The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 51 Part 1

Lin Aoxue was no different from those self-preserving generals. As long as her own safety was not at risk, she was willing to support Guo Wencheng and Yang Jin. This was not because she trusted Beichen Long—on the contrary, it was precisely because she understood Beichen Long’s suspicious nature all too well that she dared not hesitate for even a moment and risk giving him any leverage over her.

Even though she still sympathized with Guo Wencheng, she had to start distancing herself from him completely from this moment forward. Only by doing so could she avoid Beichen Long’s suspicion. The more critical the situation, the more ruthless and cold-blooded she had to appear.

Reality was often cruel. Whether it was Yang Jin’s death, Guo Wencheng’s suffering, or even Lin Aoxue herself—who, despite knowing that Beichen Long was at fault, had no choice but to stand by his side and force herself to estrange Guo Wencheng—all of it was dictated by the harshness of reality. Those trapped within this game had no power to resist.

A deep sorrow settled in Lin Aoxue’s heart. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, barely making it to dawn in a daze. The sound of war drums from the camp woke her up.

Early in the morning, she listened to the drumming outside her tent. Groggy, she got up, dressed, and stepped outside. The moment she lifted the tent flap, she saw a group of soldiers rushing past with anxious expressions, as if something major had happened.

The scene felt eerily familiar. Lin Aoxue frowned, a look of confusion crossing her face. She recalled the day the Fifth Prince was ambushed—not long ago, the military camp had been in similar chaos. But today’s situation seemed even more complicated; even the guards stationed outside her tent were nowhere to be seen. The enemy forces beyond the pass had already been driven back, so there was no reason for them to launch another attack so soon. Then what exactly had happened to throw the camp into such disarray?

Lin Aoxue tightened her cloak and quickly stepped out of the tent. She grabbed a passing soldier by the arm and asked, “What’s going on?”

Seeing that the person stopping him was Lin Aoxue, the soldier hastily called out, “County Commandant Lin!” Then, with a panicked expression, he blurted, “County Commandant Lin! The general has been assassinated!”

Lin Aoxue’s brow furrowed, her face turning serious. She seized the soldier by the collar and demanded coldly, “Explain yourself! How could the general have been assassinated? Is he injured?!”

The battle had not yet resumed. Even when Beichen Long was leading the fight against the barbarians outside the pass, he had not been ambushed—so how could he suddenly be attacked within their own territory? Could it be that, after Beichen Long’s crushing defeat of the barbarian forces, they had begun to feel threatened and decided to activate spies hidden within Xingbei Pass to eliminate him?

The thought surfaced, but Lin Aoxue quickly shook her head. If the barbarians were truly capable of placing spies so close to Beichen Long, why would they have gone through all the trouble of launching a large-scale invasion in the first place? Wouldn’t assassinating Beichen Long from the start have been a much clearer way to control the course of the war?

Which meant that the one who attempted to assassinate Beichen Long was likely not sent by the barbarians.

The soldier did not know the full details, but since Lin Aoxue had asked, he dared not remain silent. He answered, “Sir, the grand general was attacked by General Guo! General Guo broke into the grand general’s tent with a blade this morning and attacked him directly. I don’t know if the grand general was injured, but General Guo has already been captured and is awaiting punishment.”

Hearing this, Lin Aoxue’s eyes widened in shock, unable to conceal her astonishment. She could hardly believe that Guo Wencheng had actually stormed into Beichen Long’s tent. Yang Jin’s death had hit him hard, but it hadn’t changed his inherently upright nature. Unable to bear the pain and unwilling to tolerate Beichen Long’s treachery, he had chosen the most foolish method of all—attempting to end Beichen Long’s life directly.

But Beichen Long was a seasoned general with exceptional martial skills. Moreover, he was innately suspicious and highly vigilant. Given Guo Wencheng’s abilities and Beichen Long’s cautious nature, how could he have hoped to succeed? More likely, Beichen Long had been waiting for an opportunity to push Guo Wencheng into outright rebellion, and now, Guo Wencheng had played right into his hands.

Lin Aoxue released the soldier’s collar and signaled for him to rejoin his unit. Her own expression, however, remained grim, shifting unpredictably.

