Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 63

Chapter 63

As expected, Shen Fangzhou managed to squeeze out a few crocodile tears. Of course, Shen Lingwei knew nothing of this. At that moment, Fan Chuan had already carried her out of the courtyard on her back.

The woman beneath her wasn’t as burly as Shen Lingwei had imagined. Instead, Fan Chuan’s figure was slender, but Shen Lingwei could feel that Fan Chuan’s steps were vigorous and steady.

The skin where she and Fan Chuan touched felt warm. As the prime minister’s daughter, this was already the most improper thing Shen Lingwei had done in her life.

Shen Lingwei took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. The wedding was only the beginning. That night, she and Fan Chuan would share a room, and perhaps even consummate the marriage.

However, though she thought this, her heartbeat showed no sign of slowing down.

Fan Chuan seemed to notice Shen Lingwei’s nervousness and softened her voice. “Don’t be afraid. We’ll be there soon,” she said.

Shen Lingwei paused, surprised that Fan Chuan would show concern for her. She quickly replied, “Good. Thank you for your effort.”

Fan Chuan smiled. “It’s nothing,” she said.

With that, she continued carrying Shen Lingwei toward the entrance of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

When Fan Chuan carried her to the sedan, she squatted down and carefully helped Shen Lingwei sit properly inside. “Be careful,” she said.

She held Shen Lingwei’s arms, guiding her to sit on the sedan’s chair before letting go. “We’re about to leave,” she said.

Shen Lingwei couldn’t see Fan Chuan’s expression. She clutched her hands nervously and nodded at Fan Chuan. “Good,” she said.

Fan Chuan lowered the sedan’s curtain, nimbly mounted her chestnut horse, and led the long wedding procession toward the Marshal’s Mansion.

Upon arriving at the Marshal’s Mansion, Fan Chuan needed to carry Shen Lingwei to the hall for the ceremony. The old emperor, due to health reasons, didn’t attend. He sent the crown prince and the prime minister to act as witnesses.

The sound of music and drums filled the streets. Curious onlookers and children running about gathered to watch the excitement, and the entire street brimmed with joy.

Soon, the wedding procession reached the Marshal’s Mansion. The sedan was lowered again, and Fan Chuan approached to lift the curtain. “Madam, we’ve arrived. I’ll carry you inside,” she said.

With that, Fan Chuan helped Shen Lingwei stand. She held Shen Lingwei’s wrist with one hand and placed the other on Shen Lingwei’s head to protect it. “Mind your head. I’ll turn around first,” she said.

Fan Chuan turned and squatted down, then reached out to guide Shen Lingwei.

Shen Lingwei’s ears turned bright red. In just this short time, she and Fan Chuan had touched each other multiple times.

Carefully following Fan Chuan’s lead, she touched Fan Chuan’s shoulders and bent down to climb onto her back.

Once Fan Chuan confirmed Shen Lingwei’s arms were around her neck, she said, “Pardon me.”

Then she placed her hands under Shen Lingwei’s thighs and stood, carrying her out.

Shen Lingwei blushed when Fan Chuan touched her there again. Fortunately, the veil hid her brief moment of embarrassment.

The Marshal’s Mansion was bustling with wedding guests, making it especially noisy. Fan Chuan felt overwhelmed by the clamor, finding it far more challenging than killing enemies on the battlefield.

Guided by the matchmaker, she climbed the steps to the mansion. The matchmaker stood at the entrance, reciting auspicious words, then said to Fan Chuan, “Marshal, it’s time to carry the bride over the brazier.”

Fan Chuan felt the arms around her neck tighten slightly. She chuckled softly. “Relax. It won’t burn you,” she said.

With that, she stepped over the brazier and continued toward the ceremony hall.

Having her thoughts read, Shen Lingwei’s ears reddened slightly. This Fan Chuan seemed quite attentive, noticing her feelings, which eased Shen Lingwei’s mind a bit.

Though the marriage was decreed by His Majesty and had to be fulfilled, if Fan Chuan were an unreasonable, brutish Qianyuan, living with her would be difficult. But so far, Fan Chuan seemed to handle things well on the surface. What she thought inwardly, Shen Lingwei couldn’t know.

