Legend of the Female General Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Legend of the Female General Synopsis
To preserve her family's noble title, He Yan, the eldest daughter of the He family, is forced to wear a mask and disguise herself as the family's legitimate heir, "He Ru Fei." In her youth, she meets the prodigious Xiao Jue at Xianchang Academy, but to escape her family's fate, she leaves the academy and heads to the battlefield. Years later, He Yan returns in glory, only to be betrayed by her family upon her brother He Ru Fei's return. Surviving the ordeal, she assumes a new identity as the daughter of a city gate captain, disguising herself as a man and enlisting in the army in Yezhou, determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers.
Along the way, she befriends the gentle and refined Chu Zhao and reunites with Xiao Jue. However, Xiao Jue suspects her of being a spy and repeatedly tests her. Undeterred, He Yan proves her worth by excelling as the top recruit in the Yezhou garrison. Through trials like the Sun family incident, the Princess of Jiyang affair, and the battle to defend Rundu, they face life-and-death situations together, gradually uncovering the truth and confessing their feelings.
Legend of the Female General Recap
Episode 1 Recap
For years, a young woman known as He Yan lived disguised as a boy, forced to wear a mask and assume the identity of He Rufei, the He family's eldest son. She yearned to know who she truly was, shaped by the cold mask that both stifled her identity and forged her purpose. Fighting through the smoke of war and seas of blood, she rose from a nameless foot soldier to the invincible General Feihong.
Despite her triumphs, she was haunted by the question, "Who is General Feihong? And who am I?" In the 20th year of Wei's Qingyuan era, the Wutuo people invaded once more. Emperor Chengping commanded the renowned General Xiao Zhongwu, who had defeated the Wutuo five years prior, to lead the Xiao Army against the enemy. However, during the decisive battle at Mingshui, 30,000 of his troops fell into a devastating ambush.
Despite Xiao Zhongwu's fervent belief that He Rufei's Fuyue Army would arrive, the reinforcements came too late, and he was tragically killed in battle. His son, Xiao Jue, consumed by grief and resentment, confronted the newly arrived He Yan, still disguised as He Rufei. He seized the Qinglang Sword from her, declaring her unworthy of the blade his father had gifted her years ago as a symbol of his hope for Wei's future military leaders.
Upon her triumphant return to the capital, He Yan was summoned to her father's study. There, he informed her it was time to shed her male disguise and live as a woman, as her family's honor would now be upheld by a man. He then introduced her to the real He Rufei, her elder brother, whom she had never met.
Her father explained that due to congenital frailty, He Rufei had been secretly recuperating at Yuhua Temple since childhood, forcing He Yan to take his place. Now that her brother was well, he would assume his rightful identity as He Rufei, along with the title of General Feihong. He Yan was distraught, protesting that she had sought military glory to honor her family and emulate heroes like General Xiao Zhongwu.
Refusing to believe Xiao Zhongwu was a traitor, she vowed to appeal to the Emperor for justice, even if it meant sacrificing her military honors. However, before she could act, her father and brother conspired to drug her, rendering her unconscious. At the Imperial Palace, Emperor Chengping held Xiao Zhongwu responsible for the loss of 30,000 soldiers, ordering him to be buried as a commoner and stripping the Xiao family of their military command.
Xiao Jue, also known as General Fengyun, knelt before the throne, pleading his father's innocence. He argued that their ambushes had been systematically discovered and destroyed, suggesting an intelligence leak, and begged the Emperor to reopen the case. When General Feihong was summoned, the real He Rufei entered. He falsely testified that the defeat was solely due to Xiao Zhongwu's reckless pursuit of glory and his failure to request timely aid.
Enraged by the lies that sealed his father's fate, Xiao Jue accused the imposter of twisting the truth. When He Rufei mockingly questioned his loyalty to a "sinner," Xiao Jue, overcome with fury, drew his sword and shattered the mask, revealing the imposter's true face to the court. For his breach of court etiquette, Xiao Jue was sentenced to twenty strokes and forced to kneel outside until dawn.
After enduring the punishment, he admitted his fault for the outburst and volunteered to lead troops to Que City to reclaim lost territory. Emperor Chengping granted his request but stipulated that the court would provide no soldiers. Xiao Jue accepted, determined to clear his father's name, even if it meant facing ruin. Meanwhile, a now-blinded He Yan was sent to Yuhua Temple. Her brother, fearing she remained a threat, dispatched his guard, Ding Yi, to kill her.
Ding Yi tried to stage an accidental drowning by moving the rose bushes to misdirect her path to the pond, but Xiao Jue, visiting the temple, unexpectedly intervened and saved her. Undeterred, He Rufei allowed He Yan to "escape" the temple, only for Ding Yi to ambush her on a hidden mountain path. Despite her superior martial arts, He Yan's blindness left her vulnerable. Ding Yi's sword pierced her chest, sending her tumbling off a cliff into the water below.
Against all odds, He Yan survived. She was rescued by her master, Liu Buwang, who not only saved her life but also healed her poisoned eyes. With her sight restored, He Yan removed the mask for good, severing all ties with the He family. She was no longer anyone's substitute, but simply He Yan, free to forge her own destiny.
Vowing to never forget her brother's treachery—stealing her identity, attempting to murder her, and destroying her reputation—she resolved to re-enter the military and honorably reclaim everything that was rightfully hers. As Xiao Jue began recruiting soldiers, He Yan, once again donning male attire, rode towards the recruitment site, ready to begin her journey anew.
Episode 2 Recap
He Rufei, wearing a mask, attended Xianchang Academy, where Master Wei questioned his obscured face. He Rufei explained he hid his visage to avoid startling others. Later, Xiao Jue, the second son of the Xiao family, arrived late, apologizing to Master Wei for his tardiness, his exceptional demeanor noted by others.
Xiao Jue, upon encountering Cheng Lisu, the Imperial Medical Bureau's Top Disciple, in the army camp, warned him against "flashy things," explicitly stating that Cheng Lisu himself was among them. Cheng Lisu expressed dismay at Xiao Jue's harshness after traveling so far to join him, to which Xiao Jue coldly offered him the option of returning home for an arranged marriage. Cheng Lisu, frustrated, remarked that if he could defeat Xiao Jue, he would have killed him long ago.
