The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 70

At that time, the throne had just changed hands, and several neighboring countries had quietly stationed troops along the border. Among them, the most conspicuous was the Kingdom of Wu.

 

Sheng Qian decided to warn by punishing someone as a lesson to others. She executed several invading spies and directly tossed their heads in front of the main commander’s tent, terrifying the old emperor of Wu.

 

Despite the Kingdom of Wu’s layered defenses and strict security, they had no idea when Sheng Qian’s people had infiltrated the camp.

 

If Sheng Qian had wanted the emperor’s head.

 

The old emperor hastily withdrew his troops but kept a close watch on Sheng Qian’s subsequent battles. Witnessing her ample military forces and extraordinary tactics, the old emperor felt immensely relieved that he hadn’t sent troops. He became determined to repair relations with Sheng Qian and specifically sent a prince as a gesture.

 

Prince Wu was renowned throughout the Kingdom of Wu for his charm and elegance.

 

Hearing that Sheng Qian had never married, the old emperor thought that if she were to have a child with Prince Wu, the future heir would carry the bloodline of Wu and rule another nation.

 

The emperor of Wu, indulgent in pleasures, was quite experienced in such matters. Upon hearing rumors that Sheng Qian kept men at a distance, he not only sent Prince Wu but also discreetly dispatched several exquisitely trained beauties.

 

Other neighboring countries had similar intentions. Under the pretext of celebrating Sheng Qian’s ascension to the throne, they sent various handsome men and beautiful women as gifts.

 

According to tradition, after meeting the new emperor, foreign envoys were to stay in the capital for some time. With Sheng Qian’s birthday approaching, the envoys had also brought congratulatory gifts and would certainly remain until after her birthday.

 

Lin Wan stopped in her tracks, observing the crowd of men and women of all shapes and sizes waiting at the palace gates. Though she had long prepared herself for the idea that Sheng Qian might have companions, seeing these people in person still left her feeling somewhat sour.

 

Among them were beauties of every type, and Lin Wan couldn’t help but wonder what kind of person Sheng Qian would favor in the future.

 

Since these individuals were gifts from various countries to Sheng Qian, it was natural to first admit them into the harem, leaving their fate for Sheng Qian to decide.

 

Lin Wan had no desire to involve herself in this matter, nor did she want to imagine Sheng Qian interacting with these people. She didn’t even feel like returning to her own room, so she headed to the imperial study.

 

Lin Wan intended to select a few Buddhist scriptures, but it seemed the books in the study had been rearranged recently. After searching for a long time without finding the scriptures she wanted, feeling that nothing was going right today, the joy she had felt witnessing Sheng Qian’s coronation gradually faded. Biting her lower lip, she could only send a palace maid out to purchase the scriptures and then made her way alone to the small prayer hall.

 

Inside the prayer hall, there were not only prayer beads but also a small wooden fish.

 

Lin Wan was naturally skilled at regulating her emotions, yet for some reason, whenever it came to Sheng Qian, her feelings often spiraled out of control. She even developed a frightening sense of possessiveness toward Sheng Qian.

 

Even without the scriptures, Lin Wan fingered the prayer beads and tapped the wooden fish. Before long, the stifling feeling in her heart finally began to dissipate.

 

A soft sound of the door opening came from the entrance. Thinking it was the palace maid returning with the scriptures, Lin Wan spoke gently, “Just place the scriptures on the table.”

 

But the person approached from behind, wrapping their arms around Lin Wan’s waist in an intimate, clinging manner. “Why so devout, Wanwan? Are you praying for someone’s blessings?”

 

Recognizing the familiar scent, Lin Wan knew exactly who it was. For some reason, Sheng Qian always liked to hug her from behind.

 

Sheng Qian’s tone sounded somewhat strange.

 

Lin Wan blinked. She had only been feigning piety to maintain her persona, but now that Sheng Qian had spoken, an idea sparked in her mind. She put on a gentle smile and said, “Your Majesty has been so kind to me. I wish to pray for you, for your health, peace, and happiness.”