Both harbored their own thoughts. Soon, Fan Chuan carried Shen Lingwei to the hall. Having fought on battlefields for years, Fan Chuan had excellent stamina. Carrying Shen Lingwei, her steps remained light. When she reached the hall, she set Shen Lingwei down, and the matchmaker came over, leading them to the front of the hall.

The matchmaker handed each end of a long red silk ribbon to Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei, then had them face the crown prince and Shen Fangzhou in the hall.

Crown Prince Zhou Xiao’s face was grim, his gaze fixed on Shen Lingwei. She was someone he and his brothers had competed for, yet their father had granted her to Fan Chuan.

Zhou Xiao felt murderous toward Fan Chuan but had to endure for now. Once the old emperor died and he ascended, he’d take Shen Lingwei back.

While Zhou Xiao was lost in thought, Shen Fangzhou spoke. “Since everyone’s here, let’s begin the ceremony. Don’t miss the auspicious time,” he said.

“Alright, Lord Prime Minister. The couple will now bow to heaven and earth, then to the elders, and finally to each other…” the matchmaker announced.

With the matchmaker’s clear voice, Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei completed the ceremony. Afterward, Fan Chuan took Shen Lingwei’s wrist and led her to the bedroom in the rear courtyard.

Worried that Shen Lingwei couldn’t keep up, Fan Chuan deliberately slowed her pace and warned her at steps or thresholds.

“Careful, there’s a step here,” Fan Chuan said, holding Shen Lingwei’s wrist and reminding her gently.

Shen Lingwei followed Fan Chuan’s instructions, quickly thanking her. “Thank you, Marshal,” she said.

“No need to be polite. We’re almost there. Watch the threshold,” Fan Chuan said, helping Shen Lingwei into the bedroom.

All along, Xiao Tao followed nervously behind them, accompanying the couple with other maids.

Xiao Tao kept stealing glances at Fan Chuan. Overall, things seemed better than she’d expected. Fan Chuan appeared polite and not rough with her miss, which eased Xiao Tao’s mind slightly. Still, in a new environment, she couldn’t help feeling anxious.

Fan Chuan, unaware of this, guided Shen Lingwei to the bedside before releasing her wrist. “I need to greet the guests. Rest in the bedroom for now. If you’re hungry, ask the maids outside to bring food. The mansion isn’t strict about rules, so do what feels comfortable,” she said.

“Good. Go handle your duties, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei replied, sitting upright by the bed.

“Hmm,” Fan Chuan said, noticing Xiao Tao nearby. She added, “Take care of your miss. If you need anything, tell the maids at the door.”

“Yes, Marshal,” Xiao Tao replied respectfully.

Fan Chuan nodded and left. The banquet filled the entire front hall, and Yun Heng was already ushering officials to their seats.

Fan Chuan, accompanied by Yun Heng and several maids carrying wine jugs, began toasting table by table.

Several princes attended. Seeing Fan Chuan, their eyes sparked with hostility.

The Ninth Prince, Zhou Yang, the youngest and most impetuous, wouldn’t let Fan Chuan off easily when she came to toast.

“Well, if it isn’t the North’s top hero, Marshal Fan? Living in the military, your tolerance for wine must be impressive. Today, this prince wants to see it for himself,” Zhou Yang said, glaring at Fan Chuan.

Fan Chuan smiled. “Your Highness jests. My tolerance is poor. Please, Your Highnesses, go easy on me,” she said.

She raised her cup with both hands in a toasting gesture, but Zhou Yang stopped her before she could drink.

“Wait. What’s with the small cup? As a martial general, Marshal Fan should use a large bowl to toast. Don’t you agree, brothers?” Zhou Yang said, sneering.

The Fifth Prince, Zhou Xun, chimed in. “Right. Marshal Fan’s tolerance must be great. Show some sincerity. Someone, get a large bowl,” he said.

Thus, Fan Chuan’s small cup was replaced with a large bowl. She had to toast with it. “Then this subject will use the large bowl to toast Your Highnesses,” she said.

