Preparing for battle, the couple's deep affection
After returning to the capital, Lord Li reported the arrogant attitude of the new Xiongnu Chanyu and his unreasonable demands for territory and tribute. The Emperor was furious, slamming his fist on the table: "Arrogant brat! Does he think my Great Jing has no one to rely on?!" He immediately issued an edict, ordering the entire border defenses to enter a state of war readiness. Looking at Shen Qingci, who was bowing and awaiting orders below, he said in a deep voice: "Shen Qingci, I appoint you as Grand Marshal of the Army, leading the three armies to the border. You must defeat the Xiongnu and protect our territory!"
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Shen Qingci knelt on both knees, his voice firm and powerful, but a trace of barely perceptible concern flashed in his eyes.
When he returned to the Shen residence, dusk had already fallen. Su Yunqing was pruning flowers in the courtyard when she saw him return in his court robes, his brows furrowed with seriousness. She immediately understood. She put down her pruning shears, stepped forward, and asked softly, "Brother Qingci, is there news from the Xiongnu?"
Shen Qingci grasped her slightly cool hand and explained the emperor's appointment and the Xiongnu's provocations one by one. Su Yunqing's heart tightened as she listened, her fingertips curling slightly, but she quickly steadied herself, looked up at him, her eyes filled with no resentment, only determination: "Brother Qingci, with the country in peril, it is your duty to step forward. I will take care of Father, Mother, and Nianqing at home. You just need to focus on your campaign, and I will await your triumphant return."
Shen Qingci felt a warmth in his heart and pulled her into his arms. He knew that Su Yunqing was always cautious and meticulous, but he also understood how much worry was hidden beneath her calm demeanor. "Yunqing, you've worked hard," he said softly. "The journey ahead is long and the war is unpredictable. I don't know when I will return. You must take good care of yourself and not overwork yourself."
"I know." Su Yunqing buried her face in his shoulder, her voice tinged with a barely perceptible sob. "You must take care of yourself. On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. You are not only the marshal of Dajing, but also the pillar of Nianqing and me. Remember, no matter the outcome, I will be waiting for your safe return from the manor."
Shen Qingci tightened his arms and nodded emphatically.
In the following days, the entire Shen family was shrouded in busyness and reluctance. Su Yunqing personally packed his luggage, carefully categorized and bandaged his wound medicines, and even sewed two thick cotton armors overnight. She repeatedly instructed him, "It's cold on the northern border, so remember to wear more clothes; these wound medicines are specially made by me, and they are very effective at stopping bleeding and relieving pain. Be sure to carry them with you on the battlefield." As she spoke, she placed a jade pendant that she always wore close to her body into his hand, "This jade has been with me for many years. Wear it, and consider it as me protecting you by your side."
Shen Qingci clutched the warm jade pendant, looking at her reddened eyes, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He wanted to comfort her, but the words that came out were only, "Yun Qing, wait for me to come back."
The day before the expedition, Shen Qingci, along with Su Yunqing and Shen Nianqing, went to the inner courtyard to pay their respects to their parents. Shen Yanzhi looked at his son's tall figure, his eyes filled with pride and reluctance, and patted his shoulder: "Qingci, you are the pride of the Shen family and the pillar of the Great Jing. You must fight bravely to protect the country and its people, and do not fail His Majesty's trust and the people's expectations."
Madam Shen was already sobbing uncontrollably, holding Shen Qingci's hand tightly, unwilling to let go: "My son, you must be careful on the battlefield. I don't ask you to achieve great things, I only ask that you return safely."
"Father, Mother, don't worry." Shen Qingci's eyes were slightly red. "I will take good care of myself, defeat the Xiongnu as soon as possible, and return to reunite with my family."
Although Shen Nianqing was young, she knew that her father was about to leave. She tugged at Shen Qingci's clothes and looked up at him, saying, "Father, you must defeat the bad Huns and come back soon to study and practice martial arts with me."
Shen Qingci squatted down, patted his son's head, his eyes full of love: "Okay, Dad promises you, I will come back soon. Nianqing, be good and take good care of Mom and Grandpa and Grandma."
Shen Nianqing nodded emphatically and placed a hand-drawn "peace charm" into his hand: "Father, this is for you. It will protect you and keep you safe."
Shen Qingci took the childish drawing paper and carefully put it away, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He knew that what was drawn on this paper was not only a good luck charm, but also the heavy concern of his family.
As night deepened, Su Yunqing sat with Shen Qingci by the window. In the flickering lamplight, the two remained silent, their tightly clasped hands conveying their unspoken feelings. The bright moonlight outside illuminated the soon-to-be-separated couple, reflecting their unwavering love and steadfast commitment.
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