Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 43

Because of the injury to his buttocks, Ji Jiaxun spent the entire day in bed, reading a bit, sipping on the wine Xiao Liu had bought, and then drifting off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Yan Qing practiced martial arts in the courtyard.

Although her body was agile, it lacked strength, so she needed to train more.

While practicing, she reflected on the fate of the Marquis of Pingwu and the Princess.

This family was destined to be executed, but she didn’t plan to end up like the original Yan Qing.

The male lead of this world was the third prince, Xu Chengxiao. However, there were also the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, and the fourth prince, Xu Chengming. The remaining princes were too young to pose a threat.

Except for the third prince, the other princes had strong maternal families. Only the third prince was the son of the emperor’s beloved, who died early due to the emperor’s infidelity. This created a rift between the third prince and the emperor, and he wasn’t adopted by any other concubines.

Although the emperor was only in his forties, his health was failing. The loss of his beloved, coupled with managing the court and indulging in pleasures, had taken a toll on his body. According to the original plot, he knew he wouldn’t live long and started using his other sons as stepping stones to elevate the third prince to the throne.

The Ji family held military power and was allied with the Yan family through marriage. Yan Qing’s maternal family was also powerful, making the emperor see the Ji family as a threat to be eliminated.

The third prince, Xu Chengxiao, was a cold-hearted person. The original Yan Qing had a one-sided love for him and was known for being bold. Anyone who approached Xu Chengxiao would be punished by her. Eventually, everyone knew she admired Xu Chengxiao.

However, Xu Chengxiao never cared for her. In his eyes, apart from Yan Yue, no one else mattered. His heart had long turned to stone.

Such a person treated his subordinates harshly, using brutal methods to suppress any opposition. In the capital, Ji Jiaxun was a local bully, while Xu Chengxiao was like a demonic god no one dared mention.

Though he appeared favored by the emperor, the First Prince and the fourth prince eyed him covetously. Other princes and their mothers were also not easy to deal with.

Yan Qing pondered the original Yan Qing’s memories of the fourth prince and the First Prince, wondering who would be a better ally.

Despite her musings, she couldn’t recall much because the original Yan Qing had demonized them due to her infatuation with Xu Chengxiao, viewing them as either lecherous or deceitful.

After contemplating for a while, Yan Qing concluded her training, exhaling a breath of foul air.

Lan Hua hurried over with a handkerchief to wipe her sweat, whispering, “Madam, why are you practicing martial arts? Didn’t you say you didn’t like it before?”

The original Yan Qing’s maternal family had tried to teach her martial arts for health reasons, but she refused, fearing it would ruin her figure. She didn’t want to develop a muscular build like her cousin, which led to a fallout with her maternal family. They didn’t speak for several days until her uncle personally apologized.

This incident happened when the original Yan Qing was only seven or eight years old, but it left a lasting impression. As a young girl, she was already vain and didn’t want to look muscular, so her maternal family never insisted on teaching her martial arts again.

However, the original Yan Qing had a good relationship with her uncle’s family and often watched her cousins practice martial arts. Thus, her basic training now didn’t seem out of place.

Her family’s unconditional love had made the original Yan Qing simple-minded and easily deceived.

Yan Qing replied softly, “Given the current situation, don’t you think I need to practice martial arts?”

Remembering the recent events between the new groom and the Madam, Lan Hua fell silent, carefully glancing at Yan Qing to ensure she wasn’t upset, then said, “Madam, would you like to take a bath now?”

“Yes,” Yan Qing nodded.

Lan Hua went to prepare the bath.

The next day was the third day after the wedding, the day for the bride to return to her parental home.

Yan Qing woke up early again, first going to the princess to pay her respects. Granted special permission not to do this every day, she then brought the gifts prepared by the princess and returned home.

Ji Jiaxun was already sitting in the carriage, looking bored.

After a day of rest, his injury had mostly healed, and he could sit without discomfort.

Seeing Yan Qing board the carriage, his spirits lifted, and he smiled mischievously, “You wait. My parents didn’t help me, but I’m going to your parents to complain. They’ll definitely discipline you for not following proper conduct!”

Proper conduct referred to the strict upbringing of young women, emphasizing tranquility, gentleness, and virtue. In the liberal society of Great Yan, except for scholars, not many valued this. As long as a daughter didn’t act out, she was free to have her own personality.