“Wait. That won’t do, Marshal Fan. We rarely see each other once a year. You should toast each of us a full bowl,” the Third Prince, Zhou Ji, said. Having competed for Shen Lingwei, they weren’t about to let Fan Chuan have her way.

Fan Chuan looked troubled but agreed. “Alright. I’ll toast His Highness the Crown Prince first,” she said.

Holding the bowl filled with wine, Fan Chuan drank it down in one gulp for Zhou Xiao.

After this bowl, her steps grew unsteady. “I’ll toast the Third Highness next,” she said.

Zhou Ji stared at Fan Chuan, satisfied when he saw her cheeks flush.

By the time Fan Chuan toasted all four, she needed Yun Heng’s support to continue.

Of course, this was all an act. Fan Chuan’s tolerance was excellent, and ancient wine’s alcohol content was far lower than modern liquor. This amount couldn’t possibly intoxicate her. She feigned drunkenness to escape quickly, avoiding further interaction with the princes.

The courtyard was filled with officials, and since such gatherings were rare, the banquet lasted from morning until nearly dark without ending. But Fan Chuan, pretending to be drunk, successfully excused herself, leaving the rest to Yun Heng.

Meanwhile, Shen Lingwei remained seated upright by the bed, her back straight, barely moving.

Xiao Tao said, “Miss, you haven’t eaten all day. I’ll have some food prepared.” She felt sorry for her miss and spoke urgently.

“No. We’re in the Marshal’s Mansion now. We must be cautious in everything to avoid giving them any fault to find,” Shen Lingwei said, still sitting upright. She was indeed hungry, but after asking Xiao Tao the time, she felt Fan Chuan would return soon.

“Miss, you’re too cautious,” Xiao Tao said, wanting to argue but seeing her miss’s resolve, she didn’t press further.

As Shen Lingwei predicted, footsteps soon sounded outside.

The maids opened the door, and Fan Chuan, supported by two guards, staggered into the bedroom.

Seeing her drunken state, Xiao Tao frowned. Surely her miss wouldn’t have to consummate with this drunkard.

Fan Chuan was helped to the round table and sat down. She waved the guards away. Once they left, she dropped the act.

Standing, she looked toward Shen Lingwei and asked, “Have you eaten?”

“Not yet,” Shen Lingwei replied, her fingers tightening slightly.

“Good. I’ll have them prepare food first,” Fan Chuan said, opening the door to instruct the maids outside. They quickly had the courtyard’s small kitchen prepare a meal.

Fan Chuan returned and saw Shen Lingwei’s veil still on. She approached and sat beside her.

Shen Lingwei’s fingertips, clasped together, paled slightly. At this moment, she wasn’t as calm as she appeared.

Fan Chuan was nervous too. Though this marriage was forced, and Shen Lingwei was the old emperor’s spy, it was her first wedding.

Fan Chuan pursed her lips before saying, “I’ll help you remove the veil first.”

“Thank you, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei said, her heart pounding but her face composed.

Fan Chuan grasped a corner of the red silk and gently lifted it, revealing Shen Lingwei’s face.

Shen Lingwei’s eyes were like water, her porcelain skin making her appear ethereal and refined. Even expressionless, her beauty was undeniable.

Fan Chuan paused, stunned. No wonder she was the capital’s top beauty; Shen Lingwei was indeed stunning.

As Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei, Shen Lingwei observed her too. She sighed in relief. Thankfully, Fan Chuan wasn’t a brute and had a refined appearance. If not told, many might mistake her for a beautiful Kunze.

“I’ll help remove the heavy hairpins. You must be tired,” Fan Chuan said, thoughtfully taking off Shen Lingwei’s heavy hair ornaments.

“It’s fine. Not as tiring as you, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei said politely.

Fan Chuan carried the hairpins to the dressing table and placed them there.

Hearing Shen Lingwei’s words, Fan Chuan smiled faintly. “I’m fine. My tolerance is decent,” she said.

As they spoke, the food was brought in.

Fan Chuan approached the bed and helped Shen Lingwei up. “Come, let’s eat first,” she said.

“Hmm,” Shen Lingwei said, her ears reddening as she looked at Fan Chuan’s hand on her wrist and nodded.

Seeing Fan Chuan’s courtesy, Xiao Tao felt slightly relieved for her miss.

