The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 41 Part 1

Since the battle ended the other day, the barbarian soldiers had been quiet for a few days and had not launched another attack on the city.

Lin Aoxue stepped down from the battlefield, her mind lingering on Shang Wu’s unusual behavior that day. If she had the time, she thought, she should find him for a talk. After all, she had heard from Lu Sheng that Shang Wu had set his sights on a wife and was about to get married. Yet, from the way he acted, he did not seem like a man about to celebrate such a joyous occasion.

Strangely, though, she did not see Shang Wu for several days. When she later went to his tent to look for him, the guards informed her that the day the battle ended, Shang Wu had taken leave from Beichen Long and returned home for a few days.

Lin Aoxue found this increasingly odd. Shang Wu was not the type to fear war or death, nor was he one to flee from battle. Could it be that having someone to care about had made him timid instead?

She scoffed at the thought, shaking her head, then thanked the guards before turning to leave.

***

After resting for a few days, Beichen Ji sought Lin Aoxue out again, reminding her of their previous agreement to go out for a drink. This time, Lin Aoxue did not refuse. Though her demeanor remained cool and detached, she agreed to go with him to Fuyun Manor. Beichen Ji, though disappointed that he couldn’t visit Yanyu Tower to see the ladies there, knew better than to provoke Lin Aoxue’s temper at this moment and behaved himself accordingly.

Fuyun Manor’s tavern was not far from Yanyu Tower, and as Lin Aoxue and Beichen Ji walked down the street, they could see the tower from a distance.

The Yanyu Tower at Xingbei Pass was built in an elegant style, but compared to the one in the capital, it lacked a certain refinement and grandeur. The second floor had no guqin platform, and Yun Yan, who once played there, was no longer present. Lin Aoxue felt both relief and regret at this.

Noticing her distraction, Beichen Ji pursed his lips and tentatively asked, “Lin-laoge, why don’t we just go to Yanyu Tower instead?”

Lin Aoxue cast him a sidelong glance, her icy gaze sending a shiver down Beichen Ji’s spine. Without a word, she turned and ascended the stone steps of Fuyun Manor.

Beichen Ji made a playful face at her back, sticking out his tongue and waving his arms in mock frustration. But he dared not act out in front of her. The moment Lin Aoxue let out a small scoff, he quickly hopped after her, following her inside.

Once inside the tavern, Beichen Ji, as usual, ordered the latest specialty brew from Fuyun Manor, inviting Lin Aoxue to taste it. After two cups, he loosened up and started sharing the latest gossip from within the pass, covering everything that had happened during Lin Aoxue’s absence.

Compared to Lu Sheng, Beichen Ji was far more playful in his storytelling. While Lu Sheng focused on military affairs—who had been promoted, who had been punished, who trained diligently, and who had died in battle—Beichen Ji’s interests lay elsewhere. He talked about the new troublemakers in camp, the fresh faces at Yanyu Tower, and the recent batches of fine wine from Fuyun Manor. Though his stories seemed trivial, Lin Aoxue listened carefully, often picking out useful details from his ramblings.

As she listened, a thought suddenly struck her. For the first time since they had reconciled, she took the initiative to ask, “Why did Shang-xiong suddenly take leave and go home? I went looking for him the other day and couldn’t find him.”

Beichen Ji, suspecting nothing, replied casually, “He’s getting married! Of course, he’s busy. He probably went home to see his fiancée—after all, a little time apart makes the reunion sweeter!”

A flicker of light flashed in Lin Aoxue’s eyes as she pressed further, “When did he get engaged? Why so suddenly?”

At this, Beichen Ji smirked mischievously and waggled his eyebrows. “Laoge, don’t tell me you’re jealous? With your looks and skills, you could have any woman you want!”

Lin Aoxue elbowed him in the ribs and snorted. “Enough nonsense. Speak properly!”

Beichen Ji raised his hands in surrender before explaining, “Here’s what happened—during the last New Year’s festival, Shang-xiong went home to visit his family. On his way, he saved a woman who was being targeted by bandits. She wasn’t particularly beautiful, but she had a strong and unyielding nature. If Shang-xiong hadn’t stepped in, she probably would have taken her own life rather than fall into the bandits’ hands. She had nowhere to go and said she had fled from Poyan due to the war. Seeing her plight, Shang-xiong took her home. She wanted to repay him, so she stayed by his side. Over time, feelings developed between them, and now, their wedding is already set—probably in the next few months.”

