The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 66

For the following year, Sheng Qian remained on campaign, not even returning to the capital for the New Year.

 

Yet, reports of victory continuously poured into the capital.

 

Sheng Qian was inherently skilled in strategy, with ample troops and sufficient funds to maintain a well-supplied army. Moreover, she spread the word that surrendered soldiers would not be indiscriminately executed. Some might even be integrated into her forces.

 

With these methods working in tandem, Sheng Qian’s forces advanced triumphantly, while the enemy’s morale plummeted.

 

Sheng Qian swept through every battle undefeated.

 

Along with the victory reports came letters and various gifts from Sheng Qian to Lin Wan: at the beginning of each month, the letters would traverse the war-torn lands, arriving punctually in Lin Wan’s hands.

 

Each letter from Sheng Qian was thick and detailed, filled with her longing for Lin Wan: how she missed Lin Wan’s cooking, how she had grown a bit taller, what beautiful things she had seen that would suit Lin Wan.

 

Sheng Qian’s letters, like those of most wanderers far from home, only shared good news, never the hardships. Her chatty, rambling tone bore no resemblance to the rumored merciless goddess of death.

 

But Lin Wan knew that Sheng Qian’s situation was far from as effortless as she made it sound.

 

Campaigning in the field, exposed to the elements, with blades and arrows flying. How could it be as simple as Sheng Qian described?

 

Lin Wan, in turn, always sent back a heap of supplies, striving to make Sheng Qian’s life more comfortable and repeatedly urging her in letters to take care of her health.

 

At the same time, Lin Wan worked tirelessly to stabilize the home front for Sheng Qian. Whenever Sheng Qian recaptured a region, Lin Wan would dispatch officials to help revive the local economy, comfort the people, and innovate various workshops.

 

Like Sheng Qian, Lin Wan only shared the positive, never the struggles. She, too, was the type to work day and night without rest. Once, when an earthquake struck a certain area, Lin Wan busied herself allocating funds for disaster relief and sending medical aid. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she fainted and collapsed. Although the imperial physician diagnosed her as merely needing more rest, from the day after she fell ill, Aunt Huang stationed herself by her side.

 

Whenever Lin Wan overworked herself, Aunt Huang would silently kneel before her.

 

Lin Wan had no choice but to comply with Aunt Huang’s unyielding vigilance, strictly managing her work hours, and soon recovered her health.

 

Three days later, Lin Wan received a letter from Sheng Qian.

 

For the first time, Sheng Qian’s letter was brief, seemingly written in a fit of frustration.

 

“Wanwan, if you don’t take better care of yourself, I’ll tie you to my saddle and watch over you day and night!”

 

Lin Wan had long suspected that Sheng Qian had people watching over her, but she hadn’t expected Sheng Qian to learn of her condition so quickly.

 

It was already the end of the year, with the Spring Festival just days away. Given the frequent natural disasters across the land and the nation’s instability, it seemed Sheng Qian likely wouldn’t have time to return for the New Year.

 

Thinking of Sheng Qian frowning as she wrote the letter, Lin Wan couldn’t help but sigh.

 

She had intended to reply that she was already better, but guessing that someone had already informed Sheng Qian of the true situation, she pondered for a moment and ended up writing a playful retort.

 

“Fine! I’ll wait for you to come back and watch over me every day.”

 

Sheng Qian was meticulous in caring for Lin Wan but often neglected her own well-being. Lin Wan prepared a bundle of New Year’s goods and sent them to Sheng Qian. No matter the distance, she wanted to ensure Sheng Qian had a better quality of life.

 

Sheng Qian did not write back again.

 

As Lin Wan had anticipated, Sheng Qian once again had no time to return for the New Year this year.

 

According to the battle reports from the front lines, Sheng Qian was engaged in combat with the last remaining feudal prince in the country.

 

This prince had ties with Gu Ze’s father and was determined to rescue Gu Ze, rebuild their forces, and refused to surrender.