 

“You’re the only one who truly cares for me, Wanwan.”

 

A radiant smile instantly bloomed across Sheng Qian’s face.

 

As Lin Wan looked at that smile, a strange illusion flickered in her mind. It was as if she had just answered the deadly question of whom to save first if her wife and child fell into the water, and she had given the answer that satisfied Sheng Qian.

 

“Why has Your Majesty returned so early?”

 

Lin Wan pulled herself together, feeling uncomfortable in her current position. She tried to shift away, but Sheng Qian’s grip remained firm and unmoving…

 

Left with no choice, Lin Wan turned her head and looked helplessly at Sheng Qian.

 

“Wanwan, are you trying to distance yourself from me?”

 

Sheng Qian, however, seemed oblivious to the silent reproach in Lin Wan’s eyes. She frowned slightly and said, “I’ve already completed the most important rituals. As for the rest, although the ministers are a bit slow, they can handle it well enough.”

 

She clearly knew how to handle Lin Wan. Lazily, she continued, “If I hear you call me ‘Your Majesty’ again, don’t blame me for enforcing household discipline.”

 

At the mention of “household discipline,” a chill ran down Lin Wan’s spine. She realized her plan to gradually create some distance from Sheng Qian would have to be put on hold for now. Meeting Sheng Qian’s gaze, she sighed softly and whispered.

 

“Qianqian, this isn’t proper.”

 

Sheng Qian burst into laughter, giving Lin Wan a peculiar look. “There are plenty of improper things I plan to do in the future. Haven’t you gotten used to it yet?”

 

“In this world, whoever holds the power makes the rules.”

 

Sheng Qian was exceptionally talented and had led armies to conquer this nation, so her words weren’t entirely arrogant.

 

Yet, seeing Sheng Qian’s self-assured expression, Lin Wan couldn’t resist pinching her waist.

 

“You! Shameless!”

 

Lin Wan knew her own strength, her pinches were like tickles to Sheng Qian.

 

But Sheng Qian cried out in exaggerated pain, burying her face in Lin Wan’s shoulder and refusing to move.

 

Lin Wan tried to push her away a few times but to no avail. Faced with Sheng Qian’s antics, she was utterly defeated.

 

Sheng Qian had returned much earlier than Lin Wan had expected, so she probably hadn’t seen the beauties brought by the envoy.

 

Lin Wan pursed her lips, thought for a moment, but ultimately didn’t bring up the matter of those beauties. No matter what Sheng Qian thought, it wasn’t a question she, who saw herself as an elder sister, should ask.

 

“I heard you’ve been here for quite some time,” Sheng Qian finally got to the point of her visit. “I’ve been busy all morning and I’m exhausted. Would you do me the honor of having a meal with me?”

 

Whenever she met Sheng Qian’s beautiful eyes, Lin Wan lost her much-prided self-control.

 

Lin Wan let out a soft “Mm,” but found Sheng Qian’s tone somewhat irritating. Just as she was about to pinch her again, Sheng Qian seemed to anticipate the move. She caught Lin Wan’s outstretched hand, used it as leverage to hoist Lin Wan onto her back, and strode briskly outward.

 

 

Caught off guard by Sheng Qian’s action, Lin Wan instinctively tried to get down. As expected, Sheng Qian never yielded in such matters. She refused to let go and even said leisurely, “If you keep squirming, I’ll take the main road out there.”

 

Sheng Qian took the secluded paths within the palace grounds. Along the way, they encountered few passersby, but the main roads were entirely different. Guards and palace maids were stationed every few steps, creating an atmosphere of strict vigilance.

 

Lin Wan could only bite her lower lip, allowing Sheng Qian to carry her forward on his back.

 

Her heart remained unsettled, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt Sheng Qian was being willful. Recalling her original intention of staying by his side, Lin Wan carefully chose her words, determined to fulfill her duty and reason with him properly about the matter.

 

“Wanwan, I am truly overjoyed right now.”

