Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 16

Yan Qing had survived.

However, her vocal cords were damaged, and her voice had become completely unpleasant.

Yan Qing struggled to accept this, but the damage was permanent. Even if her body recovered, her voice would not.

Hearing this final verdict, Yan Qing nearly attempted suicide again out of frustration.

Losing her voice without dying—what had all her struggles been for?

And as if that wasn’t enough, this Emperor, Ji Yechen, had taken to lingering in Lingyun Palace, even staying there.

Yan Qing found it baffling. As the Emperor, with so many places to stay, why insist on being here?

The consort’s bed was large enough to fit four or five people without feeling crowded. Even though they didn’t touch, Yan Qing still didn’t want to see him.

Especially since this person had nearly killed her.

In the moment of facing death, Yan Qing was truly afraid.

She had experienced death once before. Though it was only a momentary thing, it had been extremely painful. The overwhelming agony left her deeply affected.

This pain was etched into her memory. When she was about to die this time, the pain returned, and she was genuinely scared.

She kept praying for him to use just a little more force, not only to complete her mission but also to end her suffering.

At that time, it felt like the world was fading away from her, all oxygen sucked out, leaving only pain imprinted in her mind.

Yan Qing let out a long breath and closed her eyes.

At least she should be happy—the mission had changed.

The sound of light footsteps approached, followed by Ji Yechen’s low, displeased voice. “Do you hate seeing me that much?”

Yan Qing’s long eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes again, turning slightly to look at him quietly.

Experiencing death once again had a significant impact on her.

In her previous life, death had been instantaneous. This time, death approached slowly, caused bit by bit by the man before her.

Thinking of this, Yan Qing’s heart ached sharply.

She felt an instinctive fear of this man.

He was a complete psychopath!

He was exactly like the deranged male leads in old romance novels, the kind that tormented the female lead before they fell in love and ended up together.

Ugh!

Such a scenario would never happen. Ji Yechen’s actions had made sure of that. Love was impossible; she still had to seek revenge!

Yan Qing couldn’t exert herself, so she could only glare at the man with her eyes.

Her arms had also been broken by Ji Yechen, and they were now bandaged with splints. The physician had said she would never regain full use of them, unable to carry heavy objects for the rest of her life.

…

The girl had lost weight; in just a few days, her once slightly rounded chin had become sharp. Her small, pretty face was beautiful but now looked pitiful. Her lips were devoid of color, and her face, already pale, was even more so now.

The only color on her face was in her dark eyes.

Her thin frame made her eyes appear even larger, brighter.

Staring straight at him like this, Ji Yechen felt a pang in his heart, his displeasure dissipating instantly.

He had caused her to become like this.

Feeling the discomfort in his chest, regret gnawed at him more and more.

The memory of the girl’s bright and lively demeanor contrasted sharply with her current appearance.

His eyes darkened. He said softly, “Senior Maid Qian said you haven’t had water for a long time. Drink some water.”

Ji Yechen’s voice softened, showing a rare hint of gentleness.

Jiang Wende, hearing the Emperor speak like this for the first time, was almost shocked. However, he remained calm now.

The Emperor would probably never be tough with the Noble Consort again in this lifetime.

Yan Qing looked away indifferently, ignoring him.

Even though the man before her was incredibly handsome, with a calm expression and beautiful eyes, she was unmoved.

Having never experienced her warmth, Ji Yechen remained composed. He took the tea cup handed to him by Jiang Wende and carefully approached the bed, ready to feed her.

Actually, Yan Qing wasn’t thirsty.

She had just drunk water half an hour ago. With her mouth tightly shut, she hadn’t spoken or exerted herself, simply reclining on the bed and listening to a young eunuch tell stories. How could she feel thirsty?

However, Senior Maid Qian insisted she drink water every half hour, resulting in frequent bathroom trips.

With both her arms incapacitated and needing assistance, she naturally didn’t want to go to the bathroom often—it was too embarrassing.

When the tea was brought, Yan Qing turned her head away.

Ji Yechen’s face darkened. Normally, he would have grabbed her chin and forced her to drink.

But seeing her bandaged arms and the silk scarf covering the bruises on her neck, Ji Yechen couldn’t muster any anger. He patiently brought the teacup to her lips again.

