Chapter 89: Tenderness That Delays the Saber

Fan Chuan slept for a while and then got up early.

Shen Lingwei seemed really exhausted; after falling asleep at noon, she had slept very soundly.

 

Fan Chuan carefully got out of bed, trying not to wake Shen Lingwei.

She got up, dressed, and went to the courtyard where the residence physician was.

Ever since Jiang Xian had treated Shen Lingwei last time, Fan Chuan had transferred Jiang Xian here.

This time, she had arranged for her to settle directly in the Marshal’s residence.

 

Jiang Xian hadn’t expected Fan Chuan to come personally.

She quickly went over to bow.

“Marshal, why have you come personally?”

 

Fan Chuan cleared her throat, unusually uncomfortable.

“Do you have any anti-inflammatory ointment?”

“Medicated wine for bruises and sprains?

There are many kinds…”

Jiang Xian was about to continue when Fan Chuan interrupted her.

“No.

It’s for use after marital relations.”

Fan Chuan’s eyes darted around as she asked matter-of-factly.

 

Jiang Xian was also stunned for a moment, then quickly said, “Yes, I have some.”

 

After taking over the work of the Marshal’s residence physician, she naturally had to have all kinds of medicines on hand.

Not only anti-inflammatory ointment, but also ointment to enhance passion.

 

Jiang Xian quickly found a few jars of ointment and introduced them.

“Marshal, this jar is anti-inflammatory.

It can be applied to the skin or private parts.

As for this jar, it’s to enhance passion.”

 

Fan Chuan glared at her.

“Skip the passion-enhancing one.”

 

With that, Fan Chuan picked up the jar of anti-inflammatory ointment and left the physician’s courtyard.

Her wife was delicate and frail.

Even without enhancement, she couldn’t handle her.

If she used enhancement, it would be terrible.

 

After leaving, she didn’t go back to the bedroom but went to the study instead.

Calculating the time, her cousin should be arriving in the northern border in a few more days.

Thinking of Lu Zijin and Wei Lan brought a smile to Fan Chuan’s lips.

 

Only once she had brought all her family over could she truly set her mind at ease to act.

 

Fan Chuan sat in the study and handled some more military affairs.

After finishing, she planned to go back to the bedroom to see Shen Lingwei.

 

When she pushed open the study door, she saw Shen Lingwei taking a stroll in the small garden.

Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.

 

Her wife was beautiful in every way.

Even the way she walked was captivating.

 

Shen Lingwei naturally felt someone watching her.

She turned her head and saw Fan Chuan standing there, looking at her.

 

Fan Chuan smiled at Shen Lingwei, walked over slowly, and asked softly,

“Not tired?

Why aren’t you resting?”

“Mm.

I’ve slept all day.

I came out for a walk.”

Shen Lingwei looked at Fan Chuan.

Fan Chuan had also gone to bed very late last night.

Why wasn’t she as tired as she was?

Shen Lingwei was very puzzled, though she couldn’t ask such a question.

“Then I’ll keep you company on your walk.”

Fan Chuan said softly.

“Mm.”

Shen Lingwei’s earlobes turned slightly red.

She nodded at Fan Chuan.

 

Fan Chuan glanced at Xiao Tao beside her and signaled to her.

 

Xiao Tao was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed.

“It suddenly occurred to me that the bedroom hasn’t been fully tidied yet.

This servant will go down now.”

“Mm, go.”

 

After Xiao Tao left, Fan Chuan’s gaze returned to Shen Lingwei.

She reached out her long arm and put it around Shen Lingwei’s waist.

 

Having been that intimately played with last night, Shen Lingwei’s lower back was especially sensitive.

The moment Fan Chuan put her arm around it, she trembled slightly.

 

Fan Chuan quickly leaned in to support Shen Lingwei and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

 

All the maidservants in the small garden had been dismissed by Fan Chuan.

For once, Shen Lingwei didn’t have to maintain proper etiquette.

She looked up and glared at Fan Chuan.

