She is Shen Lingshuang, the only daughter of General Shen. She began training in martial arts at the age of three, and by fifteen could draw a bow and shoot down eagles. Her greatest dream is to ride into battle like her father, but as a woman, she can only remain confined to the inner quarters, earning the teasing nickname “Young Master Shen.”
She is Lin Ran, a city planner who transmigrated from the modern world. With no strength to speak of, her only wish is to buy some land in this peaceful age, build infrastructure, farm a little, and live a quiet life as a wealthy landowner.
War beacons flare, and enemy forces close in. The veteran general dies on the battlefield, leaving the whole court in an uproar.
Shen Lingshuang, who should have been embroidering, dons her father’s armor, takes up her spear, and rides out.
Lin Ran, who should have been fleeing danger, is instead appointed this woman general’s strategist by imperial decree.
One thinks the other is too reckless. “Can’t you use your head for once?”
The other complains that she’s too timid. “Can’t you pick up a sword?”
Everyone waits to laugh at them, wondering how this ragtag army could possibly avoid defeat.
Until one day, with the enemy at the city gates, they find the battlements empty. All they hear is the sound of songs coming from every direction. And on the enemy commander’s desk, a note has appeared: “I burned your provisions.”
Outside the city gates, Shen Lingshuang sits astride her horse with her spear in hand. She looks back at the woman on the battlements, fanning herself and seeming harmless, and laughs. “Lin Ran, when this battle is over, drinks are on me!”
On the battlements, Lin Ran closes her fan and murmurs to herself, “Who says women are inferior to men? Together, we are the Great Wall.”
Really great book, highly recommended