Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 17

“Shall I help you kill her?”

His indifferent tone made it sound like he was asking what to eat today.

Yan Qing paused, then replied flatly, “No.”

Ji Yechen was slightly displeased by her cold response but said nothing further. He had merely noticed Yan Qing’s guarded look towards the other woman and commented offhandedly.

Since becoming a prince, no one had dared to cross Ji Yechen except the former emperor and his older brother. Those who did usually met their end. The few who survived didn’t dare show their faces.

He didn’t understand why Yan Qing was so cautious, but he had just spoken casually.

Their conversation lasted only a moment as they approached the dragon throne.

—

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was held in the Imperial Garden. The Astronomical Bureau had predicted clear skies, so the event was set outdoors for comfort.

Yan Qing and Ji Yechen weren’t the earliest to arrive. The officials had been there for a while, engaging in conversations while waiting for the royal family.

Prime Minister Yan held a small wine cup, sipping the fine wine, his eyes constantly scanning the direction of the inner palace with anticipation. Even when colleagues greeted him, he responded perfunctorily.

He hadn’t seen his daughter for a long time. Knowing the Noble Consort would attend today, he could no longer hide his longing for her.

Understanding his feelings, the colleagues exchanged polite greetings and moved away.

Yan Yin sipped the wine designated for women, savoring it slowly.

Her twelve-year-old half-sister, Yan Xin, nudged her arm and whispered, “Second Sister, Father looks like he really misses Elder Sister.”

“Mm.” Yan Yin nodded lightly, her lowered eyes filled with sarcasm.

Miss her?

Why did everyone love her?

Even the terrifying Emperor seemed to favor her greatly, not to mention the ever-affectionate Song Yu and the Prime Minister, who saw no one but his legitimate daughter.

As Yan Qing was escorted by Ji Yechen, they were surrounded by palace attendants. Entering the banquet hall, she immediately noticed the stark contrast between herself and Yan Yin.

Despite the polite greetings and the calm demeanor of the officials, the air was thick with unspoken tension and jealousy. Yan Qing’s arrival had certainly stirred the waters.

Ji Yechen’s presence was intimidating. His reputation for ruthlessness preceded him, and his sudden interest in Yan Qing only added to the court’s unease. Yet, he seemed oblivious to the whispers and the stares, his focus solely on Yan Qing.

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet began with the usual formalities. The officials and their families took their seats, and the festivities commenced with performances and toasts.

Prime Minister Yan couldn’t help but glance frequently at Yan Qing. His heart ached to see his daughter, who had been through so much. Yan Yin, observing this, felt her resentment deepen.

Yan Qing, on the other hand, remained composed. She had a mission now—to survive and navigate the treacherous waters of the palace. The banquet was just another stage where she had to play her part, albeit a challenging one with Ji Yechen by her side.

The night was long, filled with laughter, music, and subtle exchanges. Yet, for Yan Qing, it was a test of endurance and strength, knowing that every move was watched and every word weighed.

As the banquet drew to a close, Yan Qing felt a sense of relief. She had survived another day, another event. But she knew that her journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow more daunting.

“Just wait, one day she would make him regret it.”

Finally, as the hour of the rooster was about to pass, the eunuch announced, “His Majesty arrives, and Consort Yan arrives…”

The lively scene instantly fell silent. Everyone put down their wine cups, swallowed the food in their mouths, and immediately straightened their attire, waiting solemnly.

When they saw the black and gold figure and the person he was holding, everyone immediately bowed.

At a glance, except for Yan Yin who briefly looked up, everyone else only showed the tops of their heads.

Yan Qing followed his lead and walked to the main seat. The dragon throne was wide and soft, padded with a lot of cotton. There was more than enough space for the two of them to sit.

The people below, unaware, had no reaction. However, the palace maids following behind Yan Qing turned pale one by one.

How could the Consort be sitting on the dragon throne?

Even the always composed Zhu Yin’s face changed slightly, instinctively looking towards the Prime Minister for help.

The Prime Minister, due to his high position, was standing in a prominent spot. Apart from the princes, his position was the highest. Moreover, the Ji family had few descendants, and there were no princes or uncles. Occasionally, some families achieved the rank of marquis, but they still couldn’t surpass the Prime Minister.

However, even Prime Minister Yan had his head lowered.

