The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 68

Lin Wan, filled with guilt, couldn’t help but feel heartache whenever she recalled Sheng Qian’s tearful expression earlier. Unable to focus on handling official documents, she decided to cook an elaborate dinner instead.

 

She resolved to deepen her persona of being detached from worldly desires and indifferent to material things from now on, so that when she brought up the idea of becoming a lay Buddhist practitioner a few months later, it wouldn’t seem too abrupt.

 

While waiting for Sheng Qian to return, Lin Wan retrieved a few scriptures from the imperial study and began reading them.

 

Initially intending only to put on a show, she gradually found some interest in the texts. The turmoil in her heart subsided significantly, and she genuinely absorbed some of the teachings.

 

Back in her original world, she had been famously unflappable and emotionally stable. In fact, she could maintain her composure in most situations, but for some reason, whenever Sheng Qian was involved, she easily lost her usual restraint.

 

Perhaps reading more of these books would help her remain calm and composed when facing Sheng Qian in the future.

 

Thus, when Sheng Qian returned, she found Lin Wan deeply engrossed in her reading.

 

“Wanwan, what book are you reading so intently?” Sheng Qian asked with a smile as she walked up behind Lin Wan. She glanced casually at the content, and though her pupils contracted slightly, her smile remained unchanged. “These books seem quite interesting.”

 

Following her plan, Lin Wan smiled gently and looked at Sheng Qian with a mix of affection and pretense. “Since meeting you, Qianqian, my life has undergone such dramatic changes. I fear losing my original self, so I ought to read more to keep my mind clear and enlightened.”

 

“Why should Wanwan be afraid?” Sheng Qian replied with a soft smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling brightly as she sat down opposite Lin Wan, her expression teasing. “Does Wanwan doubt my ability to protect you? If I couldn’t even protect you, what would be the point of me conquering the world?”

 

Hearing this, Lin Wan’s steady heartbeat quickened despite knowing that Sheng Qian was always sweet with her. For a moment, Lin Wan even felt like a favored consort who could act recklessly and still be forgiven.

 

But Lin Wan understood that Sheng Qian valued familial bonds, and she couldn’t afford to take that favor for granted. Taking a deep breath, she tried to maintain her inner peace and spoke gently, “I know you treat me with great kindness, but you are now the ruler of the world. It would be better to speak more cautiously.”

 

After saying this, Lin Wan mentally patted herself on the back: her words perfectly portrayed the image of a selfless, rigid, and traditional elder. Exactly the attitude she should maintain in front of Sheng Qian.

 

Sheng Qian gazed at Lin Wan, her eyes narrowing slightly, but her smile only grew brighter. She sat down and began eating leisurely, sighing as she spoke, “Wanwan is so virtuous. Whoever marries you would be incredibly fortunate.”

 

“You’re the same, Qianqian. No one in this world could match your luck,” Lin Wan instinctively sidestepped the topic of marriage and focused on the idea of “great fortune.”

 

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance at Sheng Qian: she was telling the truth. With Sheng Qian’s 100% luck value, she could likely roam the world unimpeded perhaps even bring about its destruction.

 

“Then I’ll take your kind words as a blessing!” Sheng Qian replied, her smile deepening as if recalling something. “I suppose I truly am a person blessed with good fortune.”

 

After finishing the meal, Sheng Qian went off to attend to her duties again. No sooner had she left than Aunt Huang entered the room carrying a large stack of booklets.

 

With the empire now stable and Sheng Qian holding great power, her coronation was set to take place in five days. Since there was no empress in the harem, Lin Wan naturally took charge of all decisions and arrangements.

 

Lin Wan had been exhausted all day, her emotions fluctuating wildly. The booklets Aunt Huang brought were related to ceremonial protocols. The very area Lin Wan was least adept at. Usually, Aunt Huang, knowing her struggles, would handle such matters directly. But perhaps because Sheng Qian’s coronation was such a significant event, Aunt Huang had handed them over to Lin Wan.

 

The more Lin Wan read, the drowsier she became. Seeing that it was getting late, a maid beside her thoughtfully reminded her, “Miss, perhaps you should freshen up before continuing?”

 

Lin Wan thought it made sense. Washing up might help shake off the drowsiness. However, after freshening up, the booklets seemed even more tedious, and Lin Wan couldn’t resist dozing off.

 

In her daze, she felt as if she were being lifted and carried to the bed. Someone leaned close to her, staring at her with what seemed like resentment, and she could almost hear a voice gritting with frustration in her ear.

