Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 24

Yan Yin said, “Marry me?”

Song Yu’s expression changed drastically. Despite his severe injuries, he immediately tr ied to sit up, stammering, “Second Miss Yan, please don’t joke. I… I…”

His words were intermittent, his lips growing paler.

Yan Yin interrupted him, her tone more casual, “If not you, then I can marry your brother.”

Song Yu gave a bitter smile, “I can’t decide that.”

Yan Yin shrugged, “Once you’re better, you can ask him. I heard the Song family has strict rules. If the wife can bear children, there won’t be any concubines. That’s what I value. What’s wrong with that?”

“…I’ll ask.” As soon as Song Yu finished speaking, his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

When he lost consciousness, the curiosity and interest on Yan Yin’s face vanished, leaving only a blank expression.

After being away from Chang’an and the Yan family for so long, she realized how difficult life was for women in ancient times. Before, Yan Yin was confident she could live well on her own with her special abilities. But now, she was genuinely afraid.

The journey here had been fraught with danger. Once people discovered she was a woman, the malicious intentions she encountered were countless. Yan Yin had to grit her teeth to make it this far.

What she had just said in passing reminded her that given her current reputation, even with Prime Minister Yan’s support, she couldn’t marry into a family of equal status. Even if she did manage to marry, the concept of multiple wives and concubines in ancient times meant her future husband might despise her because of her reputation.

Yan Yin didn’t want that to happen. Unable to find a sufficiently excellent man, she decided to marry into the Song family.

She had saved Song Yu twice. The Song family valued Song Yu highly, and as the future head of the Song family, he wouldn’t dare to take concubines out of gratitude for her life-saving deeds.

Although she preferred to marry Song Yu, it was clear he reserved that place for Yan Qing. If that was the case, she wasn’t desperate for this man.

As someone from the future, she had enough pride not to chase after someone who didn’t love her.

Yan Yin quickly made up her mind, suppressing her feelings for Song Yu. She closed her eyes to compose herself, and a handful of clear water appeared in her palm.

She poured the water into her water pouch and then fed it to Song Yu.

With this, as long as he wasn’t brain dead, he would recover.

After doing this, Yan Yin returned to the fire, watching the orange flames with a bitter smile.

****

Soon, Chang’an welcomed another celebration—Emperor Ji’s birthday.

Emperor Ji ascended the throne at the age of twenty-one.

His birthday celebration, aside from the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, was one of the rare grand festivals. Naturally, it had to be celebrated lavishly.

Unlike the Spring Festival, this event included civil and military officials and only the harem concubines. It was held in the Throne Hall, a rare opportunity for the concubines to enter this prestigious place.

For the past few days, the palace had been decorated with lanterns and streamers. On the actual birthday, the entire palace was filled with a festive atmosphere.

Yan Qing was woken up early from her bed, feeling irritated and not wanting to go.

However, as soon as she mentioned not wanting to go, a large group of people, inside and outside the palace, knelt in fear, constantly kowtowing and begging for forgiveness.

Yan Qing had no choice but to get up with a dark face and get dressed.

Just as she finished washing up, she heard commotion outside, followed by an announcement as Ji Yecheng entered.

He was wearing a rare touch of red, a gold and red belt shining on his black dragon robe.

His handsome, mischievous face was filled with joy and anticipation. Seeing Yan Qing, he smiled and said, “Noble Consort, today is my birthday.”

“I know.” Seeing him refer to himself as “I” in the imperial manner, Yan Qing also used “this consort” in response.

The people nearby were often embarrassed when they heard her using this title. After all, her position was granted by the emperor, and it was amusing to hear her refer to herself so formally in front of him.

Yan Qing didn’t care about these details. She responded briefly, then frowned and said, “Don’t block the doorway.”

Ji Yecheng, unhappy, frowned at her. “Where’s my birthday gift?”

“I don’t have one.” Yan Qing’s firm response successfully silenced Senior Maid Qian.

