The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 69

Not long after, the palace sent people to summon Sheng Qian back to the palace.

 

Looking at the trembling palace attendants who could barely speak coherently while welcoming Sheng Qian, Lin Wan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. It was all because of the fearsome reputation Sheng Qian had cultivated for herself earlier, which had left almost everyone in awe of her.

 

However, the demeanor Sheng Qian displayed in front of outsiders was indeed quite intimidating.

 

Lin Wan walked behind, watching as Sheng Qian boarded the carriage ahead with an indifferent expression.

 

The palace officials explained that Sheng Qian was about to ascend the throne, and there were certain protocols that Lin Wan, as an outsider, needed to avoid, such as being present during specific ceremonial preparations.

 

Lin Wan expressed her understanding and was about to board the carriage behind when she saw Sheng Qian turn around and frown.

 

Meeting Lin Wan’s startled gaze, Sheng Qian walked up to her and took her hand.

 

“Your Highness, this is against propriety.”

 

A nearby minister knelt with a thud, trembling as he spoke.

 

“Propriety?”

 

Sheng Qian curled her lips as if she had heard an extremely amusing joke. “When I suffered humiliation in my youth, no minister ever brought up propriety to my father.”

 

“Wanwan saved my life. I wouldn’t hesitate to give her the entire world if she asked. How could I possibly avoid her because of so-called propriety?”

 

“He is only doing his duty, Qianqian. There’s no need to make things difficult for him. Besides, I’m not interested in these matters.”

 

Lin Wan hadn’t expected Sheng Qian to act so willfully at such a time and quickly stepped in to mediate.

 

Sheng Qian was still too naive. Her gentle, soft-spoken words carried no authority, while these civil officials were known to protest by banging their heads against pillars if provoked. If Sheng Qian were to gain a reputation for driving officials to death right after ascending the throne, it would make her future rule incredibly difficult.

 

To Lin Wan’s surprise, however, the official seemed utterly intimidated by Sheng Qian’s words and did not speak again.

 

Much later, after countless civil officials had tearfully begged Lin Wan to rein in Sheng Qian, Lin Wan finally understood why the censors dared not challenge her: their tactic of threatening suicide worked on emperors who sought a reputation for virtue, but it was utterly useless against Sheng Qian!

 

Sheng Qian cared neither for her reputation nor for their lives. If they threatened to kill themselves, she would genuinely send them to their deaths.

 

Moreover, Sheng Qian had won the absolute loyalty of the military officials with her sheer competence. The generals were fiercely devoted to her, obeying her every command without question. If the civil officials spoke ill of Sheng Qian, the military officials would immediately counter them. And while Sheng Qian was often perceived as arrogant and unrestrained, she never made mistakes in critical matters. Her innate intelligence made her a once-in-a-century ruler. Under such circumstances, the officials were not willing to die either.

 

However, at this moment, Lin Wan was completely unaware of this. Stunned by the official’s reaction, she was pulled by Sheng Qian into the carriage ahead.

 

“How could Wanwan not ride with me? Wanwan must help me see if the dragon robe fits.”

 

Sheng Qian made no effort to hide from Lin Wan. After lowering the carriage curtain, she opened the ceremonial box and began changing her clothes right there in the carriage.

 

Lin Wan had no time to stop her and could only blush as she helped Sheng Qian change.

 

Though Sheng Qian was wearing undergarments and no skin was exposed, the fact that it was Sheng Qian made Lin Wan’s face burn crimson by the time she finished helping her dress.

 

Sheng Qian usually appeared before her in extremely plain attire, looking both delicate and charming. But now, clad in the dragon robe, she suddenly carried an air of authority that commanded respect without anger, appearing incomparably cold and enchanting, completely different from her usual demeanor.

 

Lin Wan glanced at her, bit her lip, and lowered her head, smoothing out the wrinkles on Sheng Qian’s clothes while suppressing the love in her heart. Just as she was about to retreat to the other end of the carriage, Sheng Qian reached out and pulled Lin Wan, drawing her entirely into her embrace.

