The Xiongnu have invaded again, and the border is in dire need of attention.
The peaceful and prosperous era lasted only a few years before the smoke of war once again pierced the sky over the northern frontier. After several years of recuperation, the Xiongnu had grown strong again, and a new tribal alliance rose on the grasslands. The ambitious leader, Huhanye, led tens of thousands of cavalry to break through the border defenses, burning, killing, and looting along the way, and heading straight for Yanmen Pass.
Urgent reports of the Zhenbei Army's successive defeats flooded the capital. Gilded memorials lay spread across the emperor's desk, each word stained with blood. The emperor summoned all civil and military officials to the Golden Palace for a meeting; the atmosphere within was as heavy as iron.
"The Xiongnu barbarians are wolves in sheep's clothing, repeatedly invading our territory!" General Qin Yue, his eyes wide with anger, stepped forward and volunteered for battle. "I am willing to lead the Imperial Guards to reinforce the border and drive these barbarians out of the frontier!"
The Minister of Revenue looked troubled: "General Qin is brave, but we can afford to rest and recuperate for years. Although the national treasury is full, the long-distance campaign is very costly. Moreover, the northern frontier is bitterly cold, and it is not easy to transport grain and fodder. We need to consider this carefully."
No sooner had he finished speaking than several ministers echoed his sentiments, advocating for peace through a marriage alliance. "The Xiongnu only want wealth and women. If we can send a princess to marry them, along with gold, silver, and silk, we might be able to temporarily avoid war."
"Absurd!" A furious shout broke the silence in the hall. Shen Qingci, dressed in a scarlet official robe, slowly stepped forward. "The Xiongnu are greedy and insatiable. Today they offer marriage and gifts, but tomorrow they will take advantage of us. How can we give away the territory that the Zhenbei Army fought so hard to defend because of a moment of cowardice?"
His gaze was intense, and his voice was firm: "Your Majesty, the people on the border are being slaughtered, and the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army are fighting valiantly. To retreat now would chill the hearts of the people! I am willing to volunteer to go to the border to supervise the battle, assist the Zhenbei Army in regrouping, and defeat the Xiongnu!"
Looking at the spirited Shen Qingci below the steps, the emperor felt both admiration and concern: "Minister Shen is known for his strategic acumen, but the battlefield is dangerous. You are involved in the affairs of the court, and I cannot bear to let you take such risks."
"Your Majesty, with the nation in peril, what distinction is there between civil and military officials?" Shen Qingci kowtowed to the ground. "Your Majesty has trusted me and reinstated me to my former position. I should repay the country with my life. If I can quell the border troubles and protect the peace of the people, I will have no regrets even if I die on the battlefield!"
Just then, a clear female voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the border with my husband!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Su Yunqing, dressed in a plain-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), walking calmly into the hall and bowing gracefully. Although she was a woman, her eyes were unusually firm: "Since childhood, I have studied medicine with my father and have some knowledge of healing techniques. The soldiers on the border have suffered heavy casualties. I wish to set up a medical tent in the army to heal the wounded and prolong their lives, which is my humble contribution to the country."
The Emperor was deeply moved by this sight. He knew that Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing were a loving couple, but he had not expected them to share such a strong sense of patriotism. "Excellent! What a wonderful couple, united in heart and mind, sharing the burdens of the nation!" The Emperor was overjoyed and declared loudly, "I hereby grant your request! Appoint Shen Qingci as the General of the Northern Garrison, in charge of all border military affairs; appoint Su Yunqing as the army's physician, and bestow upon him one hundred taels of gold, a thousand chests of medicine, and immediate allocation of military equipment and provisions!"
Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing thanked them in unison. As they stood up, their eyes met, each filled with resolute determination and lingering concern.
After returning home, the couple packed their bags overnight. Shen Qingci changed into armor, with a sword at his waist, looking incredibly dashing; Su Yunqing carefully packed medical books and herbs, and sewed two cloaks for Shen Qingci to keep warm.
Shen Yanzhi and Madam Shen personally escorted Shen Qingci to the gate of the mansion. Shen Yanzhi patted Shen Qingci on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Qingci, be careful in everything you do on your way to the border. Remember, only by protecting your own life can you protect the people on the border and the Great Jing Dynasty."
Madam Shen held Su Yunqing's hand, her eyes brimming with tears: "Yunqing, it's not easy for you, a woman, to be in the army. You must take good care of yourself and Qingci. We'll be waiting for your triumphant return at home."
Su Yunqing nodded with tears in her eyes: "Father and Mother, don't worry, we will definitely return safely."
At dawn the next day, as the sun rose, Shen Qingci led five thousand elite imperial guards, while Su Yunqing rode in a carriage laden with medicinal herbs, embarking on their journey to the border. The procession stretched far and wide, horses' hooves kicking up clouds of dust as they resolutely marched towards the northern frontier. They knew that a battlefield of swords and shadows awaited them, a test of life and death, but for the peace and security of their nation, they were resolute and unwavering.
Do you need me to further optimize the subsequent chapters, or add details to this chapter (such as adding pre-battle deployment dialogues between Shen Qingci and the generals, or a small episode when Su Yunqing is preparing medicinal herbs)?
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