The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 34 Part 2

No matter how precise Yun Yan was in her treatment, the severity of the injury meant that Lin Aoxue’s arm would never fully recover. Even with proper care, it would never regain its former strength and flexibility.

The thought made Yun Yan’s heart ache, as if the wound had been inflicted on her own soul.

“How did she end up like this?” Yun Yan’s hands did not stop moving, her gaze remained steady, and her voice was calm, revealing no trace of emotion.

“The Prince of the First Rank summoned her to participate in the spring hunt. She was bitten by a leopard.” Beichen Ling’s voice was devoid of emotion, brief and to the point.

Surprisingly, Yun Yan did not accept Beichen Ling’s explanation. After finishing bandaging Lin Aoxue’s wound, she looked up, her face unusually serious, carrying a hint of anger that Beichen Ling could clearly sense. “Even if she was bitten, if she had been sent down the mountain in time, her condition wouldn’t have worsened to this extent.”

From the moment Yun Yan began treating Lin Aoxue’s wounds, Beichen Ling had been watching from the side, observing the entire process. Yun Yan was far more meticulous in tending to Lin Aoxue’s injuries, compared to anyone she had seen before.

Beichen Ling met Yun Yan’s gaze, taking in the calm yet unwavering expression on her face. She frowned slightly and said, “I have no obligation to tell you the full story.”

Yun Yan fell silent, no longer pressing the matter.

“I’ve never seen you treat anyone else this well,” Beichen Ling added.

Yun Yan avoided Beichen Ling’s gaze. Her expression, though tranquil, carried a subtle and resilient emotion. As her peripheral vision caught Lin Aoxue’s gradually relaxed brows, the coldness on her face slowly faded. She responded to Beichen Ling, “Because she is different.”

Beichen Ling silently watched her, unable to refute her words. In that moment, she felt an odd sensation—as if, in saying those words, Yun Yan herself had become stronger.

“Heh… I wouldn’t be so sure.”

After a long silence, Beichen Ling suddenly recalled something. A cold smile curved her lips as she shot Yun Yan a sidelong glance. Reaching into her sleeve, she retrieved an item and casually tossed it toward Yun Yan.

Seeing something flying toward her, Yun Yan hesitated for a moment before instinctively catching it. However, the moment she saw what it was, her expression grew dark and complex.

“I remember, this is yours. You wouldn’t have grown so close to her that you’d even gift her your embroidered pouch, would you?”

The item Beichen Ling threw to Yun Yan was a small embroidered pouch—a pale pink base adorned with delicate plum blossoms. It was the very same pouch that had been stolen amid the Lantern Festival chaos, back when Yun Yan and Lin Aoxue had been watching the festivities together.

Beichen Ling had found it while changing Lin Aoxue’s clothes, discovering it tucked among her garments. The moment she saw it, she knew Lin Aoxue was not simple. Even if Yun Yan and Lin Aoxue had a good relationship, it was unlikely that Yun Yan would give away something so personal.

Yun Yan silently held the pouch in her hands, her fingers tracing over the raised embroidery, her emotions tangled.

When she had lost the pouch that night, she had deliberately suppressed her anxiety, not wanting Lin Aoxue to get involved or discover the secret it contained. Yet Lin Aoxue had still noticed something was wrong and had taken the initiative to search for the thief.

Given Lin Aoxue’s intelligence, if she had caught the thief, she would have undoubtedly learned about the golden key hidden inside. Even if she didn’t understand its significance, once she had come into contact with it, she could no longer remain uninvolved.

Yun Yan had never wanted to drag Lin Aoxue into affairs that didn’t concern her, to expose her to risks she didn’t need to bear. Lin Aoxue was already living on the edge of life and death on the battlefield—why add even more burdens to her shoulders?

But Yun Yan also understood why Lin Aoxue had acted as she did. Lin Aoxue had noticed her anxiety and had tried to help. As for why she had never mentioned finding the pouch, it was likely because Yun Yan had been too busy in the following days to bring it up. That, and the fact that the golden key inside had gone missing.

Yun Yan knew Lin Aoxue well. She could easily guess that Lin Aoxue had hesitated and chosen to keep it a secret, feeling conflicted about the missing key.

She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head before carefully tucking the pouch back into Lin Aoxue’s clothing.

