The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 65

The next day, Lin Wan was busy again, gradually getting a grasp on the tasks she needed to handle.

 

Upon careful consideration, there wasn’t actually much to do. Just a lot of trivial and fragmented matters that couldn’t be finished in a day or two.

 

By dinnertime in the evening, the palace attendants in front of Lin Wan seemed to have an unspoken understanding. Even though the work wasn’t finished, once the hour arrived, they all withdrew from Lin Wan’s room despite her attempts to keep them.

 

It was clear that these attendants had been instructed by Sheng Qian.

 

Though Lin Wan didn’t understand why they were so afraid of Sheng Qian, she didn’t want to interfere with Sheng Qian’s way of managing her subordinates and didn’t press them to stay.

 

Lin Wan had her own thoughts, recalling her plans from the previous night. She brought a few palace maids to tidy up the adjacent room, prepared some pastries in the kitchen, and went to find Sheng Qian.

 

Sheng Qian’s office was called the “Tranquil Heart Hall.” Since it was dinner time, Lin Wan had assumed Sheng Qian would be alone, handling official business with no one around.

 

However, when she arrived outside the Tranquil Heart Hall, even though night had fallen, the hall was brightly lit and bustling with people.

 

Seeing this, Lin Wan guessed the commotion inside wouldn’t settle down anytime soon and hesitated. She handed the pastries to the young eunuch guarding the door, intending to return to her own courtyard.

 

But the young eunuch didn’t dare take the food box from Lin Wan, instead pleading with her to wait outside as he hurried into the room.

 

Not long after the eunuch went in, the door to the Tranquil Heart Hall opened, and Sheng Qian emerged with a smile, calling out, “Wanwan.”

 

Behind Sheng Qian stood several officials, whose gazes at Lin Wan seemed somewhat peculiar at first glance.

 

Under their scrutiny, Lin Wan felt awkward. She hadn’t meant to disturb their important affairs and forced a smile. “I just noticed it was getting late and you hadn’t eaten, Princess, so I came to bring some dinner.”

 

The ministers exchanged glances but didn’t respond.

 

Had she interrupted their discussions and displeased them?

 

Lin Wan took a step back, thinking of leaving, when she heard Sheng Qian speak. “Let’s pause today’s discussions here. Everyone, please return home for dinner.”

 

“Thank you, Princess.”

 

The ministers visibly relaxed, casting grateful looks at Lin Wan as if fleeing from something chasing them, they hurriedly left the Tranquil Heart Hall.

 

The young eunuch was the last to exit, considerately closing the door behind him.

 

In an instant, the quiet Tranquil Heart Hall held only Lin Wan and Sheng Qian.

 

With no outsiders’ present, Sheng Qian immediately clung to Lin Wan’s side, her eyes filled with obvious delight.

 

“Wanwan, you’ve been busy all day. Why did you cook yourself?”

 

Almost as soon as she tasted the dishes, Sheng Qian recognized them as Lin Wan’s cooking.

 

“Because Qianqian has grown up now, bearing the responsibility of the nation’s safety. With you so busy, I naturally want to ensure you stay healthy and free from illness.”

 

Sheng Qian had always been extremely perceptive.

 

As soon as Lin Wan spoke these words, Sheng Qian slowed her eating, her smile fading as she looked up at Lin Wan, her tone lowering. “Wanwan, do you have something to say?”

 

Sheng Qian’s eyes were clear and sharp, seemingly devoid of any emotion. Though she was the girl Lin Wan had watched grow up, in that moment, Sheng Qian seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

 

“I just realized that what you said is true. You’ve grown up.”

 

Lin Wan composed herself, took a sip of water to suppress the inexplicable panic rising in her heart, and spoke with a smile.

 

“You are, after all, the future ruler of the realm. You ought to be fearless, steady, and composed. You’re grown now, and it’s improper for us to continue sharing a bed. If this goes on and others find out, it might give rise to gossip.”

 

“Qianqian, I’ve already prepared the room next to mine,” Lin Wan took a deep breath, forcing a gentle smile. “You’ll sleep in the adjoining room tonight.”

 

After speaking, Lin Wan instinctively watched Sheng Qian’s reaction.

 

She had expected Sheng Qian to be displeased and had even prepared words to soothe her, especially when she noticed Sheng Qian pursing her lips and narrowing her eyes.