No one stopped them, so although Yan Qing found the dragon throne strange, she wanted to stand up but was tightly held down by Ji Yechen. She gave up resisting.

She couldn’t fight him, so what could she do? If she made a scene in public, it would only make her a laughingstock.

Seeing her not resist, Ji Yechen felt two points happier, his brows relaxing. He said in a deep voice, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” everyone said in unison.

Then they stood up and, lifting their heads, saw the beautiful woman sitting with the emperor. At first glance, they were amazed.

The now slim Yan Qing had a face as small as a palm, big eyes, curved eyebrows, and small, tender red lips like flower petals. Her small chin was also pointed, giving her a delicate appearance.

Previously, Yan Qing’s weakness was from her bones, but now, this person’s weakness was just on the surface.

However, when they regained their senses, they realized this was against the rules.

Recalling the eunuch’s announcement, they understood this was the Prime Minister’s eldest daughter.

Everyone then looked at the Prime Minister with reproach.

A child’s lack of proper upbringing was a father’s fault.

The Prime Minister was also shocked, looking at the woman with trembling cheeks. He said in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, the Noble Consort’s seat is here.”

Yan Qing blinked, still looking at the father from her memories, when she heard Ji Yechen’s displeased voice, “I decide where she sits!”

The Prime Minister’s face turned blue. Instead of looking at Ji Yechen, he stared at Yan Qing.

Yan Qing finally returned to her senses. Meeting his eyes, she instinctively showed a sweet smile. Her lips moved as she tried to speak, but she hadn’t spoken for too long and couldn’t make a sound at first. She only mouthed the word: “Dad.”

The Prime Minister’s face couldn’t hold its sternness. Wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes, and his gaze softened, his nose turning sour. His obedient daughter had indeed suffered greatly from her illness, losing so much weight.

The Prime Minister didn’t know the extent of her suffering, but just seeing this was enough to make him feel unbearable. He couldn’t say anything harsh. After bowing, he silently returned to his position.

Seeing this, Yan Qing turned to the man beside her, wanting to get up.

Since her father was unhappy, she would sit there.

Her hands weren’t fully healed, so she couldn’t use much strength and could only look at him this way.

Ji Yechen frowned, looking displeased at her.

However, Yan Qing’s gaze was colder and more stubborn.

Let go! She wanted to leave!

Although Yan Qing didn’t speak, her expression clearly conveyed this message.

Ji Yechen’s face darkened, his thin lips tightly pressed together, unwilling to let go.

The consort and the emperor’s silent confrontation made everyone below not dare to say anything. In fact, even the highest-ranking officials didn’t dare to speak to Ji Yechen about it; this person truly didn’t care.

Thus, in the Imperial Garden, everyone communicated silently with their eyes, not daring to make a sound and disturb the emperor.

Only Yan Qing, seeing him not let go, directly tried to pry his hand from her waist.

Her father’s unwillingness made her not want to disappoint them.

Her soft, weak hand touched his large hand, and Ji Yechen, as if shocked by electricity, immediately let go, not daring to let her exert force.

“Get lost!” Ji Yechen gritted his teeth.

Yan Qing gave him a sidelong glance, stood up, and walked to her seat.

Across from her were Consort Xian and Consort De. When they saw her looking over, they quickly raised their cups to toast her cautiously from a distance.

They didn’t want to, but with the emperor doting on her so much, who would dare to provoke her and court death?

****

This Mid-Autumn banquet required everyone to attend.

Song Yu was also released to reunite with his family, naturally attending the banquet.

Their seats were slightly forward. After the emperor and consort’s confrontation ended, Ji Yechen gave a short speech, then lazily announced the official start of the banquet. The performances and various delicacies prepared by the imperial chefs were presented, making the scene lively again.

There was talking, and some officials were flattering the emperor with blessings.

The emperor, bored, responded perfunctorily, his gaze always falling on the consort.

This scene didn’t escape Song Yu’s father.

If the consort wasn’t favored and was only used to suppress their Song family, he could have taken drastic measures, even giving up the military power used for protection.

However, it was clear that the noble consort was highly favored.

At first, Song Yu’s father thought the emperor was pretending, but seeing it firsthand, he denied his previous guess.

He looked at his son.

His usually smiling and courteous son was now thin, with eyes full of sadness and loss. He didn’t look at the stage, just quietly drinking alone.

