint of sorrow. Then, turning to Yun Yan, she asked, “Yan’er, what would happen if I offended the Prince of the First Rank?”

Yun Yan didn’t suspect anything unusual, thinking Lin Aoxue was simply unaware of the consequences. She explained patiently, “In the capital, no one dares to offend him. But if you don’t seek fame and fortune—if you only wish to guard the borders and have no desire to climb higher—then what happened today doesn’t matter.”

Yun Yan was genuinely considering Lin Aoxue’s best interests, so her analysis of the situation was entirely objective. If her words happened to offend Lin Aoxue, there was nothing she could do about it. Some things others might not say to Lin Aoxue, but they were things she needed to know.

“The Prince of the First Rank holds great influence. If you can gain his support, your future in the northern frontier will be much smoother. You only see that he holds no military power, but you don’t understand that many things cannot be judged by appearances alone.”

Yun Yan left it at that. She had already said more than enough today. Any further, and she would be overstepping boundaries—it was up to Lin Aoxue whether she was willing to listen. So, she refrained from explaining further details. Instead, she gazed into Lin Aoxue’s eyes and said softly, “If you trust me, then listen to me.”

Lin Aoxue fell silent. She suspected that the forces backing Yun Yan were likely aligned with the Prince of the First Rank. Otherwise, Yun Yan wouldn’t have said something like “many things cannot be judged by appearances” in reference to his lack of military power.

Even in the capital, right under the emperor’s nose, hidden currents surged beneath the surface. Great factions vied for power, and anyone with the slightest connection was forced to take a side. No one could remain completely uninvolved—not even Yun Yan. But it was still unclear which prince the Prince of the First Rank was supporting, or perhaps he had no intention of aiding anyone at all.

Although Lin Aoxue had not returned to the capital for ten years, she was not entirely ignorant of its political landscape.

The emperor was in his prime, yet his sons had already begun vying for power. Beichen Long and Beichen He were both members of the imperial clan. Beichen He had no military power and only one daughter, Beichen Ling. Though he held a high-ranking official position, he posed far less of a threat to the emperor than Beichen Long, who commanded a formidable army.

If not for the fierce and battle-hardened barbarian tribes at the borders—and the lack of skilled generals in the capital—Beichen Long would never have been allowed to monopolize military power in the north. His dominance had created a nearly unchecked influence in the frontier. Now, using the heavy losses at the border as a pretext, the emperor had dispatched the Third Prince, clearly aiming to weaken Beichen Long’s grip over the northern territories.

Lin Aoxue understood these hidden power struggles all too well. However, she had no intention of getting involved for the time being. Many sought to win Beichen Long’s favor, but whether the Third Prince would even make it out of the capital and reach the northern front remained uncertain.

She nodded in acknowledgment of Yun Yan’s words. Seeing this, Yun Yan finally sighed in relief—if Lin Aoxue was willing to listen, then all the better.

As for today’s events, it was best to set them aside for now. Since Beichen Ling had come to Lin Aoxue for help, she likely wouldn’t cause too much trouble over it.

After returning from the marketplace, Lin Aoxue and Yun Yan spread the colorful paper they had bought across the table. Yun Yan brought over a pair of scissors and watched as Lin Aoxue skillfully folded the paper several times, then drew a few strange patterns. With a few quick snips of the scissors, she unfolded the paper to reveal delicate, beautifully shaped flowers of various designs.

Yun Yan was astonished. She had seen the servants in Yanyu Tower make these before, but she had never tried it herself.

She eagerly begged Lin Aoxue to teach her, and Lin Aoxue, amused, readily agreed. Patiently, she guided Yun Yan through each step. Before they knew it, the entire morning had passed. The two of them had created a large collection of window decorations. Overjoyed, Yun Yan found some paste and stuck the paper flowers onto the windows. In an instant, the once cold and empty residence felt a little warmer, filled with a newfound sense of life.