Senior Maid Qian opened her mouth to speak but, seeing the emperor’s displeased expression, held back.

They had reminded the Noble Consort about the emperor’s birthday, but she had shown no interest and made no preparations. The maids had prepared some items, but they seemed too insignificant for the emperor.

Hoping the Noble Consort would act herself, they still had nothing substantial by the time the birthday arrived.

Ji Yecheng’s face turned pale with anger at her response. He glared at her and said, “Woman, you’re getting too bold! Just because I pamper you, you think you can…”

Recently, Yan Qing had indeed been acting more arrogantly. Ever since the incident on New Year’s Eve, she had been more temperamental, throwing things whenever she was unhappy, and always at him.

No matter how many eunuchs and maids were around, she only targeted him. His forehead, face, and other parts of his body were covered in scars from her throws.

The leftover gold ointment was now used up early, and he had to use ordinary ointments.

He had indeed given her too much freedom. Now, the grievances accumulated, especially since she didn’t prepare a birthday gift for him, felt too much.

Ji Yecheng wanted to say something harsh, but he realized he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He was speechless for a moment.

Yan Qing sneered at him. When he finally stopped talking, she said, “Kill me if you want. If not, move aside.”

Enraged, Ji Yecheng grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back.

“Let go!” Yan Qing shouted, kicking at him.

Having suffered many times, Ji Yecheng instinctively blocked with his knee, moving behind her. Seeing the exposed delicate neck, he coldly smiled, “Since you won’t give me a gift, I’ll take one myself!”

Yan Qing felt a sense of danger and quickly kicked backward.

“Ugh!” Ji Yecheng, unprepared, was hit in a sensitive area. His face turned white with pain, cold sweat breaking out.

He could only be thankful she didn’t have enough strength; otherwise, he might have been seriously injured.

Ji Yecheng, gritting his teeth in hatred, wrapped his arms around her waist and bit down on her neck.

“Ah!” Yan Qing screamed in pain. He bit deeply, as if he wanted to tear the flesh away. She struggled but couldn’t break free.

Realizing the situation, she stopped moving, breathing heavily.

Ji Yecheng’s eyes were filled with cruelty. He didn’t stop until he tasted blood.

Feeling satisfied, he let go, seeing the bloody bite mark on her white neck.

Yan Qing, tears streaming from the pain, glared at him. “Ji Yecheng, I’ll make you pay for this!”

Ji Yecheng, also in pain, ignored it. The bite had vented his accumulated anger, and seeing the bloodied mark gave him a sense of satisfaction.

He changed his expression quickly, no longer angry, and called for the gold ointment.

Senior Maid Qian quickly brought the newly delivered ointment.

Ji Yecheng was about to apply it, but Yan Qing took it with a cold face. “I’ll do it myself.”

Not wanting to suffer, she applied the cooling ointment, feeling immediate relief.

Ji Yecheng watched with satisfaction, though his face was full of injuries, making his smile look strange.

Yan Qing, feeling goosebumps under his gaze, turned and glared at him. He acted as if he had done nothing wrong.

She applied the ointment, shivering at the coldness.

After finishing, she handed the ointment back to the maids.

With a smile, she approached Ji Yecheng. “I see you’re enjoying this,” she said, her face turning fierce.

Ji Yecheng, sensing danger, saw her coming closer, her beautiful face glowing in the light. “I was wrong. But…”

He didn’t finish before her fist landed on his face.

“Bang!” The sound echoed, her punch landing on his right cheek.

Her smiling face turned furious. “You think I’m easy to bully? I’ll beat you to death!”

“Bang, bang, bang!” She hit him repeatedly, not caring about using any tools, just her fists.

Ji Yecheng, groaning and dodging, wanted to fight back but hesitated. Seeing her fierce expression, he could only defend himself.

The palace servants were shocked, kneeling and not daring to intervene.

