Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 22

Yan Qing’s mind went blank for a moment. She couldn’t remember, but after a while, she recalled.

Ji Yechen kept a cold face the entire time, waiting for her to speak.

Yan Qing said, “Look at this, it’s such a waste. Obviously, the priority is not to waste anything. You need to issue an edict. For these greeting memorials, they should be sent along with other memorials. They can’t be sent individually. For those who like to greet, let them write an 800-character memorial. This way, we won’t waste paper, and…”

Once Yan Qing remembered, she quickly blurted out her thoughts. She then slapped the table and asked, “How is this method?”

This also reduced the time the emperor spent reviewing memorials, greatly increasing efficiency.

Ji Yechen thought briefly and nodded. “Very good.”

Encouraged, Yan Qing immediately continued, “Also, these memorials need to be categorized. Come, let me see the ones on your desk.”

Ji Yechen was stunned. The memorials that could be reviewed by an emperor who was not a puppet were not just simple greetings. Could she just look at them casually? Besides, as a consort, she should automatically avoid suspicion.

He couldn’t understand. He glanced at her sideways and saw this woman sitting properly, waiting for his action, with a very natural demeanor.

Seeing that he didn’t move, the woman frowned. “Hurry up! Or you can go over, and let someone else come!”

“…”

Ji Yechen’s brows furrowed slightly. Still, he obediently moved the memorials over, even stopping Jiang Wende from helping. With a tense face, he handed the memorials over and was about to ask her what she wanted to do.

Just then, the delicate, fair hand of the woman waved. “Alright, you can sit back now. Go draft the edict and implement what I just mentioned.”

Seeing her so enthusiastic, a dark light flashed in Ji Yechen’s eyes, and he complied.

The entire time, Jiang Wende watched in shock. “!!!” This is outrageous!

The Noble Consort is involving herself in politics!

Big trouble is brewing!

However, on the surface, Jiang Wende maintained a blank expression, not daring to reveal anything, though his eyes showed a trace of despair. He felt he might not live long.

Yet, the people involved: one reading the memorials and one watching, both looked natural as if nothing was wrong.

The room was quiet, except for the continuous sound of Yan Qing flipping through the memorials.

Later, Ji Yechen assisted, helping to flip open the memorials placed by her side.

Yan Qing accepted this naturally and continued reading many memorials. The memorials in front of her were sorted into several piles, a total of more than a hundred. She said, “Look, from now on, the memorials should be submitted like this: civil matters here, political affairs there, and also this…”

In her past life, Yan Qing had studied science. Although her grades were not top-notch, they were decent. She had a habit of doing things methodically. Seeing the memorials all mixed up, she couldn’t stand it. After sorting them out, she said, “From now on, let them sort the memorials themselves first according to this method. It will make reviewing them much easier.”

Ji Yechen accepted this easily but thought for a moment. “It will be difficult to implement this.”

“People will do anything for money and food. Just offer some rewards, and for those who don’t comply, give some penalties.” Yan Qing didn’t think it would be difficult to implement. Human potential is limitless, especially for such a simple categorization. Any adult who can recognize some words should understand.

She spoke casually, then glanced at him.

His forehead, already treated with medicine, looked swollen and red, but his expression was much calmer. It seemed he wasn’t in pain anymore. Yan Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing her expression, Ji Yechen felt a bit of warmth in his heart. She wasn’t completely heartless. Thinking this, his voice softened a bit. “Alright, I’ll do as you said.”

Yan Qing nodded with satisfaction but then added, “If you really implement this, you must mention my name and let others know that it was my idea!”

“Consorts should not involve themselves in politics,” Ji Yechen frowned. It wasn’t about taking her credit, but a consort meddling in state affairs would surely be attacked by the court officials, causing her trouble. Especially now, the rumors about Yan Qing being a wicked consort had not completely died down.

Yan Qing didn’t care, glaring at him. “No! If I did it, my name must be mentioned! If you can’t even do that, why should I stay in the palace? A useless emperor!”

“Shut up!” Ji Yechen snapped, exuding a cold aura. His gaze towards Yan Qing was fierce. Who gave her the courage to offend him like this?

However, Yan Qing wasn’t afraid. She sneered, “I won’t shut up!”

Ji Yechen’s face slowly darkened. The large hand on his knee twitched, feeling a long-lost urge to strangle the increasingly unruly woman in front of him.

But just as this thought arose, he felt a pang in his heart. The image of her near-death figure flashed in his mind, stifling his anger. He realized he couldn’t harm her anymore and had to endure it. But thinking about the court officials’ opposition if this matter was made public, he began to feel a headache.

