Marrying a Disabled General and be His Wife

“Shut up!” Chu Qingyi shouted, but she hesitated and couldn’t bring herself to strike Lan Yue. Her fist swerved in the air, hitting a nearby tree, causing snow to fall and blood to trickle down the tree bark.

Chu Qingyi grabbed Lan Yue’s lapel and leaned in, saying firmly, “Lan Yue, remember that Feng Chilie is my brother, and he’ll always be my brother. The General’s Mansion has been kind to me, and he has been kind to me. I will protect him with my life. Do you understand?”

Lan Yue met her gaze and started to speak about achieving great things, but Chu Qingyi cut her off, shouting, “Lan Yue!”

Lan Yue continued, undeterred. “Consider it ruthless and unjust!”

Chu Qingyi clenched her teeth. “If you’re really asking me to do this, I’d rather be an ordinary person who does nothing.”

Chu Qingyi released her grip. “Lan Yue, I always thought you understood me best, but it seems like you don’t.”

“Princess, I just…” Before Lan Yue could finish her sentence, Chu Qingyi interrupted, saying, “Whatever happened today, I know you did it for my own good, but I hope you can understand my perspective and not bring this up again.”

“Yes,” Lan Yue responded, still somewhat unwilling to let go of her concerns.

But Chu Qingyi’s next words made her change her mind. “Lan Yue,” Chu Qingyi patted her shoulder, “If something ever happens to you, I will risk my life to save you. Do you understand?

Lan Yue lowered her eyes and handed Chu Qingyi a silk scarf to cover her wound. “I understand.”

“Stand up and go find someone.” Chu Qingyi commanded. She disappeared into the forest again, leaving Lan Yue with a sense of helplessness.

The general is protected by the princess, but who will protect her?

Chu Qingyi was unaware of Lan Yue’s thoughts as she continued her search in the snow-covered landscape.

Just when Chu Qingyi was about to brush the snow off her shoulders, someone shouted from a distance, “I’ve found Princess Changle, I’ve found her!”

She turned and hurriedly ran toward the voice but slipped on the slippery ground. Lan Yue quickly reached out to support her.

Before she could regain her balance, Chu Qingyi sprinted off, leaving her footprints amidst the chaotic ones in the snow.

Though petite, she was incredibly determined.

Seeing “Tuoba Rou,” who appeared filthy and distraught, Chu Qingyi’s eyes welled with tears, but she held them back.

Before Chu Qingyi could make a move, “Tuoba Rou” rushed forward and hugged her, sobbing uncontrollably.

But when Chu Qingyi brought her into the carriage, the weeping woman wiped her face and her eyes turned sharp, as if she were a different person.

Lan Yue arrived on horseback, so Chu Qingyi entered the carriage alone. She was momentarily taken aback by the woman’s appearance.

With her own voice, Ai Xia spoke candidly, “Princess, the real Princess Changle is dead.”

She met Chu Qingyi’s shocked gaze and continued, “I am with the Fifth Highness, who returned to Ling-han Pavilion overnight to request the Young Master Yan’s help. Until my true identity is exposed, I will assume the role of Princess Changle. Please, play along.”

Chu Qingyi quickly composed herself, saying, “In that case, perhaps it’s best you don’t reveal your identity to me.”

Ai Xia said, “The Fifth Highness wanted me to convey his message. He said, ‘The risk of Changle’s death is too great. None of us know what the future holds. If someone ever claims I’m an impostor, you must act without hesitation, as if there’s no doubt in your expression, to prevent manipulation by others.'”

Chu Qingyi was taken aback. “Could he have discovered Tuoba Rou’s fate from last night? The body?”

Ai Xia confirmed, “Yes, it’s been taken care of.”

Chu Qingyi felt a sense of unease but understood the gravity of the situation. “I can play my part convincingly. Who else knows about this?”

“Not many,” Ai Xia replied. “Your Highness, Master Yan, you, me, and General Feng.”

Chu Qingyi, inquired about Ai Xia’s name, then remained silent as they returned to the princess’s mansion.

.

.

In Dayong Palace, the young emperor displayed no imperial dignity as he knelt on the ground, allowing Queen Mother Feng Mingyuan to chastise him.

Feng Mingyuan, clad in a regal red court gown with heavy makeup, exuded authority without appearing aged. She struck Baili Chengzhi hard with a ruler, reprimanding him sternly.

“You fool! Who gave you permission to send a message to the Jing Kingdom?”

Baili Chengzhi, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, endured the pain and responded, “Mother! If this message isn’t delivered, Uncle Xi will undoubtedly attack the Jing Kingdom, and it’s the common people who will suffer. I can’t bear to witness such a tragedy!”

Feng Mingyuan struck him again with the ruler. “But have you considered that a war between Jing Kingdom and Xibo will lead to losses on both sides? Qi Kingdom will send troops to Jing Kingdom, and Dayong Dynasty can easily conquer Jing Kingdom and unify Qi and Zhao Kingdoms!”

“Yes, but is this kind of unity meaningful?” Baili Chengzhi lifted his gaze to Feng Mingyuan. “Everything will be in ruins, and the people will suffer. Is that a worthwhile unity?”

“You disobedient son!” Feng Mingyuan raised her brows and slapped Baili Chengzhi on the face. “The greatest regret of your father’s life was not achieving unification. Look at what you’re doing! Are you worthy of your father?”

“That was a different time. The world was in chaos, and the Three Kingdoms were just being divided. Father was naturally anxious,” explained Baili Chengzhi. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

“But now the world is in balance, and the people are content. Forcing unification will only bring suffering. Can’t you see?”

“Silence!” Feng Mingyuan glared at Baili Chengzhi. “If you weren’t your father’s only child, I might truly wish to strangle you. Stay in the palace to reflect. When you realize your mistakes, you can return to court.”

Baili Chengzhi snorted and declared loudly, “My son, I’ll send my mother the best!”

Feng Mingyuan departed, and Baili Chengzhi wiped the blood from his mouth. He stood unsteadily, and a figure emerged from the shadows.

The newcomer supported Baili Chengzhi and asked with concern, “Does it hurt?”

“It hurts like hell,” admitted Baili Chengzhi. He removed his dragon robe, revealing fresh wounds atop older ones. He retrieved a box of ointment from the bedside and handed it to the man. “Ah Zhao, help me apply some medicine.”

Wen Zhao dipped his fingers into the ointment and pressed it onto Baili Chengzhi’s wound, causing him to gasp in pain.

Baili Chengzhi glanced back at Wen Zhao. “Be gentle! It’s like torture!”

“You know it hurts, so try to avoid it in the future,” Wen Zhao said in a cold tone.

Resting his chin on his hand, Baili Chengzhi smiled and replied, “No, we have to continue, or how many more lives will be lost? I can’t allow Great Yong to perish in blood.”

Wen Zhao sighed, “But what can you really achieve?”

“Give it our all and leave the rest to fate.” Baili Chengzhi replied, looking up at the tent. His voice was hoarse as he sighed deeply and fell silent.