Abused Female Lead And Beautiful Villainess (Quick Transmigration)

After the “death” of Prince Yan’s consort, Shen Shi openly moved into the prince’s mansion. Few people paid attention to such trivial matters.

Even though Shen Shi had some talents, she was merely the illegitimate daughter of a deceased general, and a sickly one at that. For many, she couldn’t make much of a splash.

He Xiyan’s brothers were delighted that he was infatuated with a woman of such low status and frail health.

When the Emperor had betrothed the general’s daughter to him, they had been on high alert. But He Xiyan was unlucky—General Shen died, and now Shen Wan was gone too. The general’s household was left without anyone of note, save for the superficial honor bestowed by the Emperor, which was practically meaningless.

Given Shen Shi’s condition, she still needed to drink a bowl of He Xiyan’s fresh blood daily.

This had been going on for nearly two months. He Xiyan’s face grew increasingly pale each day. As the forty-ninth day approached, Doctor Liu still hadn’t allowed him to stop the bloodletting. Although Shen Shi appeared much better, she remained weak. He couldn’t help but seek out Doctor Liu to inquire about the situation.

“Your Highness, I’ve checked Shen Shi’s pulse before. The toxins in her five viscera and six bowels have indeed decreased significantly, but not as much as we initially expected to be cleared in forty-nine days.”

He Xiyan’s expression darkened. Now everything he looked at made him dizzy and listless. He couldn’t blame the fragile Shen Shi; after all, she was the woman he loved. He could only glare at Doctor Liu, his gaze implying that if a satisfactory explanation wasn’t given, the doctor wouldn’t leave peacefully today.

Doctor Liu felt bitter inside. The troublesome Princess Consort had “died,” but now there was this life-threatening Prince. He was just a humble doctor trying to heal people; why was it so difficult?

“I believe that although the blood that cures all poisons has transferred to Your Highness’s body, it’s not as potent as it was in the Princess Consort’s body. It’s been somewhat affected, which is why the medicinal effects aren’t as strong as before.”

He Xiyan believed him.

He had no choice but to believe. The mere fact that the blood capable of curing all poisons had transferred to his body was miraculous enough. Doctor Liu’s life was in his hands; he wouldn’t dare lie.

“How long will it take to completely purge the toxins from Shi’er’s body?”

Doctor Liu lowered his head, stroking his quivering beard due to uncoordinated facial muscles, and said, “At least a year or two, at most three to four years.”

Hearing this, He Xiyan felt pain in his wrist.

Shen Shi pushed open the door, just in time to hear the last sentence. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for He Xiyan’s condition, as he had indeed looked much thinner recently. Once Doctor Liu left, Shen Shi nestled in He Xiyan’s arms, her eyes reddened, and said, “Your Highness, I won’t drink your blood anymore. I can’t bear it.”

“Shi’er needn’t worry. I can still endure.”

“But Your Highness has lost so much weight recently. It pains my heart.”

“If Shi’er doesn’t drink my blood, you won’t recover. Doctor Liu has determined that if the remaining toxins aren’t cleared, Shi’er won’t live past twenty. If I lose Shi’er, I’d be even more distressed.”

Naturally, Shen Shi feared death, but she also felt for He Xiyan. Although her attachment to him stemmed partly from vanity, she did genuinely like him. Who wouldn’t be captivated by a man like He Xiyan? Moreover, he only cared for her, willing to harm himself for her sake. Whatever her initial intentions, she had long been moved by He Xiyan’s tenderness.

He Xiyan was already pondering ways to transfer his blood’s ability to cure all poisons to someone else. Such a special ability was a curse for anyone. Initially, he had planned to transfer it to Shen Shi, believing he could protect her from danger. But after nearly two months of daily blood-feeding, the special ability hadn’t transferred, leaving him somewhat disappointed.

Meanwhile, Shen Wan and He Qingning were traveling by carriage towards Yun Province.

Since leaving the imperial city, they had been riding in an incredibly luxurious carriage. The Emperor had also assigned many skilled guards to protect He Qingning. Outsiders who saw this truly believed that He Qingning, the spoiled princess, was simply out to tour the world. Few suspected she was going to investigate cases.

Yun Province was a very remote area. Rumor had it that the prefect of Yun Province was not only a great corrupt official but also wantonly cruel, essentially a local tyrant. People had been sent to investigate before, but each time they found themselves at a loss, unable to uncover any evidence of the prefect’s crimes.

There were many such places. As Emperor, with countless daily duties, it was impossible to oversee every region. Sending subordinates to investigate yielded no results. He didn’t believe they couldn’t find anything; rather, certain people didn’t want to investigate.

