The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 62

Lin Wan blinked.

 

For a moment, she instinctively felt that all of this was a dream.

 

Otherwise, how could her delicate, sweet, amnesiac princess have transformed into the rumored decisive and cunning young clan leader?

 

The girl before her seemed even thinner than the last time they met. Her posture was straight and slender, her face stunningly beautiful, and at first glance, she still looked familiar to Lin Wan.

 

But upon closer comparison, her usual delicate and gentle demeanor was like a pearl with its luster concealed, while her current sharp, murderous appearance was like a dazzling, priceless gem that shook one’s soul.

 

The sensation on her cheek felt incredibly real.

 

“Wasn’t it you, sister, who always taught me to be strong?” Sheng Qian leaned down, her oppressive presence growing stronger as she pinched Lin Wan’s chin and met her gaze.

 

“Why does it seem like you’re not the least bit happy about it?”

 

Lin Wan bit her lower lip.

 

Though she didn’t want to admit it, everything before her proved one fact. The sweet, innocent little sister she had always thought Sheng Qian to be had unknowingly turned into a black-hearted little clan leader.

 

“You have to give me some time to process this,” Lin Wan sighed, gathering her complicated emotions as she met Sheng Qian’s eyes and spoke softly. “Qianqian, do we really have to talk under these circumstances?”

 

Being seen by Sheng Qian in such an awkward and humiliating situation was the worst-case scenario Lin Wan had imagined. If it were a stranger, they would never meet again, and Lin Wan could forget about it. But the one before her was Sheng Qian, the person she was tasked to protect for life. From now on, the two of them would have to pretend tacitly to have completely forgotten this scene.

 

However, Sheng Qian was so clever that she probably wouldn’t bring it up again.

 

Realizing what Lin Wan was referring to, Sheng Qian’s gaze wavered, her eyes sweeping over Lin Wan. As if recalling something, the murderous aura around her suddenly faded, and a faint blush visibly spread across her pale cheeks.

 

The red candle flickered, its wick crackling softly. Sheng Qian stood there in a daze, unmoving.

 

Was she frightened?

 

Lin Wan looked at Sheng Qian, who seemed lost in thought, and her own embarrassment and frustration grew stronger.

 

“Qianqian!”

 

Pursing her lips, her voice hoarse, she called out again anxiously.

 

That call seemed to shatter an invisible illusion.

 

Sheng Qian pressed her lips together, suddenly pulled the quilt over Lin Wan, straightened up, and unexpectedly lifted Lin Wan into her arms.

 

“Qianqian, put me down!”

 

Lin Wan exclaimed in surprise, never expecting Sheng Qian to act this way. She immediately raised her head, trying to stand on her own.

 

But her body hadn’t regained its strength, and her struggles were pitifully weak. After a few attempts, she had no choice but to give up.

 

Biting her lower lip, her face flushed red with a mix of embarrassment and anger, Lin Wan heard Sheng Qian’s low chuckle.

 

“Wanwan, if I were you, I’d cover my face.”

 

Sheng Qian carried Lin Wan out of the room.

 

The first thing that caught Lin Wan’s eye was the soaring flames and the relentless clashing of swords.

 

She saw Gu Ze, captured by soldiers, struggling fiercely with a reddened face, his luck value reduced to just 5%. She also saw Huang Fu, her makeup in disarray, her luck value already at “0”.

 

Lin Wan wanted to take another look when she saw Hu Yi, clad in military attire, step out from the crowd and walk toward Sheng Qian’s direction.

 

Lin Wan was startled and dared not look further, afraid of being recognized by Hu Yi. Instinctively, she buried her face into the blanket, her heart racing with tension. Even her toes curled and tucked themselves beneath the covers.

 

She heard a soft chuckle.

 

Lin Wan gritted her teeth, her face flushing bright red. Unable to resist, she pinched Sheng Qian’s waist through the blanket.

 

If possible, Lin Wan would have preferred to pinch Sheng Qian’s cheek instead: How dare this little brat mock her!

