The General Says She Won't Marry - Chapter 59 Part 2

Hearing this, Yun Yan did not appear too surprised. Lin Aoxue had come to see her, most likely because her departure for battle was imminent. Yun Yan had gradually grown accustomed to this, though her heart ached for this person who braved wind and rain, facing countless dangers. But she understood that the battlefield was inherently perilous for Lin Aoxue, and she could not add to her burdens. So, she simply nodded and smiled, saying, “With your abilities, a mere Yiping cannot hinder your steps. I shall await your triumphant return at Xingbei Pass.”

Lin Aoxue’s eyes sparkled. After Yun Yan finished speaking, she suddenly said, “Then I shall take your words as a good omen. But tell me, Yan’er, are you free right now? I have half an hour before I must return to the camp, and before that, I would love to taste your cooking.”

It was nearly noon, time for lunch. If Lin Aoxue returned to the camp soon, she would miss the mealtime. If she did not take the chance to eat at Yun Yan’s place now, she would surely go hungry later.

Lin Aoxue rarely made such straightforward requests. Hearing this, Yun Yan couldn’t help but press her lips together in a soft smile, her gaze gentle. She looked at Lin Aoxue with a teasing glint, lifted a hand to gently stroke her cheek, and replied, “Of course, I have time.”

With that, she immediately stepped out of the pharmacy, delegating the remaining tasks to the servants inside. Then, she led Lin Aoxue to the backyard, personally preparing two small dishes and setting them on the table for her. Lin Aoxue was overjoyed, praising the food again and again. She even smugly called herself wise for coming over and declared that she should visit more often to improve her meals.

Yun Yan smiled warmly, sitting across from Lin Aoxue, occasionally serving her food. Lin Aoxue, in turn, picked dishes for Yun Yan as well. They went back and forth, neither finding it troublesome.

After the meal, Lin Aoxue bid Yun Yan farewell and returned to the military camp. Before leaving, she suddenly acted like a child—awkward, shy, and a little forceful—as she gave Yun Yan a quick hug. Her flustered expression made Yun Yan laugh uncontrollably. Embarrassed, Lin Aoxue said nothing more, hurriedly turning to flee.

Yun Yan watched Lin Aoxue’s figure gradually disappear into the distance, her heart soft and warm. She had witnessed Lin Aoxue’s gradual changes day by day. The cold, distant persona she once wore as armor was slowly being melted away, revealing her truest emotions underneath.

She cherished this feeling, reveling in the surprises Lin Aoxue brought her with every meeting. She had already chosen this person—for better or worse, rain or shine, never asking when she would return.

***

Upon returning to camp, Lin Aoxue mobilized ten thousand troops and set off from Xingbei Pass toward Yiping that very afternoon. The journey from Xingbei Pass to Yiping, traveling light, took only two hours. Once outside Yiping, she ordered her troops to halt and remain on standby. Then, taking only two guards with her, she rode to the city gates and sent someone ahead to announce her arrival and intentions.

The commander guarding Yiping was named Qi Mo. When he heard that Lin Aoxue had arrived with only two men, he was momentarily stunned. Then, a thoughtful look flashed across his eyes. He personally ascended the city wall and peered down. Seeing that there was no army at the gates—just Lin Aoxue and her two guards—he contemplated for a moment.

Lin Aoxue had left her army ten miles away and come alone to demonstrate her sincerity in negotiations. Qi Mo observed the situation carefully. Even if the forces at Xingbei Pass were to launch a sudden attack, he was confident he could still manage the city’s defenses. After a brief hesitation, he nodded and signaled the gate guards to open the city gates and allow Lin Aoxue entry.

As Lin Aoxue stood beneath the towering gates, she knew she was taking a risk. If Qi Mo harbored ill intentions, he could have simply ordered an arrow volley from above. Even if she managed to retreat in time, her two guards would likely have been turned into pincushions.

Fortunately, Qi Mo had a reputation as a reasonable man. Lin Aoxue was well aware of his temperament and had calculated that he was not the type to kill without cause. Her judgment proved correct—Qi Mo ordered the gates opened, allowing Lin Aoxue and her guards inside. He then descended from the wall to meet her in person.

“General Qi, you’ve worked hard defending the city!” Lin Aoxue cupped her fists in salute, exchanging pleasantries.

“So it is Duwei Lin of Xingbei Pass—forgive me for not greeting you sooner!”

Qi Mo approached with his men, leading Lin Aoxue into the reception hall. He ordered tea to be served before finally getting to the point.

“So, what brings you here?”

Lin Aoxue did not hide her purpose and stated bluntly, “I’m sure General Qi has already heard of the current situation at Xingbei Pass. His Majesty has sent troops to pacify the northern territories, and turmoil is inevitable. Soon, an army of one hundred thousand will pass through Yiping. I fear that your territory will not escape unscathed from the ensuing chaos.”

