Marrying a Disabled General and be His Wife

Tan Chuyan had never seen a frozen person on the roadside, but he almost became a frozen person in a wealthy family. While Feng Chengjian had arranged everything in advance, plans could never keep up with changes.

He didn’t expect Feng Chilie to make such an unreasonable marriage request to avoid marrying Tuoba Rou. Fortunately, the matter was harmless, and Tan Chuyan ultimately arrived in Jing Kingdom.

However, he voiced his concerns: “Although I came to Jing Kingdom, don’t you find this method humiliating? What if I break the contract on a whim?”

“I know I’ve wronged you,” Feng Chengjian admitted, “But Ah Chen told me you’re a child who values affection and righteousness. I believe you’ll stay to fulfill your teacher’s last wish.”

“But please believe me,” Feng Chengjian added with guilt, “I tried to stop this at that time, but for some reason, all the petitions I submitted were lost, and the envoys sent to deliver them were never heard from.”

“That’s unlikely,” Tan Chuyan said lightly, frowning.

Despite Feng Chengjian’s prestige in the Jing Kingdom, Chu Minghan would undoubtedly pay attention to his story. Yet, it caused no splash, and even the messenger disappeared together.

This situation suggested someone causing trouble.

Could it be Feng Chilie trying to successfully reject Tuoba Rou?

No, it wasn’t him. Tan Chuyan quickly dismissed suspicions of Feng Chilie. First, the man was on the battlefield when the marriage request was made, making it almost impossible for him to know about it.

Second, though fearless, Feng Chilie would not risk angering Feng Chengjian. So, who was this secret mischief-maker, and why were they doing this?

“By the way,” Feng Chengjian added, “Yan Changfeng sent me a letter saying that Tuoba Rou was dead, and you found someone to pretend to be her. Is it reliable?”

At the mention of Tuoba Rou, Tan Chuyan suddenly remembered the matter. Reviewing the timeline, Feng Chilie proposed marriage, Feng Chengjian tried to intervene unsuccessfully, Tan Chuyan was carried to Jing Kingdom, and Tuoba Rou died around the time he arrived.

However, this presented a problem. If Tuoba Rou, in Xibo, received news about the marriage proposal, it would take at least seven days before she could act on it. Yet, she committed suicide on the day Tan Chuyan arrived. This timing raised suspicions, overturning Tan Chuyan’s initial guess.

Now, the crucial detail was overlooked – Tuoba Rou’s suicide was not simple! If she learned about the news on that day, it could only mean there was a spy in Feng Chilie’s army leaking information about the negotiations between the two kingdoms. This person had to be in a high position, as lower-ranking soldiers wouldn’t be privy to such negotiations. So, to whom were the contents of the negotiations leaked?

The person receiving the news was crucial; only they could delivering it to Tuoba Rou and luring her to her death.

But what were the benefits of doing so?

Apart from provoking conflicts between Xibo and Jing Kingdom, leading to chaos globally, there was simply no benefit.

The current situation was chaotic at every step, providing no advantages, especially for Tan Chuyan and his group.

Although Feng Chengjian secretly planned and deliberately provoked war between Jing Kingdom and Qi Kingdom, the war would not last long, and no one wanted to destroy a century-old foundation.

The Xibo people were different. The wilderness lacked food and water; they were eager to gain territory in the Central Plains. As long as they could invade, they didn’t care whether the world was in chaos.

People in chaos didn’t care if others were dragged in; it didn’t matter if it was a bit more chaotic because they were used to this kind of life.

Although there was more than just the Xibo clan in the Barbarian Land, with constant internal frictions, Xibo was the most powerful among all tribes and had almost completed its unification.

If the world was in chaos, Tan Chuyan’s planned to help Chu Qingyi completed the unification would be disrupted.

His original plan was to help Chu Qingyi ascend to heir apparent, then become the ruler of Jing Kingdom, joined forces with Zhao Kingdom and Dayong Dynasty to destroy Qi Kingdom, and find a way to defeat the other two one by one to establish a new dynasty.

In this situation, Tan Chuyan felt targeted and involved in a bigger, chaotic chess game since his marriage on the couch.

He was a puppet being manipulated in this game, and every step seemed calculated.

Who was the player in this chess game?

Why on earth was this happening?

He hated feeling constrained, even disgusted.

Tan Chuyan didn’t feel this way about everything Tan Hongchen did.

Without Tan Hongchen’s help, he might have died in the deep palace, so he willingly stepped into Tan Hongchen’s trap.

Tan Hongchen was honest and told him the pros and cons when he took him in.

