Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 49

Yan Qing and the Fourth Prince talked for a long time in the private room.

When they returned to the Princess’ mansion, she had another long conversation with the Marquis of Pingwu, with Ji Jiaxun accompanying her the entire time.

By the end of these discussions, Yan Qing had obtained a covert force.

This was a special unit trained by the Marquis of Pingwu for his son, to prepare for a day like this.

Those in power were not overly wary of civil officials, as they mostly engaged in debates. However, military generals were different; they held the power of an army. A single misstep could lead to the overthrow of the dynasty.

Historically, founding emperors often came from military backgrounds, making them wary of military officials.

Although the Marquis of Pingwu wasn’t born into a noble family, with the Princess’ backing and historical precedents as a warning, he had made preparations.

Giving this unit to Yan Qing was a contingency to ensure Ji Jiaxun’s survival if the worst should happen.

Beyond this, the Marquis of Pingwu didn’t reveal much to Yan Qing.

She couldn’t fully grasp his thoughts or the current political situation.

Though she knew the novel’s general plot, it was a Mary Sue romance written from the heroine’s perspective, barely touching upon court intrigues.

Even the Ji family’s circumstances were something Yan Qing inferred.

Having done all she could, Yan Qing focused on training Ji Jiaxun and herself. With this covert unit, she was confident they could survive, even if events unfolded as they did in the original story.

If she could be stronger, she’d directly kill the treacherous emperor and the Third Prince, completing her mission at once.

However, killing the emperor…?

Yan Qing felt a pang of sadness, like a drifting waterweed, unable to find its source.

“Qing Qing, my arm is swollen again from Master Wang’s training!” Ji Jiaxun’s pitiful voice interrupted her thoughts.

Yan Qing snapped back to reality, looking at Ji Jiaxun’s pale, bruised arm. She immediately applied a healing ointment, pressing firmly, causing Ji Jiaxun to grimace and tear up.

“It hurts! It hurts!” Ji Jiaxun cried out in pain.

“Bear with it,” Yan Qing chided, though she softened her touch instinctively.

Noticing this, Ji Jiaxun nuzzled her face, grinning, “Qing Qing, you’re so nice~”

Yan Qing snorted, finishing his treatment. She clapped her hands and stood up, “Since you think I’m nice, get up and train. Today, you’ll spar with me.”

Ji Jiaxun’s face fell, “I don’t want to.”

He couldn’t bear to hurt his beautiful wife, even if he could. His moves would be hesitant and soft.

Yan Qing gave him a cold look, making Ji Jiaxun shiver. He stood up obediently and walked to the courtyard.

The once grassy courtyard was now bare dirt from their constant training. After each session, their bath water turned black from the grime.

As they exchanged blows, Xiao Liu ran in, saying, “Master, Madam, there’s an imperial decree. It seems the Marquis is to lead a campaign.”

They paused. Yan Qing quickly tidied her clothes, saying, “Lead the way.”

“Yes,” Xiao Liu nodded and left.

Yan Qing pulled the now pale Ji Jiaxun along.

When they arrived, the Marquis of Pingwu had already received the decree, and the eunuch had left. Only the Princess and the Marquis remained in the main hall.

Seeing them, the couple said nothing but led them to their courtyard to ensure privacy. The Princess spoke in a grave tone, “You were right.”

Yan Qing had previously speculated that if the emperor wanted to target the Marquis of Pingwu, he would send him to the battlefield. In war, deaths were common. If the Third Prince was to gain enough military power, he would take command after the Marquis of Pingwu’ death, naturally inheriting his forces.

Yan Qing had presented this as a hypothetical to alert them. She hoped they’d find an excuse to avoid going if it came to pass.

Yan Qing didn’t know the exact timing of the war, as the novel focused on household drama, not battlefield matters.

Who knew the Northwest would erupt so soon?

The Marquis of Pingwu remained calm, unlike the anger Yan Qing had anticipated. He said, “You’re a good child. Take care of Ji Jiaxun.”

Yan Qing was shocked, “You’re still going to the battlefield, knowing it’s a deathtrap?”

The Marquis of Pingwu smiled faintly, his expression firm, “I know the emperor will target me, but I’m prepared. Besides, this country is also my duty to defend. If I don’t go, who will? The rebellion in the Northwest is real, and I must address it.”

“Do you want to see Mother… die with you?” Yan Qing started to ask but was interrupted by the Princess’ gentle smile and headshake, “It might not come to that. I’ll manage the rear defenses. He trusts me the most.”