Seeing Beichen Ling frown in confusion, Yun Yan glanced at the unconscious Lin Aoxue, whose brows were still tightly furrowed even in sleep. Gently, she used her fingertips to smooth out Lin Aoxue’s furrowed brows and said, “This was my oversight, not her fault.”

Beichen Ling’s expression grew even more severe. Her eyes flashed with both surprise and irritation as she said, “You’re so sure she didn’t steal it?”

Yun Yan lifted her gaze, her expression carrying a rare determination Beichen Ling had never seen before. Her red lips parted, and she spoke firmly, “I trust her. She is not that kind of person.”

Beichen Ling slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Yun Yan with fury. “Are you out of your mind? Where is your vigilance? Even if you trust her, do you know if she trusts you? Are you aware that she has been working for the Prince of the First Rank behind your back? Your blind faith in her is making me reconsider whether you are even worthy of trust!”

Beichen Ling’s furious voice echoed in the room. Yun Yan gazed at her, then shook her head with a soft laugh. “If you don’t trust me, then why call me here to treat her wounds? Why tell me all of this?”

Yun Yan’s questioning struck a chord in Beichen Ling’s heart, as if she had seen through her inner turmoil. Watching Yun Yan methodically pack her things before walking to the bedside and lifting Lin Aoxue into her arms, Beichen Ling quickly stepped forward to block her path, demanding, “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Taking her back.”

A look of disbelief flashed through Beichen Ling’s eyes. “If you take her now and she wakes up, how do you plan to explain?”

Beichen Ling had been the one to bring Lin Aoxue down from Míngtíng Mountain. If Lin Aoxue woke up to find herself with Yun Yan, she would inevitably realize there was a connection between Yun Yan and Beichen Ling.

Yun Yan paused for a moment before replying, “If she stays here, how do you plan to explain?”

Who had saved her? Who had treated her wounds? And why, after learning her identity, had Beichen Ling not reported it but instead chosen to conceal it?

No matter how one looked at it, there was an ulterior motive.

From the moment Beichen Ling decided to hide Lin Aoxue’s identity, things had become complicated.

That was what puzzled Yun Yan the most—but at the same time, it was what she was most grateful for. She did not know why Beichen Ling had made this choice, but at the very least, Lin Aoxue had been saved because of it.

“I hold her secret. She has no choice but to listen to me.”

Though Beichen Ling spoke with certainty, her eyes betrayed a rare hesitation. She herself didn’t fully understand why she had acted so impulsively. Perhaps it was because Lin Aoxue resembled someone from her past. Even if it was a mistake, she would rather err on the side of caution and protect Lin Aoxue first—then investigate her background later.

Yun Yan studied Beichen Ling with a probing gaze. Beichen Ling’s attitude toward Lin Aoxue was unexpected, strange even. Yun Yan could not quite grasp what it was that Beichen Ling truly wanted.

But within her own power, she would do her best to protect Lin Aoxue.

“I don’t think you’re any more rational than I am. Her wounds require constant care. You didn’t call for another doctor, but instead kept me here. Aren’t you afraid the prince will grow suspicious?” Yun Yan asked.

Beichen Ling had no response. She frowned deeply, wanting to argue, but found herself at a loss for words.

Yun Yan’s identity was too particular—if she stayed here for too long, Beichen He was bound to become suspicious.

Between the two options, allowing Yun Yan to take Lin Aoxue away was indeed the better choice. That way, they could simply say that Lin Aoxue had chosen to leave on her own upon waking, and that seeking Yun Yan’s treatment was her own decision. This explanation would keep Beichen He from suspecting anything.

Still, something in Beichen Ling’s chest felt blocked, a heavy weight pressing down. Her gaze fell on Lin Aoxue’s pale face—the face that so closely resembled someone from her childhood. She did not want to let Yun Yan take her away so easily.

The two stood at an impasse, neither willing to back down. But in the end, reason won over the inexplicable emotions stirring in Beichen Ling’s heart. She let out a helpless sigh, shook her head, and stepped aside.

Yun Yan carried Lin Aoxue out of the room. Just as she reached the doorway, Beichen Ling suddenly raised her voice.

“If you insist on being so attached to her, you’ll only bring harm to both her and yourself.”

