Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Fan Chuan naturally left trusted soldiers to guard the carriage. The guard saw Xiao Tao crying and hurriedly said, “Miss, don’t worry, I will go find the Marshal right away.”

After speaking, he rode his horse, left the original team, and quickly galloped forward.

Soon, he caught up with Fan Chuan in the middle of the team and said, “Marshal, I report to you, Madam is ill.”

Fan Chuan was riding on horseback. When she heard this, she immediately became anxious. Indeed, Shen Lingwei, a delicate young lady, could not endure such a rushed journey. She blamed herself for being too hasty.

Thinking this, Fan Chuan quickly said, “Pass my military order: everyone stops to rest in place and maintains formation as much as possible.”

“Yes,” six messengers quickly took horns and flags to spread the order in all directions.

Fan Chuan then said to Yun Heng, “Go call the physician.”

“Yes,” Yun Heng hurriedly started to leave.

Fan Chuan pulled the reins and shouted, “Wait, I remember there is a female Kunze among the physicians. Call her.”

Since Shen Lingwei was a delicate young lady, Fan Chuan feared a rough Qianyuan physician might startle her.

After giving these instructions, the long team gradually stopped. Fan Chuan, with Yun Heng, rode to the carriage.

Xiao Tao saw Fan Chuan approaching, as if seeing a savior, and cried, “Marshal, please save my lady quickly. She has a severe fever.”

Fan Chuan had no time to ask more. She dismounted, threw her sword and whip to Yun Heng, and quickly climbed into the carriage, rushing inside.

Inside the carriage, she saw Shen Lingwei still sleeping deeply. Fan Chuan wiped her hands with a cloth from the small table and carefully placed them on Shen Lingwei’s forehead, feeling intense heat.

A wave of guilt rose in Fan Chuan for no reason. These past days, she focused on traveling far from the capital, constantly hurrying and dealing with military matters, neglecting to check on Shen Lingwei, who had fallen so ill.

No matter what, Shen Lingwei was now her wife, and such neglect was truly wrong.

“Yun Heng, have someone boil hot water,” Fan Chuan ordered. She dared not move Shen Lingwei and anxiously waited for the physician.

Soon, Jiang Xian hurriedly arrived, carrying a medical box, and respectfully saluted outside.

“Greetings, Marshal.”

“At a time like this, forget the formalities. Come up quickly and see what’s wrong with her,” Fan Chuan said urgently.

Jiang Xian obeyed and climbed into the carriage. She was surprised by Fan Chuan’s attitude. After all, their Marshal was someone who remained calm even if Mount Tai collapsed, yet she was so flustered because Madam was ill?

She dared not think too much. Fan Chuan had already made room by the small bed. Jiang Xian placed Shen Lingwei’s wrist on a soft cushion and began checking her pulse.

Soon, Jiang Xian withdrew her hand.

“How is she? Why is her fever so severe?” Fan Chuan asked.

“These past days of travel have exhausted Madam’s body, and she caught a cold. She needs proper rest for a few days to recover. The army has medicine for treating colds and fevers. I will have someone prepare it, but…”

Seeing Jiang Xian hesitate, Fan Chuan grew more anxious and asked, “But what?”

“Madam’s body is not as strong as those of us in the army. She probably shouldn’t travel for the next few days,” Jiang Xian said carefully. She thought Fan Chuan wouldn’t halt the march for a Kunze, as it wasn’t her style, so she initially held back.

Unexpectedly, Fan Chuan stepped out of the carriage, looked at Yun Heng outside, and asked, “How far is the nearest post station from here?”

“Replying to the Marshal, it’s not far. We should reach a post station near the town in about an hour,” Yun Heng quickly said.

“Good. Pass the order: the main force will rest near the post station. Everyone has worked hard these days, so we’ll rest for a few days before moving on,” Fan Chuan said.

“Yes, I will pass the order,” Yun Heng hurriedly replied.

Jiang Xian was stunned. It seemed their Marshal cared deeply for her newlywed wife.

Seeing Jiang Xian still standing there, Fan Chuan frowned and said, “Hurry and prepare the medicine. Madam is waiting.”

“Oh, I’ll go now,” Jiang Xian said, rushing to the rear carriages. The physicians rode in two ordinary carriages, unlike Shen Lingwei’s luxurious one. Farther back were carriages with supplies and medicine. Jiang Xian called her two assistants, instructing one to start a fire and the other to fetch medicine.

As an army physician, Jiang Xian moved quickly. Knowing Madam was a delicate lady from the capital, she reduced the medicine’s strength to avoid being too harsh.

After wrapping the herbs in oilpaper, Jiang Xian hurriedly returned to prepare the medicine.