Yan Qing turned away once more.

Ji Yechen asked, “Do you want Song Yu to be punished?”

Yan Qing glared at him. He always knew how to threaten her, and the threats always involved him.

Ji Yechen felt a pang of jealousy, his face darkening even more, but his tone remained gentle. “Drink the water.”

Yan Qing looked at him coldly and turned her head away again. She refused to drink!

Enough with the threats!

She didn’t care anymore.

He wouldn’t really kill Song Yu anyway!

However, her refusal seemed to improve Ji Yechen’s mood. His lips curved slightly as he looked at her tightly pressed lips. He asked softly, “Really not going to drink?”

Yan Qing pressed her lips together even tighter.

Ji Yechen took the teacup back.

Yan Qing watched from the corner of her eye. Just as she felt a hint of confusion, she saw him drink the tea himself. She was startled and started to pull away, but he quickly pulled her closer.

Their lips touched, and her face turned red. She tried to push him away, but her hands, though not broken, were still restricted.

Ji Yechen had anticipated this and didn’t want her to hurt her hands further. He restrained her in advance.

Her teeth were pried open, and warm tea flowed into her mouth.

Yan Qing’s face turned beet red, and a wave of nausea hit her. She wanted to spit it out immediately.

Ji Yechen threatened, “If you dare to spit it out, I’ll do this three more times!”

Her tongue froze at his words, and she didn’t dare move.

Satisfied, Ji Yechen stepped back and released her, adjusting her pillows and blankets. His dark eyes focused on her. “Swallow it.”

Yan Qing’s face twisted in frustration. She wanted to curse him, but her throat was still too painful to speak.

Ji Yechen handed the teacup back, his handsome face showing a teasing, ambiguous expression. “Pour another cup. The Noble Consort might not have had enough.”

Yan Qing thought, “You win!”

Grinding her teeth, she reluctantly swallowed the tea.

The warm tea soothed her throat wounds, but it made her feel nauseous. The thought of his saliva in the tea was disgusting.

Though she felt nauseous, she didn’t vomit, only feeling slightly queasy.

Having swallowed the tea, Yan Qing closed her eyes in frustration, hoping not to see him again.

Ji Yechen, understanding she didn’t want to see him, stood up and left. At the door, he instructed Jiang Wende, “Call the physician to check her arms.”

“Yes,” Jiang Wende replied, heading out.

However, he didn’t go to the Imperial Medical Bureau.

To facilitate Yan Qing’s care and monitor her condition, all the physicians were staying in the side hall of the Emperor’s quarters.

Whether they were comfortable there was none of Ji Yechen’s concern.

Watching Jiang Wende leave, Ji Yechen’s expression became distant. He lightly touched his lips, feeling the lingering warmth, and exhaled slowly, calming his racing heart.

He adjusted his expression and walked out of Lingyun Palace. The cool autumn breeze dissipated the heat from his body.

****

After the physician’s visit, Yan Qing lay on the bed, feeling listless.

Occasionally, she could get up and walk around.

However, her body was weak and frail due to her recent ordeal, unable to sustain her for long.

She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

When she woke up again, she saw Zhu Yin’s face.

Leaning against the bed, Zhu Yin seemed to be dozing.

As soon as Yan Qing moved, Zhu Yin woke up and asked, “Your Highness, do you need to use the restroom?”

Yan Qing nodded.

Zhu Yin carefully helped her up.

After assisting her with the restroom, Yan Qing’s face turned red with embarrassment, but more so with curiosity. Her wide eyes looked at Zhu Yin, blinking as she tried to convey her thoughts.

Since regaining consciousness, Yan Qing had noticed Zhu Yin was gone. Ji Yechen told her Zhu Yin was imprisoned for attempting to assassinate the emperor. Yan Qing had wanted Zhu Yin released, but Ji Yechen pretended not to hear her. With her hands unable to write and her throat unable to speak, she couldn’t directly express her wishes.

So the matter had been delayed.

But Ji Yechen had assured her Zhu Yin wouldn’t be killed, so Yan Qing focused on recovering, hoping to speak soon.