After a long silence, she let out a deep sigh and shook her head helplessly. Just yesterday, Yang Jin had died. And now, today, Guo Wencheng had thrown his own life away. Last night, she had felt guilty about her decision to sever ties with Guo Wencheng, but today’s events had left her no choice but to turn against him completely—there could be no more involvement between them.

Foolish.

That was the only word Lin Aoxue could find to describe Guo Wencheng’s actions.

After releasing the soldier, Lin Aoxue turned back to her tent, deciding not to concern herself with the aftermath.

Being in the military camp, however, meant that even if she didn’t ask, the news would inevitably reach her ears.

Soon, the news of Beichen Long’s assassination attempt and Guo Wencheng’s capture spread throughout Xingbei Pass. Guo Wencheng was escorted by Beichen Long’s personal guards to the execution platform within the camp. Before the gathered crowd, Beichen Long personally announced Guo Wencheng’s crimes. With a single command, the executioner’s blade fell, and Guo Wencheng was beheaded.

Like the many other soldiers and officers present, Lin Aoxue stood silently in the ranks, her expression mournful but without a word.

Yang Jin was dead. Guo Wencheng was also dead. In just two days, these two warriors—who had shed blood for Xingbei Pass—met their tragic ends. And after their deaths, no one dared to speak of them again. In the face of war and power struggles, a person’s life was fragile and insignificant.

A complex emotion flickered in Lin Aoxue’s eyes, an unreadable feeling buried deep within the sea of people. She concealed her guilt and sorrow, not letting anyone see the pain she hid.

Guo Wencheng’s death was meaningless. Without Yang Jin’s guidance, he was nothing more than a brute who only knew how to fight, lacking strategy and foresight. How could he possibly be a match for Beichen Long? Beichen Long had easily exploited his weakness, driving him to madness and self-destruction.

When Beichen Long executed Guo Wencheng, his face remained utterly expressionless. His cold and solemn demeanor betrayed not the slightest hint of emotion, as if Guo Wencheng’s decade-long loyalty had been nothing but an illusion. After the blade fell, he cast a brief, indifferent glance at the severed head rolling down the execution platform before withdrawing his gaze and turning back toward his command tent.

Behind the folding screen, the military advisor, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke. His voice was as hoarse and low as ever, “There is movement in the imperial court.”

Beichen Long, who had just seated himself at his desk, paused before dipping his brush in ink. Hearing this, he furrowed his brows slightly and asked calmly, “What’s changed?”

The military advisor hesitated for a moment before replying, “Two days before the battle, Field Marshal Yang secretly sent an urgent report to the court. It was delivered by a covert scout riding at full speed to Yiping, then relayed to the capital via messenger hawk. The emperor has received word from within the pass and now suspects you of harboring treasonous intentions. His Majesty has abandoned efforts to summon you back to the capital. Instead, he intends to negotiate peace with the barbarians beyond the pass, suppress the ongoing war, and once stability is restored, launch a campaign to eliminate you.”

Hearing this, Beichen Long let out a cold, mocking laugh. His eyes gleamed with icy sharpness as he sneered, “As expected of the left arm I once trusted most. Even when I sent him to his death, he still made sure to strike at me before he fell.”

He lifted his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a single large character on the blank paper before him—反 (rebellion). 

Then, with another cold laugh, he said, “They are so eager to force my hand into rebellion—then I shall rebel. Let’s see what they can do about it.”

No sooner had Beichen Long spoken than a soldier outside the tent shouted, “Report! The Fifth Prince has been assassinated and is in critical condition!”

Beichen Long did not even lift his gaze. The Fifth Prince had been sent to the border by the emperor himself, meant to serve as a pawn between him and Beichen Long. Now that he had become a target for assassination, his death would sever any remaining possibility of negotiation between Beichen Long and the emperor.

But even if Beichen Long had not been assassinated, Yang Jin’s secret letter had already driven an irreparable wedge between him and the emperor. The emperor wanted him dead—so why should he waste his energy concerning himself with the Fifth Prince’s fate? His expression remained indifferent as he merely asked, “Has Doctor Yun gone to him?”

Unlike last time, he did not rush out to confirm Beichen Long’s condition. His tone remained detached as he questioned the reporting soldier. The soldier, momentarily stunned by Beichen Long’s lack of reaction, quickly recovered and answered, “Doctor Yun has already gone to treat him, but she says the prince will likely cling to life for only ten more days at most.”