Xiao Jue retorted that fleeing a marriage would only result in being maimed at most. Xiao Jue then instructed his aide, Feinu, to escort Cheng Lisu away. Cheng Lisu, revealing Xiao Jue was his "uncle," pleaded to be allowed to stay. Meanwhile, Liu Buwang prepared a male identity for He Yan, providing her with a household register under the name "He Yan" (禾晏), explaining that her true identity as a woman would be a liability in the army.
He Yan noticed the subtle, one-character difference between her new name (禾晏) and her previous male identity (何晏), acknowledging her master’s thoughtful foresight. She was instructed to undergo a screening in the left tent before proceeding to the right for military registration, uniforms, and subsidies. Upon inquiry, she learned the screening involved stripping naked for a physical examination by a military doctor, with passage granted to all who were healthy.
Knowing she could not undergo such a screening, an opportunity soon arose. Xiao Jue tasked Cheng Lisu with examining a high-spirited Gaoxia mare that had refused to eat, suggesting Cheng Lisu, as a healer, should treat all lives equally, especially since Yezhou Garrison had no place for idlers.
Cheng Lisu initially protested being asked to treat a horse, but then declared he would not only treat the mare but also tame it, especially since it was a mare, not a stallion. He Yan, observing from a distance, saw her chance. The horse suddenly spooked, throwing Cheng Lisu. He Yan swiftly intervened, saving Cheng Lisu and expertly taming the agitated mare.
Xiao Jue, witnessing her unique horse-taming technique—a method exclusive to the Fuyue Army—immediately suspected He Yan was an agent of He Rufei, though he remained outwardly composed. He Yan, realizing her slip-up, inwardly worried that Xiao Jue might be planning to use her to uncover a larger plot.
The Head Instructor, impressed by her skill, praised her and declared she wouldn't need to undergo the screening, instead taking her directly to complete her enlistment documents, which perfectly suited He Yan's plan. Xiao Jue discussed his suspicions with Feinu, who suggested eliminating the potential spy. Xiao Jue countered that killing one would only lead to replacements, preferring to keep He Yan to potentially uncover the true mastermind, be it He Rufei or Xu Jingfu.
Feinu recalled how Xiao Jue’s father had impeached the prime minister before the Mingshui campaign, only to be ambushed days later, with He Rufei's troops arriving suspiciously late on the seventh day after the request for aid. Feinu believed the two were colluding. Despite these suspicions, Xiao Jue acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence to link Xu Jingfu and He Rufei to the Mingshui defeat or prove their collusion.
With the Xiao Army weakened and under the Emperor’s suspicion, and the Yezhou Garrison suffering from troop and fund shortages, Xiao Jue instructed Feinu to thoroughly investigate He Yan's background. At the Xu Mansion, Xu Jingfu's disciple Chu Zhao reported on his mission in Que City. He claimed to have monitored Xiao Jue, painting a grim picture of Xiao Jue’s ruthlessness in flooding Que City, resulting in tens of thousands of lives lost.
Chu Zhao ordered Zilan to spread this infamy to further solidify Xiao Jue's negative reputation. Xu Jingfu noted that even with victory, Xiao Jue had been effectively demoted to the desolate Yezhou Garrison, underscoring the Emperor's growing apprehension. Chu Zhao also revealed he had found a "fish that slipped through the net" in Que City and had positioned him as a hidden pawn, hoping he would become a valuable asset.
Later, Chu Zhao reunited with Xu Jingfu’s daughter, Xu Pingting, who playfully demanded a gift. Chu Zhao deliberately burned his own arm with a tinderbox, feigning an accidental injury from refugees while monitoring Xiao Jue, all to gain Xu Jingfu's sympathy. His maid, Yingxiang, inwardly noted that Chu Zhao intentionally wounded himself severely to earn his master's favor.
He Yan, in a private moment with her master, expressed her disbelief that Xiao Jue would order the flooding of Que City or sacrifice its citizens for military glory. She confirmed her decision to join the Xiao Army, confident she could rise quickly within its ranks, especially since the army urgently needed new talent.
As a new recruit, He Yan was assigned to a large shared tent where she met her bunkmates: Wang Ba, identifiable by his bandit tattoo; Zheng Xuan, bearing the marks of a face-tattooing punishment, indicating a past as a convict or rogue; Jiang Jiao, from an escort agency and seemingly skilled; Mai, a short farmer; and Huang Xiong, a hunter who ironically wore a string of prayer beads.
The next morning, He Yan was among the first to rise, while others like Wang Ba were still asleep until Head Instructor Shen Han had them doused with water to wake them. Xiao Jue ordered all new recruits to gather at the training field for ten weighted laps around the barracks. He Yan, still recovering from severe injuries and poisoning that had left her bedridden for over a month, found her stamina and physical condition severely lacking.
She observed that Xiao Jue’s training methods were incredibly intense from the outset, proving him to be a formidable and harsh leader, even to himself. Cheng Lisu remarked that Xiao Jue's rigorous methods were meant not just to intimidate, but to gauge the recruits' potential. During weapon training, He Yan initially impressed her peers with her adept handling of a pair of small "twin blades," showcasing unexpected skill.
However, her subsequent attempts at archery proved embarrassing as she struggled to even draw the bowstring. Later, during spear practice, she dropped her weapon, earning taunts from others who called her a "pretty face with nothing to show for it." Despite the ridicule, she still picked up the spear, a small gesture noted by Head Instructor Shen Han as commendable.
Later, Xiao Jue received an update on He Yan’s background: he was from a minor gatekeeper family in Jiazhou with no prior military history and no suspicious family connections. Yet, his clear familiarity with military routines and horsemanship, contrasted with his dismal performance in daily drills, puzzled Xiao Jue, who wondered if He Yan was feigning incompetence or was genuinely useless.
He ordered further investigations into the background of all recruits, particularly those who seemed to be hiding something, dispatching teams to Jiazhou and Que City while continuing to probe the Mingshui incident. As night fell, He Yan, seeking respite, followed the scent of sulfur to a secluded hot spring.