Suddenly, Ji Yecheng stumbled, his knees giving way, and fell backward.

Yan Qing followed, straddling him, punching. “You want a gift? I’ll give you a beating! You lunatic…”

She punched and cursed, disregarding his status as emperor.

Ji Yecheng, despite the pain, couldn’t help but find her cute, unable to get angry or fight back.

The palace servants wished they could faint from the shock.

Seeing him not only not in pain but smiling, Yan Qing’s eyes grew fiercer.

She beat him until she was exhausted, panting heavily, finally stopping. The palace servants sighed in relief.

Lying on the bed, battered and bruised, Ji Yecheng muttered, “…Call the imperial physician.”

****

The emperor’s birthday was a national celebration. Although Ji Yecheng disdained the fuss, everyone was busy preparing.

On the day of the birthday banquet, the officials arrived early at the Throne Hall.

A stage was set up at the entrance, and through the wide-open doors, one could see the performers singing and dancing. The banquet hadn’t officially started, and these performances were just the appetizers.

However, the officials and concubines were growing anxious as time passed without a sign of the emperor and the Noble Consort. The banquet was about to begin, and many were worried.

But no one dared to ask.

They exchanged glances, understanding that the emperor and the Noble Consort’s simultaneous absence meant something significant, especially given the emperor’s special favor for the Noble Consort.

Prime Minister Yan also looked concerned, but he trusted his daughter wouldn’t cause trouble. If there was an issue, it was likely the emperor’s fault for being overly indulgent.

Just as everyone feared the emperor might not show up, a eunuch announced their arrival.

Everyone straightened up, bowing deeply.

“Rise,” the emperor’s low voice commanded.

They rose and resumed their seats, but the sight of the emperor’s appearance left them shocked.

The handsome, stern-faced emperor had bruises and cuts all over his face, with red patches from ointment. His lips were split, and his chin bore a scar, ruining his good looks.

It was evident he had been beaten, not by an assassin, but by someone close enough to leave such marks without causing alarm.

Their first thought wasn’t concern for his life but curiosity about who dared to harm the emperor.

Feeling the officials’ stares, Ji Yecheng, despite his bruised face, exuded authority. He glared at them, “Stop staring at me!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” they replied, suppressing smiles.

It was clear the emperor was embarrassed and didn’t want to talk about it, so they cooperated, though some, like Minister Ren, weren’t satisfied.

Ren, who held a grudge due to the Noble Consort’s influence and his department’s budget cuts, saw an opportunity. He stood and said, “Your Majesty, who caused these injuries? The person responsible for harming the emperor should be executed!”

His bold declaration echoed in the hall.

As the Minister of Revenue, he had supporters who quickly stood and echoed his sentiment.

“Your Majesty, Minister Ren is right!”

“This person must be executed to set an example!”

Ji Yecheng’s face darkened with each outburst. He had tolerated Yan Qing’s beatings because he felt guilty and knew he deserved it. The bloody bite mark on her neck was proof of his restraint.

But now, these ministers were making a scene, further embarrassing him.

“Silence!” Ji Yecheng threw a fruit, hitting one of the ministers on the head, stopping his speech.

“Your Majesty…” the minister stammered.

“Take him away!” Ji Yecheng ordered coldly.

Jiang Wende quickly complied, dragging the minister out.

Everyone knew the Noble Consort was the emperor’s bottom line. He wouldn’t tolerate disrespect towards her, even if he was injured.

Others, who wanted to protest, saw the emperor’s mood and reconsidered, returning to their seats quietly.

Throughout, Yan Qing remained silent, watching the proceedings with a cold face. She had thought the ministers would push her out of power, but they had failed.

She didn’t attend court regularly, preferring to avoid early mornings, so she was unaware of the emperor’s efforts to suppress opposition against her.

Now, seeing their anger over her beating the emperor, Yan Qing felt she had found a new way to provoke them.

