Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 19

Currently, the Song family was powerful, but there was no talk of rebellion.

If Ji Yecheng dealt with him now, the idea of rebellion would be just empty talk.

Yan Qing wouldn’t allow it, and besides, Song Yu was the future wise ruler who would create a prosperous era. Compared to Ji Yecheng, he was more important.

Yan Qing’s action was an instinctive move.

She knew Ji Yecheng wouldn’t harm her, so she used her body to threaten him.

As soon as she finished speaking, Ji Yecheng stiffened, his back facing her, his hands clenched into tight fists, making a grating sound that made everyone’s teeth ache.

Zhu Yin watched him warily, afraid he might attack her mistress.

But Ji Yecheng didn’t.

He stood there for a long moment before gritting his teeth and saying, “I won’t touch him, okay!”

Yan Qing responded, “Okay!”

Ji Yecheng was speechless.

If he weren’t a grown man, he might have cried from frustration.

Could there be anything worse than this?

Clearly, he was her husband, yet it seemed as if he were the secret lover.

Ji Yecheng took several deep breaths to calm the anger about to explode. He turned to Yan Qing.

Seeing her still standing by the window, he barked fiercely, “Get over here!”

His shout frightened everyone in the small room. Even Yan Qing was a bit scared, seeing his eyes filled with rage.

She hesitated for a couple of seconds before stepping forward.

Ji Yecheng grabbed her shoulders fiercely and growled, “Remember, we are husband and wife! I am your husband! Even if you die, you will be buried as my woman!”

Yan Qing blinked and looked up at him sincerely, “I am a concubine; you don’t qualify as a husband.”

In ancient times, concubines could be bought and sold. Not everyone dared to call themselves the emperor’s spouse, as it could easily be seen as coveting the empress’s position or insubordination.

Ji Yecheng was stunned, seemingly understanding something. His anger slightly diminished. He released her and turned away, “Return to the palace.”

“Yes,” Jiang Wende responded, flicking his whisk. He bowed respectfully to Yan Qing and said, “Your Higness, shall we go back?”

Yan Qing felt a bit regretful that she couldn’t stay for a couple more days. However, since her purpose for leaving the palace was accomplished, she followed them back.

But she didn’t ride in the same carriage as Ji Yecheng, which made her feel comfortable.

She thought they would ride together, and so did Jiang Wende, who led her to the front carriage.

As soon as he lifted the curtain, a cold voice from inside said, “Get out! I’m afraid I won’t be able to resist killing you!”

Without hesitation, Jiang Wende lowered the curtain and smiled, “Your Higness, shall we take the carriage at the back?”

“Okay,” Yan Qing nodded, very agreeable.

She wasn’t upset by his words because she believed that Ji Yecheng, this madman, was telling the truth. He might really kill someone in a fit of rage.

Besides, sitting alone in a carriage was much more comfortable.

As she got into the carriage, a slight smile appeared on Yan Qing’s lips, showing her good mood.

Jiang Wende saw this when he lowered the curtain, feeling a bit complicated, slightly pitying his emperor.

The Noble Consort was indeed colder than the emperor.

The emperor got angry for her repeatedly but always held back. No one else had ever received such treatment. No one had dared to hit the emperor before, but she had done so many times and still lived, even becoming the favorite in the harem.

Which concubine could return to her family for a few days after entering the palace?

Which consort could make the emperor miss her so much that he sneaked out of the palace like a scoundrel, peeking over walls just to catch a glimpse of her?

Jiang Wende suddenly felt it was unfair to his emperor.

But if he were to tell Yan Qing this, she would probably sneer.

Ji Yecheng was someone she dared not fall in love with, as she still had revenge to complete! Moreover, they were destined to face each other on the battlefield in the future. Falling for him would only make things worse.

****

After returning to the palace that day, Ji Yecheng went directly to the Taiji Palace, summoning several martial arts instructors to vent his anger. Despite Yan Qing’s words slightly appeasing his anger, he still had a lot of it, enough to make him want to rush out and kill the man who dared to entice Yan Qing!

