Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 18

Yan Qing thought about leaving. The palace seemed vast but was actually quite small. Living here long-term, with all the concubines trying to play palace intrigue, was something she had no interest in.

She hadn’t expected Ji Yecheng to react so strongly.

She was momentarily stunned. Looking more closely, she started to understand and explained, “I want to return to the Prime Minister’s residence for a few days.”

Ji Yecheng pushed himself off the rocking chair, moving swiftly and covering the distance in a few steps. He stared at her closely, his sharp eyes no longer holding that faintly seductive look but a cold and scrutinizing one, with a warning in his voice, “You cannot escape!”

Yan Qing frowned and stepped back, putting some distance between them. Only then did she feel less cold all over. She said hoarsely, “I know. I want to leave the palace. Give me the pass.”

Ji Yecheng’s brows furrowed deeply, his demeanor extremely impatient. However, he seemed to be holding something back, not fully venting his frustration, and said in a low voice, “No way!”

A sharp sound cut through the air.

The woman’s eyes became fierce, and her long right leg suddenly kicked out at the person in front of her.

Ji Yecheng ducked to avoid the kick and reached out to grab her arms.

Yan Qing didn’t dodge or evade, her arms going limp and powerless.

“You’re crazy!” Ji Yecheng muttered, trying to let go of her arms as if they were burning him. He wanted to release her but didn’t dare; he wanted to hold tight but didn’t dare. His body stiffened in place.

Meanwhile, Yan Qing’s leg struck again.

“Ugh!” Ji Yecheng was kicked in the chest, taking two steps back with a groan, letting go of her arms.

He didn’t mind the clear footprint on his chest. His first concern was Yan Qing, and seeing her normal expression, he relaxed. Then, realizing what she had done, he gritted his teeth and growled, “Woman, do you really want these hands to be useless?”

Yan Qing pressed her lips together, taking two steps forward.

Her palace dress didn’t hinder her movements at all. If her arms were useless, she still had her legs, which were even stronger. With a sidekick, her skirt bloomed like a flower. It looked beautiful, but no one appreciated it at that moment. Though her moves lacked killing intent, they were ruthless. Zhu Yin and Senior Maid Qian were stunned, especially Senior Maid Qian, whose legs nearly gave out from fright, almost rushing forward but held back by Zhu Yin.

Ji Yecheng, mindful of her health, could only dodge continuously. In avoiding her attacks, he ended up getting hit several times. Finally, he crouched low to dodge a move, circled behind her, and struck an acupoint on her leg. As Yan Qing’s body weakened, he quickly moved to cushion her fall but simultaneously flipped her over and pinned her down.

“Had enough?” Ji Yecheng shouted, his voice filled with frustration. For the first time, he was so exasperated, a thin layer of sweat forming on his forehead.

In fact, Ji Yecheng’s martial arts were far superior to Yan Qing’s. She was just a novice, and if he hadn’t been so cautious, he would have subdued her long ago.

Taking advantage of his caution, Yan Qing stopped struggling. Seeing the footprint on his face, she was reminded of her arrival in this world. Though things had changed, Yan Qing couldn’t help but smile, her face flushed from the exertion. That smile, like a blooming peach blossom, touched those who saw it.

Unaware of the effect, she stubbornly repeated her demand, “I want to leave the palace.”

That smile, like blooming peach blossoms, pulled Ji Yecheng out of his anger in an instant. His heart softened, and most of his anger dissipated. He gritted his teeth and growled, “You know I can’t really do anything to you, so you dare act like this!”

Not only did Yan Qing have some trauma from that incident, but Ji Yecheng did as well. Especially when she spoke, the contrast with her formerly melodious voice always made his heart ache, quickly calming him down.

Yan Qing blinked, a hint of pride flashing across her palm-sized face. This was one of her more expressive looks recently. Yes, when the system deemed the task impossible, she knew that no matter how she acted, Ji Yecheng wouldn’t kill her. Since that was the case, she would cause more trouble!

The more trouble she caused, the more Ji Yecheng might find her annoying and kick her out of the palace. Or, she could gain enough freedom to work with Song Yu to overthrow his throne.

