Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 26

Yan Qing didn’t know why she insisted on leaving the palace. Maybe she just wanted to see Song Yu fail in his rebellion with her own eyes?

In the novel, the process was very smooth. Ji Yechen didn’t care about state affairs or worry about anything, not even when Song Yu raised an army in rebellion. The few descriptions all proved that this person was crazy and didn’t care about anything.

As for Song Yu, no one knew he would rebel, including everyone in the Song family. When the news broke, they were stunned for a long time until Song Yu quickly attacked, not giving Chang’an time to react.

Song Yu ascended the throne in one go, with most people supporting him. Only his father, a loyal minister, couldn’t accept it. He never thought of such a thing.

It wasn’t until Ji Yechen confirmed he wasn’t dead and Song Yu had really taken the throne that his father reacted.

Reflecting on Ji Yechen’s words, Yan Qing instinctively felt that the real flaw lay with Song Yu’s father.

Of course, it could also be because of what she had said that day to disgust Ji Yechen, causing him to keep a close watch on Song Yu.

When Yan Qing and Zhu Yin stood at the gate of the Song family, she was still somewhat dazed.

The guards had changed, not recognizing Yan Qing, but seeing her noble demeanor and the maid in palace attire behind her, they hurried over.

“Are you here to enter the manor? Allow me to announce your arrival. May I ask who…”

“Yan,” Yan Qing said, her lips pressing together in slight nervousness.

However, upon hearing Yan Qing’s words, the two servants immediately knelt down. “Noble Consort!”

“Announce my arrival,” Yan Qing said softly.

The two shook their heads, panic and fear in their voices as they babbled, “Your Higness, our master said that the eldest young master cannot meet with you alone!”

“Your Highness, please go back.”

“Your Highness, the master will not let the eldest young master come out!”

Yan Qing looked down at the two kneeling, kowtowing servants who were defying her orders, their faces wooden as she stepped back and turned to leave.

Zhu Yin followed closely, cautiously watching Yan Qing’s expression. Seeing her disappointment, she pulled Yan Qing’s sleeve, saying, “Your Highness, you wait at the nearest inn. I will bring Young Master Song to you.”

Yan Qing’s eyes brightened, almost forgetting about Zhu Yin. She quickly thanked her, “Thank you.”

Zhu Yin smiled, turned, and left swiftly, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Yan Qing then lifted her skirt and found the nearest inn to check in.

Zhu Yin was indeed efficient. Yan Qing had barely settled in when there was a knock on the door.

Upon opening the door, she saw Song Yu standing outside, his face pale.

Seeing her, Song Yu’s expression trembled. His gentle peach blossom eyes were full of guilt as he lowered them, saying softly, “I’m sorry. I failed.”

Yan Qing stepped back to let him in, nodded to Zhu Yin outside, and then closed the door, asking, “What happened?”

Song Yu opened his mouth, his pale, cracked lips showing he had been unwell recently. His slightly hoarse voice echoed in the inn room.

He had been saved by Yan Yin, who asked him to marry her brother Song Zhuo in return. Song Yu originally didn’t want to agree, but the debt of saving his life was immense. Moreover, Yan Yin was right; most noble families sought alliances through marriage. Even though she was a concubine’s daughter, her father was the prime minister, and her sister was a noble consort, likely to be empress. Marrying a non-heir noble son was a good match.

He decided to ask Song Zhuo, who surprisingly agreed immediately and had their father propose the marriage to Prime Minister Yan.

The proposal was successful, and since Song Zhuo was not young, and Yan Yin didn’t want to stay in the Yan family any longer, the wedding date was set soon. At this time, Ji Yechen decreed that Song Yu return due to his severe injuries and the Song family’s joyous occasion.

Song Yu returned to Chang’an with Yan Yin, but soon after, Ji Yechen ordered an expedition to suppress the Northern Desert rebellion. General Lin led the army but needed the tiger tally to command.

Song Yu didn’t want to go, so he swapped the tiger tally but was caught by his father. Loyal and strict, his father was furious, took the real tiger tally, and confined Song Yu at home, preventing him from leaving.

His father was now very wary of him gaining military power and even planned to have him appointed to a local post as a magistrate after Song Zhuo’s wedding.

Yan Qing listened, dumbfounded.

