Transmigrating into the Female Supporting Character with a Good Life in a Laid-Back Novel

When Wen Ting Zhou received the Emperor’s verbal order to enter the palace on the second afternoon into his new marriage, he felt inwardly dejected. The court had been calm recently with nothing major happening, which made him wonder why the Emperor had declared for him to enter the palace.

Ruan Xi, Minister Wen, and the others within the residence found this very strange as well.

“Ruan Ruan, I need to make a trip into the palace.” Wen Ting Zhou hugged Ruan Xi and kissed her cheek.

“Mn, go early and return early, I’m going to catch up on my sleep.” Ruan Xi yawned, slightly drowsy with sleepiness.

Wen Ting Zhou chuckled involuntarily.

“Okay.”

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After Wen Ting Zhou entered the palace, he gripped onto the information in his hands tightly. It was evident that he had not issued a single word, but his entire body was permeating a condensed harshness that could make people feel apprehensive. 

Emperor Shengde heaved an inaudible sigh upon seeing that. If Earl Chengyi Furen had given Ruan si xiaojie the infertility medicine shortly after Wen Ting Zhou and Ruan si xiaojie were engaged like Ruan san xiaojie had stated, then it was undeniable that she was too vicious and cruel. 

“Ting Zhou, this matter involves your furen, Zhen will suppress this matter first and hand it to you for investigation.” 

With a frigid demeanour, Wen Ting Zhou replied in a resolute and forceful voice: “Many thanks to the Emperor, weichen will definitely personally investigate this matter until the truth comes to light!”

微臣 (pinyin: wei chen) – this small official.

It was true that Emperor Shengde was incredibly tempted by the manufacturing method for the block and tackle, but he had other ways to obtain it from Ruan san niang’s mouth. Hence, the transaction that Ruan san niang was offering was dispensable to Emperor Shengde.

Between Ruan san niang and Wen Ting Zhou, Emperor Shengde chose Wen Ting Zhou.

“Before this matter is fully investigated, Zhen will ask his men to watch over Ruan san niang to ensure that she doesn’t spread the rumours indiscriminately.” 

Wen Ting Zhou thanked Emperor Shengde again. Since Ruan Ruan just married into the Wen Family, he conceded that it was inadvisable for rumours that she had been afflicted with infertility medicine to spread out.

Especially when his paternal grandmother could not be stimulated with her current condition. 

Upon returning to the Wen Residence, Wen Ting Zhou immediately dispatched the powerful subordinates he had within his grasp, and he told Ruan Xi about this matter at the same time.

Shock spread across Ruan Xi’s visage. What a rare feat; Ruan san niang finally realised that she had been exposed, but Zhang shi was also to blame for being too careless, since she allowed Ruan san niang to discover the truth in such a fashion. It was Heaven’s will indeed, although she did not expect that this would involve her as well.

She did not know if she should call Ruan san niang smart or stupid, because she actually asked the old Emperor to help her look for evidence. 

Fortunately, Ruan san niang was not in a rush to disseminate the rumours about her being afflicted with infertility medicine. Although her body was completely fine, rumours could become dreadful.

It seems like after eating a great loss that stemmed from speaking indiscriminately, Ruan san niang had become afraid.

Ruan Xi sighed in relief internally. 

“Ruan Ruan, after we return to your residence tomorrow, let’s take a trip to zu mu’s residence to look for an imperial physician to check your body. If it’s true that you consumed the infertility medicine, we can adopt a child from the clan and raise them at your knees.”

Honestly speaking, Wen Ting Zhou did not mind whether he had offspring, but Ruan Ruan was different. If Ruan Ruan was incapable of giving birth and she liked children, they could adopt one. 

Ruan Xi came back to her senses. Wen Ting Zhou’s words made her secretly touched her heart; a warm current flowing into her cardiac atrium slowly. Putting aside the extreme importance that the ancient-era people attached to having descendents, even a lot of people in the modern times were the same. 