Ji Yecheng, seeing her delicate expression, felt the last of his anger dissipate and was about to get up.

Yan Qing, seeing him give up, guessed he had already compromised. Her eyes curved in happiness.

The next second, Ji Yecheng suddenly leaned down again.

Her neck throbbed in pain, and she immediately kicked him.

“Ugh!” Ji Yecheng groaned again, his body trembling, but he didn’t let go.

Yan Qing’s eyes widened, her kicks growing stronger, but he remained unmoved.

Finally satisfied, Ji Yecheng quickly got up, moved a bit farther from her, and gave a wicked smile, his voice hoarse, “I grant your request.”

“Thud!” A shoe flew at him.

Ji Yecheng caught it easily and tossed it back. Without another word, he quickly turned and left before Yan Qing could get up from the ground.

……

With the emperor gone, Senior Maid Qian and a stunned Zhu Yin quickly helped Yan Qing up.

Now it was Yan Qing’s turn to fume.

Even though she had landed several kicks, causing him some discomfort, she was still extremely angry.

She raised her hand to her neck, which throbbed painfully where he had bitten her. However, the coolness that followed was somewhat comforting.

Yan Qing’s face burned as she left, not daring to lower her hand.

Zhu Yin eventually handed her a handkerchief to tie around her neck.

Meanwhile, Ji Yecheng, having left first, returned only after they had left, grimacing and holding his waist.

Damn woman!

She was trying to cripple his waist!

If something happened to his waist, wouldn’t she end up as a widow?

“Your Majesty.” Jiang Wende immediately noticed something was wrong with Ji Yecheng and called for the imperial physician.

With others present, Ji Yecheng quickly composed himself, but a hint of pain remained in his eyes.

The old physician, upon seeing him, knew something was off despite Ji Yecheng’s upright posture. He said softly, “Your Majesty, please remove your upper garment so I can examine the injury.”

Ji Yecheng, despite the pain, showed no outward sign. With Jiang Wende’s help, he removed his upper garment.

Underneath, his pale waist bore several bruises, all in similar spots. Given the different levels of force, it was clear they were shoe prints.

Jiang Wende was stunned, secretly astonished. Who dared to beat the emperor? And how could the emperor remain silent?

Upon closer inspection, he realized it wasn’t complete silence; the emperor seemed to be enjoying it somewhat.

Jiang Wende’s expression was complicated. Who else could have survived such an ordeal except for Noble Consort Yan?

He hadn’t expected Noble Consort Yan to be so formidable!

It seemed that he should be more attentive to pleasing her in the future.

The Imperial Physician examined for a long time, gently pressing a spot.

As soon as he touched it, the young emperor’s face twitched, and a thin layer of sweat appeared.

“It’s quite serious,” the old physician said solemnly. “The person who did this was ruthless, clearly having no reservations. Your Majesty should avoid confronting this person. It’s quite severe. I will apply acupuncture and then use the Gold Jade Balm…”

The Imperial Physician droned on, noticing the emperor’s expression growing darker and colder, as if he might explode at any moment. Jiang Wende quickly interjected, “Your Majesty, I wonder if the Noble Consort has run out of Gold Jade Balm. She might need it too, given her delicate nature.”

Your Majesty, although the Noble Consort didn’t hold back against you, she is still a woman and surely must be feeling the pain herself. Let it go.

To Ji Yechen, Jiang Wende’s words meant: Noble Consort Yan is a delicate woman who wouldn’t have been able to control her strength and must be in pain herself.

Although she was to leave the palace, Ji Yechen felt he had made his point, and was satisfied. He instructed, “Send a jar of the Gold Jade Balm to her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jiang Wende replied with a smile.

But when he took out the Gold Jade Balm, his face froze. Despite all his calculations, he had forgotten that they only had one jar left of the priceless ointment.

Seeing this, Ji Yechen casually said, “Send it to the Noble Consort. She’s a woman, after all, and more vulnerable.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jiang Wende quickly complied, taking the ointment and leaving.