 

But to her surprise, Sheng Qian stared at her for a moment before suddenly breaking into laughter.

 

“With such a serious tone, I thought it was something major.”

 

Sheng Qian looked at Lin Wan, her smile as warm and gentle as ever. “Wanwan has considered this very thoughtfully. I’ll do as you say.”

 

Taken aback by Sheng Qian’s easy agreement, Lin Wan froze for a moment, a twinge of guilt creeping into her heart. Perhaps it was because her own feelings toward Sheng Qian weren’t entirely pure that she kept misjudging Sheng Qian’s reactions.

 

Lin Wan took another deep breath, curved her lips into a smile, and was about to say a few polite words to smooth things over when Sheng Qian continued.

 

“Though I feel more at peace by Wanwan’s side,” Sheng Qian tilted her head, gazing at Lin Wan with a soft sigh, “when I think about it, I’ll be heading out on a campaign in a few days. With battles looming ahead, peace won’t last long anyway.”

 

“Why are you going on a campaign so suddenly?”

 

Startled by the news, Lin Wan couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

 

“Refugees are causing unrest, and the border state of Wu is growing restless,” Sheng Qian’s expression turned serious. “Since I’ve chosen this path, I must eliminate any future threats.”

 

“Wanwan, there’s no need to worry,” Sheng Qian’s lips curved into a smile as she looked at Lin Wan, the frost in her eyes melting away completely. “If I have the confidence to lead this campaign, I have every confidence in victory.”

 

Sheng Qian’s reasoning was sound.

 

Lin Wan had seen the accounts. Sheng Qian’s military preparations were ample. Moreover, her ability to capture the capital was proof of her strategic prowess. And with Sheng Qian now possessing 95% of the world’s fortune, luck would undoubtedly favor her in battle.

 

Sheng Qian’s determination was a tremendous boon for the people, who had suffered far too much in recent years.

 

Yet Lin Wan couldn’t shake her concern.

 

Sheng Qian was not yet seventeen, and the weight of the world already rested on her shoulders. Blades and arrows knew no mercy; even if her life wasn’t in danger, Sheng Qian could still be wounded on the battlefield.

 

It was only then that Lin Wan realized while she had been so focused on protecting Sheng Qian, the girl had already grown beyond her reach.

 

She, too, needed to grow stronger quickly!

 

With Sheng Qian fighting on the front lines, someone would need to stabilize the rear, and no one was more suited for that role than Lin Wan.

 

“I know you have a kind heart and care deeply for the people,” Lin Wan bit her lip, looking firmly at Sheng Qian. “I will do my utmost to guard your rear.”

 

As if surprised by Lin Wan’s declaration, something flickered in Sheng Qian’s eyes. Her smile deepened, rippling like gentle waves.

 

“I always knew Wanwan treated me best.”

 

She leaned in and fed a piece of pastry into Lin Wan’s mouth, gazing deeply at her with a hint of unmistakable delight in her expression. “Those old men just now spent ages quoting classics, all hoping to persuade me to temporarily halt the war.”

 

“But how could I listen to them? They’re full of schemes. In this world, only Wanwan will always stand by my side.”

 

Sheng Qian overrode all objections and finalized the campaign plans, aiming to stabilize the entire nation within three years. Five days later, she would lead troops to suppress the rebellion of the nearest feudal lord.

 

Lin Wan wanted to help Sheng Qian in any way she could. Though her father cautioned her against meddling in state affairs just because she had once saved Sheng Qian, Lin Wan thought it over and still entered Sheng Qian’s study.

 

Sheng Qian was the girl she had raised with her own hands. She believed Sheng Qian would never turn against her or grow suspicious of those who had served her well.

 

Lin Wan positioned herself as a female official assisting Sheng Qian, much like Aunt Huang.

 

The military regulations in this world were riddled with unreasonable aspects, but since Sheng Qian was in the army, the entire force was her protection. Thus, before the campaign began, Lin Wan volunteered to help revise some of the military rules, hoping to strengthen Sheng Qian’s army.

 

Lin Wan proposed only basic humanitarian measures, including regular compensation for the families of fallen soldiers and providing jobs for disabled veterans. Afraid of disrupting the world’s timeline, she dared not introduce more advanced weaponry.

 

Yet, for most armies in this world, these measures were unprecedented.