Although the saying goes “clear water breeds no fish,” the corruption had already eaten into the court. Several people had been sent, all to no avail. As Emperor, didn’t he need to save face? His subordinates fooling him each time—wasn’t that challenging his authority? Before He Qingning showed interest, he had planned to send his personal spies to secretly investigate the Yun Province prefect. If concrete evidence was found, the spies could directly execute him.

For other places, he had intended to send other princes to investigate as a test. There were many things he could manage, but there was only one Emperor. If he had to handle everything, he’d work himself to death. Some people in the court had deeply disappointed him.

Now that his most beloved daughter wanted to walk this path, he naturally decided to give He Qingning this opportunity. The Yun Province prefect’s ability to deceive superiors and bully subordinates wasn’t solely due to his position; it likely involved a complex web of relationships. For a woman to govern, if she couldn’t carve out a bloody path, how could she command respect and suppress these cunning old courtiers?

He hoped his little Princess Qingning wouldn’t disappoint him.

Along the way, He Qingning and Shen Wan appeared to be merely playing and enjoying themselves, as if they weren’t hurrying on a journey at all. This finally dispelled the doubts of those who had been suspicious.

He Qingning didn’t head directly towards Yun Province but first went in the direction of Qing Province, only changing course midway towards Yun Province.

“Princess, those people have gone back,” Shen Wan said, lifting the carriage curtain. Her previously tense face relaxed, and she patted her cheeks vigorously before sprawling lazily in the carriage. After all, she had already let herself go in front of the little princess; might as well forget about maintaining an image.

He Qingning glanced up, eyeing Shen Wan’s unladylike posture. “With such a sitting posture, how can you be second only to one person?”

“I only act like this in front of you, Princess,” Shen Wan said, quickly sitting up. Her face became stern, her expression extremely serious, with a cold light in her eyes. Her entire demeanor changed instantly. She snorted, “This is how I am in front of others. Princess, the unique way I am in front of you is something others can’t see. It shows that I’m close to you and trust you.”

The atmosphere in the carriage suddenly became somewhat ambiguous.

He Qingning saw sincerity and focus in Shen Wan’s eyes. Recalling what she had just said about only being her unique self in front of her, showing closeness and trust, her mood improved considerably, and she couldn’t stop smiling.

“Alright, I understand.”

“From now on, when there are no outsiders, you can be casual in front of me.”

Shen Wan nodded quickly, giving He Qingning a radiant smile. This pure smile made He Qingning’s heart skip a beat. It felt as if something was slowly spreading from her heart, imperceptible, unable to be grasped or touched.

After nearly two months of leisurely travel, the two finally arrived at Yun Province. Because they had meandered and changed directions frequently, the prefect of Yun Province hadn’t anticipated their arrival. Thus, when they entered the city, Prefect Guan Yujing was hurriedly leading people to welcome He Qingning.

“This official pays respects to Princess Qingning.”

Shen Wan exited the carriage first. Dressed in simple, practical attire, she lifted the carriage curtain and jumped down. Then she turned, supporting He Qingning’s delicate hand to help her out.

“Prefect Guan, please rise,” He Qingning said, her voice suddenly becoming much softer, as if she truly were a pampered princess unaware of common people’s hardships.

“Thank you, Princess.”

Guan Yujing slightly raised his eyes, secretly glancing at He Qingning. Seeing her dressed in luxurious clothes with an elaborate headdress, he felt much more at ease. A mere princess wouldn’t pose any threat. She was probably just bored of the palace and out for a tour. Judging by He Qingning’s delicate appearance, he didn’t believe she could stir up any trouble.

“Prefect Guan, where will this Princess be staying?”

Hearing He Qingning immediately ask about accommodations, it was clear she was particular about food and lodging. There was even less to worry about. He just needed to ensure she was well-fed, comfortably housed, and entertained. How could a mere woman understand the affairs of their Yun Province?

Having made this judgment, Guan Yujing immediately ordered a grand arrangement for He Qingning’s stay. Naturally, she would stay at his mansion, and items for her room were being procured on the spot.

When He Qingning entered her quarters and saw all the items, her face darkened. She touched the furniture, tea set, and the seemingly low-key but actually precious ornaments, saying, “How wealthy. This local tyrant truly lives comfortably. I’m even envious. I wonder how much silver Guan Yujing has embezzled, how much he has extorted from the people.”

“Princess, don’t be angry. However much he’s eaten, we’ll make him spit it all out,” Shen Wan’s words comforted He Qingning.

“Right, we must make him spit out every last bit.”

“Princess, actually, I’m quite wealthy too,” Shen Wan said, seeing no one had come to disturb them. She quickly locked the door and sat down beside He Qingning, whispering, “I sold off all my dowry and shops earlier, then acquired many new ones. Although I’m not as rich as a nation, I’m still quite well-off. If you like things like these, I can select some for you when we return. I have a shop full of such precious ornaments.”

