Original subtitles

♪Shrugging off past burdens♪

♪Beneath the mask, who am I?♪

♪Release and find wider shores♪

♪Love's a riddle, and rain pours heavy♪

♪Crossed paths, now downward fall♪

♪From dust arises starlight's spark♪

♪Tearing through the night's dense blockade♪

♪Heart's flame illuminates all solitude♪

♪Let time's sails drift endlessly♪

♪Through wandering exile♪

♪Breaking free from the cocoon, I start anew♪

♪Moon as song, life as flame♪

♪Nameless heart clings fiercely♪

♪Let me♪

♪Charge toward the next raging river♪

♪Moon darts, snow falls♪

♪We tread rugged paths to reunite♪

♪Hands held tight♪

♪We forever live for love's sake♪

♪Shadow's spear burns fiercely♪

=Legend of The Female General=

=Episode 23=

Focus on training.

Feinu.

Go to the capital.

Look into He Rufei.

Commander...

Look into

his days before Mingshui,

and monitor

his every move now.

Understood.

(Xiao)

Mr. He.

You're back.

Mr. Jiang.

May I trouble you

with something?

There is no "trouble".

Just say the word.

No problem.

You escort agents

must have connections.

Could you

figure something out?

Who has visited

Yuhua Temple these years

and met Miss He,

who was resting in the rear courtyard?

Miss He?

He Rufei's little sister.

Mr. Jiang, I know

it sounds abrupt,

but it's important.

Unfortunately,

I can't explain

everything yet.

Escort agents take jobs

without question asked.

Besides, you're my buddy.

Consider it

done.

Thank you.

(Before Mingshui Battle,)

(He Rufei was at the Yuhua Temple.)

(So if He Rufei did meet Xu Jingfu,)

(he must have)

(met him at the Yuhua Temple.)

(Mr. Jiang will be able)

(to confirm that.)

(Though it's not enough)

(to prove He Rufei's)

(involvement in the scheme,)

(at least,)

(it shows the Commander)

(that)

(He Rufei is a suspect.)

(Commander)

(is investigating for sure)

(and may uncover new leads.)

Now,

I just need to hone my skills

and bide my time.

General.

(Stand Tall and See Far) What's wrong?

I found out that

a formidable

female general fought

alongside Xiao Jue.

A female general?

What is she like?

Extremely skilled

and valiant,

coming from Yezhou Garrison.

At Jiyang,

she single-handedly

killed Wutuo's commander Huyate.

Understood.

Could it

be her?

No way.

She's supposed to be dead.

Better safe

than sorry.

Whether she's He Yan or not,

she has to die.

He.

You've been

running for six hours.

Why don't you take a break?

Yeah.

Get some rest.

If you keep running...

I'm fine. Not tired yet.

Have some water

and eat.

I can skip

a meal.

But you haven't

eaten for ages.

Yeah.

S-Stop...

S-Stop training.

At least eat something

and take a break.

If you keep...

This is...

- S-Stop training. - He.

He.

Wait.

S-Stop...

Still running?

H-He's...

still training?

Take a break.

I bet he is bothered by something.

That's why

he's tormenting himself.

Mr. Chu.

Miss Xu.

Is this for my father

or me?

I roamed around

during Water God Festival

in Jiyang.

The moment I saw this,

I felt that

it suits you perfectly.

I hope you will accept it.

Courtesy requires a return.

I prepared some pastries.

Would you join me

in the pavilion

to have pastries while admiring the flowers?

Miss Xu.

I...

haven't paid respects to Master.

But

it won't take

that long.

Perhaps you could go ahead,

and I'll join you

very soon.

Alright.

See you later.

Zilan.

You're usually reliable,

but you have truly disappointed me

with this mission in Jiyang.

Master.

I failed to kill Chai Anxi,

in fear of

alerting our enemies.

What did Chai Anxi say?

He told Xiao Jue

what happened in Mingshui.

