The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 59

After her injuries healed, Lin Wan kept Sheng Qian under close care for nearly another month. Only when she saw Sheng Qian’s thin cheeks fill out a bit did Lin Wan finally feel at ease.

 

To say Sheng Qian didn’t listen to Lin Wan. After recovering, she didn’t run out as frequently as before. Yet, to say she did listen, she still went out with Hu Yi for about half a month every month.

 

However, Hu Yi swore up and down that he would protect Sheng Qian and never let her fall into danger again. Moreover, Sheng Qian pleaded softly, and considering how well Hu Yi had taken care of Sheng Qian over the years, Lin Wan couldn’t refuse him face. In the end, she agreed to let the two go out.

 

True to her word, Sheng Qian never got injured again after that. Every time she returned from an outing, she brought Lin Wan all sorts of gifts and grew even closer to her.

 

Seeing Sheng Qian so obedient, Lin Wan felt reassured.

 

By all accounts, Lin Wan should have been happy. After all, her mission progress was excellent, and perhaps because this small world held a special fondness for Sheng Qian, her luck value had been steadily increasing over the years. By the time she saw Sheng Qian through to a natural end, Lin Wan was almost certain she would receive the small world’s gift of fortune.

 

Yet, perhaps it was a case of “when the rabbit dies, the fox mourns” seeing the suffering of others reminded her of her own kind. This chaotic era made Lin Wan recall the blood-soaked scenes from her own world’s final days. Watching the widespread misery and devastation in this world, it was hard for her to feel any joy.

 

Everything was just too difficult!

 

Even though she had mentally prepared herself, the reality of war was far more brutal than Lin Wan had imagined. The refugee armies outside grew larger, panic spread through the capital, and many shops closed their doors. The once-bustling streets became desolate. In contrast, businesses like Lin Wan’s escort agency flourished more than ever.

 

Lin Wan took on many jobs escorting families relocating to the southwest.

 

After seeing so many such cases, Lin Wan began to feel tempted herself. She discussed the idea of moving with her parents in private.

 

The north was growing increasingly chaotic, while the south remained relatively peaceful, especially the southwest region governed by the Leyi tribe. In recent years, it had become more prosperous, and after the new chieftain recently made a public appearance, a series of policies benefiting the people were enacted. For those ravaged by war, the southwest was a rare ideal homeland.

 

Rumors said that although this chieftain was young and rarely seen, she was exceptionally intelligent.

 

At first, like everyone else, Lin Wan had her doubts about this young girl. But after witnessing the girl’s subsequent actions, Lin Wan felt genuine admiration, and her doubts were completely dispelled.

 

If they moved to the southwest, they would surely be able to live a peaceful life.

 

After Lin Wan voiced this idea, her mother had no objections, but her father sighed deeply and looked troubled. “Wanwan, your father has actually been thinking the same thing. But our Lin family has lived in the capital for generations. I lost my father at a young age and was raised with the support of our clan relatives. If we move the whole family south, I can’t bear to leave them behind.”

 

Lin’s father was a kind-hearted man. He had grown up relying on the charity of his clan, and after achieving success, he never forgot to help his hometown, donating generously. A few members of the Lin family had passed the imperial examinations and become officials, which was how the family had prospered.

 

In Lin Wan’s view, her father had already repaid the clan’s kindness over the years. In fact, some of the clan’s elders, leaning on past favors, had made increasingly unreasonable demands on him.

 

However, Father Lin had always advocated for integrity as the foundation of life, believing that the family prospered together. Lin Wan could understand his sentiments toward their clan and relatives. Considering that the security of the escort agency provided protection, the Lin family truly hadn’t reached the point where relocation was necessary, so Lin Wan didn’t bring up the matter again.

 

In the blink of an eye, Lin Wan was about to turn eighteen.

 

In this era, that was already considered an advanced age for an unmarried woman.

 

It was then that Lin Wan learned that the laws of this world stipulated that unmarried women over eighteen had to pay an annual tax to the imperial court. However, once a woman reached eighteen without marrying, she also gained the right to inherit the family estate.

 

Lin Wan deeply resented this law. Women already struggled to survive in these turbulent times, and while the tax was negligible to her, for many impoverished women, it was a substantial sum.

 

After learning of this law, Lin Wan specifically set aside a sum of money in private, intending to help these unfortunate women pay their taxes.

 

She entrusted this task to Aunt Huang, a slave she had taken in years earlier.

 

Hu Yi, being a man, might arouse suspicion if he investigated this matter. Although Aunt Huang had her tongue removed, over the years she had become self-reliant and resilient. Not only was she an excellent cook, but she also had beautiful handwriting and a gentle, approachable demeanor that made people enjoy interacting with her.

