Random Short Stories

Zhang Ling and Zhang Wen Luo

General Zhang Ling and his wife were an influential couple. The former had helped fight in the revolution, earning multiple victories against the army of the Tyrant Emperor Xi. Together with the current emperor, he established the prosperous kingdom of Qin. His wife, Zhang Wen Luo was respected in her own way, having been one of the most educated woman in the country, as well as the founder of the community hospital. Both were firm but kind with the people, earning the admiration of many.

This couple was also famous for another reason, and that was for being a loving couple. In the many years of their marriage, Zhang Ling had never took in any concubines even when ministers or the emperor recommended it. Frustrated by the constant requests, Zhang Ling publicly declared his loyalty and devotion to his wife.

On the tenth year of the establishment of the Kingdom of Qin, Wen Luo contracted a deadly disease. Zhang Ling had tried all ways to get her the best medical aid. However, it was too late. Wen Luo passed away soon after. Zhang Ling was devastated. As much as he tried to look ok during the funeral, everyone could tell he seemed hollowed out.

However, after a month, when a fight up north broke out, Zhang Ling immediately volunteered to help. Against the advice of the emperor, Zhang Ling went. And came back victorious as always. From then, Zhang Ling became a workaholic. In every fight, he would be part of the team, and if he wasn't out subduing attacks he was in his study, writing reports and helping out with national affairs.

Even as years passed, Zhang Ling still continued this practice. He never rewed.

"General! Behind you!" Zhang Ling turned around, fending off the enemy with his spear. However, just as he fought off one, another came his way. Shocked, his grip on his spear loosened, causing it to clatter onto the ground. Zhang Ling hopped off his horse, producing a knife from his belt.
With a kick to the shin, he took the chance to plunge the knife into the enemy's breast plate. The guy collapsed.

"Urgh..." Blood splattered on the floor in front of Zhang Ling. Behind him stood a young Manchu, eyes shining with menance. "Tsk." Against the pain, General Zhang whipped around, slitting the man's neck with his knife.

Then he collapsed to the ground, wincing in pain. He limped to a corner, behind a tree.

Later on when the Qin army had achieved victory, they found the cold body of General Zhang. Tied on his wrist was a piece of cloth with the words "Bury me with my wife" scrawled across it in blood.