Of course, Ruan Xi could bring herself to trust Wen Ting Zhou’s moral character. In the novel, Wen Ting Zhou had remained unmarried and without a child for his entire life, which was why Ruan Xi believed Wen Ting Zhou’s words. She pondered briefly before she decided to be frank about her golden finger.

“You don’t need to worry, as a matter of fact, I didn’t consume infertility medicine. It’s true that there were issues with the dishes that the kitchen sent after that grave cold passed, but I avoided all of it.

“I have a secret, I can sense the things that are harmful to me, like the scent sachet that er dimei gave me today for instance.”

Ruan Xi grinned as she exposed her own golden finger.

Wen Ting Zhou was shocked and overjoyed. It turns out Ruan Ruan still had this special ability. 

“Do you still remember the fact that I asked you to send me a training Mama?” Ruan Xi asked, smiling at Wen Ting Zhou.

Wen Ting Zhou nodded. “Yes.”

Back then, he had found Ruan Ruan’s request inconceivable when he heard it. After all, asking your fiancé’s family to send a training Mama was not necessarily a good thing, but Ruan Ruan was only a concubine-born daughter from an Earl Residence, and she was marrying up, so no one felt that it was strange.

If it was a legitimate daughter, however, he feared that it would make people gossip, thus generating terrible-sounding rumours.

“I was compelled by my circumstances back then as well, in my three daily meals, there would be one or two dishes that had issues.”

When Ruan Xi recalled the extenuating circumstances she found herself in shortly after her transmigration, she sighed endlessly. 

“Hold on, Ruan Ruan, you mean to say that there were dishes that didn’t have issues?” 

Wen Ting Zhou snagged hold of that peculiarity with his keen senses.

Ruan Xi faltered for a moment before she nodded. “Yes, if it weren’t for the fact that there were one or two dishes that didn’t have any problems, I’m afraid that I could have only relied on pastries to allay my hunger.”

Wen Ting Zhou’s handsome face became strict as he questioned: “Ruan Ruan, if you were spiking the food with medicine, would you do that?”

Ruan Xi blurted out, “Of course not, it’s not like I’m stupid.” 

In the next moment, Ruan Xi finally arrived at a realisation.

“Therefore, the kitchen servants did it on purpose?”

Wen Ting Zhou’s countenance sank, “It’s highly likely, it seems like we can cut into the matter from this aspect to look for evidence.”

Ruan Xi pursed her lips, her expression complicated. After they touched on this matter, she brought up the cold again. 

“There’s that cold too. Preceding that, one bowl of ginger tea was enough to make a full recovery from any cold caught, but that cold came like a torrential rush, and [I] nearly failed to wake up.”

Since Wen Ting Zhou wanted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infertility medicine, he might as well investigate this matter altogether.

The original owner had died in the midst of that cold.

Sure enough, Ruan san niang was a huge killer weapon.

She had just married out, and she proceeded to send her such a huge gift.

Feeling distressed, Wen Ting Zhou held Ruan Xi’s hand to transmit the strength of his warmth to her through his palms. With regards to Earl Chengyi Furen’s actions, he was already enraged to an extreme point.

“Ruan Ruan, everything is fine now, you still have me.”

Ruan Xi leaned her head on Wen Ting Zhou’s shoulder, a relaxed smile gracing her lips. 

That’s true, she had already married out, she could finally deal with Zhang shi.

The pair did not mention why Ruan san niang wanted to ‘place righteousness before family’. Ruan Xi did not find it strange since she knew that Ruan san niang was not the original edition, while Wen Ting Zhou did not feel like it was necessary. 

After learning that Ruan Xi had not been afflicted with infertility medicine, Wen Ting Zhou’s mind relaxed by a fair bit, but he did not plan on sparing Zhang shi like this. 

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After partaking in dinner at night, Wen furen did not ask Wen Ting Zhou about why he had to enter the palace. It was quite apparent that it might be an official matter, so she talked about the scent sachet meeting gift instead. 

“Xiao Xi, the problem with the scent sachet has been investigated. It was indeed Liu shi’s doing, but the Mu Family’s shadow can be perceived. I’ve already lectured Zhao yiniang, and punished Liu shi by making her pick Buddhist beans and copy scriptures.” The depths of Wen furen’s eyes had chilled completely.