 

In the bitter cold, Lin Wan did not have a pleasant New Year either. She spent her time coordinating supplies from the rear, and if not for Aunt Huang keeping an eye on her, she would have once again neglected food and sleep.

 

With Lin Wan holding significant authority in the rear, it was inevitable that she would interact with some officials in the court.

 

Due to the change in the imperial throne, many officials had recently been selected by Sheng Qian from humble backgrounds, and among them were quite a few ambitious young men from such origins.

 

Lin Wan had the most contact with Deng Ping, a young official in the Ministry of Revenue who excelled in calculations.

 

Deng Ping, despite his youth, had spent the previous years buried in his studies. Now, at an age where most were married, he remained single, and his family was quite simple. Only an elderly mother who devoted herself to Buddhist worship.

 

Deng Ping noticed Lin Wan’s meticulousness, gentleness, and kindness, and over time, he began to harbor tender feelings for her.

 

A woman as gentle and beautiful as Lin Wan was the ideal wife for many.

 

Deng Ping knew that many of his colleagues were also interested in Lin Wan. Although she currently held no official position, she had an excellent relationship with the princess. In the future, when the princess ascended the throne, Lin Wan’s status would undoubtedly rise.

 

Thus, Deng Ping did not dare to express his feelings openly. Instead, he worked tirelessly, hoping to one day become worthy of Lin Wan.

 

During the New Year, when he saw Lin Wan nibbling on a few pastries while meticulously checking account books from various places, Deng Ping couldn’t resist. He went out and asked a young eunuch to prepare a bowl of porridge for her.

 

Lin Wan seemed unaware that it was he who had arranged it. Without even looking up, she drank the porridge while handling official duties. However, the palace attendant beside her, Aunt Huang, watched him for a long time.

 

Deng Ping felt a bit embarrassed, but seeing Lin Wan so busy, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of motivation. He thought about the basket of fresh fruits recently sent from his hometown and considered bringing some into the palace the next day for Lin Wan to taste, hoping it might quench her thirst.

 

However, early the next morning, his superior summoned him and assigned him a large amount of work, putting him in charge of auditing military supplies for the front lines.

 

This was an extremely important task, and Deng Ping did not dare to neglect it. He worked diligently for nearly half a month, with no opportunity to enter the palace again.

 

As the Lantern Festival approached, Deng Ping finally completed his tasks and planned to bring the official documents into the palace for Lin Wan to review.

 

He deliberately bathed, changed into a new official robe, and brought along some pastries and fruits, preparing to enter the palace. Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves echoed like thunder outside his room.

 

Sheng Qian had returned victorious from the war!

 

The news was utterly unexpected but brought immense excitement throughout the nation.

 

With Sheng Qian’s swift recovery of the nation’s territory, neighboring countries that had been eyeing the borders no longer dared to invade. Two months prior, they had retreated in disgrace. Now, with Sheng Qian’s return, it signaled the dawn of lasting peace for the country.

 

As the army returned, the Six Ministries would be exceptionally busy. Before long, Deng Ping’s superior sent someone to his home to summon him.

 

Deng Ping had no choice but to hastily ride to the outskirts of the palace.

 

He had intended to enter the palace to deliver the items to Lin Wan, hoping for a chance to see her, but unexpectedly, he encountered Sheng Qian just as he was dismounting.

 

A year had passed without seeing each other. Perhaps tempered by battles and campaigns, the princess carried a distinct sharpness about her, which, paired with her increasingly radiant beauty, made her as dazzling as the sun. So brilliant that one dared not look directly at her.

 

Perhaps due to the many campaigns she had led, Deng Ping always felt a hint of murderous intent in the princess’s gaze when she looked at him.

 

Deng Ping kept his head lowered, not daring to move a muscle.

 

The princess glanced at him and then stopped not far ahead, directing people to unload the contents of the carriages behind.

 

“These are fresh fruits brought back by fast horses. Wanwan will surely like them. Carry them all to Wanwan’s courtyard.”