 

“Wanwan’s cheeks are so flushed!”

 

Sheng Qian was very pleased with Lin Wan’s reaction, yet she feigned ignorance, gently stroking Lin Wan’s chin while suppressing the laughter in her eyes. Her voice was filled with concern: “Are you feeling unwell?”

 

At that moment, Lin Wan felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end!

 

She took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and whispered softly, “No, I’m just not used to riding in a carriage. I feel a bit dizzy.”

 

Sheng Qian’s expression grew even more concerned. Holding Lin Wan tightly, she frowned and touched Lin Wan’s cheek: “Then rest against me for a while, Wanwan!”

 

With Sheng Qian’s actions, Lin Wan felt her face heat up as if it were about to burst into flames. How could she dare to continue leaning against Sheng Qian as suggested?

 

“No,” Lin Wan racked her brains for an excuse, trying to move away. “I’ll rest on the other side. You’re wearing this dragon robe, I’m afraid I might wrinkle your clothes.”

 

However, Sheng Qian’s arm remained tightly wrapped around Lin Wan’s waist. Lin Wan struggled slightly but couldn’t break free.

 

She looked up at Sheng Qian, meeting her seemingly innocent smile: “Wanwan, if you keep moving, your hairpin might snag this robe.”

 

Lin Wan widened her eyes, knowing this was just an excuse from Sheng Qian. But damaging the dragon robe was no small matter, and Lin Wan didn’t dare take the risk.

 

She could only speak softly, trying to persuade Sheng Qian: “Qianqian, if you hold me like this, your arm will get sore. You need to wear this dragon robe tomorrow, it can’t get dirty. Let me go, and I promise I’ll rest properly.”

 

Lin Wan’s voice grew softer and softer.

 

Sheng Qian looked down at her, her gaze fixed on Lin Wan’s lips, a dark intensity swirling in her eyes.

 

In a daze, Lin Wan suddenly had a feeling: if she kept talking, Sheng Qian might just kiss her right then and there.

 

Lin Wan knew she shouldn’t speculate about Sheng Qian like this; Sheng Qian’s feelings for her were merely pure admiration. Yet, under Sheng Qian’s intense gaze, Lin Wan instinctively pressed her lips together.

 

Feeling threatened by the little girl she had raised, Lin Wan felt somewhat embarrassed. She coughed lightly, deciding to avoid the situation, and turned to the side, closing her eyes.

 

“Wanwan,” Seeing Lin Wan’s reaction, Sheng Qian’s smile grew even more pronounced. Lin Wan had thought she would stop smiling after a moment, but instead, Sheng Qian soon let out a soft laugh, her voice hoarse as she murmured.

 

“This is the happiest moment of my life.”

 

“In the future, I can be with Wanwan forever, and no one can harm us.”

 

As Sheng Qian spoke, her voice clearly carried a hint of a sob, as if she were crying tears of joy.

 

Hearing Sheng Qian’s raspy voice, Lin Wan felt a complex mix of emotions, a wave of tenderness washing over her.

 

Yes! That little girl, trembling and hiding in the snowy night, probably never imagined she would have a day like this.

 

“We will only get better from here.”

 

Lin Wan couldn’t help but open her eyes, raising her hand to wipe the tears from Sheng Qian’s cheek as she spoke helplessly, “Qianqian is a grown woman now, why are you still so prone to crying?”

 

Lin Wan deliberately teased her this way, knowing that if Sheng Qian started crying uncontrollably, it might lead to gossip once they returned to the palace…

 

“Does Wanwan not want to see me like this?”

 

Sheng Qian lifted her gaze, her tear-filled eyes fixed unwaveringly on Lin Wan’s. After crying for a while, the tip of her nose and the rims of her eyes were flushed red, and glistening tears hovered on the verge of falling. Paired with the dragon robe symbolizing her authority, she looked like a pitiful little beast, utterly heart-wrenching.

 

“Then I won’t cry anymore.”

 

Sheng Qian seemed taken aback by Lin Wan’s words. She bit her lower lip and turned away to search for a handkerchief to dry her tears.