Beichen Long showed no surprise. He simply nodded and asked, “Has the assassin been caught?”

“As before, the assassin committed suicide with poison the moment they were captured.”

Hearing this, Beichen Long’s eyes darkened in thought. He pondered whether these two assassination attempts were the work of the same faction. Then, after a moment of consideration, he asked, “How many people are aware of this incident?”

The soldier hesitated, looking confused, but still responded respectfully, “Apart from Doctor Yun, only the hundred or so guards stationed outside the tent know of it.”

Upon hearing this, Beichen Long’s eyes grew even colder. His voice was sharp as a blade as he ordered, “Then seal their lips. If anyone dares to leak even a single word, they will answer with their heads.”

The soldier visibly flinched in fear, immediately falling to his knees and hastily replying, “Yes! I will see to it at once!”

After dismissing the soldier with a wave of his hand, Beichen Long turned back to the military advisor behind the screen and asked, “Advisor, if I rebel against the emperor, what are my chances of victory?”

The military advisor pondered for a moment before speaking. “This matter is most likely the work of Prince of the First Rank, stirring up trouble. The emperor lacks strategic acumen and often consults the grand chancellor and Prince of the First Rank for advice. General, you hold significant military power. If you choose to rebel, you could establish an independent stronghold in the northern frontier, biding your time and using war to sustain war. However, if you march on the capital to seize the throne, the journey will be long, the risks immense, and the outcome uncertain—your chances of success are no more than fifty-fifty.”

Beichen Long nodded. The military advisor’s analysis aligned with his own thoughts. If he maintained his forces in the northern frontier and waited for the emperor to send troops against him, he could easily repel them given his familiarity with the terrain. However, if he left the northern frontier, he would lose the advantage of time, terrain, and support, significantly weakening the Northern Frontier Army and making victory uncertain.

“But now that the emperor intends to negotiate peace with the barbarians to quell internal strife, what do you think should be done?”

From behind the screen came a light chuckle, tinged with amusement. “General, you already have a plan—why ask me?”

Beichen Long laughed heartily, tapping the table lightly with two fingers. “In all the northern frontier, only you truly understand me.”

***

After discussing with the military advisor, Beichen Long summoned Yun Yan to inquire about the Fifth Prince’s condition. Yun Yan answered truthfully, and Beichen Long nodded before saying, “Doctor Yun, do your utmost to prolong His Highness’ life.”

Receiving her orders, Yun Yan departed. Beichen Long paced back and forth inside his tent before finally stepping out and commanding that all officers of duwei rank and above be gathered. After waiting for nearly half an hour, everyone had assembled and sat in a circle inside the tent.

Due to the recent deaths of Guo Wencheng and Yang Jin, those who had previously spoken in Guo Wencheng’s defense now remained silent. By this point, if they still failed to recognize the shifting power dynamics, they would meet the same fate as Guo Wencheng and Yang Jin. Beichen Long’s cunning and ruthlessness were beyond their ability to contest.

Beichen Long swept his gaze across the tent. Seeing that even those who had once opposed him were now subdued, he allowed a slight smile to flicker across his face. Yet outwardly, he showed no satisfaction, instead adopting an expression of sorrow and helplessness as he said, “The Fifth Prince was attacked by an assassin once again.”

The room erupted in shock, and someone immediately asked, alarmed, “Was His Highness injured? Who would dare commit such an audacious act?!”

Beichen Long sighed and shook his head. “His Highness is gravely wounded and may not have much time left. As for the assassin, the investigation is still ongoing—we have yet to determine their identity.”

Although his answer was expected, some in the room still frowned in confusion. One of them asked, doubt creeping into his tone, “The prince’s recovery tent is guarded by the grand general’s personally assigned troops, with layers of fortifications inside and out. Under such tight security, who could possibly possess the skill to breach the defenses and get close to His Highness?”

The moment these words were spoken, murmurs spread through the tent. Beichen Long turned his gaze toward the speaker, his expression cold and imposing, radiating authority without the need for anger. “Duwei Zhou, are you suggesting that I was the one who allowed the assassin inside?” His voice rose slightly, and as soon as he finished speaking, Duwei Zhou shuddered. 