On the day Tan Hongchen picked him up, he was ill, burning with confusion, and his life was hanging by a thread.

Taking the risk of Tan Hongyun discovering his identity, Tan Hongchen took him out overnight, provided the best doctor and medicine at An-xiang Tower, and personally cared for him for three days and nights, allowing him to regain his breath of life.

His eyes were wary when he opened them.

Tan Hongchen suggested, touching his forehead: “Want to drink water?”

Tan Chuyan’s throat was dry. He nodded hesitantly: “I think so.”

Tan Hongchen poured him a glass of water.

“Cough, cough, cough -”

Tan Chuyan drank too quickly, choking on the water. Tan Hongchen patted his back: “Slow down, there’s more.” After a glass, Tan Chuyan asked for another drink.

After a cup, he hoarsely said: “Thank you for saving me.”

“It’s okay,” Tan Hongchen sat on the bed, looking at him. “Which palace are you a little eunuch in? Why did you almost freeze to death?”

Tan Chuyan was about to retort. Biting his lip, he said unwillingly, “I am not a eunuch; I am the Fifth Highness, Tan Chuyan.”

“The Fifth Highness?” Tan Hongchen was stunned. “Why didn’t I know that there is a young Highness like you in the palace?”

There was too little news about that incident at that time, and Tan Hongyun asked people to keep it quiet, so he just banned it verbally. So almost no one knows about the existence of Wan mei-ren, let alone him.

Tan Chuyan pursed his lips and explained, “I was born by Wan mei-ren, but she passed away not long after giving birth to me. It was the nanny who brought me up. The nanny also left a while ago, so Tianbao and I are left to depend on each other.”

“Who is Tianbao?” Tan Hongchen asked, “I didn’t see him that day.”

Tan Chuyan felt uncomfortable when he mentioned the past and couldn’t help but blush. “Tianbao was the little eunuch who served me. He went to find me the imperial doctor that day, but he didn’t come back. I was a little worried, so I went to see him, and then I couldn’t hold on. He just… collapsed in the snow.”

“Oh.” Tan Hongchen stretched out his rough fingers to wipe his eyes and sighed. “He is also a poor child. What will you do in the future? Any plans?”

“Stay alive!” Tan Chuyan’s eyes burst out with determination. “Stay alive by any means, even if you step on other people’s bones.”

“Don’t talk nonsense like this!” Tan Hongchen covered his mouth.

“I’m not talking nonsense. I want to live, I want to live, I just want to live!” Tan Chuyan pulled his hand down and said resentfully. “But because of my humble background, everyone in this palace tramples on me… treats me like a beast, forcing me to a dead end again and again. Why can’t I trample on their bones?”

After long-term oppression and humiliation, Tan Chuyan gradually developed psychological problems, and he began to yearn for a dark world. But before he could step in, he was pulled out.

“Follow me.” Tan Hongchen rubbed his head and said, “Follow me from now on. I will let you live with dignity and live like a human being.”

“Why should I trust you?” Tan Chuyan was wary, like a frightened wolf, his fangs exposed. “Who are you?”

“Me,” Tan Hongchen thought for a while and said, “Maybe you can call me Imperial Uncle, but I don’t like this title very much. How about you call me Teacher?”

Tan Chuyan understood instantly but couldn’t help glancing at his mouth. “How can you give me dignity, a grounded person.”

“Hahahahahaha!” Tan Hongchen laughed heartily. “You kid are so courageous. Look here, if I didn’t have any skills, could I have brought you out of the palace?”

Tan Chuyan then took a serious look at the surrounding environment. It was indeed not the architectural style of the palace, with a bit of Western decorative style.

“You think about it,” Tan Hongchen pushed him back into the quilt. “After you think about it, ask Xiao Yutang to send me a message. I will go back to the palace first. You can take good care of me here. Anyway, you are not favored in the palace; no one will notice if he disappears. I will take care of your little eunuch, and I will get him into my restricted area, where safety is tight.”

Tan Hongchen left after saying this, visibly angered.

.

Tan Chuyan stayed at Anxiang Tower for five days, enjoying delicious food and drinks. Finally, he made a decision – he wanted to follow Tan Hongchen.

Xiao Yutang promptly sent a message to Tan Hongchen, who arrived that night.

Tan Hongchen, exhausted from work and shivering from the cold, spoke as if addressing an equal: “I believe you are different from your peers. After going through so much in the palace and uttering such words, you are definitely no longer an immature child. So, I’ll tell you in advance that there are conditions for following me. I never keep idle people.”

Tan Chuyan stood at attention: “Teacher, you speak, and I am willing to do anything.”