This urge gave him a splitting headache, and his mind was filled with violence he couldn’t unleash. He could only think of this method to expend his excess energy.

He was sure that if he killed Song Yu, Yan Qing would definitely harm herself in front of him.

For the first time in his life, Ji Yecheng felt an unbearable frustration.

Even when he was bullied by everyone in the palace, he didn’t care, calmly biding his time for revenge.

But now, his mind was in chaos. He couldn’t stay calm or think strategically, only wanting to kill!

And the person he wanted to kill couldn’t be touched.

With a “bang,” when about to strike Ji Yecheng, Master Lin redirected his sword, hitting Ji Yecheng’s chest with the hilt, avoiding lethal areas, and said seriously, “Your Majesty, you’re distracted today.”

Ji Yecheng had a natural talent for martial arts. Master Lin, though highly skilled, was straightforward and often faced setbacks in the court. He met Ji Yecheng when he was still a prince, admired his talent, and began teaching him martial arts. This went on for over ten years, and only he dared to speak the truth and actually hurt Ji Yecheng.

For example, now, other instructors wouldn’t dare touch Ji Yecheng, but Master Lin did, though holding back.

Master Lin noticed something was wrong and immediately pointed it out seriously.

Ji Yecheng nodded calmly, expressionless, “Again.”

The physical pain helped him forget some of his heartache.

Master Lin frowned but took Ji Yecheng’s attack seriously, not holding back despite his distraction. Each move was powerful, making Ji Yecheng’s face change with pain, yet he gritted his teeth and continued.

After just half a day, he was covered in bruises.

The golden jade balm was used up, and the old physician came, applying the ointment and massaging him.

A new wave of soreness hit, and Ji Yecheng bit his lip to endure. When the massage was over, blood stained half the pillow from his lip.

The old physician, focused on his technique, was startled upon seeing this. His aged voice trembled, “Your Majesty, what are you doing! If it hurts, say so. I’ll be gentler!”

Ji Yecheng shook his head. “Continue, one more time.”

The physical pain helped him forget his emotional distress, the towering rage he felt when he heard the news and stormed out of the palace, and the immense bitterness when he suspected Yan Qing of betrayal.

When he later saw Yan Qing, he didn’t dare ask her, subconsciously convincing himself that she hadn’t betrayed him. She hadn’t!

The old physician hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Ji Yecheng narrowed his eyes. “Are you disobeying my orders?”

The old physician sighed and resumed his work. Instantly, the newly recovered Ji Yecheng’s face contorted again in pain, the veins on his neck bulging out, making him look quite ferocious.

…

Yan Qing returned directly to Lingyun Palace in her sedan chair.

Because she made a grand entrance when she came back, many people saw her entering from outside the palace. So, it became known that the Noble Consort had left the palace!

Almost immediately, a swarm of people came to visit.

They claimed to come to pay their respects to the Noble Consort.

But Yan Qing refused to see them all.

“Not seeing anyone,” she declared.

Zhu Yin firmly conveyed this message through Senior Maid Wan, so everyone had to leave reluctantly after sitting around for a bit, unable to get any information. Many still wanted to find fault with Yan Qing, but under the strict management of Senior Maid Wan and Senior Maid Qian, Lingyun Palace was impenetrable. No one could bribe anyone.

Seeing her days passing so peacefully, Yan Qing felt at ease while recovering.

Her hands had not fully healed. Although they might never return to peak condition, she still preferred not to rely on others for small tasks like dressing and wearing headpieces.

Ji Yecheng hadn’t come by for quite a while since returning to the palace. It wasn’t until half a month later, when he seemed fully calmed down and significantly thinner, that the Emperor finally appeared at Lingyun Palace.

Yan Qing was about to have a meal when she saw Ji Yecheng arrive. The palace attendants promptly brought over several more dishes.

Ji Yecheng unceremoniously took a seat, leaving one empty space between them.

Senior Maid Qian was setting the table on the other side.