Ji Yechen appreciated Jiang Wende’s efficient manner, feeling content as he lay back on the couch. Just as he was about to stretch, a sharp pain from his side made him grimace, and he threatened through gritted teeth, “Do you believe I won’t exterminate your entire clan?”

The old Imperial Physician replied slowly, “Your Majesty, since there is no Gold Jade Balm, you will have to endure some pain to disperse the bruises…”

Ji Yechen: “…”

He felt the old physician was secretly taking revenge! But His Majesty could say nothing and could only silently curse Yan Qing.

*****

The day after receiving the order to leave the palace, Yan Qing left.

Though Noble Consort Yan snuck out, the Yan family still made a big deal out of it when they discovered her return. Zi Yun, who had been sent back home, cried with joy upon seeing Yan Qing, though she had gained some weight while at home.

Prime Minister Yan prepared a large table full of Yan Qing’s favorite dishes and gathered all his daughters to dine together.

Yan Yin was also present.

The Prime Minister had several concubines, but none had sons. There were four daughters: the eldest was Yan Yin, almost fifteen, and the youngest was five. The second was eleven, and the third was eight.

Yan Qing almost thought they were born in an arithmetic sequence upon realizing their ages.

Of course, these girls weren’t close to Yan Qing.

Thus, the meal was quiet, with only their father speaking occasionally.

Yan Qing’s mother had passed away early, and now their father tried his best to fill the maternal role, engaging in heart-to-heart conversations and discussing palace affairs with his daughters.

The younger sisters were well-behaved, as their father was strict with them, making them obedient and timid.

No one interrupted as they talked.

Halfway through the meal, Yan Yin suddenly put down her chopsticks.

Noticing everyone looking at her, she forced a smile and said, “I’m full. Please continue.”

Prime Minister Yan frowned, about to scold her, but Yan Yin had already left the table quickly.

“How disrespectful!” The Prime Minister slammed the table in anger.

Yan Qing’s voice was still hoarse, but using her sore throat as an excuse, her father didn’t suspect much, unable to imagine she had been choked into such a state.

She softly said, “She might be in her rebellious phase, Father. She’s still a child. Let’s continue eating.”

“Alright, alright, let’s eat,” the Prime Minister reluctantly set aside his displeasure and continued eating.

After lunch, the Prime Minister instructed Yan Qing to rest well, then left with a dark expression, probably to teach Yan Yin a lesson.

Yan Qing, however, didn’t concern herself with this and focused her attention outside.

Senior Maid You didn’t leave her side, and Senior Maid Wan managed household affairs. Yan Qing found no free time and seized a moment to pull Zhu Yin aside, writing the character “Song” on her palm.

Zhu Yin’s heart tightened, looking at Yan Qing with a complicated expression.

Still not giving up?

Yet, she couldn’t refuse her.

The fact was, everyone the Prime Minister had trained was primarily to serve Yan Qing.

In ancient times, the average life expectancy was around forty. To climb the ranks, the Prime Minister had overexerted himself and now had health issues. Worried that his daughter would be bullied after his death, he had trained loyal servants for her, despite being a civil official. His position wasn’t low, and he could afford to hire capable people and train them from a young age.

Zhu Yin was one of them.

To ensure their loyalty, the Prime Minister constantly indoctrinated them and made them observe Yan Qing’s life closely, resulting in Zhu Yin’s deep care for her.

Knowing that Yan Qing intended to find Song Yu, Zhu Yin, though aware it was wrong, couldn’t refuse. She gave a barely perceptible nod and left under the pretext of buying snacks for Yan Qing.

After her nap, Yan Qing awoke to find Zhu Yin back, who said nothing.

Yan Qing was in no hurry and spent time in the backyard playing with her youngest sister. The five-year-old, still in preschool age in the modern world, could recite many texts and play the guzheng under their father’s tutelage, much to Yan Qing’s admiration.

Whenever Yan Qing was playing, she always felt like someone was watching her.

However, whenever she looked around, there was nothing there.

Yan Qing felt a chill run down her spine and clung to Zhu Yin, not daring to take a single step away from her.