Yun Yan did not look back, but her steps faltered slightly, as if contemplating a rebuttal. After a brief pause, she resumed walking, leaving behind only a single parting remark.

“You and I—who is truly the wiser?”

Beichen Ling stood frozen, watching Yun Yan’s retreating figure, her eyes blank. Her fists clenched tightly, her shoulders trembling.

Then, as if suddenly realizing the intensity of her own emotions, she bit down hard, forcing herself to regain composure. Feigning indifference, she called for the steward and ordered, “Prepare a carriage for them.”

***

When Lin Aoxue woke up, she found herself in Yun Yan’s private residence. As soon as she opened her eyes, a sharp pain shot through her injured shoulder, and her empty stomach left her feeling lightheaded and dizzy.

While imprisoned, no matter how much she forced herself to endure the nausea and swallowed the food mixed with dirt and blood, she still couldn’t get enough nutrients to sustain her body.

She was in terrible shape. Her injuries had worsened to the point where her arm felt completely disconnected from her body—just the slightest movement made it seem as though it would fall right off her shoulder.

Though she had just regained consciousness, an overwhelming exhaustion crept over her, making it feel as if she might faint again at any moment. With great effort, she forced her eyes open, and as the light entered her vision, she recognized the familiar surroundings.

At that moment, Yun Yan pushed the door open and walked in, carrying a tray with a bowl of medicine and a bowl of thin porridge—just like the meals she had brought daily when treating Lin Aoxue’s wounds in the military camp months ago.

“You’re awake,” Yun Yan said.

She set the tray on the table and walked over to the bedside, carefully helping Lin Aoxue sit up while supporting her injured shoulder to avoid aggravating the wound. Even though Yun Yan was as gentle as possible, she couldn’t completely avoid touching the injury. Lin Aoxue’s brows furrowed in pain, but she didn’t make a sound.

Once Lin Aoxue was settled, Yun Yan examined her shoulder to ensure there were no new injuries. Satisfied, she picked up the medicine bowl from the bedside, scooped a spoonful, and brought it to Lin Aoxue’s lips. Her voice was warm as she said, “Here, drink this.”

A trace of confusion flickered in Lin Aoxue’s eyes. She found her current situation strange—she clearly remembered being imprisoned in the dungeon at Míngtíng Mountain. She had no idea who had taken her out, and even less idea why she was now in Yun Yan’s home.

The spoonful of medicine was already in front of her. Lin Aoxue looked at Yun Yan in silence before finally pushing aside her doubts for the time being and sipping the bitter liquid.

Neither of them spoke, nor did Yun Yan offer an explanation. The two maintained a silent understanding, with only the faint clinking of the spoon against the stone bowl breaking the stillness in the room.

After finishing the medicine, Yun Yan brought over the porridge and fed Lin Aoxue in the same manner.

Lin Aoxue remained silent throughout. When she had finished eating, Yun Yan put the bowls aside but didn’t leave. Instead, she sat by the bed, smiling at Lin Aoxue as she asked, “Do you have anything to say?”

Lin Aoxue blinked, her eyes still filled with uncertainty. She hesitated for a moment before deciding against further silence, speaking frankly, “Why am I here?”

Yun Yan smiled and countered with a question of her own. “Where do you think you should be?”

Lin Aoxue tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together in hesitation before she let out a soft sigh and replied, “I thought I would either still be on Míngtíng Mountain or at the Prince of the First Rank’s residence.”

Hearing this, Yun Yan chuckled, amused by Lin Aoxue’s honesty and bluntness. The corner of her lips curled up as she said, “So you must already have some guesses in your heart.”

Lin Aoxue lowered her gaze, staring at the rise and fall of the quilt covering her body, her expression complicated. Her lips were tightly pressed together, and her uninjured right hand unconsciously rubbed at the fabric. After a moment of hesitation, she finally asked, “What is your connection to the Prince of the First Rank’s residence?”

Yun Yan leaned in slightly, adjusting Lin Aoxue’s blanket with care before answering, “I am the princess’ chess piece—an informant she placed outside.” Lin Aoxue hadn’t expected such an answer. She was stunned, unable to react for a long time, until Yun Yan’s voice rang beside her again. “The princess was the one who took you down from Míngtíng Mountain. She also changed your clothes. She already knows your identity.”

