Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 46

The reason Yan Qing had such a reaction was due to the original owner’s memories. Marquis of Pingwu came from a humble background. Apart from him, his family were ordinary villagers living in a small village.

The Old Madam still held onto her past habits, believing that a granddaughter-in-law should be obedient and respectful to her, the matriarch of the family. However, the original owner, being the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s family, was not someone even the Princess could easily bully. The Old Madam loved her eldest grandson dearly and, knowing a bit about the situation, despised Yan Qing. She was frustrated she couldn’t change the imperial edict and wanted to humiliate the original owner. So, she went to a temple to pray right before her grandson’s wedding. Marquis of Pingwu managed to fool her by saying she had dreamed of her deceased husband, so no one noticed the difference.

Now that the two months had passed, the Old Madam couldn’t hold back any longer and returned, intending to give Yan Qing a hard time. According to the original owner’s memories, the Old Madam tormented her in various ways. Coincidentally, during that time, the original owner, instigated by Yan Yue, made a fatal mistake and angered her father, Prime Minister Yan. When the Old Madam bullied her, the Yan family pretended not to notice.

In addition to the Old Madam, there was her cousin, Liu Tong, who was the child of the Old Madam’s brother. When Marquis of Pingwu was first noticed by the Princess, Liu Tong’s mother, who was a widow, came looking for help. The Old Madam wanted her to become a concubine for Marquis of Pingwu, but the Princess was so angry that she married her off. Liu Tong’s mother married well, to a family she otherwise would never have encountered. Unfortunately, she passed away shortly after giving birth to Liu Tong, leaving her daughter in the care of the Old Madam. The Old Madam felt guilty, believing she had caused her niece’s death, so she treated Liu Tong exceptionally well. The Old Madam had hoped to convince Ji Jiaxun to marry Liu Tong, but Yan Qing intervened, thwarting her plans.

Even though the original owner didn’t like Ji Jiaxun, she didn’t want to be humiliated. She struggled against the Old Madam, and this conflict became a joke throughout the capital, giving Yan Yue plenty of entertainment. Recalling these memories, Yan Qing’s expression turned grim.

Ji Jiaxun, however, didn’t notice the change. He looked at her with confusion, his bright eyes reflecting his innocence.

Yan Qing smiled, ruffling his hair. He closed his eyes in satisfaction and resumed his studies.

Balancing study with physical activity, Ji Jiaxun didn’t mind at all, especially since Yan Qing occasionally rewarded him with things he wanted. He even thought to himself, “My parents were right; getting married has many benefits.”

He had already chosen to forget about past events.

During this period, Yan Qing occasionally encountered the First Prince visiting. Since the Crown Prince had not been officially designated, the Emperor was cautious about appointing his older children as kings, which would signal that they had no claim to the throne. The Emperor didn’t want his beloved White Moonlight’s son, Xu Chengxiao, to be targeted. The First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, frequently visited, always leaving with a smile, despite receiving no farewell from anyone. He was trying to force Marquis of Pingwu to side with him, using ruthless tactics.

On the other hand, the fourth prince, Xu Chengming, who was only nineteen and just starting his career in the court, made no such overtures. Yan Qing found herself favoring the fourth prince more. She suspected that it was due to the First Prince’s insinuations that the Emperor believed Marquis of Pingwu had aligned with the First Prince, which posed a threat to Xu Chengxiao, leading to future conflicts. For now, Yan Qing had no way to resolve this, as she had no direct access to the princes.

Early in the morning, with carefully prepared gifts, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun set off for Marquis of Pingwu’ residence.

In the carriage, Ji Jiaxun gave her a heads-up, “If my grandmother says anything unpleasant, just call me.”

Yan Qing raised an eyebrow, giving him a knowing look that made him fidget uncomfortably, doubting himself. “You already know, huh?”

Ji Jiaxun lowered his head guiltily, avoiding her gaze. Every time he looked into her eyes, he felt she could see through him. “…A little.”

Yan Qing chuckled, leaning into his arms and hooking her finger under his chin. “If you know, why wait for my call? Can’t you be proactive?”

Ji Jiaxun nodded frantically, “I will! I’ll protect you.”

Satisfied, Yan Qing lightly kissed his lips but pulled back when he wanted more, “Can’t smudge the lipstick.”

Ji Jiaxun looked disappointed but didn’t push further.

When they arrived, Ji Jiaxun got out first, then helped Yan Qing down.

The entrance to Marquis of Pingwu’ residence was surprisingly empty, with only two gatekeepers, giving a rather cold reception.

Yan Qing raised an eyebrow, “Even your grandmother doesn’t value you?”

Ji Jiaxun coughed awkwardly, hesitating before admitting, “She invited you, not me.”

Yan Qing was surprised but not entirely unexpected. Given Ji Jiaxun’s usual behavior, if it were the original owner, she might not be able to control him. He was rarely home and hardly spent time with someone he didn’t want to be with. Ji Jiaxun looked embarrassed, “Mother asked me to come and help you.”

Despite her grievances, Yan Qing knew that as the elder, the Old Madam commanded respect. However, seeing the four strong young men in servant attire behind her, she felt reassured. Aside from the Old Madam, the others were not her match.

Ji Jiaxun didn’t notice her look and thought she was hesitant about facing his grandmother. He remembered how compliant she had been at her own family’s residence. Holding her hand, he reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Yan Qing smiled, her large, bright eyes reflecting amusement. Ji Jiaxun’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away.