Qi Mo was no fool. As soon as Lin Aoxue spoke, he immediately understood her intention. To him, Lin Aoxue was acting as an envoy for Beichen Long, trying to persuade him to defect to the northern forces—to become one of Beichen Long’s generals and join in resisting the emperor’s one hundred thousand-strong army marching northward.

He showed a thoughtful expression, his brows slightly furrowed, and asked knowingly, “Then, Duwei Lin, in your opinion, how can Yiping survive this crisis?”

Since Qi Mo asked this, it meant he was still considering the matter. However, the fact that he had not outright rejected Lin Aoxue suggested that there was still room for negotiation. Lin Aoxue responded, “General Qi, why not cooperate with Xingbei Pass and jointly resist the southern army?”

Qi Mo raised an eyebrow and sneered, saying, “If I take a stand and support Xingbei Pass, then in the emperor’s eyes, I will be no different from Beichen Long—just another traitor. When the southern army attacks Yiping directly, my mere thirty thousand troops will have no chance of resistance. Instead, I’ll have turned Yiping into a high wall shielding the northern border. Does Duwei Lin think I would be foolish enough to make such a choice?”

Analyzing the situation from his perspective, Beichen Long had risen in rebellion, while Yiping, bordering the northern region, still officially belonged to the Beichen imperial court. If he refused to cooperate with the northern forces, the southern army might pass through his territory, causing some losses but still a better outcome than a direct invasion of Yiping.

Moreover, if Beichen Long were to change his mind and refuse to send reinforcements, Yiping would become nothing more than a scapegoat, weakening the southern army for Xingbei Pass while incurring the emperor’s wrath without gaining any real support. Qi Mo had no intention of getting involved in such a losing game.

Lin Aoxue laughed heartily. Under Qi Mo’s scrutinizing gaze, she said, “General Qi, you have things completely backward. Look at the state of the world today—the emperor is arrogant and indulgent, while the common people suffer. The northern frontier is a vital defensive region, and for decades, it has borne the burden of repelling barbarian invasions. Yet the emperor has deliberately withheld supplies and even sought to weaken its military strength. If he succeeds, the northern army will be unable to stop the barbarian cavalry. And once Xingbei Pass falls, tell me, General Qi, which city do you think will be trampled next?”

Qi Mo’s expression changed, a sense of unease creeping into his heart. He instinctively wanted to refute her but was cut off by Lin Aoxue’s urgent words.

“When the barbarians breach the city, they will pillage, slaughter, and commit unspeakable atrocities. Surely, General Qi, you have heard of the massacre at Yong’an. If it truly comes to that, do you honestly believe the emperor will send reinforcements?” Her voice was steady, her eyes gleaming sharply. Every word struck at Qi Mo’s weak points, leaving him speechless. As he fell into contemplation, Lin Aoxue continued, “With the strength of the northern forces, it is not difficult to predict the outcome of this war. The hundred thousand southern troops will arrive exhausted, unfamiliar with the terrain, and to the northern soldiers, they will be nothing more than paper tigers. When the northern army repels the invaders, General Qi, if you then seek an alliance with Xingbei Pass and hope for its protection, I’m afraid it will not be so easy.”

Once the southern army was defeated, Yiping’s value to Beichen Long would diminish significantly. If he failed to secure an alliance now, then even if he tried again later, the conditions he could offer and the rewards he could gain would be far less favorable.

After all, there was a vast difference between offering help in dire times and merely adding embellishments to an already victorious force.

Lin Aoxue’s words left Qi Mo deep in thought for a long time. In the end, he sighed helplessly, furrowed his brows, and asked, “According to Duwei Lin, the northern forces wish to cooperate with Yiping rather than demand its submission? I, too, recognize the emperor’s decadence and tyranny, but the situation remains uncertain. I am not yet willing to sever ties with him completely.”

Hearing this, Lin Aoxue’s smirk grew more unruly. A hint of arrogance flashed in her eyes as she stared directly into Qi Mo’s gaze and asked coldly, “General Qi, do you know what the most dangerous position in this world is? It is that of a fence-sitter. You want to earn the emperor’s trust while also cooperating with the northern forces—where do you think such a perfect opportunity exists? Do you not realize that Grand General Beichen Long despises nothing more than those who lack a firm stance and cannot be trusted?”

Her words were blunt and merciless, making Qi Mo’s expression shift repeatedly. He stood up furiously and slammed his palm against the short table beside him. The sound was sharp, and the guards outside, hearing the commotion, rushed in without hesitation. In an instant, cold steel was pressed against the necks of Lin Aoxue and the two guards behind her.