 

Lin Wan admired her tenacity in surviving through great adversity and treated her with exceptional kindness.

 

As if surprised by Lin Wan’s idea, Aunt Huang froze for a moment upon hearing the plan, then seemed visibly moved. She picked up a brush as if to write something.

 

But just then, Sheng Qian’s voice came from the doorway: “Wanwan, what are you and Aunt Huang discussing?”

 

Aunt Huang’s expression changed, her hand trembled, and she lowered her head without writing anything further.

 

While she was relatively at ease with others, in Sheng Qian’s presence she remained meek and submissive, never daring to look up.

 

Lin Wan had a vague suspicion: Aunt Huang had come from the palace and likely knew Sheng Qian’s true identity. Thus, her palace-trained habits made her maintain strict etiquette around Sheng Qian.

 

But since Aunt Huang had never explicitly mentioned it to Sheng Qian, Lin Wan pretended not to know.

 

She had confidence in the current Sheng Qian even if she regained her memories, she wouldn’t act impulsively.

 

As Sheng Qian entered the room, Lin Wan didn’t hide the plan from her and explained it in detail. Sheng Qian was meticulous and thorough in her work and might notice aspects Lin Wan had overlooked.

 

“Does Wanwan not plan to marry?” After hearing Lin Wan’s explanation, Sheng Qian didn’t immediately comment on the plan. Instead, she smiled warmly, her beautiful eyes shimmering as she leaned in and took Lin Wan’s hand. “That works perfectly. I don’t plan to marry either. I’ll stay with Wanwan for a lifetime.”

 

Perhaps because she was coming of age, Sheng Qian had abandoned her previous habit of wearing only dark colors and finally agreed to wear the colorful clothes Lin Wan bought for her, allowing Lin Wan to dress her up.

 

The already stunning young girl looked even more radiant in beautiful attire, like a fresh flower blooming on a branch, a delight to behold.

 

“Silly child, you don’t have to follow me in everything.”

 

Now, Sheng Qian bore only a slight resemblance to her childhood self, so Lin Wan felt at ease taking her out in public. With Sheng Qian’s striking beauty and being of marriageable age, several young men had already fallen for her at first sight and come to propose.

 

Madam Lin was always enthusiastic about such matters, actively helping to evaluate potential matches and privately asking Lin Wan to investigate the character of these suitors.

 

Lin Wan shared the findings of her inquiries with Lady Lin, who then selected a few reputable families to introduce to Sheng Qian. However, there was no follow-up afterward. When Sheng Qian learned that Lin Wan had also been involved in the matchmaking, the young girl grew sulky and upset with her.

 

“I knew Sister sees me as a burden and always wants to push me away.”

 

At the time, Sheng Qian looked utterly aggrieved, her tears welling up but refusing to fall, which made Lin Wan’s heart ache as she spent a long time comforting her. It wasn’t until Lin Wan swore, she would never arrange another matchmaking meeting that Sheng Qian finally brightened up again.

 

Now, seeing that Sheng Qian seemed to be in a good mood, Lin Wan assumed she was hesitant to engage with others due to her amnesia and was merely speaking out of caution. Unable to resist, she gently patted Sheng Qian’s head and carefully broached the subject.

 

“If Qianqian ever meets someone she truly likes in the future, she must be brave enough to pursue it. With your character, appearance, and talents, you deserve the very best in marriage.”

 

“And if you face setbacks, don’t be afraid,” Lin Wan smiled warmly. “I will always stand by your side.”

 

“You’re so good to me, Wanwan,” Sheng Qian replied, though Lin Wan’s words seemed to have struck a nerve. Her smile faded slightly as she glanced at Lin Wan with a hint of mockery in her expression. “I know what I want.”

 

“I just can’t bear to leave you, Wanwan.”

 

“But you, Wanwan! You always say things like this. Are you tired of me?”

 

Sheng Qian leaned closer to Lin Wan, her eyes glimmering with shifting emotions, a teasing curve to her lips as she smiled faintly.

 

She had grown quickly and was now almost as tall as Lin Wan. Her crimson lips and ever-affectionate gaze made Lin Wan acutely aware of her own reflection in Sheng Qian’s eyes at such close proximity.

 

Though Lin Wan reminded herself that Sheng Qian would only be a middle-schooler in modern times, she suddenly felt a wave of nervousness.

 

Aunt Huang, who had been standing with her head bowed, shuddered and abruptly coughed.

 

Snapping back to reality, Lin Wan gently pushed Sheng Qian away. “Stop fooling around! We’re discussing serious matters.”

 

Sheng Qian’s gaze swept over Aunt Huang, her eyes turning cold, though her lips curved into a soft smile. Her voice was gentle and tinged with laziness.

