Chapter 72: A General’s Gentle Vigil

Fan Chuan had naturally left trusted soldiers to guard the carriage.

The guard saw that Xiao Tao was crying and quickly said, “Miss, don’t worry.

I’ll go find the Marshal right away.”

 

With that, he left the column and rode quickly towards the front.

 

Before long, he caught up with Fan Chuan, who was in the middle of the column.

“Marshal, I report that the lady is ill.”

 

Fan Chuan was riding on her horse.

Hearing this, she immediately grew anxious.

After all, Shen Lingwei was a pampered young lady.

How could she withstand this pace of travel?

It was her own fault for being too impatient.

 

Thinking this, Fan Chuan quickly ordered, “Pass my command: everyone halt and rest in place.

Maintain formation as much as possible.”

“Yes.”

The six messengers took their horns and flags and quickly spread the order in all directions.

 

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

“Yes.”

Yun Heng hurried off.

 

Fan Chuan then pulled on her reins and called out, “Wait.

I remember there’s a female Kunze among the physicians.

Bring her.”

 

After all, Shen Lingwei was a pampered young lady.

She was afraid that the male Qiankun physicians in the group might be too rough and startle Shen Lingwei.

 

After giving these instructions, the long column gradually came to a halt.

Fan Chuan, with Yun Heng, rode to the carriage.

 

Xiao Tao saw Fan Chuan arrive and, as if seeing a savior, cried out,

“Marshal, please save my young lady!

She has a very high fever.”

 

Fan Chuan didn’t have time to ask further questions.

She dismounted, tossed her waist sword and riding whip directly to Yun Heng, and quickly climbed onto the carriage, hurrying inside.

 

Inside the carriage, she saw Shen Lingwei still sleeping soundly.

Fan Chuan wiped her hands with a cloth from the small table, then carefully touched Shen Lingwei’s forehead.

It was burning hot.

 

Fan Chuan felt a wave of self-blame for no reason.

These past few days, she had been so focused on putting distance between themselves and the capital, constantly hurrying, and mostly dealing with military trivialities, that she hadn’t come to check on Shen Lingwei.

As a result, Shen Lingwei had fallen this ill.

 

Regardless, she was her wife.

Such neglect was truly inexcusable.

“Yun Heng, have someone boil some hot water.”

Fan Chuan instructed.

She didn’t dare move Shen Lingwei and anxiously waited for the physician to arrive.

 

Soon, Jiang Xian hurried over.

She carried a medicine box and bowed respectfully outside.

“Marshal, greetings.”

“Enough with the formalities at a time like this.

Hurry up and see what’s wrong with her.”

Fan Chuan said urgently.

 

Jiang Xian quickly obeyed and boarded the carriage.

But she was a bit surprised by Fan Chuan’s attitude.

After all, their Marshal was someone who wouldn’t even flinch if Mount Tai collapsed before her.

Why was she so panicked because her wife was sick?

 

But she didn’t dare think too much.

Fan Chuan had already given her the spot in front of the small couch.

Jiang Xian placed Shen Lingwei’s wrist on a small cushion and began to take her pulse.

 

Soon, Jiang Xian withdrew her hand.

“How is she?

Why does she have such a high fever?”

Fan Chuan asked.

“The past few days of travel have been exhausting.

The lady’s body couldn’t handle it.

On top of that, she caught a chill.

She needs a few days of good rest to recover fully.

We have medicine for the chill and fever in the army.

This subordinate will have it prepared immediately.

However…”

 

Seeing her hesitate, Fan Chuan grew even more anxious.

“However what?”

“However, the lady’s constitution is not like ours, who have been in the military for years.

She probably shouldn’t continue traveling for the next few days.”

Jiang Xian said cautiously.

She thought Fan Chuan wouldn’t halt the army’s march just for a Kunze.

That wasn’t their Marshal’s style.

That was why she hadn’t mentioned this earlier.

