[No System] [No Transmigration] [Strong Female Lead] [Mutual Pining] [Sweet Romance] [Political Intrigue]
Ling Jing Xue is the only female general in the Da Ning Dynasty. Clad in armor and rouge, she guards the northern frontier. After her father and brothers are killed in battle, she goes to the capital alone, only to find herself mired in danger.
The crown prince wants to take her as his consort, apparently coveting the troops under her command.
The second prince relentlessly closes in, seeing her as a thorn in his side. The court is rife with hidden attacks, and the border is beset by crises.
She thinks she is destined to walk alone for the rest of her life. But Su Yan, the young scholar who helped her drive back the barbarians, stubbornly takes his place at her side.
He says, “If the days of our youth could linger a little longer, I would be your stars and moon, by your side from dawn to dusk, walking the mortal road with you.”
She replies, “When peace reigns across the land, we’ll lay down our swords and watch the flowers bloom together beneath the open sky, the stars reflected in our smiling eyes.”
When the crown prince offers her the throne, and the second prince promises her control of the army, she looks instead at the figure in the faded green robe:
“What I want was never a phoenix crown and bridal robes. I want to stand beside you and defend these vast lands together.”
[Bonus Scene]
On the day the imperial examination results are posted, newly crowned top scholar Su Yan is seized by would-be fathers-in-law. Ling Jing Xue abducts him to the general’s residence.
Ling Jing Xue arches an eyebrow. “Lord Su, are you planning to marry into the royal family?”
He takes an imperial decree from his sleeve, his eyes blazing. “I may be of humble standing, but I would gladly marry into the general’s family.”
** [Reading Guide]**
◆ A formidable team | Female general × minister from a humble family, devoted to each other and helping each other succeed
◆ Political intrigue | From court conspiracies to border espionage, with twists at every turn
◆ A delightfully sweet romance | The iconic “mandarin ducks embroidered to look like fat ducks” scene + meals delivered to the examination hall
◆ A thrilling career arc | Women can command armies, and scholars can defend and govern the nation
Watch her rule the land in red, while he brings order to the world in green