Being closer to him, Yan Qing noticed that Ji Yecheng hadn’t just lost a bit of weight; he had lost a lot. His face was almost skeletal, his collarbones prominently visible under his robes.

He could fill out his clothes only due to the muscles on his body.

At that moment, Ji Yecheng carried a pervasive air of hostility, always present but not diminishing his appearance. Despite his weight loss, his masculine aura had become even more pronounced.

After observing him, Yan Qing glanced down at herself. Had she gained weight?

Since returning to the palace, the Imperial Kitchen’s skill in making medicinal meals had greatly improved. Various precious medicinal ingredients from the Emperor’s private storeroom were sent to her without limit, as long as they were beneficial for her health.

Additionally, Zhu Yin regularly helped her train, strengthening other parts of her body. Sweating made her hungry, and she ate more.

Consequently, her body gradually gained weight.

She felt puzzled but didn’t voice her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Ji Yecheng seemed quite calm during the meal. He occasionally used serving chopsticks to place food on her plate. If he used his own chopsticks, Yan Qing would immediately discard the food. But with serving chopsticks, she accepted the food without objection. There was no need to waste good food.

The tender fish soaked in sauce melted in her mouth, a delightful experience.

Ji Yecheng ate slowly, occasionally glancing at her. Seeing her eat with such pleasure, his gaze softened, and he couldn’t help but serve her more.

Clearly, her nature was gentle and too innocent. He wondered if she could handle the responsibilities…

Regardless of her capability, he wanted only her!

Thinking of the court officials’ opposition, Ji Yecheng’s gaze turned cold. Did they think they could make decisions for him just because he didn’t interfere?

…

The two ate in silence, only the sound of bowls and chopsticks clinking.

After the meal, Yan Qing patted her stomach and got up to take a walk.

Ji Yecheng also stood up and said seriously, “I will give you everything you want.”

His words were vague and unclear, leaving Yan Qing puzzled. “What?”

Ji Yecheng’s eyes darkened with displeasure, but he said in a deep voice, “The position of Empress.”

“No!” Yan Qing shook her head quickly. “I don’t want it.”

This time, Ji Yecheng’s eyes weren’t just dark but icy. He stepped forward and said, “Do you know what you’re saying?”

Yan Qing forced a smile and said hoarsely, “I know, but I really don’t want it. I can’t bear the position of Empress. Please, spare me.”

Ji Yecheng’s heart sank, and he angrily flung his sleeves, creating a cold breeze. “Even if you don’t want it, you have to take it!”

He turned and left swiftly, as if afraid someone might chase after him.

And wasn’t he afraid?

Ji Yecheng didn’t want to hear Yan Qing’s little mouth saying things he didn’t like anymore.

Everything had been fine during the meal!

Ji Yecheng clutched his chest, feeling the bitterness again, so intense that his handsome face showed a hint of confusion. Why was this happening?

Seeing this, Jiang Wende couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. “Your Majesty, how about taking a stroll in the Imperial Garden? The chrysanthemums are in full bloom, clustered together beautifully.”

Ji Yecheng, feeling stifled, nodded.

Jiang Wende immediately led the way.

…

Before they reached the Imperial Garden, they heard pleasant female voices inside, though a bit noisy.

The Emperor disliked noise!

Jiang Wende’s expression changed, and he quickly announced, “The Emperor has arrived!”

Instantly, all sounds in the Imperial Garden ceased. A few seconds later, a chorus of orderly greetings sounded, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Ji Yecheng glared coldly at Jiang Wende.

Jiang Wende smiled apologetically. “Your Majesty, let’s go in. The chrysanthemums’ fragrance is already coming this way.”

Ji Yecheng replied icily, “Punish yourself with twenty strokes later!”

Jiang Wende’s face twitched, and he nodded bitterly. “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.”

Ah, it was his own decision-making that caused this.

He had merely noticed the Emperor facing constant setbacks with the Noble Consort and thought the fresh faces in the harem, now hosting an event led by Consort Xian, might please him. Hence, he had made a suggestion.