“You know very well what’s wrong.”

 

Fan Chuan laughed outright.

It was rare for Shen Lingwei not to adhere to propriety in front of her.

Now, Shen Lingwei was being her most authentic self.

 

Fan Chuan pulled her into her arms, pressed her lips to Shen Lingwei’s ear, and said softly, “I just went and got some anti-inflammatory ointment for you.

I’ll help you apply it tonight.”

 

Her voice was like a hook, gently and affectionately seducing Shen Lingwei.

 

But after last night, Shen Lingwei no longer believed Fan Chuan’s lies in this regard.

“I don’t need your help.”

 

Fan Chuan laughed softly, leaned in, and kissed Shen Lingwei’s already flushed earlobe.

“If you don’t need my help, then shall we continue with marital relations?”

“Stop talking!

Who says such things in broad daylight?”

Shen Lingwei’s cheeks burned red.

She buried her face in Fan Chuan’s chest and said softly, “And… and that area is still uncomfortable.

We cannot do that again tonight.”

“Then pick one, my lady: applying ointment or marital relations?”

Fan Chuan held Shen Lingwei’s lower back, preventing her from escaping.

Her warm breath washed over Shen Lingwei’s earlobe as she spoke.

 

Shen Lingwei was mortified.

In broad daylight, Fan Chuan was saying such shameful things to her and forcing her to choose.

 

Shen Lingwei buried her face in Fan Chuan’s chest.

After a long moment, she said in an almost inaudible voice, “Then… then apply the ointment.”

 

Although applying the ointment was also embarrassing, it was still better than marital relations.

 

The darkness in Fan Chuan’s ink-dark eyes deepened.

The smile at the corners of her mouth grew wider.

“Then, we shall do as my lady says.”

“Then… then let go of me.

What kind of proper behavior is this, hugging like this?”

Shen Lingwei reached out and pushed at Fan Chuan’s waist, but she couldn’t move her at all.

 

Fan Chuan watched Shen Lingwei trying to push her away and just stood there watching.

A kitten’s strength couldn’t budge a wolf.

In the end, it was Fan Chuan who let go first.

She had already obtained her wife’s promise to apply the ointment tonight.

Fan Chuan was in a very good mood now.

“Alright.

I’ll keep you company as you walk around a bit more.”

After saying this, Fan Chuan looked like a proper gentleman, considerately staying by Shen Lingwei’s side.

 

Shen Lingwei glared at her.

This person was so bad.

Just a moment ago, she had forced her to choose between applying ointment and marital relations.

Now, she was acting all polite, accompanying her on a walk through the garden.

She had once thought Fan Chuan was very proper.

 

Now, she understood.

There were no proper Qiankuns.

If they seemed proper, it was only when they weren’t in bed.

Once in bed, they changed completely.

“The flowers my lady planted are truly beautiful.”

Fan Chuan walked to where some flowers were blooming and praised them.

“I only prune their branches every day.

It’s just that these flowers grow well here in the northern border.”

Shen Lingwei walked over as well.

The flowers were growing lushly.

 

Fan Chuan sighed softly.

She would only be able to keep Shen Lingwei company for a few more days before she would probably get busy.

It had already been over a month.

Perhaps the capital had already begun to suspect her.

Of course, Fan Chuan wasn’t afraid.

Her Fan family had been loyal for generations, only to end up being suspected and suppressed.

She was not one for blind loyalty.

Naturally, she would respond accordingly.

 

In the evening, Fan Chuan had the kitchen prepare lighter food and had someone make a special bowl of red date bird’s nest soup for Shen Lingwei.

 

After eating, Fan Chuan watched as Shen Lingwei slowly ate the bird’s nest, spoonful by spoonful.

 

Shen Lingwei’s eating movements were pleasing to the eye.

She was naturally beautiful, and her table manners were elegant.

The more Fan Chuan watched, the more captivated she became.

 

There were still several maidservants attending in the bedroom; none dared look up.