Qi Mo glared at Lin Aoxue, his voice filled with anger. “Since Duwei Lin lacks sincerity, perhaps you should remain here in Yiping as my guest!”

Lin Aoxue raised an eyebrow, her smile unwavering, yet now tinged with an icy sharpness. She replied indifferently, “If this is General Qi’s stance, then I have nothing more to say. But I urge you to watch closely and see whether your men are truly capable of restraining me!”

As soon as she finished speaking, she flicked her wrist. The guards holding swords suddenly felt a sharp numbness in their wrists. The weapons slipped from their fingers, clattering loudly to the floor. In a swift, decisive motion, Lin Aoxue struck out, and within just a few moves, the three guards before her collapsed to the ground, entirely unable to fight back.

Qi Mo’s eyes widened in shock. He had heard rumors of Lin Aoxue’s extraordinary martial prowess, but he had never witnessed it firsthand. Now that she had acted, his heart clenched with anxiety. With her level of skill, if she wished to capture him and seize control of Yiping’s garrison, it would be as easy as turning her hand.

Lin Aoxue took a step forward, but Qi Mo let out a bitter laugh, threw down his sword, and sighed helplessly.

“How we cooperate will be entirely as Duwei Lin says.”

***

Lin Aoxue successfully persuaded Qi Mo, bringing Yiping under control. Qi Mo put forward two conditions: the Xingbei Pass garrison must assist Yiping when necessary, and in any battles, civilians within Yiping’s territory must not be harmed. These were reasonable demands, well within expectation, and Lin Aoxue readily agreed.

With Qi Mo’s personally written agreement in hand, Lin Aoxue immediately deployed the troops she had brought from Xingbei Pass, ambushing them along the only route leading to Yiping. She instructed Qi Mo to lure the southern army to the area ten miles outside Yiping. After setting up her ambush, Lin Aoxue also sent a message to Beichen Long, informing him that the cooperation had been secured and that he needed to dispatch reinforcements to Yiping for a decisive opening battle.

Upon receiving Lin Aoxue’s letter, Beichen Long acted immediately, mobilizing fifty thousand soldiers to march toward Yiping.

He wanted to send more troops but couldn’t afford to, as Xingbei Pass still required sufficient forces to defend against potential barbarian invasions. If the barbarians attacked while the defenses were weak, the city would fall, leading to a catastrophic loss.

Besides, this was an ambush. With a total of sixty thousand elite soldiers from Xingbei Pass going up against one hundred thousand exhausted troops from the south, the numbers seemed unfavorable. However, Lin Aoxue had the advantage of terrain, timing, and Qi Mo’s additional thirty thousand stationed troops. Beichen Long had full confidence in Lin Aoxue’s ability to turn the battle in their favor.

The reinforcements from Xingbei Pass swiftly arrived at Yiping, and Lin Aoxue began making tactical arrangements. She deliberately refrained from requesting Qi Mo to mobilize Yiping’s forces. In her calculations, the sixty thousand soldiers from Xingbei Pass were enough to win the battle. Keeping Yiping’s army uninvolved served two purposes: first, to demonstrate goodwill toward Qi Mo, and second, to maintain the illusion that Yiping remained neutral, further deceiving the southern army.

Lin Aoxue led her sixty thousand elite troops into ambush positions within the rugged terrain flanking Yiping. Just one day later, the southern army arrived fifty miles outside the city. Scouts were sent ahead, but upon reaching Yiping’s walls, they detected nothing unusual. Satisfied, the commanding general led his one hundred thousand troops forward.

As they neared Yiping’s gates, the vanguard general called out to Qi Mo, demanding that he open the gates and allow their forces to pass through.

Standing atop the city walls, Qi Mo shouted back, “Are you not the imperial appointee, the great general leading the campaign against the northern rebels—Guo Yunzhi?”

Below, Guo Yunzhi cupped his hands in salute and replied in a loud, confident voice, “I am indeed! General Qi, please open the gates.”

Hearing this, Qi Mo responded, “General Guo, please wait a moment!”

With that, he turned and signaled the guards to lower the drawbridge spanning the moat outside the city.

The massive drawbridge groaned as it slowly descended, gears clanking loudly. Guo Yunzhi watched expectantly. Finally, with a thunderous crash, the bridge landed securely over the moat. Guo Yunzhi called out a word of thanks to Qi Mo and led his forces forward in neat columns, crossing the bridge toward the city gates, planning to pass through Yiping on their way to Xingbei Pass.

Midway across, Guo Yunzhi’s steed had just stepped off the bridge when he noticed something was wrong—the city gates remained shut. He called out again to Qi Mo, but before he could receive an answer, the drawbridge behind him suddenly began to rise.