The walk from Lingyun Palace to the Imperial Garden took about a quarter of an hour, although they were walking slowly.

But Ji Yecheng didn’t want to make the trip in vain, so after a moment of hesitation, he continued inside.

As they proceeded, palace maids, eunuchs, and concubines knelt or curtsied in greeting.

Except for specific situations, concubines didn’t need to kneel directly for higher-ranked individuals.

Without Ji Yecheng’s permission, no one dared to stand up. Even though they bowed their heads, their eyes roamed around.

Zhou He was among them.

Because of her standing position, she was at the side. Hearing the Emperor’s arrival, she posed gracefully, lowering her head just enough to see ahead, catching sight of a tall figure entering her view.

The imperial robe of the Great Qian Dynasty was primarily black, exuding a mystical and noble aura. Even seeing only half his body, her heart pounded wildly.

Zhou He’s father was a county governor, holding a high rank, which made her bold. Seeing only half of him, she couldn’t resist lifting her head slightly.

She happened to see the man walking past, his tall and firm yet thin figure reshaping her perception of men. When she was selected, Ji Yecheng hadn’t come due to his anger with Song Yu, so this was her first time seeing him.

Though she hadn’t seen his face, Zhou He felt as if she had fallen for him.

Many women peeked at the Emperor, but none dared to do anything.

Seeing so many elegant women unnoticed, Jiang Wende felt weary. Once the Emperor entered the garden, he quickly said, “Consort Xian, His Majesty dislikes noise. You know this.”

Consort Xian quickly nodded. “Don’t worry, Eunuch Jiang. I will keep them in line.”

Satisfied, Jiang Wende followed Ji Yecheng inside.

The garden became quiet, with only whispers.

The girls who had been cheerfully admiring the chrysanthemums now seemed distracted.

Consort Xian noticed and softly said, “It’s a pity you haven’t seen His Majesty since entering the palace. Fortunately, I organized this chrysanthemum banquet.”

“We must thank you, Consort,” Zhou He said with a smile. “It seems His Majesty rarely visits the harem.”

Consort Xian nodded but didn’t elaborate. Her maid, Shuang’er, chimed in, “You may not know, but His Majesty has a favorite. Except for the Noble Consort, he goes nowhere else. But the Noble Consort is the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter, so it makes sense.”

Zhou He frowned, unhappy. She bit her lip, her thoughts stirring.

The other women chimed in with their thoughts on the Emperor, but fearing they might go too far, Consort Xian would rebuke them, though they still managed to share many details in hushed tones.

…

The chrysanthemums were indeed beautiful, blooming everywhere. In October’s weather, the Imperial Garden was slightly cold. The cool breeze successfully calmed Ji Yecheng’s agitation. He said, “Ten strokes will suffice.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Jiang Wende was overjoyed, kneeling in gratitude.

Luckily, the punishment was reduced.

If it had been twenty strokes, he would need several days of rest, and others might take over his duties.

Jiang Wende had been thoughtful, even arranging for some wine to be placed here. The wine wasn’t strong but had a slight warmth, perfect for dispelling the autumn chill.

Ji Yecheng lay back in the rocking chair, looking relaxed and at ease.

At this moment, a charming voice called out, “Your Majesty, the chrysanthemums are in full bloom. May I invite you to enjoy them with me?”

Ji Yecheng’s brows immediately furrowed, and Jiang Wende’s face turned ashen. He glared at the woman, wondering why she couldn’t understand the situation.

He urged, “Leave quickly, do not disturb His Majesty!”

“You are just a eunuch. His Majesty hasn’t spoken!” Zhou He retorted, her coquettish voice rising. No one had ever spoken to her like this, not even in the palace. With her father’s position, both Consort Xian and Consort De spoke to her kindly.

“You… you…” Jiang Wende was at a loss for words, stuttering and looking back at the Emperor.

Fine, let the Emperor handle this.

Just in time to see Ji Yecheng slowly rise from the rocking chair.

