The grand army triumphantly returned to the capital, and news spread like wildfire. Upon hearing that the renowned female general was among the victorious ranks, the streets of the capital were soon packed with eager citizens, all hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
"Mother, I heard the female general is strong enough to lift a cauldron—is she as burly as Butcher Wang?"
"They say she’s eight feet tall and eats half a sheep in one meal!"
The crowd gasped in astonishment.
"Those are all lies! My relative in Shuozhou says she drinks wolf blood under the full moon every month! She’s got a bewitching face and practices seduction magic—that’s how she captured the Tartar prince!"
The onlookers covered their mouths, eyes wide. Wasn’t that just like a fox spirit?
"Then… then her real appearance must be terrifying—enough to make enemies wet themselves at a single glance!"
"Tsk tsk! What nobleman would dare marry her?"
"Heh heh, I wouldn’t mind! If I married her, wouldn’t I be draped in gold and silver?"
"Hahaha! Zhou Laosi, aren’t you afraid she’ll suck your blood?"
"Nonsense! Just you wait—"
A round-faced youth in the crowd, Xiao Huan, stiffened his neck, ready to argue, but was quickly silenced and dragged away by a woman beside him.
The boy flushed red with anger, glaring furiously.
"Ah Huan! If you care about your cousin, keep quiet! And remember what I told you before we left—if you disobey, I’ll make sure Father stops helping you."
The woman wiped her saliva-covered hand disdainfully on Xiao Huan’s clothes.
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Huan swallowed his rage, glaring at the sly woman.
Their squabble went unnoticed as the crowd surged forward, eyes fixed on the city gates.
Since ancient times, few women had joined the military. The tales of her exploits had become the hottest topic in the capital, and now, with the Emperor bestowing upon her the unprecedented title of First-Rank General, the spectacle was beyond imagination.
It was no exaggeration—some elderly, despite their frailty, had their families wheel them out just to witness history.
Though the streets had been watered and cleared, the barricades were already crammed with people awaiting the female general’s arrival.
"She’s coming! She’s coming!"
A stir rippled through the crowd as a red banner embroidered with gold fluttered in the distance.
A column of soldiers marched in perfect formation, followed by the thunder of hooves as the generals rode in, majestic and imposing. Among them, Prince Kang, clad in golden armor, stood out, flanked by Xiao Zheng and Commander Yuan in silver.
"Which one’s the female general?"
"The one at the front must be Prince Kang! Is it the one in silver armor behind him?"
"The one with the beard?!"
"Are you out of your mind?! How could a woman have a beard?"
"Ah! That handsome one is the female general? So striking!"
"She doesn’t look terrifying at all!"
"Tsk tsk, so tall and strong—who could tell she’s a woman? Who said she looked like a seductress?"
"If she wore a dress, she still wouldn’t look like a woman. Maybe she really does know bewitching magic?"
The crowd buzzed with chatter once more.
Noble ladies perched on second-floor balconies, peering through their folding fans, their burning gazes fixed on Prince Kang, wishing they could melt him with their stares. But the prince remained stoic, eyes forward, leaving the ladies twisting their handkerchiefs in frustration.
At the Lu residence, Lu Yuanzhao frowned at Lu Chao.
"You’re back—that’s what matters! Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?"
Lu Chao scratched his head. "It was urgent, and you were preparing for the imperial exams. Mother didn’t want to distract you."
"Big brother! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you and Chao are plump and happy!" Lu Yuanyi thumped his chest boastfully.
"Shut it! We’re not pigs!" Lu Chao laughed.
"Pigs are easier to raise than you, dear brother," Lu Yuanyi retorted.
Lu Chao pretended to swing at him, and the two tussled around Lu Yuanzhao, punching and kicking playfully.
Watching them, Lu Yuanzhao felt as if they were children again and shook his head with a smile.
Once they settled, Lu Chao leaned back in his chair, grinning.
"Big brother, my mentor will arrive in the capital soon. Give me a couple of your essays—I’ll have him take a look."
Lu Yuanzhao’s eyes lit up, though he hesitated. The man who taught Prince Kang was no ordinary scholar—though his name was unknown, his insights must be extraordinary.
"Is… is that alright? Don’t push it and strain your relationship."
Lu Chao shook his head. He’d already mentioned it to the old man, who had agreed readily.
"Don’t worry. He’s got free time lately—reading a few essays is nothing."
Lu Yuanzhao stood immediately.
"Good! I’ll refine my drafts and make clean copies!"
With his uncle preoccupied by family matters, Lu Yuanzhao had no one to review his work. The chance for a master’s critique thrilled him.
Once Lu Yuanzhao left, Lu Yuanyi’s playful expression faded, replaced by a pout as he spilled everything that had happened recently.
Lu Chao’s face darkened. He hadn’t realized his aunt had tied herself to the Fourth Prince’s faction—nor that she still expected Lu Yuanzhao to clean up her messes. The audacity!
"Second brother, you did right. Nothing must interfere with big brother’s exams. As for Uncle and Aunt… they’ll come around in a few days. They won’t bother us anymore."
Lu Yuanyi sighed.
"I hope so. At least now you’re here to share the load. If Uncle drowns me in bitter wine, you can handle Aunt’s soup."
Lu Yuanyi slung an arm over his brother’s shoulder—better to suffer together.
Lu Chao shoved him off, exasperated.
"Relax. It’ll be over soon."
Lu Yuanyi, reassured by Lu Chao’s confidence, grinned—then suddenly slapped his thigh.
"Ah! We were supposed to wait for you and see the female general—we missed her!"
He glanced at his brother.
"Chao! You’ve been with Prince Kang—you must’ve met her. Is she as monstrous as the rumors say? Or does she really know seduction magic?"
Lu Chao scowled. "What nonsense! General Xiao is a remarkable woman—her valor and brilliance surpass most men. She trained tirelessly since childhood, mastered military strategy, and risked her life to protect the borderlands. How dare anyone speak of her so disrespectfully!"
Lu Yuanyi rarely heard his brother defend anyone so fiercely. She must be extraordinary. He mimed slapping his own mouth.
"Rumors are spreading like wildfire in the streets. I only caught a whisper of it—don’t be angry. Next time I hear anyone spouting nonsense, I won’t let them off so easily!"
Lu Chao let out a long sigh. With so many wagging tongues, who could possibly silence them all? Xiao Zheng’s journey to the capital would inevitably be shadowed by gossip and slander. As for that script of his, the right moment to reveal it had yet to come. For now, Xiao Zheng would simply have to endure a few more days of hardship.