He said He Rufei

made him withhold

Xiao Zhongwu's letter.

That's all?

Now that he's learned my deepest secret,

he won't tell the truth.

He'll be scared that I'd silence him,

or

he'll try to blackmail me.

If he doesn't tell the truth,

I will drop the bracelet,

and you shall kill him.

Understood.

He also said

that you

were the mastermind

of the scheme.

Aren't you scared

I'd silence you because of what you said?

I've always wanted to earn

your utmost trust.

But my limitations

made my goal

impossible.

This has long troubled me.

Now that I know your secret,

I see it as

a double-edged sword.

Though you may silence me

as a precaution,

I feel more joy than worry,

for I'll defend this secret

with my life,

which bonds us deeper.

I believe

that I am finally

qualified

to earn your trust

and share your burdens.

Zilan.

I was joking with you.

But I wasn't

joking with you.

I failed the mission.

I'll find a way

to make amends.

Do you have a plan?

Though Chai Anxi is dead,

Xiao Jue won't let this go.

In my opinion,

He Rufei was the perpetrator,

and it had

nothing to do with you.

I bet Xiao Jue

will investigate He Rufei first.

Once we inform He Rufei

about this,

he will surely make a move.

Xiao Jue wants trouble.

Then he can have it.

He left Yezhou

without permission.

We can't let it slide.

Also,

a young officer

performed remarkably well

in the Jiyang Battle.

Considering their contributions,

if this officer

receives rewards

while Commander Xiao

faces punishment,

the veteran troops will surely

grow discontent.

When conflicts arise,

it will make Xiao Jue

look incompetent

in leading

the troops.

That's what you're thinking?

You should know.

If this gets out,

it would be a felony.

Your guidance has been vital to me.

Without you,

I wouldn't be here today.

I swear I'll eliminate

all threats

to you,

even if

it costs me

my very life.

Father.

Father.

Pingting.

What brings you here?

Can't I just check on you?

Father.

Why did you make Mr. Chu kneel?

What did he do wrong?

Let him get up.

I'm waiting

to see flowers with him.

Naughty girl.

I have important matters

to discuss with Zilan.

Father,

flower viewing

is also important.

Father.

Help me up.

Come on.

Be careful.

I've said my piece.

Understood.

Go ahead.

Thank you.

Master,

I have one more question.

Please enlighten me.

What is it?

What should I tell His Majesty

tomorrow?

Zilan,

His Majesty bears the world on his shoulders.

As his ministers,

we must share his burdens.

We don't have to

trouble him with all the trivial matters.

Yes, Master.

I

understand.

Tomorrow, someone will bring you

the cure I found for you.

Will you remain here,

as a caged bird in shadows,

or go out there

as the mighty General Feihong?

Think carefully.

General Feihong.

Just a second.

Let me inform...

Step aside.

Master.

Master.

- Master. - Chancellor.

General Feihong.

This is my mansion.

How dare you

barge in like this?

I apologize.

But this is urgent.

Xiao Jue achieved military merits

in Jiyang again.

Doesn't it mean that he will

regain influence?

I thought it was something urgent.

He just won a battle, that's all.

Do you have to be so scared?

Get up.

However,

I did hear something.

Chai Anxi didn't die

at Mingshui.

Xiao Jue found him

two days ago.

T-Then...

What should I do?

Xiao Jue will bring him

to His Majesty.

Help me, Chancellor.

Rest easy.

I've already

dealt with it.

Chai Anxi is dead.

He won't be coming.

But Xiao Jue

won't let this go.

He'll keep searching for evidence.

You must be careful

not to leave any traces behind.

After all,

the one who contacted Chai Anxi

was you.

Rest assured.

I won't

let Xiao Jue

get any dirt on me.

Good.

After all,

military promotions hinge on battlefield merits.

Xiao Jue is brave and smart.

Halting his ascension

poses genuine difficulty.

Then let's end it at once.

Chancellor.