Lin Aoxue hummed in response, deep in thought. She didn’t ask any further questions, but something about the story felt off. While it sounded like a typical “hero saves beauty, beauty repays kindness” tale, she couldn’t shake the memory of Shang Wu’s dazed and conflicted expression after the last battle. A vague sense of unease settled in her chest.

Beichen Ji, ever the mischief-maker, nudged her shoulder with his elbow and teased, “Laoge, you must be thirty by now, right? What, still not thinking about getting yourself a wife?”

Lin Aoxue shot him a glance, then shook her head and sighed. “No. Not until I’ve avenged my family. I won’t consider these things until then.”

Beichen Ji had expected this answer, yet he was still somewhat taken aback. “You’re really not planning to marry? The barbarians will never be wiped out completely. You’ve earned so much merit in the past year—surely you’ve killed enough?”

To Beichen Ji, Lin Aoxue’s obsession was incomprehensible. Avenging one’s family was important, but so was starting a new one. If she refused to marry and continue her bloodline, wouldn’t that also be a form of unfilial behavior?

Lin Aoxue’s expression remained unchanged. She picked up her cup, took a sip of wine, and simply said, “As long as the northern frontier remains at war, I have no time to think about myself.”

Beichen Ji’s face twitched, and he cried out, “Lin-laoge, you are truly selfless! I admire you!”

Lin Aoxue had no time for Beichen Ji’s chatter. Her gaze drifted out of the tavern window, settling on the bustling street below. She felt a sense of nostalgia—more than a month had passed since she left the capital. Life in the northern border was hectic, leaving her little time for leisure, unlike in the capital. Unconsciously, time had slipped away.

Her eyes swept over the crowded marketplace. The streets of Xingbei Pass were surprisingly lively. Though these people lived at the frontier, they held great respect and trust in the soldiers stationed here. They believed the troops could protect their homeland, ensuring their safety and happiness.

People always long for their homeland. Nearly eighty percent of these civilians were native to the northern frontier, deeply tied to this land. Even with frequent wars, they continued to live here, generation after generation.

Suddenly, Lin Aoxue’s unfocused gaze sharpened, locking onto a figure standing in front of an empty shop. That person was directing workers, busy moving goods in and out. Her brows furrowed as she turned to Beichen Ji and asked, “Is that Yueqin from Yanyu Tower?”

Beichen Ji leaned out the window for a glance, then smirked mischievously. “Laoge, you’re really contradicting yourself! Just earlier, you said you weren’t thinking about marriage, and now you’re already asking about a beautiful woman?”

Lin Aoxue’s eyelid twitched. She slammed her wine bowl onto the table with a loud thud, clearly annoyed. Beichen Ji was simply incorrigible. Seeing Lin Aoxue truly angry, Beichen Ji quickly stopped teasing, cleared his throat, and answered awkwardly, “Yes, that’s Miss Yueqin. I wonder why she’s not at Yanyu Tower today and what she’s doing in front of this empty shop.” After a moment of thought, Beichen Ji suddenly grinned again. “Miss Yueqin is a very kind woman. If you want, I can go down and ask her for you?”

Lin Aoxue withdrew her gaze, pulled out some silver, and placed it on the table. “We should head back. The barbarians have been restless these past few days. Even on a rest day, we can’t linger outside too long.”

Beichen Ji was surprised that Lin Aoxue took the initiative to pay. He blinked but didn’t fuss over such a small matter. Shrugging it off, he got up and followed Lin Aoxue, complaining as they walked, “Lin-laoge, you’re way too serious! It’s so peaceful today—why do we have to go back so early?”

Just as he finished speaking, a loud horn blast echoed from the city walls.

Lin Aoxue’s expression changed instantly. She quickened her pace, rushing out of the tavern. Beichen Ji was startled, never expecting the battle to come so suddenly. He immediately lost interest in asking about Yueqin and sprinted after Lin Aoxue, heading back to the camp.

***

The sudden outbreak of war threw the camp into chaos as soldiers quickly assembled. It was rare for the barbarians to launch an attack in broad daylight, but this time, they didn’t even bother with their usual taunts before the battle. By the time Lin Aoxue and Beichen Ji returned, the troops were nearly ready. Without hesitation, they each took their places in the ranks and marched out with the army to confront the enemy.

