Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Wei Lan was extremely busy until the sky turned dark. This time, according to Wei Lan’s request, the bookshop printed five hundred copies each of the fourth and fifth volumes of the storybooks, and an additional two hundred copies each of the first three volumes.

Finally, when the sky was dark, many people were still queuing at the back. Wei Lan felt her hands cramping from exhaustion, but thinking about the readers waiting in line, she decided to sell the remaining two hundred books before returning home. After all, there were no more cakes left, so those still queuing were her true fans.

For each person, Wei Lan smiled and said, “You worked hard.” This fully satisfied their emotional needs. As the queue gradually shortened, the storybooks on the long table decreased one by one. Not only was Wei Lan tired, but Xi Ye and Siyun, who helped Wei Lan turn and air out the books, were also exhausted.

Fortunately, the Great Zhou Dynasty had no curfew tradition and even had night markets. Otherwise, their book signing lasting so late would surely have broken the rules.

After signing for the last few people, Wei Lan hurriedly said, “Everyone worked hard. Go back and rest early.”

“It’s not hard, not hard. We’re still waiting to read your other stories.”

“Exactly, exactly. At your next signing, I’ll definitely come early to get some cake.”

“Me too. I must eat some cake!”

Wei Lan sent off the last few girls, tidied the dog tag around her neck, and sniffed her clothes. She decided to rush back to her bedroom and dive into the bathtub to bathe quickly. If her wife smelled her, she would be in trouble tonight.

On the other side, Lu Zijin finished her dinner and, as usual, began her daily routine of asking questions. In the past, she didn’t care about Wei Lan, but now she wished to keep her little dog by her side every day, so she naturally had to ask.

“Qianxue, has the master returned? How did her book signing go today?” Lu Zijin asked while sipping rock sugar bird’s nest.

“I heard the storybooks were almost sold out, but the master hasn’t returned yet. She’s probably still busy,” Qianxue answered truthfully.

Lu Zijin nodded. On one hand, she thought her little dog was impressive and good at earning money. On the other hand, she felt a bit sour. Wei Lan had spent the whole day outside with other girls, surely laughing and talking with them.

Thinking this, Lu Zijin couldn’t feel happy. She wanted to sleep with Wei Lan. Thinking so, Lu Zijin ordered, “Prepare a soft sedan. I’m going to see the master.”

“Yes, Miss,” Qianxue replied, knowing full well that “see” meant going to sleep there. She quickly arranged for servants, some to carry the soft sedan and others to hold lanterns for lighting the way.

Half an hour later, Lu Zijin arrived at Wei Lan’s Fuqu Pavilion. Nanny Li and Nanny Zhao hurriedly greeted her.

“Miss, you’re here. The master is still busy outside and hasn’t returned yet,” Nanny Li said, bowing respectfully.

“I know. I’ll wait for her in the bedroom. You all continue with your tasks,” Lu Zijin said, stepping out of the soft sedan and heading to Wei Lan’s bedroom.

“Yes,” they replied.

The maids and servants in Wei Lan’s courtyard were used to this. The miss and the master had a good relationship, staying together every few days. Sometimes the master went to Jingchen Courtyard to sleep, and sometimes the miss came to the master’s place.

Lu Zijin walked into Wei Lan’s bedroom and ordered hot water to be prepared. She planned to bathe while waiting for Wei Lan. However, even after her bath, Wei Lan still hadn’t returned, and it was almost the hour of Hai.

Lu Zijin grew a bit worried and was about to send someone to the bookshop to check on Wei Lan. Just as she called Qianxue in to arrange this, Wei Lan returned with Xi Ye and Siyun.

Seeing the soft sedan in the courtyard, Wei Lan knew Lu Zijin had come.

After telling the bowing maids and servants to rise, Wei Lan jogged back to the bedroom. Pushing open the door, she saw Lu Zijin standing by the bed in her undergarments.

Seeing Wei Lan return, Lu Zijin said to Qianxue, “No need. You may leave. Also, have someone prepare bathwater for the master.”

