Quick Transmigration: The Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Character's Revenge

Back then, not long after the emperor ascended the throne, the Tartars invaded from the border.

The emperor dispatched Qi Congyue, the Marquis of Changping at the time, to lead troops to suppress the rebellion.

However, Qi Congyue suffered a major defeat, resulting in the deaths and injuries of countless soldiers and innocent civilians, as well as the loss of three cities, causing enormous losses.

The emperor was furious upon receiving this news.

This was his first major battle since ascending the throne, and he actually lost it.

The emperor's ascension to the throne was illegitimate to begin with. Because of this defeat, rumors spread among the people that this was a punishment from heaven for the emperor's illegitimate accession and his cruelty to his brothers. Some even said that the emperor was worse off than the former crown prince.

These rumors directly touched the emperor's sore spot.

However, the emperor had only been on the throne for a short time at that time and had eliminated many of the Crown Prince's capable ministers. He did not have enough trusted people at his disposal, so he had no choice but to give the title of Marquis of Changping to Qi Congming, so that he could go to war in place of his brother and atone for his crimes.

In other words, given the emperor's anger towards Qi Congyue at the time, if he had other options, he would not have given the Marquis of Changping's family a chance to redeem themselves. More likely, he would have taken his anger out on the entire Marquis of Changping's family.

Sending Qi Congming to atone for his brother's crimes was a last resort. If he also failed, the entire Changping Marquis's mansion would surely be doomed.

Fortunately, Qi Congming recovered the lost cities, which barely appeased the emperor's anger, and Qi Congming thus secured his position as Marquis of Changping.

Even after so many years, the emperor still harbored resentment over the mistakes Qi Congyue had made and could not accept Qi Congyue's son inheriting the title.

Moreover, the emperor knew very well that Qi Congyue's son, Qi Jinglin, was just like his father—mediocre and unlikely to amount to anything.

Qi Congming knew why the emperor had interrupted him, and he sighed inwardly.

The emperor walked down with his hands behind his back, raised his hand and patted Qi Congming on the shoulder: "Minister Qi, you are in the prime of your life, and you have just married a beautiful wife. I'm sure it won't be long before we hear good news."

"If all else fails, what about your illegitimate son... I heard his leg ailment isn't too serious; you even had a doctor treat him recently?"

Upon hearing the emperor's words, Qi Congming felt a chill run down his spine.

The emperor was truly well-informed about the affairs of the Marquis of Changping's household; he even knew that they had hired a doctor to treat Qi Jingyu's leg ailment.

He quickly replied, "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. My wife invited a doctor from Yangzhou specifically to treat my son's leg ailment."

"It seems that your new wife is indeed a good woman. She is very virtuous and treats your children as her own. No wonder you fell in love with her at first sight and insisted on marrying her. You even declined my bestowed marriage for her sake."

Qi Congming nodded in agreement with the emperor, saying, "Zeng is indeed virtuous and generous, and that is precisely what I appreciate about her."

The Emperor's real purpose in summoning Qi Congming today was to test him by offering him a few concubines on the grounds that he had not had many children.

On the surface, she was called a "concubine," but in reality, she was a "spy." After all, Qi Congming held military power and had been stationed on the frontier for seven years, establishing a very high prestige among the soldiers. Naturally, the emperor was wary of him.

But since Qi Congming said that, he couldn't say anything more and could only give up for the time being.

The emperor laughed heartily a few times: "That's good. As for your illegitimate son, I have never met him. He is still your offspring. Bring him to the autumn hunt this time so that I can meet him."

Qi Congming dared not refuse the emperor's request again and quickly agreed, "Your humble servant obeys the decree."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Qi Congming's back was soaked with sweat.

He hurriedly returned to the Marquis's residence and went directly to Qi Jingyu's courtyard to tell him about the matter.

"The emperor specifically requested that you go on the autumn hunt, saying he wanted to see you," Qi Congming said worriedly.

Looking at Qi Jingyu's face, which bore a resemblance to the late Crown Prince, Qi Congming couldn't help but feel even more worried.

Qi Jingyu knew what Qi Congming was worried about, but he remained relatively calm.

"Since he has said so, I will go. If I try to find a way to refuse, he will inevitably become suspicious."

This is true.

Qi Congming guessed that the emperor was just curious to see his son because he had never seen him in person, and did not suspect Qi Jingyu's true identity.

If the emperor suspected Qi Jingyu's true identity, he had countless ways to see him, such as summoning him directly to the palace. There was no need to go to such lengths to have him participate in the autumn hunt.

Qi Congming sighed deeply: "That's all we can do."

That very day, news of the upcoming autumn hunt spread throughout the entire Changping Marquis's residence.

Prior to this, the First Madam and Qi Jinglin had not yet figured out a way to completely get rid of Qi Jingyu.

After all, Qi Jingyu stayed in the Marquis's mansion most of the year and rarely went out. If he really wanted to take action, poisoning was the best method.

However, poisoning is too risky. Qi Congming and Zeng Wanqing still value Qi Jingyu quite a bit, so poisoning is not easy to succeed, and even if it is successful, there is a risk of being discovered.

If Qi Jingyu could leave the Marquis's residence, things would certainly be different.

Once Qi Jingyu leaves the Marquis's residence, it will be very difficult to trace any accidents back to the First Madam and Qi Jinglin.

Therefore, upon hearing the news that Qi Jingyu was also going on an autumn hunt, Qi Jinglin immediately went to find the First Madam.

"Mother, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The First Madam understood Qi Jinglin's meaning: "That's right, this is indeed a good opportunity."

The mother and son exchanged a glance and instantly made up their minds.

"Mother, what should we do?"

After a moment's thought, the First Madam beckoned to Qi Jinglin, signaling him to come closer.

She lowered her voice and said, "Find a reliable person to tamper with the carriage..."

Qi Jinglin listened and nodded.

The current emperor has always enjoyed hunting and attaches great importance to the autumn hunt.

The autumn hunts in previous years could last anywhere from half a month to more than a month.

Therefore, upon receiving news of the autumn hunt, the Marquis of Changping's residence busied itself with packing the things to bring for the hunt, making sure to bring at least warm quilts, clothing, and some food.

On the morning of the autumn hunt, three large carriages were parked in front of the Marquis's mansion.

Except for the last carriage, which was used to carry luggage, the first two carriages were for the master to ride in.

Early in the morning, after saying goodbye to the old lady, they went out to take a carriage.

Qi Ning watched as Zeng Wanqing, along with Qi Tang and the First Madam, boarded the first carriage.

Her gaze fell on the second carriage.

The servant leading the horse reminded her, "Second Miss, please get into the first carriage."

"Who's riding in that carriage in the back?" Qi Ning asked.

The servant hurriedly replied, "Miss, the carriage behind is for the young master."

"And what about the eldest young master?" Qi Ning asked again.

"Second Miss, the eldest young master doesn't ride in a carriage; he rides a horse."

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