Yan Qing tried to get Ji Jiaxun to speak.

But when she turned to him, his face was equally grim, his lips tightly sealed.

Back in their own courtyard, Ji Jiaxun spoke resignedly, “It’s always been this way. They only have each other, even in life and death.”

His father was a general, frequently away on campaigns. His mother always prepared to follow him, ready to die by his side. Their escape plans always involved Ji Jiaxun. They even wrote their wills.

Yan Qing couldn’t understand this but said nothing after reading the letter Ji Jiaxun gave her.

Everyone had their ideals. In the modern era, the notion of absolute loyalty to the emperor was foreign to her. She couldn’t comprehend such devotion.

Three days later, the Marquis of Pingwu and the Princess led their troops out of the capital. Citizens voluntarily escorted them, following them ten miles out of the city until the Marquis’ soldiers blocked further progress.

Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun also went to see them off. Seeing so many people filled with hope and admiration for the Marquis of Pingwu, she felt a surge of emotion.

It was incredibly inspiring!

To have such a following, Yan Qing thought if she had the ability, she might have wanted to go to the battlefield too.

After the Marquis’ departure, the capital quieted down. The Fourth Prince didn’t seek her out, and everything seemed normal.

The mansion felt emptier.

When bored, Yan Qing dragged Ji Jiaxun to her family home for a few days or to the Song family.

The Song family had a cousin who also went on the campaign.

Thus, they treated Ji Jiaxun exceptionally well, offering the best food and drink, which made Yan Qing understand why some vendors had been reluctant to take his money last time.

Frequent visits allowed Yan Qing to gather some information.

Xu Chengxiao and Yan Yue’s relationship didn’t seem to be progressing smoothly.

According to the original plot, after the Marquis of Pingwu went to war, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun would have a big fight, after which Yan Qing would return to her family home, just in time to witness Xu Chengxiao and Yan Yue’s engagement.

The engagement was a private arrangement between the two families. Xu Chengxiao would report it to the emperor for an official decree. To make the engagement proper, Yan Yue would be recognized as a daughter of the Song family. However, the original Yan Qing opposed this fiercely. The Song family naturally didn’t agree either, nearly leading to a divorce.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Yan suppressed the matter.

This caused a rift between the Song family and the Prime Minister, which only deepened after their daughter’s death, leading the old Madam Song  to a nunnery.

But now, there seemed to be no sign of a proposal.

Could it be that without Yan Qing, the antagonist, their relationship hit a snag?

…

Yan Qing’s guess was close to the mark.

Perhaps that scene between Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun impacted Yan Yue profoundly, making her realize something. She began to intentionally grow closer to Xu Chengxiao.

She didn’t want a marriage of mere mutual respect.

She’d rather marry someone of average standing, whom she could control as the Prime Minister’s daughter, than a prince who could take wives and concubines at will, especially if he became emperor.

But her attempts with Xu Chengxiao were unsatisfactory.

Xu Chengxiao wasn’t warm inside despite his cold exterior. Their interactions lacked intimacy. If she pushed too far, his icy gaze would chill her enthusiasm.

Gradually, Yan Yue began to feel repelled.

Thus, when Xu Chengxiao proposed marriage, she declined.

As a prince, and the emperor’s acknowledged heir, Xu Chengxiao was proud. His indulgence towards her wasn’t just out of love but for convenience. But he wasn’t ready to let her dominate him, forsaking his princely dignity.

Without the fear of losing her, their relationship stalled.

Yan Qing didn’t dwell on this. Her priority was martial arts training and finding ways to disrupt the Third Prince’s plans.

She wasn’t an overt obstacle but an unseen one.

Cuihong Pavillion, the largest brothel in the capital, was a major intelligence hub for the Third Prince.

Taking advantage of the current lull and with the Fourth Prince’s support, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun staged a raid, dismantling Cuihong Pavillion. The Fourth Prince then had officials denounce the brothel, turning it into a public enemy, effectively shutting it down.

Xu Chengxiao’s illicit use of the brothel made him unable to explain to the emperor. Envious of this lucrative establishment, others pounced, leading to its closure and dispersal.

Xu Chengxiao, now in disarray, neglected Yan Yue, stalling their relationship.

With one blow struck, Xu Chengming allied with the First Prince against the Third Prince. As the three fought, Yan Qing and Ji Jiaxun quietly stayed low.

—

Half a year passed since the Marquis of Pingwu’ departure, and it was nearly the New Year.