 

“Who exactly is Bai Yin? I’ve searched through all the household registers across the country and couldn’t find this person!”

 

“So, is she someone from your original world? Is it because of her that you want to devote yourself to Buddhism and never marry again?”

 

“How can things be that easy?”

 

“You’ve stolen my heart! If you want to live a life of purity and detachment, I’ll drag you right back into the turmoil of this mortal world.”

 

Finally, that person held her tightly, their voice filled with unmistakable unwillingness: “Wanwan, just look at me, okay?”

 

“I’m about to reach the age of adulthood in your world. It doesn’t matter whether you want to be on top or below in the future, Wanwan. You’ll understand, I am the best one for you.”

 

 

When Lin Wan woke up the next day, Sheng Qian had already left.

 

Waiting for her was yet another pile of booklets requiring decisions.

 

Finally, at noon, she got a break during lunch. Thinking that Sheng Qian would return soon, Lin Wan wanted to find a few Buddhist scriptures to purify her mind, only to discover that the scriptures were nowhere to be found. She couldn’t locate them at all.

 

Before long, Sheng Qian returned.

 

Lin Wan gave up searching for the books and sat restlessly through the meal with Sheng Qian.

 

Fortunately, Sheng Qian seemed preoccupied, eating with her head down and not teasing Lin Wan as she usually did. Lin Wan managed to have a peaceful meal.

 

However, after the meal, Sheng Qian didn’t rush off to work. Instead, she sat opposite Lin Wan, gazing at her with a smile.

 

Under Sheng Qian’s intense gaze, Lin Wan lost her appetite and simply set down her chopsticks, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Sheng Qian. “Qianqian?”

 

“Is Wanwan finished eating?” Sheng Qian’s eyes sparkled with obvious amusement as she asked in return.

 

Lin Wan instinctively felt that Sheng Qian was plotting something and hesitantly nodded.

 

Sure enough, the next moment, Sheng Qian stood up, smiling as she took Lin Wan’s hand. “Wanwan, come with me!”

 

Lin Wan was momentarily stunned as Sheng Qian led her by the hand, skillfully avoiding the patrolling palace guards and heading outside the palace.

 

Sheng Qian was clearly the master of the palace, yet she moved as stealthily as a thief.

 

Lin Wan wanted to ask, but Sheng Qian made a “shh” gesture and covered Lin Wan’s lips.

 

Lin Wan had no choice but to follow her out. Arriving at the inconspicuous side gate in the southwest of the palace, she saw a modest carriage and a team of guards already waiting there in plain clothes. It was clear Sheng Qian had made preparations long ago.

 

Only when the carriage began to move did Lin Wan have a chance to ask, “Where are we going?”

 

“We’ll stay at the imperial hot springs estate in the outskirts for the next few days and return on the day of the coronation.”

 

Startled by Sheng Qian’s plan, Lin Wan widened her eyes and couldn’t help but voice her concern. “How can the coronation be treated so lightly? Wanwan, the ministers will surely be frantic. We should postpone.”

 

“Wanwan, that is their duty to handle.”

 

Sheng Qian sighed, turned to face Lin Wan, and cupped her cheeks gently.

 

“I’ve already fulfilled my responsibility to stabilize the nation, and I will cooperate with all the ceremonial rites during the coronation. But if they can’t even manage the preparations for the ceremony without me overseeing every detail, what use is it to keep them around?”

 

The reasoning was sound, but with the court newly established, Sheng Qian’s decision to step back like this seemed incredibly willful.

 

Thinking this, Lin Wan couldn’t help but try to persuade her. After much back-and-forth, Sheng Qian finally relented reluctantly. “Since we’ve already left the palace, I insist on going to the estate. But Wanwan does have a point. I’ll listen to you and return a day early.”

 

As if suddenly aware of her own childishness, Sheng Qian looked at Lin Wan, her eyes curving into a smile. “Thanks to Wanwan for reminding me. Only Wanwan would care for me so wholeheartedly. ”

 

Relieved that Sheng Qian had finally conceded, Lin Wan felt increasingly certain of her own judgment: Sheng Qian could be stubborn and headstrong at times, and given her supreme position, once she made a decision, few would dare to oppose her.

 

By staying in the palace, living simply and guarding her, Lin Wan could offer guidance when necessary.

 

It wasn’t self-praise. At present, no one else in the world could persuade Sheng Qian except her.

 

At this thought, Lin Wan sighed softly and poked Sheng Qian’s forehead. “How can anyone feel at ease with you acting like this?”

 

“Isn’t Wanwan here for me?”

