The Child I Raised Has Been Reborn - Chapter 30.1

The two women lay side by side, their minds troubled. Even the Grand Princess, usually composed in the face of adversity, became irritable and finally draped a robe over herself and went to the study.

Mingshu caught her breath and settled alone on the spacious bed, finding comfort in its size, able to lie however she pleased.

The next day, a servant brought a bed into the study for the Grand Princess to rest there.

No one dared comment, but Ping’er chattered incessantly to Mingshu before concluding, “A cuckoo usurping the warbler’s nest.”

Mingshu initially ignored her, but then poked her own head. “I’m whole. I won’t stoop to the level of an incomplete person.”

Ping’er’s memory loss made her brain incomplete.

Ping’er glared furiously. “Ingratitude! You owe your position today to my help!”

“Right.” Mingshu grinned mischievously. “Then thank you. I’ll make you some pastries.”

“No thanks. I’m afraid you’ll poison me.” Ping’er stormed off in a huff.

Mingshu’s smile gradually faded as she touched the empty space beside her pillow. Even if Your Highness took her as a substitute, her empty heart needed filling.

She wasn’t greedy. Simply being by Your Highness’s side was enough. And her family’s vengeance must be avenged.

******

On the day Qin Jianhan moved out of the Grand Princess’s Residence, a carriage from the House Hu was waiting outside the gates. That afternoon, the Emperor issued an imperial decree appointing her as an imperial consort.

Rumors of the Emperor usurping his subject’s wife spread like wildfire through Luoyang City, sparking mixed reactions and endless chatter.

During this time, Mingshu gradually recovered her health and rarely saw the Grand Princess.

In early spring, during the court officials’ day off, many families went on outings beyond the city walls. The Grand Princess’s Residence also prepared for the excursion, with carriages waiting at the gate.

Ping’er had packed an unusual array of items for the trip, filling an entire carriage. She glanced at Your Highness’s expression, her heart pounding. Who brings paper money and incense sticks on a spring outing? she wondered. Your Highness’s behavior has grown increasingly strange.

By the time Mingshu arrived, the group was ready to depart, the Grand Princess already seated in her carriage.

The carriage headed north, passing through the city gates. Beyond the walls, the countryside was picturesque, dotted with court officials—some with friends, others with families. Mingshu lifted the carriage curtain and recognized several acquaintances.

The Duke of Xinguo’s Residence had once been a prestigious household, where she’d made many friends. But after the family’s fall from grace, these acquaintances all avoided her.

As the carriage slowed to a stop, many attendees instinctively drew closer.

This was one of Luoyang’s most renowned scenic spots, featuring a majestic waterfall nestled within the mountains. The area was bustling with visitors, some seated casually on the rocks, others enjoying the cool breeze from the pavilion.

When the carriage from the Grand Princess’s Residence came to a stop, it immediately drew a crowd. Jiang Zhiyi, standing among the onlookers, glanced up at the two figures inside the carriage.

Mingshu’s origins in a pleasure house were known to many young masters of noble families, who recognized her. Their surprise was palpable.

“Isn’t that the woman from Yongping Alley?”

“Seems so. Heir Wu happened upon the Grand Princess while he was under the influence of aphrodisiacs. Later, the Censors impeached him over the incident.”

“Is that true?”

“Just look at the Grand Princess bringing her along now.”

“Tsk tsk tsk, even Your Highness can’t escape the allure of beauty.”

As the rumors buzzed, Commandery Princess Pingxiang, who had overheard the gossip, quietly approached the carriage. Looking up, she saw the strikingly beautiful woman inside. “Are you from a pleasure house?”

Mingshu was startled, inwardly frowning. She loathed Pingxiang’s sharp-tongued nature. Unwilling to face her, she discreetly tugged at the Grand Princess’s sleeve.

Qin Tangxi returned to her senses, her gaze slowly settling on Pingxiang. “Pingxiang.”

Her tone was measured, carrying a hint of frost. Pingxiang, clutching her handkerchief, climbed into the carriage. “Sister, why so fierce? Are you here to admire the view too?”

“I’m paying my respects to a departed friend,” Qin Tangxi said, shifting slightly to make room. Pingxiang settled into the space, her gaze sweeping over the pleasure house woman from head to toe before she remarked, “Pleasure house women are overrated. She’s not even as pretty as the maids in my manor.”

