When the Female Lead Becomes Obsessive – Chapter 105

Volume Five: Those Years When I Was the Prime Minister

A Promise is a Promise

In this mission world, Wen Nuan was the only person who supported the female lead’s ascension and truly pushed her onto the throne.

The late Empress Regnant had a total of ten imperial daughters. The most favored was the Second Imperial Daughter, born to the daughter of the former Prime Minister. The least favored was the Seventh Imperial Daughter, Sheng Tingwan¹, simply because her Father-Consort was a palace attendant whom the Empress Regnant had taken while drunk. The palace attendant unexpectedly became pregnant and gave birth to the female lead. The late Empress Regnant casually granted him a title, and Sheng Tingwan, being the seventh in line, was subjected to bullying by the other imperial daughters and servants, possessing none of the noble status an imperial daughter was due.

When Wen Nuan first transmigrated into this world, she was not yet the Prime Minister. She was merely the top scholar of the imperial examinations, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Justice. Personally appointed by Her Majesty the Empress Regnant as the Zhuangyuan², she was directly bestowed the position of Vice Minister of Justice, becoming part of the former Prime Minister’s faction, which strongly advocated for the Second Imperial Daughter’s ascension.

Wen Nuan devised strategies for the Second Imperial Daughter and the Prime Minister, toppling the Imperial Heiress³ of that time. This move instantly made her a favorite in the eyes of the Prime Minister and the Second Imperial Daughter. And with their help, she was directly promoted to Minister of Justice, ousting her own mother from the position.

Afterward, Wen Nuan began to collect evidence of the Prime Minister’s and the Second Imperial Daughter’s crimes and treachery. Her plan was to let these two first help the female lead clear the path ahead, then break through their ranks and annihilate both the Prime Minister and the Second Imperial Daughter at once. At that time, the female lead would be able to ascend directly, becoming the late Empress Regnant’s undisputed choice to succeed as the Imperial Heiress.

Wen Nuan would never forget the first time she met the female lead. After Sheng Tingwan’s Father-Consort gave birth to her, he passed away not long after, having never properly recovered. She thus became an orphan no one cared for. Sometimes, when she was too hungry, she would go near the Cold Palace⁴ to dig up some edible wild greens to fill her stomach.

Everyone in the palace loved to bully her. It was common for them to withhold her food, and beatings and scoldings were a regular occurrence. Her body was covered in scars. At twelve years of age, her frail and thin frame looked like that of a six or seven-year-old child.

Her face was sallow and her muscles thin; she was nothing but skin and bones.

Wen Nuan stood before Sheng Tingwan, looking down at her.

Clearly, she was the most honored Imperial Daughter, and Wen Nuan was the subject who ought to be bowing to her, yet at this moment, their statuses seemed to have been reversed.

Wen Nuan took out an osmanthus cake⁵ from her robes and held it out. “Want some?”

Sheng Tingwan did not immediately take the osmanthus cake from her hand. Instead, she watched her warily, as if Wen Nuan were some heinous villain.

The child’s eyes, black as ink, made one feel a chill run down their spine when she stared directly at them, as if being watched by a ferocious wild beast.

It was precisely because of these ink-black, fierce eyes that she was often beaten violently by the other imperial daughters.

Wen Nuan knew she was afraid, that she had her guard up and was highly vigilant. She took a handkerchief from her robes, spread it on the ground, placed the osmanthus cake on it, and took a few steps back, gesturing with her hand. “Go on, eat. I won’t touch you.”

Sheng Tingwan still didn’t move, continuing to watch her warily.

Wen Nuan shrugged, not minding it much, and said to herself, “Seventh Imperial Daughter, Sheng Tingwan, right?”

Sheng Tingwan remained silent, glaring at her.

“Do you want to become a supreme existence?”

“Do you want to have good food to eat forever?”

“Do you want to never be beaten or scolded by anyone again?”

“Do you want to become the pinnacle and master of money and power?”

In Sheng Tingwan’s gradually widening eyes, Wen Nuan saw her own ambition. A trace of ruthlessness flashed through the depths of her eyes, which were as deep as a cold pond.