 

Sheng Qian replied matter-of-factly, wrapping her arms around Lin Wan’s and looking up at her. “If I make a mistake, Wanwan will surely remind me. Wanwan is more virtuous and dignified than the most exemplary empress in history. ”

 

Lin Wan frowned.

 

She wanted to scold Sheng Qian sternly, but upon reflection, she had to admit Sheng Qian wasn’t wrong. She did intend to stay by her side. Still, being compared to an empress felt strange and unsettling.

 

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

 

Lin Wan struggled for a moment before clearing her throat and mustering a rebuttal.

 

Sheng Qian seemed taken aback by Lin Wan’s objection. Unhappy, she cupped Lin Wan’s face again, forcing their eyes to meet. “I’m not joking. In my heart, Wanwan is more outstanding than anyone.”

 

“I truly cannot do without Wanwan.”

 

Usually, when Sheng Qian looked at Lin Wan, her eyes were filled with obvious warmth and laughter. But now, that mirth had faded, replaced by a gaze of profound sincerity and determination. Anyone could see the stubborn resolve in her eyes.

 

“If Wanwan ever left me, I would go mad.”

 

 

Sheng Qian had always appeared gentle and delicate in front of Lin Wan, rarely speaking with such intensity.

 

Caught off guard by Sheng Qian’s words, Lin Wan’s heartbeat uncontrollably quickened once again.

 

She froze for a long moment before barely regaining her composure. Turning her head away, she spoke in a hoarse voice, “I… Of course, I trust Qianqian.”

 

If she had known she would face such a situation, she should have dug out those Buddhist scriptures and brought them along earlier.

 

“No, Wanwan doesn’t trust me.”

 

Sheng Qian, however, seemed unwilling to let it go, speaking unhappily, “I’ve felt that ever since I returned this time, Wanwan hasn’t been as close to me as before. I specifically asked Deng Ping about it.”

 

“Deng Ping said it’s because we’ve been apart for so long that Wanwan has grown distant, and suggested I spend more time with you, go out and have fun together. Knowing that once I ascend to that position, there will be many more eyes watching me, that’s why I thought of taking Wanwan to the hot spring estate now.”

 

Lin Wan’s eyes widened, never expecting there to be such a reason behind it. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of annoyance: What’s gotten into Deng Ping? He usually handles matters with such discretion, yet now he’s being so imprudent, giving Sheng Qian such advice at a time like this.

 

But since Sheng Qian was already deeply insecure, Lin Wan didn’t dare upset her further and could only go along with her words: “Qianqian, you’re so thoughtful.”

 

Only then did Sheng Qian finally settle down.

 

She had been extremely tired these past few days and soon dozed off lightly in the carriage. Lin Wan pretended to sleep as well, but inwardly, she was terribly anxious: she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to control her emotions in the coming days and might give herself away in front of Sheng Qian.

 

Before long, they arrived at the hot spring estate in the suburbs.

 

Palace attendants were already waiting there, guiding Lin Wan and Sheng Qian to their respective rooms.

 

Their rooms were still very close to each other. Taking advantage of the estate staff coming to pay respects to Sheng Qian, Lin Wan quietly tugged at the sleeve of a nearby maidservant, pleading with her to secretly find a string of prayer beads for her.

 

Many commoners were devout Buddhists; while they might not understand the scriptures, most households owned prayer beads. It didn’t take long for the maidservant to procure a set for Lin Wan.

 

Lin Wan breathed a sigh of relief and immediately slipped the beads onto her wrist, silently reciting the scriptures she had read the day before. Only then did her anxiety ease slightly.

 

As she focused her mind, closed her eyes, and silently chanted, she felt an extraordinary sense of peace until a pair of hands suddenly reached out from behind her.

 

Sheng Qian wrapped her arms around Lin Wan’s shoulders from behind, her voice soft and charming: “Wanwan, we’re already outside the palace. Why are you still reciting scriptures?”

 

Lin Wan hadn’t noticed Sheng Qian entering at all and was so startled she nearly dropped the prayer beads. Turning her head to look at Sheng Qian, her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.

 

Sheng Qian had already changed into hot spring attire, her hair loose and feet bare. The clothing was extremely thin and silky to the touch, and with a belt tied around her waist, it accentuated her slender figure even more.

 

Her skin was like jade, and though she wore little adornment, she resembled a delicate jade hairpin flower, captivating enough to stir one’s heart.

 

Especially since Sheng Qian was now leaning against Lin Wan, so close that her breath brushed Lin Wan’s cheek, and Lin Wan could even feel the softness of Sheng Qian’s body pressed against her.