Ji Yecheng, pleased that his show of force had calmed the officials, signaled to start the banquet.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jiang Wende acknowledged and began the formalities.

Typically, only high-ranking officials and family members could present gifts to the emperor.

During the banquet, after the gift presentations and congratulations, it was time to eat and watch performances.

Minister Ren, having suffered before, now adopted a frugal image, ensuring his family lived modestly to avoid accusations of corruption. Today, instead of extravagant gifts, he presented a box symbolizing a bountiful harvest, praising the emperor’s governance.

Ji Yecheng had no interest in such flattery. If Yan Qing praised him, he might have enjoyed it.

After Ren’s speech, just as he was about to step down, he provocatively asked, “Your Majesty, what did the Noble Consort gift you for your birthday?”

“Nothing…” Yan Qing began.

But Ji Yecheng interrupted, “I received my gift. As for what it is… that’s not for you to know.”

Ren’s face paled, glancing between Yan Qing and Ji Yecheng. Bowing, he stepped back.

Seeing Ren’s resentment, Ji Yecheng whispered to Jiang Wende, who nodded and left to carry out his instructions.

The banquet continued.

Yan Qing sat silently, eating while listening to the officials’ conversations.

“Would you like anything else?” Senior Maid Qian asked.

“No, this is enough,” Yan Qing replied, looking at the dishes before her.

Senior Maid Qian nodded and continued serving.

Yan Qing was easy to serve, but her attitude towards the emperor worried the servants. Despite her frequent defiance, Ji Yecheng always tolerated her, leaving them anxious about the limits of his patience.

Senior Maid Qian glanced at the beautiful, serene Yan Qing, wondering how long the emperor’s indulgence would last.

Nearby, another maid poured wine, but Yan Qing didn’t touch it, preferring the fruit juice prepared for her.

Xu Jin, sitting further back, watched Yan Qing, who nearly sat beside the emperor, feeling envious and resentful. She noticed Yan Qing hadn’t touched her wine, becoming anxious and looking at Yuan Xiu.

Their meticulous plan seemed doomed if Yan Qing didn’t drink the wine. How could they not have known she didn’t drink?

Yuan Xiu gave Xu Jin a reassuring look before lowering her head to eat.

The emperor and the Noble Consort’s food and drink were always thoroughly checked, so the poison they acquired took time to take effect.

Yuan Xiu’s confidence gave Xu Jin some relief.

Just then, Minister Ren, repeatedly thwarted by the emperor, stood and raised his glass, “Your Majesty, the prosperity of the kingdom is thanks to you and the Noble Consort. I toast to you both!”

With a flourish, he downed the spicy wine.

Yan Qing hesitated, seeing many others stand and toast as well.

Ji Yecheng, weary of opposition, appreciated the rare acknowledgment of Yan Qing’s efforts, even knowing there was likely an ulterior motive. He picked up his glass.

Seeing her father also raise his glass, Yan Qing took a sip of her untouched wine.

“Finally,” Xu Jin thought, her tension easing. She had worried so much that seeing Yan Qing drink made her feel immense relief.

But as she relaxed, she was suddenly seized.

“What are you doing?” Xu Jin shrieked.

The officials turned to see a concubine being restrained by eunuchs.

Yan Qing, bored, was startled. “What’s happening?”

Ji Yecheng, looking oddly comical with his bruised face, coldly replied, “Just watch.”

Yan Qing, sensing something related to her, supported her face with her hand, watching intently.

Xu Jin, panicked and struggling, was gagged and dragged to the center of the hall.

Performers halted in fear, quietly exiting the stage.

Yan Qing watched, wondering what serious crime had led to such a public scene. This woman looked terrified, her fine clothes in disarray, her hair undone, and her eyes filled with fear.

Guessing the situation, Yan Qing thought, “Did something serious happen?”

The officials were silent, unsure what to say.

As Xu Jin was dragged up, more palace servants, eunuchs, and maids were brought in, trembling and pale.