 

But Sheng Qian seemed oblivious to her embarrassment and laughed again!

 

Lin Wan clenched her jaw, about to pinch him once more, when she heard Hu Yi’s voice from just a few steps away.

 

“Your Highness, the four city gates are under control, and the imperial guards have surrendered.”

 

Afraid of being recognized by Hu Yi, Lin Wan froze, holding her breath and not daring to move a muscle.

 

If Lin Wan had lifted her head, she would have realized her fears were entirely unfounded.

 

Having followed Sheng Qian all these years, how could Hu Yi not understand his temperament?

 

After hearing that Lin Wan had been selected to enter the palace, Sheng Qian had gone mad, attacking the capital day and night without rest, like a demon from hell, leaving rivers of blood in his wake. In front of Sheng Qian, Hu Yi didn’t even dare to breathe loudly.

 

Now, seeing the ancestor in such high spirits, how could Hu Yi not know who Sheng Qian was holding?

 

He just hadn’t expected Her Highness to be so formidable, rendering Lin Wan’s legs too weak to walk in such a short time.

 

Clicking his tongue inwardly in amazement, Hu Yi kept his expression stern and reported the matters with utmost seriousness, his head bowed so low it nearly touched the ground, terrified of catching a glimpse of something he shouldn’t.

 

Sheng Qian seemed to sense Lin Wan’s tension. While patting her soothingly, he casually responded to Hu Yi’s military reports.

 

Lin Wan knew nothing of military affairs, but she could sense Sheng Qian’s ease and confidence. Hearing Hu Yi’s respectful tone, a strange feeling dawned on her belatedly.

 

This was a Sheng Qian she had never seen before.

 

Though it was the same person, his voice was distinctly different now. Carrying the detached, life-and-death authority of someone in power. To Lin Wan’s ears, it felt like listening to a stranger..

 

Just as Sheng Qian had said, he now possessed the ability to protect himself.

 

So, if she stayed by his side from now on, how should she face him?

 

Lin Wan bit her lower lip: Since arriving in this world, she had never felt so utterly lost as she did in this moment.

 

While Lin Wan was lost in her thoughts, Sheng Qian and Hu Yi above her had moved on to discussing the handling of the surrendered soldiers.

 

Hu Yi believed that most of these soldiers were followers of Gu Ze. The Gu Ze faction had long been entrenched in the military, and like a centipede that refuses to die even when cut in pieces, it was best to eliminate them root and branch. Killing the surrendered soldiers would prevent future troubles; if not all could be executed, some could be branded on the face and enslaved, put to hard labor in the army.

 

Hu Yi’s proposal was the most common practice in this world.

 

Sheng Qian above fell silent for a moment, clearly pondering the matter.

 

Lin Wan frowned. Even though she knew killing the surrendered soldiers was the simplest solution and that such methods were customary in this world. Gu Ze himself had once ordered the execution of ten thousand surrendered soldiers upon taking power, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

 

Lost in her thoughts, Lin Wan instinctively tugged at Sheng Qian’s sleeve.

 

She didn’t want Sheng Qian, whom she had raised with her own hands, to become like the other ruthless leaders of this world, treating human lives as expendable. Lin Wan preferred to believe that in this chaotic era, few would willingly choose a life of bloodshed on the battlefield if given an alternative.

 

In war, most people were innocent bystanders dragged into the fray.

 

Could Sheng Qian spare those innocent soldiers?

 

Yet, faced with this unfamiliar version of Sheng Qian, Lin Wan had little confidence in persuading her. She could only frantically search her mind for the right words to sway Sheng Qian.

 

Before Lin Wan could speak, Sheng Qian said softly, “There are vast stretches of wasteland in the northern marshes. Let these surrendered soldiers go there for two years to reclaim the land. Assign supervisors to monitor them. If they show no signs of trouble, they can be integrated into the regular army.”

 

Hu Yi’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

Based on his years of experience with Sheng Qian, she was far from soft-hearted. On the contrary, she was tougher than most.

