The Official Star and the Female General

Song Fengci had always dreamed of becoming a great general. When her elder brother asked why, she replied, “Because our grandfather was a great general, our father is a great general, and you’re a great general too. As a child of the Song family, I should become one as well.” Her brother burst out laughing. “But you’re a girl.” Before he could say anything else, their father smacked him on the head. “Fengci, well said! So what if you’re a girl? Any descendant of the Song family has what it takes to become a great general.” With her father’s support, Song Fengci’s resolve only grew stronger. When she had just turned thirteen, her father secretly took her to the battlefield without telling her mother. Perhaps the Song family’s blood ran strong in her. The sight of enemy blood filled Song Fengci with excitement; the carnage didn’t frighten her at all. Her father was delighted. “You really are one of the Songs. You’ve got every bit as much spirit as your old man.” Song Fengci hadn’t realized she was celebrating too soon. War wasn’t as free and exhilarating as she’d imagined. As she watched the people close to her leave one by one, fear finally gripped her. She could barely lift the long spear in her hands. During the journey back to the capital, Song Fengci went through a period of confusion. Then someone said to her: “Dalu needs you. The people need you. And I... need you too.” Only then did Song Fengci realize that wars didn’t happen because there were great generals; great generals were needed because there were wars. And the loss of those close to her was sacrifice, courage, and glory.