The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 59 Part 1

Beichen Long’s words had barely fallen when all the generals turned their gazes toward Lin Aoxue, their expressions varying.

Writing a proclamation to denounce the ruler of Beichen was a matter of great significance. Once the proclamation was made public, the entire nation would know that Beichen Long was raising an army in rebellion. If the proclamation was well-written, it could sway public sentiment and rally support for Beichen Long’s cause. However, if there were any flaws, it could be seized upon as a weakness, turning the effort into a disastrous misstep.

By entrusting this task to Lin Aoxue, Beichen Long demonstrated his absolute trust in her. Lin Aoxue understood this clearly—this was not only an act of trust but also a move to force her into open rebellion. The moment she wrote this proclamation, the whole world would know that she, Lin Aoxue, stood on Beichen Long’s side.

But what she sought now was to throw Beichen into turmoil—the greater the chaos, the better. And a key step in that plan was Beichen Long’s uprising. Naturally, she would not refuse. Bowing, she accepted the task.

“Yes, I will do my utmost to ease the general’s burdens.”

With Lin Aoxue taking on this responsibility, the discussion on how to counter the southern stationed troops came to an end. Beichen Long then had Lin Aoxue stay behind for a private meeting, where they deliberated on the content of the proclamation.

***

Half a month later, Beichen Long reviewed the proclamation written by Lin Aoxue. He loudly praised it in front of the assembled officers and then ordered scribes to transcribe multiple copies. One copy was kept in the military camp for the generals to read, another was posted on the announcement board within the camp, and the remaining copies were sent with the fastest couriers to major cities surrounding Xingbei Pass, including Mingzheng, Poyan, and Yiping, ensuring widespread dissemination.

The proclamation was brief, a mere 300 words, but its content was powerful. It began by condemning the emperor for his extravagance and debauchery, his neglect of the suffering northern people, and then elaborated on Beichen Long’s reasons for raising an army.

While the barbarian forces invaded the northern frontier, the emperor—who should have been protecting his people—instead withheld military provisions, delayed reinforcements, and abandoned the northern populace to their fate. Not only did he fail to support the Northern Frontier Army in resisting the invaders, but he also provoked internal conflict in a bid to strip Beichen Long of his military power. This was an act of cruelty and injustice.

The proclamation also altered the account of the Fifth Prince’s death in the Northern Frontier Army camp, claiming that he had been assassinated by a barbarian spy instead of dying under suspicious circumstances. The emperor, in his fury, had blamed Beichen Long and, disregarding the bonds of brotherhood, deployed a massive force to attack the northern frontier. Now, 100,000 southern troops had marched across a thousand miles and were approaching Yiping. This was an act of betrayal and immorality.

A ruler so disloyal, unjust, and ruthless, a man whose greed and cruelty made him no better than a wild beast—Beichen Long had endured again and again, but he could no longer remain silent. For the peace and livelihood of the northern people, the Northern Frontier Army, which had never retreated against the barbarians, would not yield to the emperor’s unjust oppression either!

The proclamation emphasized that Beichen Long remained a loyal subject; even when forced into this dire situation, he did not seek to overthrow the nation but merely took up arms for self-preservation. Every sentence was heartfelt, framed as an act of devotion to the people. With this, any attempt by the emperor to suppress him would be seen as an act of tyranny, one that would cost him public support.

As soon as the proclamation was released, Xingbei Pass erupted in fury. The common people privately cursed the emperor as a foolish and heartless ruler. Many voluntarily contributed their food supplies to the Northern Frontier Army, while others took up hoes and shovels, swearing to fight alongside the soldiers to defend their homeland.

***

The document spread rapidly. Not only did it reach Yiping, but within days, it had also made its way to the capital, where it was heard by the officials in court.

Seated at his desk, Beichen He unfolded the newly received report. As his eyes traced the familiar handwriting and the name mentioned within, a smirk played at the corners of his lips. He murmured to himself, “Heh… interesting.”

Lin Aoxue.

Beichen He remembered this name. When she left the capital, she had been a mere qianhu. Recently, he had heard that she had been promoted to duwei, which showed how highly Beichen Long valued her. Now, with Beichen Long openly rebelling against the emperor, Beichen He would wait for the day when Beichen Long’s resources were exhausted—perhaps then, he could make use of this pawn that had been unintentionally planted long ago.