Her tone was light, but the words she spoke were heaven-defyingly audacious. “Do you want to become Her Majesty the Empress Regnant of the Tianyuan Kingdom?”

Wen Nuan did not get a reply from Sheng Tingwan; perhaps she had been frightened by her words. She was just about to turn and leave to give Sheng Tingwan some time to think.

But just as she turned, she saw Sheng Tingwan pick up that piece of osmanthus cake. She didn’t wolf it down but chewed it slowly, as if savoring Wen Nuan’s ambition.

And from then on, Wen Nuan’s ambition was completely exposed in the Tianyuan Kingdom. Her methods were ruthless and vicious, her mind profound and calculating. With a small trick, she made the Second Imperial Daughter greatly disappoint the late Empress Regnant, causing her to lose her right of succession. Then, she seized the opportunity to overthrow the Prime Minister’s faction, eradicated the network the Prime Minister had established in the Tianyuan Kingdom, and personally annihilated the Prime Minister’s entire clan.

The towering fire that burned in the Prime Minister’s manor lit up the dark night of the capital, and it also let the world know of Ling Wen Nuan’s unfathomable depth and merciless nature.

The late Empress Regnant died suddenly. The Seventh Imperial Daughter, Sheng Tingwan, ascended the throne holding the imperial edict of succession. In the imperial court, any who voiced dissent were forcefully crushed by Ling Wen Nuan. In the end, not a single person dared to offer a word of criticism to the Empress Regnant of the Tianyuan Kingdom.

Except for Ling Wen Nuan.

Although Ling Wen Nuan was fierce and cruel, her methods were even more formidable when foreign enemies invaded. As a result, when she held the reins of the Tianyuan Kingdom’s court, almost no one dared to invade. If anyone was foolish enough to come and provoke them, they would always be driven back by Ling Wen Nuan with broken wings⁶, losing cities and filled with endless regret.

Later, Ling Wen Nuan resigned from her post, left the Tianyuan Kingdom, and vanished from the world. Only then did the Tianyuan Kingdom become a target for the surrounding enemy kingdoms, who wanted to take advantage of the situation to join forces and annihilate it in one fell swoop.

In the end, they were just a single kick from the goal. The Minqiu Kingdom and the Pingzhou Kingdom were on the verge of conquering the Tianyuan Kingdom, but the sudden reappearance of Ling Wen Nuan forcefully turned the tables, leading to their own tragic annihilation. Truly, they had harmed themselves in their attempt to harm others.

The world knew that no matter how fierce and cruel Ling Wen Nuan’s methods were, she had always been the most honored guardian deity of the Tianyuan Kingdom, a life-snatching Rakshasa⁷ feared by all enemy kingdoms.

Sheng Tingwan knew even more clearly that Ling Wen Nuan had not only protected the Tianyuan Kingdom, but had also protected her, becoming the god she had always dreamed of.

Every time Ling Wen Nuan said to her, “I’m here,” it would give her endless courage and faith.

No matter how scared, worried, or panicked she was about a situation, as long as Wen Nuan told her, “I’m here, don’t be afraid,” all evils would retreat.

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The last thing Sheng Tingwan wanted was to cry in front of Ling Wen Nuan, because that would give Ling Wen Nuan the chance to laugh at her, and it would also reveal her cowardice and incompetence.

In the end, she was still caught by Wen Nuan. She was crying so hard her face was streaked with tears and her eyes were red. Even if she wanted to hide, it was already too late.

“Still crying?” Wen Nuan’s fingertip gently wiped the corner of her eye, bringing with it a fine, dense tickle.

Sheng Tingwan turned her head to avoid Wen Nuan’s hand, trying to argue, “Who’s crying? The wind just blew something into my eye.”

Although this excuse was not credible, how dare Ling Wen Nuan try to refute her?!

If she dared to refute her, she would…

Alright, there was nothing she could do to resist Ling Wen Nuan.

“Alright, alright, Your Majesty was crying because the wind blew something into your eye, definitely not because your heart ached for this commoner, right?” Wen Nuan said considerately.

