Chapter 63: Polite Distance Beneath Wedding Candles

Sure enough, Shen Fangzhou could still squeeze out a few crocodile tears.

Of course, Shen Lingwei was unaware of this.

At that moment, she had already been carried out of the courtyard by Fan Chuan.

 

The woman beneath her was not as burly as she had imagined; on the contrary, her figure was slender.

But Shen Lingwei could feel that Fan Chuan’s steps were vigorous and very steady.

 

The skin where she touched Fan Chuan was a little hot.

As the daughter of the Prime Minister, this was already the most transgressive thing Shen Lingwei had done in her life.

 

Shen Lingwei took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

The wedding was just the beginning.

At night, she and Fan Chuan would be staying in the same room, and might even consummate the marriage.

 

But even thinking that, Shen Lingwei’s heartbeat showed no sign of slowing down.

 

Fan Chuan seemed to sense Shen Lingwei’s nervousness and softened her voice.

“Don’t be afraid.

We’ll be there soon.”

 

Shen Lingwei was stunned for a moment.

She hadn’t expected the other party to show concern for her.

She quickly said, “Alright.

Thank you for your trouble.”

 

Fan Chuan smiled.

“No trouble.”

 

With that, she continued carrying Shen Lingwei on her back towards the outside of the Prime Minister’s residence.

 

When Fan Chuan carried her to the sedan chair, she crouched down and carefully helped Shen Lingwei sit down inside.

“Be careful.”

 

She held Shen Lingwei with both hands, helping her sit on the chair in the sedan chair, then let go and said, “We’re leaving.”

 

Shen Lingwei couldn’t see Fan Chuan’s expression.

She just clutched her hands nervously and nodded at Fan Chuan.

“Alright.”

 

Fan Chuan lowered the sedan chair curtain, nimbly remounted her maroon horse, and led the long wedding procession towards the Marshal’s residence.

 

When they arrived at the Marshal’s residence, Fan Chuan again had to carry her to the front hall for the wedding ceremony.

Due to his frail health, the old emperor did not come in person.

He had sent the princes and the Prime Minister to be the witnesses.

 

The sounds of music and drums filled the streets.

Idle passersby and running children gathered to join the excitement.

The entire street was filled with festive cheer.

 

Before long, the wedding procession reached the entrance of the Marshal’s residence.

The sedan chair stopped once more.

Fan Chuan came to the sedan chair and lifted the curtain.

“My lady, we’ve arrived.

I’ll carry you inside.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan helped Shen Lingwei stand up.

She held Shen Lingwei’s wrist with one hand and shielded Shen Lingwei’s head with the other.

“Mind your head.

I’ll turn around first.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan turned and crouched down, then reached out to take Shen Lingwei’s hand.

 

Shen Lingwei’s earlobes turned bright red.

In this short time, she and Fan Chuan had already touched many times.

 

She carefully followed Fan Chuan’s guidance, felt Fan Chuan’s shoulder, and then bent down to lie on her back.

 

Fan Chuan confirmed she had her arms around her neck, then said, “Forgive me.”

 

Only then did she reach out to support Shen Lingwei under her thighs, bent down, and carried her out.

 

That area of Shen Lingwei’s was touched by Fan Chuan again.

She immediately blushed.

Fortunately, the red veil concealed her brief loss of composure.

 

Many people had come to the Marshal’s residence to attend the wedding, making the atmosphere very noisy.

Fan Chuan was overwhelmed by the noise; it was harder than leading troops into battle.

 

She followed the matchmaker up the high steps of the Marshal’s residence.

The matchmaker stood at the door, speaking auspicious words, then said to Fan Chuan, “Marshal, you need to carry the bride over the fire basin.”

 

Fan Chuan distinctly felt the arms around her neck tighten.

She chuckled softly.

“Don’t worry.

You won’t get burned.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan stepped over and continued towards the front hall.

 

Being spoken to like that, Shen Lingwei’s earlobes flushed slightly.

This Fan Chuan seemed quite attentive, able to notice her feelings.

This made Shen Lingwei breathe a small sigh of relief.