Even Yan Qing’s cousin, who was robust and spirited, wasn’t mocked much.

However, her father, the prime minister, was a scholar.

Ji Jiaxun seemed eager to tattle.

Yan Qing smiled inwardly. Sitting opposite him, she suddenly moved to sit beside Ji Jiaxun.

Startled, Ji Jiaxun instinctively tried to move away, but the carriage jolted, and Yan Qing fell into his arms.

“Y-You’re using a beauty trick?!” Ji Jiaxun stammered in panic.

It was his first time being this close to a woman, and he felt awkward. His hands were at his sides, unsure of what to do, letting Yan Qing lie on him.

Seizing the moment, Yan Qing wrapped her arms around Ji Jiaxun’s waist, holding him tightly, and whispered coyly, “Husband, would you really let me be punished?”

Ji Jiaxun’s eyes widened, his lips trembling. His handsome face was filled with confusion, shyness, and innocence.

He didn’t dare move. When he tried to push her away, his hands felt like they were burning, making him withdraw in fear. Yan Qing, however, boldly stared at him.

Amused, Yan Qing saw he still didn’t speak, so she moved closer, planting a kiss on his face and giving him a shy glance. This made Ji Jiaxun feel like he had been struck by lightning, his heart racing.

This woman!

This woman!!!

He wanted to scream but couldn’t.

Yan Qing teased, “Husband, answer me~~~”

Her voice was soft and alluring, making Ji Jiaxun’s ears tingle.

Taking deep breaths, Ji Jiaxun gritted his teeth, “I won’t say anything. I won’t!”

He surrendered!

This move was too much!

For the first time, Ji Jiaxun felt he could never win against this woman.

In his frustrated and embarrassed voice, Yan Qing heard the underlying shyness. Smiling, she let go and pushed herself away.

Ji Jiaxun breathed a sigh of relief, slowly sitting up, awkwardly saying, “You can’t do this. It’s improper in broad daylight…”

But before he finished, she was on him again, this time sitting on his lap, arms around his neck, and smiling innocently, “It’s not improper. I saw many people doing this the other day.”

Ji Jiaxun’s face turned red again, unsure if he wanted to resist. He didn’t really want to, feeling an odd sense of acceptance, but he still tried to sound serious, “That’s not right. You shouldn’t learn from them.”

Yan Qing pouted, “Then why do you go there? You must like it.”

Ji Jiaxun: “…”

He didn’t know how to explain.

That was a brothel; how could she compare herself to those women? She was the prime minister’s legitimate daughter! Besides, he didn’t go there for the women!

But he was at a loss for words, stammering for a while before resolutely saying, “I won’t go there anymore! You can’t imitate them!”

Yan Qing laughed, making Ji Jiaxun glare at her, feeling too adorable to stay mad.

Initially thinking he was a playboy, Yan Qing had wondered whether to tame him. But seeing him in the brothel, still properly dressed and blushing when she challenged him, convinced her he was still innocent.

Now she was glad she decided to educate him, finding his reactions incredibly cute.

Annoyed by her laughter, Ji Jiaxun suddenly grabbed her waist, pulling her close, his voice rough, “Stop laughing!”

“Okay, okay,” Yan Qing said, moving forward and kissing him on the lips before quickly retreating with a smile, “I’ll stop.”

Ji Jiaxun froze.

The next moment, he looked around, seeking a place to hide, but finding none, he buried his head in her neck.

Feeling his warm face against her cool skin, Yan Qing wanted to laugh again.

But she held back, not wanting to push him too far.

…

They finally arrived at the prime minister’s residence.

Ji Jiaxun jumped out of the carriage as if someone were chasing him, his face still red.

Yan Qing, taking her time, was helped out by Lan Hua.

The gatekeeper greeted them, “Young Madam, Young Master, the master has been waiting for you.”

Yan Qing smiled and walked inside.

Ji Jiaxun had calmed down, and with a stern face, waited for her to join him before they proceeded.

The prime minister and his wife were waiting in the main hall.

As they walked across the marble pathway and entered, Madam Song’s eyes reddened, and she was about to get up when the prime minister’s stern voice rang out, “Kneel!”

