When the Female Lead Becomes Obsessive – Chapter 71

Volume Three: Those Years I Was a Wangye

Seeing one’s heart clearly.

The Jianing Kingdom’s Emperor’s birthday banquet was a cause for nationwide celebration. Various countries sent envoys to offer their congratulations, and for a time, Jiajing City was bustling with extraordinary excitement.

The envoys sent by the Zhangqing Kingdom were, one might say, old acquaintances: Crown Princess Qiao Juce and the Tenth Prince, Qiao Ran¹.

The birthday banquet was held in the Imperial Garden within the palace. The Imperial Garden was vast enough to accommodate over a thousand people.

Everyone sat in rows facing each other. First, they kowtowed to congratulate Her Majesty the Emperor. Ministers and envoys then drank and conversed merrily.

Listening to the music of silk strings and bamboo wind instruments, watching the male dancers perform gracefully in the center of the venue, it was a truly joyous occasion.

Lin Tinghan was seated in a lower, yet still prominent, position next to Wen Nuan. Ordinarily, her status wouldn’t allow her to sit there, but Wen Nuan had extremely domineeringly pulled her over, which made the Emperor roll her eyes at Wen Nuan in front of everyone.

Wen Nuan didn’t notice, but Lin Tinghan saw it crystal clear, and a wave of embarrassment and shame washed over her.

Seated in this position, Lin Tinghan sat obediently, not daring to drink, eat, or converse with anyone. She also had to stop Wen Nuan’s occasional attempts to put food in her bowl, pour her wine, and ask if she was okay—all of which were breaches of etiquette.

This caused everyone present to frequently look their way, yet Wen Nuan acted as if nothing was amiss, continuing to fuss over her here and there.

When Lin Tinghan saw Wen Nuan place a chicken drumstick in her bowl, her eyes widened. She whispered, “Wen Nuan, I don’t want any more. My bowl is full, it can’t fit anything else.”

Wen Nuan looked and saw that it was indeed full. “Wait a moment, I’ll have my palace maid bring another bowl.”

Seeing Wen Nuan about to raise her hand, Lin Tinghan immediately grabbed her sleeve, saying in exasperation, “No need, I’m already full.”

“Full?” Wen Nuan looked at her, noticing she hadn’t touched much. “What did you eat to get full? You haven’t even touched these dishes. Who are you trying to fool?”

Lin Tinghan felt helpless as she noticed the Emperor’s gaze shift towards them. She said in a low voice, “Bringing me to the Emperor’s birthday banquet was already against the rules. Bringing me to sit in a prominent seat is even more against the rules. Her Majesty the Emperor already looks displeased. Today is Her Majesty’s birthday; we mustn’t cause Her Majesty any unhappiness.”

Wen Nuan looked over and saw her Imperial Sister with a gloomy expression that screamed both ‘hating iron for not becoming steel’² and ‘I wish I could strangle you to death.’ It scared her so much that her hand almost trembled, nearly sending the chicken drumstick flying.

“Alright then,” Wen Nuan said, reluctantly sitting back down and whispering, “If you’re not full, I’ll take you out for some delicious food after the banquet ends.”

Lin Tinghan’s lips curved slightly as she nodded. “Mm.”

Qiao Juce watched Lin Tinghan, toying with her folding fan.

This woman possessed an exquisite and otherworldly beauty. Her pair of expressive and shy phoenix eyes³, when looking at someone, seemed to carry a captivating charm. The tear mole beneath the corner of her eye further enhanced her bewitching and flirtatious aura. A fleeting glance was enough to make one’s soul yearn for her.

“Imperial Sister thinks that woman is beautiful?” Qiao Ran asked, noticing Qiao Juce had been constantly looking at the woman beside Xian Wang.

Qiao Juce took a sip of wine. “Beautiful.”

Not just beautiful, but also flirtatious and wanton. Definitely aloof and pure off the bed, but an irresistible temptress in it⁴.

Qiao Ran naturally understood Qiao Juce’s thoughts. “A woman with such looks is truly stunning.”

“Never mind me. What about you?” Qiao Juce twirled her fan and pointed it at Wen Nuan. “What do you think of Xian Wang?”

Qiao Ran glanced at Wen Nuan, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Very good.”

“Oh? Thinking of love⁵ so soon?” Qiao Juce teased.

Qiao Ran smiled shyly. “Imperial Sister, you just love to tease me.”

“Alright, the purpose of this visit is to form a marriage alliance with the Jianing Kingdom. If you’ve taken a liking to Xian Wang, it would be a good match.”

Qiao Juce rose and walked to the center of the banquet hall, bowing respectfully. “Crown Princess Qiao Juce of the Zhangqing Kingdom congratulates Her Majesty the Emperor of the Jianing Kingdom, wishing you boundless longevity⁶ and excellent health for your sacred body.”

Xu Wenlu smiled. “Zhen accepts Crown Princess Qiao’s congratulations. Reward her.”

Rong Qing responded, “Yes.”

Qiao Juce smiled. “Many thanks for Your Majesty’s reward. However, Juce wishes to request a different kind of reward. I implore Your Majesty to grant it.”