 

Although this marriage was an imperial decree that had to be carried out, if Fan Chuan were an unreasonable, overbearing Qiankun, living with her would naturally be very difficult.

But for now, at least on the surface, Fan Chuan was doing well.

What she was truly thinking, of course, Shen Lingwei had no way of knowing.

 

The two had their own thoughts.

Before long, Fan Chuan had carried her to the front hall.

Having been on the battlefield for years, her stamina was very good.

Carrying Shen Lingwei, her steps were still brisk.

Only when she had carried Shen Lingwei to the front hall did she set her down.

Then the matchmaker came over and led the two to the front of the hall.

 

The matchmaker gave each end of a long red silk ribbon to Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei, then had the two face the princes and Shen Fangzhou.

 

Crown Prince Zhou Xiao’s expression was dark.

His gaze was fixed on Shen Lingwei.

Shen Lingwei was the woman his several brothers had all been fighting over.

He never expected his father to bestow her upon Fan Chuan.

 

Zhou Xiao wished he could kill Fan Chuan.

But for now, he could only endure.

After the old emperor died, when he ascended the throne, he would also take Shen Lingwei for himself.

 

Just as Zhou Xiao was lost in thought, Shen Fangzhou spoke.

“Since everyone is here, let’s begin the wedding ceremony.

Don’t miss the auspicious hour.”

“Very well, Prime Minister.

Bride and groom, bow to Heaven and Earth, bow to the high hall, bow to each other as wives…”

 

With the matchmaker’s clear voice, Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei completed the ceremony.

Afterwards, Fan Chuan took Shen Lingwei’s wrist and led her to the bedroom in the inner courtyard.

 

Afraid Shen Lingwei might not keep up, she deliberately slowed her pace.

And whenever they reached steps or a threshold, she would give a verbal warning.

“Be careful.

Steps ahead.”

Fan Chuan held Shen Lingwei’s wrist and reminded her carefully.

 

Shen Lingwei reacted according to Fan Chuan’s warning and quickly thanked her.

“Thank you, Marshal.”

“No need to be so polite.

We’re almost there.

Right here.

Mind the threshold.”

Fan Chuan helped Shen Lingwei into the bedroom.

 

Along the way, Xiao Tao had been following the two nervously.

She and a group of maidservants had escorted them there.

 

Xiao Tao had been secretly observing Fan Chuan.

Overall, things were much better than she had expected.

Fan Chuan seemed quite polite and wasn’t rough with her young lady at all.

Xiao Tao relaxed a little.

But being in a new environment, she still couldn’t help but feel some anxiety.

 

Fan Chuan, naturally, was unaware of this.

She helped Shen Lingwei to the bedside, then let go of her wrist.

“I still need to go out and greet the guests.

You rest here in the bedroom for a while.

If you’re hungry, have the maidservants outside bring you food.

There aren’t many rules in the residence.

Do whatever makes you comfortable.”

“Alright.

Please go quickly, Marshal.

Don’t delay the important matters.”

Shen Lingwei still sat upright on the bed.

“Mm.”

Fan Chuan acknowledged.

Seeing Xiao Tao standing nearby, she added, “Take good care of your young lady.

If you need anything, just tell the maidservants at the door.”

“Yes, Marshal.”

Xiao Tao replied very respectfully.

 

Fan Chuan nodded and left.

The banquet tables filled the entire front hall.

By then, Yun Heng was already ushering the various officials to their seats.

 

Fan Chuan was accompanied by Yun Heng and two maidservants carrying wine jugs.

Fan Chuan began making the rounds, toasting each table.

 

The four princes had all come.

When they saw Fan Chuan, their eyes practically shot sparks.

 

The Ninth Prince, Zhou Yang, was the most energetic of the four.

Seeing Fan Chuan come over to toast, he naturally wouldn’t let her off.

“Oh, isn’t this Marshal Fan, the foremost person in the northern border?

Marshal Fan has been in the military for a long time; surely you have a great capacity for alcohol.

Today, this prince would like to see for himself.”

Zhou Yang’s gaze was fixed on Fan Chuan as he spoke.

 

Fan Chuan just smiled.

“The Ninth Prince jests.

