Volume Three: Those Years I Was a Wangye
Disaster relief
The Emperor fainted directly from anger caused by the Xian Wang, and although the specific reason wasn’t known, rumors among the Imperial Guard suggested it was because of two Flame Turtles?!
Wen Nuan stood outside the screen1, saw the Imperial Physician walk out, and hurriedly asked, “How is my Imperial Sister’s condition?”
The Imperial Physician said respectfully, “Her Majesty the Emperor has been overworked these past few days, and her spirits were already low. It’s unclear what stimulated her just now, but anger attacked her heart2, and pent-up frustration surged upwards3, causing Her Majesty the Emperor to faint.”
“…..” Wen Nuan felt a bit awkward. “So, how is Imperial Sister now?”
The Imperial Physician smiled. “Her Majesty the Emperor possesses boundless good fortune and is naturally blessed by the heavens. As long as she rests for two days, drinks a few doses of Heart-Clearing Decoction4, and adjusts her schedule, she will recover fully and her health will be robust.”
Wen Nuan breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Imperial Physician.”
“Not at all, not at all, it is this subject’s duty.” The Imperial Physician picked up her medicine box. “Xian Wang, if there are no other orders, this subject will go and brew the medicine for Her Majesty the Emperor.”
“Alright, you may go.” Wen Nuan stood on her tiptoes, trying to peek at the situation behind the screen.
The system said flatly: 【It’s fine. The Emperor’s constitution is very strong. She just couldn’t catch her breath and basically choked herself out.】
Wen Nuan: “….Sigh.”
This was truly vexing!
In the previous two worlds, she and “her” had gotten along harmoniously, without facing opposition or resistance from the secular masses or their close relatives.
Now, in this world, the mindset and concepts were old-fashioned and conservative. In their eyes, women were supreme beings, while men’s role was merely to bear children, manage household chores for women, and take care of parents.
Moreover, carrying on the family line was a major affair. There are three major offenses against filial piety, and having no heir is the greatest. If a husband and wife remained childless for a long time, it was the most looked down upon and despised matter.
The people of this world had probably never imagined that two women or two men could be together, not living for others, nor for carrying on the family line, but simply for love.
Even if such cases existed, they were likely nipped in the bud long ago.
Because of this, Wen Nuan couldn’t be sure if “she” in this world had already fallen deeply in love with her, like in the previous two worlds.
She could only test and explore bit by bit. After all, in this world, two women falling in love was considered departing from the classics and rebelling against orthodoxy, a betrayal of secular customs, something not tolerated by the world.
She could endure all the malice of this world, but that didn’t mean Lin Tinghan could.
After all, she was a native of this world. The three cardinal guides and five constant virtues5, the ethics and morals of this world, might have already shaped Lin Tinghan’s thoughts and concepts. Faced with her advances and attempts to get closer, Lin Tinghan might resist, reject, despise, or become angry….
When Rong Qing came out, she saw Wen Nuan standing there alone, sighing and groaning, looking very distressed.
“Xian Wang?” Rong Qing walked over and comforted her, “Her Majesty the Emperor has already woken up. You don’t need to be so burdened with anxiety. Take care of your health.”
“She’s awake?” Wen Nuan glanced inside. “Is Imperial Sister still angry?”
Rong Qing pursed her lips and shook her head. “Her Majesty is still… a little angry, but it won’t last long. Please, Xian Wang, be a bit more patient.”
“I just heard the Imperial Physician say that Imperial Sister has been very tired these past few days and hasn’t had enough rest. Is there some government affair affecting Imperial Sister’s schedule?” Wen Nuan asked.
Rong Qing sighed. “During the plum rain season, the downpours are continuous. Wangfu City6, already at the center of the flooding, is in even greater peril. Several disaster relief funds have been allocated, but it’s all been like drawing water with a bamboo basket—all in vain. The flooding still hasn’t eased. Her Majesty is burning with anxiety over this, unable to sleep at night, and her body has been worn out like this.”
Wen Nuan had heard about the flooding in Wangfu City long ago. On her way back to Jiajing, she had also encountered several refugees fleeing the disaster from Wangfu City. She hadn’t expected that after all this time, the disaster hadn’t ended but had instead worsened?!
“System, give me the original plotline of this world.” Wen Nuan seemed to have forgotten an important piece of information.
The system transmitted the plotline to Wen Nuan and asked curiously: 【What do you want this for?】
Wen Nuan checked the plotline, her eyes lighting up.
She hadn’t remembered incorrectly. Wangfu City was the Ji Ge’s main base!
Ji Ge’s main base was built in a deep mountain on the outskirts of Wangfu City. It was the gathering place for all of Ji Ge’s assassins and also Ji Ge’s information hub, collecting private and confidential information from various countries.
She was just worrying about how to rescue the male lead from danger, and now, hadn’t a solution just presented itself?
