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

Hearing everyone speak up for him, Qin An picked up his wine cup and laughed, "Brothers, say no more. The old general has treated me well. For his sake, don't hold it against him. Come, let's drink!"

He was indeed unmoved.

Having witnessed countless life-and-death situations on the battlefield, what is this slight coldness?

He valued Han Anjiao's loyalty and affection, rather than the attitudes of the rest of the Han family.

Seeing Qin An's magnanimity, everyone stopped talking and raised their glasses, making the table lively again.

Luo Kai even dragged Qin An into a drinking contest, shouting "We won't leave until we're drunk!" The atmosphere was even more heated than before.

As night deepened, the guests gradually dispersed, leaving only a few servants cleaning up the mess in the courtyard.

Supported by Jin Ping, Qin An staggered towards the bridal chamber, humming an off-key military song, looking completely drunk.

"General, please slow down," Jin Ping said softly, but a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.

She had followed Qin An for a long time and knew that he had a very high alcohol tolerance. Although he had drunk a lot today, he was not this drunk.

As soon as he entered the new house, Qin An stopped steadily, his eyes clear, showing no trace of drunkenness.

He waved to Jin Ping: "You can go now. Stay at the door and don't let anyone in."

Jin Ping suddenly realized what was happening and quickly agreed to step back.

Inside the room, Li Qingwan was sitting on the edge of the bed. When she saw Qin An enter, she quickly stood up, her face showing a mixture of shyness and nervousness: "You...you're back."

Qin An looked at her. In the candlelight, she wore a pink wedding dress, her skin was fair and her eyes were full of affection. She was so beautiful that it made one's heart flutter.

He stepped forward, reached out and took her hand; it was soft and delicate to the touch.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Qin An said in a low voice, his voice slightly hoarse.

Smelling the strong smell of alcohol on Qin An, Li Qingwan frowned: "Husband, you must have drunk quite a bit today. Please sit down and rest."

As she spoke, she went to get a towel to wipe his face.

Qin An quickly stopped him, "Actually, I didn't drink that much. On a day like this, I don't want to get really drunk."

Li Qingwan was taken aback, then realized what she meant. Her cheeks flushed even more, and she said softly, "You...you should still have a hangover soup."

She turned to go to the table, but Qin An grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.

A soft body crashed into his arms, carrying a faint scent of perfume, and Qin An felt a surge of heat rise from the depths of his heart.

"No need." Qin An lowered his head, his nose almost touching her forehead. "Right now, I just want to... take a good look at you."

Li Qingwan's heart was pounding and her breathing became rapid, but she did not struggle. She simply closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

Seeing her shy and bashful appearance, Qin An could no longer restrain himself and lowered his head to kiss her.

Her soft lips carried a hint of sweetness. Li Qingwan was initially a little awkward, but gradually she responded clumsily.

The kiss deepened, and Qin An's hand unconsciously caressed her back, gently untying the sash of her wedding dress. The bright red wedding gown slipped down, revealing a moon-white undergarment that outlined her exquisite curves.

"You're so beautiful!" Qin An murmured, his gaze fixed on her, filled with undisguised passion.

He discovered that this woman of his was indeed quite profound and had a rich inner world.

Although she wasn't as voluptuous as Yang Yuyan, she was still quite good-looking compared to the average woman.

The proportions are absolutely perfect.

Li Qingwan felt her body burning under his gaze, but she mustered her courage and opened her eyes, which were filled with tears: "Husband..."

That one word, "husband," acted as a catalyst, instantly igniting a flame in Qin An's heart.

He picked Li Qingwan up and gently placed her on the bed. He leaned down and kissed her, from her forehead to the tip of her nose, then to her lips, and down the rest of the way.

The inner garment was slowly removed, revealing a snow-white, jade-like body in the candlelight. The curves were beautiful, and the skin was delicate, like the finest mutton-fat jade, making it impossible to look away.