My capacity for alcohol has always been poor.

I humbly ask the princes to go easy on me.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan raised her wine cup again, making a toasting gesture with both hands.

But before she could drink, Zhou Yang stopped her.

“Wait.

What’s with the small cup?

Marshal Fan is a military officer; it only makes sense to toast with a large bowl.

Don’t you agree, elder brothers?”

Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow and smiled coldly.

 

The Fifth Prince, Zhou Xun, immediately chimed in.

“Yes, indeed.

Marshal Fan’s capacity for alcohol must be very good.

Show some sincerity.

Someone, bring a large bowl.”

 

And so, the small cup in Fan Chuan’s hand was replaced with a large bowl.

She had no choice but to toast with the large bowl.

“Then this minister will toast to the princes with this large bowl.”

“Hey, wait.

That won’t do, Marshal Fan.

We only get to see you once a year.

You should toast each of us with a separate bowl.”

The Third Prince, Zhou Ji, spoke up.

His brothers had been fighting over Shen Lingwei for so long, only for her to be betrothed to Fan Chuan.

Naturally, they couldn’t let Fan Chuan have it so easy.

 

Fan Chuan looked a bit troubled, but still agreed.

“Alright.

Then this minister will first toast to the Crown Prince.”

 

She held the bowl, which was filled to the brim with wine, and downed it in one go towards Zhou Xiao.

 

After drinking that bowl, Fan Chuan’s steps were already a bit unsteady.

“This minister will now toast to the Third Prince.”

 

Zhou Ji stared fixedly at Fan Chuan, only satisfied when he saw a flush appear on her face.

 

By the time Fan Chuan had finished toasting the four princes, she already needed Yun Heng to support her as she continued.

 

Of course, this was all an act by Fan Chuan.

Her capacity for alcohol had always been good.

Moreover, ancient wine had a far lower alcohol content than modern wine.

This amount of alcohol was impossible to get her drunk.

The reason she pretended to be drunk was to escape as quickly as possible.

She didn’t want to interact with those four princes any more than necessary.

 

There were many officials in the courtyard.

It was rare for them to gather together, so the banquet had started in the morning and continued until the sky was almost dark, yet it still hadn’t ended.

But Fan Chuan, pretending to be drunk, successfully made her escape, leaving the rest to Yun Heng.

 

On the other side, Shen Lingwei still sat upright on the bed, her back straight, barely moving.

 

Xiao Tao stood by and said, “Young lady, you haven’t eaten all day.

I’ll have them prepare some food.”

Xiao Tao, feeling sorry for her young lady, quickly said.

“No.

We are now in the Marshal’s residence.

We must be very careful in our actions.

We cannot let the other side find any fault with us.”

Shen Lingwei sat there.

She was indeed a little hungry, but she had just asked Xiao Tao the time and thought Fan Chuan would probably return soon.

“Young lady, you are too cautious.”

Xiao Tao wanted to say more, but seeing her young lady’s determination, she didn’t press further.

 

Sure enough, as Shen Lingwei had thought, footsteps were soon heard outside the door.

 

The maidservants outside pushed the door open.

Fan Chuan, supported by two guards, staggered into the bedroom.

 

Seeing her drunk and swaying, Xiao Tao’s brow furrowed slightly.

Would her young lady have to consummate the marriage with this drunkard?

 

Fan Chuan was helped to the round table to sit down.

Only then did she wave the guards out.

After they left, Fan Chuan stopped pretending.

 

She stood up, looked towards Shen Lingwei, and asked, “Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

Shen Lingwei’s fingertips clenched slightly.

“Alright.

I’ll have them prepare the meal first.”

Fan Chuan said, then got up, opened the door, and gave a few instructions to the maidservants outside.

The maidservants quickly had the small kitchen in the courtyard prepare the meal.

 

Fan Chuan returned.

Seeing that Shen Lingwei’s red veil was still on, she quickly walked over and sat down beside Shen Lingwei.

 

Shen Lingwei’s clasped fingertips were slightly white.

At this moment, she was not as calm as she appeared on the surface.

 

Fan Chuan was also a little nervous.

