Forced to Become the Female Lead's Beloved Wife [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 21: World 2

The Void Realm.

The air rippled, as if a rift had been torn in space-time. A figure in white robes emerged from the tear.

“Main God, Task-taker No. 007 has completed their first world mission and has now entered the second world.”

The woman addressed as Main God slightly widened her eyes, a flicker of surprise crossing her gaze.

If she remembered correctly, since the advent of “The Rules,” this was the first task-taker in nearly a century to reach the second world.

“However…” The figure hesitated. “I’ve detected some anomalous energy fluctuations in the world. Should I report this?”

The golden-haired woman seated on her divine throne waved her hand dismissively. “Observe for a while longer.”

A truly interesting individual had finally appeared. It would be utterly dull if those higher-ups snatched them away so soon.

“But… what if they blame us?”

The Main God frowned, her voice turning cold, clearly displeased by his defiance. “Focus on your duties. I’ll take responsibility if anything goes wrong.”

******

“Little Seven, next time, could you pick a more normal starting position?”

The woman’s voice was strained, as if she were gritting her teeth. Heaven knew,  she had just opened her eyes to find herself perched on horseback. Fortunately, she had been gripping the reins tightly, or she would have been thrown off by now.

Strangely, despite never having ridden a horse before, she felt completely at ease in the saddle.

The System chuckled sheepishly. “In this world, your identity is the Great General Supporting the State, a high-ranking official of the second class. How does it feel?”

Li Wancheng finally glanced down at her attire: a suit of silvery-white scale armor. Beneath her, the Wuzhui Horse’s coat gleamed like black satin, its entire body a seamless expanse of darkness except for its four snow-white hooves. As it galloped across the yellow earth, it seemed to tread on clouds.

She narrowed her eyes. Hmm, not bad. I quite like this.

The sound of approaching hooves grew louder. A figure rode up beside her, falling half a body length behind, and bowed respectfully. “General, we are twenty li from the Capital. Shall we rest here?”

Li Wancheng reined in her horse and nodded slightly. “Halt at that open clearing ahead.” After half a day’s march, the soldiers were undoubtedly weary. This would also give her time to properly digest the world’s backstory.

A century ago, the nations of the world were locked in constant warfare. Among them, the Nanyu Kingdom stood strongest, eventually unifying the realm and establishing its capital in the Central Plains.

The female lead of this world is none other than the current Sovereign of the Nanyu Kingdom—Xiao Wanyue.

Several years prior, the Late Emperor and Empress had traveled to the Traveling Palace to escape the summer heat. Unexpectedly, a catastrophic flood struck, burying the entire entourage of dozens beneath the ruins. With Xiao Wanyue as the Late Emperor’s only heir, a death notice and an imperial edict thrust the nineteen-year-old princess onto the throne.

In a matter of days, the world had turned upside down. The Late Emperor’s sudden demise plunged the nation into turmoil, while barbarian tribes along the borders stirred restlessly. The turbulent empire that fell into Xiao Wanyue’s hands was teetering on the brink of collapse.

Though Xiao Wanyue had ascended to a position revered by all, the loss of her entire family overnight left her devastated beyond words.

However, having been groomed as the crown princess since childhood, her skills in governance and military strategy rivaled those of any man.

Thanks to Xiao Wanyue’s timely defensive measures, the border crisis was averted. Under her meticulous rule, the nation enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity, with the people living in contentment and prosperity.

Alas, this golden age was not destined to last.

The price of supreme power is eternal peril. In the eighth year of her reign, war erupted anew. Seizing the opportunity, the Prime Minister led a military coup, trapping Xiao Wanyue within Jingming Palace.

With the nation fallen and its people scattered, she felt unworthy of the Late Emperor and too ashamed to continue living. She drew her sword and took her own life.

Thus, the story came to an end.

Everything in the palace began with tragedy and ended in tragedy.

Li Wancheng twirled a water pouch between her fingers, her gaze lowered in thought. “Little Seven, what year is it now?”

“The sixth year of Mingcheng.”

She frowned slightly.

The sixth year of Mingcheng marked Xiao Wanyue’s seventh year on the throne. This meant the Prime Minister’s rebellion was only a year away.

In this year, she had to not only gain the Empress’s trust but also save her from the impending rebellion.

The task was far more challenging than her previous world’s mission.

Suddenly, a green blur flashed past. She instinctively reached out and caught it. The cool touch revealed it was a green fruit.

A flicker of surprise crossed Li Wancheng’s eyes. It seemed this body’s reflexes were quite sharp.

The man who had thrown the fruit brushed aside his robes and sat beside her.