She disrobed and slipped into the soothing water, reflecting on how her achievements and reputation as "He family's legitimate son" (or through using He Rufei's name) were only possible because of her disguised male identity, and that these accomplishments were hard-won through pain and sacrifice. She thought about how, in her previous hidden life, only the moon had witnessed her true face, but now, in this new life, she could finally fight with honor.
Just as she found solace, Xiao Jue arrived, also seeking the hot spring. He Yan quickly submerged herself, holding her breath to avoid detection, but Xiao Jue, sharp and perceptive, instantly sensed the presence of someone hidden beneath the water's surface.
Episode 3 Recap
During a covert confrontation in a hot spring, Xiao Jue and He Yan engaged in a struggle. The water, reducing their strength, revealed He Yan's adeptness at avoiding full exposure, maintaining her disguise even without clothing. Only after He Yan had exited the water and donned her attire did Xiao Jue recognize her. The following day, during daily training, Xiao Jue intently observed He Yan.
He noted He Yan’s moves flowed effortlessly despite a perceived physical weakness, a clear sign that He Yan was no amateur and had been feigning clumsiness. Xiao Jue was determined to make He Yan reveal her true colors openly. He then instructed his subordinate, Shen Han, to assist him with something. Soon, discussions about the formidable Jiuqi Camp, founded by Marshal Xiao, filled the military barracks.
Recruits spoke of the camp's elite warriors, clad in black armor, renowned for their invincibility as the core of the Xiao Army. Hearing these conversations, He Yan shrewdly suspected that Xiao Jue, having learned something from their encounter in the hot spring, had deliberately set this up as a bait to lure her. However, He Yan resolved to turn the tables, planning to join the Jiuqi Camp honorably and flawlessly, believing that the true prey remained to be seen.
Shen Han later informed He Yan that the Jiuqi Camp annually selected only the most outstanding new recruit to replenish its ranks. Without hesitation, He Yan boldly declared that she was that exceptional candidate, assuring them they wouldn't need to search further. Subsequently, a recruit named Wang Ba brazenly snatched He Yan's flatbread, taunting her to take it back.
Refusing to be intimidated, He Yan challenged Wang Ba to an archery contest in ten days at the training field, vowing victory and stating that if she won, Wang Ba would have to call her "boss." Shortly after, another recruit, Jiang Jiao, challenged He Yan to a spear duel on the same day. Many recruits found He Yan's challenges audacious, but Xiao Jue, intrigued, permitted the contests to proceed, eager to assess He Yan's qualifications for the Jiuqi Camp.
From that day forward, He Yan dedicated herself to rigorous training, continuing her practice long after others had retired for the night and resuming before dawn. Xiao Jue keenly observed her relentless efforts. One night, he confronted He Yan, directly accusing her of being the clandestine individual from the hot spring. He Yan, feigning distress and panic, concocted a story about being startled and fleeing recklessly that night.
Despite her elaborate excuses, Xiao Jue maintained his suspicion, perceiving her as evasive and untruthful. He Yan then boldly proposed that Xiao Jue become her trainer, arguing that practicing alone was inefficient. Amused by her cheekiness, Xiao Jue agreed to teach her, but only if she could withstand ten of his strikes without leaving a designated circle. He Yan readily accepted the challenge.
During their sparring session, she appeared to be at Xiao Jue's mercy, yet she deftly maintained her position within the circle, never crossing its boundary. After the tenth strike, He Yan remained within the circle, prompting Xiao Jue to honor his promise. He agreed to train her every night at Xu hour, warning her that if she failed to win her challenges, she would be expelled from Yezhou Garrison.
He Yan, however, saw this as an opportunity to leverage Xiao Jue's power for her own advancement. Despite having quickly mastered the spear techniques he taught, He Yan noticed Xiao Jue’s lack of interest in her progress. Driven to showcase her achievements, she sought him out in his tent. There, her eyes fell upon a familiar weapon: the Qinglang Sword.
She recalled a time when Marshal Xiao Zhongwu, Xiao Jue’s father, commissioned two swords: Yinqiu, which he bestowed upon Xiao Jue (whose given name was Huaijin) when he came of age, and Qinglang, which he presented to He Yan. In Xiao Jue’s presence, He Yan had initially felt unworthy of such a precious gift, while the young Xiao Jue expressed his disdain, deeming her undeserving of it.
As He Yan reached for the Qinglang Sword and began to draw it from its scabbard, Xiao Jue appeared behind her, pressing a cold blade against her neck. He Yan quickly fabricated an excuse, claiming she was merely captivated by the sword’s sharpness and couldn’t resist touching it, and Xiao Jue, seemingly satisfied, did not press the matter further. On the day of the competition, most recruits placed their bets on Wang Ba and Jiang Jiao.
However, Mr. Cheng confidently wagered ten flatbreads on He Yan, though he learned that someone else had placed a bet on He Yan even earlier. To everyone's astonishment, He Yan emerged victorious against both opponents. During her spear duel with Jiang Jiao, Xiao Jue surreptitiously threw a stone at her, testing her reflexes. He Yan instinctively dodged, but then deliberately allowed herself to be hit, discerning Xiao Jue's true intention.
True to their word, both Jiang Jiao and Wang Ba acknowledged He Yan as their "boss." Celebrating her triumph, Mr. Cheng, having won his wager, generously treated everyone to the flatbreads he had secured. Despite He Yan’s impressive performance, Xiao Jue’s suspicions deepened.
He recognized her not only as resilient and clever but also as a formidable and challenging opponent, resolving not to underestimate her as the truth about her identity was sure to reveal itself in the upcoming competition phase.
Episode 4 Recap
In the aftermath of He Yan's victory in the new recruit competition, Cheng Lisu informed her that not only he but also an anonymous individual had bet on her to win, speculating it was either Huang Xiong or Mai. He Yan, however, was preoccupied with her ambition to join the Jiuqi Camp.
Cheng Lisu expressed confusion and concern, pointing out that the Jiuqi Camp was known for its perilous missions alongside Xiao Jue, and he couldn't understand why she would seek such a dangerous assignment. Later, He Yan approached Xiao Jue's tent with a cup of tea to express her gratitude for his guidance. When Xiao Jue declined the tea, He Yan opened a cage, offering "night snacks" instead.
