Marrying a Disabled General and be His Wife

Baili Ronghua indeed had her tricks to portray her not-so-able son as a wise king.

Yet, there was still a mystery surrounding Chu Yiling, why did he pretend to be a playboy and useless? Was it to avoided being noticed?

Was there another show going on?

It seemed the water in Jing Kingdom’s politics was murkier and more complex than Tan Chuyan initially thought. Even Jing Kingdom, who was favored by his teacher, was not exempt from this complexity.

Tan Chuyan dismissed Yan Changfeng and requested that Tianbao help him change into lighter clothes.

As Tan Chuyan prepared to leave, Tianbao inquired, “Your Highness, it’s dark now. Where are you going?”

Tan Chuyan, wearing lightweight clothing, replied, “To Princess Mansion.”

Tianbao was taken aback, as Tan Chuyan readied his attire and made his way to the window. Tan Chuyan, with a skillful movement, climbed out of the window, disappearing into the night.

He already thought ahead, even bringing a small bottle of wine with him. Tan Chuyan bit off the cork, taking a sip, the wine warming him from the inside out.

The alcohol helped restore warmth, though it had the potential to cloud one’s judgment as well. Tan Chuyan didn’t overindulge, only sipping enough to regain his warmth before discarding the wine bottle and quickening his pace.

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The Princess Mansion was nestled in the heart of the Tianyou City, surrounded by heavily guarded areas. Guards patrolled every half-hour, and Tan Chuyan took advantage of a shift change to slip into the princess’s residence.

Systematically, he explored the location, navigating to the main courtyard and committing the layout to memory. However, as he approached his destination, he heard Chu Qingyi’s voice from outside.

Chu Qingyi was speaking to a maid, saying, “Lan Yue, arrange for someone to tidy up the side courtyard for Princess Yongle’s visit tomorrow. When Rou’er arrives, she’ll stay there.”

Lan Yue opened the door for Chu Qingyi, voicing her concerns quietly, “Princess, I have a feeling that Princess Yongle’s intentions aren’t pure. Are you sure you want her to stay here in the Princess Mansion?”

Chu Qingyi’s response carried irritation, “The person’s motives aren’t pure because we’ve awarded the general’s title.”

Her tone conveyed a hint of frustration, “I’ve tried countless times to persuade him not to marry that man from Qi Kingdom with an illness, yet he doesn’t listen. Now, look what’s happened—his fiancée is coming to our doorstep. Let’s see how he handles it.”

Chu Qingyi tossed her cloak to Lan Yue and continued to vent, “It’s a disgrace that he doesn’t even escort the wife inside the general’s mansion.”

Perturbed by her brother’s actions, Chu Qingyi couldn’t help but express her embarrassment on his behalf.

Lan Yue hung Chu Qingyi’s coat on a hanger and noted, “Every time something happens with the general, you say the same thing, Princess. But in the end, you always end up helping him resolve those issues.”

Chu Qingyi, somewhat irritated but resigned, poured herself a cup of tea as she spoke her mind, “He’s my brother, so I can’t be bothered about him. Who else cares for him? My aunt? Forget it. She wouldn’t lift a finger for him. She won’t try to snatch the Wolf Eagle Cavalry from him or kick him out. It’s a good thing.”

“I guess he didn’t leave because of the Old General Feng’s reputation,” Lan Yue reasoned while attending to Chu Qingyi, setting the table for dinner. “But once Old General Feng has passed away, I’m afraid the general’s life in the mansion won’t be as peaceful.”

“Tuoba Lan won’t stir up trouble,” Chu Qingyi dismissed any concerns and excluded everyone but Lan Yue from her musings. “She should just hope that Ah Lie won’t oppose her. After all, Ah Lie isn’t the type to submit willingly.”

“Um,” Lan Yue poured a small glass of wine for Chu Qingyi, “Princess, if the general hears this, he might not be pleased.”

Chu Qingyi scoffed, “If he dares to be unhappy, I’ll give him a good scolding. Besides, what did I say wrong? He’s truly a scoundrel. To avoid marrying Rou’er, he inadvertently married a man!”