Ji Jiaxun’s heart tightened, and he immediately looked at Yan Qing.

The fierce and coquettish woman he knew walked forward quietly and knelt in the center with proper posture.

The Yan family was relatively simple. As the legitimate daughter, Yan Qing’s family consisted of her parents and elder brother. Even Yan Yue wasn’t allowed to appear, and the concubines were absent as well.

Ji Jiaxun felt like his daily life had been a series of shocks since meeting Yan Qing. This fierce woman was now so obedient?

His heart ached as he looked at her, then he respectfully saluted the prime minister and asked, “Father-in-law, why are you making her kneel? She did nothing wrong.”

Prime Minister Yan, in his forties with graying hair, was not old-looking but had aged from worries. He looked at the handsome young man before him, frowning, “She entered a brothel, becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital. Is that not wrong?”

Madam Song, usually timid in front of her husband, was now worried for her daughter. “Husband, there was a reason for that!”

Even if she hadn’t gone to the brothel, her daughter would have been mocked. It was better to face it boldly.

Seeing his daughter kneeling properly, Prime Minister Yan’s stern gaze softened slightly. He knew Ji Jiaxun was partly responsible but didn’t dare punish him. His anger flared seeing the young man in front of him, and he said, “It’s your pampering that has led to her behavior!”

Ji Jiaxun frowned, “Father-in-law, the fault lies with me, not Yan Qing.” With that, he pulled Yan Qing up.

She stood up easily, indicating she was willing to kneel only because it was a formality. Seeing Ji Jiaxun give her an out, she immediately rose and winked at him.

Ji Jiaxun felt a bit tricked but let go of her hand.

Yan Qing stretched her legs slightly, feeling a bit of soreness from the brief kneeling.

Prime Minister Yan, who felt better seeing his daughter being helped up by Ji Jiaxun, remained stern, “In the future, be cautious in your actions. You’re married now, and your parents can’t protect you forever. If you cause trouble, no one will save you.”

Yan Qing smiled sweetly, “I understand, Father.”

She then turned to Madam Song, stepping forward, “Mother, I missed you!”

“Oh, my dear,” Madam Song cried, pulling her daughter close, “You’ve lost weight. Tell me if you’ve been wronged. Your father will stand up for you!”

Madam Song’s direct manner caused Prime Minister Yan to frown. “Enough talk. She needs to manage herself from now on.”

Yan Xu finally spoke, “Father, Mother, the sisters are also waiting to see Qing’er.”

Madam Song pouted, “What sisters? Qing’er is my only daughter!”

Yan Xu frowned but didn’t argue. Raised by Prime Minister Yan, he wasn’t biased towards any of his sisters and was more favorable to the concubines’ children due to past events.

Men often didn’t realize their actions could hurt their mothers. Madam Song, seeing her son’s silence, grew more upset, twisting her handkerchief and muttering complaints to her daughter.

Ji Jiaxun, ignored for a while, coughed twice. Seeing no one paid him any attention, he guessed this was meant to give him a hard time. He shrugged and casually sat down, a smug smile on his face, seemingly unaffected.

Prime Minister Yan glanced at him, feeling his heart ache. He looked back at his daughter, finding some solace that she didn’t look as worn as he had feared.

…

Soon, a few of Yan Qing’s half-sisters entered. Each one was beautiful, with Prime Minister Yan’s handsome features and their mothers’ good looks. They made an impressive sight together.

Yan Qing, sitting beside Madam Song, watched the girls enter. The first one to catch her eye was a stunning young woman with a serene and pleasing appearance, unlike Yan Qing’s bold beauty.

Their gazes met briefly before Yan Qing looked away, maintaining a composed demeanor as if she were facing a stranger.

Yan Yue was startled, not expecting Yan Qing to look so composed. She had assumed her proud sister would be miserable after marrying a playboy.

Her eyes shifted to the young man beside Yan Qing, noting his youthful, fair appearance, clean and spirited eyes, and his relaxed, almost careless posture.

Is this the rumored playboy?

Though he seemed playful, up close, his features were quite attractive. When Yan Yue plotted with Xu Chengxiao to marry Yan Qing off, she hadn’t met Ji Jiaxun personally.

Seeing him now, she regretted not choosing someone worse. But Ji Jiaxun had been the only option at the time.

