North Branch, a Place to Rely On

[Completed]

Resilient, clever heroine x older, quiet, taciturn hero with maxed-out combat skills

Fifteen-year-old Qi Xue was betrothed by imperial decree to Zhou Xingmu, a twenty-two-year-old bachelor past his prime (?)

Rumor had it that Zhou Xingmu was a hulking brute with a terrifying, monstrous face, so ugly he could scare enemies off the battlefield just by showing up. He was also short-tempered, always carrying a bloodstained saber at his waist. Wherever he went, people trembled in fear…

Qi Xue faced her fate with resolve. After tearfully saying goodbye to her family, she put on her wedding dress and set off for Beidu City, prepared to die.

A thousand miles away, Beidu City was filled with jubilation.

"Oh, an imperial betrothal is wonderful news!"

"Exactly! Our general is well past the age to marry, but even with matchmakers knocking down his door, he refuses to give in!"

"Auntie Zhang from the next street told me the general is afraid that the dangers of the battlefield will ruin some poor girl's youth…"

"Sigh… The general has done so much for Beidu, and now he's even turning down marriage…"

"Don't talk like that! Isn't he getting married by imperial decree? I heard she's a young lady from Zhongdu! It'd be wonderful if she and the general hit it off!"

"Exactly!"

One-on-one romance, happy ending, single-couple relationship

[Please Note]

The early story focuses more on infrastructure and farming, while the later story has more warfare. There isn't much political scheming; the focus is mainly on everyday life!

The heroine falls first, and our girl goes all out chasing her quiet older man!

The story contains plenty of original worldbuilding. The author has the final say on all matters.

Enjoy the story, everyone!

Theme: Peace is hard-won, so cherish every day you have