 

As a soldier, Hu Yi had naturally contemplated the possibility of defeat. If given the chance to live, no one would willingly choose death.

 

In this era of constant conflict, most preferred to execute surrendered soldiers outright to avoid future trouble. Sheng Qian’s plan was not unfeasible. Though more cumbersome, its benefits were evident.

 

Once implemented, this plan would undoubtedly win the loyalty of many commoners, especially since Sheng Qian’s army offered the best treatment in these turbulent times. Over the years, under the guise of escorting shipments, they had engaged in trade across regions, accumulating considerable wealth and ample military supplies.

 

Still, the plan didn’t seem like something Sheng Qian would propose.

 

Hu Yi couldn’t help but glance at Sheng Qian, who was staring down at the bundle of blankets in her arms.

 

In that instant, Hu Yi understood why she had spoken this way. He lowered his head again, a smile spreading across his face, and immediately said, “Your Highness remains as benevolent as ever. This plan is excellent.”

 

Sure enough, he earned an approving glance from Sheng Qian.

 

Hu Yi could swear: even after his past victories, Sheng Qian had never looked at him like that.

 

After receiving his orders, Hu Yi went off to handle the matter. Before leaving, he made a gesture to Sheng Qian, indicating that all those who had harbored ill intentions toward Lin Wan including the minister who had framed her into the palace, the palace servants who had drugged her, and those who had mistreated her; had been dealt with amid the chaos of war.

 

Seeing Sheng Qian nod expressionlessly, Hu Yi turned and left.

 

Lin Wan didn’t catch the unspoken exchange between them.

 

Listening to their conversation, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt: she had actually thought Sheng Qian would cruelly slaughter the surrendered soldiers. She had misunderstood Sheng Qian.

 

In truth, Sheng Qian had become this way out of necessity, merely striving to survive in a harsh world.

 

Besides, Sheng Qian had just saved her.

 

The bond they had shared over the years was genuine. For Sheng Qian to reach this point, she must have endured unimaginable suffering behind the scenes.

 

Even if Sheng Qian had grown somewhat extreme, taking a step back, she was still the mission target. Just seeing that her luck value had already reached 90%, Lin Wan didn’t want to drift apart from her.

 

With these thoughts, the sense of unfamiliarity brought on by Sheng Qian’s new identity gradually faded from Lin Wan’s heart.

 

The clamor gradually faded, and the surroundings grew quiet. By the time Lin Wan came to her senses, she had already been carried by Sheng Qian into a somewhat dilapidated small courtyard.

 

Sheng Qian pushed open the door to the room, where a new bathtub had been placed, and the bed was spread with fresh bedding.

 

The palace maids and eunuchs filed out, considerately closing the door behind them. Only then did Sheng Qian set Lin Wan down on the bed. Meeting Lin Wan’s puzzled gaze, she removed the blanket wrapped around Lin Wan and lifted her into the bathtub.

 

“There’s an antidote in the bathwater. Soaking in it will help you recover.”

 

Sheng Qian’s voice had grown hoarse again, as if sensing Lin Wan’s discomfort. This time, she didn’t stare directly at Lin Wan but turned her head to the side.

 

Yet, hearing Sheng Qian’s unusually altered voice, Lin Wan couldn’t help but blush.

 

She softly murmured an “Mm,” allowing Sheng Qian to carry her into the bathtub.

 

The warm medicated water eased the stiffness in Lin Wan’s body. Besides the faint scent of herbs, there was another fragrance in the bath, one that Lin Wan recognized as Sheng Qian’s familiar, delicate scent.

 

The floating herbs concealed Lin Wan’s body, restoring a bit of her sense of security. She turned her head to look at Sheng Qian, whose hair was adorned with a small, withered branch, and couldn’t resist speaking softly.

 

“Qianqian, you must have been exhausted these past few days. Try not to stay up too late tonight and get some rest early.”

 

Perhaps surprised by Lin Wan’s words, Sheng Qian seemed momentarily stunned.

 

“Sister, aren’t you angry with me?”