Her pale lips were pressed tightly, as she scrutinized Song Yu, wondering if Ji Yechen was too powerful or if Song Yu was not as capable as the novel depicted.

Feeling increasingly ashamed under Yan Qing’s gaze, Song Yu’s voice grew even softer, “Qing’er, if you’re angry, hit me. It’s my fault.”

His initial reason for rebelling was Yan Qing; he didn’t want to watch her in the palace, powerless to help.

With Yan Qing’s support, he was confident.

But everything went wrong within a few months.

Yan Qing shook her head slowly, feeling like a machine, somewhat stiff.

Suddenly, she seemed to awaken, asking, “You were injured? How did it happen?”

Song Yu explained, “There was a traitor in the army who sent false information, making me think the enemy was alone. When I pursued, I was ambushed.”

Yan Qing was silent. She understood now; it wasn’t because of what she said that day, but because Jia Heng’s memorial had been seen by Ji Yechen, who indeed sent people to act.

Song Yu felt deeply guilty and didn’t dare to speak. In front of the person he liked, the grand ambitions he once held, even if she didn’t know, made him feel utterly embarrassed.

It was his lack of ability that led to the current situation, losing all chances to compete with Ji Yechen.

The room fell silent, with Yan Qing lost in thought and Song Yu even more silent.

Until Song Chuan arrived, anxiously calling Song Yu away.

Song Yu didn’t want to leave, but his health was poor. Song Chuan forcibly took him away, and he couldn’t resist.

Left alone in the room, Yan Qing remained dazed.

She had completely altered the novel’s plot.

Yan Yin did not end up with Song Yu. In this era, she was already betrothed to Song Zhuo, and under normal circumstances, could have no further connection with Song Yu.

And Song Yu, who was supposed to become emperor, had been unexpectedly thwarted early on.

She, who was supposed to be dead, had survived multiple life-and-death situations.

So, the emperor she had to support was only Ji Yechen?

Yan Qing was unwilling. Although she had initially provoked Ji Yechen on purpose, some events left a deep impression on her heart.

…

When Ji Yechen, with a cold aura, pushed open the inn door, he saw Yan Qing’s back. The beautiful blue dress on her slender frame, her delicate waist seemed ready to break at any moment. She stood straight and unmoving, her long black hair swaying in the breeze from the open window, her fair face expressionless, making one’s heart ache.

In that moment, Ji Yechen felt as if the world had only her, leaving him bewildered and lost, not knowing where to go or what to do next…

He froze for a moment, not seeing Song Yu, and the anger he had accumulated suddenly didn’t know where to vent, or rather, he couldn’t bear to vent it.

Everyone waited quietly for Emperor Ji to speak.

Ji Yechen hesitated for a moment, swallowed all his prepared angry words, and let his expression soften. He gently took her hand, saying softly, “Come back to the palace with me.”

Yan Qing’s warm hand shivered at the cold touch, and she looked at the man beside her, frowning instinctively.

Ji Yechen instinctively released her hand, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes. He whispered, “Let’s go back to the palace.”

Yan Qing turned to leave.

Ji Yechen breathed a sigh of relief, following closely, though somewhat puzzled by his own hand, wondering if he had felt her confusion and helplessness just now?

…

“Your Highness, this is a chili seed, you can’t eat it,” Senior Maid Qian said gently, stopping the chili seed about to be placed in the noble consort’s mouth.

“Oh,” Yan Qing snapped back, quickly putting it down and picking up something else from the bowl, her thoughts drifting again.

Opposite her, Ji Yechen’s brows furrowed deeply, the low pressure around him frightening the surrounding palace attendants into trembling.

For days, they had been living in this tense atmosphere.

The noble consort had been absent-minded for a long time, doing everything in a daze, so they had to be extra careful in attending to her.

But no matter what, they couldn’t attract the noble consort’s interest.

Seeing everything, Emperor Ji’s face grew darker, becoming more irritable by the day. The palace staff had changed three times in a short period, all due to minor mistakes or even none, simply because the emperor was unhappy and either dismissed or punished them.

Ji Yechen bit his teeth, placing a piece of delicately prepared fish into her bowl, lowering his voice, “Eat this.”

Yan Qing seemed lost in thought, her beautiful face as exquisite as ever, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkle, appearing dull.