Instead of passively defending, it was better to take the initiative and annihilate Ji Ge’s main base. When that time came, with Ji Chenwei by Qi Hanrong’s side to protect him, wouldn’t the male lead be completely safe?
The system also thought this plan was excellent. 【Possible!】
Do it as soon as it’s said.
Wen Nuan pulled Rong Qing’s hand, leaned close to her ear, and whispered a few words.
Rong Qing’s expression changed from confusion to surprise, and finally to shock.
She was silent for a moment. “This servant will go speak to Her Majesty the Emperor. Xian Wang, please wait a moment.”
“Go on,” Wen Nuan clasped her hands together, looking pitiful. “Rong Qing, you have to help me.”
Rong Qing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “This servant… will do my best.”
She turned, lifted the curtain, and walked in.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea7, Rong Qing walked out quickly, pleasantly surprised. “Xian Wang, Her Majesty the Emperor summons you.”
Wen Nuan raised her hand and high-fived Rong Qing. “Well done.”
Rong Qing grabbed Wen Nuan’s wrist, worried. “Xian Wang, you must pay attention to your words and not be as impulsive as before.”
She was really afraid Her Majesty would take out the Dragon-Slaying Whip. Who knew if the Xian Wang would even survive it then?!
Wen Nuan patted the back of Rong Qing’s hand and nodded. “Mm.”
She walked into the room and saw the Phoenix Lord sitting by the bed, with Xu Wenlu leaning against the bed, drinking the medicinal soup the Phoenix Lord fed her spoonful by spoonful.
Xu Wenlu glanced at Wen Nuan and coughed lightly.
Upon hearing this, Wen Nuan obediently knelt. “Imperial Sister, may you be well.”
“Well?” Xu Wenlu gave a sarcastic smile. “Zhen almost went to see Father Consort. What wellness is there for Zhen to speak of?”
Wen Nuan sighed. “This younger sister subject was wrong. I beg Imperial Sister to quell her anger.”
The Phoenix Lord placed the medicine bowl aside, took a handkerchief to wipe Xu Wenlu’s mouth, and said softly, “This husband subject sees that Her Highness the Xian Wang has sincerely repented. Your Majesty, please don’t be angry with Her Highness the Xian Wang anymore, alright?”
Wen Nuan shot a grateful look at the Phoenix Lord, who rolled his eyes at her.
“….”
Xu Wenlu took the handkerchief, threw it at her, and scolded, “You troublesome thing! Day in and day out, after making Father Consort worry, you make Zhen worry. When will you ever be sensible?”
Wen Nuan didn’t dodge, letting the handkerchief hit her squarely.
Xu Wenlu had thought Wen Nuan would dodge as before. Seeing the handkerchief hit her, she frowned slightly.
She sighed. “Rong Qing told Zhen some things just now. Did you ask Rong Qing to relay those words?”
Wen Nuan nodded. “This younger sister subject learned from the Imperial Physician that Imperial Sister has been overly worried about the Wangfu City floods these past few days, causing your esteemed body to become thin and exhausted, mentally and physically drained. This younger sister subject then thought of contributing, helping Imperial Sister resolve her worries and difficulties, so that Imperial Sister can be well soon.”
Xu Wenlu looked deeply at Wen Nuan. “You’ve been mischievous and clever since you were little. You have a good brain but don’t use it for proper things. Back then, Zhen wanted you to achieve something, but you only wanted to live like an idle cloud and a wild crane8, to be an idle person who enjoys pleasure. Now you’ve suddenly come to your senses and volunteered to manage the floods in Wangfu City. It’s probably not because you’re worried about Zhen’s health, but rather to make Zhen accept your affection for Lin Tinghan, right?”
Wen Nuan pursed her lips. “This younger sister subject doesn’t want to deceive Imperial Sister. There are two reasons. First, I am worried about Imperial Sister’s health and cannot bear to see Imperial Sister so mentally and physically drained. It pains this younger sister subject to see it. Second… this younger sister subject truly hopes Imperial Sister can accept it. After all, Imperial Sister is this younger sister subject’s only family. This younger sister subject hopes to receive your support.”
The Phoenix Lord frowned slightly, looking at Wen Nuan with disapproval.
The room was silent. Apart from the sound of breathing, no one dared to make another sound.
Xu Wenlu stood up, walked off the bed, came before Wen Nuan, squatted down in front of her, and raised her hand.
Wen Nuan thought she was going to slap her again, but found that hand gently landing on her cheek, rubbing it.
She asked softly, “Does it hurt?”
Wen Nuan blinked her sore eyes and shook her head. “It doesn’t hurt.”
Xu Wenlu looked at the already red and swollen right cheek, a trace of regret and heartache flashing in her eyes. She sighed softly, “How could it not hurt? It’s all swollen.”
She looked at Rong Qing behind the screen. “Bring a bottle of Jade Clearing Ointment and apply it to Wen Nuan’s face.”
Rong Qing complied, “Yes.”
Wen Nuan looked up at Xu Wenlu. “Imperial Sister, are you not angry with me anymore?”