Her vocal cords were severely damaged but not completely destroyed; she would be able to speak again, though her voice wouldn’t be the same.

…

Zhu Yin, noticing the bright eyes and lively expression of Yan Qing, smiled slightly. “His Majesty said you needed someone to serve you, so he released me.”

Just like that?

Yan Qing pouted, unsure how to react.

She had thought she would need her Prime Minister father to intervene.

Zhu Yin didn’t put her back to bed but asked, “Do you want to go outside for a walk?”

Yan Qing nodded slightly, the small movement pulling at the wounds on her neck, causing her to wince.

Since Lingyun Palace was the residence of the favored Noble Consort, it was meticulously maintained. Knowing that Yan Qing loved flowers, Ji Yechen had recently had many blooming flowers brought from the Imperial Garden, filling the front courtyard with vibrant colors.

Yan Qing watched for a while and saw several eunuchs drawing water from a well to water the flowers. This was the first time she had seen the well open. She usually spent most of her time practicing martial arts in the backyard and rarely came to the front yard because it was always busy with people passing by and greeting her, which she didn’t like.

This time, she happened to come at the right moment.

Supported by Zhu Yin and Senior Maid Qian, Yan Qing walked over to the well. The well had a large opening and deep water, sending a chill through her at the sight.

Instinctively, she thought of the many palace intrigue novels where characters met their end by jumping into a well. She glanced at the size and depth, calculating quickly, and nodded. If she jumped in, she would definitely not be retrieved.

After making this observation, she wanted to leave.

But then a chilling voice sounded in her ear: “What? Thinking of dying again? Have you decided who to take with you?”

Her heart skipped a beat, and she stumbled.

Ji Yechen’s eyes widened, and he stepped forward, pulling her into his arms, his grip tight around her waist. His voice, laced with anger, scolded, “If you really want to die, be decisive. I’ll make sure the entire Yan and Song families pay for it, just as I promised!”

In his agitation, he even forgot his usual self-reference.

Her waist ached. She had lost so much weight due to her illness that, without the clothes, it would be obvious how thin she had become, almost as if she could break with a slight bend.

Now, with his grip, Yan Qing nearly lost her breath. She silently rolled her eyes, not wanting to speak.

Zhu Yin saw her frown and immediately understood, delivering a swift karate chop aimed at the Emperor.

But Ji Yechen released her just in time, a flustered apology barely masked by his stern demeanor. He ordered coldly, “Senior Maid Qian, take the Noble Consort back.”

“Yes,” Senior Maid Qian responded promptly.

Seeing that Yan Qing was unharmed, Zhu Yin didn’t challenge the Emperor further and obediently followed. She asked softly, “Your Highness, does it hurt? Do you want a massage?”

Yan Qing shook her head gently and glanced back, still able to see the man’s stern profile.

Sensing her gaze, the man looked back too.

His brows were furrowed, displaying a scowl, his thin lips tightly pressed, with the corners slightly downturned, indicating his displeasure.

In contrast, Yan Qing’s expression was much simpler—completely blank, without a hint of anger or discontent.

Their eyes met for a moment before Yan Qing looked away and returned to her chambers.

This left Ji Yechen standing there, looking stern but feeling lost.

He didn’t know why he had reacted so strongly. Seeing her like that reminded him of how she almost died at his hands.

His heart ached, and he instinctively approached her. The words that followed didn’t even feel like his own.

…

The surrounding palace servants knelt in fear, not daring to lift their heads.

When it was time for the meal, Jiang Wende quietly reminded him, “Your Majesty, it’s time to eat.”

Ji Yechen snapped back to reality and said calmly, “Fill this well.”

Jiang Wende was speechless.

If he weren’t the Emperor, Jiang Wende might have complained.

But what could he say? He obediently complied.

That very night, workers began their task, and by the next morning, the well had disappeared without a sound.

****

Ji Yechen continued visiting daily. During the day, he rarely appeared in front of Yan Qing, but at night, he would come, no matter how much Yan Qing disliked it. He would lie on the other side of the bed, refusing to move, almost as if he were guarding her.

Yan Qing’s wounds and illness gradually healed over time. The injuries on her neck had vanished thanks to the golden jade balm, and her skin had returned to its usual smooth, fair state.