Only Xiao Tao occasionally sneaked a glance at Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei.

She always felt the Marshal looked at her young lady like a hungry wolf.

She was afraid her young lady would fall into the wolf’s mouth again.

 

Shen Lingwei naturally noticed as well.

But with the maidservants present, she didn’t want to embarrass Fan Chuan.

She just glared at her.

 

Fan Chuan responded with a big smile.

 

After dinner, the two washed up.

Fan Chuan dismissed all the maidservants outside.

 

Shen Lingwei, her earlobes red, picked up a book at random and sat on the round stool to read, ignoring Fan Chuan.

 

Fan Chuan, her eyes smiling, sidled up to her.

“Reading at night is bad for your eyes.”

 

With that, she snatched the book away and directly carried Shen Lingwei horizontally in her arms.

 

Shen Lingwei struggled a few times, then buried her red face in Fan Chuan’s chest.

“What are you doing?”

“Applying ointment for you.

Didn’t we agree during the day?

Or have you changed your mind and want to have marital relations with me?”

Fan Chuan said softly.

 

Her words made Shen Lingwei so embarrassed she couldn’t lift her head.

“Nonsense!

When did I ever want marital relations with you?”

“Alright.

Then I’ll carry you to bed and apply the ointment.”

Fan Chuan kissed the top of Shen Lingwei’s head and coaxed softly.

The more Shen Lingwei blushed, the more excited she seemed to become.

 

Soon, Fan Chuan carried her to the bed.

Shen Lingwei pushed at her, struggling to get up.

“I haven’t even taken off my clothes yet.”

“I’ll do it.”

Fan Chuan said as she kissed her.

 

Shen Lingwei was kissed breathless and indeed forgot about her clothes.

Of course, Fan Chuan’s hands weren’t idle either.

As she kissed Shen Lingwei, she took off her outer dress.

 

When Shen Lingwei was almost dazed from the kissing, Fan Chuan finally pulled back slightly.

She hung her own outer clothes and Shen Lingwei’s on the wooden rack.

She took the small jar of ointment and got into bed.

 

By now, Shen Lingwei had propped herself up slightly.

Her eyes full of springtime, she looked at Fan Chuan and reminded her uneasily.

“We agreed, no marital relations tonight.”

“Alright.

I’ll listen to you.

We’ll just apply the ointment.”

Fan Chuan put the small jar aside, then picked Shen Lingwei up and placed her on her lap, facing her.

 

Shen Lingwei pushed against her shoulders, but her lower back was held by Fan Chuan.

 

As if remembering something, Shen Lingwei’s face suddenly turned completely red.

Last night, Fan Chuan had teased her just like this.

“What are you doing?”

“Applying ointment.

Sitting like this, I can see more clearly.”

Fan Chuan hooked the small jar over with her other hand.

She opened the seal and smelled the fragrance inside.

She scooped out a little with her finger and found the ointment was cool and refreshing.

 

Her gaze fell on Shen Lingwei in front of her, deepening even further.

“Be good.

I’ll help you take off your clothes.”

As Fan Chuan spoke, she kissed Shen Lingwei again.

 

They had agreed to just apply ointment.

But as they applied, the four copper bells tied to the wooden bed began to ring again.

 

This ringing lasted for another two hours.

 

Fan Chuan looked at Shen Lingwei in her arms, exhausted and asleep.

The ointment she had just applied had been soaked with sweat.

 

She had no choice but to have someone bring in hot water, wipe Shen Lingwei’s body down, and then carefully apply the ointment again.

 

As Shen Lingwei was drifting off to sleep from exhaustion, she was still thinking: what Fan Chuan meant by ‘applying ointment’ and ‘marital relations’ was essentially the same.

Applying ointment was even more torturous.

The ointment was cold and refreshing, making the body so restless.

No wonder Fan Chuan had made her choose.

Whichever she chose, she couldn’t escape.

 

She would never believe such nonsense from Fan Chuan again.