 

But the next moment, Fan Chuan had already stepped out of the carriage.

She looked at Yun Heng outside and asked, “How far is the nearest post station from here?”

“Reporting to the Marshal, it’s not far.

We should reach a post station near a town in about another hour.”

Yun Heng quickly replied.

“Good.

Go and pass the order.

We’ll have the main force rest near the post station.

Everyone has worked hard these past few days.

We’ll rest for a few days before setting out again.”

Fan Chuan said.

“Yes, this subordinate will go relay the order immediately.”

Yun Heng quickly responded.

 

Jiang Xian was stunned.

It seemed her own Marshal cared quite a bit about his new wife.

 

Fan Chuan saw that she was still standing there and frowned.

“Hurry and prepare the medicine.

The lady is waiting.”

“Oh, yes.

This subordinate will go right away.”

Jiang Xian said, then quickly ran towards the carriages behind.

The several physicians rode in two carriages, of course, ordinary ones, not the deluxe version like Shen Lingwei’s.

Further back were carriages carrying supplies and medicine.

Jiang Xian called her two assistants.

She had one assistant start a fire while she took the other to get the medicine.

 

Jiang Xian was, after all, a military physician, and she acted very quickly.

But she also knew the lady was a pampered young lady from the capital and couldn’t take strong medicine, so she reduced the dosage.

 

After wrapping the herbal medicine in oil paper, Jiang Xian hurried back to prepare the decoction.

 

Xiao Tao, waiting outside the carriage, finally felt a little relieved.

She had been so scared just now, afraid that Fan Chuan would abandon her young lady.

Now, seeing that Fan Chuan had called a physician and was arranging things, she breathed a small sigh of relief.

At least Marshal Fan didn’t seem to want her young lady dead.

 

Soon, a female Qiankun in armor brought a bronze basin.

“Miss, this is the hot water the Marshal requested.

The cloth inside is also new and ready to use.”

“Thank you.”

Xiao Tao quickly thanked her.

She lifted the carriage curtain and carried the small bronze basin inside.

 

Xiao Tao had intended to wipe the sweat from her young lady’s face herself.

But Fan Chuan spoke first.

“Let me.”

 

With that, she had already removed her silver helmet and the visor.

 

Fan Chuan soaked the cloth, wrung it out, and knelt beside Shen Lingwei, gently wiping the sweat from her forehead.

 

She helped Shen Lingwei wipe her face.

Seeing that sweat had also formed on her fair neck, she rinsed the cloth again, intending to wipe the sweat from her neck.

 

But when Fan Chuan looked there, her earlobes grew hot.

Shen Lingwei was so fair, her skin so delicate.

 

She reached out and wiped the sweat from Shen Lingwei’s neck, but averted her gaze, not daring to look at her.

By the time she finished wiping away Shen Lingwei’s sweat, Fan Chuan herself was sweating.

 

A voice came from outside the carriage.

“Marshal, the medicine is ready.”

 

Xiao Tao quickly went out to get the medicine bowl.

 

Fan Chuan moved to the other side and sat down.

She lifted Shen Lingwei slightly, letting her lean against her back, and then wrapped the blanket tightly around her.

 

Disturbed by the movement, Shen Lingwei groggily opened her eyes.

Seeing that she seemed to be leaning against Fan Chuan’s chest, she said,

“Marshal?”

She remembered they had been traveling non-stop these past few days.

Why had Fan Chuan suddenly come?

“Why are you here?

Weren’t we traveling?”

“You’re sick.

It’s my fault.

I was in too much of a hurry these past few days and didn’t consider your health.

There’s a post station just ahead.

We’ll rest there tonight.”

Fan Chuan said softly.

 

Seeing that Xiao Tao had already brought the medicine bowl, she quickly said, “Let me.”

 

Xiao Tao had intended to feed Shen Lingwei herself, but seeing that Fan Chuan insisted, she didn’t argue.