As if remembering something, Fan Chuan looked at Xiao Tao. “You should eat too. I had the kitchen prepare food,” she said.

“But, but…” Xiao Tao worried, fearing her miss would be devoured by a wolf.

Shen Lingwei looked at Xiao Tao and smiled. “Go eat. You’ve been tired all day,” she said.

Hearing her miss, Xiao Tao moved reluctantly, her eyes still on Fan Chuan, fearing she’d harm her miss.

Fan Chuan met Xiao Tao’s gaze, and Xiao Tao hurriedly fled.

Fan Chuan shook her head, amused. “Your maid is quite interesting,” she said.

“Xiao Tao has followed me since childhood. She’s naturally nervous for me. Please don’t mind, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei said, using chopsticks to neatly place food on Fan Chuan’s plate.

Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei. “No need for so much formality. We’re family now. My parents and brothers are gone, and the household has few rules. Do what’s comfortable in the future,” she said.

“Good. Thank you for your understanding, Marshal,” Shen Lingwei replied quickly.

The meal was eaten politely, a downside of arranged marriages. Having never met, conversation at dinner was inevitably awkward.

After eating, Fan Chuan thought and said, “I’ll have water prepared for bathing. You can bathe here. I’ll use the next room.”

Shen Lingwei’s ears reddened, and she nodded faintly. “Good,” she said.

The moment had finally come. Despite her mental preparation, Shen Lingwei felt flustered. She comforted herself that at least Fan Chuan was good-looking, better than her worst fears. Even if consummation was unavoidable, seeing this face might ease her heart.

With that, Shen Lingwei bathed. Fan Chuan did the same. After a busy day, she reeked of wine. She rinsed her mouth several times to lessen the smell, then soaked comfortably in hot water, thinking about what to do next.

Since it was a decreed marriage, she and Shen Lingwei couldn’t sleep separately. If they did on the first night, spies might report to the old emperor that she was dissatisfied with the marriage.

So, she had to share a room with Shen Lingwei. But anything further was out of the question. With no feelings between them, and Shen Lingwei being the emperor’s spy, Fan Chuan wouldn’t touch her.

Having such a wife, she could only treat her courteously. As for feelings, she and Shen Lingwei would never have any.

Thinking this, Fan Chuan felt slightly relieved.

She stepped out of the tub, changed into clean clothes, and returned to the bedroom. Shen Lingwei, in her undergarments, was drying her hair. Xiao Tao was still there.

Fan Chuan glanced at Xiao Tao, who quickly looked away, pretending not to see her.

Fan Chuan nearly laughed. She said deliberately, “Xiao Tao, you can leave. Madam and I need to rest.”

Xiao Tao’s eyes reddened in fear. “But, but…” she stammered.

“It’s fine. Go rest,” Shen Lingwei said quickly, fearing Xiao Tao’s words might annoy Fan Chuan.

“Yes, Miss,” Xiao Tao replied reluctantly, leaving the bedroom.

Seeing Shen Lingwei nearly ready, Fan Chuan asked, “Is it okay if you sleep on the inside?”

“Hmm,” Shen Lingwei said, her ears red as she nodded faintly. Noticing Fan Chuan’s outer dress still on, she said, “Marshal, I’ll help you change.”

“No need. I can do it myself,” Fan Chuan said, not liking others helping with such tasks, as she usually did them herself.

Shen Lingwei stood by the bed, unmoving. “It’s fine. Let me do it,” she said.

When Fan Chuan approached the bed, Shen Lingwei stepped forward, untying her waistband and then her sash. She removed Fan Chuan’s outer dress and hung it on a nearby rack.

Fan Chuan felt somewhat uneasy. “You get in first,” she said.

“Hmm,” Shen Lingwei said, her ears slightly red as she nodded. She climbed into bed and lay on the inner side.

Once lying down, Shen Lingwei took several deep breaths, her hands clutching nervously.

Fan Chuan was nervous too. Used to sleeping alone, she didn’t know her sleeping habits and hoped she wouldn’t hit this delicate lady.

Thinking this, she covered herself with a thin blanket, lay on the outer side, and lowered the bed curtains.