 

Before Lin Wan could speak, Sheng Qian, who was ahead of her, chuckled softly: “Seeing Wanwan reminds me of the times we supported each other as children. Ever since I met you, my luck has only improved. The sight of you fills me with happiness, and I want to do everything in my power to treat you well.”

 

Sheng Qian didn’t know what had come over him lately; sweet words seemed to flow effortlessly from his lips.

 

Lin Wan had always been someone who responded better to kindness than force. If Sheng Qian had stubbornly continued his reckless behavior, she might have confronted him head-on. But with him speaking so gently, the spark of frustration in her heart was instantly extinguished, leaving only a lingering sense of worry.

 

She, too, cherished the memories of those days when they relied on each other. A time when she didn’t have to worry about the common people or fret over whom Sheng Qian might be with.

 

“But rest assured, Wanwan,” Sheng Qian continued, as if reading her thoughts, “at most, in three years, I will have everything in order. I won’t be so busy anymore and will have more time to spend with you.”

 

Lin Wan knew Sheng Qian was exceptionally clever, but excessive cleverness often led to underhanded tactics. Hearing his words, her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately spoke up: “Qianqian, haste makes waste. Matters of state should be approached gradually and carefully.”

 

“After all, I and all the court officials will assist you. You must not let your guard down.”

 

“I know my limits, Wanwan, don’t worry.”

 

After Lin Wan had spoken at length, Sheng Qian finally replied softly: “I promised you, Wanwan, that I would create a prosperous era, and I will not go back on my word.”

 

Lin Wan wasn’t entirely convinced by his words. Sometimes Sheng Qian appeared extremely steady, while at other times, he seemed full of childish impulsiveness.

 

As Lin Wan racked her brains for a way to dissuade him from his dangerous ideas, she heard Sheng Qian whisper softly: “We’re here, Wanwan.”

 

Sheng Qian hadn’t taken her back to the courtyard where they usually dined but had instead brought her to the lakeside.

 

A pavilion by the lake was already set with food.

 

For some reason, Sheng Qian disliked meat dishes, yet most of the dishes on the table were rich in meat.

 

Throughout the meal, Sheng Qian kept serving Lin Wan one dish after another. After they finished eating, he directly took her hand and led her on a leisurely stroll around the lake.

 

Sheng Qian began sharing stories from the court: which ministers were particularly rigid, which regions were short on personnel, and where droughts had struck, requiring disaster relief.

 

Lin Wan listened quietly, occasionally offering insights based on her modern knowledge. They chatted for a long while and, before they knew it, had returned to the bedchamber.

 

“Wanwan,” Sheng Qian finally looked at her with deep gratitude, “thanks to your guidance, I’ve gained clarity. I’ll need your help even more in the future!”

 

Sheng Qian was meticulous and thorough in handling affairs, and Lin Wan knew his words were merely an excuse. Still, the thought of being able to assist him, even in a small way, filled her with genuine joy.

 

That night, Lin Wan slept exceptionally soundly.

 

The next day, staring at the small stack of memorials delivered by a young eunuch, Lin Wan widened her eyes in astonishment.

 

What did Sheng Qian mean by this?

 

“Her Majesty says she is truly overwhelmed with work,” the young eunuch delivering the memorials observed Lin Wan’s expression and nervously recited the lines Sheng Qian had taught him. “She hopes Miss Lin can help her.”

 

“Her Majesty knows Miss Lin is a person of great propriety,” the eunuch stammered. “If Miss Lin is unwilling to directly annotate the memorials, she may write her comments on separate paper and discuss them with Her Majesty upon her return.”

 

State affairs were no trivial matter. If Sheng Qian had directly asked Lin Wan to help her review the memorials, Lin Wan would certainly have refused.

 

However, the method suggested by the eunuch was indeed a feasible one. Lin Wan could read through them first and write her comments on separate paper, which would still assist Sheng Qian. Even if she made mistakes, there would be room for correction.

 

After wrestling with her thoughts for a while, Lin Wan finally accepted the memorials and began reading.