After all, it was thanks to Fan Chuan.

Xiao Tao handed the medicine bowl to Fan Chuan.

 

Shen Lingwei felt dizzy and groggy, but still wanted to maintain her dignity.

She said, “Marshal, I can do it myself.”

“Lie still.

Let me.”

With that, she scooped up a spoonful of medicine, blew on it gently, and brought it to Shen Lingwei’s lips.

“Careful, it’s hot.”

“Okay.”

Shen Lingwei was very uncomfortable.

She opened her mouth and drank the medicine Fan Chuan fed her.

 

Spoonful by spoonful, Fan Chuan fed her the entire bowl.

Shen Lingwei was very good, cooperating completely.

 

Fan Chuan handed the empty bowl back to Xiao Tao.

Afraid Shen Lingwei might find the medicine bitter, she reached for the teacup on the table and brought it to Shen Lingwei’s lips.

“Here, drink some water to soothe your throat.”

 

Shen Lingwei barely opened her eyes and drank a few more sips of water.

 

Seeing how uncomfortable she was, Fan Chuan fed her the medicine, then repositioned Shen Lingwei on the couch and covered her with the blanket.

 

She looked up at Xiao Tao and instructed, “It will probably be about another hour before we reach the post station.

Take good care of her.

If anything happens, send someone to find me immediately.”

“Yes, Marshal.”

Xiao Tao quickly replied.

 

Fan Chuan nodded.

Having fed Shen Lingwei the medicine, she felt a little more at ease.

She put her helmet back on and came out of the carriage.

 

She mounted her war horse, took her long sword and riding whip from Yun Heng, and reattached the sword to her waist.

Then she said, “Go and instruct the people at the front to slow their pace as much as possible.

There’s no need to hurry.”

“Yes, Marshal.”

Yun Heng didn’t dare delay and quickly followed the order.

 

Fan Chuan rode back to the middle of the column.

For the rest of the journey, the entire group moved very slowly.

 

Yun Heng cautiously observed her Marshal’s expression.

She thought to herself that although the Marshal had married late, she was quite considerate of her wife.

Of course, she only dared to think this secretly.

 

The journey that should have taken an hour took an hour and a half due to the slowed pace.

 

Fan Chuan ordered the main force to camp in a nearby open field.

She herself took a few dozen personal guards, the military physicians, and the carriage behind her to the post station.

 

The station manager came out with a few of his men to greet them.

Yun Heng presented the official seal to confirm their identity.

 

The station manager quickly bowed to Fan Chuan.

“Marshal Fan, what an honor!

What an honor!

We happen to have several good rooms available.

Please, come in.”

 

Fan Chuan nodded slightly at him.

“Sorry for the trouble.”

“You’re too kind.

It is our honor to have you stay in our humble establishment.”

The station manager’s job was to welcome and send off guests; if you didn’t interrupt him, he could recite auspicious words all day.

 

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

 

She dismounted nimbly, again removed the long sword from her waist, and tossed it along with her riding whip to a nearby guard.

 

Then she quickly climbed onto the carriage.

Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei.

Shen Lingwei was still sleeping fitfully.

She didn’t know if the medicine was taking effect yet.

 

She then looked at Xiao Tao.

“We’ve arrived at the post station.

Pack up your things.

We might stay here for a few days.

I’ll leave you a few of my personal guards to help you move your belongings.”

“Thank you, Marshal.”

Xiao Tao was genuinely grateful to Fan Chuan now.

Just now, when she knew her young lady had a fever, she had been desperate with worry.

Out here in the wilderness, if Fan Chuan had really abandoned them to fend for themselves, Xiao Tao didn’t dare imagine what would have happened.

 

But Fan Chuan had not only found a physician to treat her young lady but also had someone prepare the medicine.

It seemed Fan Chuan had chosen to stay at the post station because of her young lady.

