Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 41

In the adjacent room, the sound of water echoed, making Ji Jiaxun’s face constantly shift between black and red.

He had already been filled with resentment after being schemed against last time. Now, being openly manipulated by this woman only intensified his hatred. She was truly shameless!

Yet, the thought of what might happen next brought an odd mix of reluctance and shyness to his heart.

Realizing this made his chest heave with anger.

As time passed and the sound of water ceased, he grew increasingly restless.

Xiao Liu couldn’t enter this room; the two maidservants, Lan Hua and He Hua, were assigned to serve Yan Qing in the adjacent room and Ji Jiaxun here.

Before long, Yan Qing emerged, dressed in red sleepwear.

In June, the weather was still cold here, without the future’s environmental pollution and global warming. Her cotton sleepwear was warm and comfortable.

Having just bathed, her long hair, usually pinned up, was now loose. Women here rarely cut their hair, maintaining it at waist length. Her well-maintained black hair highlighted her freshly cleaned, snow-white face. She was petite, and despite the lack of curves in her sleepwear, she still appeared delicate.

Seeing her, Ji Jiaxun’s gaze felt like it was burning, and he quickly averted his eyes, awkward and flustered. His tall frame seemed especially out of place in the bedroom.

He glanced at her, and just one look made him blush, her slightly exposed neck under the red sleepwear and black hair seemed particularly fair, hurting his eyes.

Several strong matrons came to handle the water in the adjacent room. Yan Qing tidied her clothes, glanced at Ji Jiaxun, and casually said, “Go take a bath.”

Ji Jiaxun held back for a few seconds, incredulous, “Aren’t you embarrassed at all?”

Yan Qing looked at him strangely and rolled her eyes, “Just wash up and sleep.”

Suddenly, Ji Jiaxun understood. She didn’t plan on consummating their marriage?

He felt a mix of anger and relief, his emotions complicated. He snorted and strode into the adjacent room.

Lan Hua and the others had already left, and there was no one else in the room.

Yawning, Yan Qing climbed into bed.

It was quite late after all the commotion. This era valued auspicious times, so the wedding ceremony took place in the evening. After the chaos at Cuihong Pavilion, it was already late at night.

Yan Qing covered herself with the soft quilt, which had been warmed with a warming pan. It wasn’t cold at all when she lay down.

She closed her eyes and was half-asleep when she felt someone watching her. She opened her eyes to see Ji Jiaxun, freshly bathed and wearing sleepwear, glaring at her unhappily.

Surprised to see her awake, he stammered, “Y-You’re awake?”

Yan Qing propped herself up, “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

Ji Jiaxun huffed, “Where am I supposed to sleep?”

Yan Qing naturally patted the spot beside her on the bed, smiling, “Right here.”

“No way!” Ji Jiaxun immediately refused.

He didn’t want to sleep next to this shameless woman!

Yan Qing shrugged, “Suit yourself.”

With that, she lay down again, turning her back to him, unconcerned.

Ji Jiaxun stood there, glaring at her.

He looked around the room; it was quite large but had no extra quilts, only the big red wedding quilt on the bed, which was a bit overwhelming.

The dragon and phoenix candles in the room provided a warm glow, occasionally making a small popping sound.

The handsome, youthful Ji Jiaxun shivered from the cold, his legs feeling weak. Finally, hesitating, he silently sat on the edge of the bed, carefully lay down, and pulled the quilt over himself.

Suddenly, part of the quilt was tossed over, covering him entirely.

A faint, pleasant scent filled his nose.

Ji Jiaxun stiffened, his face turning red, unable to move.

This woman was definitely trying to seduce him!

He wouldn’t fall for it!

Ji Jiaxun took a deep breath, exhaling his frustration, closed his eyes, and placed his hands on his stomach, trying to clear his mind and sleep. But the faint scent kept distracting him.

The next morning.

The capital was bustling early in the morning.

Yesterday had been the wedding night of the famous young marquis and the prime minister’s legitimate daughter, providing plenty of gossip. Especially the scene where Yan Qing openly took Ji Jiaxun back from Cuihong Pavilion, which spread throughout the capital overnight.

The princess and the Marquis of Pingwu were briefed on the situation as soon as they woke up.