This year, the barbarian raids on Xingbei Pass had been even more frequent than the previous year. As Lin Aoxue charged into battle, fighting fiercely, her doubts grew deeper. What exactly did the barbarians want?

If their goal was food, then the grain they plundered from Yong’an last winter should have sustained them for a long time. Yet, as soon as winter passed and spring began, their attacks had intensified. Could it be that they truly intended to break through Xingbei Pass and seize the land of Beichen for themselves?

It was clear that the barbarians had appointed a new, formidable commander. Their tactics had become swift and aggressive. No longer relying solely on brute force, they now displayed discipline, utilized formations, and adapted their strategies. They avoided risks, used siege weapons effectively, and employed different weapons to counter various situations.

Under such pressure, Beichen’s soldiers struggled. Barely after leaving the city, they were already pushed back to the walls.

The Beichen forces suffered heavy casualties. Beichen Long’s face darkened, and he personally led an elite force into the fray. Yang Jin led Lin Aoxue and the others to provide support, forcing their way into the enemy’s formation. After a fierce battle lasting hundreds of rounds, they finally struck down the enemy general, forcing the barbarians to halt their advance and retreat to rescue their fallen leader.

Beichen Long barely managed to hold Xingbei Pass, but he sustained a deep cut to his shoulder. His face was pale as he gritted out the command to retreat, signaling the end of the battle.

Though the enemy was repelled once more, the victory felt hollow.

After the battle, an eerie silence fell over Xingbei Pass. Anyone with sharp eyes could tell that something was wrong. The number of bodies left outside the city walls was more than double that of the previous attack. The battle had been rushed, chaotic, and perilous, leaving the soldiers uneasy.

Beichen Long’s condition was poor. A military doctor quickly bandaged his wound while Lin Aoxue and the others waited outside the command tent. Inside, Beichen Long’s furious roars could be heard. The top commanders of Xingbei Pass gathered in his tent, discussing the battle and strategizing against the enemy’s evolving tactics.

Lin Aoxue felt a heavy weight on her heart. The barbarians’ attacks were growing fiercer with each encounter. If they continued to fight defensively without adapting, it was only a matter of time before Xingbei Pass fell.

Xingbei Pass was the first line of defense against the barbarians. If it were to fall, the vast plains beyond would be exposed. Countless families had lived here for generations, and the land’s rich resources had been the object of the barbarians’ greed for decades, if not centuries.

As Beichen Long struggled with frustration, a military doctor rushed to the tent, requesting an audience. Beichen Long, though irritated, noticed the doctor’s urgency and allowed him to enter.

The military doctor quickly entered the tent, knelt before the assembled generals, and called out in a loud voice, “Grand General! We are running out of medicine in the camp. The casualties from this battle are severe, and the soldiers urgently need medical supplies. Please, sir, find a solution!”

Beichen Long’s expression darkened even further. Medicine had already been in short supply in the camp since last year. As winter approached, they had requisitioned a batch from the pharmacies within the pass, but it was already nearly depleted. His gaze flickered uncertainly as he looked at the military doctor, making the man tremble under the pressure.

A heavy silence filled the tent for a long moment before Beichen Long finally let out a deep sigh and raised his hand slightly. “Go, and bring Lin Aoxue to me.”

The guards stationed outside received the order and left. Before long, Lin Aoxue was brought in. She lifted the tent’s curtain as she entered, a trace of confusion in her eyes. She had no idea why Beichen Long had suddenly summoned her, but she still stepped forward respectfully, knelt on one knee beside the military doctor, and saluted Beichen Long and the assembled officers.

Beichen Long sighed, then waved for Lin Aoxue to rise before saying, “Aoxue, take a few men and head to the market. See if the pharmacies there can spare any medicine.”

Hearing this, Lin Aoxue quickly understood the situation within the pass. Beichen Long had defended this place for over twenty years, and this was not the first time they had faced such dire straits. Yet each time, they had managed to persevere, largely due to the understanding and support of the people inside the pass.

Whenever war broke out and the army lacked medicine, the pharmacists in the pass never hoarded their supplies. As long as they could help, they always found a way to provide some.

With her orders received, Lin Aoxue left Beichen Long’s command tent, her face clouded with worry. She turned her gaze to the towering walls of Xingbei Pass, standing stark against the gray sky, feeling a sense of looming crisis.

