The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 71

The Prince of Wu was a dashing and handsome man, always finding various excuses to enter the palace to see Sheng Qian, appearing utterly infatuated.

Now that Sheng Qian’s harem was without a master, the palace maids and eunuchs, accustomed to the previous chaotic and violent atmosphere, found the sudden peace and tranquility somewhat unsettling. With the arrival of the Prince of Wu, who was at the center of gossip, everyone began discussing the related rumors.

Even though Lin Wan tried her best to avoid it, news about the Prince of Wu kept pouring into the harem.

How the Prince of Wu had brought two pots of flowers for Her Majesty today, how he had stood at the gate for an hour just to catch a glimpse of her, how he had personally crafted a kite for Her Majesty.

Lin Wan grew increasingly restless, thinking it was time to deepen the impression that she was devoted to Buddha and detached from worldly affairs. She even moved her small wooden fish to her bedchamber.

She couldn’t help but observe Sheng Qian’s demeanor every day.

However, aside from becoming increasingly clingy day by day, Sheng Qian showed no signs of abnormality and never mentioned the Prince of Wu to Lin Wan.

Was it because she wasn’t interested in the Prince of Wu, or was she too shy to express her feelings due to maidenly bashfulness?

But Lin Wan never felt comfortable asking Sheng Qian directly. Moreover, when facing Sheng Qian, perhaps because her feelings for Sheng Qian had taken a complicated turn, she sometimes had the illusion that Sheng Qian seemed to be seducing her.

Lin Wan felt deeply ashamed.

Sheng Qian simply regarded her as an older sister, yet she had started to indulge in wishful thinking and tainted thoughts about Sheng Qian. She deserved to chant with the wooden fish for the rest of her life for being so presumptuous.

Holding onto this self-punishing mindset, Lin Wan tapped the wooden fish. However, Sheng Qian seemed to have developed a mischievous streak lately. Whenever she saw Lin Wan chanting, she would come over to disturb her, making it almost impossible for Lin Wan to continue, and even stirring her emotions into disarray.

Fortunately, with the preparations for Sheng Qian’s birthday banquet keeping Lin Wan busy, she had little time to dwell on these thoughts.

Time flew by in a whirlwind of activity, and soon it was Sheng Qian’s birthday.

Sheng Qian seemed to be looking forward to the banquet.

She had never been one to dress up before; even during her coronation, Sheng Qian had been casual and wore no makeup. But on that day, Sheng Qian woke up early and specifically sought out the palace maids in charge of grooming, starting her preparations at dawn.

By the time Lin Wan woke up, Sheng Qian was almost fully dressed and made up.

Lin Wan had never seen Sheng Qian like this.

Her hair was elegantly styled high on her head, exuding an air of grace and nobility. The traces of makeup on her face were subtle, but combined with her commanding presence and flawless complexion, she was as beautiful as a pristine snow lotus blooming on a high mountain, so breathtaking that one hardly dared to look too long.

“Qianqian, happy birthday!”

Taking in Sheng Qian’s appearance, Lin Wan took a deep breath, barely regaining her composure, and offered her congratulations.

Why was Sheng Qian dressing up so unusually? Could it be that she truly had someone she fancied?

“Wanwan,” Sheng Qian, who had been speaking with the maid, turned to Lin Wan. The icy shards in her eyes instantly melted, but unlike usual, she didn’t come over. Instead, she smiled warmly at Lin Wan and said, “There’s a banquet today that I can’t avoid. I’ll have to trouble you to accompany me.”

“Of course I’ll accompany you,” Lin Wan said softly, walking over to Sheng Qian’s side and helping the matron change her into formal attire.

The outfit Sheng Qian wore this time was designed by Lin Wan in consultation with the embroidery workshop, incorporating some modern concepts. It was a vibrant yellow with intricate patterns, exuding an understated luxury, yet the style was not overly elaborate. Once worn, it accentuated Sheng Qian’s slender waist and long legs even more.

Lin Wan had actually intended to design it in a dignified direction, but Sheng Qian’s figure was simply too exceptional. This outfit only served to highlight her physique further.

“Wanwan has put so much thought into this.”

Sheng Qian turned to look at Lin Wan, quite pleased with the flash of admiration in her eyes.

“I’ve also had an outfit made for Wanwan.”

She clapped her hands, and the matron behind her presented a gift box, handing it to Lin Wan.

The matron’s expression was somewhat odd, even avoiding looking directly at Lin Wan’s face. Lin Wan blinked, feeling a bit puzzled, but Sheng Qian had often given her various outfits while staying at the Lin residence. Since it was also Sheng Qian’s birthday, Lin Wan naturally wouldn’t refuse her kindness and accepted the box from the matron. It was only when she opened the gift box and saw the clothing inside that she understood why the matron had reacted that way.

Lin Wan’s outfit was almost identical in style to Sheng Qian’s, only differing in color. Lin Wan’s was a light cyan, while Sheng Qian’s was yellow.

Sheng Qian had also prepared a belt for Lin Wan.

The center of Sheng Qian’s belt featured a circular piece of jade, its texture smooth and lustrous, carved with extremely intricate patterns. The jade on Lin Wan’s belt was of the same material, but the carving was positioned opposite to Sheng Qian’s.

The jade pieces on their belts seemed as though they could interlock, forming a single piece.

The two outfits looked unmistakably like matching couple’s attire, no wonder the matron had reacted that way.

But upon second thought, perhaps Sheng Qian simply wanted them to dress alike as sisters. Raising an objection would seem overly sensitive.

Not wanting to spoil Sheng Qian’s mood, Lin Wan thought it over and decided to change into the outfit, accompanying Sheng Qian to the main hall.

