Pu Yangzheng never expected that he would see Qi Yan on the battlefield amidst the chaos of flashing blades and gleaming swords.

Blood spilled onto the dirt, and wailing filled the air. In such a situation, the man stood there detached from the world, calmly gazing straight at himself from a distance.

He was shocked and didn't know what to do. The long sword in his hand swung aimlessly at the enemies surging towards him. Killing was like trivial matter to him, no more than that.

"Qi Yan!"

He heard himself shouting the name Qi Yan, but amidst the deafening battlefield, his voice was as insignificant as the wind blowing through leaves.

Pu Yangzheng slowed down and killed several thugs who were blocking his path. He quickly approached Qi Yan with his exceptional agility.

"Why are you here? What are you stupidly standing here for?!"

He pulled him and shielded him behind himself.

The raging war, Puyang Zheng heard the melodious timbre of his gentle voice.

"If you die, I will go with you."

......

Puyang Zheng, you're really fortunate. Despite being different beings, there's still someone to accompany you, this foolish idiot with countless killings, in death.

At that moment, Puyang Zheng really wanted to grab Qiyin's shoulder and ask loudly if it was true, if it wasn't a lie or something. For a soldier, someone who always lived on the front lines, ready to die at any time, the warmest thing was nothing more than a touch of faith, a promise.

In an instant, Puyang Zheng laughed and, facing the enemy, revealed a row of white teeth. "What if I haven't died?"

"Throughout your lifetime, I'll be with you."

Ha!

(Note: In this case, the character "呵" is an exclamation used to express surprise, amusement, or contempt.)

Puyang Zheng, capable enough!

……

The enemy temporarily retreated, and several cities were lost. Pu Yangzheng felt mentally and physically exhausted. Regardless of victory or defeat, he would have to face an arranged marriage after returning to the court.

Looking up, Pu Yangzheng had a momentary daze as he looked at the man who had set out the meal for him.

In historical records, are there any examples of men who knew and accompanied each other throughout their lives?

Recalling the words of Qi Yan on the battlefield, Puyang Zheng couldn't hold back and hesitantly asked, "Qi Yan, do you really..."

"Every word is true. General, could it be that you lack confidence in yourself?"

"Not really, it's just that this Longyang is so good..."

"Who said I have a fondness for Longyang?" Qi Yan raised an eyebrow in response, "Who also said the General has a fondness for Longyang?"

Pu Yangzheng was asked and was stunned, staring unblinkingly at Qi Yan.

Qi Yan smiled and approached, gently stroking Puyang Zheng's eyebrows. "General, if it weren't me but another man, would you be willing to spend your life with him?"

"Of course, I'm unwilling," Pu Yangzheng retorted without even thinking.

Upon hearing this, Qi Yan's smile became even brighter. "What a coincidence, I feel the same way. I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice my life if it weren't for the General."

Pu Yangzheng's heart surged with excitement. He held Qi Yan's hand and gently touched his own hand, then suddenly pulled it and clasped his other hand around the back of his neck, slowly pressing it towards himself.

Their lips pressed against each other, it was just a simple kiss, feeling the warmth of each other.

In the silence, only the tender affection between the two remained as they gazed at each other.

The bandits have invaded once again, with no sign of reinforcements from the imperial court. Puyang Zheng, leading less than ten thousand troops, bravely fought till the end, but sadly, both of his deputy generals lost their lives.

In front of the general's tomb, Puyang Zheng knelt down, shedding tears.

Qi Yan was filled with doubt and went to nearby towns to investigate on his own. However, he discovered that the local officials were secretly withholding the reinforcements and were temporarily refusing to send troops for support.

That night, Qi Yan captured an official and interrogated him. He learned that it was a secret edict from the Emperor.

- The Emperor wants Puyang Zheng dead!

At this moment, Qi Yan finally understood that He Hui, that woman, must have also been kept in the dark by the Emperor. On the surface, they were making a deal, but how could the Emperor not know about the loss of territory? If precautions had been taken, how could Pu Yangzheng have been hurriedly dispatched to lead troops and fight the enemy?

Because the Emperor firmly believes that Puyang Zheng will definitely die on the battlefield!

Not sending troops for support is most likely a ploy to exhaust Puyang Zheng's luck.