Why don't we work with Wutuo

and do what we did to Xiao Zhongwu again?

Rest assured.

I've devised a plan.

Let's ally with Wutuo

to create a diversion.

They'll attack Huayuan.

I'll volunteer to fight

and stage a show with the Wutuo army

while giving them

Rundu's Military Defense Maps

in secret

for them to launch a surprise attack.

When Rundu

pleads for help,

I'll delay reinforcement.

Xiao Jue won't

sit back and do nothing.

We'll set a trap

to kill him

there.

Then I will

start preparing.

(I can't tell)

(Chancellor Xu)

(about He Yan yet.)

(Otherwise, he would)

(lose faith in me)

(and pin the blame on me.)

(That's his plan)

(for explaining)

(the Mingshui defeat.)

(Luckily, I'm prepared.)

(He Yan is close to the Eight Warriors)

(of Fuyue Army.)

(Seven now serve under me.)

(One commands Rundu Garrison.)

(If she is alive,)

(then I can kill)

(all seven warriors in Huayuan)

(and use the one in Rundu)

(as bait.)

(That's how I manipulate her)

(to go to Rundu.)

(There,)

(she'll meet her demise.)

(If she is truly dead,)

(eliminating all Eight Warriors)

(still benefits my cause.)

(Besides,)

(I will be able)

(to get rid of Xiao Jue in the process.)

Young Master.

Did Chancellor Xu really

plan to kill you?

I've passed this test.

Greater storms

are yet to come, though.

Young Master.

So what is

our next move?

As long as I earn his trust,

I will find out

his next move.

If he colludes

with Wutuo,

we'll take precautions.

Huaijin.

What's wrong

with you and Miss He?

Why aren't you

speaking at all?

We are

just fine.

Commander Xiao.

You know all the war strategies.

How can you be

so clueless with women?

You didn't

seize the opportunity

in Chonghuai

and grew increasingly distant.

Miss He

is a sensitive young lady,

after all.

Do you want her

to feel abandoned?

None of your business.

I...

I'm offering you advice.

Seriously.

♪Walking through the crowd, without asking about the future♪

(Miss He stayed secluded)

at Yuhua Temple.

Besides her parents,

she only met one unexpected visitor.

He was not an ordinary man,

but Chancellor Xu Jingfu.

He sat with Miss He

in the meditation room

(and played chess for a while.)

He Rufei.

I knew it.

♪Just to see you turn, a fleeting blush in your glance♪

♪Just to tread the snow you described♪

♪The more fate intertwines intensely♪

♪The further we drift apart♪

♪It's hard to sever love or hatred♪

♪Before destiny is sealed♪

♪Again and again♪

♪My love rests between your fingers♪

♪Farewell tears blur my vision♪

♪Indescribable yearnings♪

♪Awaiting the spread of moonlight♪

♪Perhaps I'll regret saying goodbye♪

♪Maybe we can't share sorrows and joys♪

♪Past memories intertwine♪

♪The story rehearses itself♪

♪Snow falls on windowsills, moments fading away♪

♪Before destiny is sealed♪

♪Again and again♪

♪My love for you burns fiercely♪

♪Lifelong devotion turns into a vow♪

♪That's my last wish♪

♪Awaiting the spread of moonlight♪

He Yan.

(Commander.)

Let me lead the elite squad

to draw away Huyate's heavy infantry.

(Xiao)

Young Master.

His Majesty sent Yan He with us to Yezhou.

Is Chancellor Xu

behind this?

Yan He is a rising star

from a loyal family.

I think His Majesty

wants him to tag along.

So, His Majesty

intends to promote Yan He.

Then you...

It's fine.

He's a military man.

I'm a civil official.

Why would I compete with him?

Are you promoted to

Director of the Ministry of War

because you've earned

His Majesty's trust?

(Mr. Chu.)

The battle in Jiyang

strikes me as peculiar.

Did you notice anything fishy

back then?