Song Yu’s Father sighed in sorrow and said in a low voice, “Give up. She will never be yours.”

Song Yu pursed his lips, unwilling to accept this. “How would I know if I haven’t tried?”

Besides, she was meant to be his!

Song Yu had not dared to look up. He had been locked in prison recently, not knowing her whereabouts. He missed her so much that he fell ill and tried every means to get news about her. Now that she was right in front of him, he still didn’t dare to lift his eyes. How ridiculous.

But Song Yu finally looked up.

As soon as he did, he saw Ji Yechen doing something that made Yan Qing puff her cheeks in anger, glaring at him. That look of disdain only made the man smile with satisfaction. When he smiled, his eyes shone as he looked at her.

And she…

Song Yu couldn’t bear to look. The bitterness was overwhelming. Yet, there was a thought in his mind: she had lost weight, a lot of weight. Her clothes seemed excessively loose.

He remembered Zi Yun’s words, that she had almost died. Knowing she loved him dearly, Song Yu still felt unbearable pain. After all, Emperor Ji was also a young man. This man was her nominal husband. After this incident, she would truly gain Emperor Ji’s exclusive favor.

Thinking about the information he had gathered, Song Yu felt like a knife was cutting his heart. He struggled to breathe and couldn’t help but blame Ji Yechen. He had not taken good care of her, allowing her to become so thin.

“Son, look, those young ladies are all looking at you,” Song Yu’s Father nudged his son’s arm.

On his other side, Song Yu’s Mother also looked over, a proud smile on her face. “That’s my son.” Then, she cautiously asked, “Son, which young lady do you like?”

Song Yu lowered his eyes and remained silent, drinking by himself.

Fortunately, he wasn’t drinking heavily, just sipping slowly.

The slightly haggard but handsome young man drinking alone attracted many girls to steal glances at him, blushing as they watched.

But no one dared to approach him.

Even though everyone else had begun to mingle, swapping seats and chatting, no one dared to go near Song Yu.

No!

Someone did.

A beautiful young woman beside the prime minister stood up, smiling calmly as she walked over with a wine cup.

Many young girls’ faces changed color, twisting their handkerchiefs in frustration and biting their lips as they looked over, wishing they had moved faster.

Some who didn’t get along with Yan Yin also followed with their wine cups.

The situation became even more uncomfortable. Song Yu was very polite, returning the greetings to both girls. However, one received just a standard response, while he spoke a few words with the other.

This difference was subtle but glaring when the two girls stood together.

Chang Ya, the daughter of Minister Chang, gripped her wine cup tightly, her smile freezing.

She took a deep breath to steady herself and pretended to be unhappy. “Young Master Song, this unequal treatment will make me angry!”

Yan Yin’s smile deepened, a hint of pride flashing on her face.

The next moment, Song Yu said seriously, “Miss Yan is my savior. Just for this alone, it is enough.”

Savior?

Yan Yin’s face stiffened slightly, while Chang Ya was shocked, almost biting through her silver teeth.

Savior!

What did this mean?

As long as she didn’t make excessive demands, Song Yu would always be good to her.

Not to mention the connection with Yan Qing.

Chang Ya’s eyes sparkled as she politely returned to her seat.

Her companion, Miss Li, immediately came over. “Yaya, if there’s any problem, tell me. I’ll help you solve it…”

She often gave Chang Ya advice and had many schemes. Therefore, Chang Ya listened to her, thought for a moment, and then told her what had happened.

Miss Li, after hearing it, smiled lightly. “It’s simple. We can do this…”

****

Yan Qing was slowly eating the soft, tender food specially prepared by the imperial chef. Senior Maid Qian watched her carefully, ready to wipe her mouth if there was any soup.

Usually, Yan Qing didn’t let Zhu Yin do these things. Recently, with her hands inconvenient, Zhu Yin had been helping, but for these small tasks, it was always Senior Maid Qian.

Normally, Senior Maid Qian would feed her directly. But today, with so many people around, it would be unseemly, so Yan Qing refused.

She ate slowly, her eyes curiously scanning the crowd below. She didn’t recognize most of them, only some young ladies and Your Highnesss. Occasionally, she met their eyes and exchanged smiles.

Until her gaze fell on Song Yu’s direction. She saw Yan Yin talking to him for a while before turning back to her seat, looking a bit disappointed. Then, she saw two young ladies whispering to each other.