 

“You! Sometimes you carry yourself with the dignity of a ruler, and other times you act like a child. How will you ever establish yourself in the court like this?”

 

Lin Wan sighed, her heart aching as she pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped Sheng Qian’s face. “Everyone has moments of weakness and tears. Just remember not to cry in front of others in the future, lest they mock you.”

 

“Of course, I know that,” Sheng Qian pursed her lips, seemingly displeased that Lin Wan would underestimate her. “I rarely cry, actually.”

 

Noticing Lin Wan’s resigned gaze, a flicker of discomfort crossed Sheng Qian’s face. Her voice grew softer as she lowered her head, carefully studying Lin Wan’s expression.

 

“In the future, I’ll only cry in front of Wanwan.”

 

“Wanwan, will you look down on me?”

 

“Of course not.”

 

Lin Wan finished drying Sheng Qian’s cheeks. Under Sheng Qian’s earnest gaze, her heart felt as though it had melted into a puddle of tenderness. “In front of me, Qianqian can always be herself.”

 

“Even if I make mistakes, Wanwan won’t despise me?”

 

Sheng Qian still lacked a sense of security. She seemed worried, biting her lip again, her eyes growing even more pitiful. “In my position, many people try to flatter me and say what I want to hear. I’m afraid I might accidentally do something that Wanwan would dislike. ”

 

“Why would you think that?”

 

Lin Wan sighed once more. Though Sheng Qian now appeared decisive and authoritative, deep down, she was still the same gentle and vulnerable Sheng Qian.

 

“To err is human. No one is free from mistakes.” Even she, who had always believed herself selfless, had begun to falter, coveting Sheng Qian’s beauty.

 

“After all these years of friendship, how could I abandon you? I promised to always stand by you. If you make a mistake, I will surely guide you. ” Guilt welled up in Lin Wan’s heart once again, and she couldn’t help but make another promise.

 

“That’s perfect then! I’ll remember Wanwan’s words today. Even if Wanwan regrets it later, it’ll be too late.”

 

Sheng Qian finally curved her lips into a smile.

 

She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, a hint of smugness in her expression. For a moment, Lin Wan even felt as though they had just negotiated some crucial treaty.

 

But in reality, they were merely sharing sisterly sentiments, with Lin Wan comforting the anxious Sheng Qian.

 

Before Lin Wan could ponder further, Sheng Qian, now beaming again, lowered her head and covered Lin Wan’s eyes with her hand, speaking softly, “Then Wanwan should rest first. I’ll wake you when we reach the palace.”

 

Lin Wan hummed in agreement.

 

She truly wanted to fall asleep, but lying in Sheng Qian’s embrace at this moment, her heart raced wildly, and she felt restless all over, making it impossible to drift off.

 

Moreover, Sheng Qian had one hand covering her eyes while the other meticulously traced the contours of Lin Wan’s face. Sometimes pinching her cheeks, sometimes holding her hand as if she were a large toy.

 

“Are you going to let me rest or not?” Lin Wan couldn’t help but sigh and speak up.

 

“Wanwan, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

 

Sheng Qian finally stopped her mischievous hands and apologized, yet her tone carried no hint of remorse. In fact, it was utterly unapologetic: “But Wanwan is so beautiful, I just couldn’t help myself.”

 

Lin Wan nearly laughed in exasperation! She couldn’t resist retorting.

 

“Has Qianqian been avoiding mirrors lately? Otherwise, how could you spout such nonsense?”

 

Sheng Qian, however, seemed oblivious to the teasing in Lin Wan’s words and replied earnestly, “Wanwan has always been the most important person in my heart, and the most beautiful. In this world, you are the one I love the most. I always find myself unable to resist getting close to you.”

 

As she spoke, Sheng Qian paused, perhaps out of shyness. When she spoke again, her voice carried a noticeable hoarseness, and her breathing grew slightly unsteady.

 

“What about you, Wanwan? Am I the most important person in your heart too?”

 

Lin Wan didn’t notice the strangeness in Sheng Qian’s voice.