…

Standing outside the Yan family’s wall, Jiang Wende looked anxious, glancing around from time to time and muttering to himself, “I hope no one sees us.”

The dignified emperor of a nation had actually sneaked out of the palace following the Noble Consort?

To think he was sneaking around here, acting like a peeping tom in someone’s backyard, spying on the Noble Consort. It was unbelievable.

As if he heard Jiang Wende’s muttering, Ji Yechen jumped down from the wall with a serious expression and said, “I’m worried about what she might do.”

For example, whether she would try to climb the wall or something.

As soon as she left the palace, she was essentially placed in the same area as Song Yu. What if those two met?

However, after observing today, he felt relieved. She was just at home, very well-behaved.

Moreover, her complexion looked much better. When she was playing with her half-sister, the smile on her face was one he had never seen before. Ji Yechen frowned slightly, feeling a bit disappointed yet also hopeful. Would there be a day when she smiled at him like that too?

And their… child?

“Your Majesty, we should go back,” Jiang Wende cautiously reminded him when he saw Ji Yechen standing still by the wall.

Ji Yechen quickly composed himself, reverting to his usual stern expression, and left first. He walked to the alley, got into the carriage, and disappeared on the streets of Chang’an.

…

Leaving the oppressive palace behind, Yan Qing slept exceptionally well in the original owner’s boudoir. She had a dreamless night and woke up feeling refreshed and in a great mood.

The next morning, Zi Yun came early, waiting to help Yan Qing wash and get dressed.

When Yan Qing got up, Zi Yun started crying while helping her dress, so much so that she couldn’t even do her work.

“Your Highness, how did you get so thin?” Zi Yun cried, wiping her tears and crouching on the ground, soaking her handkerchief in no time.

Yan Qing couldn’t help but laugh and reached out to gently rub her head to comfort her.

Injuries take a hundred days to heal. Her hand had not fully recovered yet and couldn’t make any big movements.

When Yan Qing was having breakfast, Zhu Yin casually asked, “Your Highness, I heard that the Jade Soothing Society will have a gathering of scholars for a poetry contest today. Why don’t we go and take a look?”

Senior Maid Qian frowned but, after thinking about it, didn’t refuse.

It had been hard for Yan Qing to come out. She should enjoy herself. Although the emperor allowed her to stay out of the palace for a couple of days, she would likely return to the palace in no more than five days.

Yan Qing glanced at Senior Maid Qian and nodded naturally. “Alright.”

However, when it was time to leave, Yan Qing asked both Senior Maids to stay at home, while she went out with Zhu Yin and two other young palace maids.

The prime minister wasn’t at ease either, so he specially assigned several guards to follow her. The group was quite large, forming a long procession as they went out.

The Jade Soothing Society was a teahouse known for its top-quality teas and famous pastries. Scholars and literati from the Great Qian loved to gather here, so it gradually became a hub of people. Over time, the teahouse began hosting monthly poetry contests.

These contests weren’t large-scale; patrons of the teahouse would pose challenges to each other, sometimes with small prizes. It served as a social place for literati.

When Yan Qing arrived, it was quite late, and the teahouse was crowded. However, they had reserved a private room in advance.

Yan Qing’s appearance at the entrance of the Jade Soothing Society caused a momentary hush in the bustling atmosphere.

To avoid trouble, Yan Qing wore a veil. Even though only her eyes were visible, they were exquisite and captivating, complemented by her slender figure.

As she walked inside, followed by a long line of servants, everyone was astonished.

“Which young lady is this? She has such a commanding presence.”

“She doesn’t seem ordinary. Look at those guards behind her, all sturdy and stern, obviously trained martial artists.”

“You can tell that?”

“Hehe, I have a friend who practices martial arts. I can recognize it.”

The people in the teahouse started discussing, and those in other private rooms were no different.

“Can you tell which family’s young lady that is?”

“I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”

“She looks somewhat familiar?”

Only one room remained silent.

Song Chuan looked at his young master and sighed deeply. “Young master, since we’re already here, why don’t we just go over?”