These two were the ones who had drugged Yan Yin in the book. At this banquet, they would be executed by Ji Yechen, and their fathers would later join the Song family, laying the groundwork for a rebellion.

They were bold enough to drug someone at such a banquet, spoiled by their parents to the point of foolishness.

But when would they act?

As she was thinking, the banquet continued for a while when a eunuch suddenly announced, “The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

In an instant, the banquet seemed to pause. Everyone tacitly stopped talking and tidied their clothes.

Being around royalty was troublesome, as you had to kneel frequently.

Even Consort Xian and Consort De had to get up to salute.

Even the Emperor, according to the rules, should do so. However, Ji Yechen remained unmoved, and Yan Qing followed his lead.

To Ji Yechen, the banquet was boring and noisy, irritating him. However, if he hadn’t attended, the censors would certainly have made a fuss.

For a man who wished he could avoid court every day, it was torture.

He half-closed his eyes, the impatience in his heart making him reluctant to deal with the Empress Dowager.

As for the Empress Dowager…

Recently, Ji Yechen had sent people to use the evidence collected by Song Yu to capture all the corrupt officials in one sweep. This left many vacancies in the court, temporarily filled by other officials, and even promoted several local officials.

Among the ousted officials was the Jiang family, causing them significant damage. The Empress Dowager had specifically begged Ji Yechen to spare the Jiang family, only to be driven out. This had made Empress Dowager Jiang so angry that she fell ill for a while.

Had it not been for the pressure from the officials, Ji Yechen would have begrudgingly sent a royal physician to her, and the Empress Dowager would still be sick now.

She had barely recovered when the Mid-Autumn Banquet arrived.

Every time there was a banquet, Empress Dowager Jiang would wait in a place where Ji Yechen would pass by, hoping to join him.

Although he ignored her every time, at least they would be together.

However, this time, as usual, she waited, only to hear from a eunuch that Ji Yechen had already taken Yan Qing to the banquet ahead of time?

She was so angry that her face turned pale, and she angrily returned, deciding not to attend.

Yet, after returning to her palace for a long time, not a single eunuch or maid came to fetch her. Empress Dowager Jiang felt a chill in her heart, filled with depression. But opportunities to see Ji Yechen were rare. Ji Yechen was a rule-breaker, never visiting her out of duty as his nominal mother. When she visited him, she often faced a closed door.

After feeling miserable in her palace for a long time, Empress Dowager Jiang finally emerged, full of resentment.

When the Empress Dowager arrived, everyone naturally had to salute. However, the first thing she noticed was the two people sitting motionlessly.

Ji Yechen was the emperor; even if he were to truly respect filial piety, few would criticize him for ignoring his nominal mother. But what was Yan Qing?

Supported by her maid, Empress Dowager Jiang slowly walked up, saying in a deep voice, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager.” Everyone stood up, finally facing Empress Dowager Jiang.

At this, Prime Minister Yan’s face stiffened slightly.

Why had his daughter become so rebellious after entering the palace?

Although the emperor had decreed that she did not need to bow, wouldn’t it be better to set an example at a time like this?

Yan Qing pretended not to see, using a delicate wooden spoon to slowly eat the yam Senior Maid Qian had placed for her.

The yam, stewed until tender with beef, absorbed the meat juices, making it exceptionally flavorful. It required no chewing, melting in her mouth with an excellent texture.

While she ate leisurely, Empress Dowager Jiang felt highly unbalanced. Slowly sitting down, she looked at Yan Qing opposite her and smiled, “Noble Consort, you look radiant today, but you seem much thinner. It appears your recent illness has taken a toll on your body.”

Yan Qing took a sip of warm water, puzzled by her words.

Ignoring her, Empress Dowager Jiang turned to Prime Minister Yan, “Prime Minister, His Majesty, as the ruler of our nation, is no longer young. When the late emperor was His Majesty’s age, the eldest princess was already three years old, right?”

Prime Minister Yan saluted, “Empress Dowager, you are correct. The late emperor had the eldest princess at seventeen. At His Majesty’s age, the eldest princess was indeed three.”

Empress Dowager Jiang nodded, “I’m not saying the noble consort is unsuitable, but His Majesty has no children. Prime Minister, you should advise the consort. It’s normal for young women to be reluctant, but it is right and proper for the emperor’s favor to be shared. Many concubines have entered the palace, but besides the noble consort…”

Empress Dowager Jiang spoke at length, and Prime Minister Yan kept nodding.