The soldiers crossing the bridge were caught off guard. If they did not retreat quickly, they would fall into the moat.

Those who had already crossed scrambled down the bridge before it lifted completely, but dozens of others weren’t fast enough. As the bridge tilted sharply, they lost their footing and tumbled down, rolling to a halt at Guo Yunzhi’s feet.

Guo Yunzhi’s face paled in shock. The realization struck him like a hammer—he had walked into a trap.

Furious, he shouted, “Qi Mo! What are you doing?! Lower the bridge at once!”

On the city walls, Qi Mo stood with an expression of icy resolve. He glanced down at the panicked southern soldiers who had fallen into his trap, then raised his arm in a signal.

With a swift rustling, a line of archers took position atop the walls, arrows nocked and aimed at the troops below.

Only then did Guo Yunzhi truly grasp the gravity of the situation. His face turned ashen, sweat pouring down his temples. Eyes widening in panic, he bellowed, “Qi Mo! Have you lost your mind? Are you declaring yourself a rebel as well?!”

Their intelligence had only reported that Beichen Long had revolted in the north. They never expected that Qi Mo, a general famed for his integrity and unwavering loyalty, would also defect.

But Qi Mo remained unmoved by his words. His face was cold and resolute—now that the decision had been made, there was no turning back.

Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he then opened them and shouted a single command that echoed across the battlefield, “Fire!”

A volley of arrows rained down. Guo Yunzhi struggled to defend himself, but with the city gates shut and his retreat cut off, he was now truly a trapped beast in a cage.

Suddenly, from beyond the moat behind him, a thunderous battle cry erupted. Lin Aoxue, leading sixty thousand elite troops, launched a pincer attack from both flanks, catching the southern army in a devastating ambush. With no clear command, the southern forces were thrown into complete disarray at the very first clash, suffering heavy casualties.

The troops under Lin Aoxue’s command were exceptionally fierce. In contrast, the southern army had already been exhausted after two months of marching. Now, faced with the Northern Frontier Army, they were utterly incapable of fighting back. Many soldiers, with northern steel pressed against their throats, failed even to draw their swords from their scabbards.

Guo Yunzhi was in full panic. Caught off guard, an arrow pierced his shoulder. Wielding his sword, he staggered backward in desperation before mounting his horse. But upon reaching the edge of the moat, with no path left to escape, he had no choice but to leap into the water. A great splash rose as he vanished beneath the surface.

Qi Mo watched as Guo Yunzhi plunged into the moat. A few soldiers following behind him hesitated for a moment before also jumping in after him. Qi Mo let out a cold snort—since he had chosen to rebel, he would do so thoroughly, without hesitation. Without delay, he issued an order, “Whoever captures Guo Yunzhi will be rewarded with a hundred taels of silver!”

The moment the guards on the city walls heard the command, many rushed out, scrambling to be the first to claim the reward. They fanned out along both sides of the moat, searching for any sign of Guo Yunzhi.

While Qi Mo’s men were hunting for Guo Yunzhi, the battle outside the city was nearing its conclusion. Lin Aoxue’s forces had inflicted devastating losses on the southern army. After several fierce assaults, nearly ten thousand southern soldiers lay dead, while over twenty thousand were taken prisoner. The remaining sixty thousand troops, overwhelmed with fear, fled in disarray, retreating far from Yiping and withdrawing deeper into the Central Plains.

Lin Aoxue pursued them for fifty miles beyond Yiping, but as the terrain became unfamiliar, she chose not to press the chase further. Instead, she assessed the battle’s aftermath and, seeing that the victory was secured, ordered the troops to withdraw.

She commanded that the twenty thousand captured soldiers be escorted to Xingbei Pass. Yiping had not lost a single soldier, and among Lin Aoxue’s troops, casualties remained under one thousand. Against overwhelming odds, they had achieved a spectacular victory.

Throughout the battle, Lin Aoxue demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen, securing an overwhelming triumph. Qi Mo, observing the entire engagement from the city walls, was deeply impressed. He saw Lin Aoxue charging at the forefront, cutting through enemy ranks like a force of nature, leaving none able to withstand her. Such a formidable warrior was a rarity even in a hundred years. At last, Qi Mo had no choice but to acknowledge her skill with both admiration and respect.

When Beichen Long received news of the victory, he was overjoyed. He personally rode to the city gates to welcome Lin Aoxue and her sixty thousand triumphant soldiers.

The southern army, tasked with suppressing the so-called northern rebellion, had not even reached Xingbei Pass before being utterly routed by Lin Aoxue. When word of this disaster reached the capital, the emperor flew into a furious rage. In a fit of wrath, he issued a merciless decree—under no circumstances were the southern troops allowed to retreat. If they dared to fall back, every single one of them would be executed!