Yesterday, Yan Qing’s personal maid Zhu Yin had quietly visited the Song residence and delivered a note with the name of the Jade Soothing Society. The note was signed with the character for “Yan.”

Who else could this “Yan” be?

Song Chuan didn’t want his young master to go, but this morning, his young master had already dressed for going out without saying a word.

He had been cooped up at home for a while. Song Chuan’s parents had been worried for a long time. Seeing him willing to go out, they happily handed him money, afraid he might not have enough.

But there was no need.

His young master had headed straight to the Jade Soothing Society. Song Chuan, seeing this, could only sigh deeply.

The Yan family’s young lady hadn’t arrived yet, so they waited there, drinking tea. As more people filled the teahouse, Song Chuan grew impatient, but his young master sat there steadily, holding his wine cup without a tremor.

Now, with the sun high in the sky, there was a sudden quiet downstairs. Song Chuan immediately looked out the window and saw the Yan family’s young lady arriving.

Before he could say anything, his young master, as if sensing it, stood up and looked out.

The window they had opened was small, only allowing a view of the entrance. From the commotion, it seemed the Yan family’s young lady had also gone to the second floor.

His young master just sat there, not moving, staring at the tea in his hand.

Song Chuan couldn’t help but remind him again.

Since they were already here, of course, they had to go see her.

There were no concubines here to guard against, no Emperor Ji.

They could speak their minds, and hopefully, his young master could move on.

Song Yu rested one hand on the round table, holding a cup of tea. This time, however, he hadn’t taken a sip. The tea rippled slightly as Song Yu’s gaze wandered, lost in thought.

Suddenly, he stood up and said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”

“Yes.” Song Chuan was delighted and immediately opened the door.

****

Finding the Yan family’s young lady was easy. Upon stepping out, they saw one room guarded by several servants and palace maids standing in the corridor.

The poetry contest’s voices grew louder after a brief pause, with everyone eager to impress the beautiful newcomer.

As Song Yu approached, he was promptly stopped by the guards.

“Please inform them, my surname is Song,” Song Yu said politely, bowing slightly.

The guard hesitated and looked at the nearby palace maid.

The maid glanced at Song Yu, blushing slightly, and quickly nodded, knocking on the door and softly saying, “Young Master Song requests to see you.”

“Let him in,” a young woman appeared at the door, expressionless.

Song Yu’s heart stirred. As the guards and maid stepped aside, he walked in with large strides.

Once inside, he saw Yan Qing sitting with Zi Yun standing beside her.

Seeing Song Yu, Zi Yun’s eyes lit up. “Young Master Song!”

Song Yu nodded politely.

Zi Yun’s eyes darted around, and without lingering, she grabbed Zhu Yin and headed out. “Let’s go downstairs and get some pastries.”

She quickly pulled Zhu Yin along, afraid of any objections, and hurriedly closed the door behind them.

Zhu Yin opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by Yan Qing’s look, feeling a bit troubled.

It was one thing to meet, but meeting alone wasn’t proper. After all, it was just them, a man and a woman.

But Zi Yun paid no mind to such concerns. She excitedly pulled Zhu Yin downstairs. “Come on, let’s not stand here.”

Zhu Yin sighed, “…Alright.”

…

“…Qing’er,” Song Yu called softly.

Yan Qing smiled and gestured for him to sit, taking the opportunity to look him over.

Song Yu had also lost weight. His clothes seemed ill-fitting, loose, and even more so than the official robes he wore the last time they met. His moon-white robe hung off his frame, his skin pale, his brows dark and dense, his eyes deep—the darkest feature on his face.

Upon closer inspection, Yan Qing realized he had the same peach blossom eyes as Ji Yechen. Not the slender type, but slightly round in the middle, tapering at the ends, resembling petals.

However, these eyes now carried a subtle sadness.

As she scrutinized Song Yu, he too was observing her.

The last time they met was at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. She had been frighteningly thin then, which had troubled him deeply. Now, she looked slightly better than at the banquet, her complexion much improved, her features charming, and her lips rosy.

Song Yu only dared to glance at her before lowering his gaze after sitting down.

The room fell silent.