He remained calm, understanding his daughter well. Since she didn’t like the emperor, it was beneficial for her to share his favor, gaining support from other concubines’ families.

But halfway through, Ji Yechen interrupted her, “Whom I favor is my business. What, do you want me to listen to you?”

Empress Dowager Jiang’s face froze, then she smiled softly, “Your Majesty jests. I only worry about your lack of heirs and hope to see a grandson soon…”

Ji Yechen sneered, “You haven’t had any children yourself. Want a grandson? Have a son first, then talk about grandchildren.”

The officials: “!!!”

That was extremely harsh.

Even though they were used to Ji Yechen’s sharp tongue in morning court, watching him confront the Empress Dowager left them pale-faced, heads lowered, silently drinking their wine.

They hoped not to be dragged into this!

And it turned out there was more to come.

Empress Dowager Jiang’s face turned white, glaring at Ji Yechen like an abandoned woman, then shifting her glare to the innocent-looking Yan Qing. “Your Majesty, since the late emperor passed, I have always treated you as my own son…”

“I have a birth mother, and you are only twelve years older than me.” Ji Yechen boldly drank a cup of wine, his face flushed with a hint of red from the alcohol, making his eyes more alluring. “I don’t mind if the Empress Dowager remarries.”

Empress Dowager Jiang: “!!!”

“Your Majesty, reconsider!” This time, it wasn’t the Empress Dowager but the officials.

An Empress Dowager remarrying was unheard of.

Empress Dowager Jiang was furious, but seeing Ji Yechen’s mood, full of thorns, she dared not say more, maintaining the appearance of a wronged victim.

Yan Qing watched, almost wanting to applaud. Ji Yechen’s combat skills were impressive!

Facing the officials, he did not back down. He threw his cup on the ground with a clang and said coldly, “Stand up, or you will kneel until morning court!”

Swoosh—the kneeling people all stood up.

Prime Minister Yan raised his wine cup and said loudly, “Your Majesty, I toast to you. On this Mid-Autumn Festival, may our Great Qian be as splendid as ever.”

Jiang Wende carefully handed over a cup that had been refilled with wine.

Ji Yecheng took it, casually raised his cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

Prime Minister Yan did the same, but with more restraint typical of a scholar. He covered his actions with his sleeve, his eyes revealing his sarcasm as he drank.

When His Majesty first ascended the throne, his methods were excessively brutal. This led to a situation where officials knelt in protest, yet Ji Yecheng truly had them pressed down until the next morning. The imperial doctors waited by the side, but those willing to protest were mostly scholars, whose frail bodies couldn’t withstand such punishment. Many fell ill, with severe cases leading to chronic conditions, while the less affected still had to rest in bed for a while.

Since then, the courtiers dared not oppose Ji Yecheng. Even if he threatened some of their interests, without their lives, they had nothing.

Thus, everyone behaved obediently.

This time, as soon as Ji Yecheng spoke, those who had nearly forgotten their lesson all stood up immediately.

The young ladies who didn’t understand the situation were dumbfounded, feeling an added layer of fear toward this emperor.

*****

Because Ji Yecheng seemed angry, the banquet paused for a moment. However, under Prime Minister Yan’s lead, the scene quickly became lively again. Some courtiers proactively toasted to apologize, while others, knowing they were not favored by the emperor, started chatting with others.

During this time, relatives of the consorts also came to toast.

Except for the consorts, other concubines, and ladies such as the Zhao Yi, although present, sat at the back, barely noticeable.

However, once the place became bustling, most did not remain in their seats but mingled and chatted. The concubines also got up to find their families.

Yan Qing, receiving a hint from Prime Minister Yan, stood up and went to a pavilion used for resting.

Prime Minister Yan followed behind. Once they were away from the lively area, his eyes reddened. “Is everything alright in the harem? Why have you become so thin?”

“Father~” Yan Qing tried calling out.

Her throat still hurt slightly, and the sound that came out was rough, like scratching on sandpaper.

Prime Minister Yan was startled. “What happened? Zhu Yin, tell me!”

Zhu Yin, having received hints from Yan Qing earlier, didn’t tell the whole truth but lied instead, “Her Higness was ill recently. Her throat hasn’t fully recovered, and her appetite has been poor since, hence the weight loss.”