His handsome face was fully revealed, paired with slightly intoxicated peach blossom eyes, causing Zhou He’s face to blush deeply. She shyly called out, “Your Majesty~~~”

Ji Yecheng’s frown deepened, and he coldly ordered, “Thirty strokes!”

Jiang Wende thought, as expected, mocking inwardly. Now you see the result of not listening to me.

He waved his hand.

The nearby eunuchs moved.

Zhou He, confused, struggled as she was held. “What are you doing? Let me go!”

“Cover her mouth!” Jiang Wende instructed.

“You… mmmph!!”

Silence fell as Zhou He was dragged away. Jiang Wende had just sighed in relief when Ji Yecheng said, “The one in charge, ten strokes!”

“…Yes.” For the first time, Jiang Wende saw the Emperor punish someone else and hesitated for a moment, but he quickly complied and took the people to carry out the orders.

Consort Xian was equally bewildered as she received ten strokes of the board.

…

“Empress Dowager, you must seek justice for me! I didn’t do anything!” Consort Xian lay on her bed, pulling on the Empress Dowager’s sleeve, crying incessantly.

Empress Dowager Jiang softened her expression and gently comforted, “Don’t worry, I will get justice for you.”

Consort Xian continued to sob.

Shuang’er, who was standing beside her with reddened eyes, said, “Empress Dowager, you might not know, but this time it wasn’t His Majesty’s fault, it was…”

“Shuang’er!” Consort Xian scolded.

The Empress Dowager frowned, “What is the situation? Explain clearly!”

Her stern voice made Shuang’er tremble and kneel on the ground, confessing everything, “His Majesty came out of the Noble Consort’s palace in a bad mood. When he arrived at the Imperial Garden, he still had a dark face. You must know, in the past, he would never have acted this way. Although Her Grace didn’t manage those beauties well, it’s because there were too many of them. One slipped away, and her Grace truly didn’t watch over her well!”

“Crash—” The Empress Dowager, hearing this, blackened her face and knocked over the tea on the bedside table, scolding, “Enchantress!”

Since she came to the harem, there had been so many issues!

Before, although Emperor Ji didn’t enter the harem often, he didn’t frequently beat people either. Now, the current Emperor Ji would give a beating to anyone who offended him. It didn’t matter if it was a palace maid or eunuch; their lives were cheap. But Zhou He was the only daughter of Governor Zhou. Now, with thirty strokes, if it weren’t for the skilled imperial physician, there would have been an accident long ago!

Previously, Ji Yecheng didn’t touch anyone, but now? Without comparison, there is no harm. The Empress Dowager had long been displeased with her.

However, the Emperor protected her tightly, and Emperor Ji’s temper had worsened. She had been reprimanded a few times and didn’t dare to come forward. She was angry but, after taking a few deep breaths and calming down, she didn’t say anything.

Consort Xian guessed it and secretly signaled Shuang’er.

Then Shuang’er said, “Empress Dowager, you may not know, but there is news from the previous court that His Majesty is instructing the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the Empress’s enthronement ceremony!”

“Really?” Empress Dowager Jiang’s expression turned extremely serious.

Shuang’er nodded earnestly and aggrievedly, “Of course, Her Grace’s older brother works in the Ministry of Rites. Although he’s just a minor official, he knows about it. However, there are still some opponents, and the Ministry has not officially started. If it really happens, the harem…”

She didn’t finish, but it was obvious. Now, even a Noble Consort was so arrogant, ruling the harem. If she became the official wife of Emperor Ji, her dominance would be more justified. Even the court officials would not object to her sole favor, as long as she bore a prince.

The Empress Dowager quickly understood her meaning. Following this thought, a sense of fear emerged. Now, the harem was managed by her, holding the Phoenix Seal. If Yan Qing became the Empress, the Phoenix Seal would inevitably leave her hands. Being just the Empress Dowager, without being the Emperor’s birth mother, what status could she have in the harem?

Originally planning to wait and see or watch from the sidelines, the Empress Dowager took a deep breath, her eyes turned completely cold, and she comforted, “Don’t worry, I will make her understand her mistakes.”