***

The waters of Beichen were becoming murkier. When clams and snipes fought, the fisherman reaped the benefits.

To the west of the capital lay a small city called Mindu. In the southeastern outskirts of Mindu stood Yuanming Mountain, atop which sat Yuanming Temple, a monastery that had stood for over two hundred years and was renowned across Beichen. The temple was always filled with incense and devout pilgrims seeking blessings and divine guidance.

Today, Master Hongming held a sermon in the temple. Though the temple grounds were crowded with visitors, there was little noise—everyone listened attentively, their expressions reverent. As dusk settled and the sermon concluded, the pilgrims, feeling spiritually fulfilled, gradually took their leave.

Late into the night, in the silence of the temple, beneath the solemn statues of the Buddha Hall, an elderly monk, past the age of fifty, sat cross-legged, slowly and methodically counting his prayer beads. His expression was calm, his demeanor extraordinary, as if he were detached from this mundane world.

At that moment, the oil lamp in the hall flickered slightly, and the doors of the Buddha Hall were pushed open from the outside. A young novice monk stepped inside, carrying a small tray in his hands. As he reached the elderly monk, he bowed deeply and said, “Master Hongming, the senior monk who was sweeping the apricot garden received two letters addressed to you and asked me to bring them back.”

The monk, addressed as Master Hongming, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was deep and vast, like an endless pool of water. As he raised his head, his eyes were calm and warm, filled with compassion and understanding. He asked, “Where did they come from?”

The young monk answered earnestly, “One is from the capital, the other from beyond the pass.”

Master Hongming raised his hand, hovering it gently over the young monk’s head, and recited a short Buddhist verse before saying, “Leave the letter from beyond the pass here.”

The novice, having received this blessing, bowed once more. Yet he hesitated before asking, “And the other one…”

But Master Hongming had already closed his eyes. His face remained still, neither sorrowful nor joyful, as he replied, “Burn it.”

The young monk was momentarily stunned. The master had not even asked who had sent the letter—he had simply ordered its destruction. He looked up and saw that Master Hongming had already begun reciting sutras once again. It was clear that the matter was settled. No matter what was written in that letter from the capital, Master Hongming would not read it.

With a respectful and obedient “Yes,” the young monk retrieved one of the letters from the tray and walked to the oil lamp nearby. In front of Master Hongming, he touched the corner of the letter to the flame and then tossed it into the incense burner, where it was quickly consumed by fire.

Once the novice had bowed and taken his leave, Master Hongming finished reciting his Heart Sutra. Only then did he open his eyes again, reaching for the remaining letter left on the incense table. He broke the seal, unfolded the thin sheet of paper within, and found only a few lines written inside.

“To my esteemed master, I greet you through these words.

It has been fifteen years and three months since I left the capital. Now, troubled times are upon us. The Beichen Empire is in turmoil—the emperor grows ever more indulgent, the barbarians lurk at our borders, the princes meddle in politics, the general raises an army. Internal strife and external threats intertwine, chaos is upon us. The nation weakens, taxes rise each year, and the people can no longer bear their suffering.

When the great tree falls, no egg in its nest remains intact. Though my master has distanced himself from court affairs, he must still hold the people’s suffering in his heart. The time has come to return and fulfill the vow made seventeen years ago—to bring salvation to the world.

Your disciple awaits your guidance.”

These few lines stirred up long-buried memories in Master Hongming’s heart. The past, once sealed away, resurfaced before his eyes, filling him with silent regret. After a long pause, he let out a sigh and cast the letter into the incense burner.

***

Meanwhile, the emperor’s dispatched southern troops had spent two months on their march and had finally neared Xingbei Pass.

Upon receiving the intelligence report, Beichen Long read through it twice before tossing it into the candle flame and watching it burn to ashes.

Suddenly, a soldier’s voice called out from outside the tent, “General! Duwei Lin requests an audience outside the tent!”

“Let him in,” Beichen Long replied.

The tent flap was lifted, and Lin Aoxue stepped inside, kneeling before Beichen Long’s desk and saluting. “Subordinate Lin Aoxue greets the grand general!”