 

“Wanwan, your kindness is commendable, but people’s hearts are unpredictable. It might attract wolves in sheep’s clothing. In my opinion, it’s better to teach someone to fish than to give them a fish.”

 

“Sister, why not set up workshops for women? Teach them skills to earn a living so they can support themselves with their own abilities.”

 

As she spoke, Sheng Qian took the paper and brush from Aunt Huang and began listing out the necessary considerations for the plan step by step.

 

Lin Wan had actually considered this idea before, but given the turbulent times and the difficulty of finding suitable work for women, she had temporarily set it aside. Clearly, Sheng Qian had gained a wealth of experience from her travels over the years. Under her planning, the workshop quickly took shape.

 

Sheng Qian even thought ahead to details like allowing the women in the workshop to draw half a year’s salary in advance if they encountered difficulties.

 

If they followed Sheng Qian’s plan, the workshop had a high chance of success!

 

“Qianqian, you’re truly amazing!”

 

In Lin Wan’s mind, Sheng Qian had always been a clever and meticulous young girl, but she never imagined Sheng Qian could produce such a detailed plan in an instant.

 

Facing Lin Wan’s admiring gaze, Sheng Qian slightly raised her chin, her face brimming with pride, yet she said, “I just made a casual plan. It’s all thanks to Wanwan’s kindness, willing to invest money.”

 

But Lin Wan didn’t see it that way. In her eyes, Sheng Qian was the most kind-hearted and delicate heroine. She had come up with such a detailed plan in such a short time perhaps she had rehearsed it many times in her heart, which was why she could present it so quickly.

 

“Qianqian, don’t be modest. In my heart, you are the most kind and clever girl.”

 

However, since Sheng Qian didn’t want to elaborate, Lin Wan didn’t press further. She praised Sheng Qian a few more times before considerately turning to Aunt Huang.

 

“Aunt Huang, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

 

Aunt Huang glanced up at Lin Wan, her expression strangely complex.

 

She let out a soft sigh, lowered her head again, and shook it repeatedly.

 

And so, the matter was settled.

 

Afterward, Lin Wan busied herself with selecting a site for the workshop. News of her plan to build it gradually spread, and many widows and unmarried women came seeking opportunities.

 

Lin’s mother, being kind-hearted herself, was deeply moved by the plight of these women and joined Lin Wan’s efforts to help.

 

As Lin Wan’s 18th birthday approached, the workshop was nearing completion. She had been supervising the construction closely, determined to finish it before her birthday so she could showcase the workshop’s products at her celebration feast.

 

One day, while Lin Wan was overseeing the work, her father’s servant suddenly arrived, urging her to return home for an important matter.

 

When Lin Wan arrived home, she found the clan leader and several other elders seated in the main hall.

 

“Look at the state of you! Where is the grace and composure befitting a young lady?” As soon as Lin Wan entered, she met the disapproving gaze of one of the elders.

 

Having just returned from the construction site, where she had been hands-on with every detail, her hair was slightly disheveled.

 

She hadn’t expected her parents to object, but the elders had come specifically to scold her.

 

“At your age, still unmarried, you’re setting a bad example for the young women of our clan! We’ve heard you’re building some workshop, gathering all those unlucky, unmarriageable women and widows.”

 

“How dare you? Shut that workshop down immediately! If you keep this up, people will gossip about the young ladies of our clan behind our backs!”

 

The clan leader, seated in the place of honor offered by Lin’s father, immediately launched into accusations: “Your family may have prospered, but you show no consideration for the reputation of the other young women in our clan!”

 

Lin Wan’s expression darkened, and the smile vanished from her father’s face.

 

Unaware, the clan leader gestured for the men he had brought along to step forward.

 

These men were either plain-looking, unusually short, or, in one case, walked with a slight limp.

 

“These are the eligible unmarried men from our clan. All honest and dependable,” the clan leader continued, addressing Lin Wan. “A grown woman like you remaining unmarried is disgraceful! If you can’t find a suitable match on your own, the clan will choose for you. They’re all from our own family, so you can support each other.”

 

Lin Wan remained silent, but her mother could no longer contain herself. She slammed the table and stood up, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

 

“Third Elder, you’re deliberately here to insult our Wanwan!” There were some words Father Lin couldn’t bring himself to say due to familial ties, but Mother Lin had no such reservations.

 

“Don’t think I don’t know the character of these people you’ve brought,” Mother Lin fumed, clutching her chest in anger. “One still wets the bed at seventeen, another has ruined his health from frequenting brothels, and the third broke his leg while committing theft. And these are the decent, honest families you spoke of?”