On the wedding night, the red candles in the bedroom couldn’t be extinguished, so even with the curtains down, it remained bright inside.

Fan Chuan glanced at Shen Lingwei, seeing her staring nervously at the canopy. She spoke bluntly. “We’ve been tired all day. Sleep early,” she said.

She closed her eyes, not looking at Shen Lingwei again.

After a long while, seeing no movement, Shen Lingwei relaxed slightly. She turned her back to Fan Chuan, her heart racing. She’d been terrified Fan Chuan might pounce, but it was a false alarm.

Shen Lingwei thought she’d stay awake all night, but perhaps due to the day’s exhaustion, she fell asleep unknowingly.

She was a light sleeper and unused to new beds, waking at the slightest noise.

So, the next morning, feeling movement beside her, her hand instinctively grabbed Fan Chuan’s wrist.

Shen Lingwei opened her sleepy eyes, looking at Fan Chuan in confusion. She then remembered she was no longer in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and the person before her was her wife.

Seeing Fan Chuan sitting up, Shen Lingwei sat up quickly. “Are you getting up?” she asked.

Fan Chuan saw her sleepy look, far cuter than her usual polite demeanor, and smiled. “Sleep more. It’s still early. I’ll practice with my spear and be back,” she said.

Shen Lingwei tightened her grip on Fan Chuan’s wrist. “No, I’ll get up too. I’ll help you dress,” she said.

“No need. I can do it myself,” Fan Chuan said, trying to rise, but her wrist remained in Shen Lingwei’s grasp.

“No. As your wife, it’s my duty to help you dress,” Shen Lingwei said, still half-asleep, her soft voice adding a touch of charm.

Seeing her insistence, Fan Chuan nodded. “Alright, as you wish,” she said.

Hearing this, Shen Lingwei rose quickly. Her position was delicate—she had to report Fan Chuan’s actions to the old emperor while securing her place by Fan Chuan’s side. She needed to be impeccable, showing care in Fan Chuan’s affairs to avoid any fault.

Of course, Shen Lingwei wouldn’t foolishly report things she shouldn’t. Now by Fan Chuan’s side, and soon far from the capital, she couldn’t afford to offend Fan Chuan.

With that, Shen Lingwei fetched Fan Chuan’s dress, draping it over her shoulders. She looked up at Fan Chuan. “Marshal, extend your arm,” she said.

“Good,” Fan Chuan replied, cooperating as Shen Lingwei dressed her.

Shen Lingwei’s slender fingers moved through Fan Chuan’s sash, quickly tying it. To an outsider, they might seem a loving couple, but in reality, both were calculating their own plans.

Shen Lingwei picked up a jade belt, her arms loosely around Fan Chuan’s waist to fasten it. She adjusted Fan Chuan’s clothes.

Fan Chuan looked down slightly at Shen Lingwei. She was indeed beautiful, especially in this gentle moment. If their marriage were normal, Fan Chuan might truly like such a woman. But they served different masters.

“Marshal, it’s done,” Shen Lingwei said, smiling gently at Fan Chuan.

Fan Chuan returned a smile. “Thank you. If you’re still tired, go back to sleep,” she said.

Fan Chuan was used to rising early in the military. She’d moved lightly, not expecting to wake Shen Lingwei.

“No need. I’ll wait for you to have breakfast together,” Shen Lingwei said, unwilling to risk any fault and determined to fulfill her wifely duties.

“Alright then,” Fan Chuan said, seeing her insistence. She left the room and headed to the mansion’s training ground.

Fan Chuan was skilled with various weapons, but her preferred short weapon was the saber, and her long weapon was the spear.

Now, Fan Chuan picked a spear from the training ground and began practicing. Her movements were fluid, the spear like a dragon in her hands, imbued with life.

Her spear thrusts were swift and fierce, the weapon whistling with power. When she stopped, sweat glistened on her body. She then switched to a long saber for practice.

On the battlefield, swords were less practical. Though elegant to wear, they lacked the saber’s intimidating force, so Fan Chuan preferred the saber.

After a vigorous saber routine, her clothes were soaked with sweat. Estimating the time, she returned to a nearby room to bathe.