The weather was cold. Even during training, Yan Qing wore thick clothes, making her appear rounder.

The youth sparring with her had grown into a young man.

Constant training had developed his physique. The once pale face was now that of a robust young man, handsome and commanding.

His eyes were still bright, his skin tanned, his features sharp. Muscles had formed, and his brows were as sharp as swords.

He threw punches with fierce energy.

Yan Qing, now adept, blocked his move and swiftly changed her stance, kicking out.

Ji Jiaxun dodged easily and counterattacked from another angle.

Suddenly, Yan Qing felt a sharp pain in her stomach and paused, failing to block.

Seeing his punch about to hit her, Ji Jiaxun stopped just in time.

Yan Qing sighed in relief, her legs giving way as she clutched her stomach.

Ji Jiaxun caught her immediately, worried, “What’s wrong? Xiao Liu, fetch Doctor Jiang!”

“Yes,” Xiao Liu ran off quickly.

Yan Qing frowned, lying in his arms, “My stomach suddenly hurt, but now it doesn’t.”

“Huh?” Ji Jiaxun was confused.

He carried her inside.

Yan Qing, her expression strange, felt her stomach and thought, ‘Could it be…?’

There were no contraceptives in ancient times, and Ji Jiaxun was in his prime, full of energy.

As she pondered, the family doctor arrived.

A quick examination later, the doctor said, “Congratulations, Master, Madam, you are expecting.”

Ji Jiaxun, anxious by her side, looked at the doctor, “What do you mean?”

Expecting?

What joy?

He was confused until Doctor Jiang clarified, “You are going to be a father.”

Ji Jiaxun: “!!!”

His eyes widened, sparkling with joy as he looked at Yan Qing, waiting for her reaction.

Yan Qing, however, was deep in thought.

Xiao Liu, understanding the couple needed privacy, politely escorted the doctor out.

Ji Jiaxun, sensing her complex emotions, nervously held her hand, “What’s wrong?”

Awakened by his familiar voice, Yan Qing looked at his handsome face, smiled, and pushed down her anxiety. She pinched his cheeks playfully, “It’s my first time being a mother. I’m scared. Your mother isn’t here to guide me.”

Ji Jiaxun suddenly understood and hugged her, patting her back, “It’s okay. Your mother is here. We can stay at the Prime Minister’s residence until my parents return.”

“Alright.” Yan Qing snuggled into his chest, closing her eyes, though her thoughts were on the uncertain news from the front.

According to the plot, the Marquis of Pingwu should have died long ago. Yet, in this life, he hadn’t. Despite the lack of information, Yan Qing held onto hope that they would return safely.

She was also prepared to leave the capital if things went wrong.

While the emperor’s domain covered the land, this was still ancient times. There were places the emperor couldn’t reach, where survival was simpler.

As for seizing the throne?

Yan Qing hadn’t considered it. If Ji Jiaxun had progressed so easily under her training, she’d be a miracle worker.

The Fourth Prince was just a prince. Unless he rebelled, expecting him to act against the emperor was unrealistic.

With many thoughts swirling, Yan Qing could only hope the Marquis of Pingwu’ preparations for the Fourth Prince would help him contend with the Third Prince in the future.

Her focus was on keeping Ji Jiaxun and herself alive.

…

The next day, as they prepared to move to the Prime Minister’s residence, shocking news arrived.

The Marquis of Pingwu and the Princess had died in battle against the rebels.

There was no rebellion or victory news, just their sacrifice for the country.

The capital was in an uproar, citizens in disbelief, then mourning for the couple, lighting candles, burning paper, and playing music in their honor.

But the person who should have been most involved locked himself in a room, refusing to see anyone but Yan Qing, fasting for an entire day.

No matter how she coaxed, he remained unresponsive, even to her touch.

“Being like this won’t help…” Yan Qing comforted him softly, “To avenge them, you must live.”

Ji Jiaxun’s closed eyes welled with tears.

But he stayed silent until, finally, he said hoarsely, “I want to join the army.”

Yan Qing was stunned.

Ji Jiaxun had always hated the battlefield. He sulked for days when his parents left last time.

But now he wanted to enlist?

“Maybe their deaths are as I suspected,” Yan Qing shared the news her covert force had gathered, “There are traitors in the army. You might be ambushed.”

Thanks to her warning, the Marquis of Pingwu hadn’t been completely caught off guard but had been delayed significantly. With more than one traitor, his death seemed suspiciously ordinary.