 

Sheng Qian turned her body slightly, lowering her head again. Perhaps out of nervousness, her hands gripped the edge of the bathtub tightly, not daring to meet Lin Wan’s eyes. “I’ve kept this from you for so long.”

 

“At first, I was a little upset.”

 

“You must have regained your memories, right?”

 

Lin Wan answered honestly, “I believe you must have had your reasons, and you just saved me. I’m not ungrateful.”

 

She chose her words carefully, lifting her now-relaxed hand to pat Sheng Qian’s arm. “Qianqian, no matter how your identity changes, you’ll always be my dear sister.”

 

“Sister?”

 

Sheng Qian suddenly looked up at Lin Wan.

 

Her gaze was strangely complex filled with anger, sorrow, and even a hint of self-mockery that Lin Wan faintly perceived.

 

But Sheng Qian quickly lowered her eyes again.

 

She seemed to revert to her usual gentle and harmless demeanor.

 

“I did remember my past.”

 

“I recalled that I am the daughter of the previous emperor. He allowed Huang Fu to wreak havoc in the palace, killing my mother. I was driven out of the palace, hunted by Huang Fu, which is why I lost my memory. If it weren’t for you saving me, I might have died in that snowstorm.”

 

Lin Wan couldn’t see Sheng Qian’s expression, but the story itself was heartbreaking enough.

 

“Qianqian,” Lin Wan took Sheng Qian’s hand, speaking earnestly to comfort her, “It’s alright. You still have me.”

 

“Wanwan,” at this point, Sheng Qian finally looked up.

 

She bit her lip, stubbornly still calling Lin Wan by her name, her eyes red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. “I’m truly afraid, afraid that you’ll end up like my mother, losing your life in this deep palace.”

 

“All I could think about was rescuing you as quickly as possible. I didn’t consider what would come after.”

 

Sheng Qian pressed her lips together, as if trying to hold back her sobs, yet in Lin Wan’s eyes, she resembled a piece of translucent glass, fragile enough to shatter at any moment.

 

“Wanwan,” she murmured Lin Wan’s name again, leaning forward to grasp her hand. In the candlelight, her eyes were as deep as an abyss, yet a flickering shadow of fire danced within their depths.

 

“Can you stay with me in the palace?”

 

Sheng Qian’s voice trembled, carrying an unmistakable plea: “I don’t know how to be an emperor. I’m afraid I’ll make mistakes and earn your disdain. I know you don’t like the palace, but I’ll do my best to make it less unbearable. ”

 

“Wanwan, you’re all I have.”

 

…

 

Lin Wan had always cherished Sheng Qian as her most beloved younger sister, pampering and doting on her. She had never seen Sheng Qian appear so vulnerable and helpless. Hearing her soft, pleading voice, Lin Wan felt as if her heart were being squeezed, overwhelmed with pity and tenderness.

 

She had no desire to remain in the palace. During her time there, just as Sheng Qian had said, she had grown to resent this oppressive, treacherous place and had originally planned to leave the very next day.

 

But Sheng Qian was here now, begging her to stay.

 

No matter how formidable Sheng Qian might appear to the outside world, to Lin Wan, she was still the delicate girl she had raised with her own hands.

 

The higher one climbed, the lonelier it became. If no one stayed by her side, how would Sheng Qian face the relentless storms and challenges that lay ahead?

 

Lin Wan bit her lower lip.

 

She couldn’t abandon Sheng Qian.

 

Even if she might be of little help, her presence alone would at least reassure Sheng Qian that she wasn’t fighting her battles alone.

 

“Qianqian, don’t say such things.”

 

Lin Wan’s nose tingled with emotion, unable to comprehend how things had come to this. Yet, the urge to protect Sheng Qian burned fiercely within her.

 

“As long as you need me, I will always stay by your side,” Lin Wan declared firmly, her gaze fixed on Sheng Qian.

 

“I knew Wanwan would be the best to me!”