Jiang Wende, appearing beside Ji Yecheng, announced, “These people conspired to poison the Noble Consort.”

Yan Qing’s face changed slightly, touching her stomach. “You knew in advance?”

Jiang Wende, turning to her with a warm smile, said, “Rest assured, Noble Consort, your wine is safe.”

The poison had never reached her cup. They had taken precautions but didn’t know the exact culprits, so they set a trap. It turned out to be a simple concubine with unseen backers.

Exhaling in relief, Yan Qing looked at them curiously. “Are they really that capable?”

Jiang Wende glanced at Ji Yecheng, who nodded. “They must have had help. Such events…”

At that moment, a terrified female voice cried, “Your Majesty, Noble Consort, I know who helped!”

Xu Jin, recognizing the voice, froze, seeing her accomplice betray her. The woman, now kneeling and confessing, left Xu Jin in shock and rage.

She tried to spit out the gag but failed, her eyes filled with despair.

Yan Qing, watching, pieced together the betrayal.

The speaker, Yuan Xiu, hurriedly knelt, head bowed. “I suspect Minister Ren helped Xu Jin plot against the Noble Consort. She asked for my father’s assistance, but fearing the emperor’s wrath, I refused.”

Xu Jin’s eyes widened with anger. Betrayed, she struggled futilely.

The officials and concubines were silent, watching the scene unfold.

With Ren now involved, everyone saw the seriousness of the plot.

Seeing the betrayal and chaos, Yan Qing realized she had been unaware of these dynamics within the palace. Yuan Xiu’s calm amidst the confession contrasted with Xu Jin’s fury.

Ji Yecheng, lazy on the dragon throne, watched Jiang Wende handle everything, only needing to pass final judgment.

“According to the law,” Ji Yecheng declared, “Minister Ren’s entire family will be executed for treason.”

His casual sentence sealed their fate, though the execution would wait until a full investigation was completed.

The officials, subdued, returned to their seats, the banquet resuming quietly.

Yan Qing, silently, reflected on the power dynamics she had missed.

Senior Maid Qian, concerned, asked if she needed anything, but Yan Qing shook her head, watching the events with renewed interest.

Ji Yecheng, satisfied with the outcome, signaled the continuation of the banquet.

Yuan Xiu and Xu Jin, kneeling, faced their fate silently.

Yan Qing, lost in thought, realized the extent of the emperor’s control and the intricate power plays she had been blind to.

Ji Yecheng, pleased with the outcome, prepared to leave, but Yan Qing caught up with him, determined to speak.

For the first time, Ji Yecheng felt a glimmer of hope, turning to her. “Do you have something to say?”

Yan Qing, determined, met his gaze. “Spare their families. Punish them alone.”

Ji Yecheng, understanding her modern sensibilities, shook his head. “I can’t. It would encourage more attempts on your life.”

Seeing her resistance, he added, “This is for your safety.”

Yan Qing, feeling the injustice, retorted, “If you don’t agree, don’t expect to see me again! I won’t visit the Taiji Palace!”

Ji Yecheng, pained by her threat, growled, “I’m doing this for you!”

Yan Qing, softening, saw the hurt in his eyes. His once-handsome face was bruised, his eyes no longer as alluring. She couldn’t bear to hurt him more.

With a sigh, she said, “You can’t compare to him. Don’t try.”

As she walked away, Ji Yecheng’s moment of vulnerability turned into a twisted smile. He muttered to himself, “Is that so? I don’t believe it.”

The last word echoed in his mind as he closed his eyes, wiping away all emotion from his face. With a cold air about him, he turned to leave.

Jiang Wende, who had been watching the exchange, felt a pang of sympathy for the emperor. His heart ached at how much the emperor had done for the Noble Consort without her knowing.

Just then, a terrified scream rang out, stopping Ji Yecheng in his tracks. In an instant, he turned and hurried towards the sound, heading back in Yan Qing’s direction.