Although this marriage was also forced on her, and Shen Lingwei was considered a spy the old emperor had planted by her side, this was, after all, her first wedding.

 

Fan Chuan pressed her lips together, then said, “Then, let me help you take off the red veil.”

“I am indebted to the Marshal.”

Shen Lingwei’s heart was pounding, but her expression was very calm.

 

Fan Chuan reached out and grabbed a corner of the red silk, gently lifted it, and then saw Shen Lingwei beneath the veil.

 

Shen Lingwei’s eyes were like water, her porcelain-white skin making her look elegantly beautiful.

Even with an expressionless face, her good looks were undeniable.

 

Fan Chuan was stunned for a moment.

Truly worthy of being the number one beauty in the capital.

Shen Lingwei was indeed very beautiful.

 

While Fan Chuan was looking at Shen Lingwei, Shen Lingwei was also looking at Fan Chuan.

She also breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Thankfully, Fan Chuan wasn’t a rough soldier.

She had a delicate appearance.

If no one said anything, many people might mistake her for a good-looking Kunze.

“Let me help you take off the things on your head first.

You must be exhausted?”

Fan Chuan said as she considerately helped Shen Lingwei remove the heavy headdress.

“I’m fine.

Not as tired as the Marshal.”

Shen Lingwei said politely.

 

Fan Chuan held the pile of headdress, walked to the dressing table, and placed them on it.

 

Hearing Shen Lingwei say this, Fan Chuan smiled faintly.

“I’m fine too.

My capacity for alcohol is quite good.”

 

As the two were speaking, the meal was brought in.

 

Fan Chuan walked to the bedside, reached out, and helped Shen Lingwei up.

“Come on.

Let’s go eat.”

“Mm.”

Shen Lingwei looked at Fan Chuan’s hand holding her wrist, her earlobes slightly red as she nodded.

 

Seeing that Fan Chuan was quite polite and considerate, Xiao Tao finally breathed a small sigh of relief for her young lady.

 

As if remembering something, Fan Chuan looked at Xiao Tao and said, “You go eat too.

I’ve had the small kitchen prepare a meal.”

“But… but…”

Xiao Tao was worried about her young lady, afraid she might be devoured by a wolf.

 

Shen Lingwei looked up at Xiao Tao and smiled.

“Go eat.

You’ve been tired all day too.”

 

Only then did Xiao Tao move her feet.

But her gaze was still fixed on Fan Chuan, afraid she might devour her young lady.

 

Fan Chuan looked up at Xiao Tao.

Xiao Tao hurriedly ran out.

 

Fan Chuan smiled and shook her head.

“The maidservant you brought is quite interesting.”

“Xiao Tao has been with me since childhood.

She’s naturally nervous about me.

Please don’t take offense, Marshal.”

As she spoke, Shen Lingwei used the serving chopsticks to neatly place food on Fan Chuan’s plate.

 

Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei, then said, “No need for so many formalities with me.

From now on, we are family.

My parents and elder brother are gone.

There aren’t many rules in the residence.

Do whatever makes you comfortable.”

“Alright.

Thank you for your consideration, Marshal.”

Shen Lingwei quickly said.

 

The two ate the meal very politely.

This might be the disadvantage of a blind marriage.

They hadn’t even seen each other before, so of course, they had to make awkward small talk during the meal.

 

After the meal, Fan Chuan thought for a moment and said, “I’ll have someone prepare hot water for bathing.

You can bathe here.

I’ll go to the next room.”

 

Shen Lingwei’s earlobes turned red, and she nodded faintly.

“Alright.”

 

In the end, it had come to this step.

Even though she had mentally prepared herself, Shen Lingwei was still a little flustered.

But she comforted herself that at least Fan Chuan’s face was still good-looking, which was much better than the worst-case scenario she had imagined.

Even if she couldn’t avoid consummating, at least looking at this face would make it a little easier to bear.

 

Thinking this, Shen Lingwei went to bathe.

Fan Chuan did the same.

She had been busy all day, and her body reeked of alcohol.

After rinsing her mouth several times, the smell of alcohol on her breath finally faded a little.

She soaked comfortably in the hot water, thinking about what to do later.

