The Great Tang, with its vast territory and strategic advantages, had flourished through the diligent governance of successive emperors, its name spreading far and wide. Most surrounding barbarian tribes submitted to the Tang's majesty, paying annual tributes and coming to court in homage. Yet there were always those with ill intentions, coveting the Tang's richness and expanse. The northern neighboring country, Yideer, had long eyed the Tang with greed. Watching the Tang's citizens live and work in peace, its bustling commerce, and cities filled with traffic and a dazzling array of goods, their avarice only grew.
Finally, on an ordinary-looking day, they could no longer restrain their desires and struck. The border region, once peaceful, was guarded by Tang soldiers who patrolled daily to maintain order. Some hummed tunes, others chatted about family matters—none suspected the approaching crisis. Like phantoms of the night, Yideer's army stealthily infiltrated the Tang border under cover of darkness. Armed with sharp blades, their eyes gleaming with greed and ferocity, they launched a sudden attack on the unsuspecting border guards.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" A shrill cry broke the night's silence. The patrolling guards were caught off guard, hastily grabbing weapons to fight for their lives. But the enemy advanced fiercely, leveraging superior numbers and weapons. Though the Tang guards fought bravely to defend their land, the disparity in strength was stark, and the invasion caused severe losses. Blood stained the earth, and heroic figures fell one by one, yet none retreated; they fought on tenaciously.
The grave news spread swiftly to the Tang capital. In the imperial palace of Chang'an, the atmosphere was solemn. Emperor Li Yi sat on the dragon throne, his face dark with anger. Ministers below wore expressions of indignation and anxiety. "Outrageous!" Li Yi slammed the table, rising to his feet. "How dare these neighbors brazenly invade our borders!" The ministers echoed his anger, vehemently condemning the neighboring country's atrocities.
After a moment of thought, Li Yi declared firmly, "I will not allow Tang territory to be violated. Issue my decree: dispatch troops to reinforce the border immediately!" Military orders soon radiated from Chang'an. Troops assembled rapidly, their neat footsteps resounding through the streets. Soldiers clad in armor, gripping spears, their eyes firm and fearless, bid farewell to families and the bustling capital, marching swiftly toward the war-torn border.
Meanwhile, Lin Yue learned of the invasion. Normally a smiling, warm presence, her face now wore anxiety and concern. She knew war would bring countless wounded in need of treatment. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, organizing a medical team to stand by at the border. She rushed between clinics, rallying like-minded healers, her eyes earnest as she described the border's crisis. Moved by her passion and sense of duty, the healers vowed to follow her and contribute to treating the wounded.
Soon, a medical team comprising experienced healers and young apprentices was formed. They packed supplies, loaded herbs and medical equipment, and set off for the border. On the border battlefield, smoke choked the air. The Tang's reinforcing army arrived, engaging the enemy in fierce combat. Shouts of battle and clashing weapons echoed deafeningly. Dust swirled, obscuring faces as soldiers fought bravely, their movements in the fire filled with strength and resolve. Some wielded long blades, their light flashing; others thrust spears, tips dripping blood. Blood soaked the ground, bodies strewn across the field.
Li Yi led the army in person, standing high to oversee the battlefield. His gaze calm and resolute, he directed troop movements, knowing the war concerned the Tang's dignity and territorial integrity. Adjusting formations based on the battlefield situation and boosting morale, he gradually stabilized the Tang's position and launched a counteroffensive.
Lin Yue and her medical team worked frantically, setting up temporary medical tents behind the lines. Inside, lamps burned bright as wounded soldiers were carried in incessantly. Lin Yue and the healers immediately began treating them—examining injuries, cleaning wounds, stitching, stopping bleeding, and bandaging. Lin Yue's hands moved nonstop, her eyes focused and caring as she comforted the wounded. Through her efforts, countless lives were saved, and pain was alleviated.
Yet the war's cruelty exceeded expectations. The number of wounded grew, and herbs began to run short. Seeing the overcrowded tent, Lin Yue was anxious. She knew more lives would be lost without urgent supplies. She decided to lead a group of healers into nearby mountains to gather herbs. The mountains were thick with thorns and rough terrain. Lin Yue and the team advanced cautiously, scanning for precious herbs.
Suddenly, a noise sounded ahead. Alert, they gripped weapons and approached slowly—it was a group of enemy soldiers searching for supplies. A fierce battle ensued. Though a healer, Lin Yue fought fearlessly, wielding a wooden staff. Inspired by her, the healers joined the resistance. After a brutal clash, they drove off the enemy, but several healers were wounded. Lin Yue and others quickly treated them, using local herbs to stop bleeding and relieve pain—soon, the injured were stabilized.
Without rest, Lin Yue led the team to continue gathering herbs. After strenuous effort, they secured enough supplies. Returning to the medical tent, they boiled the herbs into soups and administered them to the wounded. Through collective effort, the injured gradually improved, their faces finally showing relief.
The war raged on. Tang and Yideer forces clashed repeatedly at the border. Every day claimed countless lives; every moment was tense and dangerous. But Tang soldiers did not flinch, willing to shed blood for their country and people. Lin Yue and her team remained steadfast behind the lines, silently providing medical support.
As days passed, the tide of war shifted. Under Li Yi's command, the Tang army gained the upper hand, launching more aggressive counterattacks as Yideer's forces retreated step by step. Finally, in a decisive battle, the Tang army completely routed the enemy. The defeated forces fled, and the border returned to peace.
Though the war ended, its scars ran deep. The battlefield lay in ruins, a testament to destruction. The Tang soldiers, though victorious, paid a heavy price—many lives lost, countless families bereaved. Lin Yue and her team witnessed too many goodbyes, but they knew their efforts were worth it, for they had protected their country and people.
Li Yi stood on the border wall, gazing at the once war-torn land with mixed emotions. He understood peace came at a great cost, defended by blood and life. He ordered strengthened border defenses to prevent future invasions. Lin Yue returned to Chang'an, resuming her work at the clinic, applying wartime experiences to daily practice to help more people.
This border conflict became an unforgettable chapter in Tang history, a reminder of war's cruelty and the value of peace. The stories of Li Yi, Lin Yue, and all who fought bravely would forever be told, honoring their courage and sacrifice.