The capital was rife with hidden conflicts, and the northern front was in a precarious state. The emperor had no real intention of supporting the northern border and had even withheld supplies of grain and medicine. How much longer could the north hold out under such conditions?

With this thought, Lin Aoxue let out a long sigh, called for Lu Sheng, and left the camp for the market.

Although Xingbei Pass had just endured a fierce battle, life in the market carried on as usual. As Lin Aoxue led Lu Sheng down the street, he glanced around and remarked thoughtfully,

“Ordinary people worry about their daily meals, about firewood, rice, oil, and salt—about how to survive. And we, stationed at the perilous Xingbei Pass, are thinking of nothing more than survival too.”

Lin Aoxue nodded expressionlessly. “Surviving is the hardest thing in this world.”

Death was the quickest way to sever all ties with the world. Even though it could end a person’s suffering, it left an unhealable wound in the hearts of those who cared for them.

People lived out of fear of death, yet few truly knew how to live well.

Everyone searched for the meaning of survival. For the people of Xingbei Pass, perhaps their meaning lay in the simple necessities of daily life. For the soldiers stationed there, it was in defending their homeland.

But for herself—what was the meaning of survival?

Lin Aoxue’s steps suddenly halted. Standing amidst the bustling crowd, she felt time rush past her. In the noisy street, she could almost see her late parents on one side and Yun Yan on the other.

For the past thirteen years, the only reason she had clung to life was revenge.

But this year, things seemed… different.

A tiny seed had taken root in her heart, silently sprouting, breaking through the hardened shell she had built around herself. For the first time in a long while, she had the urge to protect someone.

A sudden, inexplicable longing to see Yun Yan filled her chest.

“Qianhu?”

Lu Sheng’s voice pulled her back to reality.

Lin Aoxue let out a bitter smile and shook her head. Yun Yan was far away in the capital—wanting to see her didn’t mean she could.

“Let’s go.”

She pushed aside her thoughts and continued forward. Lu Sheng, still puzzled, refrained from asking further and simply followed silently.

They moved through the market, stopping at each pharmacy along the way, purchasing any medical supplies that could be spared. Before long, they arrived at the entrance of Fuyun Manor. Lin Aoxue remembered that if they turned left at this street corner, there was another pharmacy.

She was just about to move forward when Lu Sheng suddenly called out to her, “Sir, look over there!”

Lin Aoxue paused, glanced at him in confusion, and then followed his gaze. Her eyes immediately narrowed.

Across the street, not far from Yanyu Tower, a newly opened medical clinic had appeared.

A woman stood at its entrance, directing a few workers as they hung a sign above the doorway. Lin Aoxue recognized her instantly—Yanyu Tower’s courtesan, Yueqin.

She lifted her head again and looked at the sign above the entrance. The words read “Yanxue Medical Clinic.”

Lin Aoxue suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment. Her heart, which had momentarily stopped, suddenly started pounding wildly, accelerating to a rhythm she could hardly bear. Though her face remained cold and stern, the tips of her ears rapidly flushed red.

She had already more or less guessed what was going on. If it were just the name Yanxue Medical Clinic, she might have still hesitated, but with Yueqin personally helping set up the shop, there was little doubt left.

Just moments ago, she had been thinking about how much she wanted to see that person. But now that Yun Yan might actually be here in the northern frontier, and had even opened a clinic as promised—Lin Aoxue found herself unable to go forward.

That name for a medical clinic… was just too humiliating.

“Sir? That clinic looks newly opened. Should we go ask if they have any medicine?”

Lu Sheng hadn’t noticed Lin Aoxue’s strange behavior. His face was full of enthusiasm—an additional medical clinic in Xingbei’s market meant more medicine they could procure, which was undeniably a good thing.

Lin Aoxue’s expression stiffened. She turned and walked toward the left. “A newly opened shop likely won’t have much stock. Let’s not waste our time.”

Lu Sheng paused, feeling that her reasoning was a little weak. But since his qianhu had spoken, she must be right. Without questioning further, he simply followed Lin Aoxue as they prepared to head down the street.

Lin Aoxue had only taken a few quick steps when a voice called out from behind her.

“Young Master Lin.”

The moment she heard that voice, her heart sank. Oh no.