In reality, her throat problems made it difficult to eat properly, leading to frequent illnesses and rapid weight loss.

Prime Minister Yan listened to the simple explanation, feeling something was wrong but unable to pinpoint it. He could only look at his daughter with distress, gently stroking her hair. “It’s Father’s fault for letting you suffer. You’re a noble consort now. I’ll work hard to make you empress, and you can adopt a child in the future. Don’t worry too much. No one will dare to mistreat you. If anyone does, tell Father…”

Yan Qing’s throat couldn’t produce many words, and she didn’t want to speak, as the harsh sound reminded her of the pain inflicted by Ji Yecheng.

She blinked, her eyes and nose stinging, tears making her eyes watery, and she smiled sweetly, nodding obediently.

This father was kind, very kind to her.

Yan Qing felt warmth in her heart from his care, but the emotions were not just hers—they were also the body’s instinctive feelings of gratitude and guilt.

Prime Minister Yan, looking at his docile daughter, sighed and asked Zhu Yin in detail about her situation in the palace. Only when he had no more questions did he let her return.

“Don’t think too much, look ahead,” Prime Minister Yan said lastly, hands behind his back as he left first.

Yan Qing nodded, stood in the cool breeze for a while, then re-entered the lively venue.

The imperial garden was almost brightly lit, candles burning one after another.

Suddenly, Yan Yin approached with a wine cup, a shy smile on her face. After a simple greeting, she went to Yan Qing.

Consort Xian was surprised. “The Yan family daughters are all beauties.”

Consort De jealously glanced over, muttering, “Yet they still fell from grace.”

Consort Xian smiled but didn’t respond.

Yan Yin heard this, sneering internally. Not everyone wanted to be an Noble Consort; what she wanted, the emperor couldn’t give.

She glanced at Consort Xian and Consort De, looking shy. “Thank you for your praise, Your Grace.”

Then she looked at Yan Qing. “Sister, I toast to you.”

With that, she handed over a wine cup.

This time, she brought two wine cups, and the one she handed over was intended for the Chan and Li family ladies.

The two young ladies, now pale, glared at each other, blaming each other.

Even fools knew that if the consort were harmed, they would be in big trouble.

Yan Qing had just returned and didn’t see the previous scene. Yan Yin appeared calm and gentle, as usual.

Yan Qing, however, did not accept the cup.

She just stared straight at her.

Yan Yin’s hand holding the cup tightened, her smile becoming strained. “What’s wrong?”

Yan Qing looked at Zhu Yin and pointed at the cup.

Zhu Yin, understanding, took the cup to check. She wondered if the second Miss Yan would dare to do anything.

However, as her nose detected a scent different from wine, she loudly declared, “Your Highness, this wine has been poisoned.”

“What’s going on?”

“Aren’t they real sisters?”

“Poisoning the Noble Consort?!”

The crowd’s first reaction was shock, then they turned to look at Yan Yin in surprise.

Yan Yin hadn’t expected Yan Qing to be so cautious. When Zhu Yin spoke up, she panicked for a moment but quickly composed herself. She clenched her hands tightly inside her sleeves, trying to remain calm as she said, “I don’t know anything. This cup of wine was given to me by Miss Chang.”

“Miss Chang?” A deep voice with a hint of confusion sounded.

Suddenly, no one dared to speak. They only dared to sneak glances towards Master Chang.

Master Chang, the Minister, wiped his sweat with a pale face. Beside him, Chang Ya was even paler, trembling with fear.

Master Chang had no idea about this and said in a trembling voice, “Your Majesty, how could my daughter do such a thing? It must be a misunderstanding!”

Emperor Ji ignored him. His peach blossom eyes glinted coldly as he looked directly at Chang Ya, nodding slightly, “You speak.”

Chang Ya bit her lip hard, her teeth chattering. She wanted to deny it and clear her name, but the cold gaze of the man in front of her made her shiver. It was as if he could slice her into pieces if she lied. Scared out of her wits, she fell to her knees, her psyche completely crumbling as she cried out for mercy, “It wasn’t me! It was Li Ru! She did it, not me…”

Li Ru immediately knelt and kowtowed, “Your Majesty, I admit my mistake! Please spare me!”