The cage was filled with dry flatbreads, and He Yan immediately realized that the anonymous person Cheng Lisu had mentioned—the one who bet on her—was none other than Xiao Jue, indicating his confidence in her. She then playfully asked if she qualified to join the Jiuqi Camp. Xiao Jue responded that merely winning against two recruits was insufficient for entry into the Jiuqi Camp, but he promised to evaluate her properly.
Instructor Shen Han then announced that the new recruits, having trained for over a month, would participate in a Flag Contest before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Fifteen flags would be placed across Mount Baiyue, and teams would be formed. The team that collected the most flags within the allotted time would win double military merits and double their monthly pay. However, Shen Han stated that before the contest, teams were required to patrol the mountains.
He then assigned Zheng Xuan, Jiang Jiao, Wang Ba, He Yan, and Mai to one team, with He Yan as their captain, ordering them to begin mountain patrols the next day. During the patrol, Wang Ba and Zheng Xuan complained about the bland flatbreads. Disregarding He Yan's instructions and the instructor's ban on crossing the mountain ridge, they ventured off to find exotic fruits or wild game. They soon encountered a pack of wolves.
Zheng Xuan, panicking, ran back for help, while Wang Ba was injured. He Yan, acting swiftly, told Mai and Jiang Jiao to return to camp for assistance while she went to rescue Wang Ba. She reached Wang Ba, put him on a horse, and instructed him to ride back to camp, staying behind to confront the wolves alone. During the struggle, she fell into a hidden pit. He Yan's left arm was bitten by a wolf.
She quickly removed the binding from her chest to tie around the wound. Meanwhile, Zheng Xuan, back at camp, released all the horses and falsely accused He Yan of desertion, claiming He Yan had urged others to flee with him over the mountain. However, Wang Ba, Mai, and Jiang Jiao soon returned, exposing Zheng Xuan's lies. Seeing no one immediately volunteering to rescue He Yan, Wang Ba, despite his injury, prepared to go, only to be stopped by Xiao Jue.
Recognizing the mountain's complex and treacherous terrain, Xiao Jue decided to personally undertake the rescue. It was the Qixi Festival, and He Yan was huddled in the pit, using the body of a dead wolf for warmth, awaiting an unknown rescue. Suddenly, Xiao Jue's voice echoed from above. With his characteristic stern demeanor but underlying concern, he knew He Yan could not climb out herself, so he lowered a vine to pull her up.
Despite his usual fastidiousness, Xiao Jue allowed the blood-stained He Yan to ride his horse. Under the crescent moon, this Qixi Festival became unforgettable for He Yan. Exhausted from fighting the wolf, she fell asleep on Xiao Jue's back. Xiao Jue immediately detected she was a woman, a shocking revelation. True to his strict military discipline, Xiao Jue ordered Zheng Xuan's execution for betraying his comrades. Cheng Lisu informed He Yan, expecting her to find the punishment cruel.
To his surprise, He Yan expressed understanding of Xiao Jue's reasoning, explaining that military rules are inviolable and that such harsh measures are necessary to deter disloyalty and instill discipline, especially given the Yezhou Garrison's current state. Xiao Jue, who overheard her insightful remarks, showed little reaction, simply tossing a precious healing ointment to He Yan for her wound and instructing Cheng Lisu not to force He Yan to undress.
Cheng Lisu then mentioned that Xiao Jue had only given this particular healing ointment to two people: He Rufei and He Yan. Separately, He Rufei sought an audience with Chancellor Xu Jingfu, who declined the meeting and instead had Chu Zhao entertain him. He Rufei, unable to meet Xu Jingfu, soon departed, leaving behind a rare hydraulics manuscript. Afterward, Xu Jingfu asked Chu Zhao for his assessment of He Rufei.
Chu Zhao candidly stated that He Rufei did not live up to his reputation but noted his personal guard was exceptionally skilled. Chu Zhao proposed that if He Rufei and his guard could be brought into the Yezhou Garrison, it would serve a dual purpose: countering Xiao Jue and addressing issues with Magistrate Sun Xiangfu, who, though a disciple of Xu Jingfu, had grown too ambitious. Xu Jingfu agreed to Chu Zhao's plan.
It was revealed that Chu Linfeng, though publicly acknowledged as Chu Zhao's father, was in fact his uncle. Chu Zhao's birth mother was the eldest daughter of the Chu family, who bore him out of wedlock. To prevent scandal, Chu Linfeng claimed Chu Zhao as his son. Because of this, Chu Linfeng's wife frequently mocked and ridiculed Chu Zhao. Meanwhile, investigations into He Yan's identity continued for a long time, yielding no discrepancies in her military records.
Xiao Jue concluded that the individual assisting He Yan in concealing her true identity must be someone extraordinary. He described it as an "unexpected lead" and ordered continued investigation into her background.
Episode 5 Recap
Yezhou Magistrate Sun Xiangfu stalled the delivery of military provisions, citing a poor harvest, outstanding payments to farmers, and critically low grain reserves. Xiao Jue's subordinates confirmed their investigation into He Yan's past yielded no suspicious details, matching her military records perfectly and suggesting that those covering for her were exceptionally capable.
Xiao Jue deduced that Xu Jingfu, after engineering his transfer to Yezhou to remove him from the capital, was now trying to destabilize the new recruits by tampering with provisions and spreading rumors of embezzlement. Xiao Jue determined that the remaining provisions would last for some time, and after the Flag Contest concluded, he would personally confront Sun Xiangfu to uncover the nature of Xu Jingfu's pawn in Yezhou. By the river, many people released lanterns.
He Yan released a lantern for her past self, reflecting that having been reborn with a new identity, her life was now hers to control, leaving her old self behind. Cheng Lisu arrived with a massive lantern, explaining it was for both his ancestors and Xiao Jue's, so it had to be large to accommodate both families and prevent loneliness.
He shared a poignant story: after Xiao Jue's grand-uncle died, his grief-stricken grand-aunt took her own life, leaving Xiao Jue even more solitary. Cheng Lisu also revealed that family and friends preferred Xiao Jue's scholarly elder brother, Xiao Jing. Unlike his brother, Xiao Jue volunteered for the army to fulfill the family's military tradition, which led him to become aloof and distant, to the point that even his own mother struggled to connect with him.