“Many thanks to popo for seeking justice for erxi.” 

Ruan Xi quickly thanked her. She did not expect that the Mu Family would stick their hands in as well, but on second thought, she stopped finding it strange. Mu Qing Ling had her engagement broken off, it was very normal for the Mu Family to throw their anger at her. 

Similarly, Liu shi tried to steal the chicken but she ended up losing the rice she used as a lure too.

Who would be stupid enough to do something to the meeting gift? Meeting gifts were typically kept at the bottom of their chests. 

With how stifling Liu Wan Wan’s actions were, even Ruan Xi was starting to feel light-headed.

It was alright if it remained undiscovered, but once it was uncovered…

In one move, not only did Liu Wan Wan ruin her own reputation, but she had also become a joke in the residence.

“Mother, do you see that? A dimei who has just entered through the door dares to act against Ruan Ruan, and it’s unknown how many people are staring at Ruan Ruan behind our backs. You have to look after Ruan Ruan more.” Wen Ting said smilingly. 

Wen furen chuckled as she gave her son a pointed look. “Like I need you to say that. I only have this one erxi; how could I not look after her? I’m still waiting to carry my grandchildren.”

“Mother can set her heart at ease, I will work hard.” Wen Ting Zhou smiled at Ruan Xi.

Once those words left his mouth, Ruan Xi’s entire face became red. 

Truth to be told, she was not planning to have children so early. Although it was very normal for women to give birth when they were fourteen or fifteen in the ancient times, Ruan Xi did not expect that she would marry ahead of schedule either.

However, the thought of Wen lao-furen’s condition made Ruan Xi decide that she would allow nature to take its course.

On the other hand, Wen furen was very happy. She did not detain the young married couple any longer, telling them to head back to Harmonious Dwelling as soon as possible to make her grandchildren.

Ruan Xi: “……”

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Once they returned to Harmonious Dwelling, Wen Ting Zhou really started using his bodily strength to work hard at creating another human.

On the third day of their new marriage, they returned to her residence in accordance with normal customs.

Apart from Zhang shi and Ruan san niang, Ruan Xi did not have any ill-will towards the other members of the Earl Residence. 

On the day she was returning to her home, Wen furen prepared generous gifts for her first return to her maternal home. 

Ruan Xi ignored Liu Wan Wan who was also returning to her maternal home. Both of them already had an ensuing feud, which meant that living in harmony was impossible from the get-go. Therefore, it would suffice if they maintained a facade of civility. 

After bidding farewell to Wen furen, Wen Ting Zhou took along the gifts and returned to the Earl Chengyi Residence.

Lao Taitai, Earl Chengyi, Zhang shi, Ruan san niang, Ruan Yu Wen, and the rest were already waiting for them in the main hall. 

Once Wen Ting Zhou and Ruan Xi stepped in, all of their gazes landed on their persons in unison. 

Ruan Yu Wen observed his fourth sister who had brushed her hair into a topknot meant for married women, and he sighed inwardly.

In three short months, give or take a few, his fourth sister had shed her mortal body and exchanged her bones, becoming increasingly remarkable and beautiful.

With a face full of joy, Lao Taitai sat in her chair as she examined her fourth granddaughter. Upon seeing her ruddy complexion, and the palpable happiness lining her features, she assumed that the past three days in the Wen Residence had gone exceedingly well for her.

After exchanging conventional greetings, Earl Chengyi and Ruan Yu Wen talked to Wen Ting Zhou at side, while Ruan Xi was pulled into a conversation with Lao Taitai, and she inquired Ruan Xi about how she had been getting along with her gonggong and popo.

Ruan Xi was already prepared for these questions early on, so she smiled and replied: “Zu mu can rest assured, gonggong and popo have been kind and they treat me exceedingly well. They have never made it hard for me.”

After saying that, Ruan Xi even mentioned the meeting gifts that Minister Wen and Wen furen sent her during the tea offerings.

Lao Taitai was visibly surprised.