 

Sheng Qian’s words felt like a massive boulder crashing into the already turbulent waters of Lin Wan’s heart.

 

Lin Wan knew Sheng Qian relied on her, but she had never imagined Sheng Qian viewed her through such a thick filter of admiration. Though she knew she shouldn’t, hearing Sheng Qian speak like this still stirred a flicker of joy in her heart…

 

“Wanwan?”

 

Perhaps dissatisfied with Lin Wan’s hesitation, Sheng Qian tapped the tip of Lin Wan’s nose and spoke in a seemingly aggrieved tone, “Could it be that there’s someone else more important to you than me?”

 

“Wanwan, I’m not that petty. You can tell me the truth.”

 

Lin Wan didn’t know why, but even though Sheng Qian looked so wronged and her tone seemed normal, a sudden chill ran down her spine, as if she could sense a dense, murderous intent.

 

But immediately after, Lin Wan’s attention was completely captured by Sheng Qian’s actions.

 

Sheng Qian leaned closer, as if having no other way to deal with Lin Wan’s silence, and mumbled in a muffled voice, “Wanwan, if you don’t speak soon, I’ll have to enforce the family rules.”

 

Family rules?

 

Lin Wan blinked, feeling confused, but Sheng Qian had already released one hand and suggestively patted a certain spot.

 

Lin Wan’s eyes widened as she instantly understood.

 

Remembering how she had once spanked Sheng Qian’s bottom out of anger when Sheng Qian was injured, her face flushed even hotter with embarrassment.

 

She instinctively struggled, but her current physical strength was no match for Sheng Qian’s determination. In no time, Sheng Qian had pinned both her hands and tightened her grip around her waist.

 

“Wanwan!” Sheng Qian drew even closer, her voice growing increasingly husky.

 

Lin Wan’s heart felt like it was about to leap out of her chest.

 

She knew Sheng Qian’s temperament. If she didn’t get an answer, Sheng Qian would not let it go and would definitely carry out her threat.

 

If Sheng Qian were to spank her there, how could she ever face Sheng Qian as an older sister again?

 

Before Sheng Qian could speak again, Lin Wan finally bit her lower lip and nervously replied.

 

“In my heart, Qianqian is also the most important person.”

 

Perhaps because her eyes were covered by Sheng Qian, unable to see her expression, Lin Wan found that speaking her heart wasn’t so difficult after making a sound. Some deeply buried words couldn’t help but spill out during this opportunity.

 

“Qianqian is also the most beautiful person in my heart. I came here precisely for Qianqian. As long as Qianqian lives well, safe and happy, that is my greatest wish.”

 

“I will surely do my utmost to assist Qianqian, helping her leave a name for generations and create an era of prosperity.” This was likely the only chance in this lifetime to pour out her true feelings.

 

After Lin Wan finished speaking, Sheng Qian above her fell silent for a moment.

 

Lin Wan inexplicably felt a bit uneasy, so she feigned impatience and spoke.

 

“Satisfied now? Won’t you let go of me?”

 

Fortunately, Sheng Qian still listened.

 

After a while, she indeed released Lin Wan’s waist and even moved her hand away from covering Lin Wan’s eyes.

 

“Wanwan, I will listen to you. I will govern the country as you hope and achieve everything you desire, as long as you don’t leave me.”

 

What met Lin Wan’s gaze were Sheng Qian’s profoundly deep eyes. Her expression was incredibly strange, as if she were struggling to restrain something. Lin Wan even had a fleeting sensation that Sheng Qian had understood her words and even knew her true identity.

 

Even if Sheng Qian were as cunning as a demon, how could that be possible?

 

Lin Wan stared at Sheng Qian’s expression and saw the brightest, most radiant smile bloom on her face.

 

“Don’t you dare tease me. The corners of her lips lifted high, as if she couldn’t suppress the curve of her smile, yet she also seemed awkward and uncomfortable, looking at Lin Wan with her head held high: “But it’s fine if you do tease me, Wanwan.” You’ll discover in the future that, across the entire universe, no one will treat you better than I do.”