Even though she heard Ji Yechen’s voice, she obediently picked up the fish and ate it.

Ji Yechen’s face finally relaxed a bit, but his heart ached even more.

For Song Yu, she had become like this.

He still preferred the arrogant and domineering woman from before.

Now, even though she was obedient to him, Ji Yechen felt uncomfortable and restless.

He had yelled at her, but when he turned pale with anger and struggled to breathe, she merely glanced coldly at him before turning away or closing her eyes to sleep, truly not caring at all.

Ji Yechen had no choice but to find some solace, like offering her food during meals.

At least she was still obedient at those times.

…

After the meal, Yan Qing washed up briefly and prepared to sleep.

Recently, she had been very sleepy, perhaps due to overthinking, and could only rest frequently.

But this time, she was stopped at the bedroom door.

Ji Yechen grabbed her shoulders, shaking her gently, raising his voice, “Wake up, you’ve been sleeping for six hours since last night!”

Yan Qing felt even dizzier from the shaking, wanting to break free but couldn’t escape his grip.

Ji Yechen wouldn’t let go, seeing her struggle, he started leading her outside. “Let’s go, I’ll take you out of the palace!”

If she liked going out, he would let her see Song Yu!

Ji Yechen felt this was his most generous moment.

But as he spoke, he gritted his teeth, unwilling.

Yan Qing’s eyes suddenly lit up, asking, “Can I leave the palace?”

Ji Yechen was about to nod when he heard her add, “And not come back?”

He sneered, “Do you think that’s possible? I always keep my word!”

Even if she died, it would be by his side!

Yan Qing’s eyes darkened again, trying to push him away, “I need to rest.”

“No!” Ji Yechen roared.

No sooner had he spoken than a crisp slap rang out, leaving him stunned, his face burning. He touched his cheek in disbelief, feeling it heat up.

Yan Qing, seeing he had let go, continued walking forward.

Did she have to resort to violence?

Though Ji Yechen had been slapped, he wasn’t as angry as he expected. Instead, he thought—this woman was finally alive?

Overwhelmed with joy, he gritted his teeth and blocked her again, glaring like a defeated lion, “Go ahead, hit me again!”

Yan Qing looked at him oddly. Was he crazy?

Ji Yechen stared unblinkingly, his beautiful eyes full of anticipation.

Yan Qing sidestepped him with a wooden expression, thinking he had been slapped silly.

…

Yan Qing didn’t want to hit him again, leaving Ji Yechen feeling a bit disappointed. He gritted his teeth and lifted her up, “If you don’t want to leave the palace, then ride horses with me!”

“Let go!” Yan Qing kicked her legs and punched his back.

Ji Yechen’s stomach took a blow, making him grunt. He quickly freed a hand to lock her legs.

Yan Qing struggled but soon realized she had been carried out of Lingyun Palace. Glancing around, she saw the shocked palace attendants, their expressions showing how inappropriate this was.

Her face turned red, and looking at Ji Yechen’s slim waist, she decided to bite down hard.

Ji Yechen froze, anger building as he ground out, “Let go!”

Yan Qing shook her head, biting harder.

Ji Yechen tried to endure the pain, but it was too much. His mind raced, and he decided to bite back.

“Ji Yechen, you pervert!” Yan Qing let go, shouting angrily, now fully enraged, struggling with all her might.

Ji Yechen, feeling guilty, quickly said, “Alright, alright, we won’t go!” He hurried back inside.

The palace attendants, having witnessed the scene, were left speechless. What on earth was the emperor and the noble consort doing?

Thus, the rumor of the emperor and noble consort’s midday antics spread throughout the palace. Ji Yechen didn’t have time to stop it.

Yan Qing, hearing about it later, was speechless.

She had scratched Ji Yechen’s face, forcing him to attend court with fresh wounds, under the peculiar gazes of everyone.

Ji Yechen, however, held his head high, feeling justified, even wishing Song Yu were there to see it!

****

Her backside hurt.

Yan Qing lay on the bed, face red with embarrassment. She had been falling asleep instantly for days, but today she tossed and turned for a long time before finally dozing off, her face cooling down, leaving only a pink blush.

Even in her sleep, she blamed that lunatic!