Xiao Tao, guarding outside the carriage, finally felt some relief. She had been terrified, fearing Fan Chuan would ignore her lady. Now, seeing Fan Chuan summon a physician and arrange help, she breathed easier, knowing Fan Chuan didn’t want her lady to die.

Soon, a female Qianyuan in armor brought a copper basin and said, “Miss, this is the hot water the Marshal requested. The cloth inside is new and can be used directly.”

“Thank you,” Xiao Tao said gratefully. She lifted the curtain and brought the basin inside.

Xiao Tao planned to wipe her lady’s sweat herself, but Fan Chuan spoke first, “I’ll do it.”

Saying this, she removed her silver helmet and its mask.

Fan Chuan wet and wrung out the cloth, knelt beside Shen Lingwei, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead.

After wiping her face, Fan Chuan noticed sweat on Shen Lingwei’s fair neck. She rinsed the cloth again, intending to wipe her neck.

But as she looked there, her ears grew hot. Shen Lingwei’s skin was so fair and delicate.

She wiped the sweat from Shen Lingwei’s neck, her gaze averted, not daring to look. By the time she finished, Fan Chuan was sweating herself.

Jiang Xian’s voice came from outside, “Marshal, the medicine is ready.”

Xiao Tao quickly went to fetch it.

Fan Chuan sat on the other side, gently lifting Shen Lingwei to lean against her, then wrapping her in a blanket.

Shen Lingwei stirred awake, her mind groggy. She opened her eyes and saw herself in Fan Chuan’s arms. “Marshal?”

She remembered they had been traveling these past days. Why was Fan Chuan suddenly here? “Why are you here? Aren’t we traveling?”

“You’re ill. It’s my fault for rushing too much and not considering your health. We’ll reach a post station soon, and we’ll rest there tonight,” Fan Chuan said softly.

Seeing Xiao Tao bring the medicine bowl, Fan Chuan said, “I’ll do it.”

Xiao Tao had planned to feed Shen Lingwei herself, but seeing Fan Chuan’s insistence, she didn’t argue. Thanks to Fan Chuan, she handed the bowl to her.

Shen Lingwei felt dizzy but still wanted to maintain her dignity. She said, “Marshal, I can do it myself.”

“Lie still, I’ll feed you,” Fan Chuan said, scooping a spoonful of medicine, blowing on it, and bringing it to Shen Lingwei’s lips. “Careful, it’s hot.”

“Okay,” Shen Lingwei said, too weak to resist. She drank the medicine Fan Chuan fed her.

Spoon by spoon, Fan Chuan fed her the entire bowl. Shen Lingwei was obedient and cooperative.

Fan Chuan handed the bowl to Xiao Tao. Fearing Shen Lingwei might find it bitter, she reached for a teacup on the table and brought it to her lips. “Here, drink some water to soothe your throat.”

Shen Lingwei struggled to open her eyes and drank a few sips.

Seeing her discomfort, Fan Chuan, after feeding her the medicine, held her again, laid her back on the bed, and tucked her in.

She looked at Xiao Tao and instructed, “It’ll take about an hour to reach the post station. Take good care of her. If anything happens, send someone to find me.”

“Yes, Marshal,” Xiao Tao quickly replied.

Fan Chuan nodded, feeling slightly relieved after giving Shen Lingwei the medicine. She put on her helmet, left the carriage, and remounted her horse, taking her sword and whip from Yun Heng. She fastened the sword to her waist and said, “Tell the front to slow down and not rush.”

“Yes, Marshal,” Yun Heng said, hurrying to comply.

Fan Chuan rode back to the middle of the team, and the group moved unusually slowly from then on.

Yun Heng cautiously observed her Marshal’s expression, thinking that although the Marshal married late, she was quite caring toward her wife. Of course, she only dared think this secretly.

The one-hour journey took an hour and a half due to the slower pace.

Fan Chuan ordered the main force to camp on open ground ahead, while she, with dozens of personal guards, physicians, and the carriage, went to the post station.

The post station’s keeper, with a few subordinates, came to greet them. Yun Heng presented the official seal to confirm their identity.

The keeper saluted Fan Chuan and said, “So it’s Marshal Fan, an honored guest! We have some fine rooms available. Please come in.”

Fan Chuan nodded slightly to him and said, “Sorry for the trouble.”

“You’re too polite. It’s our honor to have you stay at our humble place,” the keeper said, used to flattery in his role of welcoming guests. Without interruption, he could go on all day.

Fan Chuan nodded again, turned her horse, and rode to the carriage.

She dismounted neatly, unfastened her sword, and tossed it with the whip to a guard nearby.

Then she climbed into the carriage. Her gaze fell on Shen Lingwei, who was still sleeping deeply, possibly due to the medicine’s effect.