“Yes,” Qianxue replied, immediately leaving to arrange it.

Wei Lan wanted to hug Lu Zijin but feared her body odor might upset her, so she didn’t dare approach. “Have you waited long?” she asked.

Lu Zijin nodded. “Hmm, I finished bathing and was about to send someone to fetch you. Why did you stay so late today?”

“There were many people queuing, and they waited a long time. I didn’t want them to leave empty-handed, so I sold all the books before coming back. I’m just a bit tired, and my hands hurt,” Wei Lan said, rubbing her wrists. She hadn’t noticed it with so many people earlier, but now her hands felt sore.

“Don’t work so hard next time. Have you eaten dinner?” Lu Zijin asked, feeling a bit distressed seeing the little Qianyuan’s tired face.

“Not yet. I’ll eat after bathing. I signed books all day, and my clothes are soaked,” Wei Lan replied.

As they spoke, the maids brought in water, pouring it into the tub and adjusting the temperature.

“Madam, rest first. I’ll take a while,” Wei Lan said, knowing Lu Zijin’s work was also demanding and not wanting her to tire.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you in bed. Go bathe quickly,” Lu Zijin said softly.

“Hmm, hmm,” Wei Lan replied.

After the maids left, Wei Lan went behind the screen, removed her clothes, and soaked comfortably in the bath.

She had sat all day, her body somewhat tense, but the bath made her feel much better.

After bathing, the maids came in to clean up and brought food for Wei Lan.

Wei Lan was truly starving and ate heartily at the table.

Lu Zijin didn’t lower the bed curtains but leaned on the bed, watching Wei Lan eat with relish. A smile spread across Lu Zijin’s face.

When Wei Lan finished eating, the dishes on the round table were nearly gone. The maids came in to tidy up, and Wei Lan rinsed her mouth, ready to sleep.

Seeing Lu Zijin still awake, Wei Lan’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her. “Madam, I missed you so much. I haven’t seen you all day.”

“Come here, darling,” Lu Zijin said, beckoning her little dog to come closer.

Wei Lan quickly shed her outer dress, climbed into bed in her undergarments, and snuggled into Lu Zijin’s arms, nuzzling her affectionately. “Madam, I earned a lot of money today. Is there a reward?”

Lu Zijin chuckled, pinched Wei Lan’s cheek, then tugged at her dog tag and kissed her cheek. “What reward do you want?”

Wei Lan hummed, kissed Lu Zijin’s lips, then whispered in her arms, “I want to play with my little phoenix.”

Lu Zijin’s ears turned slightly red. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t let Wei Lan play, but after Wei Lan had her fun, she ignored Lu Zijin.

Lu Zijin sighed, thinking she might need to find some other lessons for her naughty dog, or she’d only stick to superficial kisses and hugs.

“Madam, if you don’t speak, does that mean you agree?” Wei Lan asked, her eyes shining as she looked at Lu Zijin. Seeing no objection, she hooked her fingers around Lu Zijin’s waistband and happily played with her little phoenix.

Lu Zijin found it hard to bear, with the scent of white sandalwood occasionally wafting out. Yet Wei Lan only touched those two spots, stopping after a while, leaving Lu Zijin feeling unsatisfied and uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Wei Lan was already hugging Lu Zijin, ready to sleep.

Lu Zijin looked at her little dog and sighed softly.

Several days passed, and the Chen’s Bookshops in Panyang City could no longer hold on. Textbooks like ‘The Four Books’ and ‘The Five Classics’ were all bought at the Lu Family Bookshop by scholars, and their once-proud storybooks weren’t selling anymore. For days, their shops’ revenue was only a few taels of silver, and the shopkeepers feared Chen’s business would collapse.

Chen Zhou was anxious too. He hadn’t secured the imperial merchant deal, and now even the bookshop business was taken by Lu Zijin’s side. But a lean camel is still bigger than a horse, and the Chen family had some savings. They could afford losses for now, but not indefinitely.

