Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 45

Yan Qing had little to say to Yan Yue. From the beginning, they had been enemies, only the power dynamic had changed. Considering Yan Qing’s mission, they would continue to be adversaries in the future. However, Yan Qing didn’t want someone constantly watching her, so she calmly chatted with Yan Yue, maintaining a facade of politeness before seeing her off.

Yan Yue left with a complicated expression. She had arrived like a mother beast protecting her cub, seeking justice for the original Yan Qing. Yet, Yan Yue’s actions were harsher than Yan Qing’s, aiming for utter ruin.

In ancient times, women’s battles often paused after marriage since they were confined to the inner court and lacked real power, unlike men who could fight to the death. Thus, Yan Qing’s considerate hospitality left Yan Yue without a reason to continue her schemes.

Returning to the Yan residence, Yan Yue realized that perhaps Yan Qing sought reconciliation. Yan Yue’s animosity and fighting spirit towards Yan Qing diminished significantly. Before today, she had eagerly anticipated seeing Yan Qing’s suffering, but their interaction and the unexpected glow on Yan Qing’s face challenged her assumptions.

Yan Yue reflected on her own future. Would she live as a traditional wife, raising children and remaining subordinate to a man? Or could she, like Yan Qing, dominate her husband despite the patriarchal era? Yan Yue blushed, thinking of Xu Chengxiao, but also felt a deep sense of loss, knowing she couldn’t treat him like an ordinary man due to their unequal status and her secrets in his hands.

“Miss, the Third Prince sent this,” a maid interrupted her thoughts, presenting a box.

Yan Yue smiled and asked, “What is it?”

The maid opened the box, revealing exquisite jewelry, clearly valuable. Yan Yue laughed softly, having always refused such gifts due to the disparity between her and Xu Chengxiao. But this time, she accepted it, saying, “I prefer silver. Tell him that. And here’s my secret recipe, give it to him.”

The maid nodded and left. Yan Yue had shared various recipes from the 21st century with Xu Chengxiao, who supported businesses like inns and taverns, needing powerful connections she couldn’t provide.

Meanwhile, Xu Chengxiao, surprised by the maid’s report, frowned. “Did she say that herself?”

The maid nodded cautiously, adding, “She seemed to like the hairpin but mentioned preferring silver.”

Xu Chengxiao’s eyes flickered with sarcasm but focused on the detailed recipe in his hand. “Understood,” he said, sending for silver jewelry.

The maid, relieved to leave, felt the Prince’s growing hostility and regretted taking the job, realizing the danger too late.

—

At the Princess’s residence, Ji Jiaxun lay bored in the study, a book over his face, one leg propped up, the other dangling. “So boring,” he muttered.

Xiao Liu tried to cheer him up. “Young Master, how about some food? You haven’t had breakfast.”

“Not hungry,” Ji Jiaxun snapped. “Don’t talk to me. I don’t want to see you right now.”

Xiao Liu fell silent, grateful for the lack of punishment. After about a quarter of an hour, footsteps approached.

Ji Jiaxun sat up, dropping the book. He hurriedly straightened himself just as the door opened, revealing Yan Qing in her water-red dress, her presence brightening the room.

“Um… you’ve punished me already. Can I go out now?” Ji Jiaxun asked with a hopeful smile.

Xiao Liu, used to his master’s submissiveness, remained quiet. Yan Qing, slightly surprised, smiled and patted his head. “You can go out, but there’s a condition.”

Ji Jiaxun shrank back. “What is it?”

“Memorize this book.” Yan Qing handed him a book on military strategy. “Finish it, and you can go out for a whole day, but no women. Fail, and you won’t go out again.”

Ji Jiaxun, though smart and naturally a leader, was daunted by the thick, complex book. His handsome face scrunched up, he tugged at her sleeve and pleaded, “It’s too much. Can I just memorize part of it? I promise to behave. I’ll avoid women entirely.”

Yan Qing smiled sweetly. Ji Jiaxun was momentarily hopeful until she said, “Memorize it all, and there’s a reward.”

Despite the tingling in his ears, he couldn’t refuse. “What’s the reward?”

Yan Qing tilted his chin, meeting his eyes. “What do you want?”

Ji Jiaxun, heart pounding, glanced at her soft lips and impulsively pecked her cheek. “This!” he declared.

Yan Qing, recalling a similar moment from another life, quickly refocused. “Alright.” She patted his red face. “Xiao Liu, prepare his favorite food.”

“Yes, madam.” Xiao Liu left happily.

Ji Jiaxun pouted, still upset about Xiao Liu’s betrayal. Yan Qing ruffled his hair. “Eat, freshen up, and then start memorizing.”

Suppressing a smile, Ji Jiaxun nodded. “Okay.”

—

“Did you hear? I just took tea to the Young Marquis and heard him reciting books,” a servant gossiped.

“Really? No way!”

“It’s true! I heard it myself, and the Young Madam was there, grinding ink for him!”

“Wow!”

Married life had changed him significantly. The Princess’s servants were astonished, and the news spread quickly.

Even the Princess, chatting with her consort, was shocked. “Are you sure?” she asked her Nanny, frozen mid-bite.

The Nanny nodded. “Yes, I confirmed it with the servant who delivered the tea.”

The Princess turned to her husband. “It seems she really is our son’s match.”

