The General Below

[This novel is currently available for pre-order.]

Chu Xu is the youngest general of the Xia Dynasty. His ancestors have served with distinction for generations, and before he has even come of age, he is named a cavalry general. He drives back the northern Tartars and guards the northwest, a spirited young man in bright clothes astride a fine horse.

Pei Nanyi, on the other hand, is the most despised prince of the Xia Dynasty. His mother is a courtesan looked down on by everyone. His father disdains him, his brothers bully him, and at the age of ten, he is sent to Northern Yue as a hostage.

Moody and unpredictable, ruthless and cruel.

Pei Nanyi once thought that no one in the world could ever stir his feelings again, until he met the bright young general, Chu Xu.

Chu Xu is the little sun that shines into Pei Nanyi's life after he makes his way through a thicket of thorns. Pei Nanyi is the snow on the eaves that melts only for Chu Xu in the cold winters of the northwest.

When they first meet,

Chu Xu rides a fine horse and swings his spear, knocking an enemy soldier who has approached Pei Nanyi from his horse.

A flicker of surprise crosses his face, but he still smiles and says,

"Don't worry. As long as you're a subject of the Xia Dynasty, I, this general, won't let these petty villains harm you."

Pei Nanyi glances at him and says nothing.

As soon as Chu Xu turns away, he mutters under his breath, "Have I gotten a lot better at martial arts lately? I hit him from so far away."

Pei Nanyi chuckles softly and silently withdraws the inner energy from his palm.

When they meet again,

Pei Nanyi rides up on a fine steed and pulls Chu Xu onto his horse from the middle of an enemy encirclement.

He gently wipes the blood from the face of the person in his arms.

"How did you end up getting bullied like this just because I wasn't here?"

Chu Xu grits his teeth.

"They wouldn't follow my orders."

[Extra Scene 1]

The eighth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Pei Nanyi, who can turn the world upside down with a wave of his hand and has just been named a prince.

Officials of every rank in the capital send birthday gifts to show their respect.

As a mainstay among the military officials, the Chu family is no exception.

Chu Xu's father takes a... paper-wrapped bundle from the gift box behind him and, with trembling hands, presents it to Pei Nanyi.

"Y-Your Highness, this is the birthday gift my son prepared for you. Lotus... lotus..."

Chu Xu confidently supplies the answer from behind him: "Lotus leaf sticky rice chicken."

Chu Xu's father nearly blacks out. You little ingrate!

He thinks today will be the last day of his life next year, but to his surprise, the prince accepts the gift with great seriousness.

"Put it on my desk."

Chu Xu's father thinks: Pei Nanyi seems to be giving my son quite a lot of face.

[Extra Scene 2]

Ever since Pei Nanyi returned to the capital, Chu Xu has been dropping by his residence every day to mooch food.

Until one day,

Pei Nanyi packs his things first thing in the morning, knocks on the door of the Chu residence, and moves into Chu Xu's room in broad daylight.

Chu Xu: ???

Chu Xu's father: "Your Highness, what is this?"

Pei Nanyi: "Your son comes to my residence every day like a cat burglar. Last night, he stepped through the roof. I'm afraid I'll have to impose on you for a while."

Chu Xu: I swear I wasn't putting that much weight on it. Have I put on weight lately?

Chu Xu's father: ...You little ingrate!

#Older man dotes on younger man#

#He teases me with a perfectly straight face#

#A cool, aloof moon healed by a little sun#

Scheming, cold and brooding hostage-taker gong x upright, sunny, little-sun general shou

Theme: The sun will always find its way into your world