Legend of the Female General Episode 29 Recap
> Legend of the Female General Recap
He Rufei, now in the capital, believed it was a do-or-die situation. He concealed himself, intending to assassinate He Yan, but his plan was foiled when Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting coincidentally encountered He Yan. He Yan explained she was staying at the Xiao Mansion and was bringing gifts for Xiao Jue's elder brother and sister-in-law. Xu Pingting, noticing He Yan, remarked that she looked familiar, resembling the woman in a painting.
He Yan introduced herself as Chu Zhao’s friend before excusing herself. Observing Chu Zhao's evident interest in He Yan, He Rufei considered how Miss Xu, who seemed upset, might react if she knew. He then approached Xu Pingting, subtly mentioning the renowned female general of Jiyang, He Yan, who had achieved remarkable feats defending the city.
He revealed that He Yan was indeed a woman, a fact unknown to the Emperor, who had even bestowed upon her the title of Attendant Wu'an. He hinted at the severe consequences, a capital offense, should the Emperor discover the truth. Later, Yan He arrived at the Xiao Mansion to visit Xiao Jue. He Yan soon joined them. Xiao Jue immediately poured wine for He Yan, prompting Yan He to playfully ask why he wasn't offered a drink.
When He Yan commented that it was chilly, Xiao Jue instantly went to fetch a cloak for her, which surprised Yan He. Yan He then told He Yan that in all these years, Xiao Jue had only ever shown such distinct attention to the student known as He Rufei (whom He Yan was impersonating) and now, to her. He revealed that Xiao Jue had painstakingly taught that student the Qinglang Sword Style day after day at Xianchang Academy.
Yan He had witnessed Xiao Jue's secret guidance, even though he considered the student a "fool" and an "ingrate." He also recounted how Xiao Jue once gave that student his spare thumb ring during an archery class when they had forgotten their own. Yan He's words stirred He Yan's memories, making her realize that the swordplay guidance and the thumb ring, which she had thought were left by a kind stranger, were in fact Xiao Jue's secret acts of help.
As Xiao Jue returned with the cloak, He Yan asked him why he had been so kind to her back at Xianchang Academy. Xiao Jue confessed that he initially viewed her as timid and inferior but was soon captivated by her unwavering tenacity and stubbornness. He explained that their shared struggles and the burden of family responsibilities at a young age made him feel a deep connection to her, often seeing himself in her isolated efforts.
He felt an undeniable urge to be kind to her, almost as if compensating for his younger self. Xiao Jue then revealed a pouch, turning its lining inside out to show a meticulously embroidered moon. He reminded her of her past words: "I love the moon. Yet the moon doesn't know." He then declared, "Now, the moon belongs to you." Xiao Jue confessed that many of his "firsts" were with He Yan, from teaching swordsmanship to comforting a girl.
He finally realized that in his life, she was the only person he loved. Under the bright moonlight, He Yan instinctively kissed him, and they embraced. He Rufei, frustrated by the failed assassination attempt, was eager to try again. However, Xu Jingfu urged caution, fearing that any rash action in the capital would expose them. Xu Jingfu pointed out that He Yan and Xiao Jue lacked solid evidence, so acting impulsively would only give them leverage.
Despite Xu Jingfu's warnings, He Rufei was restless, asserting that he and He Yan could not coexist. He declared his full commitment to Xu Jingfu, proclaiming that the Mid-Autumn banquet that night would be the beginning of him settling scores with He Rufei. He Yan, meanwhile, told Xiao Jue that she had been waiting a long time for this moment. At the Mid-Autumn night banquet, He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the palace and soon encountered He Rufei.
He Yan, introducing herself as Attendant Wu'an He Yan, pointedly asked General Feihong if he was unwell, suggesting he visit Yuhua Temple, known for its excellent recuperative properties. He Rufei haughtily dismissed her as "second-rate," to which He Yan questioned if he was challenging the Emperor's judgment by disparaging Attendant Wu'an. Minister Yang, Yang Mingzhi's father, glared at Xiao Jue, treating him with animosity.
He Yan expressed her confusion, and Xiao Jue explained that Minister Yang, being excessively upright and seeing the world in black and white, had been manipulated by Xu Jingfu into becoming a tool against the Xiao family, leading to his lingering misunderstanding of Xiao Zhongwu and Xiao Jue. The Emperor then called for Attendant Wu'an. He Yan stepped forward and bowed. The Emperor praised her feats in Rundu, commending her for her exceptional bravery and skill.
He noted her humility before expressing curiosity as to why she chose to impersonate General Feihong instead of General Fengyun, whom she knew better. He Yan cleverly explained that General Fengyun's face was widely recognized, whereas General Feihong had a habit of wearing a mask, making his impersonation far easier and more effective in intimidating the Wutuo. The Emperor found her reasoning sound and playfully suggested she should thank General He.
He Yan, however, humbly stated she did not dare to make a connection to General He but did express her gratitude. He Yan then seized the opportunity to request a sparring match with General He Rufei, suggesting it would add to the evening's entertainment. Others scoffed, calling her overconfident, but He Yan maintained that she had diligently practiced martial arts to match General Feihong's prowess.
He Rufei naturally hesitated, and Xu Jingfu quickly interjected, arguing that a martial display was inappropriate for the joyous Mid-Autumn Festival. However, the Emperor, recalling his own sparring days as a Crown Prince, allowed the match, instructing them to simply demonstrate their skills without causing harm. Xiao Jue, having given He Yan the Qinglang Sword the night before, told her to use it. The sight of Attendant Wu'an holding General Feihong's personal sword puzzled many onlookers.
The duel was swift; He Rufei was no match for He Yan and was easily defeated. He Yan, fueled by her long-held resentment, taunted He Rufei, declaring that she was the "vengeful ghost" come to claim his life. Xu Jingfu immediately stepped in, apologizing to the Emperor and claiming that General He Rufei's loss was due to lingering injuries sustained in the Huayuan battle, not a lack of skill.
He quickly asserted that the outcome of the match held little significance as long as the Emperor and guests were entertained. The Emperor, pleased, praised Attendant Wu'an for her courage and wisdom. As the empress and noblewomen entered to propose a toast, Xu Pingting seized her chance. She stepped forward and dramatically accused He Yan of deceiving the Emperor by disguising herself as a man to join the army, demanding severe punishment.
Gasps rippled through the hall, with many whispering about the grave nature of such deception and calling for a body check to confirm. The Emperor turned to Xiao Jue, asking how to handle the situation. Xiao Jue apologized for causing distress, but the Emperor himself then revealed that he had been aware of He Yan's true identity all along. Xiao Jue then recounted how, years ago, he had met He Yan by chance.
He confessed that he had witnessed her extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination, despite her initial lack of talent in martial arts. He explained that their similar life circumstances—both shouldering family burdens at a young age—led him to feel a profound connection. After they were separated by her family's misfortune, he realized his deep feelings for her.
When they reunited in Yezhou, he, admiring her exceptional abilities and unwilling to be parted from her again, allowed her to remain in the Yezhou Garrison disguised as a man. Xiao Jue concluded by offering his two military merits to secure the Emperor's forgiveness for his actions. The Emperor confirmed that he had indeed granted Xiao Jue's request, thus absolving Attendant Wu'an of any deception and fully pardoning Xiao Jue, moved by his profound love.
Despite the Emperor's clemency, Xu Jingfu and others immediately redirected their accusations, arguing that General Fengyun, as a military commander, had deceived them all for personal reasons, which could set a dangerous precedent and undermine military discipline if soldiers were to follow his example.
