Quick Transmigration: The Supporting Female Lead is Too Arrogant - Chapter 50

Yan Qing went to see Ji Jiaxun off when he left the capital.

Standing on the city wall, she gently touched her belly. When he looked back at her from his horse, she called out loudly, for him and everyone to hear, “The baby and I will be waiting for you to return!”

Ji Jiaxun didn’t respond with his usual silly smile. Instead, he looked at her seriously, memorizing her face before reluctantly turning away.

As she turned around, she saw the First Prince, Xu Cheng’an, approaching. He seemed to be watching the departing army, but as he passed her, he muttered, “You’re quite clever.”

With the previous incident involving the Marquis of Pingwu’ traitors, if Ji Jiaxun were to die now, it would incite public outrage unless he died in battle. By staying behind as a hostage, Yan Qing ensured no one dared harm her.

Yan Qing smiled humbly. She didn’t consider herself clever—if she were, things wouldn’t have reached this point despite knowing the plot. But she knew she was left behind as leverage against Ji Jiaxun.

She wanted to show everyone that she was a pregnant woman who deserved to live well.

After descending the city wall, Yan Qing packed her belongings and returned to the Prime Minister’s residence. The people who had been covertly watching the Princess’ mansion disappeared.

Yan Qing, with her remaining ten covert soldiers, settled in the Prime Minister’s residence, using the Prime Minister’s influence to shield herself from prying eyes.

Since the Fourth Prince had gone to the front, she suspected he might seize this opportunity to ascend the throne.

Yan Qing couldn’t do much but directed her covert soldiers to expose the Third Prince’s hidden forces, allowing the Fourth Prince and the First Prince to counter him. Even with the emperor’s support, the Third Prince lost many advantages.

As long as the Fourth Prince and Ji Jiaxun worked together to gain military power, even the First Prince wouldn’t be a match for them.

“Qing’er, come have some fish soup. Your belly is getting big; you need to nourish yourself,” called Madam Song.

Yan Qing’s thoughts were interrupted. Smiling, she looked up to see Madam Song approaching with a maid carrying fish soup, her face full of affection. “Don’t worry about those things. Your father adores you; there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Yes, I know.” Yan Qing nodded, accepting the bowl of milky soup.

Madam Song watched her with a loving gaze, especially soft when looking at her belly.

“Qing’er, you’re about to give birth soon. Who knows when that rascal will return?” Madam Song’s cheerful expression turned to displeasure.

Yan Qing replied calmly, “It’s alright. The midwife is prepared.”

Madam Song, though pleased, sighed, “You’re so carefree.”

Despite her words, Madam Song’s eyes gleamed with pride. She had feared her daughter’s marriage to the infamous playboy would be miserable, but she had turned her life around. The whole capital now praised her daughter.

Yet, there was a hint of bitterness. What good was a reputation if her husband might not return?

Wartime casualties were high, which was why few wanted to marry soldiers in ancient times.

Yan Qing pretended not to notice her mother’s concern, staying calm. But as her due date approached, she too longed to see Ji Jiaxun return.

At that moment, Prime Minister Yan rushed in, looking excited, “Good news! The army is returning home!”

Prime Minister Yan’s news finally put Yan Qing at ease.

The rebellion had been quelled, and the emperor wouldn’t dare harm Ji Jiaxun now.

The next evening, Ji Jiaxun returned. He had secretly come back ahead of the main army, bringing the victory news.

Late at night, as Yan Qing slept, she felt a presence and warmth on her belly. The baby inside kicked, waking her with a sharp pain. She opened her eyes to see a shadowy figure.

About to scream, she was silenced by a familiar scent. Recognizing Ji Jiaxun, she impatiently pushed his hand away, “How long since you last bathed?”

Ji Jiaxun, embarrassed, replied in a hoarse whisper, “Three days…”

Yan Qing rolled her eyes, preparing to get up.

Ji Jiaxun stopped her, “You rest. I just wanted to see you.”

Yan Qing held his rough, calloused hand, feeling the hardships he’d endured. Softly, she said, “I’ll get someone to draw a bath. Don’t worry; no one will notice.”

“No, I just wanted to see you. I’ll leave soon.” Ji Jiaxun shook his head again.