He Yan noticed Xiao Jue also present, seemingly in mourning. She approached him, and they had a philosophical exchange about the living fulfilling the wishes of the deceased. When she offered to teach him how to fold a lantern as repayment for saving her, Xiao Jue refused. He Yan playfully provoked him, calling him picky and squeamish for not making one himself, which surprisingly led him to sit down and fold one.
Their hands accidentally brushed, and Xiao Jue quickly withdrew his, while He Yan remained unbothered, again remarking on his squeamishness. Aware of her female identity, Xiao Jue found her lack of concern for propriety between genders unusual. Later, as He Yan prepared to light her finished lantern, Xiao Jue subtly extended his hand to shield the flame from the wind.
On the day of the Flag Contest, Commander Xiao Jue announced that the most outstanding new recruit would be selected to join the Nine Banners Battalion, sparking Lei Hou's determination. He Yan, having meticulously mapped Mount Baiyue during a previous patrol, chose a strategic approach. Understanding the instructors' tactics, she recognized that obvious flag locations were traps. Instead, she guided her team toward a flag hidden in dense woods behind a steep cliff—a challenging but likely uncontested path.
Her foresight proved correct, and her team secured the first red flag without a fight. Back at the camp, Xiao Jue and Shen Han discussed the contest. Xiao Jue expressed confidence in He Yan's strategic prowess, while Shen Han favored Lei Hou's team for their individual martial arts skills. Soon, news arrived that He Yan's team was ambushing other teams, outsmarting them with tactics and seizing their flags.
As the contest neared its climax, both Lei Hou's and He Yan's teams had secured seven flags. With the final flag in a treacherous valley set to determine the winner, He Yan proposed a duel instead of a chaotic scramble: the victor would claim all of the loser's flags. Despite her teammates' concerns, He Yan reassured them. During the duel, Lei Hou's teammates attempted a sneak attack from behind, but He Yan's vigilant teammates swiftly defended her.
He Yan ultimately prevailed, and Lei Hou, acknowledging her superior combat skills, honorably conceded defeat, allowing He Yan's team to claim all fifteen flags. He Yan's team returned to the camp victorious, but Commander Xiao Jue decided to postpone the commendations until the Mid-Autumn Festival five days later. Confident she would be chosen for the Nine Banners Battalion, He Yan crafted a small flower pot bearing the words "Great Master and Talented Disciple" as a gift for Xiao Jue.
When she tried to present it, Xiao Jue subtly avoided a direct conversation, offering her pastries before excusing himself for a meeting. Meanwhile, the scholar Chu Zhao approached General He Rufei, requesting that the skilled guard Ding Yi accompany him to Yezhou to mediate the tense situation between Xiao Jue and Magistrate Sun Xiangfu, hoping to impress the Chancellor.
He Rufei agreed but secretly instructed Ding Yi to use the opportunity to obtain certain items from Sun Xiangfu and stir up trouble, ensuring any fallout would be blamed on Sun Xiangfu or Chu Zhao. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, He Yan was disappointed by Xiao Jue's absence, still expecting him to announce the Nine Banners Battalion selection. Shen Han arrived with a large jar of wine as a special reward for He Yan's team.
After congratulating them on their first-place victory, he stunned them by announcing he was on his way to congratulate Lei Hou. He Yan and her teammates were shocked to learn that Lei Hou, not He Yan, was the chosen candidate. Shen Han explained that the Commander's decision was based on a comprehensive evaluation, not solely on the Flag Contest results, and encouraged He Yan, assuring her that she was a talented individual with many more opportunities ahead.
Episode 6 Recap
He Yan found herself dismayed after learning that despite her first-place victory in the flag competition, Xiao Jue had selected Lei Hou to join the Jiuqi Camp, leaving many of her peers to lament the perceived injustice. While drinking with them, she passionately expressed her determination to join the elite unit, not for a glorious homecoming, as she had no family, but solely to prove her worth and one day become a general by earning merits in combat.
Later, heavily intoxicated, He Yan stumbled into Xiao Jue's tent, loudly calling him by his given name. She relentlessly questioned his decision, insisting she was "the top one of Yezhou Garrison, an outstanding candidate," and accusing him of having "terrible judgment." She even correctly deduced his true reasoning: he suspected a spy and had repeatedly tested her, confirming her innocence, then subtly implied that Lei Hou was the actual spy.
Xiao Jue repeatedly urged her to sober up, but she adamantly refused to leave, proclaiming that she, He Yan, would one day become a celebrated general. He Yan continued to press Xiao Jue, elaborating on her spy theory. Oblivious to Lei Hou eavesdropping outside, concerned she might reveal sensitive information, He Yan stubbornly refused to put down Xiao Jue's treasured Qinglang Sword, instead insisting on performing a sword dance for him.
In the process, she accidentally split his beloved zither in two. Despite the damage, He Yan impulsively asked Xiao Jue if he liked her. Just then, Feinu arrived to deliver dinner for Xiao Jue, encountering Lei Hou, who claimed he was there to thank the Commander for his selection into Jiuqi Camp. He Yan, still clinging to Xiao Jue, continued to express her disappointment and called his judgment "outrageous."
She passionately questioned where she was lacking, listing her looks, martial skills, and height, only for Xiao Jue to pointedly retort, "Do you have height?" She then stubbornly demanded that he add an extra slot for her in Jiuqi Camp, threatening an unfinished consequence, to which Xiao Jue challenged her to complete her sentence.
The next morning, Cheng Lisu woke He Yan, teasing her about her "comfortable sleep" in Xiao Jue's tent and revealing that Xiao Jue had to "squeeze into my place" last night to make room for her. He Yan was mortified, fearing she would be expelled from the Yezhou Garrison.
Cheng Lisu tried to reassure her, pointing out that Xiao Jue hadn't punished her despite her actions of using his treasured sword to smash his beloved zither and even giving her his bed. He speculated that Xiao Jue's unusual leniency was because he recognized He Yan's "unique physique," marking her as a "rare prodigy." This comment sent a jolt of panic through He Yan, who internally wondered if Xiao Jue had discovered her true female identity.