Finally, Yan Qing spoke gently, “What do you plan to do next? Join the court or rest at home?”

Song Yu was momentarily stunned by her raspy voice but quickly remembered her previous injury, understanding this residual effect. Feeling a pang in his heart, he replied, “I plan to go to Mobei.”

This was his plan.

A plan so wild he hadn’t dared to tell anyone.

The Song family had been soldiers for generations, with Song Yu as an anomaly. Though not the only child, he was the most talented of his generation, excelling in both literature and martial arts. However, he preferred poetry and dueling to fighting.

He had met the original owner at a poetry gathering.

With the talent of a top scholar, he had once said his greatest wish was to do practical things for the people.

But this dream had been crushed, and he wanted to rebel against his fate.

…

Song Yu expected Yan Qing to be shocked, angry, or to question him. Instead, she merely raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat pleased.

Yan Qing didn’t consciously mimic the original owner. Though her habits were influenced by the original owner, she was essentially herself, straightforward in character.

Upon hearing Song Yu’s plan to go to Mobei, her first thought wasn’t of anything else. In the original story, after the original owner’s death, Song Yu went to Mobei, and as a general’s descendant, he used his abilities to subdue unruly soldiers, obtain the tiger tally, and after quelling local rebellions, marched back to Chang’an with his army.

Emperor Ji only had the imperial guard. Although Chang’an was under his control, due to his inaction during his reign, the Song family’s fame was widespread. When Song Yu rebelled, many joined him, with few opposing. Consequently, Emperor Ji gave up resistance and handed over the throne.

However, when Song Yu entered Chang’an and stormed the palace, he found only terrified concubines and Empress Dowager Jiang. Ji Yechen had long disappeared with Jiang Wende.

So, Song Yu’s words meant…

Yan Qing asked, “Are you planning a rebellion?”

Her voice was hoarse but soft, ensuring only the two of them could hear.

Song Yu was stunned, his pupils dilating. He clenched his fists on his knees, lips tight, unable to speak.

Yan Qing was even happier, having guessed correctly.

If he planned to rebel, he should succeed quickly and take the tiger tally, ousting Ji Yechen from the throne.

She said in a firm tone, “Do your best. I support you.”

Song Yu, expecting shock or accusations of disloyalty and unfilial behavior, was left speechless. He found Yan Qing’s tone reminiscent of his father scolding him.

Yan Qing continued to ask about his specific plans and when he intended to leave.

She subtly urged him to hurry.

Song Yu’s mind felt a bit foggy, and he obediently nodded the whole time.

After that, the two fell silent.

It had been more than half a year since they last saw each other, and Yan Qing wasn’t very familiar with Song Yu. In ancient times, men and women had strict boundaries. Song Yu was respectful, and although they admired each other, their relationship had not deepened.

Especially now, with Yan Qing’s soul replacing the original owner’s, she felt even more distant from him and didn’t know what to say.

They sat quietly for a while, but Song Yu was satisfied, a faint smile gradually appearing on his face.

His gentle peach blossom eyes occasionally glanced at Yan Qing, showing both tenderness and admiration.

The former Yan Qing was too weak. He had been worried about her since she entered the palace, fearing she wouldn’t survive. The current Yan Qing, however, had dispelled his worries. He could pursue his plans with her support.

Perhaps his initial reason for doing this was Yan Qing. Now, with her support, Song Yu felt invigorated.

As he watched, her delicate and serene profile seemed to imprint itself in his mind. Just then, Zi Yun and Zhu Yin returned.

“Your Higness, we bought some snacks. Would Young Master Song like to have some too?” Zi Yun placed the items they had bought on the round table.

Song Yu replied warmly, “Thank you.”

Zi Yun smiled and stood quietly beside Yan Qing.

She could tell from Song Yu’s expression that things had gone well. Zi Yun didn’t have a strong sense of right and wrong; she only wanted her lady to succeed in whatever she wanted.

Zhu Yin, on the other hand, glanced at both of them, noticing their happy expressions, and frowned slightly.

She still worried about Ji Yechen, unable to feel at ease.