Ji Yechen, having hidden outside, waited until she was likely asleep before sneaking into her room to watch her.

Sometimes he thought it was good like this, at least she was obedient.

But he also felt something was wrong. A person like this was no different from a piece of wood.

Yan Qing slept quietly, her beautiful face with a hint of red looking adorable. She had gained a little weight from good food and rest.

Ji Yechen’s heart ached, gently poking her face, finding it smoother than an egg.

He pressed his lips together, thinking of how to get her to regain her spirit.

Suddenly, Ji Yechen seemed to have an idea, poking her again before leaving.

Jiang Wende, puzzled by Emperor Ji’s actions, watched him quickly head back to the study.

The study was occupied by Fu Rong, diligently working. Seeing Ji Yechen enter, his eyes lit up, asking, “Is the emperor here to review memorials?”

Since the noble consort’s forced return to the palace, the emperor had once again neglected his duties, spending all day with her. If not for the morning court, the noble consort would have faced more criticism.

Even so, many memorials against her still piled up, which he set aside on the emperor’s orders.

But aside from these, the other memorials were also burdensome, so seeing the rarely visiting emperor, he was delighted, showing no fear of his temperamental ruler.

Ji Yechen glanced at him dismissively, “I’m here for the memorials.”

Fu Rong, thrilled, asked, “Which ones do you need? I’ve organized them.”

Ji Yechen replied, “Bring them all.”

Fu Rong, momentarily stunned, became even more excited, “Yes, right away.”

He and some eunuchs moved the memorials from the study to Yan Qing’s room.

Yan Qing remained asleep, the palace quiet.

Fu Rong couldn’t stay in the bedroom, settling in an outer room to drink tea leisurely, hoping the noble consort would review the memorials.

After all, despite his hard work, the emperor didn’t pay him extra.

Moreover, he had no family to support.

Ji Yechen instructed the eunuchs to be very careful. Once everything was set, Yan Qing still slept.

Until evening, feeling thirsty, she finally woke up.

The first thing she saw was Ji Yechen’s enlarged face, and she immediately slapped him.

The slap was loud.

Yan Qing quickly regained her senses, backing away.

Ji Yechen’s face stung, expression wooden as he rubbed his cheek, suppressing his anger, “Get up.”

Yan Qing stared at him, her big eyes unblinking.

Ji Yechen understood her meaning, growing angrier. They were husband and wife, yet she acted so guarded.

But he obediently left the room.

Once alone, Yan Qing got up slowly.

Dressing, she noticed the extra desk and memorials in the bedroom, uninterested, she walked out without a glance.

Did she want to look at them?

Not really. The memorials had led her to send Jia Heng to the Northern Wilderness, expecting him to side with Song Yu, but he instead exposed Song Yu’s rebellion.

Yan Qing felt Song Yu’s injury was Jia Heng’s doing, or rather, Ji Yechen’s.

But it was normal. As the emperor, Ji Yechen would naturally deal with anyone threatening his throne.

So Yan Qing didn’t blame him but couldn’t be friendly either. In the plot, Song Yu never faced such danger.

Also, she currently had no desire to deal with memorials.

But Ji Yechen didn’t know this. Seeing her come out, he thought she hadn’t seen the memorials, and was about to ask when he saw her fierce look, sharp nails digging into his face. The burning pain left him stunned.

Yan Qing stopped, pouring tea to wash her hands.

“What are you doing!” Ji Yechen roared, holding his face gingerly.

Jiang Wende was momentarily stunned but quickly fetched the golden jade balm, “Emperor, hold still…”

Ji Yechen ignored him, glaring at Yan Qing.

Yan Qing, head lowered, ignored him.

Ji Yechen’s mind wandered, thinking about before sleep, and he suddenly wasn’t angry. He glanced meaningfully at her and walked to the bedroom, grabbing a couple of memorials and laying them out for her, “Alright, I’m not mad. Look at these two; Fu Rong couldn’t handle them.”

So shy, biting once was no big deal.

Ji Yechen grumbled internally, wondering if it broke the skin.

Yan Qing thought, who cares if you’re mad or not.

She felt satisfied after scratching him. Revenge for biting her, being angry wouldn’t help!

As for the memorials? Yan Qing didn’t want to look, feeling groggy after waking and scratching Ji Yechen, her head still fuzzy.

