The Female Lead Always Comes Around [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 28

Ning Shu’s vision went black, and before she could say anything, she fainted.

She couldn’t help grumbling in her mind. This system wasn’t humane at all—at least give her some warning!

When she woke again, the light was dim. She barely opened her eyes before being jolted violently, landing hard on her backside.

Sitting up, Ning Shu took in her surroundings. She was in a narrow, enclosed space, every surface bathed in red so bright it hurt her eyes.

Based on her knowledge and the motion she felt, she boldly guessed that she was in a sedan chair a bridal sedan chair, to be precise.

“Host is clever guessing this already!” chirped a voice suddenly, full of praise.

Ning Shu: “…” There was no need to flatter her; anyone could have figured that out.

[Transmitting this dimension’s plot summary to the host. Please pay attention.]

As the voice finished, Ning Shu’s mind was flooded with memories that weren’t hers.

The original owner of this body was also named Ning Shu, the daughter of Ning Huaichang, a deputy minister of rites. Her mother died when she was ten, and she was raised by her stepmother, Su Xiaoyue.

Su Xiaoyue deliberately let the girl be spoiled, leaving her arrogant and overbearing, notorious among noblewomen in the capital. Meanwhile, Su Xiaoyue’s own daughter became the celebrated talent by contrast. Though Ning Shu was the legitimate daughter of the Ning family, everyone preferred Ning Chan instead.

Recently, the court had discussed the heir. Emperor Yong’an asked ministers’ opinions, and the ministers split into two factions: one backing Fifth Prince Fu Min, the other supporting Princess Fu Nian. Ning Huaichang remained awkwardly neutral, wanting to avoid involvement.

Both sides wanted to teach him a lesson, so through a series of manipulations, the emperor arranged for Ning Shu to marry Prince Chen, Fu Yun.

Prince Chen had been weakened and temperamental since an injury during a hunt three years prior. Ning Huaichang, unwilling to let his younger daughter suffer, and prompted by Su Xiaoyue, had the original Ning Shu marry Fu Yun instead of her sister. After all, the emperor had only specified “legitimate daughter,” not which one.

But the obedient original Ning Shu rebelled fiercely who would willingly marry a disabled, unloved prince and live in misery?

Su Xiaoyue, to keep her quiet, spiked her meals with sedatives. The girl, allergic to the drugs, died before she could even reach the bridal sedan chair. The Ning family carried in a corpse instead.

The stepmother had “educated” her into being disliked, making her seem haughty and cruel to others. In reality, the girl was kind, just proud, and constantly undermined by Su Xiaoyue and her son. Ning Huaichang was no better, favoring Ning Chan and never showing warmth toward Ning Shu. His neglect shaped her haughty personality.

Ning Shu frowned slightly. “Is the mission to make Su Xiaoyue, her son, and my lousy father pay for what they did?”

[Host is indeed sharp; one guess and you’re right.]

Ning Shu ignored the flattery. She lifted the sedan chair curtain and peeked outside. The bridal procession was taking a secluded back path so Prince Chen’s manor would be entered through the rear gate. Interesting.

Soon, the sedan chair arrived at the rear gate. Only an elderly lady-in-waiting appeared. She glanced at the chair and said coldly, “The bride’s feet must not touch the ground. Find someone to carry the princess inside.”

The guards hesitated. This was a future princess, and Li Mom had Prince Chen’s support they had no backup. If the princess found a reason to punish them later, they’d have no recourse.

Li Mom grew impatient. “Go quickly! Why dawdle?”

Inside the sedan chair, Ning Shu clenched her fists. This old hag was deliberately causing trouble. A newlywed bride being carried by another man it would be shameful if anyone saw. Surely, she hadn’t learned proper etiquette?

No, a mere lady-in-waiting wouldn’t be so bold. This must be Prince Chen’s orders. She was scheming to find a reason to divorce her! The woman was vicious.

Ning Shu lifted the curtain and asked, “So, just the feet mustn’t touch the ground?”

Li Mom’s face soured. “Yes. You must remain inside the sedan chair. Exposing yourself is improper.”

Gah! Even covered, I’m improper? And having servants carry me is proper?

Ning Shu’s voice grew cold and authoritative. “Just answer yes or no.”

Li Mom hesitated, then reluctantly said, “Yes.”

