The God of War Who Protects the Nation: Starting with Saving a Mother and Daughter in Distress

Inside the flower hall of the Han family mansion, the joy of having agreed on the wedding date had not yet dissipated when Han Anjiao pulled Qin An aside, his face beaming with happiness.

"Qin An, that boy Li Jing was ignorant and offended your wife. I apologize on his behalf."

"Since we are all family, you can't be without a place to stay in the capital. I have prepared a house for you in the south of the city as part of Qingwan's dowry. Please don't refuse."

It's clear that Han Anjiao values ​​Qin An highly, investing heavily in him.

Not only did he make his niece a concubine, but he also prepared an extremely lavish dowry for her.

Qin An was taken aback, and quickly waved his hand: "General, this is far too precious, I really cannot accept it."

Although he knew the Han family had a strong financial foundation, he did not expect them to be so generous.

A mansion in the capital city is worth several generations of savings for an ordinary family.

"Oh, what's this about whether you can afford it or not?" Han Anjiao feigned displeasure. "You are now a baron appointed by the imperial court, and also the son-in-law of my Han family. You can't not even have a decent place to live."

"Besides, this house isn't luxurious; it's just a place for you to settle down. Consider it a memento from me to Qingwan and her brother."

Li Qingwan, who was standing to the side, also said softly, "General Qin, your uncle means well, please accept it."

Her eyes were lowered, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her tone was tinged with shyness, yet also revealed sincerity.

Seeing Han Anjiao's resolute attitude, and considering that he indeed needed a residence to house Jin Ping and the others, Qin An no longer declined and cupped his hands, saying, "In that case, this junior thanks the old general for his kindness."

"That's right." Han Anjiao smiled broadly and immediately ordered a carriage to be prepared. "Come on, I'll take you to see the house so the servants can get it ready sooner."

The group traveled by car to the south of the city.

The house was located in a quiet alley, not on the main street, but still quiet and elegant.

Although the vermilion gate was not as grand as the Han residence, it was still spotless and brand new.

A plaque reading "Qin Mansion" hangs above the door, clearly newly made.

Qin An guessed that Han Anjiao had been preparing all this after he agreed, which showed his dedication.

Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is a small courtyard paved with bluestone slabs, with a few green bamboos planted in the corner, their branches and leaves swaying gently.

Further inside is the main hall, with side rooms on both sides. There is also a small garden in the backyard, planted with seasonal flowers and plants, and a grape trellis in the corner, which must be a good place to cool off in the summer.

"I bought this courtyard years ago, and it's been empty until a few days ago when I had it renovated and some furniture added. See if there's anything you need, and just let me know."

Han Anjiao led Qin An around to look around. "The main hall is for entertaining guests, the east wing is for you, the west wing is for Qingwan, and the side rooms in the backyard are just right for the servants. That should be enough."

Qin An looked around and saw that the room was simply yet elegantly furnished, with newly made tables, chairs and benches, and the windows and furniture were spotless, clearly indicating that it had been carefully maintained.

A warmth grew in his heart, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, General. This place is very nice."

"Good, that's good." Han Anjiao patted him on the shoulder, then looked at Li Jing beside him, "You brat, why don't you apologize to General Qin?"

Li Jing, with his neck stiff, still bowed to Qin An: "I was wrong before, I shouldn't have spoken ill of Madam Qin."

Qin An waved his hand: "It's alright, it's over."

Seeing this, Han Anjiao smiled and smoothed things over: "Alright, you young people should spend more time together. I'll take this rascal back first and have the servants bring Qingwan's things over."

"I've already spoken to Luo Kai. Your men and spoils will be delivered in a few days."

After saying that, he pulled the reluctant Li Jing away.

Suddenly, only Qin An and Li Qingwan remained in the courtyard, and the atmosphere became subtly quiet.

Li Qingwan lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, her cheeks slightly flushed, and said softly, "General Qin, I... I'll go see if the side room still needs tidying up."

Seeing her slightly flustered appearance, Qin An found it amusing and nodded, saying, "Okay, let's take a look together."

The two walked side by side into the east wing. The room was spacious and bright, with a canopy bed covered with a brand-new brocade quilt. Against the wall stood a wardrobe and a dressing table, both made of pear wood, exuding a warm luster.

"This place... is actually more spacious than the rooms in the Han residence," Li Qingwan said softly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Although the side room she stayed in at the Han residence was quite elegant, it was far less spacious than this place.

Qin An smiled and said, "The old general is very kind."

He turned to look at Li Qingwan, "I heard from the old general that your parents died early and you've been living with your uncle ever since?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of sadness flashed across Li Qingwan's eyes, and she nodded gently: "Yes, my father was originally a scholar, but unfortunately he died young, and my mother also passed away when I was ten years old."

"My brother and I were destitute and came to live with our uncle. Over the years, if it weren't for our uncle's care, we don't know where we would have ended up."

Her tone was calm, but she couldn't hide the bitterness of living under someone else's roof.

Qin An could imagine that an orphan girl with a young brother, making a living with relatives, would probably not have a comfortable life even if her uncle genuinely loved her.

"You're very sensible." Qin An looked at her, his tone tinged with pity. "It's not easy for you to support a family at such a young age."

