Harmony Between the General and the Chancellor

During the Yongchang era of the Dasheng dynasty, the bandit menace in Longxi had only just been subdued, while the cavalry beyond the northern frontier still eyed the Central Plains like tigers stalking prey.

Nineteen-year-old Qu Kuang was summoned to the capital by imperial decree. He thought his wealth of military knowledge would finally find its use, but an order assigned him to the idle post of deputy general in the Longxiang Camp. A fine blade was locked away in its case.

In the capital, his identity as a military officer became an invisible wall, hemming him in at every turn and leaving him no chance to fulfill his ambitions.

Until one night, someone knocked on his door beneath the moonlight.

Pei Jian, then a grand secretary of the Grand Secretariat, had made a name for himself at a young age. He had been in the Secretariat less than six months, yet had already quietly laid the foundations for a vast network.

To implement new policies, the borders must first be secured. And to secure the borders, one man was needed.

Pei Jian had heard enough empty talk in court. Then, one day, his gaze passed over the assembled officials and settled on a figure standing ramrod straight.

At their first meeting, during a court debate, Qu Kuang spoke without fear of taboo, laying bare the border army's deep-rooted problems. Each word was a blade, and his speech caused an uproar. Pei Jian stood silently amid the crowd, not saying a word from beginning to end. Yet his gaze seemed like a deep pool capable of containing lightning.

After court adjourned, someone knocked on the door of the small courtyard where Qu Kuang was temporarily staying.

The young general stood inside the door, watching his visitor for a long time. He had always been wary of people with too many layers to them. With ten layers of thoughts between them, he could never tell what was true. But Pei Jian sat in the moonlight, neither smiling nor speaking, simply waiting.

Like a boat anchored for the night, waiting for a lamp that had not yet gone out.

Qu Kuang's hand tightened around his sword hilt, then tightened again. At last, he let go.

He said:

"I will prove my heart through my actions."

"Sir, please help me."

From then on, the military general wielded his blade, saving the realm from ruin, while the civil official took up his brush to prop up a collapsing state.

Years passed.

Until peace reigned across the land and a golden age was on the horizon.

Those who weathered the same storms should share both life and death.

"You and I will wield the same flame."

*

[Bonus scene]

There was a rumor in the capital that Grand Secretary Pei and General Qu were very close. Living next door to each other wasn't enough, so a covered passage connected their residences to make it easier for them to visit each other.

Yet the day after the rumor spread, the two argued fiercely in court, trading barbs until even the emperor had to step in and smooth things over.

After court, the two also "parted on bad terms."

Inside the general's residence, Qu Kuang shut the door with a blank expression. Unable to hold back, he complained to the person who had emerged from the secret passage. "We agreed it was all an act. Why were you so harsh with me today, Jieqing?"

"I said I would deal with them and put a stop to the rumors, but you wouldn't let me."

Qu Kuang pouted at that, but in the end, he was soothed into the other man's arms. The man stroked his hair and gently comforted him.

"...Don't do that again. I'm not used to it."

Pei Jian kissed him again and again, answering with practiced tenderness:

"All right."

From the moment we met, whatever you say, my answer will always be yes.

Reading guide:

1. Couple: General Qu Kuang, the top x Grand Secretary Pei Jian, the bottom.

2. Romance-focused, mutual devotion, healthy relationship, with a very strong mutual attraction.

3. The dynasty is fictional, and this is not a political intrigue story.

4. The author's writing skills are limited, so please read with caution.

Theme: In the great current of history, you and I will face it together.