As her health improved, the time came for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The imperial physicians no longer had to stay in the Emperor’s frightening quarters. They had lost a significant amount of weight and were almost in tears when they heard the Emperor’s orders.

During this time, any concubine who fell ill and requested a physician was told they were unavailable, only the apprentices.

The Emperor wouldn’t let them go anywhere else, so they spent their days in Lingyun Palace and nights in the Emperor’s quarters, suffering through inhumane conditions. They were elated to leave, practically running away.

Yan Qing had also recovered significantly. Although she still couldn’t speak, her complexion had improved.

Despite her thin frame, Ji Yechen brought out all the nourishing items from his treasury to help her recover. Almost every day, she had a bowl of ginseng soup, which eventually made her nose bleed before he stopped.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was a time of national celebration.

Officials could bring their families to the palace. Besides the New Year, it was the only time when officials’ families could meet the concubines.

It was also a chance to see family members, something the concubines wouldn’t miss.

Yan Qing felt both excited and nervous.

After nearly dying and spending the past days recovering, the Prime Minister didn’t know what had happened, but hearing that his daughter was ill, he was deeply worried and constantly sent letters.

Yan Qing could only have Zhu Yin respond on her behalf, unable to voice her own thoughts.

Her father was full of love.

Each letter warmed her heart, but she wasn’t really Yan Qing.

After dressing, Senior Maid Qian looked at her with concern. “I’ve altered the clothes, but they’re still too big. Your Highness needs to eat more to regain your strength.”

Yan Qing smiled faintly and nodded, her eyes brightening with determination.

Yan Qing nodded with a faint smile, as she also loved food.

However, her throat condition restricted her from eating many things.

A flash of regret crossed her eyes.

Jiang Wende appeared and respectfully said, “Your Highness, His Majesty has already arrived.”

Yan Qing pretended not to see him.

Jiang Wende pondered for a moment and then added, “According to the eunuch in charge of the banquet, the Prime Minister has arrived with his two daughters.”

This news should cheer the Noble Consort up a bit, right?

She would soon see her father and sister.

Yan Qing indeed felt a bit happier but also puzzled: two daughters?

Yan Yin and who else?

In the original story, the Prime Minister was a cold man who only favored his legitimate daughter. Later, Yan Yin’s cunning efforts won his affection, allowing her to accompany him to prestigious royal banquets.

But now, it seemed there was another illegitimate daughter?

The original owner had been well protected by the Prime Minister, rarely interacting with other illegitimate daughters except for Yan Yin, who was only two years younger. The Prime Minister feared they might harm her.

Thinking about this, the newly adorned Yan Qing was helped outside.

Senior Maid Qian and Zhu Yin stayed close, treating her like a fragile porcelain doll.

Yan Qing, being lazy, appreciated their thorough care and focused solely on recovering.

Stepping out of her chambers, she saw a man in an imposing dragon robe standing with his hands behind his back.

The man turned, his eyes briefly revealing undisguised amazement and darkness when he saw her. As she approached, he extended his right hand.

Yan Qing silently retracted her hand from Senior Maid Qian’s support, refusing to hold hands.

Was Ji Yechen known for his good temper?

He frowned, stepped forward, and pushed Senior Maid Qian aside, pulling Yan Qing into his arms. One hand supported her back, and the other held her small hand.

When Yan Qing tried to struggle, his eyes flashed a cold warning.

Don’t forget, he still held the power of life and death.

Yan Qing thought, “I pray Song Yu will defeat this man soon!”

Thus, she was escorted into the banquet hall.

As soon as they entered, everyone knelt, heads bowed in respect. No one dared look directly at them, except for… Yan Yin.

Her striking appearance and defiant demeanor made her stand out to Yan Qing immediately.

Yan Yin was also looking at her. When their eyes met, Yan Yin pursed her lips into a timid, flattering smile fitting her character, then quickly lowered her head.

However, the jealousy and bitterness in her eyes were unmistakable.

Yan Qing’s brows furrowed, and she sneered.

Then she heard Ji Yechen’s voice in her ear, “Shall I help you kill her?”