Marrying a Disabled General and be His Wife

Fortunately, Tan Chuyan’s help was crucial; otherwise, Feng Chilie wouldn’t have been able to quell this severe disaster, and rebellion in Pingchuan would have been inevitable!

Despite this, the relief effort took a considerable amount of time, and as they journeyed back to Tianyou City, the year was already drawing close.

With numerous people from Jing Kingdom joining the army, families eagerly anticipated coming together during the Chinese New Year, making the festival highly significant in Jing Kingdom.

Tan Chuyan raised the carriage curtain and glanced outside. In the distance, he spotted a red lantern adorning the gate of Tianyou City, and the festive scent of the new year filled the air.

Honestly, Tan Chuyan disliked the Chinese New Year altogether.

While it symbolized a beautiful family reunion for most, for him, it brought only humiliation.

In Qi Kingdom, a family banquet was held every Chinese New Year, yet as a prince, he had never graced the banquet table.

Feeling that his background couldn’t be highlighted, he spent the New Year in his palace, consuming leftovers from his servants.

Of course, those few years alongside Tan Hongchen were relatively enjoyable.

Tan Hongchen, being carefree and fond of merriment, organized grand banquets at An-xiang Tower during the Chinese New Year. This brought together Tan Chuyan, Xiao Yutang, Yan Changfeng, and others for festive revelry.

However, the festive atmosphere waned after Tan Hongchen’s passing, as the remaining companions failed to recreate the lively ambiance. Moreover, Tan Hongchen’s death, occurring around the New Year, casting a shadow over the celebrations.

But this time was different.

Feng Chilie mounted his horse and entered the carriage directly, taking a seat across from Tan Chuyan. “What would you like to eat? I’ve instructed Uncle Fu to prepare it in advance; otherwise, you might not find it available,” he said.

Tan Chuyan pondered and realized he didn’t have any particular food preferences. Leaning back in the carriage, he looked out through the curtain gap, observing the bustling figures and the crimson hues of the setting sun.

The sunlight illuminated Tan Chuyan’s face through the gap, showcasing his fair and delicate skin. Without much desire, he replied, “I’m not picky; I can eat anything.”

“Forget it!” Feng Chilie extended his arms, pulling the person into his embrace and cradling him like a child. “Think about it yourself. During more than a month we were in Pingchuan, how many days did you go without taking medicine?”

“And this weight,” Feng Chilie touched his back, “why hasn’t it increased?” He repeated several times. The challenges in Pingchuan, coupled with the recurrence of typhoid upon departure, left Tan Chuyan exhausted. Sitting astride Feng Chilie, he rested his chin on Feng Chilie’s shoulder and murmured, “I’m so sleepy. Let me rest.”

“Go ahead and sleep.” Feng Chilie inhaled the fragrance of his hair. “I’ll wake you up when we’re home.”

Home…

Tan Chuyan wanted to argue, but Feng Chilie’s arms were too comforting. Exhausted and under the influence of the medicine, he fell asleep in an instant.

.

Although Feng Chilie mentioned waking up Tan Chuyan upon arrival, he hesitated to disturb him when they reached the entrance of the general’s mansion.

Feng Chilie draped a veil over Tan Chuyan and carried him inside.

Upon seeing Feng Chilie’s return, Uncle Fu rushed towards him, fell to his knees, and exclaimed, “General, I am at fault. I’ve failed to care for His Highness the Fifth Prince!”

“Shh!” Feng Chilie silenced him, glancing at the peacefully sleeping Tan Chuyan. “I haven’t lost him. I’m holding onto him now.”

Only then did Uncle Fu notice the person in Feng Chilie’s arms, and his surprise turned to shock.

Wasn’t it Young Master Yan that the general was cradling?

Uncle Fu’s eyes darted around as if realizing something. It seemed that the Fifth Prince, like the general, had a double identity.

This time he left the mansion fearing harm to Feng Chilie.

But…

Uncle Fu frowned, sensing a slight weakness from the Fifth Prince this time.

No, nothing should happen to him. Despite the unresolved marriage, as far as Jing Kingdom concerned, he was merely seen as a hostage from Qi Kingdom.

Disregarding this identity, Young Master Yan was more crucial. Chu Qingyi relied on him to vie for the throne.

Uncle Fu quickly rose and followed Feng Chilie into the house.

After closing the door, Uncle Fu said anxiously, “General, let me check His Highness’s pulse.”

“Okay,” Feng Chilie agreed, sharing the same concern.

Feng Chilie sensed something was truly amiss with Tan Chuyan’s condition. About half a month ago, he started displaying unusual lethargy, which wasn’t typical even with medication.

After checking Tan Chuyan’s pulse, Uncle Fu’s expression turned extremely solemn.

He inquired, “General, when did the Fifth Prince’s lethargy begin?”

Feng Chilie replied honestly, “About half a month ago.”

“That timing aligns.” Uncle Fu continued, “Has he encountered anything else or seen someone?”

Feng Chilie shook his head, explaining, “I’m not certain. During the day, I’m occupied with disaster relief and supply distribution. He either goes to Ling-han Pavilion or rests in the camp. Our meetings are usually at night.”

“General, the Fifth Prince must have encountered Madam. He’s been poisoned!” Uncle Fu asserted, explaining that this poison, known as Everlasting Sleep Gu, was exclusive to the Xibo royal family. Its effects caused the victim to fall into a never-ending nightmare, leading to mental breakdown and eventual death.

Feng Chilie fell silent, his face darkening with anger.

Uncle Fu continued, “If my deduction is correct, there are less than three days before the Fifth Prince succumbs to eternal sleep. It would be best for you to see madam.”

.

In the dungeon of the General’s Mansion, Feng Chilie entered the deepest cell where only Tuoba Lan was present.

Despite being a prisoner, Tuoba Lan remained composed, meditating quietly on a straw mat.

Addressing Feng Chilie, she remarked, “You finally decided to come and see me.”

Feng Chilie, who had never visited her despite her imprisonment, inquired with a stern expression, “What have you done to him?”

“Nothing,” Tuoba Lan opened her eyes and explained, “I merely introduced something interesting into his body—a substance that induces an eternal dream from which he will never wake up.”

“Remove it!” Feng Chilie demanded through the prison door. “Take out the poison!”

Tuoba Lan, appearing talkative, agreed, “Okay. But, don’t you want to know why I poisoned him?”

Feng Chilie, exasperated, asked, “Why?”

Tuoba Lan stood and approached Feng Chilie, saying, “When we first met, I offered him a chance to make a trade. He returned half a month ago with his decision—to let you endure disgrace rather than rescuing me and sending me back to Xibo.”

“Do you understand why he made that choice?” Tuoba Lan poked Feng Chilie’s cheek and revealed, “Because he cares for you, afraid that my return to Xibo would jeopardize you.”

Choosing infamy was less severe than the consequences of death, and Feng Chilie, a respected general, wouldn’t face severe criticism.

“So, you poisoned him,” Feng Chilie concluded, “and continued to use it as leverage?”

“No,” Tuoba Lan smirked, “This poison is to threaten you. Do you get it now?”