Consort Xian wiped her tears, “Thank you, Empress Dowager!”

****

In just three days, a wave of rumors swept through Chang’an.

“I heard the only daughter of Governor Zhou was beaten nearly to death in the harem because she displeased the Noble Consort.”

“This Noble Consort is really powerful. Now, both the court and the harem fear her!”

“I heard she is the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister, that’s why she is so powerful!”

“That’s impossible; she must have bewitched His Majesty. The Prime Minister is a good man!”

“And, I also know…”

People only cared about whether the story was sensational, not the truth.

In this era of oral transmission, the rumors grew increasingly exaggerated. One person might start the story, but as the rumors spread farther and more, it seemed like everything could be blamed on this Noble Consort.

With all the previous incidents—like monopolizing the Emperor’s favor, sneaking out of the palace after entering—it all became evidence of Yan Qing’s wrongdoing. With these seemingly concrete evidences, other matters became irrelevant. Yan Qing, the Noble Consort, completely lost the people’s goodwill.

Censors used these reasons to submit memorials, demanding the removal of the enchantress from the palace.

Originally, they intended to kill her, but the Prime Minister’s power was at its peak, and they feared Yan Qing’s father’s temporary retaliation, so they withheld some accusations.

The Prime Minister was also furious, but his anger was less than the censors imagined.

He disliked his naive daughter entering the palace and being bullied. Seeing Emperor Ji, he knew long ago that he was not a good match. This man was cold and heartless, and this sole favor was suspicious.

Especially after his daughter entered the palace, she quickly became thin, confirming his suspicions. If she could indeed leave, he would thank them. Therefore, he also quietly added fuel to the fire.

…

At the morning court.

Even though Emperor Ji suppressed the memorials, he couldn’t control the ministers’ mouths.

The censors, not wanting to suffer on minor matters, were not afraid to speak out on such important national issues.

There were many ministers who genuinely cared for the country. An enchantress had to be removed; otherwise, the country would be doomed.

This time, the ministers were extremely united, especially recalling that the Emperor seemed to be preparing for the Empress’s enthronement ceremony two days ago. How could this be allowed?

So, when Jiang Wende called out, “If you have something to present, do so; if not, court is dismissed.”

The usual two-minute court session turned into two hours.

“Your Majesty, I have a memorial!” An official with a goatee stepped forward and said loudly, “Now, the enchantress is causing chaos in the harem…”

Ji Yecheng listened and said in a deep voice, “Zhou He was beaten because I ordered it, and the favor is mine to give. She never asked for it!”

Taking responsibility for his actions, Ji Yecheng never believed that Yan Qing had hindered him. In fact, without Yan Qing, he might have been even more reckless. It was because of her presence that he restrained himself. Since Yan Qing entered the palace, hadn’t they noticed? There had been fewer deaths.

Unless someone caught him in a particularly bad mood, how could anyone live so freely? Before this, even the Prime Minister had fallen ill due to his torment.

However, the ministers didn’t see it that way. Some were too pedantic and believed it was the woman’s fault. They didn’t let women participate in politics, yet they blamed a broken court on women.

They stubbornly argued, “If it weren’t for the Noble Consort, how could things have escalated like this? The Noble Consort herself is not wrong, but her existence is a mistake!”

“Oh, really?” Ji Yecheng sneered coldly. “I think your existence is a mistake! Guards, drag him out and beat him until I’m satisfied!”

“Your Majesty, you have been bewitched by the enchantress! The ancestors did not deceive us, enchantresses ruin nations!” Another minister stepped forward.

Soon, the entire court, except for a few who habitually remained neutral, knelt down, including the Prime Minister.

Seeing the Prime Minister kneel, the ministers were shocked, “??!!”

Had the Prime Minister gone mad?

Ji Yecheng noticed Prime Minister Yan and his eyelid twitched, he roared, “Alright, since you all want to force me like this, then stay kneeling!”

This was not the first time he had tormented these ministers. When he ascended the throne and they deemed him tyrannical, the scene was similar.