This interaction didn’t go unnoticed by the family members who saw them enter, leading them to assume that their relationship wasn’t strong.

Seated at the head of the table, the Old Madam’s stern expression softened slightly. She glanced comfortingly at the pretty girl beside her and called out, “Jiaxun, you’re back!”

Ignoring Yan Qing, she focused on her grandson with affection. Ji Jiaxun grinned, “Grandmother, I missed you. This is your granddaughter-in-law, Qing Qing. Greet her.”

The handsome young man, though tanned and hardened, still retained his charm, especially when he smiled, which melted the Old Madam’s heart. She gave him a fond look, “I see.”

She then turned her gaze to Yan Qing.

Yan Qing gracefully curtsied, “Grandmother.” Lan Hua stepped forward, presenting the gifts they had prepared, and Yan Qing introduced them softly.

Her every move exuded elegance and poise, making it difficult for anyone to find fault. The Old Madam, feeling a bit inferior, nodded stiffly. Then she looked back at her grandson, “You came, but you didn’t bring any gifts for Tong Tong. She misses you.”

Ji Jiaxun kept his smile, “Grandmother, didn’t Qing Qing just give her gifts?”

The Old Madam frowned, “That was from her. You should have brought something yourself.”

Ji Jiaxun replied innocently, “We are husband and wife. What difference does it make? Besides, it’s not appropriate for me to be overly familiar with Miss Liu.”

“We used to…”

Ji Jiaxun cut her off, “Grandmother, I don’t remember playing with Miss Liu when I was young.”

The Old Madam, repeatedly rebuffed, huffed in displeasure, but held her tongue. The atmosphere turned awkwardly silent.

Liu Tong, looking slightly embarrassed, stood and bowed, “Cousin, congratulations on your marriage. I brought a peace talisman from the temple for you and your wife.”

Ji Jiaxun accepted it with a smile, “Thank you.” He handed it to Yan Qing, “Please keep this for me, dear.”

The Old Madam’s frown deepened, “Tong Tong gave that to you. You should wear it.”

“That wouldn’t be proper,” Ji Jiaxun said coolly.

Although he was a playboy, he had learned the necessary etiquette. Dealing with his grandmother was relatively easy.

His increasingly firm stance startled the Old Madam. She was displeased but held back her words.

Yan Qing, sipping her tea calmly, remained unfazed by the Old Madam’s discomfort.

When the Old Madam glared at her, Yan Qing responded with a serene smile, showing no fear.

Finally, the conversation was picked up by the second and third aunts, easing the tension.

Liu Tong, feeling neglected, tightened her grip on her handkerchief, her expression hidden under her bangs.

The discussion wasn’t particularly pleasant, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant either.

Yan Qing’s status and the lack of significant authority figures like her parents-in-law meant the rest of the family had to treat her well. Displeasing her could result in complaints to her influential father, causing potential losses for their families.

In this awkward atmosphere, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun managed to spend a peaceful morning until after lunch when they retired to their wedding room.

Since the Old Madam had returned, it was expected that the grandson would stay for a couple of days.

In the afternoon, Yan Qing continued to make Ji Jiaxun study and train.

Meanwhile, Liu Tong, who had been holding back her tears during lunch, finally broke down in the Old Madam’s arms, “Grandmother, Cousin… Cousin is…”

She sobbed uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face.

The Old Madam, heartbroken, held her tightly, “Don’t cry, Tong Tong. I’ll stand up for you.”

Liu Tong wailed, “Grandmother! It’s all her fault! If it weren’t for her, Cousin wouldn’t be like this! Make her leave!”

Her tears flowed freely as she buried her face in her hands.

The Old Madam, feeling guilty for Liu Tong’s mother, was furious.

But she knew she couldn’t easily confront Yan Qing due to her status.

At that moment, a nanny approached.

“Old Madam.”

Both women looked up, wiping their tears.

The nanny reported, “I just checked on the young master’s courtyard. The young mistress is bullying him, and he’s crying out in pain!”

The Old Madam was enraged, “What?”

The nanny, sent to monitor Yan Qing, was quick to report this eagerly.

“It’s true. The young master’s courtyard is filled with his cries. Even on the wedding night and the next day, he was beaten. The Marquis and the Princess didn’t help him; they don’t care about him…”

The Old Madam couldn’t bear to listen, her breathing becoming labored.

Liu Tong wiped her tears, her voice pitiful, “Grandmother, you hear that? I told you what I heard at the temple was true. She dares to beat Cousin!”

The Old Madam, her face dark with anger, stood up, “Let’s go! How dare she touch my grandson!”

She was furious. Everyone loved their youngest son and eldest grandson the most, and Ji Jiaxun was no exception. He was her favorite, and she hoped Liu Tong could marry him, bringing him closer to the family.

But now, all those hopes were dashed.

Dragging Liu Tong along, the Old Madam stormed over.

As they approached, they heard cries from the courtyard, “Ouch! Lighter!”

A thud followed, and more cries of pain turned into pleading, “I hurt here, rub it for me…”

“And here! It’s bruised!”

The Old Madam’s face twitched with anger, and she quickened her pace, pushing open the courtyard door.

“What are you doing?!”

Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun, who had just picked themselves up from the ground, turned to see the furious Old Madam. Yan Qing, bewildered, replied, “We’re practicing martial arts.”