So, I have read that the situation leading to the ML and FL receiving the marriage decree from the emperor happens…
no. only 2 (good) ppl ever find out that HY was (reborned) HRF other than ppl HY kill/punish. XJ and another (spoilery) person which i had mentioned in another comment.
not sure if drama will follow this as HRF HY in the novel had already died
So, I have read that the situation leading to the ML and FL receiving the marriage decree from the emperor happens…
i recall HY already had plans to reveal herself during the banquet - having both written a letter to the emperor and asked the governor at rundu to get the ladies she saved to write testimonies on her behalf.
however the letter was written in a way to take the blame, absolve XJ and mentioned the fan cheng incident as her reason to enlist. she did not expect that XJ had intercepted the letter, change the narrative that he kept her by his side on his own accord, and dropped mention of the fan cheng incident.
that is the reason when SMX and her conspirator (extra not worth brain matter to remember) exposed HY - emperor took it with a smile and good nature.
CZ did want to make HY XJ's weakness - but he did not want to reveal HY then. He actually was unhappy / reacted when SMX's friend made the claim.
Does anyone know if they merged Fei Nu with Chi Wu (another one of XJ’s men in the novel) in this series? In…
likely yes. in the novel fei nu by this time already knew HY was female due to investigating her background Drama Fei Nu's unhappiness and discomfort seen especially in ep13 trailer is reminiscent of chi wu's own reaction in the novel
Saw the leads promoting the drama in a variety show (which I believe they filmed before the drama aired): https://youtu.be/VMQJgSndvIU?si=cxXobVoE3jnTHJ0_It…
someone already postulated earlier that the final battle will be different - HY and XJ will be fighting in the same final battlefield based on the trailers (black XJ and white HY back-to-back).
That said - that scene can easily come earlier between engagement / Feihong reveal / marriage / final battle as part of their open courtship
I think after being classmates there is a time skip. Hence he couldn't guess it. As men grow rapidly in that phase.
that's the novel. In the drama they already met when she got the sword, and when general xiao died. HRF should have been same height and the masked voice should have been muffled like darth vader to be believable.
And this is a not revenge story like malicious empress. This is more about he yan getting justice and wanting…
"deng hua xiao" i feel should be considered the better dark revenge tale from the author. "malicious empress of military lineage " is more like blossom done right - why be passive when you can use your future knowledge to shaft your enemies
No he wholeheartedly supported her revenge and HY for the first time 1) had someone to share the weight of her…
Chapter 216 condensed
There was no need for concealment anymore.
His expression remained as calm as ever as if he were speaking of something trivial. A thousand complex emotions surged in her heart – sourness, panic, nervousness – all finally transforming into a relieved sigh.
“I’m sorry,” He Yan tried to appear relaxed, “I didn’t mean to deceive you.”
But why deceive? Even she couldn’t give an acceptable reason.
He Yan quietly watched his movements. When he straightened up, she asked, “You know everything now?”
“More or less.” Xiao Jue’s gaze was faint. “You are Xu Zhiheng’s deceased wife, and also He Rufei who wore the mask.”
The words “deceased wife” struck He Yan’s heart heavily, as if her most carefully guarded secret had been exposed, revealing an inexplicable awkwardness. Though she had always been brave to move forward, fearless even when facing thousands of troops on the battlefield, only now, facing this person at this moment, did she feel the urge to retreat.
But she couldn’t run away. Once discovered, she had to face it – whether it was the past full of schemes and calculations or the future with no visible path ahead.
I’m sorry, Xiao Jue, I didn’t mean to deceive you, it’s just that some things sound absurd when spoken aloud, and perhaps I was cowardly, not knowing how to face you.”
“You’ve been lying to me all along,” he said.
He Yan’s fingers curled slightly as she took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
“Is your love for me also a lie?” he asked.
He Yan suddenly looked up. He stood in the wind, his figure as straight as ever, yet it was like returning to the beginning, to a distance that could never be reached.
“No.”
Xiao Jue looked at her impassively.
“I didn’t lie about that,” He Yan paused, swallowing the sourness in her throat before continuing, “When I was He Rufei at Xianshang Hall, you took great care of me, applied medicine for me, and taught me swordsmanship. In this life as He Yan, you’ve also always protected me.” “You always appear when I’m in danger. Xiao Jue, I liked you before, and now, I like you even more.”
Once some words are spoken, it’s as if all concerns disappear. He Yan knew clearly that Xiao Jue was someone who despised betrayal and deception, which was related to what happened to the Xiao family. That’s why in Liangzhou Guard, he was so sensitive when he discovered her disguising as a man. And now, an even bigger secret of hers had been exposed, and to Xiao Jue, everything since their meeting had been a complete lie.