 

The commotion around was unmistakable, and the princess’s voice rang out with exceptional clarity. Deng Ping watched the baskets of rare and exotic fruits and suddenly felt that the pastries he had brought were too humble to present. After a moment’s thought, he decided not to visit Lin Wan. Instead, he quietly handed the official documents to the attendant eunuch and returned to the Ministry of Revenue, still holding the pastries.

 

Lin Wan hadn’t expected Sheng Qian to return so early, especially without any prior notice.

 

As she stood face to face with Sheng Qian, Lin Wan felt as though everything was a dream.

 

What shocked her wasn’t just that Sheng Qian’s luck value had reached 100%, but even more so, Sheng Qian’s current appearance.

 

Sheng Qian was nearly eighteen now.

 

She seemed even taller; Lin Wan only reached her chin.

 

And Sheng Qian’s features had fully matured: her eyes were icy cold, seemingly devoid of any emotion, like a flawlessly sculpted statue. Though she wore no makeup, there was a wild, untamed beauty about her. One that seemed to disregard everything and look down upon all living beings.

 

But the moment her gaze met Lin Wan’s, Sheng Qian’s eyes instantly softened, as if filled with sunlight, indescribably radiant.

 

“Wanwan, I’m back!”

 

Sheng Qian was now extraordinarily beautiful.

 

Faced with such a Sheng Qian, Lin Wan felt a momentary sense of unfamiliarity.

 

But as if unaware of Lin Wan’s daze, Sheng Qian clung to her as usual, looping her arm through Lin Wan’s.

 

In such a public setting, with Sheng Qian being the princess, Lin Wan naturally had to save face for her. She had no choice but to let Sheng Qian hold her arm and listen as Sheng Qian introduced each item she had brought back.

 

Strangely enough, in the past, Sheng Qian had also enjoyed buying things for her, but she had always sent them directly to her room, never introducing them like this.

 

As Sheng Qian spoke, the expressions of the officials who had returned with her shifted noticeably, and their gazes toward Lin Wan instantly grew more respectful.

 

Clearly, these items were incredibly precious, likely obtained with great difficulty, and the officials hadn’t expected Sheng Qian to give them away to someone else.

 

Carried away by her excitement, Sheng Qian even peeled a fruit and casually brought it to Lin Wan’s lips.

 

“Wanwan, would you like to try it?”

 

Before Sheng Qian could say anything, one of the officials who had returned with her added, “This fruit is a specialty from the south, extremely rare and delicious. Unfortunately, it doesn’t keep well and can only last for ten days. After her victory, the princess rushed back at top speed. Even so, this fruit will spoil in two days…”

 

Lin Wan hadn’t realized the fruit was so rare!

 

Meeting Sheng Qian’s expectant gaze, Lin Wan lowered her head and took a bite. The fruit was indeed as sweet as described, but Lin Wan’s heart felt overwhelmingly sour.

 

The location where Sheng Qian had been fighting usually took half a month to reach by marching. Clearly, Sheng Qian had rushed back urgently, managing to return in just eight days.

 

Upon closer inspection, Sheng Qian had prominent dark circles under her eyes, likely from lack of rest during her journey. Yet, the way she looked at Lin Wan was as fervent as ever…

 

Indeed, Sheng Qian was still that young girl who always put her first.

 

The unfamiliarity born of their long separation gradually faded. Lin Wan gazed at Sheng Qian, then glanced at the fruit in her hand, suddenly struck by a peculiar thought: she felt like the legendary favored consort, and Sheng Qian had rushed back just so she could be the first to taste this fruit.

 

But honestly, Sheng Qian’s appearance was more befitting of a favored consort.

 

“It’s delicious!”

 

Swallowing the fruit, Lin Wan pushed aside the strange thoughts and curved her lips into a smile directed at Sheng Qian.

 

“I’m glad Wanwan likes it.”