Yet, the person in front of him was stubborn, as if she wouldn’t move her gaze until he relented.

Ji Yechen and her eyes locked. Her watery eyes were wide open, full of stubbornness. Finally, he compromised. “Alright.”

Her suggestion was quite feasible, but a bit idealistic in some places. It needed some discussion. Thinking this, his headache intensified. He didn’t like doing these things. Although the current state of the country was not perfect, it could still operate normally.

But this was Yan Qing’s suggestion.

Ji Yechen, with a cold face, took a deep breath, picked up pen and paper, and began writing down what she had just said.

Yan Qing glanced at him and was satisfied with his compromise. As for her suggestions being published exactly as they were in ancient times, that was impossible unless Ji Yechen really lost his mind.

However, the court officials wouldn’t care about whether the suggestions were good or bad. As long as they knew Yan Qing was reviewing the memorials, they would definitely be furious!

She smiled slightly, picked up a memorial by her side, and said softly, “Grind the ink.”

“Yes.” A young palace maid nodded, kneeling by her side to serve.

Holding a smooth, small brush, Yan Qing dipped it in vermilion and began to review the memorials, openly announcing to everyone that it was no longer Ji Yechen reviewing them.

Ji Yechen, who was summarizing her suggestions, paused and glanced at her actions. His hand paused, and Jiang Wende, who was always watching him, felt a pang of fear.

Was he going to question the Noble Consort?

The next second, Ji Yechen said, “Your hand is not fully healed. Let your maid write for you.”

“Shut up, don’t disturb me!” A hoarse reprimand came from her slightly parted lips.

Ji Yechen pursed his lips, suppressing his anger, and really shut his mouth.

The study fell completely silent.

Jiang Wende held his aching face, full of despair.

*****

After that day, the officials in Chang’an immediately noticed that the handwriting on the memorials had changed.

Minister of Revenue, Ran Youfeng, one of the most vehement opponents of the Noble Consort, especially since he had some early friction with Prime Minister Yan, which had not yet been resolved, was among those who noticed.

When he received a corrected memorial, his eyes paused, returning to the delicate red handwriting repeatedly.

The change in handwriting was normal. After all, everyone knew the emperor was lazy and often found someone to write for him. There was also Fu Rong, who helped review the memorials.

These things were open secrets.

But these people were all men.

Yet, the red handwriting on this memorial, although showing some boldness in the strokes, was generally delicate.

Anyone with some understanding of calligraphy could see it was most likely written by a woman!

So, this memorial was reviewed by a woman! A woman from the harem!

Ran Youfeng’s face turned pale with anger. He said to his steward, “Go invite Minister Zhang, Minister Xu… all of them.”

The steward was about to leave when Ran Youfeng added, “Tell them to bring the memorials issued today.”

“Yes.”

…

At the Yan Residence.

Prime Minister Yan looked at the memorial in his hand, his expression extremely strange.

He sat alone in the study, feeling quite safe.

As time passed, his face darkened. He then stood up, took a book from the shelf, and opened it. Inside was a letter.

He took out the letter, and the elegant handwriting matched the writing on the memorial perfectly, especially the identical characters, as if they were written from the same mold.

Prime Minister Yan’s face changed completely. He rubbed his temples, feeling his daughters were all born to repay debts.

His eldest daughter lost her mother early. He raised her with care, planning to marry her to a suitable man, but due to his own pride and reluctance, he delayed, resulting in her being taken into the palace by the emperor. Recently, she was even called a wicked consort. If his daughter could bring ruin to the country, the first person she’d harm would be the emperor!

He felt wronged for his daughter. However, shortly after this matter passed, another issue arose. Was she being threatened?

How dare she review memorials?

Prime Minister Yan, with a stern face, quickly wrote a letter, packaged it, and called for Uncle Zhou. “Send this to the palace.”

“Yes.” Uncle Zhou took the letter and left.

Prime Minister Yan’s face remained grim for a long time.

Poor daughter of his!

Thinking of this, he also thought of his second daughter, feeling even more troubled. Recently, his second daughter returned home in low spirits. Just when he planned to relax and find a suitable match for her, she ran away again.

Prime Minister Yan thought she went out to relax, but she sneaked out again one night. By the next day, she was nowhere to be found.

This incident made him ill for several days. He didn’t tell Yan Qing about it. There was no need to trouble her with family matters while she struggled in the palace.

…

At Ran Youfeng’s residence, he gathered several colleagues, each holding their memorials.

Ran Youfeng asked, “Did you notice anything?”

Some nodded, some shook their heads. In the hall, ten middle-aged men, with varying expressions but all with round bellies, sat.