She had no right to ask for Xiao Jue’s forgiveness.
“I’m not the eldest Miss He,” she took a deep breath, putting on a deliberately casual smile, “Involving you was never my intention. I only wanted to achieve merit in Liangzhou Guard, to be your capable subordinate, but I never expected things between us would come to this. His Majesty’s marriage decree for us can’t be defied, but…” she looked at Xiao Jue, “you don’t need to take this marriage seriously. You can treat us as just partners. If you find a girl you like in the future, I’ll explain to her that we’re just putting on a show. When the time comes, if you want to break off the engagement or divorce me, it’s fine.”
Xiao Jue’s eyes turned cold as he slowly asked, “Divorce you?”
He Yan sighed with feigned indifference, “Actually, marriage isn’t that meaningful. Don’t look at how happy Yan Nanguang is and think marriage has many benefits. I’ve been married before, and if I’m honest, I was happier before marriage. Maybe I’m just better suited to being alone. Both my marriages have been unsuccessful,” she joked, “After you divorce me and I settle all my debts, I’ll travel the world alone on horseback. That’s better than living like an ordinary woman in this mansion. I just feel sorry for you,” she seemed genuinely concerned for Xiao Jue, “Getting your marriage prospects blocked for no reason.”
Xiao Jue said coldly, “He Yan.”
“Don’t look so angry.” He Yan smiled, “Shouldn’t I be the sad one? I finally managed to deceive my way into a marriage, but now it’s been exposed. Fortunately, I’m very broad-minded and can always see things positively. After today, let’s just be ordinary classmates. Xiao Jue,” she spoke seriously, word by word, “Thank you, for both the past and present.”
Her smile was relaxed, appearing carefree, like the lighthearted young soldier in the Liangzhou Guard. But only He Yan knew that every word she spoke felt like a knife cutting into her heart.
She liked this person so much and had experienced so much with him. Xiao Jue had given her warmth and precious care she’d never had before. She thought she had caught the moon, but it was just its reflection in the water. Now the dream was over, and she should return to her path.
One shouldn’t become too attached in matters of the heart. Without that bit of attachment, perhaps parting wouldn’t be so difficult now.
Instead, that hand grabbed He Yan’s arm, gently pulled, and drew her into his embrace.
He Yan was startled. Under the seemingly cold black robe was an incredibly warm embrace. Just like how the most valiant general had the softest heart.
“Xiao Jue, you…”
He Yan leaned against his chest, hearing his clear, strong heartbeat, more intense than ever before, as if revealing the young man’s hidden emotions. She looked up, seeing Xiao Jue’s chin. One hand steadied her waist, pressing her head against his chest, like both comfort and restraint, as if afraid she would run away.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?”
The young man’s voice was restrained, hoarse, and deep, “For not recognizing you sooner.”
In that instant, He Yan’s eyes grew moist.
For so long, it was as if she had been walking alone in the darkness, with no one discovering her existence, let alone caring about her joys and sorrows. No one apologized, no one cheered, whether happy or sad, beginning or end, it was her story alone.
Until one day, someone found her.
The only person in this world who was her light, the source of all her brilliance.
“Hey,” she tried to lighten the mood, “Xiao Huaijin, if you’re like this, I won’t be able to let go.”
But he held He Yan even tighter, whispering in her ear, “I’ve missed my chance with you twice.”
“This time, I won’t miss it again.”
He Yan was stunned.
She broke free from Xiao Jue’s embrace, looking at him in astonishment, “I’m not the eldest Miss He, I’m He Yan.”
“I know.”
“I deceived you, from my past life until now.”
“I know.”
“I’ve been married before.” She seemed to find it difficult to speak, “Xiao Jue, even so, are you still the same as before?”
She didn’t believe that being previously married made someone inferior. There were so many divorced women in the world, whether divorced or abandoned, they weren’t any worse than others. It was just unfortunate timing or circumstances beyond their control that led them to choose the wrong marriage. It didn’t affect their right to find happiness.
But it turned out that when facing someone you truly like, even a fairy would secretly worry whether they were worthy of the other person. Love makes one timid, timidity makes one humble, especially… when she had received so little love, even affirmation was rare.
Xiao Jue smiled slightly: “Why so unconfident? Even if you’ve been married before, in my eyes, you’re still just a girl.”
He bent slightly, gazing into her eyes.
“Fei Hong General or not, I came only for He Yan.”
Novel readers, what happens after XJ finds out He Yan is HRF? Will there be angst/misunderstanding?
No he wholeheartedly supported her revenge and HY for the first time 1) had someone to share the weight of her past and revenge with 2) fully accept her feelings and his feelings (prior to that it was a "arranged/fake marriage" in her mind to ease her guilt to XJ
XJ in fact felt guilty that he was not able to save her and may have led to her getting killed in the first place.