 

Sheng Qian’s smile grew even brighter. Palace attendants were still carrying in chest after chest of items, and Sheng Qian, beaming, seemed eager to step forward and explain them to Lin Wan. Her heart skipping a beat, Lin Wan couldn’t help but grasp Sheng Qian’s hand.

 

Meeting Sheng Qian’s puzzled gaze, Lin Wan sighed softly, “Your Highness, you’ve traveled a long way and likely have much to attend to later. Rest for a while first; there will be time to introduce everything later. ”

 

Afraid Sheng Qian might be stubborn, Lin Wan discreetly pinched her waist.

 

“Whatever Wanwan says.”

 

Only then did Sheng Qian settle down, clearing her throat and obediently taking a seat. Once all the items had been brought in, she dismissed the others, allowing those who needed to return home to do so, and instructing them to regroup in two hours to handle official duties outside.

 

When only the two of them remained in the room, Lin Wan busied herself finding clothes for Sheng Qian. Knowing how much Sheng Qian valued cleanliness, she wanted her to freshen up quickly and rest.

 

Sheng Qian lounged sideways in her chair; her gaze fixed affectionately on Lin Wan as if she could never get enough.

 

Feeling Sheng Qian’s persistent stare, Lin Wan grew increasingly flustered, taking much longer than usual to locate Sheng Qian’s clothes.

 

In the past, Lin Wan could naturally help Sheng Qian organize her belongings, but now, under that intense gaze, she suddenly felt awkward.

 

“Come pick out what you want to wear yourself!”

 

Her cheeks warming, Lin Wan turned to Sheng Qian, glanced at her, then averted her eyes. “I wasn’t fully prepared. Your clothes might be a bit small. I’ll have the embroidery workshop make new ones tomorrow.”

 

Noticing Lin Wan’s reaction, Sheng Qian’s smile deepened, though she maintained her usual docile demeanor. She responded with a soft “Mm,” rose, and walked to the wardrobe.

 

Once Sheng Qian stood up, perhaps because she had grown taller, Lin Wan felt an overwhelming sense of pressure from her presence.

 

Pretending to be composed, Lin Wan moved to inspect the items in the chests Sheng Qian had brought back, but her mind was elsewhere.

 

Sheng Qian was becoming more and more captivating!

 

With her slender waist, long legs, and a face that could enchant anyone, she carried an authoritative air in public, yet obeyed Lin Wan without question, like an obedient, beautiful Ao dog.

 

That contrast was far too easy to let one’s imagination run wild.

 

Not daring to look at Sheng Qian any longer, Lin Wan tried to calm her emotions but couldn’t help tracking Sheng Qian’s movements.

 

Only when she heard the rustling sounds of Sheng Qian finishing with her clothes and heading to the back did Lin Wan quietly let out a sigh of relief.

 

She sat on the chair, picturing Sheng Qian’s appearance, and tried hard to convince herself: This is just an appreciation of Sheng Qian’s beauty. After all, everyone has an eye for beauty. They had been apart for so long, and she was momentarily stunned by the changes in Sheng Qian, which was why these emotional fluctuations arose.

 

After a while, her rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down.

 

Lin Wan started eating the fruits Sheng Qian had brought back, her feelings growing increasingly complicated: Sheng Qian treated her with such care because she regarded her as family, even going so far as to tirelessly bring her fruits. If she were to develop improper thoughts toward such a young girl, that would be utterly despicable.

 

The fruits were extremely sweet, and before she knew it, Lin Wan had eaten nearly half a basket.

 

Feeling a bit full, she went to the back to relieve herself. When she returned to her room, she belatedly noticed something unusual.

 

As she passed by the bathhouse, there seemed to be no movement inside.

 

Sheng Qian had been washing for far too long.

 

Time passed bit by bit, and Lin Wan grew increasingly uneasy. Unable to hold back, she walked to the door of the bathhouse and called out, “Qianqian? Are you done washing?”