Seeing that both of them were caught, Yan Yin, although disappointed that Yan Qing hadn’t fallen for it, knelt with a look of guilt and said in a crisp voice, “I am also at fault. I shouldn’t have offered the wine, which had been drugged, to the Noble Consort!”

After speaking, she looked hopefully at Emperor Ji.

At this moment, Yan Yin was on the high platform, closer to the emperor than ever before. She had never had a chance to look at his face closely until now. When she raised her head, she was stunned by his breathtaking appearance.

She froze slightly, jealousy rising in her heart again. Yan Qing was really lucky. First, Song Yu, the dream of every young lady in Chang’an, and now this man, the most noble in the entire Great Qian. And he was also extremely handsome.

He didn’t have the refined and delicate appearance that was popular among women at the time. His features were more rugged, with thick black eyebrows, enchanting peach blossom eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips. When he smirked slightly, his roguish charm was even more captivating than Song Yu’s gentle and polite demeanor.

Noticing her gaze, Emperor Ji frowned and gave her a cold look.

Feeling the icy stare, Yan Yin instinctively lowered her head, not daring to look again.

To the right of the platform, Prime Minister Yan’s face also didn’t look good.

Honestly, even he didn’t believe that Yan Yin hadn’t noticed the drugged wine. Since recovering from her illness, this daughter of his had become exceptionally clever. She had shone at a recent gathering of young ladies, making several usually difficult girls suffer.

He didn’t mind his daughter being smart and having some tricks up her sleeve, as it helped protect herself. But using those tricks on her own family, that was another matter.

Below, all the members of the Chang and Li families knelt, continuously begging for mercy.

Emperor Ji rotated the ring on his finger and said indifferently, “Take them away and give them fifty strokes each.”

He didn’t give any other instructions.

Whether they could survive depended on their fate.

However, for a young girl, how could she possibly survive fifty strokes?

Emperor Ji wasn’t a ruler who liked to vent his anger on others, so only the two main culprits were dragged away. Jiang Wende ordered his men to act, but he was unsure how to deal with Yan Yin.

Emperor Ji had initially wanted to punish her as well. However, when he glanced sideways, he saw the upright girl, who was secretly looking at the Prime Minister, with hesitation on her face.

Emperor Ji, who had intended to have Jiang Wende take Yan Yin away as well, changed his mind and added another command, “This one, twenty strokes.”

“Your Majesty!” Yan Yin’s face turned pale, not expecting to be punished herself.

This isn’t right!

“Your Majesty, I don’t know anything! This has nothing to do with me!!” Yan Yin anxiously explained.

Emperor Ji impatiently waved his hand.

Jiang Wende immediately had her dragged away.

Yan Yin, looking at the eunuchs grabbing her arms, panicked and instinctively looked towards Yan Qing, “Sister, save me! I don’t know anything, Sister, aren’t you kind-hearted? Please save me, you wouldn’t be so cruel…”

Yan Qing met her gaze, filled with extreme pleading and panic, which barely concealed her usual arrogance.

Yan Yin looked down on the ancient people and looked down on her as well. That bit of disdain was well hidden, but to an old fox, it was still noticeable. Previously, as the Prime Minister’s highest-status unmarried daughter, her arrogance was justified.

But now, she didn’t care about anything else, begging for help from the person she despised the most.

Yan Yin’s cries echoed throughout the banquet. Everyone instinctively glanced at Prime Minister Yan, wondering which daughter he would choose in their quarrel.

Prime Minister Yan remained unmoved, his face stern, but his hands steady on his knees.

Everyone couldn’t help but admire him in their hearts. As expected of the Prime Minister, his mental fortitude was impressive.

Yan Qing briefly met her eyes, then lowered her gaze, pretending not to see.

Since she had been treated without kindness, she wouldn’t respond with kindness either.

In fact, in the novel, Yan Yin had a golden finger that could neutralize any poison. Even if drugged, drinking it would negate the effects. However, instead of using it on herself, she had immediately tried to give the wine to Yan Qing, wanting to watch her drink it.

Repaying evil with good was something Yan Qing couldn’t do.

As Yan Yin was dragged away, she glared venomously at the person she had sought help from, whose eyes had widened in realization. Indeed, she was a white lotus, retreating faster than anyone when things got tough!

What kindness, what deep sisterly love—just a fake mask.