Yan Qing lay back down, and Ji Jiaxun sat by the bed, keeping a respectful distance but holding her hand tightly. They talked in hushed tones.

Yawning, Yan Qing teased, “You didn’t take a concubine out there, did you?”

“No!” Ji Jiaxun shook his head firmly, squeezing her hand, “I only want you!”

With his wife pregnant and held hostage, he couldn’t fathom being with anyone else.

Yan Qing laughed softly, relieved. She didn’t ask much about his journey, knowing it must have been arduous. “Good you came back. The baby is due soon.”

“Yes.”

Satisfied, Yan Qing’s drowsiness returned, and she fell asleep.

In the darkness, Ji Jiaxun watched her, his eyes full of tenderness.

As dawn approached, he reluctantly left, kissing her forehead before departing.

Yan Qing didn’t always know what Ji Jiaxun was up to. Sometimes he visited at night, but mostly she slept through until morning.

She speculated he was preparing something.

News of the Third Prince’s corruption and neglect of the people’s suffering began circulating. His reputation, already feared, worsened, making him a figure of dread.

As the Third Prince’s influence waned, the First Prince grew bolder, ruthlessly attacking his weakened rival.

During this time, Yan Yue became engaged to a scholar from a prestigious family, chosen by Prime Minister Yan.

This event paralleled the original story, where the Third Prince killed the unlucky fiancé, leading to a fight and reconciliation between Yan Yue and Xu Chengxiao. However, this engagement seemed out of place now.

Yan Qing watched the unfolding drama.

Two weeks later, Ji Jiaxun returned for good.

Perhaps the baby waited for him, because the moment Yan Qing saw him, she felt labor pains.

The young man, now hardened by experience, dropped his weapon in panic to tend to his wife.

…

A month after the baby’s birth, Yan Qing returned to the Marquis of Pingwu’ mansion.

The full-month celebration was held there, organized by the household staff, allowing Yan Qing to rest.

Soon after, during a court session, the emperor collapsed from a stroke after an official’s denunciation of the Third Prince. The First Prince took control of the court, while the Third Prince attempted a coup, only to be swiftly countered by the Fourth Prince and Ji Jiaxun.

The rapid succession of events left everyone stunned.

Yan Qing barely processed the reality.

Until she attended Yan Yue’s wedding.

Yan Yue married the scholar she’d been betrothed to, as the Third Prince was too occupied with his failed coup to intervene. With the turmoil settled, Yan Yue’s marriage proceeded smoothly.

Yan Qing wasn’t sure whether to congratulate her or not. She thought Yan Yue might have been forced into this marriage.

But when she visited Yan Yue’s bridal chamber, she found her genuinely happy.

Everyone respectfully gave them privacy.

Seeing Yan Qing’s surprised expression, Yan Yue laughed, “Surprised?”

Yan Qing, the first to notice the romance between Yan Yue and Xu Chengxiao, was indeed puzzled. She nodded, “Why the sudden engagement?”

Time had mellowed Yan Yue’s feelings towards Yan Qing, allowing them to talk peacefully. “Because of you. I wanted an equal partner, not a ruler who controlled my fate.”

Yan Qing was taken aback.

Yan Yue continued, “I chose this husband. Once, disguised as a man, I was saved from thugs by him. He scolded me, but when I cried, he let me hit him to cheer me up. Xu Chengxiao could never do that.”

Yan Qing felt a strange emotion, a mix of relief and something bittersweet.

Returning home, she saw Ji Jiaxun with their child and smiled gently.

Ji Jiaxun, noticing her, handed the baby to a maid and came to her, massaging her shoulders, “Tired? I’ll have the maids prepare a hot bath.”

“Alright.” Yan Qing leaned into him, feeling content.

Two tasks were complete.

She had lived a good life, with a loving, faithful husband and a caring child.

When she died, she felt at peace, so much so that she didn’t want to wake up.

As if sensing her thoughts, an electronic voice sounded in her ear: [Do you want to continue traveling? If not, the bond will be released, and you will be reincarnated.]

[No.] Yan Qing answered without hesitation.

Darkness enveloped her, and she lost consciousness.

[The End]