“…..” Sheng Tingwan felt stifled by her words. She opened her mouth, but ultimately sighed helplessly.

She carefully supported Wen Nuan’s waist and walked towards the carriage. “Let’s go back. Coming out into the wind before your injuries have healed, do you really think you’re that tough?”

Wen Nuan smiled. “Alright, this commoner will listen to Your Majesty.”

“I told you, I don’t want to hear you call yourself ‘this commoner’.”

Wen Nuan leaned close to Sheng Tingwan’s ear. “Alright, Wen Nuan will listen to Tingwan.”

“….”

Sheng Tingwan lowered her gaze, but her earlobes were quietly turning red, a sight that was fully taken in by Wen Nuan.

The carriage was lined with a fine brocade quilt, so that the person lying inside would not feel the bumps too severely.

Sheng Tingwan carefully helped Wen Nuan, letting her lie down slowly. Just as she was about to get up, the carriage suddenly lurched. As it swayed, Sheng Tingwan’s body tilted, and just as her head was about to hit the roof, she was pulled over by Wen Nuan.

The carriage was traveling along the official road at a steady and brisk pace.

Sheng Tingwan was dazed from being pulled by Wen Nuan, but the thought that Wen Nuan was still injured made her plant her hands on either side of Wen Nuan’s body, hovering over her, not daring to press down.

Wen Nuan gave a faint smile, a fleeting, radiant beauty blossoming between her brows. She raised a hand and gently stroked the back of Sheng Tingwan’s head. “Did you hit your head?”

“….N-no.” Sheng Tingwan answered with difficulty, the arms supporting her on either side of Wen Nuan trembling.

Just as she was about to get up, the carriage wheel seemed to run over a stone, causing the carriage to jolt violently. Her arms went weak, and Sheng Tingwan gritted her teeth and held firm, just barely managing to keep herself from collapsing completely onto Wen Nuan.

“You’re very light.”

“What?” Sheng Tingwan was a little confused by Wen Nuan’s abrupt words.

Wen Nuan raised her arms to loop around her waist, pulling her into an embrace. “You won’t crush me. Don’t be afraid.”

The moment Wen Nuan’s hands touched her waist, Sheng Tingwan felt as if all her strength had been drained away, and her whole body went limp in Wen Nuan’s arms.

She buried her face in Wen Nuan’s shoulder, her cheeks flushed, and said in a low voice, “…Mmph, I’m very heavy, be careful not to get squashed.”

“Heavy?” Wen Nuan touched Sheng Tingwan’s waist and teased, “Your waist is quite slender.”

Sheng Tingwan: “…..”

Not one to admit defeat, she reached out and touched Wen Nuan’s waist. “Y-yours isn’t bad either.”

Wen Nuan tilted her head, leaning close to her ear, her warm breath spraying onto Sheng Tingwan’s already crimson earlobe. “Does it feel good to touch?”

Sheng Tingwan’s cheeks instantly flared red. Her body stiffened, and she stammered, “W-we’re both women, it’s all hard and firm, h-how could it feel good?”

She would never admit that Ling Wen Nuan’s waist was actually very slender, very soft, and felt very good to touch!

“Hard and firm?” Wen Nuan touched Sheng Tingwan’s waist as if seriously considering it. Hearing her somewhat heavy breathing, she gave a playful smile. “Your Majesty’s waist isn’t hard at all.”

Her voice was low and husky, filled with an intriguing quality. “It’s soft and slender.”

Sheng Tingwan felt that her face must be completely red. She couldn’t muster any strength in her waist. Like a fish washed ashore, she lay limply on Wen Nuan, panting helplessly, letting her tease and toy with her as she pleased.

Wen Nuan stopped teasing her. The little crybaby of this world had thin skin; if she went too far, she might just ignore her.

The two of them lay together peacefully like this, Sheng Tingwan in Wen Nuan’s arms, Wen Nuan holding her.

Neither of them mentioned that their current position was overly ambiguous and intimate. Perhaps, in their hearts, they both knew that this was the distance they wanted to be from each other.

The cold wind blew the window curtain. In the blink of an eye, it was almost winter.