She looked at Xiao Tao and said, “We’ve reached the post station. Pack up. We may stay here a few days. I’ll leave some guards to help you move things.”

“Thank you, Marshal,” Xiao Tao said sincerely. Earlier, when she learned her lady had a fever, she panicked in this remote place. If Fan Chuan had abandoned them, Xiao Tao couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened.

Instead, Fan Chuan not only called a physician but also had medicine prepared. Now, she likely chose to stay at the post station for her lady’s sake, as they had been camping in the wild before.

Fan Chuan entered the carriage, looked at Shen Lingwei, and gently lifted her, wrapping her tightly in a blanket, leaving only half her face exposed. She carried her horizontally and stepped out of the carriage.

Xiao Tao made way. Fan Chuan, holding the tightly wrapped Shen Lingwei, stepped down.

The keeper could only tell that Fan Chuan held a female Kunze. Though only half her face was visible, she seemed strikingly beautiful.

He dared not ask questions and led the way, saying, “Please, Marshal. I’ll take you to our best room. Rest assured, the bedding and sheets are freshly changed for your comfort.”

As a minor post station keeper, he dared not offend a high-ranking general like Fan Chuan, who could crush him as easily as an ant.

Soon, the keeper led them to a second-floor guest room. He opened the door and said respectfully, “Here it is. Rest well. I’ll have dinner prepared. If you need anything, just send for me.”

“Thank you,” Fan Chuan said politely, carrying Shen Lingwei into the room.

Official post stations were usually simple. Despite annual repair funds, corruption left little by the time it reached this level. Still, this station was relatively clean, at least more comfortable than the carriage.

Fan Chuan carefully placed Shen Lingwei on the bed, removed her shoes, adjusted her blanket, and took off her helmet and mask.

Since they were at the post station, she no longer needed armor. She removed her armor and placed it aside.

After this, Xiao Tao had the guards bring their belongings into the room.

Thinking for a moment, Fan Chuan went outside to find Yun Heng and said, “Call Jiang Xian to check her pulse again.”

“Yes,” Yun Heng quickly went to fetch her.

Soon, Jiang Xian arrived, also staying at the post station to tend to Shen Lingwei as needed.

“Greetings, Marshal,” Jiang Xian said, saluting upon entering.

Fan Chuan waved her hand and said, “Check her pulse. See how she’s doing.”

Jiang Xian found it hard to explain. The medicine wasn’t miraculous; it couldn’t work so quickly. Another dose at night would help, but seeing the Marshal’s concern, she didn’t say much and went to check Shen Lingwei’s pulse.

She touched Shen Lingwei’s forehead. As expected, the fever persisted, though slightly better. She checked her pulse, which seemed steadier.

Jiang Xian withdrew her hand. Fan Chuan quickly asked, “How is she?”

“She still has a fever, but her pulse is steadier. She should eat light food tonight and take another dose of medicine. I’ll have it sent over,” Jiang Xian said.

“Good, thank you,” Fan Chuan said, waving her off. Jiang Xian left.

Fan Chuan arranged for hot water. She planned to care for Shen Lingwei tonight but, having marched in the wild for days in armor, worried about her own odor. She decided to bathe first.

She had a station worker bring a basin of hot water and said to Xiao Tao, “Take good care of her. I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, Marshal,” Xiao Tao replied, unsure of their location and relying on Fan Chuan to save her lady.

Fan Chuan went to the next room, had bathwater poured into a tub, and washed thoroughly, changing into clean clothes.

She dried her hair, changed into casual clothes, and tied it into a high ponytail for convenience.

After this, she planned to return to Shen Lingwei but paused and asked a station worker at the door, “How far is the town from here?”

The worker, seeing Fan Chuan address him, bowed and said, “Marshal, the town is only a half-hour walk away, faster by horse.”

Thinking, Fan Chuan called a guard, gave him a dozen taels of silver, and said, “Go to the town and buy some fruit—whatever’s available. If there’s osmanthus cake, get some. If not, buy candies or preserves.”

“Yes, I’ll go now,” the guard said, asking the worker for directions before hurrying off.

Fan Chuan entered Shen Lingwei’s room. Xiao Tao had wiped her lady’s forehead several times. Seeing Fan Chuan, she stood and saluted.

Fan Chuan nodded to her and said, “I’ve reserved a room for you. Go rest. I’ll watch here.”

Xiao Tao didn’t want to leave but dared not disobey Fan Chuan. Without her, her lady’s fever would’ve been hopeless. She saluted and left.

Fan Chuan sat on a stool by the bed, looking at Shen Lingwei’s pale face, feeling guilty. They had just married, and she hadn’t cared for her properly.

