Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 47

The Old Madam, trembling with concern, rushed over and grabbed her handsome grandson, Ji Jiaxun. She looked at him with distress, “You call this martial arts training? Look at these injuries! Did you fall here too?”

She pointed to a dusty spot on Ji Jiaxun’s pants.

In fact, Ji Jiaxun was covered in dust from head to toe, just varying in severity. Ever since Ji Jiaxun had learned a few moves, Yan Qing had been practicing martial arts with him. Her real sparring partners were the four other men, but she practiced with Ji Jiaxun to go easy on him.

Ji Jiaxun never felt he was being bullied. He always cheerfully dragged Yan Qing to practice with him. Even with bruises, he was happy, often finding excuses to ask for rewards, which Yan Qing indulged. They were quite harmonious.

But now…

Facing the Old Madam’s concern, Ji Jiaxun smiled dismissively, “It doesn’t hurt.”

“Nonsense! You were just crying out in pain!” the Old Madam retorted firmly.

Liu Tong nodded in agreement, “Cousin must be in pain. Grandmother, look, he’s even lost weight…”

Hearing this, the Old Madam’s cloudy eyes narrowed. Upon closer inspection, she saw that Ji Jiaxun indeed looked leaner and more tanned, making her even more distressed. “Oh, my poor grandson! Look at you, losing weight and getting darker. Is she bullying you? I should’ve come back sooner! What were your parents thinking, marrying you off to such a wife…”

“Grandmother!” Ji Jiaxun interrupted sternly.

The Old Madam paused, feeling extremely wronged but unable to scold her grandson. She turned her cold, cloudy eyes to Yan Qing, “What kind of person are you, bullying my grandson like this! As a woman, you should be managing the household and raising children, not roughhousing with men. Who told you to act this way…”

Yan Qing dusted off her hands and stood silently, not saying a word. Opposing an elder, especially with Liu Tong watching eagerly, would only damage her reputation. But she couldn’t stand there trembling either, so she chose silence.

As the Old Madam continued scolding, Ji Jiaxun’s frown deepened. Finally, fed up, he pulled Yan Qing away, “Darling, help me pick out my clothes; I need a bath.”

After pushing Yan Qing into the house, Ji Jiaxun turned to the Old Madam, who was left speechless, and glanced at the demure Liu Tong. He spoke firmly, “Grandmother, she is my wife. Whatever she does is right, and outsiders have no say.”

The Old Madam’s face turned pale, “Are you calling me an outsider?”

Ji Jiaxun smiled faintly, “Between a husband and wife, it’s just the two of them. In their relationship, you are an outsider, Grandmother.”

The Old Madam was taken aback, staring at him as if seeing her grandson for the first time. In her eyes, he had always been a naive and obedient boy, someone who would do anything she said.

But now, she realized he had grown taller, his features more defined and strong, resembling his father. His once soft and carefree eyes now held a certain hardness. His expression, when serious, exerted a pressure that made it hard to see him as just a child.

The Old Madam’s lips trembled, standing there awkwardly. She had no status of her own; everything she had was thanks to her son and daughter-in-law. Her confidence wavered, especially after past conflicts with her daughter-in-law.

Ji Jiaxun showed no signs of softening. He stared at her, compelling her to back down.

Finally, the Old Madam, feeling defeated, slumped her shoulders and spoke in a hoarse voice, “I’m old. I won’t interfere anymore.”

“Grandmother, you are still healthy,” Ji Jiaxun responded naturally, but he didn’t address her last statement.

Previously, Ji Jiaxun would have playfully insisted she could still manage things, but now he felt it unnecessary. He felt grown-up, ready to shoulder responsibilities and earn honors for Yan Qing.

Even though a marquis’s wife had no rank, a man could earn titles for his wife.

The Old Madam, supported by her nanny, left the courtyard. She had lost her commanding presence, looking rather despondent.

Liu Tong, however, stayed behind. Biting her lip, she pitifully called out, “Cousin…”

Ji Jiaxun nodded coldly, devoid of any emotion, “You’re not young anymore. Have you found any suitable young men?”