She continued with disdain, “That sick prince, the one from Qi Kingdom, is no different. Why would he run away? Does he really think Ah Lie married him to humiliate Qi Kingdom? Ah Lie only married him to evade an arranged marriage!”

Tan Chuyan, who was eavesdropping, could clearly sense the disgust and frustration in Chu Qingyi’s voice as she spoke about his actions. The implications were directed squarely at him. He suddenly realized that Feng Chilie had genuinely aimed to avoid an unwanted marriage when he proposed to marry Tan Chuyan.

Even if the intention was not to humiliate Qi Kingdom, this action might be seen as such by many. Regardless of the actual motivation, Tan Chuyan felt like a pawn caught in the middle of it.

He continued to listen, waiting for the right moment to enter. Finally, seeing no one coming in or out, he climbed into the inner room through a window.

.

While it seemed like Chu Qingyi had confided in Lan Yue about Feng Chilie’s reasons for proposing to marry Tan Chuyan, it was clear that she trusted Lan Yue deeply. Lan Yue’s dagger remained hidden in her sleeve and slid into her palm as she anticipated Tan Chuyan’s arrival.

She moved with swiftness, positioning the blade at his neck.

Lan Yue appeared suddenly, a ghostly presence, keeping the dagger in place. She couldn’t believe her eyes and called out in disbelief, “Young Master Yan?”

Tan Chuyan raised his fingers and gently pushed the dagger away. The polished blade cast his refined features in its reflection.

“Good evening,” he greeted softly.

Lan Yue’s exclamation of “good evening” had a tone of incredulity.

Chu Qingyi, who had heard Lan Yue call for someone, rushed in, confirming that the person was indeed Young Master Yan, whom she had encountered earlier in the day. She immediately instructed Lan Yue to lock all windows and doors securely.

Chu Qingyi was both surprised and pleased by Tan Chuyan’s presence but managed to maintain her composure. She personally invited him to the main hall and poured a cup of hot tea for him.

“Princess, you’re very welcome,” Tan Chuyan responded graciously. He spoke the words, but his demeanor was indeed humble. He sat down, picked up the tea cup, and took a sip to warm his chilled body.

“I don’t know, Young Master Yan…”

Chu Qingyi struggled with how to address Tan Chuyan. If he were a complete stranger, she could have inquired, “Why have you come to the princess’s residence at night?”

If he were a well-known acquaintance, she might casually ask, “What brings you here?”

However, Tan Chuyan fell into neither category, making her choice of words more complicated.

Tan Chuyan, considerate as always, sensed her unease. With a warm smile, he raised his tea cup and said, “Princess, my presence tonight is indeed a bit impromptu. However, during the day, the Third Highness was present, and there were matters I couldn’t to discuss. So, this seemed like the most appropriate time.”

Chu Qingyi welcomed his response, hiding her emotions behind her calm exterior. “The doors of the Princess Mansion are always open to you.”

Tan Chuyan set his tea cup down and said, “We are both intelligent individuals, and I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve come here to assist Her Royal Highness in securing the heir apparent position.”

Chu Qingyi concealed her hands under the table, her fingers brushing the jade bracelet on her wrist. She remained remarkably composed as she questioned, “Why me?”

“Why not you?” Tan Chuyan replied, to which they both shared a sudden burst of laughter.

Chu Qingyi’s eyes grew a little teary. Ever since she committed to the competition for the heir apparent position, she had faced opposition at every turn. Both in court and among the people, ministers relentlessly interfered with her plans.

Her father, as the only supporter, believed in her, yet even Feng Chilie remained indifferent. She had often felt helpless.

Now, a person had unexpectedly appeared, telling her, “I’m willing to assist you.” It felt as though a ray of light had pierced the prolonged darkness, illuminating her path.

Chu Qingyi struggled to speak through her emotions. She wanted to say many things to Tan Chuyan, but words were failing her.