“You do have your own fortune. However, do not become complacent simply because of the special favour; a sense of proportion is required when speaking and handling matters, and open up the branches and scatter the leaves for the Wen Family as soon as possible, do you understand?”

Ruan Xi nodded obediently.

“Yes, zu mu, this granddaughter understands.” 

Zhang shi also gave her some pointers with a satisfied expression, and Ruan Xi continued to nod obediently.

As Ruan san niang listened to the conversation between her fourth sister and Lao Taitai, then peered at her fourth sister who looked sweet and blissful, her mouth corners slanted downwards as a smear of pity flashed past her eyes. Her fourth sister would only be enjoying these few good days. 

When that day came around, she would learn what falling out and heartlessness was. 

As for Zhang shi, Ruan san niang laughed coldly. The charitable mother act that Zhang shi had been putting on for the past few days was going to disgust her to death soon.

Fortunately, she was going to enter the imperial palace soon. When that time arrived… it would be Zhang shi’s doomsday.

Wen Ting Zhou turned his head back to glance at the clever and obedient Ruan Xi in the distance, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.

They had a family banquet at high noon afterwards, and once the family banquet ended, Wen Ting Zhou and Ruan Xi departed from the Earl Chengyi Residence.

From the beginning to the end, Ruan Xi barely spoke to Ruan san niang.

Once they returned to the Minister Wen Residence, the skies were already darkening, and the pair went to the main courtyard to see Wen furen.

Then, it was another melodious and moving night. 

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Wen Ting Zhou went to his government office the next day.

Whereas Ruan Xi went to the main courtyard to wait upon her mother-in-law. After the daughters-in-law were married across the door, morning and evening visits to their parents was part of the etiquette, and there were also established practices.

A magnanimous popo would only make her erxi abide by this custom for a few months before they voided it, but meeting a mother-in-law who was strict to the point where she was slightly acrimonious, meant that the practice could be instated for a few years, and there were even some who would keep to the regulation for decades just for the sake of tormenting their daughters-in-law. 

Wen furen inspected Ruan Xi as she paid her respects. She was clad in a red luoqun, her skin was as fair as jade, her appearance was upright and honorable, and her comportment was dignified and easy-mannered. Wen furen revealed an amicable smile, and Minister Wen nodded his head as well. His legitimate eldest daughter-in-law was supposed to have such manners.

“Erxi pays her respect to gonggong and popo.” Ruan Xi bowed with her overlapped hands placed on the right of her waist.

“We’re in the same family, there’s no need for such courtesies.” Minister Wen spoke warmly.

“Xiao Xi, didn’t I state that morning and evening visits are only required on the first and fifteenth day of the month yesterday, why did you come over this morning?” Wen furen uttered, giving her a rare rebuke. 

Ruan Xi smiled as she said: “The fact that popo cherishes erxi, makes erxi feel endlessly touched in her heart. It’s just that erxi has just entered these doors, and etiquette cannot be abandoned, please allow erxi to wait upon [you] during the meal.”

Wen furen said smilingly: “You are really, you don’t need to be overly courteous, I have more than enough maidservants and Mamas here.”

“May popo help erxi fulfil this small piece of sincerity.” After she said that, she stood beside Wen furen.

Wen furen could only nod her head helplessly. “Forget it, just do as you please.”

Despite that, she felt rather comfortable in her heart.

She had been the same when she was younger. Her Junzhu-popo had been magnanimous, and she had been similar to Ruan Xi in the sense that her respect towards her popo only increased. When she eventually gave birth to Ting Zhou, her popo was even kinder to her. 

Ruan Xi reminded her of her younger self, and thus her attitude towards her became closer.

Minister Wen was exceedingly satisfied as well.

But correspondingly, he felt greater dissatisfaction for his other son’s wife because she had yet to appear, even now.

His furen being magnanimous enough to dismiss them from having to abide by those established practices was one thing, but taking it at face value and not doing anything, would only give people the impression that she did not understand the established practices and etiquette. 