Cheng Lisu then amusingly reminded her that her "misbehavior demands a proper apology." He Yan's mind raced, grappling with her regrettable actions and Cheng Lisu's surprising interpretation of Xiao Jue's reaction. While He Yan was still muttering to herself, desperately trying to find a way to apologize to Xiao Jue and still secure a spot in Jiuqi Camp, a man named Ding Yi arrived. He introduced himself as an envoy from Yezhou Magistrate Sun Xiangfu.
Xiao Jue immediately noticed Ding Yi's unusually light footsteps and steady breathing, deducing him to be "a skilled fighter," and instructed Feinu to summon Cheng Lisu. Upon seeing Ding Yi, He Yan experienced a chilling moment of recognition; she identified him as her assailant from Yuhua Temple, recalling his distinctive severed finger and voice.
She immediately realized he was a He family henchman who had seemingly infiltrated the Yezhou Magistrate's circle, making her question their true intentions concerning the garrison's military funds and provisions. Sun Xiangfu's invitation requested Xiao Jue's presence to discuss the garrison's military funds and provisions shortages. It also extended an invitation to Cheng Lisu, citing a desire to reminisce. Cheng Lisu immediately panicked, recalling that Sun Xiangfu's wife had arranged his engagement.
He was convinced this was a trap to detain him and send him back to the capital for an unwanted marriage to Miss Song, whom he claimed would turn him into a "lab rat" and torture him to death. He dramatically pleaded with his uncle, Xiao Jue, to save him, to which Xiao Jue teasingly offered him his sharp sword, Yinqiu, implying he could "end it all now."
Later, Cheng Lisu poured out his worries to He Yan, convinced he was walking into a "dangerous place." Meanwhile, Feinu reported to Xiao Jue about Chu Zhao, the Inspector of the Ministry of War and a prized disciple of Xu Jingfu, who had recently returned from Que City. Feinu speculated that Chu Zhao might be connected to the rumors that had damaged Xiao Jue's reputation after the Que City battle.
Xiao Jue, recalling his past dealings with Chu Zhao, concluded that the rumors likely stemmed from him and advised Feinu to "stay vigilant against him." Recognizing the dangers of the mission and Cheng Lisu's lack of martial skill, Xiao Jue decided that He Yan would impersonate Cheng Lisu and accompany him to Yezhou City.
Xiao Jue admitted he didn't trust leaving He Yan behind at the garrison, and since she was so "eager to go," this "ambush banquet" would serve as an opportune test of her skills. He Yan clarified her motivation for volunteering was not just for atonement but also "for my own sake," hoping the trip would "change [his] opinion of me" and secure her a spot in Jiuqi Camp.
The following morning, He Yan appeared dressed in luxurious attire, flawlessly reciting Cheng Lisu's persona details. Confident in her disguise, He Yan eagerly asked Xiao Jue if she looked "charming and dashing," only for him to pointedly remark that she was "even shorter than Cheng Lisu." Meanwhile, a young master of the He family was informed that Ding Yi had delivered the invitation.
Having investigated Sun Xiangfu's lecherous son, Sun Ling, the young master plotted to use the son's misdeeds to implicate the father, announcing his intention to proceed to the Sun residence as "the stage is set, and the actors will soon arrive." He Yan, Xiao Jue, and Feinu arrived in Yezhou City and settled into an inn, rather than the Sun residence. In her disguise as Cheng Lisu, He Yan questioned the choice of lodging.
Xiao Jue initially planned to book two rooms, intending for He Yan to share one with him, but she objected. Maintaining her persona, she then playfully guilted her "uncle" into booking three rooms instead. Before they retired, Xiao Jue sternly warned He Yan not to leave her room that night. At the inn, He Yan, still in character, ordered an extravagant feast.
Xiao Jue allowed it but subtly reminded her of his teaching, "Save and thrive, waste and perish," making He Yan regret her excessive order. After eating, a "stuffed" He Yan loudly feigned drowsiness, ensuring Xiao Jue and Feinu in the adjacent room would think she was going to sleep. Once she believed they were convinced, she secretly slipped out.
However, Xiao Jue was one step ahead, having instructed Feinu to investigate the Sun family's tax records while he would "keep watch personally." He stood on an upper floor, watching as He Yan, believing her escape was a success, walked into the city streets.
Episode 7 Recap
He Yan discreetly followed Ding Yi, while Xiao Jue observed her from a distance. Aware of Xiao Jue's presence, He Yan saw Ding Yi enter Wanhua Pavilion. Knowing Xiao Jue's dignified nature, she believed he would not enter such a pleasure house, providing a perfect opportunity to elude him. Inside Wanhua Pavilion, He Yan encountered Chu Zhao and his servant Yingxiang, who recognized her as the "fortune teller" from Que City.
He Yan approached Chu Zhao and, referencing their previous encounter, noted that he had recently suffered a minor injury. Warning him that such a wound could prove fatal on a battlefield if left untreated, she offered him two bottles of medicine. After she left, Yingxiang questioned if the young man truly had divination skills, but Chu Zhao simply replied that he had likely "sniffed out" the scent of blood.
He Yan then observed Ding Yi entering a room with several dancers. After learning from a courtesan that the room was for dancers who performed at noble banquets, He Yan disguised herself in a dancer's attire and veiled her face to follow Ding Yi. However, her plan was thwarted when the madam, facing a last-minute cancellation from the main dancer, pushed He Yan onto the stage to perform.
Forced to abandon her pursuit for the moment, He Yan borrowed a sword from a guest and performed a captivating sword dance, earning cheers from the military men below. Watching from the audience, Chu Zhao realized the "fortune teller" was a woman in disguise. He Yan, meanwhile, noted that Ding Yi was dressed as a servant of Sun Xiangfu, the Yezhou Magistrate, and resolved to continue her investigation at the Sun Mansion.
Midway through her performance, He Yan was startled by the unexpected arrival of Xiao Jue, causing her to falter. Chu Zhao quickly began playing his flute, providing a melody that allowed He Yan to regain her rhythm and complete the dance flawlessly. Afterwards, Xiao Jue approached and presented her with a flower, musing to himself that it was a "flower for a beauty."