 

It took a while before Lin Wan heard Sheng Qian’s reply.

 

Sheng Qian’s voice lacked its usual liveliness, sounding unusually low, as if she were suppressing something: “Wanwan, I’m done washing. Please don’t come in yet. I’ll be fine in a moment.”

 

If Sheng Qian hadn’t said that, it might have been fine, but the moment she spoke, Lin Wan sensed something strange: in her memory, Sheng Qian had never spoken so hesitantly before.

 

“Qianqian, is something wrong?” Lin Wan couldn’t help but press further.

 

“N-No…” After a long pause, Sheng Qian replied softly.

 

Lin Wan found it even more peculiar. Recalling Sheng Qian’s appearance earlier, her complexion didn’t look all that good upon closer inspection. She had just returned from the battlefield. What if Sheng Qian had hidden injuries?

 

“Qianqian, can I come in?”

 

Lin Wan couldn’t resist asking, “Are you hiding something from me?”

 

“Wanwan, don’t overthink it. There’s really nothing.”

 

Although Sheng Qian denied it, her tone sounded extremely anxious.

 

Sheng Qian was definitely hiding something!

 

“Qianqian, you’re definitely keeping something from me.” Lin Wan grew more and more anxious. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the door. “Either come out quickly, or I’m coming in!”

 

“I’ll count to ten!”

 

“Ten, nine, eight…”

 

Faint noises seemed to come from inside, and Lin Wan heard Sheng Qian’s clearly flustered voice: “Sister, you really can’t come in.”

 

It had been a long time since Sheng Qian had called her “sister.” Hearing it now only deepened Lin Wan’s worry. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open.

 

The bathhouse was filled with a faint mist of steam, and in the center stood a landscape screen. Lin Wan didn’t see Sheng Qian’s shadow on the screen.

 

“Qianqian?” Lin Wan called out again, only to hear Sheng Qian’s voice from behind the screen.

 

“Sister, I’m really fine. Could you please go out first?”

 

Sheng Qian’s voice carried a clear note of pleading.

 

The more she acted this way, the more worried Lin Wan became.

 

“Alright!” Lin Wan agreed outwardly but decisively stepped around the screen.

 

The imagined scene of Sheng Qian injured and tending to her wounds alone did not unfold.

 

After clearly seeing Sheng Qian’s current state, Lin Wan felt all the blood in her body boil, rushing to her face in an instant, her entire face burning crimson.

 

She finally understood why Sheng Qian had made such a sound. If she were in Sheng Qian’s position, she would probably feel utterly embarrassed and not want anyone to see her either!

 

Just as Lin Wan had worried earlier, over the past year, Sheng Qian’s body had developed considerably, and the once-fitted undergarment could no longer cover her properly.

 

To make matters worse, Sheng Qian’s hands were twisted behind her back in an odd posture, her body slightly leaning forward as if she were trying to undo the ties of the undergarment behind her neck, which only accentuated her graceful figure. The single undergarment she wore barely concealed anything, and every detail fell into Lin Wan’s view.

 

Seemingly caught off guard by Lin Wan’s entrance, Sheng Qian’s cheeks flushed with a noticeable blush. Though she had always appeared strong and reliable in front of others, at this moment, she resembled a pitiful, shrinking lamb.

 

Her demeanor seemed to suggest that Lin Wan could do anything to her.

 

//

 

For a moment, Lin Wan’s mind grew chaotic, and she involuntarily swallowed.

 

Realizing the situation she was in, Lin Wan abruptly closed her eyes, wishing she could strangle her earlier self for overthinking and assuming Sheng Qian was injured.

 

“Qianqian, I’m sorry, I was too rash,” Lin Wan apologized hoarsely, turning around with her eyes still shut. “I’ll step out first and explain later.”

 

But before Lin Wan could take a step, Sheng Qian tugged at the hem of her clothes.

 

Perhaps out of shyness, Sheng Qian’s voice was soft and gentle, carrying an irresistibly charming tone.

