Legend of the Female General Episode 35 Recap
> Legend of the Female General Recap
In the Xiao family's ancestral hall, Xiao Jue reflects on his impossible situation. Acknowledging his duty to the Xiao Army and his refusal to hinder He Yan's ambitions, he resolves that if they are not fated to be together, he would rather spend his life alone. Meanwhile, the Emperor expresses his unease to a eunuch, admitting he deliberately ruined their marriage because he could not rest easy with two of the nation's most powerful generals united.
He decides to make their separation even more absolute. At the Xiao mansion, a blissfully unaware He Yan joyfully tries on the exquisite wedding gown Xiao Jue had commissioned for her. As her friends admire the dress, their happiness is shattered by Xiao Jue’s return. He carries two imperial edicts. Still in her wedding attire, He Yan kneels as Xiao Jue, with a heavy heart, reads the decrees.
The first bestows upon her a mansion in honor of her title as General Feihong. Before she can fully process this, he reads the second, a devastating order from the Emperor: she is to be married to Chu Zhao on an auspicious day. A flashback reveals Xiao Jue's confrontation with the Emperor. He had refused to surrender either his or He Yan's military authority, prompting the Emperor to command him to personally deliver the marriage decree.
Xiao Jue initially defied the order, willing to accept any punishment, but relented only when the Emperor threatened the safety of the entire Xiao family. Back in the present, a heartbroken He Yan tearfully questions how he could prepare for their wedding only to command her to marry another. Despite her anguish, she accepts the decree. As Xiao Jue hands her the scroll, his hand lingers, unable to let go, until she gently asks him to release it.
He Yan seeks an audience with the Emperor to plead her case. Chu Zhao is also present and insincerely promises to treat her well. He Yan cuts him off, telling the Emperor she understands his political concerns and will obey the order not to marry Xiao Jue. However, she adamantly refuses to marry Chu Zhao, declaring she would rather remain alone for the rest of her life.
Reminded of Xiao Jue’s own plea to give He Yan a choice, the Emperor relents and grants her wish. Outside, He Yan confronts Chu Zhao, accusing him of using love as a pretext for his ambition and calling him a ruthless schemer akin to Xu Jingfu. She smashes a tassel he once gave her, severing their ties completely. Xu Pinting is taunted by a servant about Chu Zhao's betrothal to He Yan.
Later, when she overhears Chu Zhao telling Yingxiang that the wedding is off, she mocks his failure. An argument ensues, culminating in Xu Pinting attempting to stab Chu Zhao. Yingxiang throws herself in front of him, taking the fatal wound. In her last moments, she begs Chu Zhao to let go of his obsessive quest.
As Yingxiang dies in his arms, a hysterical Xu Pinting laughs, screaming that this is his karma: the one he desires will never be his, and the only one who truly loved him is now dead. Troubled by his brother's despair, Xiao Jing urges Xiao Jue to fight for his happiness. He reminds Xiao Jue of all he has sacrificed for the family and tells him not to give up on He Yan.
Spurred by his brother's words, Xiao Jue rushes to the newly established General Feihong Mansion. He finds He Yan there and confesses he cannot let her go. She tells him it isn't too late, as she has already convinced the Emperor to allow her to remain single. Vowing to follow his heart, Xiao Jue declares that with or without a marriage contract, she will always be his wife. They embrace, their bond reaffirmed.
Sometime later, He Yan helps a nervous Song Taotao prepare for her wedding to Cheng Lisu, advising her to always remember her own identity and dreams. During the lively wedding celebration, He Yan watches with a touch of wistful envy. Xiao Jue notices her sadness and takes her hand, comforting her. She assures him she is not bitter, acknowledging that at least they can be together and grow old, a fortune many lovers never have. The peaceful period is short-lived.
While He Yan and Xiao Jue share a lamb hotpot at the Xiao Mansion, the urgent drums of the beacon tower sound an alarm. Feinu rushes in with a report: the Wutuo have launched a simultaneous attack on both Mingshui and Huayuan. Without a moment's hesitation, He Yan declares they must go to the palace at once.