One man said, “The red handwriting is different.”

“I noticed too, but I couldn’t believe it. The emperor wouldn’t be so foolish, would he?”

“Who knows!”

Others, hearing their discussion, lowered their heads and examined the handwriting. “Mine looks the same as before.”

“Mine is different. The tone has changed.”

“The memorials are being reviewed by a woman!” Ran Youfeng said sternly.

He slapped the table, causing the teacups to clatter. The others were shocked and serious. “Minister Ran, what should we do?”

Ran Youfeng glanced at them. “Can’t you tell who it is?”

They murmured, not daring to speak.

Ran Youfeng sneered. He wasn’t afraid of Prime Minister Yan. “This must be the Noble Consort’s handwriting!”

“If the Noble Consort dares to meddle in state affairs, it’s definitely with the emperor’s indulgence. Truly a wicked consort. Denied before, now proven. Despite the emperor’s efforts to clear her name, she is insatiable. Ridiculous! A woman daring to involve herself in politics!”

No one else spoke, as they were all inferior to Ran Youfeng.

At this moment, each of them, head lowered, looked complicated and shocked.

Ran Youfeng was unrelenting. “I will not allow this to happen. What do you think, gentlemen?”

“I agree with the minister.”

“The minister acts for the country and people; I stand with him.”

“…”

Ran Youfeng nodded with satisfaction. “We’ll wait and see. If it’s just this once, we’ll tolerate it for the emperor’s sake. But if it continues, I’ll make sure she regrets it! Women have no place in the court, especially not from the harem. Prime Minister Yan truly raised a good daughter!”

*****

Many noticed, but Yan Qing never hid her handwriting.

But no one dared to speak. It was only the first day, and everyone remained silent.

That evening, Yan Qing received a letter from Prime Minister Yan, filled with questions about her actions but no blame.

Yan Qing didn’t dare to reply, pretending she hadn’t seen it, hiding it in a book.

The next day, after the morning court session, she went straight to the Taji Palace again.

Taji Palace always had its doors open for her, and no one dared to stop her.

Fu Rong was still inside this time.

Seeing Yan Qing again, Fu Rong was puzzled.

Discussing the suggestions Yan Qing made yesterday, Ji Yechen instinctively stopped and looked at her. “Are you here to review memorials again today?”

“Of course!” Yan Qing was quite interested. Seeing her seat taken, she was unceremonious. “Bring me a desk.”

Fu Rong respectfully stood up and saluted, his eyes hiding surprise, quickly thinking of something.

Today, he found yesterday’s memorials already reviewed. It couldn’t have been the emperor. He didn’t dare to ask, being pulled into discussing memorial reforms, leaving him dizzy.

For two days, with many questions unanswered, he even wondered if the emperor had been replaced.

But now, he seemed to understand something.

Yesterday’s remaining memorials were handled by the Noble Consort?

Good heavens!

He felt he had discovered something monumental!

“Yes.” With Ji Yechen’s nod, Jiang Wende went to get a desk.

Ji Yechen stood up. “Sit here.”

Yan Qing smiled and stepped forward but paused, suspiciously looking at him. “And you?”

He wasn’t planning to sit with her, was he?

That was impossible!

Her disdain was obvious, and Ji Yechen’s mood, just improving, darkened again. This woman could always affect his heart, with a simple sentence, instantly dampening his spirits. His voice turned cold. “I’ll sit beside you.”

“… Fine.” Yan Qing reluctantly agreed, recalling how he assisted her yesterday.

Ji Yechen’s handsome face was gloomy, looking away. He didn’t dare to look at her anymore, fearing he might lose control and bite her.

Preferably on her neck!

But it was just a thought. When Jiang Wende brought a new stool, he sat beside her, helping organize the memorials like before.

Yan Qing quickly adapted to his cooperation. Ji Yechen, when not acting up, was quite quiet, saying little. She didn’t like noise either.

As soon as she sat down, she noticed the difference in the chair.

It was padded with many cushions, soft and comfortable, with support for her lower back. Yan Qing couldn’t help but sigh. Ji Yechen knew how to enjoy life!

However, she turned and saw someone suspiciously glancing at her. She raised an eyebrow. “Get to work.”

“Yes!” Fu Rong quickly lowered his head, working.

Today, Ji Yechen had already ordered the memorials to be sorted. Morning and evening greetings were handled by Fu Rong. Only those with some significance were dealt with. The rest were discarded.

Yan Qing was right. It was unnecessary to waste time and effort on such memorials.

…

Yan Qing focused on more important memorials, but they were full of long-winded nonsense, making her increasingly impatient. Her brows furrowed from slightly to deeply.