She sighed, took a cloth from the tray, and wiped Shen Lingwei’s palms to cool her down.

Soon, the guard returned from the town. The town was small, with few fruit sellers. He only found apples and, after searching several shops, bought some decent-looking preserves, as osmanthus cake was unavailable.

The guard washed the apples, placed them on a large plate, and reported to Fan Chuan.

Fearing he’d disturb Shen Lingwei, Fan Chuan gestured for silence, had him place the items on the round table, and dismissed him.

She glanced at the table. The guard bought a large plate of apples and some preserves and snacks. They didn’t look impressive, but in this remote place, it was better than nothing.

As night fell, Fan Chuan had extra lamps lit in the room. She ate the simple meal prepared by the station, keeping rice porridge warm in the kitchen for when Shen Lingwei woke.

She had the water changed several times, patiently wiping Shen Lingwei’s sweat. A refined lady like her, married to Fan Chuan, was suffering so much. If her mother were alive, she’d surely scold Fan Chuan for neglecting her wife.

While Fan Chuan was lost in thought, Shen Lingwei opened her eyes. She felt better than in the afternoon, her head less painful, and relaxed upon seeing Fan Chuan, though the room felt unfamiliar.

Logically, it shouldn’t be this way. She and Fan Chuan had only recently met, and they served different masters. Yet, she felt safe with Fan Chuan around, especially in this unfamiliar place.

“Marshal?” Shen Lingwei’s voice was hoarse.

Hearing her, Fan Chuan looked up and said, “You’re awake? Feeling better?”

“Much better. My head’s not so dizzy,” Shen Lingwei said, likely due to the medicine. Her throat itched, and she craved water.

Fan Chuan noticed her discomfort and said, “I’ll get you water.”

She stepped to the round table, poured a cup of warm water, and brought it over.

She placed the cup on the stool, helped Shen Lingwei sit up, and held the cup to her lips carefully.

Shen Lingwei started to refuse but met Fan Chuan’s caring gaze.

Fan Chuan’s eyes were clear, filled with concern. Shen Lingwei swallowed her words and drank from the cup in small sips until it was empty.

“More?” Fan Chuan asked softly.

Shen Lingwei looked at her and shook her head.

“Then rest a bit. I’ve kept rice porridge warm. The physician said you can only eat light food for now. After eating, I’ll have more medicine prepared,” Fan Chuan said, placing the cup back on the table, talking on and on.

Hearing Fan Chuan ramble about these small matters, Shen Lingwei’s eyes reddened, but her lips curved slightly.

Since her mother’s passing, Xiao Tao, who had served her since childhood, cared for her most. She hadn’t expected Fan Chuan to be so attentive. Her hands, hidden under the blanket, clenched tightly, her long lashes fluttering, lost in thought.

Fan Chuan sent for the porridge and side dishes.

She returned to Shen Lingwei’s side and said, “I’ll help you sit up to eat, then rest.”

“Thank you,” Shen Lingwei said, as Fan Chuan helped her up, supporting her waist.

To make her comfortable, Fan Chuan placed a blanket behind her for support.

Soon, a guard knocked. Fan Chuan opened the door and took a wooden tray from him.

She walked to the bed to feed Shen Lingwei.

Feeling much better and regaining strength, Shen Lingwei said, “I can do it myself.”

Fan Chuan thought feeding food was trickier than medicine, unsure of Shen Lingwei’s preferences.

“Alright, I’ll get a small table,” Fan Chuan said, placing the tray on the round table and having a guard fetch a small table for the bed.

She set the table aside, moved Shen Lingwei inward to make space, placed the table, and brought the tray over.

The wooden tray held a bowl of rice porridge, three stir-fried vegetables, and a small dish of pickled vegetables.

The plain meal didn’t look appetizing. Fan Chuan said sheepishly, “Sorry, the conditions here are simple, with only these plain dishes. You’re suffering with me.”

“No, this is already good,” Shen Lingwei said quickly. She had guessed why Fan Chuan rushed the journey earlier, so was this pause for her sake?

Thinking this, she said, “I’m much better. One more night’s rest should do. Let’s travel tomorrow morning so we don’t delay your business.”

“No rush. Rest a few days. Your health matters,” Fan Chuan said. If hurrying harmed Shen Lingwei’s health, she’d feel guilty forever.

She smiled at her and said, “Enough talk. Eat first.”

Shen Lingwei looked deeply at Fan Chuan, then leaned against the blanket and ate the porridge.

The porridge was soft, likely cooked for a long time. She ate some vegetables, which weren’t tasty, but in the wild, this was already good.

Feeling hungry, Shen Lingwei ate a bit more.