Remembering the fates of Guo Wencheng and Yang Jin, a chill ran up his spine, and he immediately dropped to his knees, trembling as he stammered, “Sir, please quell your anger! That was not my intention!”

Beichen Long sneered coldly and demanded, “Oh? Then what exactly did you mean?”

Duwei Zhou, his head nearly pressed to the ground in fear, hastily explained, “I only meant that this assassin was formidable—even the general could not anticipate such an intrusion. Their origins remain unknown, and no ordinary faction could possibly train such an elite killer. I fear that someone is plotting against you, attempting to frame you for treason.”

For the Fifth Prince to be severely injured under Beichen Long’s heavy protection, the first person to be suspected would naturally be Beichen Long himself. If the emperor were to learn of this, it was almost certain that Beichen Long would be labeled a traitor. That was why Duwei Zhou emphasized that if Beichen Long was not behind the attack, then someone else must be trying to set him up.

Fortunately, he corrected himself in time. Beichen Long’s gaze carried a deep and meaningful glint as he glanced at the man before speaking. “Duwei Zhou is absolutely right. That is precisely why I am troubled and uneasy. If this matter reaches the capital, I will not be the only one held accountable.”

With these words, he implicated all the soldiers in Xingbei Pass, making it clear that if the emperor learned of the Fifth Prince’s assassination attempt, his wrath would not be directed at Beichen Long alone—every soldier present would suffer the consequences. At this realization, fear spread among the officers; unease flickered across their faces, and they shifted in their seats anxiously.

One soldier, visibly distressed, hesitated before asking, “But the Fifth Prince has already been attacked and is unlikely to survive much longer. The assassin has yet to be found—how can we avoid disaster?”

This question reflected the concerns of many in the room. As soon as he spoke, all eyes turned to Beichen Long, waiting for his answer.

Beichen Long narrowed his eyes slightly and swept his gaze over the room. The corners of his lips curled into a cold smile, his tone both arrogant and resolute. “If none of us speak of this matter, how will the emperor—so far away in the capital—ever come to know of it?”

A stunned silence fell over the tent. Rather than easing their fears, Beichen Long’s words only deepened their terror. They were not fools—his meaning was unmistakable. If they still failed to grasp his intent at this point, they would not have held their current positions.

The deaths of Yang Jin and Guo Wencheng were fresh, bloody lessons. The generals exchanged uneasy glances, but Beichen Long, seated at the head of the table, appeared completely at ease, as if the matter had nothing to do with him. Yet, within his calm demeanor lurked a chilling, lethal intent—each man who met his gaze felt an icy dread seep into his bones.

They all understood Beichen Long’s intentions, even though he had not explicitly stated them. He had already made up his mind to rebel. Those who had long suspected as much remained silent, but many others hesitated—reluctant to bear the label of traitor. They wavered, unable to respond immediately.

Before long, someone stepped forward, knelt before Beichen Long, and, trembling, spoke. “General, this is a grave matter. I am already past fifty, with one foot in the grave. I only wish to live out my last few years in peace. Please, sir, grant me permission to retire and return home.”

Upon hearing this, a dark glint flickered in Beichen Long’s eyes. He let out a low chuckle and said, “Retire and return home? Very well—you may go.”

The man’s eyes widened in shock. He had not expected Beichen Long to agree so readily. Overcome with gratitude, he kowtowed repeatedly, then scrambled to his feet. Before leaving, he removed his helmet, placed it on the ground, and set his sword beside it. Only then did he turn and head toward the exit.

His steps were light, his heart soaring with relief at escaping this treacherous situation. However, the very moment he stepped out of the tent, a blade flashed before him—his head was severed in an instant.

His head rolled to the ground, coming to rest beside the helmet and sword he had just placed down.

Silence fell over the tent. Though the execution had been swift, no one was surprised by it.

Those who had harbored similar thoughts felt a chill run down their spines. None dared to speak further. The rhythmic tapping of Beichen Long’s fingers against the table continued—each soft thud striking like a hammer upon the hearts of the gathered officers.

From the very beginning, Beichen Long had openly revealed the assassination attempt on the Fifth Prince. He had then ordered everyone to keep it secret. Did they truly think he would allow anyone who knew of this matter to walk away alive?

Anyone with a shred of intelligence would understand—there was no escape from this web.