Qin An felt his mouth dry and his blood boiling. He couldn't help but reach out and touch her delicate skin, which made Li Qingwan tremble slightly.

Just as Qin An was about to take things further, Li Qingwan suddenly gently pressed his hand, her cheeks flushed, and took out a neatly folded white handkerchief from under her pillow, shyly handing it to him.

Qin An understood what she meant, and his heart warmed. He took the white handkerchief and placed it aside, then lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "I will treat you well."

Li Qingwan closed her eyes, nodded, and a single, glistening tear slid down her cheek, whether from shyness or something else, it was hard to tell.

Qin An did not delay any longer.

In the room, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the intertwined figures. Breaths and moans mingled together, like a moving melody.

……

As dawn broke and the morning light streamed into the room, it cast a hazy glow on the mandarin duck embroidery on the brocade quilt.

Qin An opened his eyes. Li Qingwan was still fast asleep beside him. Her long eyelashes seemed to still have traces of tears from last night, and her cheeks were flushed. She was obviously exhausted.

He moved gently and carefully got up. The breeze he stirred made Li Qingwan frown, but she did not wake up.

Qin An put on his robe and got out of bed. When he went to the outer room, Jin Ping was already waiting at the door with toiletries. Seeing him come out, she whispered, "Master is awake?"

"Hmm, be gentle, don't wake Madam." Qin An took the towel and wiped his face; the fatigue of last night had long been dispelled by the freshness of the morning.

His ingrained military habits made him want to stretch his muscles.

As you walk through the courtyard toward the training ground in the backyard, you can see a figure practicing a horse stance in the distance, struggling but showing a stubbornness.

Only when they got closer could they see that it was indeed Li Jing.

"Brother-in-law!" Li Jing's eyes lit up when he saw him coming. He stopped what he was doing, his face showing the excitement unique to young people. "You're awake?"

Qin An nodded, his gaze falling on the man's slightly trembling legs, and smiled, "How long have you been practicing?"

"It's been almost an hour." Li Jing puffed out his chest. "I've figured it out. You're right. Just practicing martial arts isn't enough. You need to learn how to lead troops. But physical strength is the foundation. Let's build a solid foundation first."

Qin An raised an eyebrow; this kid was quite perceptive.

He walked to the center of the training ground and stretched his muscles.

Li Jing casually asked, "Where's my sister... why isn't she awake yet?"

Qin An merely glanced at him without saying anything more.

Li Jing instantly realized what was happening and scratched his head, 'I...I...'

He clearly realized he had said something wrong and seemed quite embarrassed.

Fortunately, Li Jing was quick-witted and immediately changed the subject.

"Brother-in-law, you said before that I'm not cut out for martial arts, so where should I start learning? I've read a lot of military books, but I always feel like there's something between us."

"Theory without practice is ultimately superficial." Qin An stretched out his arms, his muscles smooth and powerful in the morning light.

"If you really want to join the army, you must first understand that a commander cannot be made by reading a few military books. You must understand people's hearts, know what your brothers want, know the terrain, know where you can fight and where you should retreat, and you must be decisive and not hesitate at critical moments."

Li Jing listened attentively, his eyes shining: "Then can I go to the army with you? Even if I start as a private, I'm willing!"

"You're too young," Qin An shook his head. "The battlefield is not child's play; swords and arrows have no eyes. I might not be able to protect you."

"I'm not afraid!" Li Jing said stubbornly, his neck stiff. "My sister is marrying you, so she'll belong to you from now on. I can't always rely on you; I have to earn my own future so I can protect my sister in the future!"

These words were spoken frankly, and Qin An's heart stirred slightly.

Looking at Li Jing's reddened eyes, he knew that the boy was really eager to grow up.

Qin An sighed helplessly: "This matter... you'll have to ask your sister. If she agrees, I'll take you."

Li Jing's face immediately lit up with joy: "I'll go ask right away!"