Beichen Long looked up from his documents and met Lin Aoxue’s gaze. His appreciation for her was evident. Ever since her proclamation had been published, Xingbei Pass had been ablaze with fervor, greatly boosting his momentum for the rebellion. His satisfaction with her had only grown, and he now regarded her as a trusted officer, grooming her for greater responsibilities.

Lately, Lin Aoxue had been busy recruiting new soldiers and intensifying their training, leaving her with little time for anything else. This was the first time she had come to see him of her own accord.

With a smile, Beichen Long stood up, stepping out from behind his desk. As he paced leisurely, he asked, “Aoxue, is there something important that brings you here today?”

After saluting, Lin Aoxue straightened up and respectfully replied, “Yes, I have come to discuss a matter with you, sir.”

Beichen Long was slightly surprised. Lin Aoxue had always been extremely obedient, rarely making requests or suggestions on her own. Even the last time, when the proclamation denouncing the enemy was issued, it had only been under Beichen Long’s deliberate pressure. Thus, his eyes showed a hint of surprise as he raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Oh? Let’s hear it then.”

Lin Aoxue’s gaze remained steady, her expression serious. She had already rehearsed her words in her mind several times before coming, so the moment Beichen Long asked, she spoke without hesitation, “Sir, it has now been two months since the southern army set out. I suspect they will soon arrive at Xingbei Pass to attack our forces. If the battle takes place outside the pass, it may affect the people within. Therefore, I have an idea—rather than passively waiting for the southern army to reach Xingbei Pass, we should take the initiative and redirect the battlefield elsewhere.”

Beichen Long, ever perceptive, immediately grasped Lin Aoxue’s meaning as soon as she started speaking. However, he did not interrupt her. Instead, he watched her with satisfaction, gesturing for her to continue.

“Yiping is not far from Xingbei Pass and is a necessary stop on the route from the capital to the pass. I believe we should establish strong ties with Yiping. If we can coordinate with its city defenses and set a trap, then when the southern army arrives, we can lure them into Yiping and ambush them inside, dealing them a decisive blow.” At this point, Lin Aoxue paused briefly to clear her throat before continuing, “If the city defenses of Yiping refuse to surrender to our forces, then given its inland location and lack of natural defenses, its mere 30,000 troops would be easy for us to overcome. However, that would be the least desirable option. After all, launching a full-scale attack risks alerting our enemies too soon. Alternatively, if General prefers not to take Yiping by force, we could set an ambush at a strategic location between Yiping and Xingbei Pass and strike the southern army as they pass through. However, this approach may yield lesser results.”

The more Lin Aoxue spoke, the brighter Beichen Long’s eyes became. He felt as if he had discovered a precious gem. Lin Aoxue was like an unpolished jade—if carefully refined, she was destined for greatness. Moreover, she possessed an excellent character—loyal, steady, and dependable—which pleased Beichen Long immensely.

The strategies Lin Aoxue proposed had already crossed Beichen Long’s mind over the past few days. Using Yiping as a base to set up an ambush aligned perfectly with his own plans. Their thoughts were in complete agreement. Wanting to test Lin Aoxue, he asked, “If we take the initiative to attack, will it affect public sentiment?”

Lin Aoxue had already considered this thoroughly and responded without hesitation, “Sir, the southern army is coming to Xingbei Pass under the guise of suppressing a rebellion. Their true goal is to weaken your influence and crush your forces. They have marched thousands of miles and have already shown they cannot be our allies—only our enemies. Against an enemy, we must show no mercy. If we wait until they reach Xingbei Pass before launching a counterattack, they will have had time to prepare, leading to greater casualties. Unlike the southern army, which receives supplies from the capital, we must rely solely on provisions from the northern people to sustain ourselves. This gives the southern army a natural logistical advantage over us. We must minimize battlefield losses, or else, if the war drags on and they grow accustomed to the northern terrain, securing their foothold here, it will become much harder to drive them out. Our fight against the southern army is fundamentally defensive. Now that the time is right, we must not miss this opportunity.”

Lin Aoxue spoke with conviction, her reasoning clear and well-structured. Every argument was sound, and Beichen Long nodded repeatedly in agreement. By the time she finished, a broad smile had spread across his face. He looked at Lin Aoxue with satisfaction, patted her shoulder, and said with a smile, “Then, in your opinion, which strategy should we take? Yiping lies within the interior, and its commander is known for his unwavering integrity. Winning him over won’t be easy.”