Unable to finish a new memorial, Yan Qing tossed it on the table.

The crisp sound drew everyone’s attention.

Ji Yechen: “Not happy?”

He took the memorial and glanced at it. It seemed normal.

Yan Qing said, “The content in this could be summarized in three sentences: requesting tax relief for Jiangyuan due to poor harvests. But he used so many words, giving me a headache.”

Ji Yechen wanted to laugh. Her serious face, coupled with her chubby cheeks, ruined the severity. However, her big eyes were still angry.

He tightened his face, already stern, becoming even more rigid. His dark eyes looked at her. “What should we do then?”

Yan Qing said, “The rule I mentioned yesterday hasn’t been implemented yet, right? Add another point: memorials can only contain three points: what to do, why, and some remarks. Extra embellishments aren’t needed. If anyone dares to be verbose, let them write more essays for scholars to review.”

Ji Yechen nodded obediently, taking out the paper from yesterday and making additional notes.

Fu Rong whispered, “Noble Consort, some officials use memorials to showcase their literary talent, hoping to be noticed by the emperor and promoted.”

Yan Qing asked, “As a parent official, do you need literary talent or practical skills?”

Fu Rong: “… Practical skills.”

“Exactly. If they want to showcase talent, they can become scholars. As officials, they need the ability to govern. Literary talent is just a bonus.” Yan Qing said, continuing to read.

She truly believed that literary talent was an art form. But for officials, the focus should be on a commitment to the people and enough skill to navigate the bureaucracy.

Fu Rong’s eyes showed deep thought, staring at Yan Qing.

Until a cold gaze fell upon him. Startled, he saw the emperor looking at him with a warning. He quickly lowered his head, continuing the tedious task of reviewing greetings.

Fu Rong wrote: [Your Majesty, are you well?]

Ji Yechen replied: [I am well.]

Boring. The Noble Consort was right. Such memorials were useless. Essays showing off literary talent were also a waste of time.

…

As the study fell silent again, Yan Qing suddenly asked, “Has the imperial exam ended?”

She hadn’t paid attention before, now seeing a request to appoint this year’s top scorers, she remembered.

In her past life, the top scorer Jia Heng, who was used by Yan Yin to frame her, was in this batch.

Jia Heng was Prime Minister Yan’s student, but no one knew. Jia Heng wasn’t penniless. His family had a scholarly background but fell on hard times. Prime Minister Yan noticed him and took him as a student, planning to announce it after his success.

Now wasn’t the time to announce it.

But she had met Jia Heng a few times. He probably admired her but felt inferior due to his status and knew of Song Yu’s existence, never expressing his feelings.

“Here it is.” Yan Qing asked casually, and Ji Yechen immediately handed her the list of the top scorers.

Yan Qing glanced at it, seeing Jia Heng at the top. She thought for a moment and said, “Didn’t you say Beihuang needs a governor? Appoint him.”

Fu Rong, his head lowered, almost couldn’t continue writing. He wished he could disappear.

Incredible.

The Noble Consort was truly bold, directly instructing the emperor on an official appointment.

Ji Yechen didn’t know what she was up to, but seeing her certainty, he felt frustrated, trying to speak calmly. “He’s not qualified yet. He should spend a few years in the Hanlin Academy to gain experience.”

Ji Yechen felt he could teach her about court affairs.

She was truly reckless, thinking officials could be appointed so easily?

Although he could indeed do it, considering practical matters, it was troublesome.

But Yan Qing didn’t care. She slapped the table, startling everyone, her brows furrowed in pain. She gritted her teeth. “I said he’s qualified. Will you issue the edict?”

Fu Rong turned pale, thinking it was over. The emperor never tolerated anyone bossing him around, let alone this recklessly.

Unexpectedly, Ji Yechen softened his tone first. “Alright, issue the edict.”

Fu Rong: “???”

Was the emperor replaced?

Ji Yechen was angry but seeing her red hand, remembering how she almost died, his anger dissipated. He realized he couldn’t bear to harm her anymore.

Ji Yechen handed her a handkerchief, his voice unusually gentle. “Don’t cry anymore. I’ll do as you say.”

Yan Qing, angry, took the handkerchief and wiped her tears. “I wasn’t crying!”

“Hmm, not crying. Alright, continue. What else do you want? I’ll issue the edict.” Ji Yechen’s voice was unexpectedly good-natured, even showing some tenderness.

Yan Qing blinked, feeling his gaze like a burn, looked away, grabbed a memorial, and threw it at him. “Stop staring, do your work!”

Usually, Ji Yechen would be upset, but now, even with a slap to the face, he wasn’t angry. He obediently stopped looking.