But Shen Lingwei was too tired and soon fell asleep.

 

Fan Chuan, having reapplied the ointment, contentedly held Shen Lingwei again as she lay down.

 

Early the next morning, unsurprisingly, Shen Lingwei slept until the sun was high in the sky.

But this time, she was still lying in Fan Chuan’s arms.

 

Remembering the events of last night, Shen Lingwei was both embarrassed and angry.

Last night, that person wasn’t applying ointment at all; she was just using that as an excuse to tease her.

 

Flustered and annoyed, Shen Lingwei bit Fan Chuan’s neck.

Fan Chuan hissed, then laughed.

Was she angry?

“What’s wrong?

Biting me as soon as you wake up?”

Fan Chuan asked softly.

 

Shen Lingwei glared at her.

“I never knew you were this bad.”

“It’s not too late to find out.

And I didn’t lie to you.

Was there any part of you last night that I didn’t apply ointment to?

Hmm?”

Fan Chuan’s tone was like a hook.

Shen Lingwei’s face instantly flushed.

 

She quickly reached out and covered Fan Chuan’s mouth.

“Stop talking!

If you say another word, I won’t talk to you.”

“Alright, I won’t say anything.”

Afraid of really angering her, Fan Chuan quickly coaxed her.

“Get up first.”

Shen Lingwei pushed Fan Chuan.

 

Fan Chuan obediently got up and started looking for her clothes again.

After she dressed, Shen Lingwei got up to put on her dress.

 

***

 

Five more days passed.

Hang Shuyao had already led the fifty Lu residence servant boys to the northern border.

They had a long line of carts, loaded with grain covered by straw.

 

Hang Shuyao was originally sent by Fan Chuan to help Lu Zijin, so she knew the northern border very well.

She quickly led the people to the border where the Marshal’s residence was located.

 

When Hang Shuyao arrived outside the Marshal’s residence, she had the guards at the gate announce her.

Fan Chuan, upon hearing the news, rushed out impatiently.

 

These days, everything had been good, but she was still very worried about Lu Zijin and Wei Lan’s safety.

Now, hearing that Hang Shuyao had returned, she immediately ran out.

 

Hang Shuyao saw Fan Chuan and immediately knelt to bow.

“Marshal, this subordinate has returned.”

“Rise.

Where are Zijin and the others?”

Fan Chuan quickly asked.

“When I left, the young ladies were still in Panyang City.

The Lu residence had extensive assets, so it naturally took them some time to sell those businesses.”

Hang Shuyao quickly said.

 

Fan Chuan sighed, but still nodded.

Her gaze fell on the long line of carts.

“What’s on the carts?”

“Marshal, those are all grain.

The young lady had me transport the grain here first.”

Hang Shuyao quickly said.

 

Fan Chuan nodded.

“Good.

Take the people and store the grain in the warehouses first.

We’ll decide what to do when Zijin and the others arrive.”

 

She was indeed short of grain right now.

But if she were to use this grain, she would naturally need Lu Zijin and Wei Lan’s consent.

 

After giving Hang Shuyao these instructions, she returned to her own courtyard.

 

Shen Lingwei came up to her and asked, “Have your cousins arrived?”

 

Fan Chuan shook her head.

“Not yet.

Hang Shuyao brought a large shipment of grain.

My cousins are selling off their assets.

Calculating the time, they should already be on their way.”

“That’s good.

Then you can set your mind to work.”

Shen Lingwei said.

 

Fan Chuan nodded along.

Indeed, once Lu Zijin and the others arrived, Fan Chuan would have nothing left to worry about.

 

***

 

On the other side, after more than a month of travel, Wei Lan and her group were finally approaching Zhuozhou.

 

At that moment, Wei Lan was lying on Lu Zijin’s lap, waiting to be fed.

 

It was the season for grapes.

Lu Zijin peeled the purple grapes, removed the seeds, and then fed them to her little Qiankun lying in her lap, waiting to be fed.

