The General Said She Would Not Take a Wife

Chapter 4: Personal Guard

Lin Aoxue reported everything that had transpired at Yan Yu Pavilion, omitting only the humiliating comment made by Yunyan.

After hearing her account, Beichen Long nodded and said:
"Very well. Wait outside the tent for now."

Upon receiving the order, Lin Aoxue saluted and left the tent without sparing Beichen Ji a single glance.

Not long after, Beichen Ji emerged, glaring at Lin Aoxue with a look of deep grievance that left her completely puzzled.

Once both of them had left, Beichen Long walked over to his desk, picked up a brush, and asked with a chuckle to the person behind the screen:
"What does the strategist think of Lin Aoxue?"

A moment later, a hoarse voice responded from behind the screen:
"I've heard that this individual is a disciple of Master Hongming."

Beichen Long's hand paused briefly before continuing to write. He then replied:
"I've had this verified—it is indeed true."

He sighed deeply and added:
"Master Hongming left the capital years ago, withdrawing from worldly affairs. Now his disciple has come north to join the army. Out of respect for an old acquaintance, I must pay extra attention."

The person behind the screen was silent for a long moment before speaking again, this time steering the conversation away from Master Hongming.
"This individual is upright, capable, and meticulous despite a seemingly brash demeanor. Though arrogant and unrestrained, they are also disciplined and pragmatic, a talent worth nurturing. However, their ambition should be tempered with occasional reminders."

Hearing this, Beichen Long smiled faintly and said:
"Without ambition, one is hard to control; without vices, one is even harder. Since this person seeks fame and rank, let's see if they are worthy of their aspirations. As you suggest, I'll administer some gentle reminders."

Outside the tent, Lin Aoxue didn't have to wait long before Beichen Long summoned her again. He appointed her as Beichen Ji's personal guard, tasked with overseeing his conduct. She was to ensure that Beichen Ji read military texts for at least two hours daily and practiced martial arts for three hours. Should he fail, he would not be allowed to leave the camp.

Upon hearing this arrangement, Lin Aoxue subtly frowned.

Becoming Beichen Ji's personal guard might seem like a promotion, but Beichen Ji held no real reputation in the military aside from his status as the general's son. His personal guard was essentially a glorified idle position.

Lin Aoxue, however, did not reveal her thoughts. After Beichen Long finished speaking, she respectfully accepted the order and followed Beichen Ji to the temporary tent arranged for him.

Throughout the journey, Beichen Ji was full of complaints. Beichen Long had reassigned all the guards who had been willing to humor Beichen Ji, leaving only Lin Aoxue—unyielding and utterly devoid of leniency. Beichen Ji could already foresee a dull and grueling future.

Shortly after arriving at the tent, Beichen Long sent over a collection of military texts from the general's residence. Under Lin Aoxue's watchful eye, Beichen Ji barely managed to flip through a single book before growing drowsy. His head bobbed as sleep threatened to overtake him.

Lin Aoxue slammed the table, jolting Beichen Ji awake. He looked at her with pitiful eyes, pushing the book aside and longing for the freedom outside the camp. Lin Aoxue ignored his resentment, maintaining her stern demeanor. He wasn't allowed to leave until he completed his two hours of reading.

Over the next few days, Lin Aoxue diligently fulfilled her duties as Beichen Ji's personal guard. She had no time to participate in the camp's training drills. Rumors about her punishment by the general for causing trouble on the training grounds spread rapidly.