Yan Yue forced a smile and curtsied, “Sister, Brother-in-law, you look very well-matched.”

Her words were a hidden jab. Yan Qing had once told her that only she was worthy of the third prince, not a lowly concubine’s daughter.

The original Yan Qing would have been provoked, but the current Yan Qing merely adjusted her hair and smiled shyly, “Thank you.”

Her response, seemingly humble, actually displayed a subtle pride.

Yan Qing’s reaction puzzled Yan Yue. She scrutinized her sister but found no hint of the expected distress. Deciding not to push further in front of their father, she quieted down.

Returning to her parental home involved little formality. Yan Qing, now a guest, mainly enjoyed the hospitality. Madam Song clung to her daughter, reluctant to let go, even through lunch.

As the day wore on, it was time to return.

…

Halfway back, their carriage was stopped.

Three young men, around Ji Jiaxun’s age, appeared beside the carriage. When the curtain was lifted, Zhang Zhong greeted with a cheerful bow, “Good day, Sister-in-law.”

The other two quickly followed suit, looking quite well-behaved.

Yan Qing nodded, “Hello.”

Having witnessed Yan Qing’s fierce side, they showed no inappropriate interest despite her beauty. Zhang Zhong smiled apologetically, “Sister-in-law, we’d like to take Ji Jiaxun out for some tea.”

The other two exchanged knowing looks with Ji Jiaxun.

Yan Qing glanced at Ji Jiaxun.

The eager young man assured, “We’re just going out for fun. I promise we won’t go to the brothel.”

“Yes, yes, we won’t,” the others echoed. They were too afraid of Yan Qing to risk taking Ji Jiaxun to a brothel.

After some thought, Yan Qing agreed, “Alright, but be back by the end of the evening.”

“Deal!” Ji Jiaxun’s eyes lit up as he quickly agreed, jumping out of the carriage with energy. He eagerly grabbed his friends, “Let’s go!”

Finally able to enjoy some freedom, Ji Jiaxun was overjoyed. He ran off so fast he forgot to say goodbye to Yan Qing, his excitement making his steps clumsy.

Watching him go, Yan Qing chuckled and drew the curtain back, laughing to herself.

It felt like she was the parent, and Ji Jiaxun was the child she was disciplining.

Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside, not wanting to soften her resolve.

The carriage continued to the princess’s residence.

As Yan Qing alighted, she saw a man in a yellow robe exiting the princess’s residence, his face beaming. He noticed her, greeted politely, and boarded a lavish carriage.

Recognizing the carriage’s opulence, she remembered the man was the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an. Why was he so happy leaving the princess’s residence?

Unable to figure it out, she decided to set it aside for now, not wanting to ask the Marquis directly.

…

Meanwhile, Ji Jiaxun was led away by his friends, not to a brothel but to a different destination.

Blindfolded, Ji Jiaxun was guided by Zhang Zhong, while the other two led the way.

Shi Yibin laughed, “Ji Jiaxun, don’t say we never do anything for you. You’ve lost weight these days, so we have a big surprise for you!”

“What’s this about?” Ji Jiaxun chuckled, “You’re making me nervous!”

Qi Haolin coughed lightly, “Ji Jiaxun, we just want to cheer you up. But if you don’t like it, don’t blame us.”

Always the cautious one, Qi Haolin wanted to cover all bases.

Shi Yibin punched him lightly, “Idiot, he’ll love it. Once he sees, he’ll understand.”

Ji Jiaxun, sensing something, smelled a faint perfume. Just as he was about to speak, Qi Haolin removed the blindfold.

The sudden brightness made Ji Jiaxun squint. Before him stood a dozen beautiful women, all smiling at them, some holding musical instruments.

Instead of delight, Ji Jiaxun took a step back, alarmed, “What’s this? Didn’t we agree no brothels?”

His friends hadn’t expected such a reaction.

Shi Yibin explained, “Relax, Ji Jiaxun. This isn’t a brothel. This is my private courtyard, and these ladies were brought here to entertain us. You can enjoy without worry.”

“No! Send them away!” Ji Jiaxun insisted, standing firm, “I promised not to go to brothels, and I mean to keep my word.”

The three friends were dumbfounded, “What???”