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

Yang Yuyan was indeed a little conflicted when she learned that Qin An wanted to join the army.

Upon hearing that her status as a convicted official's family member would make it difficult for Qin An to join the army, Yang Yuyan's face instantly turned pale, and she lowered her head with deep remorse.

"It's all my fault... I've dragged you down... If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be..."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Qin An interrupted her, cupped her face, and looked earnestly into her eyes. "Marrying you was the best thing I ever did in my life. How could it be a burden? Even if joining the army is just a little difficult, I will be there to help you overcome any bigger hurdles."

Looking into his sincere eyes, Yang Yuyan felt her guilt lessen slightly, but new emotions welled up within her.

When she heard that Qin An wanted to become a constable first, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes: "Being a constable is good, at least it's in the county town, close to us, and I don't have to go to such a dangerous place as the battlefield..."

She was literate and knew the principle of "regretfully teaching her husband to seek fame and fortune."

More than those illusory fame and fortune, she hoped that Qin An could stay peacefully by their side.

But she also understood Qin An. He wasn't the kind of person who was content with mediocrity. He was capable and ambitious. How could he possibly spend his whole life just as a constable?

Thinking of this, Yang Yuyan's feelings became complicated. She hoped that he would live a peaceful life, but she also did not want him to waste his talents.

Qin An saw through her thoughts and smiled, "Being a constable for now is just a temporary measure. When the time is right, there will always be opportunities. But don't worry, whatever I do, I will prioritize the safety of you and your children."

Yang Yuyan nodded and didn't say anything more, but silently helped him re-bandage his wound.

At this moment, Cai Yan and Cai Zhen brought in hot water and poured it into a wooden basin in the room.

"Father, the water's ready, go wash up quickly," Cai Zhen said.

Qin An stood up, and Yang Yuyan quickly said, "Let me help you wash."

Qin An paused for a moment, then nodded.

Yang Yuyan had Qin An sit on a wooden stool, then took a cloth, dipped it in warm water, and gently wiped the blood and dust off his face.

Her movements were gentle, with a careful and tender care. Her fingertips occasionally touched his skin, bringing a slightly cool sensation, but it warmed Qin An's heart.

Qin An's clothes were already soaked with sweat and blood, sticking to his body uncomfortably.

Yang Yuyan unbuttoned his clothes, took off his dirty garments, and revealed his muscular but scarred body. In addition to the arrow wound on his shoulder, there were several knife cuts, all of which had been bandaged, but they were still a shocking sight.

Yang Yuyan's eyes dimmed. She picked up a cloth and wiped his body little by little, from his neck to his chest, then to his arms and back.

Warm water slid down his skin, washing away his fatigue and the smell of blood, and filling the air with a hint of ambiguity.

As Qin An felt her gentle touch and looked at her lowered eyelashes and slightly flushed cheeks, a strong impulse surged within him.

The life-or-death struggle of the past two days has made him cherish the peace and tranquility he has now, and also make him crave this tenderness even more.

He reached out and pulled Yang Yuyan into his arms.

Yang Yuyan stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, leaning against his chest and listening to his strong heartbeat.

She knew Qin An's thoughts and understood her own feelings.

The anxiety she had experienced over the past two days made her realize that every day she could spend with Qin An was incredibly precious.

She didn't know what the future held, or whether Qin An would stay by her side forever.

They just wanted to seize the moment and leave something for Qin An, preferably a child of their own.

So when Qin An's kiss landed, she didn't refuse; instead, she slightly tiptoed to respond to him.

Amidst the rising steam, their breathing gradually became rapid.

Qin An carried Yang Yuyan into the warm water, where the water gently rippled.

His movements carried a long-suppressed desire, yet he carefully avoided her wounds.

Yang Yuyan closed her eyes, feeling his presence, casting aside all her worries and anxieties, wishing only to become one with him at this moment.

The wooden tub was small, and the two embraced tightly, their skin touching, warm and burning.

At this moment, there were no Bai Ji spies, no official strife, no uncertainty about the future; only each other's heartbeats and breaths intertwined to create the most moving melody.

After a long time, everything gradually calmed down.

Yang Yuyan leaned against Qin An's chest, her cheeks flushed and her eyes dreamy, like a flower blooming in the rain, exuding mature charm.

Qin An gently stroked her long hair, feeling a sense of peace in his heart.

……

That night, Cai Yan and Cai Zhen refused to go back to their own small rooms to sleep, insisting on squeezing onto Qin An and Yang Yuyan's large kang (heated brick bed).

"Father, we want to hear you tell the story of fighting the Baiji spies," Cai Zhen said, pulling on Qin An's arm and pleading.

Cai Yan nodded in agreement, her eyes full of curiosity.

Qin An couldn't refuse them, so he had no choice but to agree.

Yang Yuyan laid out the bedding, and the family lay on the warm kang (heated brick bed). Cai Zhen was close to Qin An, while Cai Yan leaned against Yang Yuyan.

Qin An began to tell them about his experiences after entering the mountains, but omitted the more bloody and dangerous parts.

He focused on how he cooperated with Han Quan, how he hit the enemy, and how they eventually returned safely.

"Father is so amazing!" Cai Zhen's eyes lit up, her little fists clenched tightly. "Were those Baiji spies really stupid to be defeated by Father?"

Qin An laughed: "They're not stupid, they're quite cunning, but Father was more careful and also luckier."

Cai Yan then asked, "Father, is Officer Han badly injured? What about those hunters who sacrificed their lives...?"

Qin An paused for a moment, then said, "Officer Han will get better. The hunters who sacrificed their lives... they are all heroes."

The two children nodded as if they understood, and then chattered on with other questions, which Qin An patiently answered one by one.

It wasn't until late at night that the two children, with satisfied smiles, fell into a deep sleep in Qin An's arms.

Looking at their daughters' peaceful sleeping faces, neither Qin An nor Yang Yuyan felt sleepy.

"They've all grown up," Yang Yuyan said softly, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Yes," Qin An replied, "time really flies."

Yang Yuyan turned her head and looked at Qin An: "Husband, I've thought about it. If you really want to join the army, then go ahead."

Qin An looked at her with some surprise.

Yang Yuyan sighed, "I know you're not meant to be. It's unfair to you being stuck in Baishan Village and Xingye County. Although I'm scared, I can't be too selfish and drag you down for the rest of your life. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Yan'er and Zhen'er and wait for you to come back."

She paused, then said, "The Great Xing Dynasty may seem stable now, but it is actually beset by internal and external troubles. The two eastern expeditions have exhausted too much of the country's strength. In addition, the current emperor is ambitious and fond of grand achievements. I'm afraid that chaos will break out sooner or later. This may be an opportunity for you."

"But... the battlefield is dangerous, you must be careful in everything you do, and promise me you'll come back alive."

Qin An felt a warmth in his heart and held her hand tightly: "I promise you, I will definitely come back alive. Once I've made a name for myself, I'll take you to a better place and never let you suffer again."

Yang Yuyan nodded and leaned on his shoulder: "I believe you."

That night, the two talked a lot, from the situation in Daxing to their future plans, until the sky began to lighten before they finally fell into a deep sleep.