 

Lin Wan spent her days in Sheng Qian’s study, discussing new ideas with her whenever they arose. She also wanted to ensure that if Sheng Qian faced any challenges, she could argue on her behalf.

 

After all, the court officials might try to take advantage of Sheng Qian’s youth and deliberately make things difficult for her. Though Sheng Qian excelled in warfare, she might lack eloquence in debates. Lin Wan didn’t want her to be deceived or bullied by those ministers.

 

However, perhaps aware that Sheng Qian’s resolve was unshakable, the officials who came to the Tranquil Hall appeared extremely respectful. Some even seemed utterly terrified upon seeing Sheng Qian, stumbling over their words and stammering.

 

Lin Wan breathed a sigh of relief.

 

While helping Sheng Qian revise the military regulations, she also packed Sheng Qian’s travel belongings, spending almost the entire day by her side and rarely returning to her own room. Sometimes, when she was too exhausted, she would doze off with her head tilted, only to wake up and find herself lying across Sheng Qian’s lap.

 

Over the days, the ministers seemed to grow accustomed to Lin Wan’s presence. At first, their words were somewhat veiled, but soon they no longer hid anything from her.

 

Amidst this busy environment, Lin Wan felt her heart gradually settle: the ripples of emotion she had felt before were likely due to her gratitude toward Sheng Qian for rescuing her from Huang Fu and Gu Ze’s schemes, confusing her own feelings.

 

And Sheng Qian truly lived up to being the kind-hearted female lead.

 

She didn’t execute Gu Ze, instead giving him a chance to reflect by sending him north to serve alongside the soldiers he once commanded.

 

Even Huang Fu, who had killed her mother, was not executed. Sheng Qian merely banished her to the cold palace, where she stayed with several other deposed consorts.

 

Perhaps there were still matters to investigate, Sheng Qian also imprisoned the Taoist responsible for the late emperor’s death in the same cold palace as Huang Fu.

 

Sheng Qian hid none of this from Lin Wan.

 

Lin Wan had always wanted to see what the rumored Taoist who deceived the emperor looked like, but she never found the time.

 

It wasn’t until the day before her departure that Lin Wan, seeing Sheng Qian had nearly settled all matters, arranged to share a meal with her.

 

Sheng Qian had also invited Lin Wan’s parents into the palace.

 

When Lin Wan went to the palace gate to fetch her parents, she unexpectedly encountered the Taoist. He was not shackled and stood at the entrance of the cold palace, a clear smile on his face, his bright eyes fixed intently on Lin Wan for a long time. His gaze was peculiar, it seemed as though he had met Lin Wan before.

 

Even after walking far away, Lin Wan could still feel the Taoist’s eyes lingering on her back.

 

A chill ran down her spine, the Taoist’s gaze was too sharp. For a moment, she even felt as though he could see through the fact that she was not the original owner of this body.

 

The Taoist didn’t seem at all like the charlatan he was rumored to be. No wonder he had managed to deceive the late emperor.

 

After picking up her parents, Lin Wan remained unsettled, her thoughts lingering on the Taoist’s gaze. Her parents, too, seemed preoccupied, glancing alternately at Lin Wan and Sheng Qian with a strange expression.

 

Finally, Lin Wan’s father raised his glass to Sheng Qian, his expression complicated.

 

“Princess, I overstep today, but I dare to.”

 

“Father, you jest,” Sheng Qian interjected, as if she already knew what he was about to say, and raised her glass in return.

 

Strangely, when Sheng Qian had lost her memory, even after being adopted as a foster daughter, she had always adhered to formalities, addressing Lin Wan’s parents as “Lord” and “Madam.” Now, with that foster relationship gone, she called them “Father” and “Mother.”

 

Lin Wan’s father seemed taken aback by the address “Father,” his eyes widening slightly.

 

“Wanwan has helped me immensely. The luckiest thing in my life has been meeting Lin Wan,” Sheng Qian said, stepping before Lin Wan’s father and respectfully toasting him. “Father, rest assured, I will treat Wanwan well in this lifetime and will never disappoint your expectations.”

 

Lin Wan’s father gave Sheng Qian a deep look, then glanced at Lin Wan, who was smiling as she watched them, and sighed softly before draining his glass.

 

Lin Wan’s mother sighed as well, patting Lin Wan’s hand with a complicated expression. Thinking her mother was worried about her involvement in court affairs, Lin Wan gave an awkward smile. “Mother, I know what I’m doing.”