“Princess, my assistance doesn’t entail becoming your minister. I want to help you as a friend,” Tan Chuyan stated.

“However, whether I become a friend is something you should ponder.”

Chu Qingyi grasped his intentions. She blinked back her tears and answered with a hoarse voice, “Young Master Yan’s conditions are acceptable, whatever they may be.”

Tan Chuyan extended his first finger.

“First, you must promise not to disclose my visit here tonight, and you must ensure that no one discovers I’m on your side.”

Chu Qingyi readily agreed. She was well aware that revealing Tan Chuyan’s assistance would lead to pursuit.

Tan Chuyan raised his second finger.

“Second, I hope that the princess will broaden her horizons, not limiting herself solely to Jing Kingdom.”

Chu Qingyi was momentarily taken aback, “What do you mean, Young Master Yan?”

Tan Chuyan smiled, walked to the window, and gazed at the dwarf pine in the basin. He faced Chu Qingyi as he continued, “Princess, are you daring enough?”

Chu Qingyi hesitated; her hands intertwined. After a period of inner conflict, she took a deep breath and answered with determination, “I am, I dare!”

Tan Chuyan clapped his hands together in approval.

“Excellent! The princess is quite courageous!”

Chu Qingyi straightened her posture, “Young Master Yan, you mentioned three conditions. What’s the third?”

Tan Chuyan extended his third finger, “Third, I have a friend who’s facing certain difficulties and may need to stay in Jing Kingdom indefinitely. I ask for your protection for him.”

After grappling with the second condition, Chu Qingyi was prepared for a shock, yet the third condition still took her by surprise.

“This is no problem. While I may not possess great power, I am still a princess. Protecting someone won’t be an issue.” Chu Qingyi replied readily.

“Then, I will thank the princess on behalf of my friend,” Tan Chuyan said with a smile.

“If the princess wishes to contact me in the future, just inform him. He knows how to reach me. I will come to Jing Kingdom when the time comes to meet with the princess. Of course, I’ll always keep an eye on Jing Kingdom and make secret preparations for the princess.”

Chu Qingyi gazed at him curiously, “Young Master Yan, don’t you intend to remain in Jing Kingdom permanently?”

Tan Chuyan answered, “No, I came here for a journey. I coincidentally encountered an old friend who is facing some difficulties in Jing Kingdom again. Moreover, I am still a businessman. I can’t stay in one place for long. There are too many places where I’m needed.”

Chu Qingyi felt slightly displeased. She couldn’t comprehend why he would decide to leave after expressing his intention to assist her. It seemed insincere.

However, Tan Chuyan’s next action made her embrace his decision happily.

He took out a jade plaque from his clothing engraved with the word “Yan.”

“To demonstrate my sincerity, I’ll give this jade plaque, representing my identity, to the princess,” Tan Chuyan said as he pushed the plaque toward Chu Qingyi.

“If you ever encounter financial issues in the future, the princess can go to any Ling-han Pavilion branch to withdraw funds. Any Ling-han Pavilion branch will suffice.”

Ling-han Pavilion had expanded across the world, and the wealth it accumulated from its legitimate businesses and the sale of confidential information was substantial. Sometimes a single piece of news could be sold for a hundred taels, while in other cases, it might fetch ten thousand gold.

Thus, it was not an exaggeration to say that Ling-han Pavilion’s wealth rivaled that of entire countries.

Chu Qingyi had never seen so much wealth in her life, and she understood the crucial role that money played in the competition for the heir apparent. No one could resist the temptation of such immense wealth.

Furthermore, Chu Qingyi had struggled with a lack of funds in the past. Her inability to bribe certain officials resulted in a string of failures.

As Tan Chuyan’s offer was laid before her, any lingering displeasure faded. She graciously accepted the jade token and replied, “May I know the name of your friend, Young Master? I will invite him to the princess’s residence tomorrow for a welcoming meeting.”

“Thank you, princess,” Tan Chuyan said with a respectful bow.

“My friend’s name is Tan Chuyan.”