He was fully aware of her identity and found her audacity remarkable, though He Yan remained convinced he had not seen through her disguise. After changing back into her male attire, He Yan witnessed a commotion as a courtesan was being forcibly dragged away, with the madam announcing that "Young Master Sun's" men were coming for her. Nearby, Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao conversed.
Chu Zhao revealed he was the Inspector sent by the court to investigate the Yezhou Garrison's supply shortages. Xiao Jue, explaining he had arrived ahead of schedule with his nephew, asked Chu Zhao to keep his early arrival a secret. As they spoke, Xiao Jue noticed Chu Zhao's focused gaze on He Yan as she intervened in the commotion downstairs, making him wonder if the two knew each other.
He Yan rescued the struggling woman, who introduced herself as Song Taotao. She explained that she had run from an arranged marriage and was only passing through Yezhou when she was abducted by a man her captors called "Young Master Sun." She had stabbed him with a hairpin to escape an assault. When Song Taotao asked why He Yan dared to help when no one else would, He Yan confessed, "Because you are a woman, and so am I."
He Yan speculated that "Young Master Sun" was the magistrate's son, Sun Ling, which would complicate matters, and offered Song Taotao some medicinal herbs, noting their poisonous properties could be useful. The name "Song Taotao" was familiar to He Yan, who recalled that her father had arranged her marriage to the daughter of the Chief Imperial Physician, who was none other than Song Taotao. He Yan reflected on the strange twist of fate that brought them together.
Guessing that Sun Ling's men would search the inns for someone with a non-local accent, He Yan disguised Song Taotao as a man. However, Sun Ling and his men soon burst in and identified Song Taotao. He Yan boldly introduced herself as Cheng Lisu, stunning Song Taotao. Sun Ling scoffed at her claim that her uncle was the renowned General Xiao Jue and challenged her to produce him. At that moment, Xiao Jue and Feinu arrived.
Xiao Jue swiftly subdued Sun Ling just as Magistrate Sun Xiangfu appeared. Recognizing Xiao Jue, the magistrate fell to his knees, forcing his son to do the same, and begged for forgiveness. Xiao Jue instructed He Yan to take responsibility for Song Taotao, since she had rescued her. It was then that Song Taotao revealed she was, in fact, Cheng Lisu's nominal fiancée.
She had traveled to Yezhou to find him and annul their engagement, as they had both fled the arrangement. Aware that the real Cheng Lisu was physically frail, Song Taotao knew He Yan was an imposter. Meanwhile, Magistrate Sun privately warned his son of Xiao Jue's power, recounting how Xiao Jue had once executed a censor's son with impunity, but assured him he had a trap ready for the general.
Later, He Yan and Song Taotao discussed the rampant disappearances of young women in Yezhou, a crime widely attributed to Sun Ling but impossible to report since his father was the magistrate. He Yan reassured Song Taotao she would protect her. Later, He Yan offered Xiao Jue osmanthus candies, but he refused them, stating he disliked sweets and reminding her of a past prank where she put loaches in his shoes.
Just then, Feinu announced the Inspector's official arrival, and Xiao Jue informed He Yan they would be attending a banquet at the Sun Mansion that day. At the mansion, Magistrate Sun Xiangfu formally introduced Xiao Jue to the Inspector. He Yan was stunned to see that it was Chu Zhao.
Episode 8 Recap
Chu Zhao, the Inspector from the Ministry of War, arrived at the Sun Mansion to address issues concerning the Yezhou Garrison. Sun Xiangfu hosted a banquet for him, attempting to subtly inquire about Chancellor Xu Jingfu. However, Chu Zhao remained guarded, deflecting the questions by stating the Chancellor was troubled by significant state affairs, not by Commander Xiao Jue. Sun Xiangfu quickly agreed, eager to appear aligned with the Chancellor's interests.
Soon after, Commander Xiao Jue arrived with He Yan, who was disguised as Mr. Cheng Lisu. He Yan recognized Chu Zhao from a previous encounter, recalling how she had once swindled him but also given him medicine, considering them even. She noted that Chu Zhao did not expose her true identity, allowing her to continue her disguise.
Sun Xiangfu then compelled his son, Sun Ling, to apologize to Xiao Jue and He Yan for his previous insolence, which He Yan mockingly acknowledged. During the banquet, Xiao Jue addressed the matter of military funding. Sun Xiangfu lamented that the Yezhou treasury had been depleted for years, making it impossible to provide the Yezhou Garrison with the necessary resources. Xiao Jue, however, pointed out the lavishness of the banquet despite Sun Xiangfu's claims of hardship.
He suggested that Chu Zhao, as the inspector, examine the tax ledger to determine if taxes had truly gone uncollected or if there was foul play. Chu Zhao readily agreed to assist, emphasizing the importance of securing the welfare of the garrison soldiers. To liven up the banquet, Sun Xiangfu introduced dancers and musicians and presented a cherished aged vintage. While the guests were distracted, Ding Yi, a subordinate sent by General Feihong, poured wine for Xiao Jue.
He Yan sensed something was wrong and deliberately knocked over Xiao Jue's wine cup, revealing the presence of poison. The performers were revealed to be assassins and immediately attacked Xiao Jue. Sun Xiangfu and Sun Ling, feigning terror, hid under the table and weakly called for guards. Without revealing her martial arts skills, He Yan secretly assisted Xiao Jue.
When she saw Ding Yi make a subtle signal, she anticipated a follow-up attack and pulled Xiao Jue closer, shielding him from a cloud of powder. The powder flew into He Yan's eyes, blinding her. The remaining assassins then committed suicide by taking poison. After the incident, Sun Xiangfu and his son knelt, vehemently denying any knowledge of the assassins or the poisoned wine, claiming the attackers were external hires.
Xiao Jue declared he would not leave until the truth was uncovered, and Chu Zhao affirmed his commitment to a thorough investigation. Although He Yan tried to appear unfazed by her blindness, Xiao Jue perceived her underlying fear. Later, Chu Zhao privately confronted Sun Xiangfu and Ding Yi. They admitted to orchestrating the plot but insisted it was to benefit Chancellor Xu Jingfu by undermining Xiao Jue, whom they saw as a threat.