Li Qingwan raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, then smiled faintly: "Life goes on. Uncle treats us very well, it's just..."

She paused, not saying anything more, but that was enough for Qin An to understand.

Living under someone else's roof inevitably means less freedom.

Moreover, large families like the Han family are bound to have their share of dirty deeds.

Even if Han Anjiao, as the uncle, is willing to treat the siblings well, it's hard to guarantee that other members of the Han family won't have objections.

It's easy to imagine that their lives weren't as glamorous as they appeared.

"You are literate?" Qin An changed the subject, recalling that Han Anjiao had mentioned that she was well-read.

Mentioning this, Li Qingwan's eyes lit up: "I know a little bit. My father taught me to read and write when he was alive. Later, my uncle also hired a tutor to teach me. But a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. No matter how much I read, it's just a pastime."

"That's not right," Qin An shook his head. "A person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance. Your demeanor is beyond what ordinary women can match."

Li Qingwan blushed slightly and lowered her head: "General Qin, you flatter me."

The two chatted casually about everyday matters. Qin An talked about his experience serving in the army on the border and the dangers of fighting on the battlefield. Li Qingwan listened intently, her eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.

When she talked about the poems and books she had read and the interesting stories about those literati, Qin An listened attentively.

Although I don't understand it very well, I still find it quite unique.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting, and the golden afterglow streamed into the room, casting long shadows of the two of them.

"It's getting late, I should go back." Li Qingwan stood up to say goodbye, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Qin An escorted her to the door, and as she turned to leave, he suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.

Li Qingwan gasped in surprise, her body instantly stiffening. She tried to struggle, but Qin An held her even tighter.

"Don't move." Qin An's voice rang in her ear, slightly hoarse. "Qingwan, from now on, this is your home. With me here, I will never let you and your brother suffer again."

Now that the matter was settled, Qin An had no intention of going back on his word.

Even though their marriage was just a political alliance, she was destined to be his woman, and Qin An was willing to accept her in his heart.

Knowing that Li Qingwan was probably still a little uneasy, this was to put her at ease.

A warm breath brushed past her ear, carrying a masculine energy unique to men. Li Qingwan's heart suddenly raced, and her cheeks burned intensely.

She paused, her tense body gradually relaxing. She nodded gently, burying her head in Qin An's chest, her voice barely audible: "Mmm."

……

Three days later, the Qin residence was brightly decorated and filled with joy. Although it was a concubine's marriage and didn't require a grand celebration, Han Anjiao still had a wedding tent erected in the courtyard and more than a dozen tables set up for a banquet.

Those who came were all members of the Han family and generals familiar with Zhang Xu, Luo Kai, and others in the army.

Han Anjiao, as the officiant, wore a brand-new brocade robe, his face beaming, and held Qin An's hand as he introduced them to everyone.

"This is my third nephew, who works in the Ministry of Rites. This is my nephew-in-law, who works in the Ministry of Revenue..."

Although the Han family members being introduced wore smiles, there was always a hint of distance on their faces.

Several of the younger members, in particular, looked at Qin An with a subtle disdain, as if to say, "Another one who wants to live off the Han family."

Qin An understood; the Han family had once been glorious, and its members carried an inherent arrogance.

Even though many of them didn't consider Li Qingwan as family, they were still somewhat unhappy about her becoming Qin An's concubine.

If it weren't for Han Anjiao's insistence, these people probably wouldn't have bothered to even show their faces.

He didn't mind and continued to politely greet her with clasped hands.

Li Qingwan, dressed in a red wedding gown, sat gracefully in the bridal chamber, accompanied by several female members of the Han family.

The women exchanged polite words, but their eyes kept lingering on her with a scrutinizing gaze, making her very uncomfortable.

After a few rounds of drinks, Han Anjiao, perhaps because he was too happy, unknowingly drank a little too much.

Upon seeing this, the members of the Han family all stood up to take their leave.

The excuse was readily available: to take Han Anjiao home to rest.

Clearly, they were still somewhat dissatisfied with Han Anjiao's decision.

They only refrained from acting out of respect for Han Anjiao, the head of the family. Now that Han Anjiao is no longer suppressing them, they naturally don't bother to pretend anymore.

"Hmph, what kind of people are they?!" After the Han family members left, Luo Kai couldn't help but spit. "Do they really think this is still the Han family's heyday? Everyone in the court knows that besides the old general, the Han family doesn't have a single person they can boast about!"

Zhang Xu also shook his head and said, "The Han family has been declining more and more in recent years. None of the younger generation are capable. If it weren't for the old general holding things up, they would probably have been squeezed out of the circle of nobles long ago."

"Exactly!" another general chimed in. "General Qin is now a baron favored by His Majesty, how dare they treat him with such disrespect? They're blind!"

"..."

Clearly, the generals had seen the attitude of the other members of the Han family and were all indignant on Qin An's behalf.

At the same time, I felt sorry for Han Anjiao.

He went to such lengths to win over Qin An, wasn't it all to befriend this rising star?

But the result was quite the opposite; the Han family members couldn't understand his good intentions at all.

This undoubtedly diminished the value of his efforts.