“Of course, I’m angry, but I also can’t bear to be,” Xu Wenlu stroked Wen Nuan’s hair. “Just as you said, we are family, each other’s only family in this world.”
She and Wen Nuan were seven years apart. She had, in a way, raised Wen Nuan from a young age. During the palace coup back then, Wen Nuan had almost been killed by the Fifth Imperial Daughter while protecting her.
At that time, she had seen Wen Nuan lying in a pool of blood, without breath, without a pulse, like a dead person.
If Wen Nuan hadn’t risked her life to stop the Fifth Imperial Daughter from entering the palace, she wouldn’t have ascended the throne so smoothly. But when Wen Nuan lay breathless in her arms…
She had been scared. She had regretted it….
Later, Wen Nuan suddenly came back to life. After the Imperial Physician’s diagnosis, it was said that Wen Nuan had great fortune and a tenacious life; the Fifth Imperial Daughter’s sword hadn’t pierced her heart meridian, causing Wen Nuan to enter a state of apparent death. With proper recuperation, she could fully recover.
At that time, Xu Wenlu was very grateful to the heavens for returning Wen Nuan to her, for returning her only family member to her.
So, Xu Wenlu made a vow on the spot: even if it meant giving her own life, she would satisfy all of Wen Nuan’s requests. Even if she wanted to become the ruler of the world, she would willingly give it up.
“Do you like Lin Tinghan that much?” Xu Wenlu still wanted to confirm.
Wen Nuan nodded emphatically. “I do.”
“Even if Lin Tinghan doesn’t like you at all, you still want to like her?” Xu Wenlu frowned tightly.
Wen Nuan sighed. “I do.”
Xu Wenlu stood up and sighed deeply. “Alright, Zhen knows. You may leave.”
Wen Nuan said nothing more and turned to leave.
Xu Wenlu had her answer. She knew what she would do.
The next day.
Both the Xian Wang’s residence and the Lin residence received an imperial edict, ordering them to go to Wangfu City to manage the flood disaster. The Xian Wang was to contribute effort, and the Lin family was to contribute funds, striving to help Wangfu City overcome this disaster.
Lin Tinghan looked at the imperial edict and fell silent. “Did Lianqiao not say anything when she came to deliver the Flame Turtles today?”
Ruilin shook her head. “She didn’t say anything. She just put down the Flame Turtles and left.”
This imperial edict came too suddenly, making Lin Tinghan can’t help but suspect the meaning behind it.
“Go find out what happened in the palace last night.”
Ruilin nodded. “Yes, Young Miss.”
Wen Nuan put the imperial edict aside, looked at her slowly subsiding swollen cheek, and comforted, “Alright, you two, stop crying. Imperial Sister was just angry and slapped me. She didn’t want my life. Is it necessary to cry so many tears!?”
Auntie Sun wiped her tears. “You’ve suffered two slaps since you came back this time. Auntie Sun’s heart aches for Your Highness!”
And both of these people were ones they couldn’t afford to offend or anger.
Lianqiao nodded. “Lianqiao’s heart also aches for Your Highness.”
Wen Nuan smiled. “Alright, go pack your luggage. Your Highness is going to manage a disaster.”
Lianqiao said, “Your Highness, can Lianqiao go with you?”
“No need. You and Auntie Sun stay home. This time, I’m taking Qi Hanrong and Ji Chenwei. Besides disaster relief, I have other important matters to attend to in Wangfu City.”
Lianqiao pouted. “Your Highness, can that Ji Chenwei take care of you as well as this servant can?”
“I’m going for disaster relief, not for enjoyment. Do I need someone to personally attend to me?” Wen Nuan tapped Lianqiao’s head. “Go prepare. No more nonsense.”
Lianqiao, feeling wronged and pitiful, went with Auntie Sun to pack the luggage.
At night, Ruilin returned to the residence and came to the study.
Lin Tinghan put down her brush and looked at Ruilin. “What did you find out?”
Ruilin looked somewhat troubled and stammered, “Last night, Her Highness the Xian Wang entered the palace and went to Fanming Lake to steal Flame Turtles. She was caught red-handed by the Imperial Guard. Her Majesty the Emperor found out and fainted on the spot from anger.”
Lin Tinghan: “…..”
The author has something to say:
Wen Nuan: Just stealing a turtle, fainting from anger is a bit much.
Female Lead: Made the Emperor faint from anger? Those who know think you were stealing turtles; those who don’t would think you were stealing someone’s lover.
Emperor: What a sin!
✨ Unlock Early Access to Chapters! ✨
Choose your perfect membership at bamboopandatl.net:
📚 Full Access ($4.99)
• Advanced chapters of ALL ongoing novels
• Access to complete finished novels
• Ad-free reading experience
📖 Single Novel Access ($1.49)
• Advanced chapters of ONE specific novel
• Ad-free reading for chosen novel
PayPal is the only current payment option!