Yan Qing felt it was an inside job.

Ji Jiaxun, expressionless, said, “I know. That’s why I must go. They want my father’s military power? I’ll ensure their plans fail!”

Yan Qing was speechless.

After all this time together, she was reluctant to see him go.

Suddenly, she felt a warm touch on her stomach.

Ji Jiaxun whispered, “I’m sorry.”

He felt guilty leaving just after discovering her pregnancy but knew he wouldn’t find peace if he stayed.

Sacrificing oneself for the country was noble, but not for such a country.

Ji Jiaxun’s eyes opened, filled with cold determination, devoid of his previous warmth.

Regardless of the traitors, he would avenge his parents.

Yan Qing sighed and kissed his forehead, “Alright.”

Ji Jiaxun hugged her tightly, expressing his reluctance. He wouldn’t let her accompany him to the battlefield.

This might be their final parting.

With their parents’ death, they were now under a shadow, and no one would dare harm Yan Qing.

Ji Jiaxun said softly, “If I die, remarry.”

“I believe in you!” Yan Qing said firmly, “Remember what I said? You’re the best!”

Ji Jiaxun smiled faintly, unable to laugh, his eyes filled with love and guilt as he looked at her flat stomach, “This child… we shouldn’t keep it.”

It would make it easier for her to remarry.

In truth, Ji Jiaxun doubted he would survive.

Danger lurked everywhere.

With internal traitors, who knew if the warriors fighting ahead had owners planning their deaths?

Yan Qing scowled, “Say that again, and I’ll hit you!”

Familiar words made Ji Jiaxun’s backside twinge.

He stayed silent, holding her close.

Until dawn.

…

At daybreak, Ji Jiaxun donned his father’s old armor.

It fit surprisingly well.

“Is this my destiny?” he mused, chuckling through his tears.

Yan Qing felt a lump in her throat but said nothing.

Destiny?

If it were destiny, he would have died long ago.

Fate had changed, and now he was fighting for his life.

Yan Qing followed Ji Jiaxun outside.

Opening the door, they saw many people kneeling outside the Princess’ mansion, wearing white.

Seeing Ji Jiaxun, they were surprised and then fell silent at the sight of his armor.

Ji Jiaxun nodded at the commoners before striding forward.

After they left, Yan Qing closed the door and returned to the courtyard, blowing a whistle.

A shadow appeared.

Yan Qing ordered, “Leave ten men. The rest prepare to follow the young master.”

“Yes.” The shadow responded and disappeared as quickly as it had come.

…

Within half an hour, the entire capital knew that Ji Jiaxun, wearing his father’s armor, was kneeling at the palace gate, petitioning to join the campaign and vowing to succeed.

Such a vow stunned everyone.

Soon, crowds gathered, initially curious, but as they watched the young man kneel resolutely, they too knelt in support.

The scene was awe-inspiring.

Inside the palace, the emperor was furious, coughing violently.

“Who gave him the courage?” the emperor, clad in his dragon robe, exclaimed between coughs.

The chief eunuch handed him a cup of warm water, which the emperor drank in one gulp, his face ashen with anger.

“Your Majesty, many officials are also kneeling at the palace gate!”

The emperor coughed again, clutching his chest, his lips pale. He had planned meticulously to send the Third Prince, but now this wrench in the works!

He was infuriated but couldn’t argue against Ji Jiaxun’s plea.

With both parents killed in battle, Ji Jiaxun sought revenge and to retrieve their bodies. How could the emperor refuse?

With the vow already made!

At that moment, the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, arrived, eagerly volunteering, “Father, I am willing to join the campaign with Ji Jiaxun!”

The emperor eyed him warily, remaining silent despite his pleas.

Then the Fourth Prince, Xu Chengming, arrived, also requesting to join, vowing to keep Ji Jiaxun in check.

The emperor’s eyes flashed with thought, finally making a decision.

At noon, an imperial decree was issued at the palace gate.

“Announcing the imperial decree…” Xu Chengming, smiling slightly, stood by as the eunuch read the decree. His eyes met Ji Jiaxun’s, and he gave a barely perceptible nod before focusing on the decree.

With the Marquis of Pingwu’ sacrifice and Ji Jiaxun’s vow, the main commander for the campaign was Ji Jiaxun, with Xu Chengming overseeing, leading an army of 200,000 along with the Northwest garrison to quell the rebellion.

Ji Jiaxun knelt with open palms, respectfully accepting the decree, “I accept the imperial decree!”