…

Just as Yan Qing was about to leave, thinking it was getting late, a clear female voice recited a poem from downstairs, causing her to pause.

Zi Yun understood and opened the window wider, allowing them to see the situation downstairs clearly and the person standing on the stage.

They saw a teenager in luxurious male attire, with a youthful face, confidently reciting, “…The peach blossom immortal plants peach trees, and trades the blossoms for wine money…”

Yan Qing: “…”

“Good poem!” Song Yu’s eyes lit up, whispering.

Yan Qing: “…”

She frowned, looking at the stage. In her memory and the original story, this scene never happened. But that fourteen-year-old youth, wasn’t it Yan Yin?

She thought for a moment and said, “That’s Yan Yin.”

Song Yu was surprised. Upon closer inspection, he realized and hesitated before saying, “Perhaps I misunderstood. Someone who can compose such poetry shouldn’t be capable of those actions.”

Yan Qing didn’t want to speak anymore.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Yan Yin hadn’t finished the poem. She stopped after “But wishes to die old among flowers and wine…” and asked proudly, “What do you think?”

Applause and praise erupted immediately.

However, some scholars, well-versed in poetry, commented, “This seems incomplete.”

Yan Yin’s face stiffened. Indeed, it wasn’t finished. This was a famous poem, “Peach Blossom Temple,” which had ten lines in total. She had only recited five, intending to awe these scholars with Tang Bohu’s work.

Want to compete in poetry?

She had plenty of famous poems up her sleeve.

However, the remaining lines were a bit too profound, and she hesitated to recite them.

“There should be more. Could the young master share it with us?” another scholar asked eagerly, bowing with utmost respect.

Yan Yin laughed, “You can match it yourselves. No need to adhere strictly to mine.”

“Did you compose this?” The scholars were astonished.

Yan Yin puffed out her chest. “Of course!”

The scholars, impressed and somewhat dejected, nodded. “Young master, you are incredible!”

Song Yu also nodded thoughtfully.

Yan Qing saw his reaction and worried he might fall for Yan Yin because of this poem. She thought for a moment and softly recited, “Dust from carriages and horses suits the wealthy, wine cups and flower branches…”

Each of the remaining five lines she recited made Song Yu’s eyes light up. By the end, they sparkled with excitement.

Song Yu was overjoyed, his cheeks already tinged with pink from talking to Yan Qing, now flushed even more from the poem. His heart pounded as he savored the words.

He suppressed his excitement and asked, “Qing’er, how do you know the rest? Did Miss Yan tell you?”

Yan Qing responded calmly, “It’s from an ancient book. Not many have seen it, but we both have.”

Instantly, Song Yu felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. After some thought, he realized, “Indeed, Miss Yan is too young to fully grasp the depth of these words.”

When the first five lines were recited, he had tried to mentally complete it but felt something was missing. When Yan Qing recited the rest, it all fit perfectly.

Realizing this, he looked at Yan Yin with a cold gaze and said, “Song Chuan.”

“Yes, young master.” Song Chuan stepped forward.

“Find someone to spread what Miss Yan just said. It’s not right for her to take credit for others’ work!” Then he turned to Yan Qing and asked, “Qing’er, who wrote this poem?”

Yan Qing answered, “It’s by a renowned poet named Tang Bohu.”

Song Yu, enlightened, nodded firmly. “We must not let her steal such credit.”

He was a scholar and enjoyed these things, so why would he want to encourage such behavior?

“Tang Bohu,” Yan Qing answered briefly. She didn’t like talking much these days, so she kept her words short.

Upon hearing the name, Song Chuan immediately ran off.

After the incident, Song Yu glanced at Yan Yin, who was being praised by everyone and invited to appreciate poetry. Then, his deep gaze fell on Yan Qing. Her tall and slender figure was elegant and refined. His gentle peach blossom eyes memorized the woman in front of him intensely.

At a closer look, he noticed a bit of a red mark peeking from under the silk scarf she used to cover it. His eyes darkened, and he pinched his palm hard, the pain keeping him calm and preventing him from revealing his thoughts. Pretending not to see it, he quickly left.