While getting ready, the princess couldn’t believe her ears, “You said my daughter-in-law brought that little rascal back from Cuihong Pavilion?”

The matron beside her nodded seriously, “Yes, everyone is talking about it. They saw the bride, dressed in red, leading the young marquis out.”

“He didn’t resist?” the princess asked, a peculiar look in her eyes.

The matron chuckled, “Apparently, the young madam had a stick. He probably didn’t dare resist. But seeing how beautiful she is, he likely couldn’t bear to. Otherwise, even with a knife, he might have broken it.”

The princess was amazed, her eyes similar to Ji Jiaxun’s filled with curiosity, “I must take a good look later.”

She sighed, glancing at her delicate hands that had never done any hard work, and muttered, “If she can truly manage him… I’ll let her be.”

The matron continued with the princess’s makeup, her expression subtly changing.

On the other hand, the Marquis of Pingwu, upon hearing about last night’s events, was both angry and amused.

He and his wife had always been lenient with their son. Now, hearing that their daughter-in-law could handle their son, he felt a growing fondness for this seemingly fierce daughter-in-law.

As a general, he didn’t care much about etiquette. Yan Qing’s actions fit his tastes, lessening his previous dislike for her.

Others in the Marquis’s household also heard about the previous night’s events and gathered early in the main hall, eager to see this prime minister’s daughter who dared to discipline the young marquis and went to Cuihong Pavilion.

As the couple walked hand in hand towards the hall, whispering to each other, “Have you heard?”

The princess smiled, “Yes, she doesn’t seem like the rumors.”

The marquis frowned, “Indeed, let’s see. If she’s truly capable… we’ll let it be.” His last words were muttered.

“Mm…”

…

Yan Qing was awakened by Lan Hua.

She had slept deeply and was reluctant to wake up, turning over in bed.

As she turned, she felt a warm presence in front of her. Opening her eyes, she found herself face to face with Ji Jiaxun, who had also just woken up.

“Ah—” Ji Jiaxun screamed, rolling off the bed with the quilt, landing painfully on the floor. He then realized the situation, looking at her with a blushing face.

Lan Hua stifled a laugh and helped him up, “Good morning, young marquis.”

Ji Jiaxun avoided her, pursing his lips. Embarrassed by his clumsiness, he didn’t dare look at her, gruffly saying, “Where are my clothes? I need to get dressed!”

Yan Qing, a bit startled but fully awake now, got up and said calmly, “From now on, you’ll dress yourself.”

“You’re making this young master dress himself?” Ji Jiaxun said incredulously.

He had never dressed himself!

Yan Qing took the clothes from Lan Hua and started dressing, giving him a sideways glance, “If you don’t, will you let your servants in?”

Ji Jiaxun realized, looking at her with disdain, angrily grabbing his clothes, muttering about how marriage was really terrible.

While dressing, he spitefully said, “Just wait. When we meet my parents, you’ll regret going to Cuihong Pavilion last night. They’ll scold you for sure…”

Yan Qing let Lan Hua help her wash up, ignoring his childish complaints.

Ji Jiaxun, now dressed, saw her being served by a maid and grew even more upset, putting his hands on his hips and pointing at Lan Hua, “You, come serve me!”

Lan Hua looked at Yan Qing hesitantly, not daring to move.

Yan Qing casually said, “The stick is by the bed. Do you want to try it now?”

Ji Jiaxun glanced around and saw the familiar stick at the bedside. His anger flared, pointing at her, “You think you can bully me? I gave you face yesterday, but today…”

Before he could finish, she grabbed his pointing hand, twisted it behind his back, and pinned him against the wall.

Lan Hua lowered her head, not daring to look.

The other maids quickly followed suit, not wanting to attract his attention.

Normally, the maids might try to gain favor with the young master, but here, they seemed to avoid Ji Jiaxun.

Yan Qing found this intriguing and glanced at them.

Feeling Ji Jiaxun struggle beneath her grip, she tightened her hold, bringing her face close to his, “If your mother hits me, I’ll hit you. Want to test it?”

Ji Jiaxun turned his head, wanting to shout, but his voice softened, “Let go!”

Yan Qing released him, stepping back, “Lan Hua, help me with my hair.”