This time, Lin Aoxue took a brief moment to think before replying, “I believe we should first send someone to test Yiping’s commander, probe his stance. If he is open to persuasion, we should use incentives to win him over. If not, we can apply pressure instead. If neither approach succeeds, we fall back to the secondary plan—laying an ambush along the roads they must pass and waiting for the southern army to walk into our trap.”

Beichen Long nodded, not refuting Lin Aoxue’s words. Once she finished speaking, he smiled and said, “Then I will entrust this mission to you. This battle must not only be won but won beautifully. Can you accomplish that?”

Lin Aoxue dropped to one knee, her eyes burning with determination. “Yes! I will not tarnish your name, General!”

***

With Beichen Long’s approval, Lin Aoxue swiftly left his command tent. She had requested an hour’s leave to visit the market and see Yun Yan.

This had become a habit for her. Every time she embarked on a mission, she had to stop by the clinic to see Yun Yan—only then would she feel at ease, ready to lead troops into battle without hesitation.

When Lin Aoxue arrived, Yun Yan was inside the clinic, sorting through medicinal herbs. It was early summer, and they had just acquired a fresh batch of supplies to restock the medicine storage. The physicians in the clinic had already organized them, and Yun Yan was simply double-checking to ensure nothing was overlooked.

She had already instructed the staff that Lin Aoxue did not need to announce her arrival—she could be brought straight to her. So, when Lin Aoxue stepped into the clinic, a young assistant cheerfully called out to her and led her toward the inner chamber where the medicine was stored.

From a distance, Lin Aoxue spotted Yun Yan working in the pharmacy. The assistant was about to call out to Yun Yan, but Lin Aoxue raised a hand to stop him. She gestured for him to leave, signaling that she could handle this alone. The assistant, not daring to go against her wishes, nodded and quietly withdrew.

Once the assistant was gone, Lin Aoxue stood at the pharmacy doorway, watching Yun Yan move busily around the room, a list in hand as she checked the quantities of each herb.

There was something different about Yun Yan when she was focused on her work. Her delicate, beautiful profile exuded a mature, intellectual charm. Every movement, every gesture carried an effortless grace, an irresistible allure.

Lin Aoxue stood at the doorway, gazing inside, and was completely entranced.

It wasn’t until Yun Yan finished her work, set down the ledger, and turned around that she suddenly noticed Lin Aoxue standing at the entrance. Arms crossed over her chest, she was quietly watching her, her gaze soft and unwavering.

That look was too focused, too tender, and it made Yun Yan’s heart skip a beat. She quickly composed herself, stepped toward Lin Aoxue, and naturally took her hand, playfully scolding, “How long have you been standing there? Why didn’t you come in?”

Perhaps because the answer had been playing in her mind too many times, Lin Aoxue replied without thinking, “You were too beautiful. I was completely mesmerized.” Her response was so straightforward, so unexpectedly bold, that it was rare to see Lin Aoxue looking both shy and direct at the same time.

Yun Yan laughed, delighted. To hear Lin Aoxue speak so honestly was a rarity. She pulled her into the pharmacy, sat her down in a chair, and went to prepare a pot of tea. Pouring a cup for Lin Aoxue, she finally asked with a knowing smile, “Every time you come, it’s either to surprise me or to scare me. So, what is it this time?”

Lin Aoxue felt a wave of embarrassment. But upon reflection, Yun Yan was right. This time, too, she had come because she was about to leave for Yiping for battle and likely wouldn’t return to Xingbei Pass for a while.

For a moment, she hesitated, not knowing how to answer.

Seeing her expression, Yun Yan knew she had guessed correctly. She sighed helplessly, reached out to cover Lin Aoxue’s hand with her own, and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “What is it you want to tell me?” she asked softly. “I was only teasing just now—don’t take it to heart.”

Lin Aoxue looked into Yun Yan’s eyes, as if searching for something within them. But Yun Yan’s gaze was deep as the sea, impossible to decipher. Beyond warmth and affection, there was nothing else to grasp.

After a while, Lin Aoxue gave up trying. She shook her head helplessly and finally told Yun Yan about her upcoming mission to Yiping, where she would intercept the southern army.