His name was Cai Chen, the Deputy Commander of the army. Barely past his coming-of-age ceremony, he was quick-witted and skilled in martial arts. Having served Li Wancheng for a considerable time, he was one of her trusted confidants.

Cai Chen casually rubbed the dust off the fruit and took a bite. “Now that General has secured this victory, His Majesty will surely reward you with many fine things.”

Li Wancheng glanced at the soldiers resting nearby, her eyelashes casting a shadow across her face.

She had led an army of one hundred thousand men into battle, fighting fiercely for over three months before finally repelling the enemy forces. The campaign had been devastating, leaving behind countless dead and wounded. Now, as they returned home, only forty thousand remained; more than half their original force had been lost.

Since ancient times, war has always brought casualties, a grim reality. As the saying goes, “Behind every general’s triumph lies a mountain of bones.” Yet reality often proves even crueler than poetry.

She sighed softly and patted Cai Chen’s shoulder solemnly. “Once we’re back, prioritize distributing the compensation to the families. Make sure the families of our fallen brothers are properly cared for.”

Those sacrificed soldiers had given their lives for the nation, yet their remains could not even be returned to their homeland.

After resting for half an hour, the column resumed its march. The main road was smooth and level, allowing them to pick up their pace. Within an hour, the gates of the Capital loomed into view.

A cloud of dust billowed as the lead female general rode forward, her silver armor gleaming beneath a white cloak. Her warhorse galloped like the wind, her dark hair pulled into a high bun, her eyes still sharp with the lingering intensity of the battlefield.

The Prime Minister himself had come to greet them, and the entire city’s populace had gathered at the gates. As the dark mass of soldiers surged forward, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers: “Welcome General Li’s triumphant return!”

The triple salute echoed across the city, a testament to the people’s deep respect for their commander.

Unnoticed by the crowd, a sinister glint flickered in the eyes of the Prime Minister, resplendent in his purple robes and golden fish-shaped pouch.

Li Wancheng dismounted and bowed respectfully. “Prime Minister.”

The man before her was Liu Deshan, Prime Minister of the Nanyu Kingdom, a veteran of two reigns whose authority rivaled only that of the Sovereign. He truly stood second to none, above all others.

Li Wancheng’s lips curved into a faint smile. I didn’t expect to meet the villain before the Female Lead.

Liu Deshan, a seasoned courtier with decades of experience, swiftly concealed his initial reaction, replacing it with a beaming smile. “Congratulations on your victory, General. Nanyu is truly blessed to have such a capable commander.”

Empty courtly pleasantries, Li Wancheng thought with a smile. Though she spent most of her years on the battlefield, she understood these social niceties well enough.

“I am unworthy of such praise,” she replied. “It is the Prime Minister’s tireless service to Your Majesty that truly benefits Nanyu.”

Flattered by the compliment, Liu Deshan stroked his half-gray beard and chuckled softly. “His Majesty has decreed that you present yourself at the palace for an audience.”

State regulations required generals returning victorious from campaigns to first report to the Sovereign, relinquish their military authority, and only then be permitted to return home.

The Head Eunuch led Li Wancheng to the entrance of Qingluan Palace. The morning court session had just concluded, and ministers were filing out in orderly procession.

Still clad in her armor, Li Wancheng strode forward, the crisp clatter of her armor echoing with each step. She knelt before the steps of the Dragon Throne and bowed deeply. “This humble general, Li Wancheng, pays her respects to Your Majesty.”

Xiao Wanyue sat upon the Dragon Throne, the imperial crown’s twelve jade beads dangling to obscure half her face, yet even this veil couldn’t conceal her peerless beauty. Her beauty was majestic, yet it lacked any ostentation.

Perhaps it was human nature to admire beauty, for Li Wancheng found herself momentarily unable to tear her gaze away. Only when she met the Empress’s slightly cold gaze did she snap back to her senses, hastily lowering her eyes.

In the imperial court, it was considered grave disrespect for a subject to look directly at the ruler without permission.

Perhaps due to the resounding victory in battle, the Empress was in a benevolent mood and chose not to reprimand her.

“Beloved subject, please rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Li Wancheng glanced sideways and saw the Empress had shifted her posture, now leaning casually against the throne, exuding an air of leisure.

“Having achieved such a great victory, what reward does the General desire?”

Though the Empress asked with a smile, Li Wancheng’s heart skipped a beat. The imperial court was no place for carelessness; every word had to be carefully chosen. “This humble general dares not claim credit. I only wish to serve the court and Your Majesty.”

Her words were flawless, watertight, conveying both integrity and unwavering loyalty.