 

Lin Wan instinctively wanted to retort, to say that Sheng Qian was shameless for making such a bold claim. She could say that about this world, but to bring the entire universe into it?

 

In this era, “the universe” meant the cosmos, with so many different worlds and so many extraordinarily talented people. Lin Wan would later travel through different worlds; while Sheng Qian was indeed stunning, there were always greater heights and more exceptional individuals. How dare Sheng Qian speak so boldly?

 

But upon careful thought, everything Sheng Qian said was not wrong.

 

Lin Wan came from one of the highest-level planes and considered herself well-traveled and knowledgeable. If not for Sheng Qian treating her so well, she wouldn’t have fallen so deeply.

 

If Sheng Qian were born in other planes, she would still be a rare and exceptional existence.

 

Thinking that she could only accompany Sheng Qian in this lifetime, Lin Wan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow, instantly extinguishing her desire to refute Sheng Qian.

 

Lin Wan poked Sheng Qian’s forehead and sighed.

 

“You!”

 

Since they were together in this life, she would cherish their bond and strive to make Sheng Qian happy.

 

Sheng Qian indeed became extremely joyful afterward, chattering to Lin Wan about her future plans.

 

The palace was currently sparsely populated, and she intended to redesign its layout. However, she had no expertise in this area and wanted Lin Wan to help her design it.

 

As for what kind of design Sheng Qian liked, she had no specific ideas. She simply smiled warmly at Lin Wan, saying that whatever Lin Wan liked, she would like as well.

 

Lin Wan had originally intended to ask more about Sheng Qian’s preferences. Moreover, even if she didn’t want to dwell on it, Sheng Qian, as the ruler of a nation, had long reached the age to become a mother. It wouldn’t be long before the ministers would urge her to find a husband.

 

But she wasn’t the master of the palace. How could she dare to decide its layout on her own?

 

However, Sheng Qian soon shifted the conversation to another matter: half a month after her ascension would be her eighteenth birthday. She wanted to spend it with Lin Wan and didn’t wish for any grand celebrations.

 

“Sister, I don’t want to attend court that day. I just want to stay with you,” Sheng Qian said, clinging to Lin Wan’s arm and whispering coquettishly. “Don’t make me go to court.”

 

“I promised you I’d govern the country well, ensuring its prosperity and the people’s peace, but being fixated on court affairs every day is just incompetence. I have so many ministers; they receive their salaries, so of course, they should handle the court matters.”

 

“They need to get used to it,” Sheng Qian’s gaze drifted vaguely toward Lin Wan’s face. “In the future, I definitely won’t be attending court every day.”

 

Lin Wan didn’t notice Sheng Qian’s expression and felt uneasy about it, but upon reflection, Sheng Qian’s words did hold some truth. Unable to resist her pleading, she reluctantly agreed to help arrange things and allow Sheng Qian a day off.

 

As for the future, if Sheng Qian grew lazy and refused to attend court, Lin Wan resolved to counsel her properly and ensure she didn’t neglect state affairs.

 

Before long, the carriage entered the palace.

 

At the palace gates, a crowd of ministers awaited Sheng Qian.

 

Lin Wan had planned to wait until the ministers left before getting out of the carriage, but Sheng Qian insisted they disembark together, even threatening to carry Lin Wan out if she refused.

 

Left with no choice, Lin Wan shot Sheng Qian several annoyed glances before stepping out beside her.

 

Lin Wan braced herself for the ministers’ inevitable lectures.

 

When the ministers at the front saw Lin Wan alight from Sheng Qian’s carriage, their expressions shifted strangely. But to Lin Wan’s surprise, no one spoke up. The ministers swarmed around Sheng Qian, presenting stacks of documents as if they hadn’t even noticed her.

 

Surrounded by the ministers, Sheng Qian’s smile from earlier vanished, replaced by a cold demeanor that, at a glance, truly embodied the authority of an emperor.

 

Lin Wan didn’t linger to observe further, nor did she interrupt Sheng Qian’s official duties. She quietly returned to her room.