Lin Wan had initially assumed Sheng Qian wanted her to pose as a lady-in-waiting by her side. However, upon arriving at the hall, she noticed a small table set up next to Sheng Qian’s seat, already laid out with tea and food, clearly prepared for Lin Wan.

That position was far too conspicuous!

Lin Wan lowered her head, instinctively reluctant to go, but Sheng Qian firmly took her hand. Facing the astonished gazes of the ministers, she couldn’t embarrass Sheng Qian and had no choice but to brace herself and step forward, taking the seat beside her.

Lin Wan had thought the ministers were shocked by the honor Sheng Qian was showing her, but once seated, she realized most of their attention was fixed on the belt at her waist.

Was there something inappropriate about this belt?

Sheng Qian, however, seemed oblivious to the strange atmosphere in the hall and naturally announced the commencement of the ceremony.

This was Lin Wan’s first time witnessing an emperor’s birthday celebration in person. At first, she found it quite interesting, but the longer it went on, the more tedious it became.

What was called a celebration was essentially a grand gift-giving spectacle, with various officials offering a few words of praise before presenting their gifts.

Lin Wan came from the modern era and was already accustomed to many things that people of this time considered rare. She had originally thought this part of the event had nothing to do with her, but she had underestimated her importance in Sheng Qian’s heart whenever Sheng Qian encountered something unusual that suited Lin Wan, she would turn her head and ask, “Wanwan, what do you think of this item?”

In front of the gift-giver, Lin Wan naturally had to praise it aloud, and then Sheng Qian would immediately give the item directly to Lin Wan.

In no time, Lin Wan had collected a pile of things. Though she appeared calm on the surface, inwardly she sighed repeatedly. She had already noticed the Imperial Censor stomping his feet in frustration several times and feared he might be driven to illness.

Lin Wan could almost imagine the flood of impeachment memorials targeting her the next day.

After the court officials finished presenting their gifts, it was the turn of the envoys from various countries.

Lin Wan once again saw that group of handsome men and beautiful women.

Compared to their travel-worn appearance at the palace gate last time, this group had clearly taken great care with their attire, dazzlingly beautiful to the eye.

These individuals had been trained in various arts, and several of the women even began dancing on the spot.

Despite the lingering bitterness in her heart, Lin Wan found herself captivated by the exotic charm and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: Being an emperor truly is wonderful. So many people striving and bustling just for one person.

After watching each performance, Lin Wan would instinctively glance at Sheng Qian’s expression. At first, Sheng Qian seemed to be in high spirits, a clear smile gracing her lips.

But at some point, the smile on Sheng Qian’s lips vanished completely, and her eyes turned icy cold.

Lin Wan watched another dance. The most outstanding one she had seen so far. Watching the dancer’s fair, supple waist and her agile, bird-like movements, Lin Wan couldn’t resist tapping her fingers lightly on the table in rhythm with the music.

Before long, someone gently hooked her foot under the table.

In that position, no one but Sheng Qian could reach her.

Lin Wan widened her eyes and saw Sheng Qian leisurely bend down to pour a cup of tea, looking at her with a teasing smile. “Wanwan, is it that captivating?”

Lin Wan hadn’t expected Sheng Qian to be so bold and instinctively nodded, only to see Sheng Qian’s eyes narrow even further.

Seemingly unconcerned about the setting, Sheng Qian moved closer to Lin Wan, bent down, and whispered softly by her ear.

“If it were anyone else, since they could bring you joy, I wouldn’t mind summoning them to the palace to keep you company. But this woman has been specially trained. The three hairpins in her hair contain three different types of gu poison that can cloud one’s mind. I’m truly afraid you might be enchanted by her.”

“But if you truly like her, it’s not entirely impossible.”

Lin Wan was taken aback that Sheng Qian knew these people’s backgrounds so well and widened her eyes in surprise.

“I only admire her dancing, nothing more! Qianqian, please don’t take any risks!”

“Really?”

Sheng Qian curved her lips into a smile, as if unconvinced by Lin Wan’s words, and continued, “I just saw you staring at her without looking away.”

“If you’re wary of this woman, there are a few others among the group who are innocent. If any catch your eye, I can summon them to the palace to accompany you.”

Sheng Qian’s expression appeared utterly innocent, as if she had only Lin Wan’s best interests at heart, but Lin Wan felt a chill run down her spine.

Does she not understand Sheng Qian yet?

Despite Sheng Qian’s seemingly reasonable demeanor, given her possessive nature, if she were to actually get close to other women as Sheng Qian suggested, Sheng Qian would likely throw a fit.

“Really, it’s not necessary. I’ve just never seen women of this style before. It doesn’t mean I have any other intentions toward them.”

It took Lin Wan quite a while to soothe her, and only then did Sheng Qian seem to calm down.

By this time, the gift-giving ceremony was nearing its end.

The last to present a gift was the Prince of Wu.

The Prince of Wu was indeed exceptionally handsome. The moment he appeared, his eyes fixed affectionately on Sheng Qian: “It’s been three days since I last saw Your Majesty. A day without you feels like three years.”

He presented a gift box containing a crimson fruit, which he claimed was the “longevity fruit” from his kingdom, said to prolong life when eaten.

For some reason, Lin Wan couldn’t shake the feeling that the Prince of Wu had ill intentions.

She had assumed Sheng Qian would give her the fruit as before, but after a glance at the Prince of Wu, Sheng Qian’s eyes darkened slightly, and she accepted the gift box.

Lin Wan couldn’t help but widen her eyes in disbelief.

Could it be that Sheng Qian truly has feelings for the Prince of Wu?