 

Wei Lan ate the grapes Lu Zijin fed her, very comfortable, but her mind was elsewhere.

Once the war started, she was worried they wouldn’t be able to cash out their silver notes.

She asked, concerned, “Wife, with the war coming, shouldn’t we exchange our silver notes for actual silver?”

 

Lu Zijin nodded.

“Mm.

We’ll leave that to my cousin when we get there.

After all, with that much silver, it must be escorted by capable people.”

“That’s true.

My cousin should be very short on military funds right now.

The silver notes we’re bringing should cover a portion of the expenses.”

Wei Lan nuzzled against Lu Zijin’s lap and said.

 

Lu Zijin asked with a smile, “Are you willing to part with the silver?”

“Of course.

When my cousin becomes the female emperor, she’ll definitely pay us back double.

Besides, we’re family.

We should help her.”

“You really do have that much confidence in my cousin.”

Lu Zijin smiled and shook her head.

“I wonder where the steward and Qing Zhi are now.

The capital must be in chaos soon.”

Wei Lan sighed.

 

Lu Zijin looked at her little dog analyzing the situation and smiled.

Her little dog was soft and whiny in front of her, but when it came to important matters, she could analyze them very coherently.

“Wife, I want more.”

Wei Lan, after only a few serious words, nuzzled against Lu Zijin again, acting spoiled.

 

Lu Zijin, good-naturedly, peeled the grapes for her, feeding them to Wei Lan one by one.

 

After another five days of travel, Wei Lan and her group finally arrived.

 

Early that morning, Fan Chuan brought people to meet them.

 

Wei Lan came out of the carriage and saw Fan Chuan sitting on her horse, with a group of soldiers behind her.

“Cousin, why are you here?”

“I came to welcome you home.

Let’s go back first.”

Fan Chuan looked at the very long line of wagons behind Wei Lan and was also taken aback.

Had they brought their entire household from Panyang City?

“Okay.”

Wei Lan sat back in the carriage, occasionally lifting the curtain to look outside.

 

Soon, they arrived at the Marshal’s residence.

 

Fan Chuan had left two large courtyards for Lu Zijin and Wei Lan, since they had many things and many people.

 

Wei Lan had her people quickly organize their belongings.

She and Lu Zijin, meanwhile, followed Fan Chuan to the front hall.

Shen Lingwei was waiting for them there.

 

Wei Lan saw another person standing in the front hall and asked with a smile, “Cousin, is this your newlywed wife?”

 

Fan Chuan smiled and nodded.

“This is my cousin, Lu Zijin.

The person next to her is her wife.”

“Hello, both of you.”

As she spoke, she quickly instructed Xiao Tao.

“Xiao Tao, have someone bring hot tea.”

“Yes.”

 

Soon, several cups of hot tea were brought out.

“Sit down and talk.

You must be exhausted from the journey?”

Fan Chuan quickly asked.

“It wasn’t too bad.

The carriage was a bit bumpy, but that was all.

We didn’t encounter any bandits or robbers on the way.

The north is quite peaceful.”

Wei Lan replied with a smile.

“That’s good.

Now that you and Zijin are here, I have nothing left to worry about.”

Fan Chuan breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“Mm.

If there’s anything you need from us, we’ll definitely help.”

“Good.

I’m sure I’ll need your help.”

Fan Chuan replied with a smile.

 

After a few pleasantries, Fan Chuan, afraid that Lu Zijin and Wei Lan were too tired, sent them back to rest.

There would be plenty of time to talk.

 

So, Wei Lan spent the entire day supervising the servants as they organized the two courtyards.

One courtyard was mainly for her and Lu Zijin to live in, where they also placed the porcelain, jewelry, and other valuables they had brought.

Of course, Wei Lan’s workshop was also set up there.

The neighboring courtyard was mainly for the guards, maidservants, and servant boys they had brought.

 

Wei Lan and her group had many things and many people.

Anyway, they tidied up all day, and it was almost sunset before they were mostly done.