 

“Wanwan, since you’re already here, why not lend me a hand?”

 

“After all, we’re both women, so it shouldn’t matter.”

 

“I… I tied the strings too tightly and can’t undo them now. I accidentally made a knot.”

 

“Wanwan, could you help me untie it? I brought some clean clothes back from outside. Later, could you ask the palace maid to bring them over and pick one out for me.”

 

Sheng Qian’s words were filled with trust in Lin Wan.

 

Lin Wan clenched her teeth, feeling like crying but having no tears: Sheng Qian, having spent years in battles, lacked exposure to matters between men and women and was indeed still too innocent. Her alluring, vulnerable appearance could easily stir desire in anyone, regardless of gender.

 

Lin Wan had already deduced the situation Sheng Qian was in but hadn’t expected her to ask for this kind of help.

 

However, Sheng Qian had always disliked being attended to by others, and with no one else around the bath chamber, Lin Wan was indeed the most suitable person for the task.

 

Yet Lin Wan’s mind was in complete turmoil. The mere memory of what she had seen made her cheeks burn, and she felt as if she could hardly breathe.

 

But refusing to help Sheng Qian now would only reveal her own unease and arouse Sheng Qian’s suspicions.

 

Lin Wan’s thoughts warred within her, but in the end, she let out a soft “Mm,” gritted her teeth, and walked behind Sheng Qian.

 

She tried her best to restrain her gaze, avoiding looking where she shouldn’t, and focused on untying the knot at Sheng Qian’s neck. However, the distance between them was too close, and Sheng Qian’s scent subtly permeated Lin Wan’s senses. Lin Wan felt as if she were being roasted over a fire, utterly tormented.

 

In this state, Lin Wan spent a long time trying to untie the knot but couldn’t manage it.

 

Her breathing grew increasingly rapid, and she felt the bathhouse was unbearably stuffy, as if she might suffocate at any moment.

 

In her daze, Lin Wan heard Sheng Qian let out a soft sigh.

 

Sheng Qian seemed to have thought of another idea. No longer using her previous shy, delicate tone, she turned and grasped Lin Wan’s hand, saying, “Forget it, Wanwan. If you can’t untie it, just leave it be!”

 

Lin Wan stopped her hands in relief, biting her lip, not daring to look up at her.

 

“Wanwan, go out and find me a pair of scissors. I might as well just cut this ribbon.”

 

Sheng Qian, however, seemed to trust Lin Wan completely. She turned and gently touched Lin Wan’s cheek, as if only just noticing her flushed face, and sighed.

 

“Wanwan, your face is so red!”

 

“Go out and get some fresh air! Wanwan, don’t take it to heart. It’s just that this knot is too difficult to untie.”

 

Perhaps because she was too worried about Lin Wan, Sheng Qian’s voice was slightly hoarse, as if she was suppressing something.

 

Indeed, the innocent Sheng Qian still thought she was anxious about being unable to untie the knot, completely unaware of the turmoil in her heart.

 

Lin Wan felt utterly ashamed, her head nearly hanging to the ground as she hurried out of the room.

 

Fortunately, waiting outside was the composed Aunt Huang. Seeing Lin Wan’s flushed face, dazed expression, and unsteady steps, Aunt Huang sighed softly, her gaze filled with clear sympathy. She guided Lin Wan to sit in a chair and brought her a basin of water to wash her face.

 

Only then did Lin Wan calm down a little. She asked a palace maid to deliver the items Sheng Qian had requested and leave them outside the bathhouse, but she couldn’t bring herself to face Sheng Qian. Making up an excuse, she slipped away to the small prayer hall left by the former Empress Dowager before Sheng Qian emerged.

 

She needed to purify her mind and repent wholeheartedly.

 

She had never imagined she could be so tainted perhaps it had been too long since she’d been with anyone, but she had developed improper feelings for the beautiful girl she had raised with her own hands. She was guilty.