Your Majesty,

before the battle,

many Wutuo spies

infiltrated Jiyang

and even attempted

to abduct the little princess.

Thus, I believe that

Wutuo people

have been plotting this.

They may

wage another war against us.

We must be alert.

I also heard that General Fengyun

saved Jiyang single-handedly.

What is

your opinion?

In my humble opinion,

General Fengyun may have defended Jiyang,

but he did leave Yezhou without permission.

Still, his achievements outweigh his faults.

I implore you to show leniency

lest others grow discontent.

After all,

without General Fengyun

and that

brave young soldier,

Jiyang wouldn't have

regained peace so fast.

Brave young soldier?

Are you referring to He Yan,

who single-handedly

killed the Wutuo commander

Huyate?

Exactly.

I've also heard that

when Wutuo forces attacked Yezhou Garrison,

He Yan managed to

crush Rida Muzi

to demonstrate our prestige.

To emerge distinguished

from General Fengyun's towering shadow,

this young man

truly possesses remarkable skill.

Mr. Chu,

you keep asking for rewards

on others' behalf.

What about yourself?

During the battle,

you did a great job by reallocating

the citizens.

Tell me.

What reward would you have?

Your Majesty,

I seek

a higher position.

You've always disdained

such worldly pursuits

and declined rewards like this.

Why are you

seeking promotion

this time?

Your Majesty,

I used to believe

that a minister

only needed to be loyal.

But through recent experience,

I've realized

that loyalty alone

without actual power is not enough.

Therefore,

I seek greater influence

to better serve Your Majesty

in greater causes.

I see.

Alright then.

I appoint you as Director of the Ministry of War.

Stay diligent

and uphold your duties.

Do not

let me down.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

A ruler

never trusts others lightly.

Demonstrating my capabilities

and weaknesses

makes me appear

easily controllable

to His Majesty.

When I finally possess power,

I can guide Wei back to

righteous governance.

(Imperial Edict)

Young Master,

forgive my boldness,

but you shouldn't have asked

to reward Miss He.

Chancellor Xu will

grow suspicious.

Do you think

I'm so clueless and reckless?

That's not what I meant.

I do

harbor personal motives,

but this decree serves

as a stepping stone.

Huayuan in jeopardy!

Huayuan in jeopardy!

Huayuan in jeopardy!

I heard Wutuo attacked Huayuan.

Is that true?

They just lost in Jiyang.

Another attack?

It's confirmed.

Someone just reported to Mr. Shen,

and I overheard it.

(Wutuo attacked Huayuan?)

(First Jiyang, now Huayuan.)

(The Wutuo army)

(seems to be probing)

(our military capabilities.)

(They might plan to start a war.)

General Feihong is leading

the troops to Huayuan.

He'll surely crush

those Wutuo soldiers!

Definitely.

(He Rufei is going to Huayuan?)

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪I've seen the mountains♪

♪And trodden through ice♪

♪Day after day, I venture alone♪

♪Destiny is my creed♪

♪Ideals surge beneath the surface♪

♪Igniting the flame against the winds♪

♪A restless yearning in my soul♪

♪Gazing through the mire♪

♪Who cares about this boundless void♪

♪Charge ahead with blazing fervor♪

♪Stubbornly fighting with my life♪

♪Soaring across the world's expanse♪

♪There must always be a longing♪

♪Disregard the wounds to seek the light♪

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪Chasing the light within my heart♪

♪Burying frailty, embracing life through death♪

♪You'll meet gazes where storms brew♪

♪With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me♪

♪Soaring across the world's expanse♪

♪There must always be a longing♪

♪Disregard the wounds to seek the light♪

♪Light shines upon my heart♪

♪Unveiling scars, I choose to swim upstream♪

♪The resonance of courage rings loud and clear♪

♪It's the boldness that defines existence♪

♪Chasing the light within my heart♪

♪Burying frailty, embracing life through death♪

♪You'll meet gazes where storms brew♪

♪With our unwavering true love, brave the world with me♪