 

“You couldn’t possibly know what you’re doing! Usually so sharp, how could you?” Lin Wan’s mother glanced at Sheng Qian out of the corner of her eye and sighed deeply. “Forget it! Perhaps fools have fortune on their side.”

 

Lin Wan’s parents, being elderly, soon retired to rest.

 

Sheng Qian, however, seemed in high spirits, leisurely drinking without any intention of leaving the table.

 

Worried that Sheng Qian might suffer a headache the next day from drinking too much, Lin Wan took the wine jug from her and stayed by her side.

 

Her heart ached at the thought of Sheng Qian’s departure, but knowing she couldn’t express such feelings, she chatted aimlessly with her.

 

“Qianqian, when you ascend the throne, I’ll give you a grand gift.”

 

Sheng Qian had her own pride. She intended to pacify the rebellion and restore peace to the land before declaring herself emperor.

 

“Then it’s settled!”

 

Lin Wan had expected Sheng Qian to refuse, but instead, Sheng Qian lifted her gaze, her eyes deepening as she looked at Lin Wan. “When the time comes, I’ll ask Wanwan for it myself. Don’t be reluctant to part with it then.”

 

“For Qianqian, I’d part with anything. ”

 

“The silver my father sent to the palace last time was a token of his sincere devotion to you. You should keep it for now. If you don’t want it, you can find an excuse to return it later.”

 

As she spoke, Lin Wan recalled the previous incident of her father sending money to the palace and added softly, “I accepted that silver,” Sheng Qian said with a smile, glancing at Lin Wan. “I have my own plans for it.”

 

Seeing that Sheng Qian seemed to have everything under control, Lin Wan felt reassured and shifted the conversation to the Taoist priest. She couldn’t help but caution Sheng Qian, “His eyes are as sharp as an eagle’s. It seems he truly has some skill. You mustn’t let him deceive you.”

 

“Don’t worry, Wanwan,” Sheng Qian replied, her expression turning serious as she lowered her head and whispered, “In this world, there is only one person who could ever make me willingly fall into a trap.”

 

But when Lin Wan pressed her to reveal who that person was, Sheng Qian lowered her gaze and fell silent.

 

Sheng Qian had a little secret.

 

Seeing Sheng Qian evade the question, Lin Wan stopped asking, though her heart felt unsettled.

 

Lin Wan knew this feeling was wrong. Sheng Qian was growing up, and in the future, she would have her own family and partner, inevitably drifting further apart from Lin Wan.

 

Lin Wan tried hard to suppress her emotions, but the ache in her heart lingered. She could only drown her sorrows in cup after cup of wine.

 

This body had a low tolerance for alcohol, and she was soon drunk. However, Lin Wan was a well-behaved drunk. She mostly slept and would answer questions honestly if asked, though she would later forget everything she had said.

 

Only a few people knew about Lin Wan’s habit, and Sheng Qian was clearly one of them.

 

Noticing Lin Wan’s dazed expression and drooping eyelids, Sheng Qian, who had been sitting upright, moved closer and naturally pulled Lin Wan into her embrace, gently stroking her flushed cheek.

 

Sensing Sheng Qian’s familiar scent, Lin Wan didn’t resist. Instead, she nestled deeper into Sheng Qian’s arms, seeking a more comfortable position.

 

Lin Wan’s actions clearly pleased Sheng Qian.

 

She chuckled softly and waved her hand, dismissing all the palace attendants.

 

Sheng Qian leisurely continued stroking Lin Wan’s cheek, her eyes dark and intense as she stared into Lin Wan’s hazy gaze. After a long while, she finally whispered.

 

“Wanwan, where do you really come from? Will… will you leave?”

 

The Taoist priest had used special methods, and Huang Fu had already confessed everything.

 

Huang Fu claimed she came from a special organization in another world, sent to this world to seize its fortune and energy.

 

And Sheng Qian was the one destined to bear this world’s fortune.

 

Because she couldn’t take the fortune from Sheng Qian, Huang Fu had turned her attention to Gu Ze.

 

According to Huang Fu, Sheng Qian was merely a beauty with a weak will, but she would eventually become empress because of Gu Ze, a union predestined by the world’s consciousness.