"Stop." Qin An called out to him, "Your sister has been exhausted all night, let her get some more sleep. Come with me to look around the capital and buy some things."

Although Li Jing was anxious, he knew the importance of the matter and obediently replied, "Okay."

The two changed into casual clothes and left the Qin residence.

The morning in the capital was already bustling with activity. Shops on both sides of the street opened one after another, and the shouts of vendors rose and fell. The steam from the steamed bun shops mingled with the aroma of cosmetics shops, creating a vivid picture of everyday life.

Li Jing, who had grown up in the capital, led Qin An through the streets and alleys with familiarity.

"Brother-in-law, look, that's the weapons shop; the stuff inside is exquisite. And up ahead is the silk shop; my sister loves the fabrics there the most..."

Qin An listened while looking around.

Beneath the surface of prosperity, however, lie many chaotic phenomena.

A ragged beggar huddled on a street corner, brushing past well-dressed pedestrians.

Several men who looked like thugs were yelling at a vendor, clearly trying to force him to buy something.

Further away, a patrol of imperial guards walked by, their eyes haughty, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around them.

"That's how the capital is. It looks glamorous on the surface, but it's a mess underneath." Li Jing had obviously seen it all before, and his tone was somewhat disdainful. "It's common for those sons of noble families to run rampant on the streets, and the government turns a blind eye to it."

Qin An remained noncommittal; he had no interest in such matters. In chaotic times, everywhere was the same; rather than lamenting, he would rather grip his sword tightly.

His gaze fell on a jewelry shop, where a pearl hairpin in the window shimmered and looked perfect for Li Qingwan.

"Boss, wrap up that hair ornament." Qin An took out his money directly.

Li Jing watched from the side.

Seeing Qin An go into the rouge shop and the clothing shop one after another, buying all kinds of women's items, and each one was exquisite, her approval of this brother-in-law increased even more.

He could tell that Qin An wasn't just being perfunctory; he genuinely cared about his sister.

"Brother-in-law, Dashilan is just ahead. The pastries there are the most famous. My sister used to always talk about it," Li Jing suggested.

Qin An smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll buy a few more."

As they strolled along, Qin An's hands were full of things, mostly for Li Qingwan, and he also bought two bolts of fine cloth for Li Jing to make clothes.

Li Jing followed beside Qin An, looking at his composed profile, his resolve growing stronger.

Following someone like that, you're sure to make a name for yourself.

It was nearly noon when they returned to the Qin residence.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw Li Qingwan directing the servants to clean the courtyard.

She changed into an elegant lake-blue dress, her hair loosely tied up, her face showing some weariness, yet still exuding gentleness.

Hearing the noise, she turned around and saw the large and small bags Qin An was carrying, and her eyes lit up instantly.

"You're back?" She stepped forward, her gaze falling on the packages, her cheeks slightly flushed. "What are you buying these for?"

"I bought what I found suitable." Qin An handed the items to the maid beside him, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. Noticing that her steps were still a little unsteady, he asked with concern, "Are you feeling alright?"

Li Qingwan's face flushed even more, and she lowered her head and whispered, "It's alright."

Upon entering the room, a maidservant served tea. Li Jing tactfully said, "I'll go check if lunch is ready in the kitchen."

He dashed out in a flash, leaving the two of them alone.

Qin An looked at Li Qingwan, who was carefully opening a package, taking out the pearl hairpin, and trying it on in front of the mirror, her eyes full of joy.

"It's beautiful, thank you."

"I'm glad you like it." Qin An sat down next to her, took her hand in his, and felt its soft warmth.

Li Qingwan put down the hairpin, turned around, and said earnestly, "Husband, there's something I want to tell you."

"you say."

"Look, now that we're settled in the capital, shouldn't we bring Sister Yang and the child here?"

Li Qingwan said softly, "She is the legal wife, and she should be in charge of the household affairs. I am young and don't understand many things. With her around, I can learn some manners."