“Yes, Madam.” Lan Hua nodded, quickly moving to assist her.

Ji Jiaxun watched her, his face still flushed, silently getting ready himself.

…

Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun walked to the main hall together.

The Marquis of Pingwu’s estate housed the entire Ji family.

Ji Jiaxun had two younger brothers and an elderly grandmother, but Yan Qing’s father was the prime minister, and the marriage was an imperial decree. Regardless of the underlying motives, her status was high.

Thus, she didn’t need to worry much, only needing to maintain appearances. So, she wasn’t nervous about the meeting.

However, stepping into the main hall and seeing the crowd, she couldn’t help but feel a bit tense.

Ji Jiaxun, noticing her tension, sneered and whispered, “Afraid now? Better behave…”

Yan Qing shot him a look and walked inside.

“Oh, the bride is here,” a woman called out warmly.

Others echoed her greeting.

The enthusiastic welcome cut off Ji Jiaxun’s taunts. He pouted, following her.

…

As Yan Qing entered, the crowd murmured, impressed by her beauty. She truly lived up to her reputation as the former top beauty, though her striking looks made some uneasy.

These thoughts were kept private, and they all expressed their affection for her.

However, Yan Qing didn’t see Ji Jiaxun’s grandmother, only his parents seated at the head.

After paying her respects and serving tea, she received red packets and praise, addressing them as “Father” and “Mother,” completing the formalities.

Some of the young ladies in the Ji family reluctantly called her “Sister-in-law,” but overall, it went smoothly.

It wasn’t until she reached the third aunt that there was a small issue.

The young and beautiful third aunt held her hand, laughing, “Sister-in-law, your daughter-in-law is truly beautiful, much prettier than Tong Tong who stayed with Mother.”

The princess’s smile faded slightly, and she said stiffly, “Everyone has their own taste, don’t they, son?”

Ji Jiaxun, nibbling on a pastry, glanced at the scene. After some thought, he swallowed and said loudly, “Of course, the person I married is naturally the best.”

Yan Qing gave him a slightly surprised look, noting how quickly he changed his tune.

Ji Jiaxun, noticing her gaze, glared at her, embarrassed and threatening, but didn’t act on it.

Seeing their interaction, the princess’s smile widened, and she exchanged a glance with her husband, “Alright, it’s almost time for breakfast.”

“Yes, let’s eat,” the third aunt patted Yan Qing’s hand, casually adding, “She is indeed lovely.”

Yan Qing didn’t mind, withdrawing her hand and slowly following the princess.

At the table, men and women didn’t sit separately since it was a family meal, though the large table accommodated everyone.

Traditionally, the new daughter-in-law would stand behind her mother-in-law and serve.

However, the princess, unused to this custom, preferred her regular attendants and had Yan Qing sit beside her, “Let’s eat. No need for those formalities.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Yan Qing replied obediently.

Despite her striking looks, even with minimal makeup, Yan Qing’s lowered gaze and composed demeanor made it hard to connect her with the rumors.

The princess was pleased and decided not to trouble her.

Given the imperial decree and Yan Qing’s ability to manage Ji Jiaxun, she decided to overlook her past reputation.

Yan Qing, unaware of the princess’s thoughts, quietly ate her meal.

Occasionally, the conversation turned to her, and she responded politely but briefly, maintaining her composure. When some of Ji Jiaxun’s sisters-in-law or younger sisters made inappropriate comments, the princess would step in, preventing any discomfort for Yan Qing.

Despite the early start, the aristocrats’ habit of eating slowly stretched the meal longer.

Seeing the princess’s growing satisfaction with Yan Qing, Ji Jiali bit her lip and asked, “Sister-in-law, how did you manage to go to Cuihong Pavilion alone last night?”

“Ah…” Realizing her mistake, Ji Jiali awkwardly apologized, “Sorry, I was just curious.”

Cuihong Pavilion, a brothel, was despised and looked down upon by respectable women.

Yan Qing’s actions last night would be mocked by any proud lady.

The princess frowned, about to intervene, when Yan Qing calmly replied, “Why wouldn’t I? It’s not a dragon’s lair.”

Ji Jiali’s face stiffened, laughing dryly, “But it’s not a proper place…”

Yan Qing feigned confusion, “Why not? If it were, your brother wouldn’t go there.”

