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

The spring wind carried a chill, but it couldn't dispel the tense atmosphere that permeated Xingye County.

A single piece of news, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up a tidal wave across the entire border.

The Daehung court officially issued an edict to launch the third campaign against Baekje.

The air in Baishantun seemed to freeze the day the news came.

The farmers who were busy on the ridges of the fields stopped what they were doing and gathered in twos and threes, discussing the matter with fearful expressions.

"Another war is brewing..."

"During the first two eastern expeditions, countless men were buried far from home; this third one will likely end no better..."

"I heard the imperial court is conscripting soldiers. I wonder how many people will be taken from our village this time..."

Panic spread like a plague, and every household was shrouded in gloom and despair.

The atmosphere on the open ground where Qin'an trained the militia became unusually heavy. The men who had gradually regained their spirits now had more confusion and fear on their faces.

In the evening, Qin An returned home. As soon as he opened the courtyard gate, he saw Yang Yuyan standing under the eaves, looking at him with a worried expression.

Cai Yan and Cai Zhen, who were usually lively, sat quietly on the threshold, whispering to each other.

"Husband, you're back." Yang Yuyan stepped forward, took the water-fire stick from his hand, her voice a little hoarse.

"Yes." Qin An nodded, his heart aching as he looked at her haggard face. "You've heard about it?"

Yang Yuyan nodded, her eyes slightly red: "Yes, it's all over the village. Husband, are you... are you really going to the battlefield?"

Her voice was filled with undisguised worry, and her hand holding Qin An trembled slightly.

Cai Zhen also ran over, tugging at Qin An's clothes, and looking up at him with her little face: "Father, please don't go to war, okay? I heard from the uncles in the village that people die in war."

Qin An squatted down, patted Cai Zhen's head, and looked at Cai Yan, who was silent beside him, and said softly, "Silly child, your father will be alright."

He stood up, took Yang Yuyan's hand, and walked into the house.

Yang Yuyan poured him a cup of hot water, hesitated for a long time, and then said, "Husband, I know you are eager to make a name for yourself, but this third eastern expedition, really..."

She paused, her tone heavy: "The first two eastern expeditions, though seemingly successful, both ended in failure."

"The first time was because His Majesty strictly ordered the generals not to attack without authorization, and all matters had to be reported through three channels. The opportunity to fight was fleeting, and the soldiers were hesitant and ultimately suffered a great defeat."

"The second time, a domestic rebellion broke out, and the rear was unstable, forcing the army to retreat hastily, resulting in unnecessary losses of soldiers and generals."

"These two eastern expeditions have drained the nation's resources and displaced countless people. Now the court is about to launch a third one. Given the current situation, the outcome is likely..."

Yang Yuyan didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was already quite clear.

As a former noblewoman, she knew far more than the average person and was aware that the current situation in Daxing was not good.

They clearly weren't very optimistic about this third eastern expedition.

She looked at Qin An, her eyes full of pleading: "Husband, let's not get involved in this mess, okay? Let's stay here, protect our home, protect me and the children, isn't that better?"

Qin An listened in silence, knowing that Yang Yuyan was telling the truth.

After being weakened by two eastern expeditions, the Daxing Dynasty was already outwardly strong but inwardly weak, with corrupt officials and a demoralized populace.

Under such circumstances, launching a third war would indeed be a bleak prospect.

But how could he back down?

He possesses a system and yearns to rise in this chaotic world, take control of his own destiny, and protect those around him.

The battlefield was dangerous, but it was also his only chance.

Seeing Yang Yuyan's anxious and worried expression, he could only comfort her gently: "My lady, I know you are worried about me, but things are not at their worst yet. The imperial court has just started the war, and the main force is still being mobilized. It's not our turn yet."

"Besides, whether or not we go to the battlefield is not up to me. If the imperial court issues an order, how can we disobey?" Qin An sighed. "We can only take it one step at a time."

Yang Yuyan fell silent instantly.

Yes, nowadays, my family is just an ordinary commoner.

They had absolutely no power to resist the authority of the imperial court.

Looking at Yang Yuyan's worried eyes, Qin An said, "Don't worry, even if we really go to the battlefield, I will be careful. I promised you I would come back alive, and I will definitely keep my promise."

Yang Yuyan knew Qin An's temperament; once he made up his mind, it was difficult to change it.

She could only suppress her worries and nodded, "Then you must take good care of yourself. I'll take care of things at home, so don't worry."

Cai Yan then walked in, carrying a bowl of freshly heated meat soup: "Father, have some soup to warm yourself up."

Qin An took the soup bowl, looked at his sensible daughter, and felt a warm current well up in his heart.

No matter how difficult the road ahead, he must forge ahead for the sake of his family.

……

After comforting his wife and daughter, Qin An hurriedly headed to the county town early the next morning.

He knew in his heart that guessing was useless; he needed to find out the most accurate information.

Upon arriving at the police station, Han Quan was sitting at the table, his brow furrowed as he stared at a document, his face full of worry. Seeing Qin An enter, he looked up and gave a wry smile: "You've come."

"Brother Han, how's the situation?" Qin An asked bluntly.

Han Quan put down the document and sighed: "It's not good. There's a lot of resentment among the people about this third eastern expedition, and they're not optimistic about it."

He lowered his voice: "It is said that not long after the vanguard set off, many deserters appeared. His Majesty was furious and issued a strict order to execute any deserters caught on the spot. But even so, the number of defectors is still countless."

"Recruiting soldiers has become a problem now. Local governments are frequently conscripting able-bodied men to meet quotas, which is causing widespread public resentment." Han Quan shook his head. "If this continues, the war will probably fall into chaos before it even begins."

Qin An's heart sank: "Then... what about us border militia?"

"It's difficult." Han Quan looked at him. "The imperial army is short-handed, and the border militia will probably have to be pulled into the battlefield sooner or later. It's just a matter of time."

He paused, then looked at Qin An: "Brother, I'm not trying to discourage you, but in my opinion, this is really not a good time to join the army. I'm afraid we won't win this battle."

Qin An remained silent.

He was well aware of the dangers involved, but now he had no way out.

"Brother Han, I understand what you mean." Qin An raised his head, his eyes firm. "Whether I join the army or not is not up to me. If it really comes down to it, I can only face the challenge head-on."

Looking at his determined eyes, Han Quan knew that there was no use in persuading him, so he could only sigh: "Fine, you know what you're doing. Go back and train those militiamen well. If you really go to the battlefield, the more skills you have, the more hope you have of surviving."

"I will." Qin An nodded, bid farewell to Han Quan, and turned to leave the police station.

Stepping out of the county government office, the sunlight was blinding, yet Qin An felt a chill run through his body.

The corruption and chaos of the Daxing Dynasty were more serious than he had imagined.

Could such a dynasty really support a large-scale war?

He didn't know the answer, but he knew he had to prepare for the worst.