To me it was one of the best moments in the novel.
The whole reason why i logged into Mydramalist account after ages to comment on this because i can't be the only…
it is AI face swap. the original actor had a scandal and left the industry. they cut some of his scenes and for those critical ones swap his face with another actor
My Heyan dressing up as a girl looking so beautiful even after she lived as a boy all her life. She does know…
it's just ZY. Drama cut the maid Qingmei who was basically HY's "lady etiquette lecturer & make up artist " and LSH her "fashion consultant". Maybe CLS will play that role next mission
in the novel only he who knew she was reincarnated and it's happened around chapter 217 and was he ru fei. he…
she i felt was the most poignant.. HY thought she never paid attention, but the mum actually watched her the most, and knew all her small habits.
for non novel readers - the mum in fact was the first person to know HY2 was HY1 after just meeting her once.
That meeting however sparked HRF's suspicion (as he was scheming against XJ and HY for an entirely different reason) resulting in punishment for the mum and the younger sis for "almost no apparent reason" - mum nvr tells anyone and the younger sis will never find out that HY2 is her dead sister - although HY eventually finds a way to circle back to that relationship
not sure if drama will follow this as HRF HY in the novel had already died
however the letter was written in a way to take the blame, absolve XJ and mentioned the fan cheng incident as her reason to enlist. she did not expect that XJ had intercepted the letter, change the narrative that he kept her by his side on his own accord, and dropped mention of the fan cheng incident.
that is the reason when SMX and her conspirator (extra not worth brain matter to remember) exposed HY - emperor took it with a smile and good nature.
CZ did want to make HY XJ's weakness - but he did not want to reveal HY then. He actually was unhappy / reacted when SMX's friend made the claim.
That said - that scene can easily come earlier between engagement / Feihong reveal / marriage / final battle as part of their open courtship
to your second statement - they already paid a homage to that in episode 1 at the temple
There was no need for concealment anymore.
His expression remained as calm as ever as if he were speaking of something trivial. A thousand complex emotions surged in her heart – sourness, panic, nervousness – all finally transforming into a relieved sigh.
“I’m sorry,” He Yan tried to appear relaxed, “I didn’t mean to deceive you.”
But why deceive? Even she couldn’t give an acceptable reason.
He Yan quietly watched his movements. When he straightened up, she asked, “You know everything now?”
“More or less.” Xiao Jue’s gaze was faint. “You are Xu Zhiheng’s deceased wife, and also He Rufei who wore the mask.”
The words “deceased wife” struck He Yan’s heart heavily, as if her most carefully guarded secret had been exposed, revealing an inexplicable awkwardness. Though she had always been brave to move forward, fearless even when facing thousands of troops on the battlefield, only now, facing this person at this moment, did she feel the urge to retreat.
But she couldn’t run away. Once discovered, she had to face it – whether it was the past full of schemes and calculations or the future with no visible path ahead.
I’m sorry, Xiao Jue, I didn’t mean to deceive you, it’s just that some things sound absurd when spoken aloud, and perhaps I was cowardly, not knowing how to face you.”
“You’ve been lying to me all along,” he said.
He Yan’s fingers curled slightly as she took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
“Is your love for me also a lie?” he asked.
He Yan suddenly looked up. He stood in the wind, his figure as straight as ever, yet it was like returning to the beginning, to a distance that could never be reached.
“No.”
Xiao Jue looked at her impassively.
“I didn’t lie about that,” He Yan paused, swallowing the sourness in her throat before continuing, “When I was He Rufei at Xianshang Hall, you took great care of me, applied medicine for me, and taught me swordsmanship. In this life as He Yan, you’ve also always protected me.” “You always appear when I’m in danger. Xiao Jue, I liked you before, and now, I like you even more.”
Once some words are spoken, it’s as if all concerns disappear. He Yan knew clearly that Xiao Jue was someone who despised betrayal and deception, which was related to what happened to the Xiao family. That’s why in Liangzhou Guard, he was so sensitive when he discovered her disguising as a man. And now, an even bigger secret of hers had been exposed, and to Xiao Jue, everything since their meeting had been a complete lie.
She had no right to ask for Xiao Jue’s forgiveness.
“I’m not the eldest Miss He,” she took a deep breath, putting on a deliberately casual smile, “Involving you was never my intention. I only wanted to achieve merit in Liangzhou Guard, to be your capable subordinate, but I never expected things between us would come to this. His Majesty’s marriage decree for us can’t be defied, but…” she looked at Xiao Jue, “you don’t need to take this marriage seriously. You can treat us as just partners. If you find a girl you like in the future, I’ll explain to her that we’re just putting on a show. When the time comes, if you want to break off the engagement or divorce me, it’s fine.”