After all, the previous nights had been spent camping in the wild.

 

Fan Chuan had now entered the carriage.

She looked at Shen Lingwei, then simply lifted her slightly and wrapped her tightly in the blanket, leaving only half her face exposed.

She lifted Shen Lingwei horizontally in her arms and walked out of the carriage.

 

Xiao Tao stepped aside to let Fan Chuan pass.

Fan Chuan carried the bundled-up Shen Lingwei down from the carriage.

 

The station manager could only see that the person in Fan Chuan’s arms seemed to be a female Kunze.

Although only half her face was visible, he could tell she was extremely beautiful.

 

The station manager naturally didn’t dare ask questions.

He quickly went ahead to lead the way.

“Marshal, please.

I’ll show you to the best room we have.

Rest assured, the bedding and sheets are all freshly changed.

I guarantee you’ll be comfortable.”

 

He was just a lowly station manager and naturally didn’t dare offend a high-ranking official like Fan Chuan.

A general who could lead troops could crush him more easily than an ant.

 

Soon, the station manager led Fan Chuan and the others to a guest room on the second floor.

He opened the door and said respectfully, “Here it is.

Please rest well.

I’ll have someone prepare dinner.

If you need anything, please feel free to ask for me.”

“Thank you for your trouble.”

Fan Chuan said politely, then carried Shen Lingwei into the room.

 

Official post stations were generally quite basic.

Even though the higher-ups allocated funds for repairs every year, the money was whittled down through layers of corruption, leaving very little by the time it reached the bottom.

Therefore, this post station was considered relatively clean, at least more comfortable than sleeping in the carriage.

 

Fan Chuan carefully placed Shen Lingwei on the bed, took off her shoes, and pulled up the blanket for her.

Only then did she remove her helmet and the visor.

 

Since they had arrived at the post station, she naturally didn’t need to wear her armor anymore.

So Fan Chuan began to take off her armor and placed it aside.

 

After doing this, Xiao Tao also had people bring their belongings into the bedroom.

 

After a moment’s thought, Fan Chuan went back outside to find Yun Heng.

“Go call Jiang Xian.

Have her take the lady’s pulse again.”

“Yes.”

Yun Heng quickly went to do it.

 

Soon, Jiang Xian arrived again.

She had also been arranged to stay at the post station, to be available to treat Shen Lingwei at any time.

“Marshal, greetings.”

Jiang Xian entered and quickly bowed to Fan Chuan.

 

Fan Chuan waved her hand.

“Go take her pulse and see how she is.”

 

Jiang Xian was speechless.

In truth, the medicine wasn’t a miracle cure; it couldn’t work that quickly.

It would be best to administer another dose in the evening for faster results.

But seeing how anxious the Marshal was about her wife, she didn’t dare say much.

She simply went over to take the pulse.

 

Jiang Xian felt Shen Lingwei’s forehead.

Sure enough, Shen Lingwei still had a slight fever, though it seemed a bit better than before.

She then took her pulse; it also seemed more stable.

 

Jiang Xian withdrew her hand.

Fan Chuan quickly came over and asked, “How is she?”

“Still a slight fever, but her pulse has stabilized.

She’ll need some light food this evening and another dose of medicine.

This subordinate will bring it to you later.”

“Good.

You’ve worked hard.”

Fan Chuan waved her hand, signaling Jiang Xian could leave.

Only then did Jiang Xian withdraw.

 

Fan Chuan also arranged for someone to boil water.

She would need to take care of Shen Lingwei tonight.

But she had been leading the army in the wilderness for days, wearing armor.

Afraid she might smell, she decided to bathe first.

 

Having a station attendant bring over a basin of hot water, Fan Chuan looked at Xiao Tao and instructed, “Take good care of her for now.

I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, Marshal.”

Xiao Tao quickly replied.

Right now, she didn’t even know where they were.

She could only rely on the Marshal to save her young lady.

