Legend of the Female General Episode 28 Recap
> Legend of the Female General Recap
Chu Zhao, whose mother had suffered greatly at the hands of his uncle and aunt, and who himself had grown up enduring humiliation, now found himself in a position of power. His uncle and aunt, once dismissive, now showed him deference. Chu Zhao declared his intention to make them genuinely bow their heads and admit their wrongs before his mother's memorial tablet, forcing them to experience the shame and humiliation his mother had endured.
His maid, Yingxiang, observed that despite their ready agreement, their sincerity was lacking. Chu Zhao, however, stated that their resentment was precisely the point; his mother did not need fair-weather relationships, and he wanted them to swallow their pride and humble themselves before her, regardless of their true feelings. Xu Pingting unexpectedly arrived at Chu Zhao's residence, asking if he was free to take a walk with her. Chu Zhao, citing unfinished official paperwork, indicated his unavailability.
When Xu Pingting then demanded tea, Yingxiang stepped forward to serve her. However, Xu Pingting deliberately made trouble, first complaining the tea was cold, then that it was too hot, ultimately pouring the scalding tea onto Yingxiang’s hand. Despite this, Yingxiang maintained her composure, eventually calmly reminding Xu Pingting about proper decorum, implying Xu Pingting lacked dignity despite her status. She also subtly referenced Chu Zhao’s teachings on treating others with respect, regardless of one's position.
Enraged by Yingxiang's composed defiance, Xu Pingting fled to her father, Chancellor Xu, tearfully complaining that Chu Zhao allowed his maid to humiliate her. Chancellor Xu, doting on his daughter, vowed to ensure justice for her. Chancellor Xu later confronted Chu Zhao, observing that as a mere fourth-rank official, Chu Zhao seemed overly proud.
He likened Chu Zhao to vibrant hibiscus flowers, blooming confidently but soon to be withered by winter's chill, in contrast to "worthless weeds" that could be easily crushed underfoot. Chu Zhao, grasping Chancellor Xu's implicit threat, immediately acknowledged his mistake and thanked Chancellor Xu for the "guidance." As He Yan's return to the capital approached, He Rufei grew increasingly agitated. Despite having seemingly recovered from a childhood of chronic illness, prolonged sword practice still left him exhausted and frustrated.
He lamented his current situation, feeling trapped and useless in his courtyard, just as he had been when He Yan had taken his place and achieved glory as General Feihong. He recalled how Chancellor Xu had approached him in his confinement, acknowledging him as the true He Rufei and offering to help him become the actual General Feihong and realize his ambitions. He Rufei had then vowed that He Yan would pay for every drop of blood he shed.
Chancellor Xu had explained how he could achieve this, including exploiting the animosity of figures like Chai Anxi towards the Xiao family. He Rufei confessed all these dealings to his father, who became gravely concerned. His father warned that He Rufei's actions for Chancellor Xu constituted crimes punishable by death, even clan extermination. He explained that Chancellor Xu merely sought a controllable general to counterbalance the Xiao Army, and any blame would be conveniently shifted onto He Rufei.
He Rufei, however, dismissed these fears, confidently asserting that he was Chancellor Xu's biggest secret and thus his greatest leverage, ensuring his safety. He also declared his unwillingness to remain Chancellor Xu's mere pawn, emphasizing that all his actions were aimed at strengthening his own family line, urging his father to stand united with him. Finally, He Rufei revealed the shocking truth: He Yan was still alive and nearing the capital.
He grimly promised his father that he would prevent her from entering the capital alive. Nearing Yaojing, He Yan, Xiao Jue, and Feinu stopped at an inn for rest. Xiao Jue subtly prompted Feinu to suggest that He Yan stay at the Xiao Mansion, citing its spaciousness and He Yan’s status as Xiao Jue’s subordinate, making it an appropriate arrangement. Though He Yan initially demurred, she eventually accepted the invitation.
Shortly after they settled in and were served tea, a group of assassins, sent by He Rufei, launched a sudden attack. During the ensuing fierce struggle, tables and chairs were shattered. Xiao Jue's subordinate initially thought the assassins were targeting Xiao Jue, who acknowledged his many enemies. However, when one of the female assassins specifically attacked He Yan with lethal intent, He Yan realized she was their true target.
The assassins, revealed to be suicide operatives, bit into poison sacs hidden in their teeth when they realized escape was impossible. Xiao Jue suggested investigating their origins through a local official, but He Yan asserted she already knew who sent them, noting this was another attempt on her life. Under Chancellor Xu’s implicit pressure, Chu Zhao later found himself reluctantly accompanying Xu Pingting while she painted. He excused himself to change his clothes, leaving Xu Pingting alone.
During his absence, she discovered a rolled-up portrait of He Yan in a military uniform, marked with the surname "He," hidden in a container. Upon their arrival, Xiao Jue’s elder brother, Xiao Jing, and his wife, Rongwei, warmly welcomed them home. Xiao Jue then introduced He Yan to them. Xiao Jing and Rongwei expressed surprise, remarking that Xiao Jue rarely brought friends home, suggesting He Yan was particularly special to him.
Before partaking in the dinner Rongwei had lovingly prepared, Xiao Jue insisted on first paying his respects to his parents and ancestors in the family shrine. There, he solemnly vowed to uncover the truth, clear his family’s name, and secure justice for his army. He then confided in his deceased parents that he had found the most important person in his life and would bring her to meet them once all lingering matters were resolved.
Back with his family, Xiao Jing and Rongwei extended their hospitality to He Yan, inviting her to stay as long as she wished. Xiao Jue then suggested He Yan occupy his west guest room, which surprised Xiao Jing, who jokingly remarked on Xiao Jue's sudden shift from his usual preference for quiet solitude and his unprecedented care towards a guest, a level of consideration he rarely showed even his own brother.
At dinner, Xiao Jue attentively offered He Yan the mushroom and chicken stew, remembering it as her favorite. Feeling it was rude to arrive at the Xiao Mansion without gifts, He Yan decided to go out and buy some for Xiao Jing and Rongwei. While outside, she detected someone following her. She calmly confronted the tracker, identifying him as an operative sent by He Rufei.
Though the man denied it, He Yan spared him, sending him back to He Rufei with a stark message: "Your debt will be paid." Upon receiving the report of He Yan’s discovery and her message, He Rufei flew into a rage, branding his subordinate "useless" for failing both to track and assassinate her. He then grimly declared that with He Yan now in the capital, it had become a fight to the death, even contemplating assassinating her on the street.