Xiao Jue’s eyes turned cold as he slowly asked, “Divorce you?”
He Yan sighed with feigned indifference, “Actually, marriage isn’t that meaningful. Don’t look at how happy Yan Nanguang is and think marriage has many benefits. I’ve been married before, and if I’m honest, I was happier before marriage. Maybe I’m just better suited to being alone. Both my marriages have been unsuccessful,” she joked, “After you divorce me and I settle all my debts, I’ll travel the world alone on horseback. That’s better than living like an ordinary woman in this mansion. I just feel sorry for you,” she seemed genuinely concerned for Xiao Jue, “Getting your marriage prospects blocked for no reason.”
Xiao Jue said coldly, “He Yan.”
“Don’t look so angry.” He Yan smiled, “Shouldn’t I be the sad one? I finally managed to deceive my way into a marriage, but now it’s been exposed. Fortunately, I’m very broad-minded and can always see things positively. After today, let’s just be ordinary classmates. Xiao Jue,” she spoke seriously, word by word, “Thank you, for both the past and present.”
Her smile was relaxed, appearing carefree, like the lighthearted young soldier in the Liangzhou Guard. But only He Yan knew that every word she spoke felt like a knife cutting into her heart.
She liked this person so much and had experienced so much with him. Xiao Jue had given her warmth and precious care she’d never had before. She thought she had caught the moon, but it was just its reflection in the water. Now the dream was over, and she should return to her path.
One shouldn’t become too attached in matters of the heart. Without that bit of attachment, perhaps parting wouldn’t be so difficult now.
Instead, that hand grabbed He Yan’s arm, gently pulled, and drew her into his embrace.
He Yan was startled. Under the seemingly cold black robe was an incredibly warm embrace. Just like how the most valiant general had the softest heart.
“Xiao Jue, you…”
He Yan leaned against his chest, hearing his clear, strong heartbeat, more intense than ever before, as if revealing the young man’s hidden emotions. She looked up, seeing Xiao Jue’s chin. One hand steadied her waist, pressing her head against his chest, like both comfort and restraint, as if afraid she would run away.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?”
The young man’s voice was restrained, hoarse, and deep, “For not recognizing you sooner.”
In that instant, He Yan’s eyes grew moist.
For so long, it was as if she had been walking alone in the darkness, with no one discovering her existence, let alone caring about her joys and sorrows. No one apologized, no one cheered, whether happy or sad, beginning or end, it was her story alone.
Until one day, someone found her.
The only person in this world who was her light, the source of all her brilliance.
“Hey,” she tried to lighten the mood, “Xiao Huaijin, if you’re like this, I won’t be able to let go.”
But he held He Yan even tighter, whispering in her ear, “I’ve missed my chance with you twice.”
“This time, I won’t miss it again.”
He Yan was stunned.
She broke free from Xiao Jue’s embrace, looking at him in astonishment, “I’m not the eldest Miss He, I’m He Yan.”
“I know.”
“I deceived you, from my past life until now.”
“I know.”
“I’ve been married before.” She seemed to find it difficult to speak, “Xiao Jue, even so, are you still the same as before?”
She didn’t believe that being previously married made someone inferior. There were so many divorced women in the world, whether divorced or abandoned, they weren’t any worse than others. It was just unfortunate timing or circumstances beyond their control that led them to choose the wrong marriage. It didn’t affect their right to find happiness.
But it turned out that when facing someone you truly like, even a fairy would secretly worry whether they were worthy of the other person. Love makes one timid, timidity makes one humble, especially… when she had received so little love, even affirmation was rare.
Xiao Jue smiled slightly: “Why so unconfident? Even if you’ve been married before, in my eyes, you’re still just a girl.”
He bent slightly, gazing into her eyes.
“Fei Hong General or not, I came only for He Yan.”
1) had someone to share the weight of her past and revenge with
2) fully accept her feelings and his feelings (prior to that it was a "arranged/fake marriage" in her mind to ease her guilt to XJ
XJ in fact felt guilty that he was not able to save her and may have led to her getting killed in the first place.
To me it was one of the best moments in the novel.
Excerpt of Chapter 216 to follow
for non novel readers - the mum in fact was the first person to know HY2 was HY1 after just meeting her once.
That meeting however sparked HRF's suspicion (as he was scheming against XJ and HY for an entirely different reason) resulting in punishment for the mum and the younger sis for "almost no apparent reason" - mum nvr tells anyone and the younger sis will never find out that HY2 is her dead sister - although HY eventually finds a way to circle back to that relationship