Chen Zhou summoned Su Er to call the shopkeepers of Chen’s Bookshops to his study. After pondering, Chen Zhou said, “Have all the shops adjust prices. Set ‘The Four Books’ and ‘The Five Classics’ to five hundred wen per copy, and lower the storybooks to eight hundred wen per copy.”

“Young Master, are we really lowering prices that much?” the shopkeepers asked, knowing they’d earn much less.

Chen Zhou nodded. “For now, this is the only way. Spread the news quickly. We can’t let the Lu Family Bookshop dominate.”

“Yes,” the shopkeepers replied, immediately setting to work.

Soon, this news reached the ears of the Lu Family Bookshop’s shopkeepers. Qu Qiushui quickly sent someone to report to Wei Lan.

Wei Lan thought for a moment and instructed, “Lower our prices for ‘The Four Books’ and ‘The Five Classics’ to five hundred wen per copy. Keep the storybooks at one tael of silver per copy, and signed copies remain at five taels.”

“Yes, we’ll inform the shopkeepers at all locations,” the two assistants replied, hurrying to spread the word.

Wei Lan’s side had movable type printing molds. For national exam textbooks like ‘The Four Books’ and ‘The Five Classics’, Wei Lan had kept complete molds, so they could print as many as needed with little cost. But Chen Zhou’s side had to rely on manual copying, and with lower prices, they suffered losses.

As for storybooks, Wei Lan wasn’t worried. Her revenge-driven stories were far more engaging than the clichéd scholar-beauty tales, so she didn’t need to lower prices.

As expected, Chen Zhou’s Chen’s Bookshops saw some sales of ‘The Four Books’ and ‘The Five Classics’, but few bought their storybooks. After reading good stories, no one wanted those outdated scholar-beauty tales.

At the end of the month, Wei Lan held another signing event. Like the last one, the queue stretched onto the street. Many came for the cakes, and all fifteen hundred printed storybooks sold out. The Lu Family Bookshop’s revenue saw a significant increase compared to before.

—

In the capital, Fan Chuan barely went out for nearly a month, except for a few palace banquets invited by the old emperor. The rest of the time, she stayed in the Marshal’s Mansion, refusing visitors and invitations, acting like an obedient, isolated minister.

In reality, Fan Chuan planned it this way. Getting involved with any faction would arouse the old emperor’s suspicions, so for now, she needed to stay secluded and wait quietly for her marriage.

Meanwhile, in the Hall of Diligent Governance, Zhou Nanfeng felt dizzy after reviewing memorials for a while.

He pinched his brow, his cloudy eyes devoid of light. “Eunuch Liu, do you think Fan Chuan has any issues?” he asked.

Eunuch Liu immediately bowed respectfully, feigning fear. “Your Majesty jests. How could a eunuch like me comment on state affairs?”

“Just treat it as me joking with you. Speak freely. I won’t hold you accountable,” Zhou Nanfeng continued.

“Then, may this servant speak casually?” Eunuch Liu asked cautiously, observing Zhou Nanfeng’s expression.

“Hmm,” Zhou Nanfeng replied, closing his eyes to rest while waiting for Eunuch Liu’s words.

“Forgive this servant’s bluntness. The Fan family, to put it nicely, is full of loyal martyrs. To put it harshly, they’re stubborn. They’ve guarded the Northern Border for generations and are loyal to the court. This Fan Chuan is also stubborn. I heard she returns all invitations except for palace banquets, clearly aiming to be Your Majesty’s loyal minister. Such a stubborn person isn’t worth Your Majesty’s concern,” Eunuch Liu said, watching the old emperor’s expression.

Zhou Nanfeng laughed, glaring at Eunuch Liu. “Rough words, but not without reason. The Fan family is indeed loyal, and Fan Chuan is an honest person. This time, I betrothed Shen Lingwei to her, placing my own person by her side, so there’s even less need to fear disloyalty.”

“Your Majesty is wise,” Eunuch Liu flattered quickly.

