Border in crisis, volunteered for duty
As the gilded bronze bell tolled for the third time over the imperial city, a military report, delivered with utmost urgency, shattered the tranquility of the capital. The Xiongnu cavalry had once again swept south, capturing three border towns in succession. The Zhenbei Army, despite its fierce resistance, was suffering repeated defeats and its supplies were running low. The urgent report, pleading for immediate reinforcements from the court, was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, sending shockwaves through the entire imperial court.
The atmosphere at the court assembly was heavy and suffocating. The emperor, seated on the dragon throne, his face somber, swept his gaze over the officials below: "The Xiongnu have repeatedly invaded our borders, burning, killing, and looting, leaving our people displaced. Do any of you have a plan to repel the enemy?"
As soon as the words were spoken, ministers stepped forward, advocating for a marriage alliance to secure peace on the border; others suggested sending more troops, but when the issue of food and weapon shortages arose, they all fell silent. Li Linfu stood in the ranks, his eyes darting around, not uttering a word about sending troops—he knew full well that he had already embezzled the pay and weapons of the Zhenbei Army, and sending troops now would be tantamount to suicide. It was better to observe the situation and wait; if the war failed, he could easily shift the blame to others.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go!"
A clear voice broke the silence. Shen Qingci stepped forward, bowed, his blue robe fluttering, his gaze as firm as iron. "The Xiongnu are wolves in sheep's clothing. A marriage alliance is merely a temporary measure that will only embolden them. Although I have no battlefield experience, I have studied military strategy since childhood. I volunteer to go to the border as a military supervisor to assist the Zhenbei Army in resisting the Xiongnu and protecting the territory of our Great Jing!"
These words caused an uproar throughout the court. All the officials were astonished by the new top scholar's audacity, and some even secretly thought he was overestimating himself—how could a frail scholar possibly cope with the swords and spears on the frontier?
Li Linfu immediately seized the opportunity to launch an attack, feigning to dissuade him: "Scholar Shen's loyalty is commendable, but when it comes to leading troops into battle, it is no child's play. The border is dangerous, and swords have no eyes. You have no merit, and if you go there rashly, you may not be able to win the support of the people, and you may even delay the important affairs of the country."
"Prime Minister, you are mistaken!" Shen Qingci raised his eyes and looked directly at Li Linfu. "Although I am a civil official, I know that 'every man has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation.' The soldiers of the Zhenbei Army are brave, but they have suffered repeated defeats only because of insufficient supplies and outdated weapons. My purpose in going there is threefold: first, to coordinate the supply of provisions; second, to assist the generals with military strategies; and third, to stand with the soldiers through thick and thin, and never retreat!"
His words resonated deeply, prompting several upright and experienced ministers to nod in agreement. The emperor, looking at the young yet resolute scholar before him, felt a slight stirring in his heart, yet still harbored reservations: "Shen Qing's sincerity greatly pleases me. However, the borderlands are arduous, and you are newly married; why risk your life?"
Just then, a series of light footsteps sounded outside the hall. Su Yunqing, dressed in plain clothes and carrying a medicine chest, calmly entered the hall. She knelt down to pay her respects, her voice gentle yet firm: "Your Majesty, I wish to accompany my husband to the border. I have studied medicine with my father since childhood and can set up a medical tent in the army to treat the wounded soldiers. With our hearts united, we can overcome any obstacle. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"
The officials were once again shocked, never expecting this renowned talented woman from the capital to possess such courage. The Emperor, looking at the couple standing side-by-side in the hall, was filled with admiration: "What a perfect couple, loyal to the emperor and patriotic! I grant your permission! Effective immediately, Shen Qingci is appointed Border Supervisor, with provisions and weapons to accompany you; Su Yunqing is appointed Army Physician, awarded one hundred taels of gold and a quantity of medicinal herbs. I hope you two will join hands to repel the Xiongnu and return in triumph soon!"
"Your Majesty, we obey your decree! Thank you!" The two kowtowed in unison, their eyes meeting with a resolute determination and trust to face danger side by side.
After the court session, Shen Qingci took Su Yunqing's hand and walked out of the palace gate. The sunlight shone on them, but it couldn't shield them from the wind and frost ahead. "Yunqing, the border is dangerous. You could have stayed in the capital and enjoyed peace. Why did you choose to risk your life with me?" Shen Qingci felt both touched and guilty.
Su Yunqing looked up at him, her smile gentle yet firm: "Brother Qingci, you have the world in your heart, so I will accompany you to protect it; you are going to the battlefield, so I will protect your soldiers. Wherever you are, that is home. How can I let you go alone?"
Three days later, Shen Qingci, clad in armor, and Su Yunqing, carrying a medicine chest, embarked on their journey to the border amidst the farewells of their relatives and friends. The wheels rolled, the hooves pounded, carrying their vows and courage towards the windswept northern frontier. Unbeknownst to them, this journey would not only be fraught with danger, but also with numerous deadly traps secretly laid by Li Linfu, quietly awaiting them.
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