 

Some of the memorials were utterly tedious, merely reporting that nothing unusual had occurred recently. Others, however, were of great importance, such as proposals to construct canals in certain regions.

 

Building canals was a massive undertaking, and some ill-intentioned officials might use it as a pretext to embezzle state funds. Especially since Sheng Qian had just ascended the throne, with everything in need of revival, it was easier for such misconduct to go unnoticed.

 

Lin Wan had no choice but to look up records, checking the dates of the last maintenance and repairs of the riverbanks.

 

Time flew by in her busyness. By the time Lin Wan finished her annotations, Sheng Qian seemed to return right on cue.

 

Sheng Qian looked tired, a state Lin Wan rarely saw her in. She had barely eaten a few bites of her meal. As they dined, Lin Wan briefed Sheng Qian on the memorials she had reviewed, and Sheng Qian’s eyes immediately lit up.

 

“Thank goodness for Wanwan.”

 

Sheng Qian yawned, her eyes glistening with gratitude as she looked at Lin Wan. “My monthly cycle started today, and I’ve been exhausted all day. I thought I’d have to spend at least another hour reviewing these, but Wanwan has already taken care of everything for me.”

 

Lin Wan had originally intended to sternly remind Sheng Qian that memorials should not be handled by others and that this should not happen again.

 

But hearing Sheng Qian’s explanation, Lin Wan’s heart filled with concern instead.

 

Sheng Qian was not one to shirk her duties. If she hadn’t been truly overwhelmed, she probably wouldn’t have resorted to this.

 

“Take a look at my annotations first and see if they’re acceptable,” Lin Wan immediately had someone bring Sheng Qian a cup of brown sugar water and said gently, “If they are, I’ll copy them onto the memorials later. After you finish the sugar water, go rest.”

 

“How could I let Wanwan do that? You’ve already worked hard all day.” Sheng Qian disagreed softly. “But I’ll have to trouble you to help me review them over the next few days.”

 

The matter of memorials was no small affair. If Lin Wan’s handwriting were to appear on them, it would likely provoke significant criticism.

 

Realizing this, Lin Wan no longer insisted on copying the annotations for Sheng Qian. Instead, she watched Sheng Qian with growing concern. As Sheng Qian reviewed the memorials, Lin Wan sat beside her, spoon-feeding her the brown sugar water to keep it from cooling.

 

Sheng Qian finished reviewing the memorials quickly, but her complexion did not improve. Seeing how weak she looked, Lin Wan grew even more worried.

 

Just as she was pondering what to do, a palace maid brought in a charcoal brazier and several medicinal packets.

 

“A few years ago, I suffered an injury,” Sheng Qian said weakly, curling her lips into a faint smile. “Perhaps cold invaded my body, but this time, when my monthly cycle came, the pain was much worse than before. The imperial physician specially prescribed a medicinal pack for me, telling me to heat it and apply it when I feel unwell.”

 

As she spoke, Sheng Qian dismissed the palace maids and began to undo her waistband. “Wanwan, you should head back and rest early too!”

 

Lin Wan did want to leave. When applying the medicine, Sheng Qian would surely have to remove her clothes, and Lin Wan knew her own tendencies. She might not be able to stop herself from blushing and her heart racing.

 

But looking at Sheng Qian’s pale cheeks and recalling her dislike of being attended to by palace maids, Lin Wan couldn’t help but worry. After struggling internally for a long time, she finally spoke up: “Let me help you!”

 

“How could that be?”

 

Sheng Qian glanced up at Lin Wan, a flicker of delight clearly passing through her eyes, her gaze shifting. But then the brightness in her eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head, biting her lip as she said, “Wanwan, you’ve already had a long day. You should go back and rest. I can manage on my own.”

 

Lin Wan hadn’t missed that initial spark of joy in Sheng Qian’s eyes.

 

Sheng Qian had always been like this. Always thinking of others, often forcing herself to endure.