Tears welled up in Liu Tong’s eyes, and she pleaded, “Cousin, I don’t want anything. I just want to stay by your side, truly…”

Ji Jiaxun frowned with disgust but restrained himself, “I want to hear about your engagement within a month. Otherwise, I’ll arrange it myself, and you won’t get a say in who you marry. While Grandmother is still able, let her find you a suitable match.”

Liu Tong’s face turned pale. She looked at him in shock and anger, “Cousin, you know I love…”

Before she could finish, Ji Jiaxun interrupted with cold disdain, “Many people like me. Should I keep them all around?”

Liu Tong clutched her chest, finding it hard to breathe. Her face turned green, and she ran out, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs.

After she left, Ji Jiaxun, who had been standing tall and firm, slumped and muttered, “Finally, she’s gone!”

He wasn’t the patient type. If it were anyone else, he would have dealt with them harshly. But Liu Tong was the Old Madam’s favorite, and despite her flaws, the Old Madam genuinely cared for him. So, he endured.

But he wouldn’t tolerate anyone bullying Yan Qing.

“Humph!” he snorted in defiance.

Yan Qing couldn’t help but laugh.

Ji Jiaxun’s face turned bright red, and he looked at her nervously, scratching his head, “Did you see all that?”

Yan Qing tilted her head with a pure, adorable smile, “Yes, I did!”

Ji Jiaxun felt a warmth in his heart and stepped closer, wanting to hold her. Just a few steps away, Yan Qing opened her arms, “Come, hug me.”

Ji Jiaxun’s eyes lit up. He rushed over, embraced her, and asked, “Is this my reward?”

Yan Qing nodded, patting his back, “Alright, go take a bath. I’ll put some ointment on you afterward.”

“Okay.” Ji Jiaxun grinned widely and happily went to his room.

Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun stayed at Marquis of Pingwu’s residence for a day. During that time, the Old Madam kept her distance. Though she still didn’t like Yan Qing, she no longer tried to make her life difficult.

The Old Madam refrained from saying anything due to Ji Jiaxun’s earlier threat and because she saw how strong he had become. After they left, she began looking for a match for Liu Tong, fearing her grandson might actually take drastic measures like his mother, the princess.

Liu Tong fell ill for a couple of days. After recovering, she behaved herself.

When Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun returned home, neither the Old Madam nor Liu Tong came to see them off. That was fine by Yan Qing.

But this time, as they arrived at the Princess’s residence, they ran into the First Prince.

The timing was perfect. Just as Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun were about to enter, the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, was coming out. The three of them met face-to-face.

Xu Cheng’an’s stern face quickly softened into a warm smile, and he greeted them amiably.

Ji Jiaxun casually nodded in response, but Yan Qing feigned curiosity, “Was the First Prince here to see my father?”

Xu Cheng’an’s smile deepened, and he nodded, “Yes, I had a pleasant conversation with the Marquis of Pingwu. Unfortunately, I have other matters to attend to.”

Yan Qing glanced inside, pretending to be puzzled, “Why didn’t Father come out to see you off? He personally saw off Master Wang when he visited. This isn’t like him!”

She spoke loudly enough for those around them to hear.

Her words implied that the Marquis of Pingwu had been disrespectful by not seeing off the First Prince, while he had seen off a lower-ranked commander. How could that be reasonable?

Xu Cheng’an’s face twisted slightly before he quickly regained his composure, dismissively waving his hand, “The Marquis is busy with state affairs…”

“You can’t say that!” Yan Qing interrupted, her clear voice rising. “If Father could see off a Master, he surely has time for the First Prince. I often see Father with Mother, so he must be free. I need to speak to Father about this. Even if Mother is the First Prince’s aunt, this is unacceptable!”

Without waiting for Xu Cheng’an to stop her, she hurried inside.

Ji Jiaxun, puzzled, followed her.

Xu Cheng’an was left standing awkwardly at the gate, staring at the Princess’s residence in disbelief for several moments before going back inside.

Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun had already reached her in-laws’ courtyard.

Ji Jiaxun grabbed her arm, worried she might say something wrong and get them in trouble. He was used to being scolded and was afraid of more beatings.