 

Since it was an imperial decree, she and Shen Lingwei could not sleep in separate rooms.

If they slept apart on the very first night, the spies would probably report it directly to the old emperor, saying she was dissatisfied with the betrothal.

 

So she would have to stay in the same room with Shen Lingwei.

But as for anything happening between them, Fan Chuan naturally couldn’t do it.

After all, she had no feelings for Shen Lingwei.

Moreover, Shen Lingwei was the old emperor’s spy, so she certainly wouldn’t touch her.

 

Having married such a wife, she could only treat her with the utmost courtesy.

Feelings, of course, were impossible between her and Shen Lingwei.

 

Thinking this, Fan Chuan actually felt a little more relaxed.

 

She got out of the tub, changed into clean clothes, and returned to the bedroom.

In the bedroom, Shen Lingwei, also in her undergarments, was drying her hair.

Xiao Tao was still in the bedroom.

 

Fan Chuan glanced at Xiao Tao.

Xiao Tao quickly looked away, pretending she hadn’t seen Fan Chuan.

 

Fan Chuan was almost amused.

She deliberately said, “Xiao Tao, you may leave now.

My lady and I are going to rest.”

 

Xiao Tao’s eyes reddened with fear.

“But… but…”

“It’s fine.

You go rest too.”

Shen Lingwei quickly said.

After all, Fan Chuan had already spoken.

Shen Lingwei was afraid that if Xiao Tao said anything more, it would upset Fan Chuan.

“Yes, young lady.”

Only then did Xiao Tao reluctantly leave the bedroom.

 

Seeing that Shen Lingwei was also almost done tidying up, Fan Chuan said,

“Is it alright if you sleep on the inside?”

“Mm.”

Shen Lingwei, her earlobes red, nodded faintly.

Seeing that Fan Chuan hadn’t yet taken off her outer clothes, she said,

“Marshal, let me help you undress.”

“No need.

I can do it myself.”

Fan Chuan didn’t like others doing these things for her either; she usually did them herself.

 

But Shen Lingwei stood by the bed and didn’t move.

“It’s fine.

Let me do it.”

 

In the end, when Fan Chuan reached the bedside, Shen Lingwei stepped forward and helped her untie her belt, then her garment sashes.

Shen Lingwei helped her take off her outer clothes and hung them on the rack beside them.

 

Fan Chuan was a bit uncomfortable.

She said, “You get up first.”

“Mm.”

Shen Lingwei nodded, her earlobes slightly flushed.

She did as she was told and got on the bed, then lay down on the inside.

 

Lying down, Shen Lingwei took a few deep breaths, her hands nervously clasped together.

 

Fan Chuan was also a little nervous.

She was used to sleeping alone and didn’t know how she slept at night.

She hoped she wouldn’t kick this pampered young lady.

 

Thinking this, she covered herself with a thin blanket, lay down on the outside of the bed, and lowered the bed curtains.

 

On the wedding night, the red candles in the bedroom could not be extinguished.

So even with the bed curtains lowered, it was still bright inside.

 

Fan Chuan glanced at Shen Lingwei beside her.

Seeing her staring nervously at the canopy of the bed, she simply said,

“We’ve been tired all day.

Let’s sleep early.”

 

After saying this, she closed her eyes and didn’t look at Shen Lingwei again.

 

After a long while, seeing that she made no move, Shen Lingwei finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She turned her back to Fan Chuan and lay down.

Her heart beat faster and faster.

She had been so nervous just now, afraid that Fan Chuan would pounce on her.

But thankfully, it was a false alarm.

 

Shen Lingwei thought she would be unable to sleep all night.

But perhaps because she had been too tired that day, she unexpectedly fell asleep without realizing it.

 

She was particular about her bed and was a light sleeper.

Basically, she would wake up at the slightest movement around her.

 

So the next morning, as soon as she sensed movement beside her, her hand instinctively grabbed Fan Chuan’s wrist.

 

Shen Lingwei groggily opened her eyes and looked at Fan Chuan somewhat dazedly, only then remembering that she was no longer at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The person in front of her was her wife.