 

Originally, Lin Wan had been hesitant, but after seeing that look in Sheng Qian’s eyes, she made up her mind. Taking a deep breath, she sat down on the edge of the bed.

 

Sheng Qian glanced at Lin Wan but didn’t refuse again.

 

She seemed a bit shy as well, her cheeks flushing with a noticeable blush as she slowly removed her outer robe.

 

Perhaps nervousness was contagious. Lin Wan had thought she had steeled herself, but seeing Sheng Qian like this, her heartbeat quickened once more.

 

Lin Wan hadn’t expected that, despite the lingering chill of early February, Sheng Qian wore only a single undergarment beneath her outer robe.

 

“No wonder you’re in pain,” Lin Wan couldn’t help but glare at Sheng Qian. “Even though you practice martial arts, as a woman, you should take better care of yourself and wear more layers.”

 

“It’s not that I don’t want to wear more, I just feel too hot.” Sheng Qian tried to explain, but as she looked at Lin Wan’s face, her voice grew softer and softer until she finally lowered her head. “I understand, Wanwan.”

 

Her head bowed, her neck slender and delicate, she looked utterly pitiable, like a flower bud about to bloom on a branch, evoking an irresistible urge to protect her.

 

The thin undergarment only accentuated Sheng Qian’s curvaceous figure.

 

Lin Wan’s eyelids twitched. After one glance, she didn’t dare look again and turned to fetch the medicinal pack.

 

But when Lin Wan turned back, she couldn’t help but widen her eyes, nearly jumping up.

 

Sheng Qian had slipped off her undergarment and was lying face down on the bed. A thin layer of fabric covered her back, but aside from the remaining undergarment, she was practically undressed.

 

Utterly overwhelmed by the sight, Lin Wan averted her gaze, almost dropping the medicinal pack in her hand!

 

“Wanwan, the imperial physician said that cold has accumulated around my waist, which is why I’m in so much pain. I need to apply heat to specific acupoints.”

 

Lin Wan hadn’t anticipated facing such a situation. For a moment, she almost wanted to bolt from the room. But remembering that Sheng Qian truly wasn’t in a position to manage on her own, and that she had offered to help, Lin Wan could only silently chant to herself, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form, Lin Wan, you can’t be a beast.” and steeled herself to look toward Sheng Qian.

 

Sheng Qian seemed completely unaware of her alluring posture, tilting her head to point out the acupoints on her back to Lin Wan.

 

With her waist twisted like this, certain parts of her upper body became even more prominent. Her back had strikingly defined dimples above her hips, and her skin was as smooth and delicate as fresh milk, so pale it was almost dazzling…

 

Lin Wan felt all the blood in her body rush to her face. It took immense effort to focus and clearly hear what Sheng Qian was saying.

 

“I understand!”

 

Lin Wan’s face flushed so deeply it seemed about to bleed. Before Sheng Qian could notice anything unusual, she quickly made an excuse: “The charcoal fire is burning too hot. I’m feeling a bit warm.”

 

“Lie down first.”

 

Fortunately, Sheng Qian didn’t seem to suspect anything. She gave Lin Wan a deep look before obediently lying face down.

 

Lin Wan secretly breathed a sigh of relief: if she kept watching, she would definitely reveal her unusual state.

 

With trembling hands, Lin Wan applied the medicinal pack to the acupoints Sheng Qian had indicated.

 

The half-hour spent applying the medicine was the most torturous time for Lin Wan.

 

She used every ounce of her self-control to prevent herself from showing any abnormal reactions.

 

Especially during the process, when Sheng Qian occasionally let out soft sighs. Those low, delicate, and charming sounds were like pouring hot oil onto the already blazing fire in Lin Wan’s heart.

 

Thankfully, Sheng Qian eventually seemed to fall asleep.

 

Her head was tilted to the side, her face noticeably flushed. At some point, her undergarment had slipped down half an inch, revealing sights that fully entered Lin Wan’s view. Her defenseless appearance suggested that Lin Wan could do anything to her.

 

“When will you ever truly grow up?”

