Border Warfare, Young Man Volunteers

As autumn deepened, the capital was still bathed in clear skies and crisp air, but urgent reports arrived from the border. When the urgent dispatch arrived at the imperial court, the warmth in the Golden Palace was instantly extinguished—a remnant force of the Xiongnu, taking advantage of the autumn's height and the horses' superior strength, was roaming the northwestern border, looting, burning, killing, and pillaging. In just half a month, they had breached three garrison fortresses, leaving the border people displaced and their cries echoing across the fields.

The emperor summoned his ministers for a meeting, and the atmosphere in the hall was heavy. "Although this remnant of the Xiongnu numbers less than three thousand, they are extremely fierce, familiar with the terrain, and adept at guerrilla warfare," the Minister of War stepped forward and reported. "The border garrison has been pursuing them for days and is exhausted. They urgently need reinforcements."

The ministers echoed their opinions, all saying that an experienced general should be dispatched to lead the troops for a swift victory. Only Shen Nianqing stood among the court officials, his brows furrowed, his gaze fixed intently on the emperor on the throne. He had heard his father recount border battles since childhood and had also studied military strategy thoroughly, deeply understanding the suffering of the displaced people. At this moment, his blood surged, and a surge of heroic ambition arose within him.

After the ministers had calmed down, Shen Nianqing stepped forward, bowed, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am willing to volunteer to go to the border to supervise the battle and assist the local garrison in repelling the remnants of the Xiongnu!"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent. The ministers all turned to look, some surprised and some unconvinced—everyone knew that Shen Nianqing was the prime minister's eldest son, who had become the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination and served in the Hanlin Academy. Although he was skilled in both literature and martial arts, he had never had any real combat experience. The border was dangerous; how could a weak scholar handle it?

The emperor hesitated, then said, “Nianqing, you are learned and skilled in martial arts, but the battlefield is not like the academy. Swords have no eyes, and you have no experience in leading troops. How can I trust you?”

Shen Qingci's heart tightened, and he quickly stepped forward to dissuade him: "Your Majesty, my son is young and does not know the dangers of war. This matter needs to be considered carefully. It would be more prudent to send a veteran general who has been through many battles."

“Father, Your Majesty,” Shen Nianqing looked up, his eyes resolute, “Although I have no practical combat experience, I have studied military strategy for many years and know that ‘military tactics are not fixed, just as water has no fixed shape.’ This remnant of the Xiongnu is fierce, but their morale is low. They only seek to plunder and have no will to defend themselves. I am willing to lead elite troops to defeat them with a surprise attack. This will not only relieve the border crisis but also provide valuable experience, so as not to fail Your Majesty and Father’s teachings.”

He paused, his voice growing more earnest: "The people on the border are suffering terribly. As an official of the court, how can I sit idly by? If I shrink back out of fear of danger, how will I face the people of the world in the future?"

At this moment, Su Yunqing, who had been waiting outside the palace, had entered the hall at some point. Having heard that her son had volunteered, she was filled with countless worries, yet she understood his aspirations even more. She bowed gracefully to the emperor and said softly, “Your Majesty, I know that my son has been taught since childhood and deeply understands the importance of family and country. Since he has made this decision, I beg Your Majesty to grant his request. I believe that he will remember his teachings, act prudently, and fulfill his mission.”

Seeing the sincerity and determination in Shen Nianqing's eyes, and then looking at Su Yunqing's composed entrustment, the emperor's hesitation gradually dissipated. He knew that Shen Qingci and his wife were good at raising their son, and that Shen Nianqing was usually composed and not a reckless person. After a moment of contemplation, the emperor said loudly, "Very well! I will grant your wish for loyalty and courage!"

He rose from his throne and patted Shen Nianqing on the shoulder: "I appoint you as deputy general, leading five thousand elite cavalry. Set off immediately for the border. Remember, in warfare, winning hearts and minds is paramount, and ensuring the people's safety is of utmost importance. Do not act rashly out of bravado. I await your victory report!"

Shen Nianqing was overjoyed and knelt down, kowtowing: "Your Majesty, I obey your decree! Thank you for your trust! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations and defeat the Xiongnu as soon as possible, restoring peace to the people on the border!"

As he stood up, he looked at his father, Shen Qingci, whose eyes, though filled with worry, also revealed approval; then he looked at his mother, Su Yunqing, whose eyes were filled with tears, yet she smiled and nodded at him—in those eyes, there was concern, expectation, and even more so, complete trust.

After the court session ended, Shen Nianqing immediately returned to the Prime Minister's residence to begin preparations for the expedition. He knew that the journey would be long and arduous, and the outcome of the battle was unpredictable, but he had only one thought in his mind: to reach the border as soon as possible, defeat the bandits, and live up to the expectations of his country and his family.