Xu Wenlu raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Crown Princess Qiao, do tell?”

Qiao Juce beckoned Qiao Ran over. Qiao Ran walked out gracefully and curtsied. “Tenth Prince Qiao Ran of the Zhangqing Kingdom congratulates Her Majesty the Emperor of the Jianing Kingdom, wishing you eternal immortal blessings and a lifespan as long as heaven.”

“Good, good, good. The Tenth Prince is truly a national beauty with heavenly fragrance, graceful and refined.” Xu Wenlu gestured with her hand. “Reward him.”

Rong Qing responded, “Yes.”

Qiao Juce smiled. “Your Majesty, my younger brother subject has just reached his coming-of-age. Juce is very fond of this younger brother and wishes to seek a good marriage for him. I hope Your Majesty will grant this.”

“A marriage?” Xu Wenlu looked at Qiao Ran, her eyes narrowing in a smile. “Has the Tenth Prince taken a fancy to any young lady at this banquet? Feel free to say. Zhen shall bestow upon you a match made in heaven.”

Qiao Juce gave Qiao Ran a meaningful look. Qiao Ran glanced at Xian Wang and said shyly, “Your Majesty, Qiao Ran is fond of Her Highness Xian Wang.”

Everyone was greatly astonished, but on second thought, Xian Wang and the Tenth Prince did seem like a good match.

Xu Wenlu looked at the shocked Wen Nuan, then at Lin Tinghan, who was beside her with her head bowed, saying nothing.

Wen Nuan was, after all, Xian Wang of the Jianing Kingdom. Liking women… what proper form was this? It was fine for amusement, but it couldn’t be brought into the open.

She narrowed her eyes and was just about to open her mouth to decree the marriage when Wen Nuan jumped out, stood in the center, and knelt. “Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject is afraid she cannot accept the Tenth Prince’s profound affections.”

Xian Wang rejecting him on the spot! The officials were in an uproar.

Qiao Ran’s body stiffened. He felt a wave of faintness, as if Xian Wang’s words had dealt him a fatal blow.

Qiao Juce looked at Wen Nuan. “Does Xian Wang feel that my younger brother subject is not worthy of you?”

“No.”

“Then isn’t Xian Wang’s reason for rejecting my younger brother subject a bit too perfunctory?”

Wen Nuan pressed her cheek. “My body isn’t too good.”

Qiao Ran looked at Wen Nuan with tear-filled eyes. “I don’t mind.”

Wen Nuan’s brow furrowed. “I’m not capable.”

Qiao Ran: “…..”

Qiao Juce sneered. “Xian Wang must be joking, right? Who under heaven doesn’t know that Xian Wang is dashing and romantic, with countless male confidants⁷? If Xian Wang isn’t ‘capable,’ then I’m afraid no woman under heaven is ‘capable’?”

Everyone: “…..”

They all felt like this statement was an insult.

Wen Nuan sighed. “You don’t understand. Women are all like this, ordinary yet confident⁸. Just like This King, clearly knowing I’m incapable yet still seeking flowers and willows⁹, indulging in a life of pleasure and dissipation¹⁰. Isn’t this just seeking comfort for myself?”

Qiao Juce’s mouth twitched. “……”

She laughed dryly a few times. “Your Highness truly loves to joke.”

Wen Nuan turned around, looked at Xu Wenlu, and said gravely, “Your Majesty, for the sake of the Tenth Prince’s future happiness, this subject is afraid she must disappoint the Tenth Prince’s affections.”

Xu Wenlu’s eyes were profound. She glared at Lin Tinghan, who was standing to the side, and said through gritted teeth, “Xu Wen Nuan, you are truly becoming more and more outrageous.”

Wen Nuan knelt. “This subject’s heart already belongs to someone. Hasn’t Your Majesty been aware of this for a long time?”

“Xu Wen Nuan, are you threatening Zhen?” Xu Wenlu said coldly.

“This subject wouldn’t dare,” Wen Nuan said, her voice firm. “This subject simply does not wish to wrong an innocent person.”

Regardless of Qiao Ran’s motives for marrying her, it ultimately concerned a person’s happiness. She couldn’t casually ruin it.

The Phoenix Lord stepped forward to smooth things over. “Alright, today is the Emperor’s birthday. Let’s not get upset over such trivial matters. The Tenth Prince is as beautiful as sinking fish and falling geese¹¹, with a composed demeanor and leisurely bearing. He will surely find a better match in the future.”

Qiao Juce could also sense the tense atmosphere between the Emperor and Wen Nuan. If she continued to insist, she feared she would displease the Emperor.

She pulled Qiao Ran back to his seat. “Forget it. Xian Wang doesn’t like you. There’s no point in forcing yourself on her. Don’t debase your own status.”

Qiao Ran’s face turned pale. He lowered his head and agreed.

Xu Wenlu shot Wen Nuan a fierce glare, then flicked her sleeves and left the banquet. The Phoenix Lord said, “You may rise,” and hurriedly chased after her.

Rong Qing walked over to Wen Nuan, helped her up, and sighed, “Your Highness, this servant is afraid I must say you were in the wrong today.”

