Legend of the Female General Episode 20 Recap
> Legend of the Female General Recap
The Wutuo army launched a fierce assault on Jiyang City, their forces charging like wild beasts towards the walls. Jiyang soldiers bravely resisted, while within the city, women, inspired by He Yan, armed themselves with whatever they could find, their eyes resolute, ready to face the enemy without retreat despite their fear.
One woman, clutching a heavy pot, declared that if the Wutuo broke in, she would hurl it at them, ensuring that killing one would be a gain, and killing two an even greater one. They resolved to fight for their home, Jiyang, believing that life held no meaning if their home was lost.
Other women echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that if the officials' families sought only to preserve themselves, they couldn't expect soldiers to sacrifice their lives on the front lines. The Wutuo army relentlessly pounded the city gate with massive siege rams, creating a deafening din. The Jiyang army, united in spirit, held the gate firmly, refusing to yield an inch even as the impacts shook it. Meanwhile, outside a secret passage, Liu Buwang stood guard with a sharp, vigilant gaze.
Soon, Wutuo infiltrators emerged from the passage, attempting to sneak into Jiyang. Liu Buwang moved with lightning speed, fighting ten foes at once in a fierce struggle, each move resolute, determined to keep the spies out. Xiao Jue, observing the unfolding battle, coolly devised a strategy. He instructed Feinu to lead the vanguard out of the city, while Muyi commanded the Jiyang troops to hold the city gate, ensuring no Wutuo soldier set foot inside Jiyang.
Xiao Jue's plan was for Feinu to lead the main force in an initial assault, after which he would lead an elite squad to lure Huyate and his heavy-armored troops away from the main battlefield, leaving the remaining Wutuo forces leaderless. He Yan, understanding Xiao Jue's crucial role, stepped forward and volunteered to lead the elite squad instead, revealing her intention to impersonate Princess Mengji.
She argued that the Wutuo's deep-seated hatred for the Princess would make her the most effective lure. Xiao Jue initially refused, citing the immense risks and his position as commander, whose survival was vital to the entire army. However, He Yan remained firm, asserting that once she donned her armor, she was a soldier, fearless of death.
Understanding her reasoning that he, as the commander-in-chief, could not easily risk his life, Xiao Jue's worried gaze softened into a silent plea for her to return alive. He Yan accepted her mission. On the city wall, Song Taotao and Cheng Lisu diligently tended to the wounded soldiers. Song Taotao glanced up, noticing Cheng Lisu's unusual focus, a stark contrast to his usual carefree demeanor, and felt a flicker of surprise.
The Jiyang army collectively pushed large boulders off the walls, overturning Wutuo siege hammers, which was met with a chorus of cheers. Xiao Jue then charged out of the city gate, wielding his blade, moving like a fierce tiger through the battlefield, cutting down Wutuo soldiers. Witnessing this, Huyate's face turned ashen, and he roared an order, promising a great reward to anyone who could capture Xiao Jue alive.
He Yan, disguised as Mu Hongjin, successfully drew Huyate and his heavy-armored troops to a shallow riverbank outside the city. She knew this was a dangerous gambit, as Wutuo heavy infantry were accustomed to land warfare, making the water a fatal weakness for them. Huyate, realizing He Yan's deception, launched into a furious attack, accusing her of seeking death. He Yan retaliated, firmly stating she was prepared to fight to the death.
Xiao Jue briefly caught sight of Chai Anxi on the battlefield, but the man vanished moments later, prompting Xiao Jue to urgently order Feinu to find him. He Yan, with a dragon-like thrust of her spear, impaled Huyate in mid-air over the water. Yet, in his final moments, Huyate kicked He Yan into the water with all his might. Xiao Jue, quick as lightning, rescued her from the water.
Cheers from Jiyang's soldiers and citizens erupted, signaling their victory and the successful repulsion of the Wutuo army. Later, He Yan, recalling Xiao Jue's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, felt a blush creep up her cheeks. However, the joyous victory was soon overshadowed by tragic news: Liu Buwang had died, poisoned and exhausted after fighting numerous Wutuo soldiers who bore poisoned weapons. Mu Hongjin stumbled, almost collapsing, unable to accept the truth.
She recalled telling Liu Buwang about that very secret passage years ago, which now had become his final resting place. Liu Buwang had held tightly onto a pair of Joyful Hearts silver bracelets in his dying grasp. Mu Hongjin, seeing them, finally understood that he had never forgotten her. In a flashback, she remembered a younger Liu Buwang offering her the bracelets, explaining their meaning of eternal love, and her playful refusal.
She also recalled him promising her anything if it wasn't about the bracelets, and how she then convinced him to explore a secret passage outside the city. Mu Hongjin later mused how she once believed he cared for her, but refused to meet him because he broke a promise, only realizing later that the bracelet meant he had his reasons. She lamented that despite their connection, she, Mu Hongjin of Mengji Mansion and Jiyang, could never be 'his' Mu Hongjin.
Liu Buwang's death plunged He Yan into profound grief. She retreated to her room, crying uncontrollably. Xiao Jue, hearing her sobs, chose not to disturb her but quietly stood guard outside her door. Mu Hongjin approached He Yan, lamenting her own regret at not meeting Liu Buwang one last time.
She advised He Yan to cherish the good people in her life, as they are few, and to not let go of opportunities or miss chances, lest she repeat her own mistakes. That night, according to Jiyang custom, food and wine were prepared for the deceased. He Yan had prepared Liu Buwang's favorite dishes. Knowing He Yan had likely not eaten, Xiao Jue thoughtfully brought her food and invited her to join him.
Meanwhile, Feinu located Chai Anxi, who was unconscious and gravely injured. Cheng Lisu and Song Taotao were treating him at the Prince's residence. Chu Zhao, receiving news from his subordinate, decided not to kill Chai Anxi immediately, sensing there was more to uncover, especially given Xu Jingfu's unusual interest in him.
Chu Zhao revealed his suspicion that Chai Anxi, who served as Xiao Zhongwu's deputy general and faked his death after the Mingshui Battle, held information vital to understanding Chancellor Xu's deeper involvement. Though his subordinate worried Chai Anxi might implicate Chu Zhao if he woke and recognized him, Chu Zhao expressed confidence in Chai Anxi's loyalty and his own contingency plans. As an Inspector, Chu Zhao deemed it his duty to visit Chai Anxi.
He then visited Chai Anxi at the Prince's residence, with Xiao Jue present, where they discussed the matter. Chu Zhao admitted he sought to understand the truth behind Chai Anxi's supposed death. Xiao Jue informed him that Chai Anxi was still unconscious but assured him that he would be informed once he woke. After Chu Zhao departed, Xiao Jue, despite Chu Zhao's official position, ordered Feinu to enhance the courtyard's security to prevent any opportunistic intrusions.