Yan Qing shook her head, the earlier anger and frustration gone, replaced by a calm demeanor.

She approached the Marquis of Pingwu and asked softly, “Father, I saw the First Prince leaving. Why didn’t you see him off?”

The Marquis of Pingwu frowned, “You don’t understand these things. Don’t concern yourself.”

Yan Qing shook her head, listening to the faint sounds from outside. She spoke softly, “I’ve seen the First Prince come here several times. He always leaves with a smile, as if he’s very pleased…”

Since they were in the inner courtyard with only family around, Yan Qing spoke freely.

Both the Princess and the Marquis of Pingwu looked at her, surprised.

The Marquis of Pingwu was especially taken aback, “He always leaves looking happy?”

Yan Qing nodded quickly, “Yes, Father. Are you and the First Prince on such good terms? If you don’t see him off, and he’s still happy?”

The Marquis of Pingwu’s expression grew more complex, clearly realizing something.

Ji Jiaxun remained clueless, nudging Yan Qing and making faces, prompting the Marquis of Pingwu to slap him on the back of the head, “What kind of face is that? Behave yourself.”

Ji Jiaxun pouted but kept quiet.

Yan Qing whispered, “Father, the First Prince should be back now.”

The Marquis of Pingwu nodded, “You and your mother have a chat.”

He then left the room, his face stern.

Seeing the Marquis of Pingwu leave, Yan Qing felt relieved. She turned to see the Princess watching her knowingly, causing her relief to stall.

Fortunately, the Princess was gentle, inviting her to sit.

Ji Jiaxun sat beside her, curious, “Qing Qing, what did you mean just now?”

Yan Qing explained, “The Crown Prince hasn’t been designated yet, and there are three princes who are eligible. The First Prince frequently visits our home, leaving with a smile, giving others the impression that we’re aligned with him. But in reality, we aren’t. This pressures us to take sides. In the battle for the throne, making the wrong choice could be disastrous. We don’t need to pick a side, or the other two princes and the emperor might target us.”

Ji Jiaxun’s face darkened as he understood.

Yan Qing continued, “We need to make sure we stay neutral, or the consequences could be dire.”

Ji Jiaxun’s expression grew serious.

Yan Qing fell silent, contemplating how to prevent the emperor from targeting their family if her plan failed. If the Northwest rebellion was indeed a ploy to eliminate a threat, she’d need to keep her family from leaving for the war.

But how?

She suspected the rebellion and the Marquis of Pingwu’s death were orchestrated by those in power to remove a potential threat.

After a while, the Marquis of Pingwu returned, looking more composed. He even handed Yan Qing several gifts, as if rewarding her.

As they prepared to leave, the Princess suddenly remembered, “The First Prince left an invitation. Your father and I won’t attend, but you two should go.”

“Alright.” Yan Qing accepted the invitation from a maid and put it away.

The First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, was over twenty and already had two children. This celebration was for his third child’s first birthday. He was the only prince with multiple offspring. The second prince, being frail, had lost his chance at the throne long ago.

The third prince, with a fierce reputation, found it hard to marry. Many women avoided him, and the two engagements arranged by a once-favored concubine ended with the brides dying shortly after. This led to rumors that the third prince was cursed, further isolating him.

The novel suggested that the third prince had killed the two women and the concubine for insulting him.

Yan Qing understood why the system didn’t want the third prince to become emperor.

The fourth prince, being younger, had yet to marry, though he was engaged. His marriage was likely set for the following year.

With the invitation in hand, Yan Qing rose early to get ready. Surrounded by maids, she prepared meticulously.

Ji Jiaxun, intrigued, wanted to help but was turned down for lack of time.

Feeling left out, he decided to help choose her outfit.

Having grown up around beautiful women, Ji Jiaxun had a good eye for fashion. He picked out a stunning yet dignified dress for her and brought a box of jewelry.

When Yan Qing opened it, she was stunned by the palm-sized pearl inside.

“Where did this come from?” she asked.

Ji Jiaxun, feeling proud, leaned in, “Kiss me and I’ll tell you.”