 

Fan Chuan went to the next room, had someone pour the bathwater into a wooden tub, and bathed properly.

She then changed into a set of clean clothes.

 

She dried her hair, changed into clean casual clothes, and simply tied her hair up in a high ponytail.

When she was outside, she always did whatever was most convenient.

 

After doing this, she went out to go back to Shen Lingwei’s room.

But then she thought for a moment and asked the station attendant standing guard at the door, “Is the town far from here?”

 

The attendant, seeing Fan Chuan speaking to him, quickly bowed.

“Marshal, it’s only a half-hour walk to the town.

It would be even faster on horseback.”

 

After a moment’s thought, Fan Chuan called over a personal guard and gave him over a dozen taels of silver.

“Go to the town and buy some fruit.

Whatever you can find.

Also, if there are any osmanthus cakes, buy some.

If not, buy some candy or preserved fruit.”

“Yes, I’ll go right away.”

The guard asked the attendant for directions and then hurried off.

 

Fan Chuan, meanwhile, went back into Shen Lingwei’s room.

Xiao Tao had already wiped the sweat from Shen Lingwei’s forehead a few times.

Seeing Fan Chuan arrive, she quickly stood up and bowed.

 

Fan Chuan nodded at her.

“I’ve had them prepare a room for you.

Go rest now.

I’ll watch over her.”

 

Xiao Tao didn’t want to leave, but she didn’t dare disobey Fan Chuan’s wishes.

Without Fan Chuan, she would have been helpless with her young lady burning up like this.

She bowed and withdrew.

 

Fan Chuan then sat on a round stool by the bed, looking at Shen Lingwei’s still somewhat pale face.

She couldn’t help but feel guilty.

They had just gotten married, and she had already failed to take good care of her.

 

Fan Chuan sighed, picked up the cloth from the plate, and helped wipe Shen Lingwei’s palms to cool her down.

 

Before long, the personal guard who had gone to the town returned.

The town was small, with few places selling fruit.

He had only managed to buy some apples.

Osmanthus cakes were even harder to find.

He had searched several shops before finally finding some preserved fruit of relatively decent quality.

 

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

 

Afraid he might disturb Shen Lingwei, Fan Chuan simply put a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, had him put the purchased items on the round table, and then dismissed him.

 

Fan Chuan glanced at them.

The guard had bought a large plate of apples, and a few types of preserved fruit and pastries.

Just by looking, one could tell the quality wasn’t great.

But they were out in the wilderness; they had to make do.

It was better than having nothing.

 

The sky gradually darkened.

Fan Chuan had several more lamps lit in the room.

She ate a simple meal prepared by the post station and had the kitchen keep some plain congee warm, so Shen Lingwei could eat when she woke up.

 

In between, Fan Chuan had someone change the hot water several times.

Seeing Shen Lingwei sweating, she patiently helped wipe her.

She was a pampered young lady who had married her and ended up living like this.

If her mother were still alive, she would certainly blame her for not caring enough about her wife.

 

Just as Fan Chuan was lost in thought, Shen Lingwei opened her eyes.

She felt better than in the afternoon, at least her head didn’t ache as much.

But the place she was lying now felt unfamiliar.

It was only when she saw Fan Chuan that she felt a little relieved.

 

But logically, that shouldn’t be the case.

She and Fan Chuan had only known each other for a short time.

They were still, technically, serving different masters.

Yet she had this feeling, especially when they were outside, that as long as Fan Chuan was there, she wasn’t afraid.

“Marshal?”

Shen Lingwei’s voice was a little hoarse.

 

Fan Chuan heard her call and quickly looked up.

“You’re awake?

Do you feel better?”

“Much better.

My head isn’t as dizzy.”

Perhaps it was because of the medicine she had taken earlier, but her throat felt scratchy, and she was very thirsty.

 

Fan Chuan seemed to notice her discomfort.