Zhou Nanfeng sighed. He couldn’t keep Fan Chuan long. The Northern Border’s conflicts were always tense, and without Fan Chuan, the Xiongnu would stir again. So, Zhou Nanfeng planned to let Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei return to the Northern Border soon after their wedding.

“By the way, how are the Internal Affairs Office’s preparations? Fan Chuan’s wedding is in three days, right?” the old emperor asked.

“Everything is prepared properly, ensuring a grand event to show Your Majesty’s favor toward Marshal Fan,” Eunuch Liu replied eagerly.

“Good,” Zhou Nanfeng said. After all, the Fan family was loyal, and appearances had to be maintained.

On the other side, in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Shen Lingwei sat at her desk writing poetry. These days, she rarely went out, declining all invitations from noble ladies. She knew they only wanted to belittle and mock her, so why bother attending?

Soon, a maid announced that Madam had arrived.

Shen Lingwei stood to greet her.

Seeing her, Zhang Qingwen said, “We’re family. No need to come out. You’re getting married in three days, and I can’t bear to part with you. I want to have a private talk.”

“Thank you, Mother, for your care. Let’s talk in the bedroom,” Shen Lingwei said, her expression calm but her words respectful.

“Good. Lingwei, this marriage is His Majesty’s decree. Your father had no choice. You mustn’t blame him,” Zhang Qingwen said, looking distressed for Shen Lingwei.

Shen Lingwei nodded faintly. “Mother, don’t worry. I won’t blame Father. It’s His Majesty’s will, and as a subject’s daughter, I must obey.”

“I’m relieved you think this way, but I can’t bear you going to the harsh Northern Border. Once you leave, who knows when we’ll see each other again,” Zhang Qingwen said, squeezing out a few tears.

“Mother, set your heart at ease. Since His Majesty decreed it, I can only comply. I just won’t be able to serve you and Father anymore,” Shen Lingwei said calmly, still giving face.

“You’ve always been a good child. I heard Qianyuan in the military live decadently, some even visiting brothels. Fan Chuan is already twenty-one. How could she not have Kunze serving her? It’s hard for you,” Zhang Qingwen said, crying again.

Shen Lingwei comforted her, “Mother, don’t worry for me. It’s already decided, so no matter who she is, I can’t escape. I’ll just do my best.”

“I’m relieved you think this way. Your father, being a Qianyuan, can’t discuss this, so he asked me to talk about the wedding night…” Zhang Qingwen continued, explaining details to Shen Lingwei.

When Shen Lingwei saw Zhang Qingwen off, she felt a headache. Her mother wasn’t so kind; this visit was just for show to silence gossip.

Also, Zhang Qingwen’s words about Fan Chuan having other Kunze were meant to upset her. Shen Lingwei wouldn’t fall for it, but Fan Chuan, at twenty-one, might indeed have other Kunze in the Northern Border.

Thinking this, Shen Lingwei gripped her handkerchief tighter. The Northern Border was chaotic, and after leaving the capital, she’d need to use Fan Chuan. Her talents were useless there, and Fan Chuan was her only leverage.

Of course, Shen Lingwei didn’t think Fan Chuan would like her. She was His Majesty’s spy by Fan Chuan’s side, required to send monthly reports on Fan Chuan’s actions via her guards.

After marriage, Fan Chuan would likely keep her distance. Their marriage would be one of mutual use. Shen Lingwei just needed to play the role of a dutiful marshal’s wife, and the rest would follow naturally.

As for consummation, Shen Lingwei sighed. She had no control over it. If Fan Chuan insisted on consummating, she couldn’t refuse.

Thinking this, Shen Lingwei’s face paled. The so-called capital’s top talent was still trapped by her Kunze identity in domestic affairs. In the Northern Border, she might face hostility from Fan Chuan’s other Kunze. The thought made Shen Lingwei feel utterly bored.

But she didn’t like Fan Chuan, so she wouldn’t compete for affection. She just wanted a small courtyard to live peacefully with Xiao Tao.

Three days later, Fan Chuan dressed early in a bright red gown and rode to the Prime Minister’s Mansion to fetch Shen Lingwei.