Wen Nuan looked through the gap in the curtain blown open by the wind. The carriage sped on, and the shadows of the trees outside flickered past.

“Are we returning to the capital?”

Sheng Tingwan paused. “The poison you were struck with must be treated in the capital. The palace has a Lihuo Lingzhi that can cure the poison in your body.”

She knew that Wen Nuan still wanted to roam the four corners of the world. If she hadn’t blocked that poisoned arrow for her, she would have probably already left Xizhou to wander the Jianghu.

“Your birthday is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

When the first snow fell, Sheng Tingwan’s birthday would arrive.

The topic changed too quickly for Sheng Tingwan to react, but hearing Wen Nuan mention her birthday, she nodded. “En, it’s soon.”

Wen Nuan’s fingers twirled a strand of Sheng Tingwan’s hair. “Good. What gift do you want for your birthday this time?”

A gift?!

Sheng Tingwan’s body stiffened. She carefully rolled off Wen Nuan, her tone indifferent. “I don’t need one.”

Three years ago, when Wen Nuan left, it was on the day of her birthday banquet. Wen Nuan had given her a birthday gift she would never forget for the rest of her life.

She had given Shen Zhijin to her, resigned from her post, and vanished from the Tianyuan Kingdom.

From then on, Sheng Tingwan no longer wanted to celebrate her birthday.

System picking its nose: 【Blackening value is rising. The female lead’s current blackening value is 5.2!】

Wen Nuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She naturally knew the reason for the rise in Sheng Tingwan’s blackening value; after all, what she had done was truly too unscrupulous.

She looked at Sheng Tingwan with a hint of deliberate provocation. “You really don’t need one? I’ve prepared a very good gift this time.”

“….”

Sheng Tingwan clenched her fists. She was tempted, but she was also afraid that Wen Nuan would once again give her a man, then turn and leave, making it impossible for her to find her ever again.

Endure it, Sheng Tingwan, Zhen commands you to endure it.

She said through gritted teeth, “…I don’t.”

Wen Nuan showed a look of pity and spread her hands. “Alright then. If you don’t want it, forget it.”

Sheng Tingwan: “….”

Whatever Ling Wen Nuan is giving is definitely nothing good.

Sheng Tingwan, endure it!

But she couldn’t help it. “What did you plan to give me?”

Wen Nuan gave a mysterious smile. “I don’t know.”

“…..” Sheng Tingwan really wanted to slap herself.

“But take this first,” Wen Nuan took out the medicine pouch Fang Minghe had given her. “Inside are Yang-Solidifying Pills and Crimson Warmth Patches.”

She told Sheng Tingwan the therapeutic effects and usage methods for these two medicines.

Sheng Tingwan looked at Wen Nuan in pleasant surprise. She hadn’t expected Wen Nuan to remember her constitution of being prone to cold. Moved and delighted, she said, “Is this the birthday gift you wanted to give me?”

Wen Nuan looked at her jubilant expression, at the smile scattered within those ink-black eyes. “Are you that easily satisfied?”

“And if I am not easily satisfied, what can you do about it?”

Wen Nuan smiled faintly. “Naturally, whatever you want, I will give you. Even if it’s the stars in the sky or the moon in the water, I will get them for you.”

Sheng Tingwan’s heart trembled. She looked at Wen Nuan, whose peach-blossom eyes seemed to hold the fine, shattered light of stars.

The stars in the sky, the moon in the water, were all hidden within this person’s exquisite features.

Sheng Tingwan heard the call from her own heart.

Why not try to make her stay?!

You are now the Empress Regnant of the Tianyuan Kingdom. What can’t you obtain? Why not try?

That’s right.

Why doesn’t she try?!

Sheng Tingwan seemed to hear herself speak: “You have to be true to your word.”

Wen Nuan smiled lightly. “En, a promise is a promise.”

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The author has something to say:

Female Lead: I want to counter-attack. [LP: In romance fandom, “counter-attack” (反攻, fǎngōng) is slang for a character who is typically the “bottom” in a relationship wanting to “top.”]

Wen Nuan: In your dreams.

Two chapters today~

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