“But…” Ji Jiali started to argue that brothels were for men, not women.

Her second aunt interrupted sternly, “Jiali!”

Ji Jiali reluctantly fell silent.

Ji Jiaxun chuckled, “Cuihong Pavilion is great, full of lights and fun.”

“Shut up!” the marquis snapped, glaring at his son.

Receiving the warning, Ji Jiaxun sulked and slammed his chopsticks down.

With a loud clatter, he stormed out.

The marquis followed, scolding, “You little brat, just because it’s your big day, I won’t punish you. Think you’re above it?”

“Ah—” Ji Jiaxun’s scream sounded, like a puppy’s yelp, “Father, you can’t do this, ouch…”

The rest continued eating, unfazed. The princess smiled, “They’re always like this. Don’t mind them. You must be tired from last night. Rest today. Tomorrow we’ll return to the princess’s estate.”

The marquis and princess lived in the princess’s estate, only coming here for special occasions.

The others didn’t like the princess around, as her refined manners were a stark contrast to their rustic upbringing. Hearing they were leaving, smiles spread across their faces.

Yan Qing obediently returned to her room. Passing the front hall, she saw the marquis spanking Ji Jiaxun, who dodged, laughing cheekily, “See, I dodged!”

He stuck out his tongue, playful and innocent, then ran off.

Though untrained, Ji Jiaxun showed some agility, evading his father’s blows.

The marquis, not wanting to seriously hurt him, let him go, chuckling, “Little rascal!”

Later, as night fell and Ji Jiaxun still hadn’t returned, the marquis regretted, lamenting to his wife, “I shouldn’t have let him run.”

It was only the first day of marriage, and he was already gone.

Though the entire capital discussed his daughter-in-law’s actions, which he found satisfying, the situation was still embarrassing. Would they have to do it again?

The princess, also distressed, had tried having their son brought back, always unsuccessfully. Hence her surprise when Yan Qing managed it.

“Should we go ourselves?” the princess suggested.

The marquis grumbled, “Fine. This time I’ll make sure he can’t walk for three days!”

The princess sighed, preparing to change clothes.

A servant announced, “Marquis, Princess, the young master has returned.”

Both were surprised, “Really?”

The servant nodded.

In fact, Ji Jiaxun himself was surprised he returned on time.

As night fell, his friends, who usually spent nights at Cuihong Pavilion, insisted on leaving, seemingly fed up with the place.

Ji Jiaxun didn’t want to go, but with his friends leaving, staying alone was pointless. So he reluctantly went home.

Still angry, his face remained sullen as he walked to his courtyard.

But as he entered, he heard a clear voice, “You’re back? Close the gate.”

“Yes,” a servant outside replied, closing the gate.

Ji Jiaxun felt a chill but forced himself to walk in.

In the hall, a woman in bright red walked towards him, holding a familiar stick.

He stubbornly said, “What are you doing? If you touch me, you won’t live to see tomorrow!”

Yan Qing smiled, her eyes curving, her seductive lips forming a tempting smile, “Let’s see if I live to see tomorrow.”

Her eyes turned cold, and she swung the stick.

Ji Jiaxun’s face changed, hearing the stick’s whistling through the air. He dodged, but his mind was reeling.

She was serious?

“Are you crazy?” Ji Jiaxun dodged another swing, running to the gate, but it was locked. Seeing her approach again, he broke out in a sweat, completely furious.

Yan Qing swung the stick, hitting his backside, making him stumble.

Ji Jiaxun clutched his butt, running around the courtyard, yelling, “Just wait! When I get out, you’re dead!”

“You’re ruthless!”

“Ow…” he yelped again, clearly hit.

Just as he paused to catch his breath, his backside sore, he saw her coming again. He bolted, “You’re crazy! Father! Mother… she’s trying to kill me!”

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing!” Yan Qing replied, breathing heavily but not stopping.

Some people needed a good lesson to behave!

Outside the courtyard, the princess and marquis exchanged surprised and relieved looks, realizing things might be working out as they hoped. The prime minister’s daughter seemed capable.

The princess smiled, “Shall we go back?”

The marquis nodded, “Let’s go.”