 

“I want to pray for blessings for Qianqian.”

 

Lin Wan tightened her grip on the prayer beads, her voice hoarse as she struggled to maintain her composure.

 

“Wanwan is always so good to me.”

 

Sheng Qian did not leave Lin Wan alone as she had hoped. Instead, she faced Lin Wan directly, her eyes curving into joyful crescents as she smiled. “As long as Wanwan stays by my side, I can’t help but feel happy. Wanwan is my greatest blessing.”

 

The meaning behind Sheng Qian’s words was already crystal clear.

 

Though reluctant to face it, Lin Wan set down the prayer beads in her hand and sighed softly. “Qianqian, wait for me.”

 

Sheng Qian chuckled lightly and rose to step outside. Lin Wan dawdled, taking her time to change into the clothes for the hot spring.

 

At this point, lingering too long would arouse Sheng Qian’s suspicion. Lin Wan had no choice but to pull her clothes tightly around herself, summon her courage, and step out.

 

Sheng Qian had already dismissed all the attendants. The two of them made their way to the hot spring together.

 

A small table had been set up beside the spring, laden with an assortment of fruits and snacks.

 

Not daring to meet Sheng Qian’s gaze, Lin Wan entered the water first. By immersing herself early, she could later attribute the flush on her cheeks to the steam, sparing herself some embarrassment.

 

Sheng Qian followed leisurely, stepping into the water a moment later.

 

True to form, she swam toward Lin Wan as soon as she entered. Bathed in the misty steam, Sheng Qian’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, making her look like an enchanting siren.

 

“Wanwan,” she called softly, biting her lower lip. “Could you help me wash my hair?”

 

Leaning against Lin Wan’s shoulder, Sheng Qian handed her a comb, her tone coquettish. “My hair is so thick, it’s hard to manage alone.”

 

Then, as if only just noticing Lin Wan’s tension, Sheng Qian let out a low, amused laugh. “Wanwan, why are your cheeks so red?”

 

“Are you perhaps feeling shy?”

 

Lin Wan knew Sheng Qian was only teasing casually, yet her words struck a chord. Lin Wan immediately denied it, “Of course not! It’s just too hot in this pool!”

 

“You’re the child I raised since you were young. We’re as close as sisters. Why would I feel shy around you?”

 

To prove her point, Lin Wan took the comb and moved behind Sheng Qian.

 

Sheng Qian cast a smiling glance at Lin Wan but said nothing more. She swam to the edge of the pool, leaning against the bank at an angle, her head tilted to watch Lin Wan.

 

Lin Wan, keeping a stern expression, positioned herself behind Sheng Qian and began carefully washing her hair.

 

Sheng Qian’s hair was truly exquisite—dark, glossy, and smooth. Lin Wan handled it with the utmost care, afraid of accidentally hurting her, and instinctively watched for any reaction.

 

In the steam-filled air, the blush on Sheng Qian’s porcelain cheeks deepened, and the exposed skin took on a rosy glow. Her reclining posture outlined a perfect silhouette, and the damp, sheer fabric of her clothes concealed very little. From Lin Wan’s vantage point, certain curves were unmistakably visible.

 

Lin Wan averted her eyes after a single glance, yet her mind involuntarily drifted back to the scene she had witnessed earlier in the bathhouse.

 

Sheng Qian usually appeared slender and elegant like a graceful bamboo, but who would have guessed her figure was so alluring—slender yet curvaceous, a natural-born enchantress.

 

Lin Wan couldn’t help but glance down at herself. She rarely exercised; while her figure wasn’t bad, there was a slight softness around her abdomen.

 

“Wanwan, why aren’t you saying anything? I still miss the way you used to talk and care for me.”

 

As if extremely comfortable, Sheng Qian let out a soft sigh, her charming voice causing Lin Wan to tense up, nearly pulling Sheng Qian’s hair.

 

“Actually, I came here when I was young.”

 

Fortunately, Sheng Qian didn’t notice Lin Wan’s awkwardness. She seemed to be in a particularly good mood and suddenly recalled the past.

 

“Back then, the Imperial Noble Consort was kind-hearted and unexpectedly allowed all the emperor’s consorts with children to accompany him to the estate for some fun. Though it was called fun, there wasn’t even a charcoal fire in my room. I was shivering from the cold.”

 

Lin Wan gradually became absorbed in Sheng Qian’s words. By the time she had almost finished washing Sheng Qian’s hair, Sheng Qian’s reminiscence was coming to an end.