As soon as Yun Yan spoke, Lin Aoxue’s expression changed drastically. She clutched the quilt beneath her in an instant, her face turning deathly pale. It felt as though her heart had skipped a beat, and even breathing became difficult.

This revelation was far more shocking to Lin Aoxue than the connection between Yun Yan and the princess. It left her completely at a loss.

Yun Yan noticed the fear and tension in Lin Aoxue’s eyes and sighed inwardly. She had expected this reaction the moment she uttered those words.

After all, Lin Aoxue had disguised herself as a man to enter the military and had even been promoted to the position of qianhu. If the emperor were to learn of this deception, it would be a crime punishable by death. And now, the commandery princess had uncovered her secret. Yun Yan could only imagine how terrified Lin Aoxue must be at this moment.

Placing her hand over Lin Aoxue’s right hand, she gently reassured her, “Don’t be afraid, it’s alright. The princess won’t do anything to you.” She patted Lin Aoxue’s hand lightly before continuing, “If she wanted to use this against you, she wouldn’t have sent for me to treat your injuries, nor would she have ordered me to take care of you.”

Lost in her panic, Lin Aoxue was momentarily stunned by Yun Yan’s words. But she quickly calmed herself, carefully analyzing the meaning behind them. Her brows furrowed deeply, and after a long moment of contemplation, she finally lifted her gaze again, her face tinged with uncertainty as she asked, “Her Highness intends to keep my secret?”

Yun Yan nodded, then raised her hand to lightly pat Lin Aoxue’s head, soothing her unease. “If not, why else would she entrust you to me?”

Despite Yun Yan’s reassurance, Lin Aoxue’s worries did not entirely dissipate. Doubt and apprehension still lingered in her heart, and she couldn’t help but press further, “Why is she helping me?”

In truth, Yun Yan didn’t know the answer to this question herself. So, she simply voiced her own speculation, “To be honest, I find it puzzling as well. But I assume she wants leverage over you—to make you obey her.”

Hearing Yun Yan’s response, Lin Aoxue felt some of the tension within her ease. She silently considered how likely it was that Beichen Ling had truly discovered her identity.

But after thinking it over, she reasoned that if Beichen Ling had indeed recognized her, the outcome wouldn’t have been this calm. Beichen Ling had wanted her dead back then. If her identity had truly been exposed, she wouldn’t have been able to leave the Prince of the First Rank’s residence and end up here with Yun Yan.

Realizing this, Lin Aoxue let out a quiet sigh of relief, though she knew she couldn’t lower her guard completely. This was something she couldn’t discuss with Yun Yan—she could only bury it deep in her heart and remain constantly vigilant.

Seeing that Lin Aoxue’s emotions had settled, Yun Yan spoke in a softer tone, “It’s already late. Get some rest. I’ll come back later to change your bandages.”

With that, she tidied up the bowls and spoons by the bedside, carried the tray, and turned to leave. She even carefully closed the door behind her.

The door clicked shut with a soft sound. Lin Aoxue, exhausted, closed her eyes, but Yun Yan’s words continued to echo in her mind, making her frown deepen as her thoughts grew increasingly tangled.

Yun Yan’s true identity as Beichen Ling’s pawn made Lin Aoxue feel deeply conflicted. If Yun Yan ever discovered who she really was, would they become enemies? Would everything between them up until now cease to exist and lose all meaning?

Understanding this possibility weighed heavily on her.

Yet, while Yun Yan admitted to being Beichen Ling’s pawn, she had never mentioned her relationship with the Prince of the First Rank’s residence. This struck Lin Aoxue as strange.

She recalled that brief encounter at the palace, when Beichen Ling spoke to her with an air of detachment and cold indifference.

“The Prince of the First Rank trusts you.”

That remark, spoken so aloofly, made Lin Aoxue wonder—could there be a rift between Beichen He and his daughter, Beichen Ling? Did they appear united in public but were, in reality, at odds behind closed doors?

The depth of Beichen Ling’s scheming and the complexity of her methods sent a chill down Lin Aoxue’s spine.

Once again, she was reminded that Beichen Ling was no longer the person she had once known.

The Beichen Ling of today was shrewd, calculating, and adept at wielding power. Her influence had already extended far beyond the capital—reaching all the way to the northern frontier.