“Don’t call me teacher yet,” Tan Hongchen said. “Three friends and I are planning a very perilous undertaking. If you choose to follow me, I may involve you. If successful, it will be praised by many, but if it fails, it means death. Be straightforward about it. Consider it carefully.”

“I have considered it,” Tan Chuyan replied. “Teacher saved my life, and I can’t repay him. I also believe that what Teacher wants to do is not a malevolent act. Otherwise, why would a notorious villain be willing to save someone he has never met?”

Tan Chuyan knelt down and earnestly declared: “I also have my own selfish motives. Instead of allowing myself to become a heartless monster, I’d rather serve as Teacher’s blade, the sharpest one, cutting all the thorns on the road ahead. But I trust that Teacher will not lead me into the abyss.” Tan Chuyan bowed his head. “Teacher, please accept me.”

The room fell into a prolonged silence. Tan Chuyan couldn’t discern Tan Hongchen’s thoughts and feared rejection.

Finally, Tan Hongchen accepted him and imparted his first lesson.

“A true wolf never reveals its fangs. Remember, always conceal them and present yourself as a harmless sheep. Wait for the prey to come within reach and bite it decisively, with killing intent. Do you understand?”

Simultaneously, Tan Hongchen took Tan Chuyan’s hand, stepping into the splashing night, drawing an unsuspecting individual into the center of the whirlpool.

Yet, Tan Hongchen guarded Tan Chuyan closely, leaving him in charge of the two forces he had established.

Even if the sky crumbled, there would be those people continuing to protect Tan Chuyan, just as if Tan Hongchen had never departed.

.

“Child,” Feng Chengjian saw Tan Chuyan staring blankly and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” Tan Chuyan shook his head. After the marriage, he truly didn’t know how to describe the series of events that unfolded, given how tightly linked each part was.

However, it was quite unexpected that they knew about Tuoba Rou’s murder in advance.

Feng Chengjian never liked to delve into other people’s thoughts. He just wanted to find the answer to his own question: “Is the person you arranged reliable?”

“Uncle Feng, don’t worry,” Tan Chuyan frowned. “There will be no mistakes.”

“A mistake?” Feng Chilie finished preparing the medicine. With a tray on his lap and a servant pushing the wheelchair, he approached the table, looking curiously at the two of them.

“What are you talking about? Did I prepare the medicine correctly? Also, it’s only been a while, how come you’re like uncle and nephew? You two seem so familiar.”

“Is it?”

“Reliability is not measured by time but by eyesight,” Feng Chengjian said. He signaled his servants to bring the medicine over. The temperature was just right. He took a sip and then sighed at the bitter taste in his mouth.

“You have a good conscience; you don’t intend to poison me.”

Feng Chilie rolled his eyes. “You think I’m always waiting for you with a poisoned stick.”

“If I don’t teach you, how will you grow up to be like this? Your virtues is like human with dog’s heart?” Feng Chengjian attempted to kick Feng Chilie, but due to the effects of the stroke, his body didn’t cooperate well, and he nearly fell off the recliner.

Feng Chilie was alarmed and almost stood up on the spot. Fortunately, Tan Chuyan reacted swiftly, catching him and helping him back.

Midway, he pressed Feng Chilie’s shoulder, preventing him from getting up.

After each encounter, Feng Chengjian’s face turned red, and he began to issue orders to expel the guests: “You guys go; I’m going to rest. I’m tired.”

“Wait a minute!” Feng Chilie rolled his wheelchair in front of Feng Chengjian. “Dad, let me ask you something.”

“Ask.” Feng Chengjian couldn’t turn over easily, so he turned his head, facing Feng Chilie with the back of his head.

“Dad,” Feng Chilie turned his head back. “Have you ever taught our family’s swordsmanship to outsiders?”

“What a foolish question you’re asking!” Feng Chengjian said, tapping Feng Chilie’s head.

After a moment, he continued, “The Feng family’s swordsmanship is not taught to outsiders. Do you take this family rule lightly, treating it like a fart?”

“Can you please stop being so rude,” Feng Chilie rubbed his head and pointed at Tan Chuyan.

“Of course, I haven’t forgotten this family rule, but I don’t understand why he knows our swordsmanship?”

In an instant, the two fathers and sons of the Feng family cast their scrutinizing eyes on Tan Chuyan.

His eyes were innocent, and his words were frank: “My teacher often practiced this swordsmanship when he was alive. I liked the swordsmanship because it was sharp and tricky, but my teacher refused to teach me. So, I had no choice but to learn it secretly. But I really don’t have the intention of secretly learning the Feng family’s swordsmanship.”