Xiao Wanyue chuckled softly, as if she had anticipated this response. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the armrest. “Then I shall reward you with a thousand taels of gold and grant you a fiefdom.”

The female general bowed her head in gratitude for the standard, measured rewards.

The figure on the Dragon Throne flicked a finger, summoning the Head Eunuch. “Issue an order: tonight, we shall hold a banquet to celebrate the great victory at the border and welcome General Li back from her campaign.”

After leaving the palace, Li Wancheng returned directly to the General’s Mansion.

Due to her high rank, the mansion was located in the Capital’s most prosperous district. However, she lived simply, with only two maids who served her constantly and a few servants for daily cleaning.

The familiar voice echoed in her mind, the System’s tone unusually tinged with amusement. “You’ve adapted to this identity remarkably quickly.”

Li Wancheng relaxed as Chuntao helped her remove her armor.

As the saying goes, familiarity breeds ease. Moreover, in this ancient era where a single misstep could cost her life, she dared not make any mistakes.

Chuntao had already brewed Biluochun tea and brought it to her. Li Wancheng sipped the tea, her brow furrowing at the thought of the banquet she had to attend that evening.

Even from their brief interaction, it was clear how deeply Xiao Wanyue’s schemes ran. Gaining her trust would likely be no easy task.

With a sigh, Li Wancheng thought, In the end, naive little rabbits are always the easiest to deceive.

******

At Shen Shi (3-5 PM), the evening banquet commenced. As expected, court courtesans performed dances.

Censor Wang sipped his wine and shook his head with feigned regret. “Ah, these dancers only know a few repetitive tunes. How utterly tedious.”

After a moment, he shifted his tone, his words now carrying a pointed edge. “I’ve heard General Li is a master swordsman, skilled not only in slaying enemies but also in the art of sword dance. Would the General grace us with a performance to broaden our horizons?”

At the banquet, before the Empress and her ministers, Censor Wang’s comparison of Li Wancheng to court courtesans, mere entertainment for the court, was a blatant act of provocation.

Several officials who had long harbored resentment toward her eagerly echoed his sentiment. Li Wancheng’s eyes darkened as she glanced up at the Empress, who sat composed on her throne.

Xiao Wanyue continued drinking calmly, then suddenly met Li Wancheng’s gaze.

Li Wancheng saw the Empress’s lips twitch slightly, was she… smiling?

“This one also wishes to witness the General’s grace,” Xiao Wanyue said, her voice low and melodious.

The corners of Li Wancheng’s lips tightened.

With the Sovereign’s command, it seemed she had no choice but to perform the sword dance today.

Xiao Wanyue set down her wine cup and gestured to her attendant. “Bring forth my sword.”

The Head Eunuch appeared momentarily stunned before bowing his head and responding with a deferential “Yes, Your Majesty.” Within moments, the sword was presented.

The scabbard was crafted from the finest purple sandalwood, adorned with intricate copper carvings and gilded dragon motifs that coiled lifelike across its surface. A turquoise gem was embedded at the base of the hilt, and under the candlelight, the characters “Flowing Light” could be faintly discerned etched along the blade.

Even a layman could immediately recognize this was no ordinary weapon.

Li Wancheng was momentarily awed by the sword’s splendor, but her admiration quickly gave way to resignation.

She had never even touched a sword before. What kind of performance could she possibly deliver?

In a corner of her consciousness space, the System remained utterly unfazed. “Just go ahead and do it.”

Having chosen to assign Li Wancheng this identity, it had naturally prepared her for such contingencies.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Li Wancheng, though inwardly uncertain, had no choice but to accept the sword from the Head Eunuch. The moment her palm touched the hilt, countless sword techniques suddenly flashed before her eyes, as if instantly implanted into her mind.

Grasping the hilt firmly, she executed each movement with fluid grace, her strikes as swift as a dragon’s dance and as elegant as a startled swan.

A sharp gust of wind swept past as the sword’s edge halted mere inches from Censor Wang’s hat brim. The man immediately broke into a cold sweat, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

Before him, the female general performed a flourish, effortlessly sheathing her sword. After a moment, she smiled faintly at him. “Lord Wang, I’ve made a fool of myself.”

Censor Wang raised his sleeve to wipe nonexistent sweat from his brow. “General… General Li’s swordsmanship is truly unparalleled. This old man is in awe.”

A faint, cold smile curled at the corner of her lips as she turned to sheathe the sword and bowed slightly toward the Empress.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Wanyue didn’t signal for anyone to retrieve the sword. Instead, she clapped her hands.

“Swift as an arrow striking down the sun, graceful as a dragon soaring among the gods! A fine sword deserves a fine dance.”

“This sword is hereby gifted to my beloved subject.”

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