 

Sheng Qian found it utterly absurd. If she hadn’t grown up hearing Huang Fu’s constant talk of fortune, she would have thought Huang Fu was spouting nonsense.

 

Huang Fu also revealed some methods for seizing fortune. Unbeknownst to Sheng Qian, she had unconsciously taken fortune from Gu Ze and many others, altering the so-called fate.

 

Huang Fu claimed that once Sheng Qian gathered all the fortune, she would break free from the constraints of the world’s consciousness and could then act as she pleased.

 

Huang Fu was supposed to return at a fixed time. If she failed her mission, she would face the organization’s severe punishment upon her return. However, Sheng Qian had the Taoist use a special method to keep Huang Fu in this world.

 

Huang Fu looked down upon the people of this world and coveted its fortune, yet she committed countless sins. The cold palace was filled with pitiful souls she had harmed.

 

Trapped in the cold palace, Huang Fu faced a torment worse than death.

 

As for Gu Ze, who had nearly assaulted Lin Wan, Sheng Qian spared his life but stripped him of his martial arts. She threw him and the minister who had framed Lin Wan into the harsh marshlands to perform hard labor.

 

Didn’t they enjoy manipulating the weak?

 

Now stripped of their power and martial prowess, these two handsome, fair-faced young men were cast into the unforgiving marshlands. Many of the laborers there had suffered because of Gu Ze. Under the guidance of certain individuals, it was easy to imagine what awaited them.

 

Sheng Qian didn’t particularly care about the so-called freedom Huang Fu had spoken of. What concerned her more was the Taoist’s judgment of Lin Wan.

 

The Taoist had declared that Lin Wan was destined for a life of solitude, bringing misfortune to all who grew close to her.

 

Sheng Qian didn’t care about her own fate, but she feared for Lin Wan’s safety.

 

A few days earlier, the Taoist had secretly observed Lin Wan and was astonished. He couldn’t decipher the fortune surrounding her.

 

He speculated that Lin Wan’s origins might be similar to Huang Fu’s, but Lin Wan radiated a distinct brightness, a light that seemed capable of embracing the malevolence clinging to Sheng Qian. The Taoist declared that Sheng Qian and Lin Wan were a match made in heaven and earth, and in Lin Wan, he saw a turning point for the world.

 

In recent days, Lin Wan had proposed military regulations that clearly surpassed the era’s limitations and had prepared improved meals to cheer Sheng Qian up. All of which confirmed the Taoist’s suspicions.

 

Hearing Sheng Qian’s question, the drunken Lin Wan blinked dazedly. She wanted to honestly reveal her origins, but bound by the world’s rules, she hesitated for a long time before whispering, “I am Lin Wan.”

 

“I will always stay with Qianqian,” she softly answered the second question, nuzzling Sheng Qian’s cool palm.

 

“Yes, I know you’re Wanwan.”

 

Surprised by Lin Wan’s response, Sheng Qian laughed, leaning down to plant a kiss on Lin Wan’s flushed cheek. Her eyes suddenly sparkled brightly, though her voice grew slightly hoarse: “As long as you stay with me, that’s all that matters.”

 

Her current campaign was to reclaim the remaining fragments of fortune held by the enemy leader.

 

She was desperate to gather all the fortune and attain the power to defy heaven and earth. Wanwan was so kind-hearted. If she ever wanted to leave in the future, Sheng Qian would have the means to keep her.

 

But she would never let Lin Wan even think of leaving.

 

Sheng Qian curved her lips, kissing Lin Wan’s cheek again, coaxing her gently: “Wanwan, in your world, how old must one be to be considered an adult?”

 

She was already of an age to be a mother, yet Lin Wan always treated her like a child. Sheng Qian guessed it had to do with the rules of their respective worlds.

 

“Eighteen!”

 

Sure enough, Lin Wan replied in a soft, delicate voice.

 

“Eighteen! Wanwan, you’re so cruel to me!”

 

Sheng Qian sighed, rubbing her forehead as if venting her frustration, she kissed Lin Wan’s cheeks twice. Seeing Lin Wan pout and cover her face with her hands, Sheng Qian chuckled softly.

 

“But who made me willingly fall into your trap?”

 

“Wanwan, I never thought I would have such a day.”

 

“The silver your father sent in, I have saved it all for you. It will be your private savings in the future. They worry that I might treat you poorly, but how could I ever treat you poorly.”