Ji Yecheng found it amusing, glanced at them indifferently, and left with a flick of his sleeves.

If Ji Yecheng could be threatened, he wouldn’t have become the emperor in the first place!

…

The eunuchs didn’t dare to lay a hand on these ministers, so they knelt there, refusing to leave.

Some ministers even wanted to crash into a pillar to prove their resolve, but Prime Minister stopped them.

Protesting was one thing, but if someone died, it would be blamed on his daughter, and he didn’t want to see that happen.

As the Prime Minister, he had done many good deeds, so people still listened to him.

Thus, a familiar scene appeared in the court. The imperial physicians stood by with their supplies, ready to treat anyone who couldn’t hold on, making it impossible for the ministers to even collapse.

While they suffered bitterly, Ji Yecheng stormed back to the harem, heading straight for Lingyun Palace.

Inside Lingyun Palace.

Yan Qing was listening to a young palace maid tell a story. The girl’s sweet and charming voice was soothing, and Yan Qing, with her hands on her belly, was dozing off.

Senior Maid Qian stood at the door, looking worried.

She asked Zhu Yin, who was guarding with her, “Aren’t you worried? The entire court and harem are talking about it.”

Zhu Yin shook her head, “As long as the Her Higness’s life is safe, that’s all that matters.”

With the Prime Minister around, unless it was a rebellion, the Prime Minister would not let Yan Qing get hurt.

She was confident in this.

Of course, she didn’t know that her lady indeed wanted to rebel.

Yan Qing was very calm. Let them cause trouble. Since they hadn’t said they wanted to kill her, only to drive her out, that was fine. Once out, she could study the Four Books and Five Classics thoroughly and become a woman who did not let men overshadow her, assisting the new emperor!

With a bang, Ji Yecheng kicked open the door and strode in.

The young palace maid was so frightened that she stopped speaking immediately.

“Leave,” Yan Qing waved her hand.

The young palace maid, as if granted amnesty, ran out quickly, forgetting even to salute the emperor.

Ji Yecheng didn’t notice her at all. His gaze was fixed on Yan Qing, her flawless white face showing no trace of worry or resentment. His throat felt choked, and his voice became hoarse.

Yan Qing stood up and straightened her clothes before asking, “Is there something you need?”

Was he here for the enchantress issue?

This scene looked like something out of a drama, where the infamous Noble Consort Yang was assassinated.

Had the situation outside changed?

Was her Prime Minister father no longer useful?

Was she going to be killed?

Several questions flashed through her mind, making her heart race with anxiety.

Yan Qing touched her neck. The shadow of past experiences lingered, and she feared the pain before death. She didn’t want to die. She bit her lip and looked at him with a plea in her eyes, “Don’t kill me. I don’t want to die now.”

Ji Yecheng’s mind buzzed, feeling as if his heart had been struck by a hammer. His voice, firm yet hoarse, was even more rasping than Yan Qing’s injured throat, “I won’t kill you! Never! You will live well!”

Yan Qing’s eyes brightened immediately. As long as she wouldn’t die, she smiled, “Great, then when will you send me out of the palace?”

Hearing her hoarse voice, Ji Yecheng suddenly felt that his earlier emotional turmoil had been in vain. The emotions he had felt turned into sharp swords, stabbing into his heart, causing intense pain. Yet his heart continued to beat strongly, each beat bringing a deeper pain.

So, all that he had done meant nothing to this woman. She only thought of escaping him!

Was it for Song Yu?

Ji Yecheng wasn’t sure, but a gut feeling told him it was. This woman only loved Song Yu. In the face of life and death, only Song Yu could reignite her will to live.

Now, did she see a chance to be with him again?

But it wasn’t going to happen!

Ji Yecheng leaned closer to her ear, lowering his voice to a soul-stirring growl, gritting out each word, “No, you can’t leave! You are mine, always mine.” He leaned even closer, his hot breath almost burning her ear. His face, darkened with rage, exuded a violent aura, and his raspy voice carried a sinister tone, “As long as I live, you won’t die. When I die, you will definitely die with me!”