Chu Zhao sternly warned them against implicating the Chancellor. Ding Yi assured Chu Zhao that Xiao Jue would not leave Yezhou alive. Separately, Sun Xiangfu found Cheng Lisu's act of spilling the wine suspiciously timely, while Ding Yi felt Cheng Lisu seemed familiar. Feeling responsible for He Yan's injury, Xiao Jue took great care of her, even personally feeding her porridge the next morning.
When Yezhou's most renowned oculist was brought in, He Yan subtly tested him by claiming she had taken a combination of cassia seeds and white peony root. When the physician approved, she exposed his incompetence by pointing out that the two herbs should not be taken together. In truth, the powder had only blinded her temporarily, and a special medicine from her master had already restored her sight. She decided to feign blindness to lower everyone's guard.
However, Xiao Jue already suspected she could see and resolved to observe how long she would maintain her act. Meanwhile, Chu Zhao instructed his attendant, Yingxiang, to locate the hidden account books detailing the dealings between Sun Xiangfu and Chancellor Xu Jingfu. Knowing Xiao Jue's plans, He Yan clung to his arm while feigning blindness. When Xiao Jue deliberately failed to warn her about an upcoming step, she artfully stumbled and grabbed his waist for support.
Xiao Jue rebuffed her, telling her that was enough. Feinu, Xiao Jue's subordinate, reported discovering a hidden chamber in the mansion, suspecting it contained the tax ledger. Capitalizing on He Yan's feigned blindness, Xiao Jue devised a plan for her to distract Sun Ling, allowing him to search Sun Ling's bedchamber. He Yan created a commotion by loudly pretending to be lost, which drew Sun Ling back to his room.
Sun Ling found his room in disarray, realizing someone had been inside, and headed toward a hidden compartment. However, the compartment had a complex locking mechanism that could destroy its contents if opened incorrectly, so Xiao Jue had not acted. As Sun Ling attempted to assault the "blind" He Yan, Chu Zhao intervened, rebuking Sun Ling for his behavior. Chu Zhao then personally escorted He Yan back to her room. Shortly after, Ding Yi arrived to summon Chu Zhao to a meeting with Sun Xiangfu, casting a suspicious glance at He Yan as he left.
Episode 9 Recap
Yingxiang reported to Chu Zhao that when she secretly snuck into Sun Ling's room, she found that Xiao Jue had also entered the secret chamber. Chu Zhao speculated that Xiao Jue was likely after the tax ledgers of the Yezhou Garrison, after all, Xiao Jue had no means of knowing about the financial dealings between Xu Jingfu and Sun Xiangfu.
Ding Yi repeatedly tested He Yan to see if she was truly blind, and then replaced the perfumed sachet on He Yan's clothes. He Yan knew that the perfumed sachet must be poisoned, and Ding Yi wanted to harm not only her, but also Xiao Jue. He Yan quickly ran out and bumped into Xiao Jue, guessing that Ding Yi was still monitoring nearby, she had to quietly remind Xiao Jue that the perfumed sachet on her was poisoned.
He Yan played along with the plan, pulling Xiao Jue into the water. Xiao Jue held her up by the waist. The poisoned perfumed sachet plan failed again. Sun Xiangfu was furious and gnashed his teeth in hatred at the slippery He Yan. Ding Yi became suspicious, everything was too coincidental, he suspected that He Yan was faking blindness. After falling into the water, He Yan took a bath. She still had to pretend to be blind.
Xiao Jue helped her with her belt and draped an outer garment over her. That night, He Yan put on night clothes and eavesdropped on Ding Yi and Sun Xiangfu's conversation on the rooftop, discovering that Ding Yi wanted to attack her. After being discovered, He Yan fled and unexpectedly met Xiao Jue, who was also wearing night clothes.
As soon as they exchanged blows, they recognized each other and quickly separated to avoid being tracked by the Sun Mansion's servants. Xiao Jue returned to his room and sat in the bathtub to bathe. He Yan then also burst in and was exposed by Xiao Jue for faking blindness. Before she could explain, Ding Yi came chasing.
In a moment of desperation, He Yan held her breath and hid in the bathtub, sharing the same tub with a bare-chested Xiao Jue. Ding Yi checked and found He Yan was not in her room. Xiao Jue found an excuse to send Ding Yi away. Xiao Jue did not dwell much on He Yan faking blindness. He Yan reminded him not to be ungrateful just because she had recovered.
After realizing that Ding Yi wanted to kill Xiao Jue, He Yan decided to take action against Ding Yi, both for revenge and to protect Xiao Jue. She did not know that Xiao Jue was also eavesdropping on the rooftop at the time, learning that Ding Yi was sent by He Rufei to kill him, wondering why He Rufei wanted to kill him, and what role He Yan played in all of this.
At the same time, Yingxiang told Chu Zhao what had just happened at the Sun Mansion. He Yan actively sought out Ding Yi for revenge. She lifted her veil, no longer worried that Ding Yi would know she was impersonating Cheng Lisu. The two fought. He Yan's skill was far superior to Ding Yi's.
She led Ding Yi to a gloomy Buddhist hall, a place where the Sun family father and son suppressed restless spirits, and also Ding Yi's burial ground. After an intense struggle, He Yan stabbed Ding Yi blind. Ding Yi suffered in torment and was finally slit in the throat by He Yan. Unexpectedly, Xiao Jue was also there and heard He Yan say she wanted to take Ding Yi's life, which made him suspect her identity.
He Yan feigned ignorance, but Xiao Jue directly called her Miss He. Liu Buwang had previously created a fake household registration for He Yan, and also provided double protection in case her fake registration was discovered. He Yan used this to temporarily alleviate Xiao Jue's suspicion. In her fight with Ding Yi, He Yan also sustained injuries. The wound was on her back, and she asked Xiao Jue to help her apply medicine.
Regarding her insistence on joining the Jiuqi Camp, He Yan's reasons were flawless. Xiao Jue did not believe her and threatened He Yan, saying that if she did not tell the truth, she would have to leave the Yezhou Garrison. Feinu was responsible for disposing of and burying Ding Yi's body, but unexpectedly discovered multiple female bodies in the Buddhist hall.
The Sun family father and son abducted women from Yezhou City, tortured them to death, and then buried their bodies here. This was also why there had been multiple cases of missing women in Yezhou City, with their whereabouts unknown.