Upon receiving the news, Qi Yan hurried to inform Puyang Zheng. Upon returning to the border city, he was informed that Puyang Zheng had been struck by a poisoned arrow and his life was in grave danger.

For three consecutive nights, Qi Yan did not rest. At this moment, he, who usually looked enchanting, was exhausted and worn out. He hadn't slept in three days, and his whole person looked haggard. He was taking care of Pu Yangzheng, preparing all the medicinal meals himself, afraid that someone would tamper with them at such a critical time.

Jinxin Jinli finally did not waste his efforts. Puyang Zheng successfully survived the most dangerous time. Qi Yan was delighted, but at the same time, a thought arose, which was quite a blow to him.

If the Emperor knew that Puyang Zheng was still alive, would he spare him?

He looked at Puyang Zheng's pale face and the fresh blood spilling for the sake of the nation, and made a secret decision.

It's better to fight fire with fire and let Puyang Zheng get hurt in the end!

Approaching the end of the year, the messenger hurried back to the capital on a fast horse to deliver an important news - General Puyang was killed by an arrow.

The whole nation was filled with grief and sorrow, except for the Emperor, who, after putting on a facade of performance, let out a relieved sigh.

Qi Yan operated in secret and injured Puyang Zheng left. The one buried was just an anonymous soldier. While rushing with Puyang Zheng, news of his death spread, and reinforcements arrived at the border town the next day.

Qi Yan gave a mocking smile, disregarding the rest and wholeheartedly taking care of Pu Yangzheng.

'……'

The New Year has already passed, with remnants of snow lingering, yet the sun shines brightly, bringing warmth.

On the vast plain, a spirited horse carried two individuals. One of them wore a black suit, while the other donned a captivating long robe in crimson.

The horse galloped swiftly, causing the person on its back to bounce up and down. The man in red clothing and the man in black clothing faced each other, embracing passionately and occasionally letting out a moan or two.

"Um... Pu Yangzheng..."

"Hush, it's Yang Zheng now," the dark-haired man said in a low voice, with a hint of a smile. "I've spent half of my life fighting on horseback, how could I not do it once?"

"Heh..." suppressing a groan, Qi Yan bit her lip seductively, her eyes as silky as threads. "Truly... despicable..."

"Egregious?" Pu Yangzheng tilted his head in confusion and patted the horse's buttocks twice, causing the horse to run faster, resulting in a sharp scream from Qi Yan.

"Are you saying it like this?"

Qi Yan stared at him, unsure of what to say.

This man doesn't know what went wrong. Where is the loyalty and honesty that he had promised?

However...

Like this, it's just right.

Years ago, he found a secluded paradise situated in a valley - a bamboo pavilion. It was not completely hidden from the bustling city, as the valley was not that large. Just a short walk uphill led to a town outside the capital. It was unlikely that anyone would suspect that the supposedly deceased general would still be living in the vicinity of the capital. As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is often the safest.

There are no bamboo trees by the bamboo pavilion, instead there is a small stream, and beside the stream, there is a row of willow trees.

After living there, Qi Yan changed their names for the two of them: Yang Zheng and Liu Yan.

And so, they peacefully celebrated the New Year without any incident.

Afterwards, perhaps life will be good.

The cold wind blew, and Qi Yan shivered. He looked at Puyang Zheng, who was sitting guiltily on the edge of the bed, and felt a burst of amusement.

He was so dominant while on horseback, insisting on doing it himself. As a result, he caught a cold and ended up feeling miserable and extremely aggrieved.

"Alright, go get some ginger syrup. It's about time." Qi Yan dismissed him, saying, "We don't have any maidservants around now. If you continue to sit like this, how could I possibly feel better?"

"Yan, I..."

"What's wrong?"

"Next time, I definitely won't be outside! And if I am outside, it won't be in the winter!" Pu Yangzheng suddenly pledged with great determination.

Qi Yan was taken aback for a moment, then an inexplicable anger surged up within him.

"Get out!"

"Ah?"

"Get out! I don't want to see you!"

"Ah? Yan, I'm sorry, I didn't know that you were unwell. If I had known, I definitely wouldn't have ridden on the horse..."

"Get out!"

……

Straightforward?

Simply... a blockhead!

[When the upright and loyal male protagonist is bent over - Epilogue]