Shen Wan thought: Wife, I’ll support you! Whatever you want, I have it! If I don’t have it, I can get it!!

He Qingning was slightly startled. “What’s yours is yours. I’m not so domineering as to ask for things just because I like them.”

“Didn’t you say I’m your person, Princess? My things are your things too. What do you mean by asking? It’s just taking your own possessions.”

He Qingning frowned slightly, feeling these words had some implications. But they were truly pleasant to hear. Seeing Shen Wan’s eager expression, as if presenting a treasure, she laughed. “Shen Wan.”

“Princess, have you decided what you want?”

“You’re so greedy for money. If you become an official in the future, you won’t turn into a great corrupt official, will you?” He Qingning asked seriously. “If you dare become a great corrupt official, I won’t forgive you.”

Shen Wan thought: There’s something I don’t know if I should say! Is she that kind of person? Would she undermine her wife by becoming a great corrupt official?

Shen Wan felt somewhat unhappy. Her wife clearly didn’t understand her character.

Angry!!

After saying those words, He Qingning felt a bit uneasy.

But once spoken, words couldn’t be taken back. Seeing Shen Wan sitting glumly to the side, she felt uncomfortable.

Shen Wan was so clever; she could have lived a peaceful life with her abilities. It was her enticement that led her down this irreversible path. Her words just now must have hurt Shen Wan.

“Shen Wan,” He Qingning called out.

Shen Wan didn’t respond.

Everyone has their pride.

Now she was angry and didn’t want to talk to the little princess. It was the kind of anger that couldn’t be soothed easily. Furious!

Seeing Shen Wan sitting with a stern face, not saying a word, He Qingning felt inexplicably panicked. She didn’t have time to wonder why Shen Wan made her feel this way. At that moment, she only wanted to make Shen Wan smile at her again.

She moved to sit beside Shen Wan, gently patting her hand and saying softly, “I was wrong earlier.”

Shen Wan thought: You’re a princess, yet you apologize so quickly. Don’t you have any principles?

“I’m apologizing to you. I know you’re not that kind of person. With your intelligence and abilities, why would you need to be corrupt? Just those shops under your name, once they’re up and running, will be incredible.”

Shen Wan thought: These words sound good. She might not have other skills, but in these backward time periods, making money was easy for her.

“Still angry?”

Shen Wan mentally rolled her eyes, then heard He Qingning say, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t put on a stern face in front of me?”

“Come on, smile,” He Qingning said, reaching out to pinch Shen Wan’s cheeks. “I have many treasures in my palace too. When we return, I’ll give them all to you. How about that?”

Shen Wan thought: I don’t want to be angry anymore.

“I’ll give you two of my best-located shops. How’s that?”

Shen Wan thought: I’m sorry, but I’m going to be unprincipled and go back on my word too. The little princess’s sugar-coated offensive is truly irresistible.

“Really?” Shen Wan raised an eyebrow, asking tentatively.

He Qingning felt relieved and smiled. “Really.”

“Princess, you’re truly generous.”

Shen Wan showed no intention of refusing. She had long been eyeing those well-located shops under He Qingning’s name. In He Qingning’s hands, they were simply going to waste. It would be better to give them to her; when she made money, wouldn’t it all be for her wife? Money was a good thing, and when He Qingning became Emperor in the future, money would be an even better thing.

“In the future, if you like something, just ask me for it,” He Qingning said, seeing Shen Wan’s smile return. “Don’t take things from others, understand?”

She didn’t want Shen Wan to actually become a great corrupt official in the future, forcing her to deal with it personally. That would be very disappointing. So, she might as well support this little money-lover. If she could afford it now, it would be even easier in the future.

Shen Wan: “188, the Princess said she’s going to support me!!”

She was overjoyed.

[188: “I heard.”] No need to shout so excitedly. Unprincipled woman, what happened to being angry? A few sweet words and you’ve lost your bearings.

“Is that the Princess Qingning, the current Emperor’s most beloved daughter, who’s staying in that courtyard? Her beauty is indeed unparalleled, far superior to the common women in our Yun Province.” Not far from He Qingning’s quarters stood a pale-faced young man with a lecherous smile. He gazed deeply in the direction of He Qingning’s room, walking back with unsteady steps while muttering, “Ah, a princess. This Young Master has never seen a princess before. I wonder how she tastes compared to ordinary women. Could she surpass celestial beings?”

“Young Master, she’s a princess,” the attendant reminded softly.

The young man’s frivolous voice came out low, “Chen San’er, this is Yun Province.”