Wen Nuan said faintly, “I know.”

“By doing this, you publicly slighted the Emperor. The Emperor will likely be angry with you for a long time,” Rong Qing said worriedly.

Wen Nuan patted her hand. “It’s alright. I will personally enter the palace tomorrow to ask for forgiveness.”

Rong Qing’s brow furrowed, her pupils quaked, and her voice trembled. “Ask for forgiveness? Who are you trying to drive to their death with this?”

“If I don’t act ruthlessly this once,” Wen Nuan looked at Lin Tinghan and smiled faintly, “how can this matter be settled?”

She didn’t want to drive anyone to their death. She just wanted Lin Tinghan to love her properly.

The system sighed: 【The Blackening Value has risen. You understand, right?】

Wen Nuan nodded. “I know.”

【The female lead’s current Blackening Value is 4.2!】

Wen Nuan walked to Lin Tinghan’s side and took her icy hand, frowning. “Why are your hands still so cold after taking the Fire Source Pill?”

Lin Tinghan looked up at her. “Maybe… because you weren’t here.”

“Can’t live without me that much, huh?” Wen Nuan teased.

“Mm.”

I can’t live without you. I’d rather die, but I want to die in your arms.

Wen Nuan intertwined their fingers. “Let’s go. We’re going home.”

The crescent moon hung like a hook amidst a sky full of stars, illuminating the path home.

Wen Nuan tightly held Lin Tinghan’s gradually warming hand. “The fan you gave me was lost at Mingxin Lake. Tinghan, could you make me another one, please?”

She had wanted to ask Lin Tinghan about this for a while. Now, seeing the folding fan in Qiao Juce’s hand, she felt quite envious.

Lin Tinghan squeezed her hand and replied softly, “Alright.”

“The night scenery is lovely tonight, and the wind is gentle. It makes one feel comfortable. Don’t you think so?”

“Yes.”

“When we get back, let’s make some small wontons to eat. The palace food is exquisite, but it’s not very filling. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Tinghan, promise me, don’t overthink things, okay?” Wen Nuan stopped and looked at her. “I’m here for everything. Trust me, okay?”

Lin Tinghan bit her lip and smiled faintly. “Wen Nuan, why don’t you… get married?”

“…..” Wen Nuan’s eyes turned dark and unreadable. “And what about you? Leave me? From then on, we become strangers, worlds apart?”

“No, I won’t leave you.” Lin Tinghan gripped her hand tightly, as if clinging to her last life-saving straw. “I will always be with you. As long as you need me, I will always be there.”

“So? What will your status be?” Wen Nuan scoffed. “My kept woman outside, with no official title?”

“Anything is fine. As long as I can be by your side, anything is fine with me.”

Lin Tinghan only wanted to be by Wen Nuan’s side, to watch her, to accompany her. That was already enough to satisfy her.

A thin layer of sorrow surfaced in Wen Nuan’s eyes. Her voice trembled. “Lin Tinghan, can you please not see yourself as so lowly?”

“I’m not? I’m not?” Lin Tinghan forced a lighthearted smile.

She wanted to hug Wen Nuan but was pushed away. Suddenly, she stood there, helpless and terrified. “Wen Nuan, you… you don’t want me anymore?”

Wen Nuan roared, “You’re the one who doesn’t want me!”

Lin Tinghan quickly said, “No, no, how could I not want you?”

“Lin Tinghan, the things I said to you back then, did you even listen?”

“I listened.” She feigned composure.

I cherished them like a beautiful dream.

“Listened? If you had truly listened, you wouldn’t say such things to me.” Wen Nuan closed her eyes and sighed. “Lin Tinghan, if you can’t understand your importance to me, if you can’t figure out what you truly want…”

“Then let’s… just cool off separately for a while?”

Lin Tinghan’s expression changed. Devastated, she watched Wen Nuan walk further and further away.

【Are you really going to leave the female lead there alone?】 the system asked worriedly. 【Ancestor, pay attention to the Blackening Value! It’s risen to 5.6!】

Wen Nuan didn’t answer the system, silently counting in her heart.

33, 34, 35…. 51, 52, 53…… 95, 96, 97, 98…..

Wen Nuan took a deep breath. “99…1….”

“I want you—”

Lin Tinghan’s shout came from behind, her voice filled with grievance and unwillingness.

Lin Tinghan started walking towards Wen Nuan, her pace quickening, as if afraid Wen Nuan would disappear.

She cried as she shouted, “I want to love you! I want you! I want to be with you forever! I want to be with you openly and honorably….”

Wen Nuan turned around and watched her hurry over.

“I want to possess you,” Lin Tinghan said, her eyes brimming with tears, sobbing uncontrollably. “I want you to belong only to me….”

Wen Nuan smiled, relieved, and hugged her tightly, her heart aching for her. “Alright.”

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The author has something to say:

Wen Nuan (sighs): Little crybaby, do I really have to push you this hard to get you to say something nice?

Female lead (aggrieved): I was worried, you know!

System (speechless): Seriously, you two can argue all you want, but don’t take the Blackening Value lightly, okay?

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