But a glance at the memorial halted her.

It spoke of the largest river in Great Qian, Wuling River, which supported countless people but was also dangerous.

When the river rose, it displaced many, even causing numerous deaths.

Seeing her focus, Ji Yechen’s heart tightened, speaking seriously, “This matter is severe. In a few months, during the rainy season, it could cause major problems.”

Yan Qing instinctively nodded but didn’t want to speak.

People in this world typically built dikes to block floods.

But this was far from enough.

Yan Qing hesitated, clutching her teacup.

Ji Yechen added, “If we don’t address this, many will die. The Imperial Astronomers predict a severe rainy season.”

Yan Qing’s heart tightened, her small mouth pressing into a frown, her eyes fixed on the memorial.

Ji Yechen secretly smiled, knowing she was moved. His eyes softened, waiting patiently.

Sure enough, a hoarse voice broke the silence, “Dig channels to divert the water, plant trees…”

Concerned for the people’s lives, Yan Qing didn’t dare act recklessly. After basic suggestions, she detailed plans, including budgets, supervisors, and workers.

Ji Yechen listened, feeling reassured, as Yan Qing’s advice had never harmed the people. He trusted her completely, implementing her suggestions and gathering the necessary people.

Watching her speak seriously, Ji Yechen sighed with relief. He wasn’t afraid of her causing trouble, just her silence.

****

Yan Qing spent the entire day handling the issue.

By dusk, everything was in place.

The ministers left with their tasks, and Yan Qing relaxed.

She reached out, and a cup of tea was handed to her.

Yan Qing drank, the warm tea soothing her, but a glance at Ji Yechen’s smiling eyes cooled her demeanor.

Ji Yechen didn’t mind, sipping his own tea.

Previously disliking tea for its bitterness, he now enjoyed it, finding a subtle sweetness in the bitterness.

Yan Qing, with nothing to do, looked at the second memorial.

Ji Yechen quickly put down his tea, opening it for her.

It was a victory report.

Ji Yechen’s men had successfully killed the Northern Desert leader, leaving the region leaderless, awaiting their army’s advance.

A surge of anxiety rose in Yan Qing, but she suppressed it, saying, “Issue a decree not to kill ordinary people. Though not of our kin, they can be assimilated. They raise livestock, providing food, wool for blankets, clothes, and carpets, all very warm…”

Ji Yechen coughed to hide his amusement.

This woman!

Her contradictions were unexpectedly… cute!

Ji Yechen’s heart fluttered, looking at her unresponsive side profile, his fingers itching to touch her.

He restrained himself, seriously saying, “Alright, I’ll issue the decree.”

Ji Yechen got up to leave.

Yan Qing ignored him.

Ji Yechen walked a few steps, then turned back, “These memorials are many. If you can’t finish, you can continue tomorrow.”

He signaled Fu Rong.

Fu Rong hurried to follow.

Yan Qing, left alone, sat for a while, then instinctively resumed handling the memorials.

Halfway through, Senior Maid Qian saw her frown, thinking she had a headache, and started massaging her. Another maid came to knead her shoulders.

Yan Qing realized she had no reason to deal with these memorials. Was it because Ji Yechen’s success in the Northern Desert shocked her?

Yan Qing angrily tried to put down her brush but saw the unfinished memorial.

Resigned, she continued working.

By night, she had finished everything. Jiang Wende took the completed memorials away, bringing new ones the next day.

…

Things seemed back to normal, except the work location had changed from the study to Lingyun Palace’s study.

It couldn’t be in the bedroom due to the importance of the memorials and the need for Fu Rong’s presence.

As the only minister allowed in the harem, Fu Rong felt constantly on edge, his workload growing even heavier.

Ji Yechen reported daily, dutifully acting as a secretary, preparing everything for Yan Qing and following her directives.

It seemed the same, but different. Yan Qing’s temper grew worse.

A red whip always at hand, she lashed out whenever displeased, often hitting Ji Yechen.

Ji Yechen developed keen senses, learning to avoid the whip’s strikes, an impressive feat.

*****

While the palace seemed calm, outside it was abuzz with news of the noble consort handling memorials, especially concerning Wuling River.

