The general points north, the chivalrous couple journeys together.
The marriage of Lu Beichen and Shen Anci was the most unsurprising yet most celebrated event in the capital. A daughter of a military family marrying a young general was a match made in heaven. Their married life lacked the usual formalities of official families, and instead consisted mostly of drills on the training ground, discussions of military strategy, and Shen Anci's one-sided criticism of Lu Beichen's "lax discipline in military affairs," making their days exceptionally lively.
However, the smoke of war on the border never truly subsided. Urgent reports came from the northern frontier that some tribes were stirring and harassing the border. The military situation was critical, and His Majesty issued an edict ordering Lu Beichen to lead his troops back to the northern frontier immediately to guard the nation's borders.
When the imperial edict arrived at the Lu residence, Lu Beichen was wiping his sword, while Shen Anci was fiddling with a new set of riding and archery protective gear beside him.
"Finally going back?" Shen Anci's eyes lit up. Far from feeling any sadness at parting, he was eager to go. "I'm so tired of staying in the capital! I'll go with you!"
Lu Beichen looked up at her, his brows furrowing slightly: "Anci, the northern frontier is bitterly cold and often embroiled in war; it is no child's play. You stay in the capital and take good care of the family for me."
"Don't even try!" Shen Anci raised her eyebrows and slammed her protective gear on the table. "Lu Beichen, who do you think you are? In terms of martial arts, I'm not much worse than you! In terms of familiarity with the terrain of the Northern Frontier, I grew up on the border and am no less skilled than you! You want me to stay in the capital as an idle lady? Don't even think about it! Either take me with you, or I'm going back to my parents' home right now!"
Looking at her flushed cheeks from excitement, Lu Beichen's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness, but more so with indulgence and a barely perceptible pride. He knew that he had never married a delicate flower that needed to be protected, but a poplar tree that could stand proudly alongside him against the wind and sand.
"This journey is no small matter; you must obey my orders." He finally said in a deep voice, which meant he agreed.
Shen Anci immediately beamed with joy, patting her chest and guaranteeing, "No problem! General Lu! This humble general, Shen Anci, guarantees to obey orders!" Her demeanor showed no trace of a submissive wife; she was clearly a female general about to head to the battlefield.
Before leaving Beijing, Prince Yi and his wife hosted a farewell banquet for them.
At the banquet, Zhao Jingyi, unusually, put away his playful demeanor and solemnly raised his glass, saying, "Brother Lu, Chen girl, take care on your journey to the border! Teach those ignorant barbarians a lesson! Make us, the sons of the capital, proud! When you return in triumph, I will throw you a celebratory banquet!"
Qin Yuti also held Shen Anci's hand and carefully instructed her, "Anci, the border is not like the capital, so be careful. Consult with General Lu when you encounter problems, and don't act impulsively." She then said to Lu Beichen, "General Lu, Anci has a quick temper, so please bear with him and take good care of him."
Lu Beichen returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Your Highness, Your Highness, rest assured, Beichen will live up to your trust and protect Anci to ensure the peace of our borders."
Shen Anci then downed his drink in one gulp with hearty gusto: "Don't worry! When I get there, I'll bring you back hides and cheese from the Northern Frontier!"
On the day of departure, the sky was just beginning to lighten. Outside the city gates, banners fluttered and armor gleamed. Lu Beichen, clad in black armor, sat imposingly atop his steed. Beside him, Shen Anci, also dressed in a sleek red riding outfit, covered by soft armor, her black hair tied high, looked dashing and heroic, in no way inferior to any general. She did not ride in a carriage, but chose to ride alongside Lu Beichen.
Those who came to see them off were deeply moved by this scene. This was truly the spirit of a military family, and the profound affection between a chivalrous couple.
Watching the procession gradually disappear into the distance, Zhao Jingyi nudged Qin Yuti's shoulder and whispered, "Wife, look at how well-matched they are! How about... when our child is a little older, I ask Father for permission to take you to the south for a trip?"
Qin Yuti stroked her noticeably protruding belly and gave him a reproachful look: "You should learn how to hold a baby first! Is the border a place for playing around?"
Zhao Jingyi chuckled and put his arm around her shoulder: "That's true, it's more reassuring to stay at home with you and the baby."
The carriage returned to the palace. Qin Yuti gazed at the scenery rushing past the window, silently offering her blessings. She knew that life on the frontier would inevitably be harsh, but for Shen Anci, being able to fight alongside her beloved and protect their homeland was perhaps her greatest happiness.
Lu Beichen and Shen Anci, this pair of star generals and chivalrous couple, embarked on their own journey.
Their story will shift from the bustling capital to the desolate desert and the setting sun over the long river.
Meanwhile, the joys and sorrows of life in the capital continue. In Prince Yi's residence, the happiness and busyness of welcoming a new life is the most real and heartwarming aspect of life for Zhao Jingyi and Qin Yuti right now.
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