“I’ll get you some water.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan quickly walked to the round table, poured a cup of warm water, and brought it over.

 

She first placed the cup on the round stool she had been sitting on, then helped Shen Lingwei sit up.

With one hand supporting Shen Lingwei and the other picking up the cup, she carefully brought it to Shen Lingwei’s lips.

 

Shen Lingwei was about to refuse when she met Fan Chuan’s eyes, which were full of concern.

 

Fan Chuan’s eyes were very clean, filled with care for her.

Shen Lingwei swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

She drank the entire cup of water, small sip by small sip, from the cup in Fan Chuan’s hand.

“More?”

Fan Chuan asked softly.

 

Shen Lingwei looked at her and shook her head.

“Then lie down a little longer.

I had them warm some rice congee for you.

The military physician said you can’t eat anything too greasy for the next few days, so you’ll have to eat lightly.

After you eat, I’ll have someone prepare your medicine.”

Fan Chuan said as she put the cup back on the round table.

 

Listening to her chatter on about these mundane matters, Shen Lingwei’s eye rims inexplicably reddened slightly, but the corners of her mouth lifted.

 

Ever since her mother left, the person who cared about her the most in the residence was Xiao Tao, who had served her since childhood.

She hadn’t expected Fan Chuan to be so considerate in taking care of her.

Shen Lingwei’s hand, hidden beneath the blanket, clenched tightly.

Her dark, feathery eyelashes fluttered.

No one knew what she was thinking.

 

Fan Chuan had already sent someone to bring the plain congee and side dishes.

 

After doing this, she walked back to Shen Lingwei’s side.

“Let me help you sit up so you can lean against something.

Eat first, then rest.”

“Thank you.”

Shen Lingwei thanked her and was helped up by Fan Chuan, who put her arm around her waist.

 

Afraid she might be uncomfortable, Fan Chuan placed the blanket behind Shen Lingwei so she could lean back more comfortably.

 

Soon, a guard knocked on the door.

Fan Chuan opened it and took the wooden tray from the guard.

 

She walked to the bedside, preparing to feed Shen Lingwei.

 

Shen Lingwei felt much better by now and had some strength in her hands.

She said, “I can do it myself.”

 

Fan Chuan thought for a moment.

Feeding someone was more complicated than giving medicine; after all, she didn’t know what Shen Lingwei liked to eat.

“Alright.

I’ll have someone bring a small table.”

Fan Chuan placed the tray on the round table first and had a guard find a small table that could be placed on the bed.

 

She placed the small table aside, bent down to move Shen Lingwei further in, making room on the outside, set up the table, and then brought the wooden tray over.

 

On the wooden tray was a bowl of rice congee, a few stir-fried vegetable dishes, and a small plate of pickled vegetables.

 

It was very plain and unappetizing.

Fan Chuan said apologetically, “I’m sorry.

The conditions here are basic.

These are the only vegetarian dishes available.

You’re suffering because of me.”

“No, this is already very good.”

Shen Lingwei quickly said.

She had already guessed why Fan Chuan had been in such a hurry to travel the past few days.

So, Fan Chuan had stopped for her?

 

Thinking this, Shen Lingwei continued, “I feel much better.

Another night of rest should be enough.

We can set out tomorrow morning.

Don’t let this delay your important matters.”

“It’s fine.

We’ll rest for a day or two.

Your health is what matters.”

If she ruined Shen Lingwei’s health by rushing, she would feel guilty for the rest of her life.

 

Fan Chuan smiled at her.

“Enough talk.

Eat first.”

 

Shen Lingwei looked at Fan Chuan for a few long moments, then leaned back against the blanket behind her and began to eat the congee.

 

The congee had been simmering for quite a while and was very soft.

She ate a few bites of the vegetables.

The taste was indeed not great, but out in the wilderness, having this was already not easy.

 

Shen Lingwei was hungry by now, so she simply ate a little more.

 

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