The emperor and consort’s actions were obvious, and even without looking up, Fu Rong understood. Throughout, he was in a daze, realizing the Noble Consort was indeed formidable.

And Yan Qing, surprised by her own tears, found everything unexpectedly smooth.

With a tearful act, Ji Yechen seemed to accept everything calmly, even the unreasonable.

She sneaked a glance at Ji Yechen, seeing his slightly smiling lips, not the usual tight line. His stern face softened considerably.

Yan Qing felt uneasy. “You agreed without thinking?”

“I said I’d do as you wish,” Ji Yechen replied calmly.

A modern joke came to her mind: When is a man most charming? When he swipes his card for you.

Yan Qing felt Ji Yechen’s current behavior was like him swiping a card for her. Anything she wanted, he fulfilled it.

She swallowed, but remembering her plan, she steadied her heart, motivated again, and continued reviewing the memorials.

****

That day, multiple edicts issued from the Taiji Palace, leaving many dizzy.

The first edict: Top scorer Jia Heng appointed as governor of Beihuang, effective immediately.

The second edict: Third-place Wen Zhao assigned to the Hanlin Academy, the lowest position, almost a career dead-end, or a sign of having offended someone.

Yan Qing did this simply. From the original memories, Wen Zhao was the one who helped frame her by drugging her.

There were other edicts, equally shocking and seemingly random. Many felt sympathy for the top scorers, one sent to a struggling region, another’s career halted. The others followed suit.

Amidst the chaos, the emperor declared: These edicts were issued by the Noble Consort.

The court officials: “A wicked consort!”

“Emperor, wake up!”

“We failed the late emperor!”

“…”

Prime Minister Yan: “…” Whatever. He’s old. Let his daughter do as she pleases. He’ll just keep his head down and be ready to support her if she falls.

The court officials fiercely opposed, arguing endlessly against a consort’s involvement in state affairs, led by Minister Ran.

But before the emperor, their protests were ignored.

No matter how the officials clamored, Ji Yechen had one response: “Don’t say things I don’t like to hear.”

The furious officials turned red with anger, but couldn’t change the emperor’s mind.

The emperor even threatened: “Keep this up, and I’ll give the Noble Consort a place to oversee court affairs!”

The officials: “!!!”

What else could they say?

They dared not oppose too strongly, resorting to daily memorials and pleas, but to no avail.

Yan Qing, meanwhile, reported daily to the Taiji Palace’s study.

With her desired reforms issued, the once messy memorials became simple and clear. Greeting memorials disappeared, and anyone attempting to show off was made to submit ten essays.

Ten essays were no small task, with a set deadline. After a few instances, no one dared anymore.

Soon, the memorials adopted a simplified style throughout the empire.

However, rumors of a wicked consort resurfaced. Ji Yechen, planning to make Yan Qing empress, had to pause his plans, letting her meddle with court affairs, earning the title of a foolish emperor.

Yan Qing didn’t care, continuing her audacious acts, targeting the officials. While she didn’t mess with major affairs, many of her regulations affected the nobility and wealthy, often in opposition to their interests.

For example, banning monopolies and price gouging, reforming the Ministry of Revenue’s accounting system for transparency, revealing significant embezzlement.

This caused another upheaval.

Affected parties didn’t care if the policies were good or bad, as long as they were unfavorable to them. To make matters worse, the policies came from a woman, Yan Qing, a consort!

Soon, the Noble Consort became a hated figure among certain circles, a thorn to be removed.

Yet she showed no restraint, continuing her strategic battles, seemingly intent on disrupting their interests.

Time flew by, and the New Year arrived.

On New Year’s Eve, a banquet was held in the palace, attended by officials, nobility, and their families. It was a national celebration.

On this night, everyone set aside their differences for the sake of harmony.

Even towards Yan Qing, they were polite.

After the banquet, before nightfall, the event ended.

The palace staff began cleaning up.

Yan Qing returned to her quarters, exhausted from the day’s events. She took a bath, warming her body, had her maid apply skincare ointments, and dressed in her nightwear, ready for bed.

Just then, the voice of an attendant announced outside, “His Majesty is here.”

Yan Qing jolted, looking at her red cotton nightwear, loose and exposing her collarbone and some skin. She quickly said, “Bring me my outer garment.”

Senior Maid Qian complied, barely getting her dressed when the familiar black figure appeared at the door.

He seemed disinterested today. Yan Qing noticed this at the banquet. Now, away from the crowd, his tall, solitary figure exuded loneliness.

His sharp eyes fixed on her, not straying from her eyes. His thin lips parted, voice hoarse. “Stay with me tonight.”