Since the old emperor arranged it, the wedding procession nearly blocked the entire street.

At the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Fan Chuan bowed to Shen Fangzhou and Zhang Qingwen, then followed the matchmaker to Shen Lingwei’s courtyard.

Shen Lingwei sat upright on a chair, waiting for Fan Chuan, her posture reflecting excellent upbringing. Xiao Tao, however, was anxious, pacing like an ant on a hot pot.

“Miss, what should we do? Marshal Fan is almost here. What if she’s fierce-looking? I heard that military people are rough. What if she hurts you without care?” Xiao Tao said, wiping tears.

A soft laugh came from under the red veil. At this moment, Shen Lingwei felt calm. As His Majesty’s envoy, Fan Chuan would think twice before retaliating, so Shen Lingwei wasn’t panicked. As for consummation, it didn’t matter who it was with since she had no one she liked.

Hearing her laugh, Xiao Tao nearly fumed, sniffling and muttering, “Miss, at a time like this, you can still laugh?”

“Relax, don’t cry,” Shen Lingwei comforted.

As they spoke, the sound of music grew closer. The matchmaker shouted, “Marshal Fan has arrived.”

As her words fell, Fan Chuan entered the bedroom.

Her gaze met Shen Lingwei, seated on the chair, though the veil hid her face.

Fan Chuan bowed to Shen Lingwei and said, “Madam, pardon me. I’ll help you up and carry you out.”

“Thank you, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei replied faintly, standing as her hands were held.

“Be careful. I’ll turn around, and you can climb onto my back,” Fan Chuan said, turning and squatting to let Shen Lingwei climb on.

Shen Lingwei, a refined young lady, rarely interacted with Qianyuan, let alone had physical contact. Suppressing her discomfort, she climbed onto Fan Chuan’s back, her arms around Fan Chuan’s neck.

Seeing her settled, Fan Chuan hooked her arms under Shen Lingwei’s thighs and said, “Pardon me.”

She then carried Shen Lingwei out. Shen Lingwei, never touched there before, blushed under the veil, her heart beating faster than usual.

She hadn’t seen Fan Chuan’s face clearly, but Fan Chuan’s voice was pleasant, not like a crude person.

Meanwhile, Shen Lingwei’s younger Kunze sisters and brothers watched from a distance, mocking her quietly.

“Look at Eldest Sister. No matter how pretty or talented, what’s the use? She’s still marrying a brute,” a male Kunze, Shen Lingwei’s sixth brother born to a concubine, sneered.

“Exactly. She thought she’d be the crown princess, but this? We’re better off,” another male Kunze, also a half-sibling, chimed in.

“Look, they’re coming out,” a female Kunze said, pointing at Shen Lingwei’s courtyard.

They wanted to see how ugly Fan Chuan was, but saw Fan Chuan carrying Shen Lingwei out. Fan Chuan wore a red gown, her skin appearing fairer, her features cool and jade-like, her smile striking. Her hair was adorned with gold pins. Far from a brute, she looked like a stunningly handsome youth, prettier than a Kunze.

“Wow, Fan Chuan looks like that? Isn’t she exposed to wind and sun in the Northern Border? How is she so good-looking?”

“Yeah, she’s prettier than a Kunze, with a great figure too.”

“I think Eldest Sister didn’t marry badly. Fan Chuan’s face is better than the princes’.”

“What’s the use of looks? The Northern Border is always at war. Who knows when Shen Lingwei will be widowed? Think how many Fan family members have died.”

“True.”

Some of Shen Lingwei’s siblings envied her, some were jealous, and others gloated at her misfortune. Such was life in the inner household.

Shen Lingwei had no affection for these siblings or even her father. Her mother had died barely half a month when her father began associating with Zhang Qingwen. Yet he pretended to mourn, waiting three years before remarrying, though he was entangled with Zhang Qingwen all along.

To Shen Lingwei, Shen Fangzhou was hypocritical and laughable, but the world believed his devoted widower act, earning him goodwill and a reputation as a devoted prime minister.