Becoming the Protagonist's Short-Lived Fiancé (GL) - Chapter 2

When Wen Fei transmigrated, the army returning to the capital was actually not far from the city. Precisely because they were close to the capital, the victorious army inevitably showed some slackness, which almost led to the ambush at Tiger Leap Gorge.

Fortunately, Wen Fei arrived in time, and the ambush ultimately failed. The army subsequently regained its vigilance.

For the rest of the journey, the scouts led the way, and the army maintained the caution they had shown when they set out. They encountered no more danger. After three days of travel, the army arrived in the capital region and dutifully set up camp—it was the lieutenant who reminded Wen Fei of the rule: there were many taboos against the army entering the city. Even outside the capital, they had to wait for the Emperor’s summons before entering.

Fortunately, the young general’s reputation was useful, and since the army was returning with a great victory this time, the Emperor did not make them wait long. After just one night camped outside the capital, a minister arrived the next day bearing the imperial decree to welcome them.

An army returning to the capital after a great victory historically had to enter the city for a parade, partly to display their military might to the common people.

Wen Fei, as per custom, selected three thousand elite soldiers, brought along the meritorious officers, and after organizing the troops, led the cavalry and foot soldiers toward the capital city…

The weather that day was fine and clear, with not a cloud in the sky. The scorching sun baked the earth, and the horses’ hooves kicked up small clouds of dust. The army, clad in black armor, maintained a neat formation, fully armed and silent as they followed their general. It wasn’t until the “thud-thud” of hooves hit the cobblestone road, making the sound lighter and crisper, that a sudden, chaotic chorus of shouts erupted from inside the city gate not far away.

Wen Fei’s hearing was excellent now, and she easily caught fragments of speech from the shouts. Cries such as “They’ve returned,” and “Victory,” came from countless voices, each one filled with excitement and delight.

Looking up at the majestic ancient city before her, with the cries that had spanned thousands of years ringing in her ears, many ripples appeared on the surface of Wen Fei’s calm heart.

However, reality did not give Wen Fei time for melancholy reflection. In fact, the horse she was riding didn’t halt at all, taking light steps that carried her through the city gates of the capital.

A single gate separated two seemingly different worlds.

Outside the capital were still wilderness and mountain ridges; even the best official roads were nothing more than wide dirt tracks. But upon passing through this majestic city wall, everything inside the city presented a prosperous and bustling scene. Not to mention the city’s true heritage, just standing at the gate and looking out, one could see houses lined up like fish scales nearby, and distant tall buildings with flying eaves, entirely worthy of the name “Capital City.”

Wen Fei had already seen this capital city in the young general’s memories, but seeing it with her own eyes was still quite impactful. However, her momentary distraction was quickly cut short by the cheers resounding around her.

Pulling back her distant gaze, Wen Fei saw that the streets were lined with welcoming commoners.

Some cheered the army’s victory, some praised the general’s achievements, some threw flowers and fruits toward the triumphant army, and others quietly searched the entering troops for signs of their own loved ones…

Of course, searching for relatives was difficult, as only three thousand elite soldiers entered the city with Wen Fei; the majority of the army remained stationed outside. However, those who didn’t spot their kin weren’t too flustered. After all, the young general was renowned for being invincible in battle, and her battle losses were not very severe—she always brought back more soldiers than other generals, which is why she was highly respected by both the troops and the common people.

Wen Fei rode at the very front, leading the army, and received the most flowers and fruits thrown at her.

Every flower, every piece of fruit, represented the people’s respect and affection for the young General Wen. Every soldier who was hit, no matter how serious their expression was, showed their pride and honor in their puffed-out chests.

In such an atmosphere, Wen Fei should have also felt a surge of heroic pride. But looking at those eyes full of trust and adoration, she suddenly felt a great deal of self-reproach—transmigration was not her intention, and she didn’t even know why she had transmigrated. Yet, the reality was that she occupied the young General Wen’s body, and all the glory right now should not belong to her!

Wen Fei was momentarily lost in thought. Just as she was distracted, wondering where the true young general had gone, she suddenly heard a startled exclamation nearby.

The lieutenant following behind her seemed to shout, “General, watch out!” But before Wen Fei could react, she felt a gust of wind against her head. Given Wen Fei’s original reaction speed, she would have been too late to dodge. However, the young general’s body’s instincts were clearly excellent. Not only did she subconsciously dodge the attack aimed at her head, but upon seeing the emerald color of the “hidden weapon,” she instinctively reached out and caught it.

It felt heavy in her hand. The melon, which was the size of a human head, had circles of green ripples on its skin. It was a beautiful hangua (winter melon)… of course, hangua was the local term; Wen Fei was more accustomed to calling it a watermelon (Xigua).

What grievance or hatred was this? Throwing a watermelon from an upper floor onto the street to smash her—did they want to kill her?!

Wen Fei had acted purely on instinct. Now, holding the watermelon, she didn’t know whether to throw it away or hold onto it. After a moment of silence, she looked up and saw a young woman in a light green dress standing in an open window on the second floor of a tavern lining the street.

The young woman didn’t panic when she saw Wen Fei look up. Instead, she smiled at her, her eyes crescent-shaped and incredibly beautiful.

Wen Fei was not someone whose intellect was clouded by beauty. Still, the young woman on the second floor smiled at her so beautifully and openly that Wen Fei even doubted the watermelon was thrown by her. Or perhaps she did throw the watermelon, but the reason for throwing it at her was the same as the commoners who threw flowers and fruits—simply to express their affection and respect for her.

“General, are you alright?” The lieutenant rode up and also looked up at the building. But by the time he looked, the young woman on the second floor had disappeared from the window, leaving only an open window behind.

Wen Fei shook her head and casually tossed the watermelon to the lieutenant, riding forward with no intention of pursuing the matter.

The lieutenant held the watermelon and looked up again, originally intending to go upstairs and catch the attacker. But seeing that Wen Fei didn’t intend to pursue it, he said no more. Besides, this hangua in his hand was a good thing; he heard it tasted great and was very refreshing—perfect for this weather. It was just that the melon was too expensive; he wouldn’t usually be able to afford it, so this was a perfect chance to have a taste.

With that thought, the lieutenant happily cradled the melon, urged his horse to follow, and the rest of the army continued its advance without lingering.

It wasn’t until Wen Fei and the lieutenant had ridden far away that the young woman hiding behind the window poked her head out to glance outside again. Then, the young woman withdrew her gaze and looked at the embarrassed young gentleman opposite her. The young gentleman laughed apologetically, bowed his hands, and begged for mercy: “Little sister, I truly was just joking earlier, I didn’t mean to really smash him with the hangua. The melon falling was just a slip-up, a slip-up, and it didn’t hit him, did it?”

Chu Xi looked at her Seventh Brother opposite her, who had just made her take the blame, and was both annoyed and amused. She wanted to say something, but in the end, she said nothing, merely raising her hand to cover her forehead, clearly looking distressed.

The opposite party, Chu Qilang, pretended not to notice. He raised his hand, picked up another hangua, and said to his sister, “Little sister, the other one fell, but I have another one here. This melon is so sweet, should I cut one open for you to try?”

Without waiting for Chu Xi’s reply, Chu Qilang cut the melon himself, then picked out the sweetest heart of the melon and handed it to his sister.

Chu Xi glanced at her brother, but ultimately took it, eating it gracefully and delicately, bite by small bite.

Meanwhile, after taking care of his sister, Chu Qilang cut a piece of melon for himself. As he ate, he muttered, “This melon really is sweet. Tossing one to that brat just now was truly letting him off easy…”