 

“Later, I couldn’t bear the cold anymore and ran out alone, soaking myself in the pond.”

 

“At that moment, I felt as if I had come back to life. It was the first time in my life I had ever felt such joy.”

 

Sheng Qian turned her gaze to Lin Wan, her eyes gentle and serene: “In this world, I only want to share all my joys with Wanwan…”

 

Lin Wan bit her lip.

 

Never before had she been so acutely aware of how deeply Sheng Qian cherished her. Emotions in this world could be good or bad, but Sheng Qian only wanted her to feel happiness.

 

Lin Wan sniffled, her heart swelling with an indescribable ache: No wonder Sheng Qian had wanted to bring her here.

 

Through Sheng Qian’s words, she could almost picture that little girl, curled up in the pond, trembling with cold.

 

Who would have thought that little girl would grow into someone so composed, decisive, and extraordinarily talented?

 

“Qianqian, it’s all in the past now. You will never again be left in such a lonely and helpless situation. From now on, countless people will care for you and cherish you.”

 

If only she had met Sheng Qian earlier, she could have protected her properly…

 

Unable to restrain her heartache any longer, Lin Wan carefully embraced Sheng Qian and whispered,

 

“After meeting Wanwan, my fate began to turn for the better.”

 

“I don’t want anyone else’s pity. I only want Wanwan.”

 

Sheng Qian, as coquettish as ever, smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around Lin Wan’s neck, speaking in a sweet, pleading tone.

 

No wonder Sheng Qian was so clingy. She saw Lin Wan as the embodiment of her good fortune.

 

“Alright!”

 

Lin Wan bit her lower lip and finally replied.

 

Sheng Qian had already suffered far too much!

 

In this place that had once cast a shadow over Sheng Qian’s life, Lin Wan couldn’t bear to let her feel even the slightest unhappiness.

 

As for herself…

 

Lin Wan clenched her jaw: She had foreseen that if she stopped avoiding her feelings, she might completely lose control of her heart and fall irrevocably for Sheng Qian.

 

But so be it!

 

After all, she had no intention of marrying in the future. She would live as a lay Buddhist, indulging in these few days of closeness before striving to rein in her emotions and guarding Sheng Qian faithfully as an older sister.

 

In the days that followed at the estate, Lin Wan completely let go of her reservations, and she and Sheng Qian seemed to return to their former closeness.

 

The two of them set aside all matters of court and spent their days inseparable. They cooked together, practiced calligraphy, played chess, and on a whim, Lin Wan would play music while Sheng Qian performed a sword dance.

 

At times, Lin Wan couldn’t help but entertain a wistful thought: If only these joyful moments could last forever.

 

And just as Lin Wan had anticipated, there were moments when she completely lost control of her gaze, mesmerized by Sheng Qian’s beauty, unable to tear her eyes away.

 

She thought that with Sheng Qian’s sharp perception, any anomaly would be detected. Sheng Qian had always been decisive in handling matters, and it was likely that she would subconsciously distance herself in the coming days.

 

Yet, contrary to her expectations, Sheng Qian seemed completely unaware of her thoughts. Every day, she was exceptionally cheerful, pulling her along to do all sorts of things, and when tired, they would sleep together.

 

Heaven knew what kind of torment it was to wake up every morning and see Sheng Qian’s stunningly beautiful face lying beside her.

 

Lin Wan had to muster every ounce of her self-control to keep herself from leaning in to kiss her.

 

Just as she had anticipated, in the few days spent with Sheng Qian, her feelings for Sheng Qian grew as rapidly as wild grass.

 

She knew she was completely smitten, yet she couldn’t restrain herself at all.

 

But happy times always pass in the blink of an eye.

 

Soon, the day arrived when they had agreed to return to the palace.

 

That morning, looking at Sheng Qian lying beside her with slightly disheveled hair and utterly defenseless, Lin Wan ultimately couldn’t suppress the stirrings in her heart and carefully pressed a kiss onto Sheng Qian’s forehead.

 

This was likely the most presumptuous thing she had ever done to Sheng Qian!

 

Sheng Qian was so young; whenever she thought about the improper thoughts she harbored for this girl she had raised with her own hands, a heavy sense of guilt would wash over her.

 

But from then on, she would guard her heart, fulfill her duty properly, and be the best older sister, protecting Sheng Qian for a lifetime, ensuring her peace, happiness, and safety.

 

Lin Wan’s emotions were incredibly complex. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice that the “sleeping” Sheng Qian’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her lips curved into a secret smile.