 

Sheng Qian truly was like a captivating enchantress.

 

If anyone else were here, even someone with the strongest self-control would likely succumb to temptation.

 

Lin Wan sighed softly, patted her burning cheeks, turned away, and pulled the quilt over Sheng Qian.

 

That night, exhausted both physically and mentally, she returned to her room and quickly fell asleep.

 

But her dreams only brought her more shame.

 

She dreamed again of that woman named Bai Yin, who looked exactly like Sheng Qian and even shared her temperament. Coaxed by that woman, Lin Wan cried throughout the night in her dream…

 

The next day was no different.

 

Lin Wan spent her days busy reviewing memorials for Sheng Qian and her evenings applying medicine to her. This time, she came prepared: when Sheng Qian undressed, Lin Wan brought out a specially made covering cloth.

 

The cloth had a cut-out section in the middle, covering Sheng Qian’s back while only exposing the areas that needed the hot compress, greatly reducing the awkwardness.

 

Sheng Qian looked at the cloth with a faint, ambiguous smile, as if praising Lin Wan, though her tone seemed somewhat gritted.

 

“As expected of Wanwan, to come up with such a useful thing.”

 

This time, with more experience, Lin Wan applied the medicinal pack precisely to the right spots. Consequently, Sheng Qian seemed to feel extremely comfortable, her sighs winding and twisting, unbearably charming.

 

It sounded as if Lin Wan were doing something to her.

 

Lin Wan felt herself growing increasingly impure. She had never imagined that a person’s voice alone could be so seductive.

 

In the end, Lin Wan still finished applying the medicine with a flushed face.

 

But she had her own methods. On the third day, when it was time for the hot compress, she not only brought the covering cloth but also a small plate of candied fruits. Whenever she noticed Sheng Qian about to make a sound, she would swiftly pop a candied fruit into her mouth.

 

Sheng Qian narrowed her eyes, watching as Lin Wan’s smile grew sweeter and sweeter.

 

This time, Lin Wan managed to apply the medicine to Sheng Qian without blushing. However, Sheng Qian didn’t follow the usual script. Though she appeared to be sound asleep, just as Lin Wan finished packing the medicine kit and prepared to slip away quietly, Sheng Qian suddenly sat up, wrapped her arms around Lin Wan’s neck, and said with a smile, “You’ve worked hard these past few days, Wanwan.”

 

Lin Wan’s face flushed bright red once again. It took considerable effort to coax Sheng Qian into sleep before she could finally leave.

 

Menstrual cramps usually only lasted for the first three days. By the fourth day, Sheng Qian’s complexion had visibly improved.

 

Lin Wan breathed a sigh of relief.

 

On the fourth day, Sheng Qian no longer handed Lin Wan any memorials to review. However, Aunt Huang arrived with a stack of account books, seeking Lin Wan’s assistance.

 

Sheng Qian was about to celebrate her eighteenth birthday, her first since ascending the throne. Naturally, it had to be grandly celebrated, and preparations needed to start early.

 

It was also around this time that Lin Wan learned Sheng Qian had never even met the beauties sent by neighboring countries. They had been housed together with the envoys in the guesthouse.

 

Rumors had it that these beauties had been lavishly shopping in the capital, competing to outshine one another in the guesthouse, all hoping to make a splash at Sheng Qian’s birthday banquet.

 

The most conspicuous among them was the Prince of Wu from the State of Wu. Given his status, he was different from the others. After meeting Sheng Qian once, he became utterly captivated by her grace and spent his days scheming to see her again in the palace.

 

Sheng Qian had never mentioned this Prince of Wu, likely because she felt nothing for him.

 

Yet, hearing such news, Lin Wan couldn’t help the bitterness that welled up in her heart. She often found time to retreat to the small prayer hall.

 

Somehow, the newly purchased sutra accidentally fell into the incense burner, caught fire, and became unreadable. Left with no choice, Lin Wan could only sit and count her prayer beads, tapping the wooden fish, praying for her infatuation with Sheng Qian to fade away.