It's Actually Not Easy Wanting to be a Supporting Male Lead

Chapter 1.3:

The identity and social status of the male lead and supporting male lead in this world is very different. One is General Fuyuan, Qin Zheng, the son of Marquis Dingyuan’s first wife while the other is the good-for-nothing, second-generation prince, Qin Wang. The latter relies on the Emperor for shelter, protection and livelihood. All he needs to do every day is eat, drink and be merry. The former, however, is a military man who has waded through countless blood-soaked battlefields to earn his prestige. He is a young, revered, high-ranking official whom many greatly anticipate.

When the plot commenced, Qin Zheng has just returned from another victorious battle. Upon returning to the capital, he meets the female lead, Fan Caiyao, who is pure and elegant in appearance, but possesses a tough and unyielding personality. Therefore, the young general who is sick of seeing outwardly delicate but inwardly scheming noble ladies falls for this independent woman the moment he interacts with her.

Through experiencing a series of ups and downs, the male and female lead’s feelings for each other begins to grow. However, as a General, Qin Zheng is frequently sent to the frontiers, causing this pair to stay apart for long periods of time, meeting only once in a blue moon. In addition, due to Marquis Dingyuan becoming more and more arrogant as his son continues to provide meritorious services to the nation, the Emperor develops an increasing fear of this household’s power. From time to time, the Emperor will think of ways to grab this noble house by the pigtails[1]in order to regain control of the soldiers under the General’s command.

Alone in the capital, Fan Caiyao strenuously works hard to help her absent husband defend their household by interacting with the Emperor’s relatives and court officials, crushing enemies and making connections. Sui Yuan, who was orphaned at a young age and became the prince who is most doted on by the Emperor, proves to be an extremely big help to Fan Caiyao. Putting in a good word about Marquis Dingyuan’s household before the Emperor on her behalf, using his name and reputation as a guarantee, and so on. A pity that even he is incapable of completely preventing the Emperor’s plan to revoke Qin Zheng’s military leadership from occurring, merely succeeding in delaying it.

Naturally, both the Marquis and Qin Zheng are aware of the Emperor’s schemes. In order to ensure the safety and security of their household but unwilling to renounce the glory and wealth they have accumulated, they ultimately decide to revolt. In the capital, Sui Yuan and Fan Caiyao collaborate to give them ample preparation time.

When everything is prepared accordingly, Fan Caiyao gathers the females of the Marquis household together, pretending to have planned a trip up the mountains in order to pray for blessings. Instead, they secretly flee the capital that night. Sui Yuan is left in the dark and is still in the capital when Marquis Dingyuan’s plan to revolt is exposed.

Mad with fury, the Emperor orders Sui Yuan – who is always seen in the company of the Marquis’ people – to be thrown in jail. However, the lifelong affections he has for this child lingers, making him believe that Sui Yuan is merely blinded by love. In the end, the Emperor spares his life, only taking away his title.

Personally leading his army, Qin Zheng invades the capital. During this time, Marquis Dingyuan is critically wounded, eventually falling ill and died. With the support of the entire nation’s army, Qin Zheng seizes the throne and becomes Emperor, with Fan Caiyao as his Empress.

Feeling guilty for keeping Sui Yuan in the dark regarding the latter part of their plans, the female lead urges Qin Zheng to reinstate him as Qin Wang, ensuring him a lifetime of protection. Only, Sui Yuan’s heart is already shattered. Unable to face his old love who had a hand in killing his family, furious at himself for becoming an unknown accomplice in this murder, he quietly leaves the capital to roam free over the mountains and across rivers, seeking to heal his soul. Forsaking riches and honour for a lifetime of loneliness in the wilderness.