Ning Shu smirked. That was easy. She slipped off her shoes, held them in her hands, and stepped onto the cold ground in socks. It was late autumn, and the earth was still chilly.

Everyone froze in shock. Li Mom couldn’t react in time. By the time she opened her mouth to scold, Ning Shu had nearly reached the rear gate.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you a noble lady? Don’t you know your feet should never be exposed?”

Ning Shu answered as she walked, “I’m wearing socks, who would see? Besides…” She stepped before Li Mom, her voice icy: “It’s your prince who couldn’t meet me. Any blame falls on him. If you think it’s inappropriate, kill them all.”

After that, she put her shoes back on, walked in calmly, and carried herself like a proper noblewoman. Li Mom squinted at her retreating figure. “She’s not as fragile as the rumors claimed.”

Inside, Ning Shu quickly assessed the manor and located the bridal chamber with ease.

Fu Yun, hiding in the chamber to rest from the troublesome guests, opened his eyes at the door’s sound, seeing a stunning woman in red. Ning Shu noticed his gaze and hurriedly pulled down her veil, testing, “Prince?”

Recognizing her as the bride he had been forced to marry, Fu Yun’s awe shifted to disgust. Compared with the painting he had been shown, she looked nothing alike.

“You’re not Ning Chan?”

Ning Shu admitted frankly. “I’m Ning Chan’s sister, Ning Shu.”

“Why you?” Fu Yun’s eyes carried mockery. “You think stealing your sister’s place makes you a phoenix? Foolish.”

Ning Shu felt exasperated. How could anyone be so narcissistic? Who would sacrifice a lifetime for a mere title? He’s an unloved prince where did his confidence come from?

“Prince, don’t overthink. I’m here only because Ning Chan refused you. She and her mother drugged me and put me in the sedan chair. I didn’t want to be a princess I’d have avoided being despised by you otherwise.”

Fu Yun’s face darkened further, a look of inky fury. Ning Shu observed quietly if he decided to act harshly, she’d have no choice but to comply.

Realizing he was outwardly cold but inwardly susceptible to softness, Ning Shu devised a bold plan.

“Yes, I’m afraid but you wouldn’t dare kill me, would you?”

She spoke gently, clasping her hands, eyes sparkling, imitating a cutesy drama heroine. Softness works then she would be soft.

Fu Yun furrowed his brows and activated his wheelchair to approach the bed. This pretentious woman was nauseating.

Ning Shu went over, attempting to lift him onto the bed, but he remained immovable. He looked down at her with an expression that clearly said, I’ll just watch you flail.

Embarrassed, she let go. He easily got onto the bed himself, single-handedly.

“Since you insist, fine. Tonight you’ll stand and wait on me.”

Winter was harsh; the fire barely warmed the room. Determined, Ning Shu removed her heavy bridal gown, got onto the bed, and snuggled up to him.

Fu Yun’s eyes snapped open. “Who allowed you up here? Get down!”

The smell of wine clung to her strong, pungent, yet oddly not unpleasant. She had to cling close to avoid falling. Looking at his face so near, she swallowed.

He was handsome seriously handsome. The dim candlelight added to the atmosphere. Emboldened, she kissed him.

He froze, stunned, rage flooding his voice. “Get down this instant!”

Ning Shu only grew bolder, pressing against him, whispering seductively, “Prince, a short night should not be wasted.”

He trembled, trying to push her off. She shrieked in feigned pain successfully altering her fate.

“You hurt me!” she pouted, tears in her eyes, looking up shyly.

Fu Yun eased his grip slightly; she felt triumphant. Half of her cries were fake, half genuine.

“We’re married now. Isn’t this natural? Don’t be shy I’ll guide you.”

He wasn’t prepared for her shameless words. His reply was cut short, words unnecessary.

Even in the dark, Ning Shu felt embarrassed. She buried her face against his neck, still as a chastised child.

“Now you feel shy?” His voice, husky, softened with warmth.

Before she could respond, he lifted her gently, and what followed unfolded naturally. She shed some tears not fully from fear, partly from inexperience.

“Fu Yun ” she whispered, using his name instead of the formal title. His hand froze. Seeing her teary, helpless look, he felt a pang of pity.

Red candles burned down. The moon hid behind clouds. Birds chir.