At that moment, Yan Yin was filled with hatred for Yan Qing. She turned to her last hope, looking at Prime Minister Yan with desperation, “Father, save me, I don’t know anything, Father…”

Prime Minister Yan pretended not to hear her, acting as if he hadn’t heard anything.

With her last hope shattered, Yan Yin’s eyes filled with boundless hatred!

Watching the situation closely, Song Yu tightened his grip on his wine cup. His rising suspicion vanished, and his gaze at Yan Yin turned completely cold.

Fortunately, Qing’er did not plead for her. She was not worth it!

****

The Mid-Autumn Banquet ended shortly after.

Chang Ya and Miss Li did not survive their fifty strokes and passed away that very night.

The Chang and Li families couldn’t even hold grand funerals because of what they did; they had to bury them quietly.

Yan Yin, however, was much tougher. After twenty strokes, she was not severely injured and was able to walk normally after lying in bed for two days.

People said it was because she was in good health.

But Yan Qing knew it was due to her golden finger.

Yan Qing listened to the news brought by Zhu Yin as if she were listening to a story, and after hearing it, she put it aside.

After this incident, Yan Qing thought that with Song Yu’s intelligence, he would see Yan Yin’s true nature. Therefore, the original task should be considered complete. After all, given the status difference between Song Yu and Yan Yin, as long as Song Yu didn’t take the initiative, Yan Yin could never marry him.

Now, if Song Yu met Yan Yin again, he would surely be suspicious.

So this task didn’t need much attention. The remaining task was figuring out how to help Song Yu successfully rebel so she could assist him?

Yan Qing frowned and rubbed her forehead in distress.

Senior Maid Qian saw this and quickly came forward to massage her, speaking softly, “Your Highness would you like to rest for a while?”

Yan Qing shook her head.

Zhu Yin thought for a moment and said, “How about going out for a walk?”

Go out?

Yan Qing was about to shake her head but then paused. In a hoarse voice, she said, “I want to leave the palace.”

After speaking, she immediately closed her mouth as her throat hadn’t fully recovered, making it painful to talk.

Senior Maid Qian was shocked. Since ancient times, once a concubine entered the palace, it was extremely difficult to leave. Wanting to leave the palace now… she had already seen how capable her master was. Was she going to argue with His Majesty again?

Zhu Yin calmly nodded, “That’s fine.”

Leaving the palace for a walk would be good. The palace looked magnificent, but once inside, it felt like a huge cage that trapped people inside.

Yan Qing decided to leave and immediately got up to go to the Taiji Palace.

……

Inside the Taiji Palace.

A storyteller was vividly narrating a story called “The Arrogant Young Master and the Pretty Maid.”

No one knew who wrote it, but the arrogant young master in the story somewhat resembled Ji Yecheng, and the maid’s self-destructive behavior was comparable to Yan Qing’s. He had inadvertently discovered it and immediately called someone to narrate it.

Reading was impossible for him; it strained his eyes and tired his hands.

He lay comfortably on a rocking chair, covered with soft animal fur. A eunuch was rocking the chair, and another was constantly feeding him.

If he weren’t disgusted, he might have had the food directly placed in his mouth.

When Yan Qing entered, she saw this scene and frowned.

This was why she hadn’t considered supporting this emperor. How could someone like this be a good ruler?

“Noble Consort arrives!” Because Ji Yecheng had given instructions, the eunuch didn’t report in advance but announced her arrival at the door.

Ji Yecheng’s hand, reaching for a fruit, froze. He turned his head and saw the unladylike woman walking quickly towards him, her strides large, with the Senior Maid struggling to keep up with small steps.

So fast?

He wasn’t prepared.

Ji Yecheng felt a moment of panic. Realizing his unprepared panic, he forced himself to calm down and said coldly, “Stop, stop, enough.”

“Yes.” The storyteller quickly fell silent and stood there obediently.

Ji Yecheng found him an eyesore and snapped, “Get out!”

Jiang Wende quickly pulled the man away.

He also sent away the other eunuchs.

In no time, only Ji Yecheng and the people brought by Yan Qing were left in the main hall.

Ji Yecheng coughed lightly, feeling he lacked authority, and coldly said, “Why didn’t you wait outside for a summons?”

Yan Qing ignored his words, her pretty face expressionless, her voice hoarse and unpleasant, “I want to leave the palace.”

Ji Yecheng: “Impossible!”