 

Seeing that Fan Chuan had already sat up, Shen Lingwei quickly sat up too.

“Are you getting up?”

 

Fan Chuan saw that she looked like she hadn’t woken up yet, which was much cuter than her usual respectful and polite demeanor.

She smiled and said, “You sleep a little longer.

It’s still early.

I’ll go out and practice with my spear for a while, then come back.”

 

Shen Lingwei’s hand holding Fan Chuan’s wrist, however, tightened.

“No, I’ll get up too.

I’ll get up and help you dress.”

“No need.

I can do it myself.”

With that, Fan Chuan was about to get up, but her wrist was still held by Shen Lingwei.

“No.

I am your wife.

It’s only right that I help you dress.”

Shen Lingwei was still a bit sleepy, her voice soft, which added a few degrees of cuteness.

 

Seeing her so insistent, Fan Chuan had no choice but to nod.

“Alright.

As you wish.”

 

Seeing Fan Chuan say this, Shen Lingwei quickly got up as well.

Her current situation was awkward.

On one hand, she had to report Fan Chuan’s daily activities to the old emperor.

On the other hand, she had to maintain her position by Fan Chuan’s side.

So she had to do her duties well.

At the very least, she had to be very attentive to Fan Chuan, so that Fan Chuan could find no fault with her.

 

Of course, Shen Lingwei wouldn’t be foolish enough to report things she shouldn’t say to the old emperor.

After all, she was now by Fan Chuan’s side.

Once they left the capital, the emperor was far away.

She certainly couldn’t afford to offend Fan Chuan.

 

Thinking this, Shen Lingwei had already picked up Fan Chuan’s dress and draped it over her shoulders.

She looked up at Fan Chuan.

“Marshal, stick out your arm.”

“Alright.”

Fan Chuan acknowledged and cooperated with Shen Lingwei’s movements, putting on her outer clothes.

 

Shen Lingwei’s slender fingers moved quickly among Fan Chuan’s garment sashes, soon tying them.

If an outsider saw them at this angle, they would surely think they were a loving couple.

But in reality, their minds were elsewhere, each planning their own strategies.

 

Shen Lingwei had now picked up the jade belt.

She wrapped her arms loosely around Fan Chuan’s waist, fastened the belt, and then helped straighten Fan Chuan’s clothes.

 

Fan Chuan looked down at Shen Lingwei slightly.

Shen Lingwei was indeed very beautiful, especially at this moment, looking so gentle.

If they had married normally, she might have actually fallen for a woman like Shen Lingwei.

But unfortunately, they were now serving different masters.

“Marshal, it’s done.”

Shen Lingwei smiled gently at Fan Chuan, reminding her.

 

Fan Chuan returned the smile.

“I am indebted to you.

If you’re still tired, go back to sleep for a while.”

 

Fan Chuan was used to waking early in the military.

She had been quite quiet when she got up and hadn’t expected to wake Shen Lingwei.

“No need.

I’ll wait for you to return so we can have breakfast together.”

Shen Lingwei didn’t want to give any reason for fault-finding, so she naturally didn’t want to sleep any longer.

She had to do her duty as a wife well.

“Alright then.”

Seeing her insistence, Fan Chuan didn’t press further.

She left the room and headed to the residence’s martial arts ground.

 

Fan Chuan was skilled with all kinds of weapons.

But her favorite short weapon was the saber, and her favorite long weapon was the spear.

 

Now, Fan Chuan casually picked up a spear from the martial arts ground and began to practice.

As she moved, turning and leaping, the spear was like a long dragon.

In Fan Chuan’s hands, it seemed to come alive.

 

Her spear techniques were fast and fierce, the spear whistling through the air.

When Fan Chuan stopped, she was already sweating a little.

After that, she switched to a long saber to practice.

 

On the battlefield, using a sword to kill the enemy was not a wise choice.

A sword looked good worn on the body, but it was far less intimidating than a long saber.

Therefore, Fan Chuan actually preferred using a long saber.

 

After an exhilarating set of saber techniques, her clothes were completely soaked with sweat.

Estimating that enough time had passed, Fan Chuan returned to the room next to the bedroom to bathe.

 

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