Speaking of Yearning on Horseback Beneath the Peach Blossoms

Synopsis of A Tale of Love Spoken on Horseback

Setting: During the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty, the Tartars repeatedly raid the northern frontier. The imperial court’s military preparations have fallen into disrepair, and the border defenses are under strain.

Original owner: Shen Qing Wu

The only daughter of the Shen family, the generals of Zhenbei, she grew up with her father on the frontier, skilled in riding and archery and well-versed in military strategy. Her father died in battle when she was fifteen, and she took up the command seal despite being a woman. In a daring “snowy-night raid,” she destroyed the Tartar royal court’s granaries and drove the enemy back three hundred li. The following year, at the “Battle of Lang Mountain,” she feigned defeat to lure the enemy into a trap, killed three thousand, and captured their chieftain alive. She became a once-in-a-century female general of the Ming dynasty. The people of the frontier called her “General Qing Wu,” praising her: “On horseback among peach blossoms, her silver spear shines in the snow, worth ten thousand warriors.” Resolute and sparing with smiles, she wears more frost from the wind on her armor than rouge on her face. Deep in her heart lies a secret longing for “peace and stability.” It began when, as a young girl, she discussed military strategy beneath the frontier moon with a scholar who once told her at their parting, “When you return victorious, I’ll listen to you discuss strategy again beneath the flowers of Chang’an.” But after returning to the capital, she became deeply embroiled in court affairs. Later, the two join forces to unravel the mystery surrounding the cause of death.