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

With guests arriving and bringing such valuable gifts, Qin An naturally couldn't be negligent.

He instructed the kitchen to prepare a lavish family feast to entertain Li Zhaoning and her brother.

After all, the Li family is quite prestigious in the capital, and this favor cannot be neglected.

Before long, a steaming table of dishes was placed on the long rosewood table in the main hall.

The braised pork knuckle is glossy with an amber sheen, and its rich aroma as it steams hot is incredibly tempting.

The steamed sea bass rests on a white porcelain plate, its flesh snow-white and tender, the broth clear and bright. The sprinkled emerald green scallions and fresh red pepper strips complement each other beautifully, and the aroma of freshness is irresistible.

And then there's the candied lotus seeds, each one plump and round, coated with a crystal-clear icing, sweet but not cloying, with a refreshing touch.

In addition, there are several kinds of seasonal vegetables and a bowl of slow-cooked soup.

Although not as luxurious and extravagant as the Yuwen Mansion, everything there was exquisite, exuding the warmth and simplicity of an ordinary family.

Li Zhaoning sat in the guest seat next to the host, her demeanor elegant and poised.

She wore a light purple dress with peony patterns embroidered on the hem, which further accentuated her elegant demeanor.

Her chopsticks were held with gentle grace, her fingertips slender and fair. She picked up food with delicate movements, chewing each bite slowly and carefully, with a faint smile always on her lips, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred lady.

During the meal, she also asked about interesting things that happened on the front lines.

His demeanor was poised and his words were appropriate, neither overly enthusiastic to the point of seeming deliberate, nor impolite enough to create distance.

Li Qingwan and Shan Bing sat at the lower level, looking at Li Zhaoning's composed and proper demeanor, and both felt somewhat ashamed of themselves.

Although Li Qingwan came from a scholarly family and was well-educated and reasonable, she had long lived in the inner quarters and lacked the poise and composure that Li Zhaoning displayed when navigating the world of powerful figures.

Having grown up surrounded by outlaws and heroes, Shan Bing was straightforward and didn't understand the intricacies of the banquet. He could only sit quietly to the side, occasionally adding wine for Qin An.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of unease in each other's eyes.

Li Zhaoning's impeccable performance made them clearly aware of the gap between them.

Furthermore, they had already learned that Li Zhaoning was the daughter of a duke, of noble birth, well-versed in literature since childhood, and had seen far more of the world than they could ever hope to.

This realization, like a small pebble, rippled through their hearts, instantly making them feel a sense of inferiority.

After several rounds of drinks, amidst the clinking of glasses, Li Zhaoning gradually became more talkative.

She put down her wine glass, looked at Qin An, and her eyes were filled with undisguised admiration.

"General Qin has achieved remarkable military exploits at a young age, guarding the frontier and protecting the peace of the people. He is truly admirable and lives up to the saying, 'Heroes emerge from among the young.'"

Qin An smiled and raised his cup in acknowledgment: "Miss Li, you flatter me. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a soldier and was fortunate enough to win a few battles."

"General, you are too modest." Li Zhaoning also raised her glass in response, the wine swirling gently in the glass, reflecting the light in her eyes.

"To have achieved such military exploits at such a young age is far beyond what can be summed up by the word 'luck'. I see a dignified and heroic spirit between the general's brows, and he acts decisively. I am sure he will become a pillar of our Daxing in the future."

Her words were sincere and earnest, and her eyes held a hint of eagerness.

This enthusiasm was not the typical affection of a young woman, but rather an affirmation of Qin An's potential.

And there was an underlying determination to win him over and help the Li family.

Qin An was extremely perceptive and naturally understood the implied meaning in the words. He simply smiled and did not respond.

Li Xuanfu sat next to his sister, eating his food by himself. He held jade chopsticks in his little hands and picked out his favorite sweet and sour pork ribs. His little mouth was stuffed full, like a little squirrel stealing food.

He seemed completely uninterested in the conversation at the table, focusing all his attention on the food in front of him, occasionally glancing up at the crowd with a clear, bewildered look in his eyes.

Seeing Li Zhaoning's enthusiasm for Qin An, and how much he appreciated and valued her, Li Qingwan and Shan Bing felt a little uneasy.

Although they are women, they also have an innate sensitivity.

Li Zhaoning's gaze, the intimacy in her words, and even the sense of superiority she inadvertently revealed, all made them feel a vague sense of threat, as if something they cherished was being coveted.

Li Qingwan picked up her wine glass and took a small sip. The wine was spicy, making her cough twice, and an unnatural blush rose on her cheeks.

Dan Bing quickly put down his chopsticks, reached out and gently patted her back, then picked up his wine glass, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, as if trying to use the wine to suppress the unease in his heart.

"Sister, drink less, this liquor is strong," Shan Bing advised in a low voice, her voice tinged with worry.

Li Qingwan shook her head, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes, and forced a smile, saying, "It's alright, I'm happy today, having a few more drinks won't hurt."

She said she was happy, but her heart felt heavy, as if a stone was pressing down on it.

Li Zhaoning was so outstanding, with a distinguished family background, exceptional looks, and knowledge of poetry, literature, etiquette, and proper conduct.