Minister Wen did not want to talk about his second son’s taste ever again; ever since he had been entranced by that seventh-ranked official’s daughter, he had become entirely wasted.

All of the people inside the main hall had an exceptionally good impression of this Da Shao-furen. 

After breakfast was brought in, Ruan Xi helped Minister Wen and Wen furen ladle a bowl of porridge each, and then she stood at the side to serve them by clipping up the dishes that were according to their tastes. It was evident that she had done her homework prior to this, which made the surrounding Mamas nod their heads inwardly. 

Minster Wen and Wen furen enjoyed this particular breakfast in great comfort. 

After the breakfast concluded, Minister Wen went to his office. His concubines and their children came forward to pay their respects, and when they saw Ruan Xi who was already present, they were all stunned. 

When Zhao yiniang noticed that Liu shi was not present, her complexion darkened unconsciously, while the other concubines were secretly happy because of it. 

Wen furen did not speak to her husband’s concubines and their children for more than what was necessary, and she merely said a few sentences in a placid tone before she allowed them to disperse. 

Ruan Xi also returned to Harmonious Dwelling with her maidservants and Mama.

Every gust of wind and movement of grass within the residence was bound to travel quickly. With Ruan Xi acting as a basis of comparison, the servants unavoidably harboured a strange tinge in their gaze as they regarded Liu Wan Wan.

Zhao yiniang proceeded to call Liu Wan Wan over to set the rules with Liu Wan Wan.

After being viciously tormented by Zhao yiniang once, Liu Wan Wan felt aggrieved and resentful. 

It was clear that Wen furen had dismissed the practice, and it was reasonable even if she did not go. In spite of that, Ruan Xi still chose to go, which made her appear as though she did not know the etiquette, nor did she observe the customs. 

And there was Zhao yiniang, the matriarch Furen had dismissed the practice, and yet she wanted to set the regulation despite being a yiniang. At the very end, she even stuffed in two pretty servant girls for her husband, she was basically impervious to reason. 

After the scent sachet incident, Liu Wan Wan completely shelved the small feelings she had for Wen Ting Zhou. At long last, she recognised her position within the Wen Family, and her sense of danger was roused instantaneously, which was why she was focusing her thoughts on winning over Wen Ting Yi.

Hence, Liu Wan Wan could not resist the urge to complain to Wen Ting Yi about her woes tearfully, to make Wen Ting Yi pity her even more. 

It goes without saying that Ruan Xi was unaware of Liu Wan Wan’s hardship, but even if she knew, she would only laugh and skip over it.

In the afternoon, she still went over to wait upon her popo as she partook in her meal.

In the evening, Wen Ting Zhou brought Ruan Xi to the Junzhu Residence to visit Wen lao-furen after he had left his office. It could not be denied that Wen lao-furen’s complexion left much to be desired, but she looked like she was not greatly hindered. 

Wen lao-furen was very amiable towards Ruan Xi, and she even gave her a precious gift. 

The overseeing imperial physician in the Junzhu Residence then checked over Ruan Xi carefully, and he concluded that her body was healthy. 

Wen Ting Zhou finally put down the worry plaguing his heart upon hearing that. After he had a brief discussion with Ruan Xi, the pair decided to inform Wen lao-furen of the things that Ruan san niang wanted to do.

Ruan san niang was undoubtedly a huge killer weapon; who knew if she could hold back the urge to spread those rumours? The Emperor did say that he would dispatch his men to stare at her, but no one could guarantee that there would be no leaks. 

They decided to tell Wen lao-furen because they wanted her to be mentally prepared. Once Wen lao-furen was informed, she specifically called for the imperial physician to make inquiries, and when she ascertained that Ruan Xi had escaped the ploy unscathed, she stopped worrying as well, and told them to set their hearts at ease. 

Five day later, the evidence for everything that Zhang shi had done was found, and simultaneously, he also found something that was very interesting.

To his surprise, Zhang shi had attempted to assassinate Ruan san niang through hired help. 

Hence, Wen Ting Zhou decided to remove Ruan Xi from the situation completely by disposing of Zhang shi, starting with this matter first.