 

Fan Chuan invited Wei Lan and the others to join her for a meal.

Of course, the cooks responsible for preparing meals for the servants were also busy, since Wei Lan had brought so many servants – over a hundred.

 

Wei Lan took Lu Zijin’s hand and went to Fan Chuan’s bedroom area.

The food there was already mostly on the table.

 

Fan Chuan quickly welcomed them.

“Sit down.

We’re all family, so no need to be formal.”

“Okay.

Please sit, wife.”

Wei Lan helped Lu Zijin sit down, then sat down herself.

 

Shen Lingwei smiled at Lu Zijin.

It wasn’t hard to see that Fan Chuan’s cousin and her wife were also very much in love.

“You must be exhausted.

Try the food and see if it suits your taste.”

Fan Chuan smiled.

“Okay, then I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Wei Lan smiled at Lu Zijin, then began to eat.

 

She had always eaten very quickly.

Plus, in her hurry to organize things at noon, she had only eaten a few bites, so she was really hungry now.

Thus, Wei Lan began to wolf down her food.

 

Lu Zijin watched her little dog eat heartily, then looked at Fan Chuan and Shen Lingwei.

“Please excuse her.”

“Not at all.

You eat too.

Don’t be shy.

There’s more in the kitchen if we run out.”

“Okay.

Thank you for your hospitality, cousin.”

Lu Zijin ate a few bites and smiled.

“What’s there to thank?

In the end, it’s me who has dragged you into this.

Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had to travel so far to the northern border.”

“We’re family.

What’s a little burden?”

Wei Lan finally had enough food in her stomach to lift her head and say a few words.

“Mm.

Then you two also shouldn’t stand on ceremony with me.

This is your home now.”

Fan Chuan instructed.

“Don’t worry, cousin.”

Lu Zijin replied with a smile.

 

After eating for a while, Wei Lan remembered the grain and asked, “Cousin, has Hang Shuyao returned?”

“She has.

Those servants have been settled in the residence.

The grain, every single bag, has been placed in the back courtyard warehouse.”

Fan Chuan said.

 

Wei Lan nodded.

“Cousin, you can use that grain as you see fit.

At this point, there’s no need to distinguish between yours and ours.

We also have several hundred thousand taels in silver.

The businesses in Panyang City should sell for around eight hundred thousand taels.

My wife and I have discussed it; you can take all of it for military funds.”

“How can I do that?”

Fan Chuan quickly shook her head.

She was indeed short on silver, but she couldn’t let her cousins bankrupt themselves to help her.

“What’s wrong with that?

When you ascend the throne as the female emperor, just reward us with some fertile fields, shops, gold, silver, and jade.

Marching to war requires silver.

The daily expenses for provisions alone are like flowing water.

Don’t refuse.”

Wei Lan smiled.

This was equivalent to her and her wife making an investment.

 

Fan Chuan’s family was all gone, except for her cousin, Lu Zijin.

Once Fan Chuan became the female emperor, she certainly wouldn’t treat them poorly.

This investment was very worthwhile.

 

Fan Chuan thought for a long time, then nodded firmly.

“Alright.

I will definitely not let you down.”

 

Her eyes were slightly red.

Who else would entrust their entire fortune to her, if not Lu Zijin and the others?

“Oh, I think the most urgent task now is to gather provisions.

Cousin, I’ll hand over the silver notes to you later.

You can send out more people, disguised as merchants, to buy grain outside of Zhuozhou.”

Lu Zijin reminded her.

 

Shen Lingwei also nodded.

If the court sent a large army to suppress them and surrounded Zhuozhou, it would be bad.

So the best approach was to buy grain from other provinces first, and leave the local grain in Zhuozhou untouched for now.

“Good.

I’ll send people to prepare first thing tomorrow morning.”

As soon as Lu Zijin and Wei Lan arrived, Fan Chuan gained financial backing.

Now, the issues of provisions and military pay were solved.

Next, she would see how the court reacted.

 

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