Since Ji Jiaxun was eight, his rebellious streak had been unstoppable. The entire residence knew of his dislike for studying. Initially, he could be controlled by force, but he eventually outsmarted everyone. Over time, they gave up, accepting his disinterest in academics.

However, they still hoped he’d study, believing it would make him wiser.

The Marquis agreed, smiling. “That rascal, just like his father!”

He was always obedient to his wife. If only they’d known earlier…

They exchanged a look, and the Princess muttered, “We should’ve had him marry sooner.”

“Not everyone would have worked,” the Marquis noted, thinking of Yan Qing’s beauty and strength. It was a perfect combination to attract and control their son.

The Princess nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll ask our daughter-in-law if she needs help. I wouldn’t want her to give up.”

Teaching their son had been exhausting for the Princess, and she feared Yan Qing might also find it too taxing.

The Marquis agreed. “Good idea.”

That afternoon, Yan Qing received the Princess’s message and readily agreed. “I need a few skilled martial artists and a master. The Young Marquis needs to learn martial arts.”

The Nanny found it odd but relayed the request. The next day, the Princess sent the requested help.

—

After a day of struggling with books, Ji Jiaxun snuck closer to his wife at night, drawn by her soothing scent. He fell asleep contentedly beside her.

The next morning, he slept through her morning routine. Yan Qing, feeling sorry for him, let him sleep in and had breakfast alone.

After breakfast, five people arrived, including the master she had requested. The man, muscular and rough-looking, greeted her with a deep voice, “Greetings, Madam.”

“Greetings, Madam,” echoed the four others.

Though they were also skilled, none had the imposing presence of the master. Yan Qing, satisfied, had them settle in the outer courtyard.

Returning, she found Ji Jiaxun groggily waking up, looking adorably confused. “Get up, time to study,” she reminded him.

Ji Jiaxun groaned but obeyed, still grumbling. Yan Qing stayed by his side, having little else to do.

It was still early. Ancient people, lacking entertainment, rose at dawn, often around 5 or 6 AM. Ji Jiaxun, despite sleeping in, was up by 7:30.

After breakfast, he reluctantly went to study. While he read, Yan Qing trained with Master Wang.

Ji Jiaxun, preferring the outdoors, sat under a tree, occasionally watching her practice. Yan Qing, in simple cotton training clothes, looked refreshingly beautiful, her hair in a neat ponytail, her face free of makeup.

A sharp glare from her brought him back to his studies. “Focus!” she snapped.

Ji Jiaxun quickly resumed reading. Yan Qing, sweating from her workout, kept an eye on him.

After her training, she washed up and brought Ji Jiaxun to Master Wang. “He’s all yours,” she said.

“Understood!” Master Wang replied.

Ji Jiaxun, confused, asked, “Do I have to train too?”

“Of course. Don’t you want to stop being bullied by me?” Yan Qing teased.

Ji Jiaxun blushed. “I don’t mind. You’re my wife, I’m willing.”

“I don’t want a husband who can’t even beat me,” Yan Qing retorted, walking away.

Ji Jiaxun felt hurt, his face reflecting his dejection. If the Princess were there, she’d rush to comfort him. But with only Master Wang present, there was no sympathy.

“Stop whining! Start with horse stance!” Master Wang ordered.

Ji Jiaxun tried to protest. “But I need to change!”

“Change into what?!” Master Wang snapped.

Ji Jiaxun, determined, pointed at his fine silk clothes

. “This is top-quality silk! What if it gets ruined?”

Master Wang, stunned, sighed. “Fine, hurry up!”

Ji Jiaxun rushed to his room, calling out, “I’m not slacking, just changing…” The words died as he saw Yan Qing.

Holding clothes, she stared at him, surprised. “Get out!” she yelled.

Startled, Ji Jiaxun tripped and fell but quickly scrambled up, running out without a word, ignoring the pain in his knee.

Outside, under the hot sun, he felt a rush of heat. Master Wang, still training, saw Ji Jiaxun return. “Ready to train?”

Ji Jiaxun, still flustered, nodded. “Yes!”

Master Wang laughed and began teaching. When Yan Qing reappeared, Ji Jiaxun was steady in his stance, though he wobbled when he saw her, causing him to collapse.

Clearing his throat, he tried again. “Let’s go again.”

Despite the hard training, Ji Jiaxun was determined not to disappoint her. Watching from the side, Yan Qing continued her own training, reminding him to focus whenever he was distracted.

With both reading and martial arts in his routine, Ji Jiaxun improved rapidly. Yan Qing allowed him to go out with friends every three days, ensuring a balance.

Learning from past mistakes, his friends avoided trouble, returning him home on time. Their activities, from drinking to cricket fights, kept them entertained.

Ji Jiaxun’s transformation was visible. His skin tanned, muscles firmed up, and his demeanor matured. The Princess and Marquis were thrilled, grateful to Yan Qing, and planning to reward her when the Old Madam returned.

—

The Old Madam of the Ji family, not very old at fifty-four, had been at Wanqing Temple with a cousin, missing even her grandson’s wedding. Now, with her return, Yan Qing had to pay her respects.

Cousin? Yan Qing glanced at Ji Jiaxun.

He looked puzzled. “Wife, what’s wrong? Did I get it wrong?”