 

Over the years, while worrying about Lin Wan’s marriage prospects, Mother Lin had naturally inquired about eligible young men in the clan and was well aware of their backgrounds.

 

Hearing Mother Lin’s words and seeing the guilty expressions on the clansmen’s faces, Father Lin’s expression grew increasingly dark.

 

Having been in business for years, he was skilled at reading people and had roughly understood the purpose behind the elders’ visit.

 

He only had Lin Wan as his daughter. Previously, when Lin Wan showed little promise, he had planned to provide her with the most generous dowry and, after her marriage, adopt a male heir from the clan to inherit his family business.

 

But in recent years, Lin Wan had become increasingly capable, managing business affairs methodically and showing no intention of marrying. So, he thought it would be fine to keep his daughter at home. In a few years, when she was older, they could select a few orphans from the clan for her to care for in her old age, thus avoiding any regrets.

 

He had vaguely mentioned his intention to adopt to the clan leader before, but never expected the elders to covet his family’s wealth because of it. Coincidentally, all the people they brought happened to be close relatives of the elders.

 

If Lin Wan married any of these men, the elders would likely have more excuses to divide his wealth later!

 

Father Lin was usually an easygoing man, but Lin Wan and her mother were his sore spots.

 

Clearly, the elders hadn’t expected Mother Lin to know the backgrounds of the people they brought. Temporarily at a loss, they could only look up at Father Lin with dissatisfaction. “Look at the fine daughter and wife you’ve raised!”

 

“What, is marrying into our clan beneath her?” The elder continued mockingly, “At her age, does she still think she can marry a prince or nobleman?”

 

Father Lin was so angry he nearly vomited blood. The mocking elder’s son served as a vice minister in the court. If not for Father Lin spending money to secure connections, support his studies, and help with seasonal gifts, that son would never have become an official!

 

Father Lin never imagined he would have nurtured such an ungrateful wolf. He felt blood and fury churning in his chest.

 

Lin Wan wasn’t as angry. She had never held much affection for the elders to begin with. Noticing her father’s poor condition, she quickly pinched her mother’s hand discreetly.

 

Understanding Lin Wan’s meaning, Mother Lin immediately clutched her chest and began moaning, collapsing downward.

 

Lin Wan hurried over to support her, while Father Lin, greatly alarmed, rushed to call a doctor. In the commotion of people coming and going, the several clan elders were pushed out of the house.

 

The elders left with indignant expressions.

 

After the doctor arrived, Mother Lin turned out to be fine, but Father Lin collapsed. Fortunately, the doctor was present and immediately administered acupuncture and prescribed medicine. Father Lin remained bedridden for two months before gradually recovering.

 

After this incident, Father Lin developed a rift with the clan, and their relationship was never as close as before.

 

Meanwhile, Lin Wan was so busy during those two months that her feet barely touched the ground. She was preparing for her eighteenth birthday celebration, setting up workshops, caring for her father, and handling matters at the security agency. Fortunately, Sheng Qian, after learning about the elders’ visit, had been by her side helping throughout. Otherwise, Lin Wan truly wouldn’t have been able to manage everything.

 

Perhaps Heaven had eyes, for after those clan elders and their followers returned, a series of misfortunes befell them. One broke his leg from a fall, another caught a severe chill after falling into a river and remained bedridden, while yet another had his affair with his sister-in-law exposed.

 

The third uncle who had slandered Lin Wan even worse. He broke his front teeth in a fall and ever since spoke with a whistling lisp.

 

While Lin Wan was busy, the world’s development unfolded just as she had received in the worldline: after the emperor’s children all died, Huang Fu proposed adopting the son of Prince Yunyang as the crown prince to succeed the throne.

 

Over the years, the male lead, Gu Ze, had been adept at disguising his true nature, earning a relatively good reputation among the people. With the military under his control, it wasn’t long before he ascended the throne, just as in the original worldline.

 

However, the situation Gu Ze faced was far from ideal: the empire was in chaos, refugees were rising up everywhere, and feudal lords were carving out their own territories. Stabilizing his reign would likely require considerable effort.

 

The worldline Lin Wan received ended here.

 

Even in such turbulent times, Lin Wan had made thorough preparations for her future life: she had no intention of marrying, planning instead to properly inherit the family estate, support her parents, and become Sheng Qian’s eternal support, ensuring her happiness, health, and safety.

 

Yet, events took a completely unexpected turn.

 

After Gu Ze became the new emperor, he began selecting consorts. The Lin family had no intention of sending anyone to the palace, and as Lin Wan was an only daughter, she was exempt from the selection by law, so her name was naturally not submitted.

 

No one could have anticipated that when the list of selected maidens was announced, Lin Wan’s name was clearly among them!