 

After being away for several days, the hole in her window had finally been repaired.

 

Lin Wan breathed a sigh of relief as she entered her room.

 

Everything at the hot spring estate felt like a dream. Now that the dream was over, she needed to adhere to her role, step back into her position as an elder sister, control her heart, and do what was expected of her.

 

Just as she was thinking this and planning to visit the imperial study to fetch some Buddhist scriptures to deepen her persona as someone preparing for monastic life, Aunt Huang arrived with a pile of ledgers.

 

Resigned, Lin Wan began tackling the accumulated tasks. By the time Sheng Qian returned in the evening, many remained unfinished.

 

With Sheng Qian’s coronation scheduled for the next day, Lin Wan intended to work through the night to finish. But as soon as Sheng Qian appeared, Aunt Huang promptly took away all the remaining documents.

 

“She’s been in the palace for many years; of course, she knows how to make decisions,” Sheng Qian said dismissively.

 

Yet Lin Wan couldn’t shake a sense of unease: If Aunt Huang knew how to handle these matters, why had she brought the ledgers to her in the first place?

 

But Lin Wan didn’t have time to say much.

 

The next day was Sheng Qian’s coronation ceremony. Sheng Qian had begged Lin Wan to attend the ceremony. Since there were numerous affairs requiring attention and they needed to rise early, she had returned a bit earlier today, hoping to get to sleep sooner.

 

Even if Sheng Qian hadn’t asked, Lin Wan would have attended the ceremony. Sheng Qian’s journey to this point hadn’t been easy, and she wanted to witness Sheng Qian’s most glorious moment.

 

That evening, Sheng Qian did not pester Lin Wan again. Lin Wan, having no time to fetch the scriptures, began to count her prayer beads. She had expected to be too agitated to sleep, but to her surprise, she slept soundly through the night.

 

The next day, a maidservant woke Lin Wan early to dress and prepare. Still drowsy, Lin Wan was ushered into a sedan chair. By the time she fully regained her senses, she was already wearing a ceremonial veil and seated in the position of the Holy Maiden.

 

According to the coronation ritual, the first step was to pay respects to the ancestors. During the new sovereign’s worship, the Holy Maiden would stand in for the ancestors and receive the sovereign’s obeisance.

 

Beside Lin Wan stood the true Holy Maiden. Though she tried to appear composed, her voice betrayed her indignation.

 

“Her Majesty declared she would not kneel to someone unrelated, only to her benefactor. Thus, Miss Lin must temporarily assume the duties of the Holy Maiden today.”

 

Lin Wan had not anticipated Sheng Qian causing such a stir. She intended to find her, but the auspicious hour had arrived, forcing Lin Wan to impersonate the Holy Maiden and ascend the altar.

 

From the Holy Maiden’s vantage point, the view was unparalleled.

 

The new sovereign, crowned in gold and robed in brilliant yellow, possessed a striking beauty and an aura of solemn authority that made it difficult to look directly at her. For a moment, Lin Wan was reminded of the Sheng Qian from her dreams, the one who had wrought endless slaughter.

 

But when Sheng Qian’s gaze met Lin Wan’s, a distinct warmth and amusement flickered in her eyes.

 

Lin Wan breathed a sigh of relief: everything before her was different from the dreams. This was not the world-destroying Sheng Qian of her nightmares. This was the Qianqian she had raised and nurtured.

 

Sheng Qian knelt before Lin Wan, bowing in gratitude to the ancestors.

 

Amid the cheers of the commoners and officials below, Lin Wan had never been more acutely aware.

 

Sheng Qian had truly grown up.

 

The ceremony lasted the entire morning.

 

Exhausted from the proceedings, Lin Wan returned to the palace first. At the palace gates, she encountered a group of strangely dressed individuals waiting.

 

—The neighboring country, which had previously attempted to invade during a moment of weakness, had grown increasingly anxious after Sheng Qian stationed troops at the border. Fearing retaliation, they seized the opportunity of Sheng Qian’s coronation to send envoys bearing jewels and beauties, hoping to propose a marriage alliance and mend relations.