Officials didn’t dare speak openly, but gathered to discuss, one complaining, “What does a woman know? Has she seen Wuling River? Does she know its ferocity? She wants to divert the river and plant trees? Those will be swept away by floods!”

“Indeed! I suggested raising funds from merchants and preparing rescue measures!”

“Reinforcing the dike would be better!”

“Sigh, the emperor is foolish, bringing disaster to Great Qian!”

“Exactly, but what can we do…”

One man noticed a younger official’s silence, “Shu, why aren’t you speaking?”

The man hesitated, then spoke, “I was thinking… the emperor… plans to disperse the harem!”

“What!” The officials were shocked, demanding details.

He explained the emperor’s long-standing project of building a palace at the foot of Zhoushan Mountain, a scenic spot near Chang’an. The project was near completion, and the palace was intended for the concubines, who could either live there or return home.

Even though they could visit the palace anytime, the officials were outraged, rushing to draft memorials.

The next morning, the court was in an uproar.

Ji Yechen remained unmoved until they exhausted themselves, then said calmly, “Since you know, I’ll announce it. On the auspicious date of May 15th, all concubines will leave the palace. They can return home or live in the palace. I will ensure their safety for life.”

An official cried out, “Emperor, this will ruin my daughter! She is only eighteen, childless, and now destined to loneliness!”

“Emperor, you must reconsider…”

“Emperor, think carefully!”

Ji Yechen waited for the outcry to subside, raising an eyebrow, “Even if they stay, I won’t touch them. Do you expect them to have children?”

The official paused, and Ji Yechen continued, “When you sent them to the palace, I warned you I wouldn’t touch them. You insisted. Now you want them to bear children? Do you want to give me a green hat?”

“Minister is wronged!” The officials, breathless, dared not mention children again, shifting to other concerns.

“What about the noble consort…”

“The noble consort is already the empress. The ceremony will be in September, along with our wedding,” Ji Yechen said.

“But…”

“…”

Every word was countered by Ji Yechen, and the news spread from the court to the harem.

The concubines wept and protested, some even threatening suicide, but to no avail.

Some sought Yan Qing’s help, only to be stopped by Ji Yechen’s guards.

Yan Qing remained silent, her underlying anxiety fading, her temper improving noticeably. Ji Yechen, noticing the change, was delighted, confident in his decision.

Regarding the concubines, Yan Qing was indifferent. Even without her, Ji Yechen wouldn’t touch them. She had come to understand this about him.

She had initially thought Ji Yechen would enter the harem, but realized later that she was the only woman he had ever been with, though their relationship was still pure.

Given Ji Yechen’s indifference to life, building a palace for them and ensuring their future was surprisingly considerate.

“Your Highness, the emperor’s actions are unprecedented. Are you happy?” A close maid couldn’t help but ask.

The news had shaken them all, making even the usually reserved maid curious about Yan Qing’s thoughts.

Yan Qing, reviewing memorials, paused, putting down her brush.

The maid gently massaged her hand.

Yan Qing said, “It did surprise me.”

But happiness wasn’t there, though she was somewhat touched.

The maid, having received her answer, dared not speak further, continuing the massage. Yan Qing soon dismissed her, the maid standing quietly aside.

When Ji Yechen arrived that day, he acted as if nothing had happened, his demeanor normal.

****

From late March to late June, the harem was finally emptied. On May 15th, the concubines left the palace, some returning home, others settling in the palace. Those who left could always return, with the emperor’s guarantee of safety.

Yan Qing learned during this time that the empress dowager had long passed, but Ji Yechen had not bothered with a funeral or mourning, keeping it quiet.

In early June, Yan Yin married, the ceremony low-key with only close friends attending.

After the wedding, Song Yu left for his post as magistrate, with his father demanding he turn the area into a prosperous city before returning.

Understanding his son’s ambitions, Song Yu’s father set the perfect challenge for him.

Though Song Yu felt regret, he was also quite content.

Shortly after Song Yu’s departure, in late June, the rainy season began early. Chang’an experienced nearly half a month of heavy rain, and Wuling River swelled with torrential downpours.

The surrounding residents were terrified. Those who could move had already done so, while others prepared their homes for the floodwaters.

But they waited and waited.

The floods never came.

The officials were baffled. Had tree planting really worked? Could channeling water have prevented flooding?