After he left, Yan Qing sat for a while longer, waiting to see the rest of the events unfold before leaving.

As expected, the lie was publicly exposed. A middle-aged man, who claimed to have read ancient books, recited the latter part of the poem and mentioned Tang Bohu’s name. Yan Yin’s face turned ashen, unable to utter a word, standing there stiffly. For a moment, everyone condemned her, and her reputation was instantly reversed, becoming a despised figure.

Fortunately, no one knew who she was.

Yan Yin didn’t expect things to turn out this way. Many transmigrated women had done this, so why was she exposed?

Yan Yin didn’t plan to use this trick initially. However, recently she had faced numerous setbacks. Since being punished at the Mid-Autumn Banquet, her reputation had plummeted. She made many efforts to restore her name but failed, becoming a laughingstock and being mocked indirectly by many noble ladies.

When she heard about the poetry gathering, where many scholars rose to fame, and some even became renowned talents in Chang’an like Liu Yong, she thought of trying it herself. She didn’t aim to become a famous romantic talent but hoped to restore her lost reputation with poetry. Afterward, she could choose among the wealthy and handsome men, especially Song Yu, who was also said to love poetry. However, her first attempt branded her as a plagiarist. Yan Yin couldn’t admit it and desperately argued with a pale face, “I didn’t! I have other poems. I’ll recite them for you!”

“In the door of my longing, know the pain of my longing…”

She didn’t remember much, only a few simple ones apart from “The Peach Blossom Cottage.” The rest were just a few classic lines, with nothing in between.

Reciting those few poems now, the crowd no longer bought it. “Who knows whose poem this is?”

“You’re just a teenager. Do you even know what longing is?”

“That’s right…”

“Sir, you’ve violated the shop’s rules. We can’t serve you anymore,” the shopkeeper, seeing the commotion, hurried over. After understanding the situation, he sternly stood in front of Yan Yin and made a gesture of invitation.

Behind him stood several strong young men.

If she didn’t leave, they would force her out.

Yan Yin’s teeth trembled with hatred, but fear dominated. She ran out with red eyes.

She could only comfort herself that she was disguised as a man, and those people didn’t know who she was, so there wouldn’t be any consequences!

…

With Yan Yin’s departure, the teahouse became lively again. At this moment, some discussions arose.

Yan Qing didn’t listen closely, assuming they were discussing Yan Yin. She drank a cup of tea to moisten her throat and then said, “Let’s go.”

“Yes,” Zi Yun and Zhu Yin nodded.

Just as Zi Yun was about to open the door, there was a loud “bang!” The fragile wooden door was kicked open, and a man in luxurious brocade appeared, his gold-embroidered belt showcasing his noble status.

The accessories hanging from his belt were also incredibly exquisite.

But what shocked people the most was his face.

Dark and gloomy, with thick black eyebrows and peach blossom eyes full of murderous intent, unhidden. His tall and broad figure blocked the door, and his black boots looked like they could swallow people whole.

There was no wind in the teahouse, but the man’s presence made his loose hair flutter.

Everyone fell silent, not daring to make a sound.

The palace maids and guards knelt, but no one spoke.

Ji Yecheng’s gloomy eyes swept across the room. Seeing only a couch and a round table, with the quilt on the couch neatly arranged, his expression calmed a bit.

He slowly spoke, his voice as cold as winter ice, piercing people’s hearts, “Where is Song Yu?”

“Gone,” Yan Qing replied.

With that, Zi Yun’s legs gave out, and she knelt on the ground, her face pale. “Your Majesty, it’s all my fault. If you want to kill, kill me!”

Ji Yecheng’s cold eyes glanced at her, his thin lips moved slightly, and his murderous intent didn’t diminish, “Don’t worry, one by one!”

After saying that, he turned around.

His primary target was Song Yu!

Seeing this, Yan Qing panicked. She immediately walked to the window and threatened, “If you hurt him, I’ll jump out right now!”

Ji Yecheng stopped abruptly, looking at her in disbelief, his shock evident.

She… was threatening him for Song Yu?