Looking at myself, besides being gentle and considerate and taking care of this family, I don't seem to have any other outstanding qualities.

She was truly afraid that one day, Qin An would be attracted by such a radiant woman and forget about her, an ordinary and unremarkable concubine.

Isn't Shan Bing the same?

She came from humble beginnings and was a prisoner of war. It was already an incredible stroke of luck that she could stay by Qin An's side and receive his protection and some affection.

Now, seeing a lady of such high birth as Li Zhaoning, I feel even more like an insignificant weed, completely out of place with Qin An and everything in this mansion, and I feel ashamed of myself.

She feared that her pitiful presence would soon be completely replaced by him, and she wouldn't even have the right to stay by his side.

Each lost in their own thoughts, they drank one glass of wine after another, and soon became somewhat drunk, their eyes starting to glaze over.

Li Zhaoning had no idea that her words and actions had put so much pressure on the two mistresses of the Qin family.

She was only thinking about how to get closer to Qin An and recruit this great general for the Li family, so she relaxed a bit and drank quite a bit of wine.

After several rounds of drinks, Li Zhaoning was also a little tipsy. Her cheeks were flushed, as if painted with rouge, her eyes became somewhat hazy, and she spoke more slowly.

Seeing this, Qin An suggested, "Miss Li, it's getting late. There are guest rooms in the manor. Why don't you rest here for a while and sober up before you leave?"

Li Zhaoning thought for a moment and nodded.

She had indeed drunk quite a bit today and was feeling dizzy. Also, she wanted to take this opportunity to learn more about the Qin family's situation, so she readily agreed, "Then I'll trouble you."

Qin An instructed Jin Ping to take Li Zhaoning to the guest room in the east wing to rest, and also instructed the servants to take good care of Li Xuanfu and take him to the side hall to have some snacks. Only then did he turn to look at Li Qingwan and Shan Bing.

The two women were so drunk they could barely stand. They supported each other, their bodies swaying, their eyes glazed over as they looked at Qin An like two lost fawns.

"Husband..." Li Qingwan called softly, her voice tinged with grievance and trembling slightly at the end.

Dan Bing also tugged at Qin An's sleeve, her fingers clenched tightly, refusing to let go, her eyes full of dependence.

Qin An's heart softened, and he instantly understood their thoughts.

He must have drunk too much and been disturbed by Li Zhaoning's imposing manner to lose his composure and reveal his true feelings in this way.

He sighed and helped the two women up, saying, "Alright, you've had too much to drink. I'll take you back to your rooms to rest."

Back in their bedroom, away from outsiders, Li Qingwan and Shan Bing could no longer contain their emotions.

Li Qingwan staggered and threw herself into Qin An's arms, hugging his waist tightly and bursting into tears, which soaked his clothes.

"My husband, I'm scared... I'm so scared... I'm afraid you'll leave me..."

Dan Bing's eyes also reddened. She fought back tears and choked out, "General, I know I'm not good enough for you. I come from a humble background and don't know the proper etiquette... but I really don't want to leave you..."

Qin An felt a mix of emotions, including heartache and helplessness.

He gently patted the two women's backs and said softly, "Silly girls, what nonsense are you talking about? How could I not want you? You stay by my side, take care of the housework, and protect this home. I am more than grateful to you."

"But...but that Miss Li..." Li Qingwan raised her head, looking at Qin An with teary eyes and tears hanging on her eyelashes.

"She's so wonderful, rich and powerful, and beautiful too. Won't you...won't you think we're not good enough anymore?"

"What are you thinking about?" Qin An reached out and gently pinched her cheek, his tone full of affection. "She is her, and you are you. You each have your own good qualities. In my heart, no one can replace you."

Despite this, the two women's unease remained.

Fueled by alcohol, they began to actively pursue Qin An, trying to prove their importance in his heart.

Li Qingwan trembled slightly as she removed her ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), revealing her fair and delicate skin, which shone softly in the candlelight.

She tiptoed and awkwardly kissed Qin An's lips, her movements somewhat clumsy, yet filled with a desperate, all-or-nothing desire.

Not to be outdone, Shan Bing untied the belt around her waist, causing her outfit to slip down and revealing her agile and well-proportioned figure. Her skin was a healthy honey color, which contrasted sharply with Li Qingwan's fair complexion.

She hugged Qin An tightly from behind, her cheek pressed against his back, feeling his warm body temperature and strong heartbeat, her breath rapid and hot.

Looking at the two women with different charms in front of him, and feeling their undisguised enthusiasm and hidden unease, Qin An's heart was quietly ignited.

He knew he was about to go to the front lines, where the battlefield was dangerous and he didn't know when he would be able to return. Perhaps this tenderness could give them some peace of mind.

He then stopped suppressing his emotions and embraced the two women.

He turned and embraced Li Qingwan, lowering his head to kiss away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Their lips met, filled with tender comfort.

Li Qingwan's kiss was like the spring water of Jiangnan, gentle and lingering, carrying the tenderness of a woman from a water town, able to soothe all his weariness.

Dan Bing, on the other hand, was like a wildcat poised to pounce, kissing him passionately and domineeringly, with the unbridled energy of the grasslands, full of primal desire, capable of igniting all his passion.