 

True to her childlike nature, Sheng Qian broke into an immediate smile, her eyes sparkling with unmistakable joy. Seemingly oblivious to Lin Wan’s awkward position and unconcerned about getting her clothes wet, she turned and wrapped her arms tightly around Lin Wan.

 

“As long as Wanwan is willing to stay with me, I will always treat you well.”

 

Sheng Qian had braced herself for Lin Wan’s rejection.

 

Originally, she had intended to remain by Lin Wan’s side, continuing to play the role of the sweet, obedient younger sister. Though she was gradually realizing that her feelings for Lin Wan were far from simple. Sometimes she couldn’t suppress the desires that surged within her. Overall, the joy of being near Lin Wan was enough to temporarily overshadow any discomfort.

 

But then Lin Wan was selected to enter the palace by Gu Ze.

 

Sheng Qian hadn’t planned to deal with Gu Ze and Huang Fu so soon, but the thought of the dangers Lin Wan might face in the palace drove her to recklessly expose some of her hidden schemes ahead of schedule.

 

As she mobilized her troops, her heart felt numb and cold, yet there was a strange, twisted satisfaction in it all.

 

Lin Wan was no fool. With a little reflection, she would uncover the covert operations Sheng Qian had carried out under the guise of the escort agency.

 

What expression would Lin Wan wear when she realized that her gentle, kind-hearted sister was not who she seemed? That she had been deceived all this time?

 

But it didn’t matter if Lin Wan hated her, Sheng Qian knew her weaknesses. Lin Wan was easy to control; the life of any member of the Lin family could be used to make her obey without question.

 

However, Lin Wan would no longer smile at her gently as before, affectionately call her “Qianqian,” consider her in every matter, or wish for her to perish.

 

She would never again see the joyful, ever-smiling eyes with which Lin Wan had once looked at her.

 

When she opened the palace door, her blood boiled fiercely, yet her rationality remained terrifyingly calm, almost deathly still.

 

Lin Wan’s appearance had struck her with such intensity, even more alluring than in her dreams.

 

For a fleeting moment, she truly wanted to cast aside all restraint and turn her dreams into reality.

 

She maliciously blamed it all on Lin Wan’s expectations, thinking Lin Wan would become hysterical, fearful, and curse her that the two of them would break apart completely.

 

Yet Lin Wan still called her Qianqian.

 

Even after discovering she had been deceived for so many years, Lin Wan remained completely unguarded around her.

 

In that instant, her deadened heart suddenly began to beat again, and the desire to make Lin Wan never leave her, to always gaze at her with a smile, grew stronger.

 

She couldn’t bear to hurt Lin Wan.

 

Though the longing to possess Lin Wan tormented her to the bone, seeing Lin Wan speak to her softly and gently made her instinctively shackle herself, not daring to act recklessly.

 

She realized she seemed to have developed a weakness.

 

She despised this version of herself but found she couldn’t break free, knowing full well the path she must tread from now on.

 

It was Lin Wan who had unwittingly transformed her, making her; once cold, ruthless, and selfish; experience a myriad of emotions. How could she let Lin Wan walk away unscathed?

 

She knew Lin Wan’s character all too well.

 

When she lowered her pride and pleaded pitifully, Lin Wan reacted exactly as she had anticipated. Overwhelmed with sympathy, agreeing to stay by her side forever.

 

The moment she embraced the shy and uneasy Lin Wan, who dared not push her away for fear of hurting her, Sheng Qian finally couldn’t suppress her inner joy, a slight smile curving her lips.

 

This was only the first step.

 

After binding Lin Wan to her side, there would be plenty of time to prove that she was no longer the little girl under Lin Wan’s protection.

 

What she wanted was far more than just Lin Wan’s companionship.

 

She would surpass Lin Wan’s expectations, achieve all her aspirations, and make it impossible for Lin Wan to ever leave her.

 

They would be together for life, never parting. Cherishing her, doting on her, respecting her, protecting her.

 

And she would remember the agony of today’s restraint, only to repay it fiercely, doubling the torment and making Lin Wan cry in certain matters later on.