Volume One, Chapter One: Three Years of Battle, Blessed with Both a Son and a Daughter

Bows arched beneath radiant clouds, swords gleaming like frost, autumn winds galloping into Anyang.

Ten thousand elite soldiers marched in formation under the blood-red remnants of the setting sun, their spirits soaring. A fiery crimson battle flag fluttered fiercely, embroidered with a bold character: “Yun.” Beneath it rode a general clad in white helmet and armor atop a peach-blossom horse, her cold, handsome face exuding vibrant heroism.

At the ten-mile pavilion, the reigning Emperor himself, accompanied by his ministers and officials, awaited the triumphant return of the army after three years of war. The citizens of Anyang poured out in droves, eager to witness the elegance of South陵’s first female general.

“Dismount! Kneel!”

Yun Jinhua leapt briskly from her warhorse and knelt before the young sovereign draped in imperial yellow robes.

A sharp sound followed as the soldiers behind her knelt in unison, silence descending upon the scene.

“Congratulations to our victorious southern army. General Yun, rise at once,” Emperor Xuanping extended a hand in a gesture of support.

“Your Majesty, I am grateful to have fulfilled my duty. The border is now secure, and I return to court as commanded,” Yun Jinhua reported in a clear, unwavering voice.

The emperor’s gaze lingered for a moment on her wheat-colored skin, weathered by harsh winds, and her cool, striking features. For an instant, he seemed lost in thought, but as their eyes met, his expression returned to calm. A smile masked the shadow in his eyes as he spoke gently, “General Yun and all the soldiers have endured much. Go home and rest. In three days, I shall reward you all for your merits.”

“May Your Majesty be well,” Yun Jinhua bowed and rose.

The bustle faded to silence as the crowds dispersed. Yun Jinhua smiled brightly at her two waiting maids. “Come! Let’s go home!”

Anyang was ablaze with lanterns and decorations, the imperial capital rejoicing at the army’s victorious return. Only the gates of the Marquis of Pingyang’s residence remained cold and quiet, tightly shut.

Bai Zhi and Qing Dai exchanged glances—one pouting in displeasure, the other frowning deeply.

How outrageous of the young lord! After three years apart, their lady had long notified them of her return, yet not a single gesture from the Su family?

Yun Jinhua merely smiled at her two angry maids.

She had served the new emperor and the southern realm faithfully, but she owed Su Ziwen an apology.

Three years ago, they had just exchanged vows; a sudden crisis at the border forced her to abandon the wedding chamber, trade her bridal gown for armor, and rush to Yannan Pass.

Defending the nation was the Yun family’s duty. She had no choice.

Suddenly, the loud cries of a newborn echoed unexpectedly above the Marquis of Pingyang’s estate.

“Great news! Mother and child are safe—it’s a little son!”

“Lady has given birth to a young master. The Su family has an heir at last!”

In an instant, the estate was boiling over like a kettle, jubilant voices spilling out to the gates.

Yun Jinhua stared in bewilderment, frozen in place.

Lady has given birth? Then who was she?

“The Lady is here! Which shameless wretch dares usurp her place?” Qing Dai kicked open the gates.

Her temper, indeed!

“How dare you break into the Marquis’s estate! Do you wish to die?” The guards rushed forward, blocking their way and shouting fiercely.

Yun Jinhua’s icy gaze narrowed, a chilling aura radiating from her—one forged from battles and blood. The guards shivered, a cold sweat creeping down their backs.

This woman was fiercer than a demon!

With a metallic ring, Qing Dai drew her sword, its tip pointed at the lead guard’s throat.

“Blind fools! General of the Far Borders has returned. Anyone who stands in the way will lose his head!”

“General of the Far Borders?” The guards squinted, struggling to recall—wasn’t this the daughter of General Yun Ting, Yun Jinhua?

Indeed, she was the lady brought into the household with full ceremony, the legitimate wife.

The guards came to their senses. One clever fellow stepped back and ran inside, shouting for the young master.

“Master, Lady—” he called as he sped toward the inner chambers.

“Hush! If you disturb Xuan’er, I will not forgive you!” A young man hurried out, dressed in blue robes, his face fair and refined.

“Master Su, long time no see?” Yun Jinhua stood with hands clasped behind her back, her voice cold and devoid of warmth.

The man stared for a moment before recognizing her, a hint of panic flickering in his eyes. He quickly forced a cheerful smile.

“Jinhua? You’re back? Today is an important day at the estate, so I couldn’t come to greet you outside. Surely you won’t be angry?”

“Master Su, you divorced your wife and remarried?” Yun Jinhua asked bluntly, stepping back as if avoiding poison.

This man was tainted.

Su Ziwen’s gentle face darkened, displeasure showing.

Why must she be so aggressive? A woman’s greatest virtue is gentleness. Xuan’er was always gentle and considerate to him.

“Jinhua, you misunderstand. I haven’t remarried—just taken a noble concubine. Oh, Xuan’er has just given birth to a son. I promised her I’d raise her to the status of a wife. You’re generous, and Xuan’er is gentle by nature. I am truly fortunate.”

Su Ziwen beamed, dreaming of enjoying the blessings of many.

“Father!”

A chubby girl ran out from the courtyard, hugging Su Ziwen’s leg and smiling up at him.

Su Ziwen picked her up, kissed her rosy cheek, and pointed to Yun Jinhua. “Xinyue, call her mother.”

The little girl clung to Su Ziwen, big dark eyes staring, and piped up, “She’s not my mother. My mother just gave birth to my little brother!”

“Xinyue, be good. She is your legal mother; soon, you’ll be registered under her name,” Su Ziwen coaxed gently.

“Ugh!”

After three years of battle, Yun Jinhua’s heart had grown as cold as the steel she wielded. Yet Su Ziwen’s words made her so nauseous she nearly vomited.

She fought across the land, defending home and country, dreaming of sharing a night of bliss with him.

But upon her return in triumph, she found him cradling his beloved, with two children born.

Now, she was expected to raise his children?

Had she slaughtered the entire Su family in a past life to deserve this fate?

She was destined to be the ultimate victim.

“Qing Dai, call a few soldiers to carry out my dowry. We are leaving the Marquis of Pingyang’s estate at once,” Yun Jinhua ordered in a low voice.

This worthless man—she would have none of him.

“Yes!” Qing Dai replied, rushing out like a whirlwind.

Exactly! This heartless, faithless young master was unworthy of their lady.

Let it be a clean break.

“Jinhua, what do you mean by this?” Su Ziwen froze, nearly dropping the child in his arms.

He had waited three years for her!

Wasn’t she supposed to return and finally consummate their marriage?

“I am divorcing you!” Yun Jinhua declared, her words ringing out.

A flash of silver—strands of hair drifted down before Su Ziwen’s eyes.