The maids, used to such displays, turned away, smiling shyly.

Yan Qing wasn’t shy. She leaned in and kissed him loudly on the cheek, making him blush and stammer, “It’s from Mother!”

Yan Qing patted his head, smiling, “Alright, I’ll wear it.”

Ji Jiaxun, delighted, helped her put it on.

With the pearl in place, Yan Qing felt regal.

At the First Prince’s residence, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun’s carriage arrived simultaneously with another.

Ji Jiaxun got out first and helped Yan Qing down.

From the other carriage, a man chuckled, “I didn’t expect Jiaxun to become so attentive. Madam Yan, you must be quite something.”

Hearing the clear voice, Yan Qing looked up, surprised to see the fourth prince.

“Greetings, Fourth Prince,” Yan Qing said softly, Ji Jiaxun following suit.

“There’s no need for that,” Xu Chengming smiled. “We’re family. No need for formalities.”

Yan Qing smiled back, saying nothing. The young man before her was handsome, his eyes clear despite his pleasant demeanor. He was a charming figure.

Despite his friendly eyes, Yan Qing couldn’t bring herself to dislike him.

Ji Jiaxun, apparently on good terms with the fourth prince, started chatting with him.

Yan Qing remained silent, listening closely to learn more about him.

The more she heard, the more she thought… he might be a good ally for the Marquis of Pingwu.

Much better than the First Prince!

As for the third prince… definitely not.

Lost in thought, she felt a tug on her hand and turned to see Ji Jiaxun frowning, “The fourth prince asked how you managed to tame me.”

Yan Qing smiled at the fourth prince, “I didn’t do much. My husband is naturally well-behaved.”

The fourth prince chuckled, “I see…”

Ji Jiaxun beamed, relieved she hadn’t shared his embarrassing moments.

In the Great Yan Dynasty, men and women weren’t strictly segregated, but at such gatherings, they were seated separately.

Yan Qing followed the First Prince’s servant to the women’s area.

She first visited the First Prince’s child, played with him a bit, then joined the other women.

Given her high status, everyone treated her with respect, even if she had a history of causing trouble.

Such interactions were fairly light-hearted.

Not one for much conversation, Yan Qing soon wandered off to explore, feeling rather relaxed.

She eventually found herself by a lotus pond, fascinated by the colorful koi swimming around.

Noticing her interest, the First Prince’s servant quickly brought over some fish food.

Yan Qing accepted it and began feeding the fish, watching them swarm eagerly.

“Madam Yan seems to be in good spirits,” came the First Prince’s voice.

Yan Qing turned and bowed politely, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

The First Prince waved her off, his gaze dark and displeased, “Madam Yan, why did you say those things the other day?”

“What things?” Yan Qing asked innocently.

The First Prince snorted, “You know what I mean.”

“I truly don’t,” Yan Qing replied with a gentle smile.

The First Prince’s eyes grew colder, but he forced a smile, “Fine, let’s pretend you don’t.”

With that, he stormed off.

Yan Qing shrugged and continued feeding the fish.

Moments later, another voice, filled with amusement, spoke, “If you keep feeding them, they’ll burst.”

Yan Qing laughed, “Greedy creatures deserve it.”

“You seem upset,” the fourth prince stepped closer, though still keeping a respectful distance.

Yan Qing didn’t hold back, “Of course. Being glared at doesn’t put me in a good mood.”

“A candid person, I see,” the fourth prince smiled, changing the subject. “People in the capital are talking about how you’ve changed Jiaxun. Even though I’m not married, I’m curious. How did you manage it?”

Yan Qing laughed, “Maybe it’s because I’m pretty?”

“Perhaps, but there must be more to it,” the fourth prince shook his head. “He’s changed too much. People in the capital are saying you’re a…”

“A tigress?” Yan Qing raised an eyebrow.

The fourth prince laughed, “No, a virtuous wife.”

Yan Qing was speechless, surprised at how quickly public opinion had shifted.

Just as she was about to ask more, a servant approached, “The young marquis is making a large bet at the front. It doesn’t look good, so I thought I should inform you.”