Mingshu lowered her head, remaining silent. Qin Tangxi, however, narrowed her eyes and glanced at her. “Do you know your place?”

“Pingxiang has always been proper,” Pingxiang replied with a smirk, her tone dripping with disdain. “But people come in all classes and statuses. How could she possibly sit in the same carriage as you? It would be a disgrace to her station.”

Mingshu met her gaze defiantly, then feigned hurt. “Commandery Princess, don’t be angry. I even shared a bed with Your Highness.”

“You…” Pingxiang was speechless with fury, her anger boiling over at this insolent retort. “Preposterous.”

How dare this scheming seductress act so shamelessly, especially with her master’s behavior? It was a blatant insult to Sister. Sister had maintained her purity and reputation through years of hardship, and it couldn’t be tarnished by such a lowly person.

Mingshu showed no fear. Everyone knew who “preposterous” referred to. Besides, any impropriety lay with Your Highness, not her.

She scoffed, “Your Highness’s actions aren’t subject to your judgment.”

Qin Tangxi glanced at her, noting her skill in deflecting blame—a sign of considerable cunning.

Pingxiang froze, shocked. When had she ever called Sister “absurd”? Her face flushed with fury as she lunged forward, heedless of consequences, to strike Mingshu.

Her hand was caught mid-swing.

Qin Tangxi sighed in exasperation. “What’s all the fuss about?”

Commandery Princess Pingxiang was the only daughter of Grand Princess Zhang’an. Her father, the Princess Consort, had once protected her, but he had passed away due to illness just as she assumed regency. Grand Princess Zhang’an doted on this sole child, and their relationship with Zhao Lan and the others had long been strained.

“Sister, you’re so biased!” Commandery Princess Pingxiang’s eyes reddened with anger as she stormed out of the carriage, lifting her skirt.

Mingshu watched her retreating figure curiously. The little brat’s spoiled rotten. Little did she know that Consort Dowager An herself had once been a songstress. The Grand Princess would never tolerate such insolence.

After secretly chuckling for a moment, Mingshu felt a sharp pinch on her cheek. Turning, she met the Grand Princess’s impassive gaze and her heart skipped a beat. “I know I was wrong,” she stammered.

Qin Tangxi didn’t release her grip, tightening her hold. “A swift apology doesn’t prove sincerity. It only shows you’re being perfunctory.”

Mingshu didn’t regret it. She boldly reached out and took Your Highness’s hand. It was cold, with sweat on the palm. What is Your Highness so nervous about?

Summoning her courage, she said, “She likes you.”

Years ago, at Commandery Princess Pingxiang’s coming-of-age ceremony, Mingshu had overheard a conversation between Grand Princess Zhang’an and her daughter. Pingxiang had been concerned about the Grand Princess, but Grand Princess Zhang’an had refused, saying, “The Grand Princess Protector of the Nation’s position is precarious. She won’t meet a good end. Have you ever seen a Regency Minister come to a good end?”

Pingxiang had persisted stubbornly. “Mother, you’ve forgotten Sister’s methods. If she can stabilize the court, she can wield absolute power. Even the Emperor fears her now.”

Mingshu thought Pingxiang had good judgment, but her tongue was sharp and unkind.

After the girl finished speaking, Qin Tangxi released her hand. “Does her liking me have anything to do with you?”

Mingshu thought for a moment, then said carefully, “I’d feel jealous.”

Qin Tangxi’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Why choose vinegar when you can have sugar?”

Mingshu couldn’t answer. Worried that Your Highness might truly abandon her, she boldly took Qin Tangxi’s hand and placed it over her own heart. Looking earnestly into her eyes, she said, “This place would ache.”

The young girl’s body hadn’t fully developed yet; her bones and flesh felt neither smooth nor plump. Qin Tangxi’s palm met only softness, tingling with a burning sensation. She quickly withdrew her hand and averted her gaze, saying, “Nonsense.”

Just as she finished speaking, Wenxia approached. “Your Highness, the mountain has been cleared. We’ve been here before with the Commandery Princess, but we couldn’t pinpoint the exact location.”

Earlier, the Grand Princess had frightened Commandery Princess Long’an with the coffin, and they had followed behind, but the Commandery Princess, in her panic, hadn’t been able to find the grave.

Hearing this, Qin Tangxi finally stepped down from the carriage, Mingshu trailing closely behind.

Below the mountain, a crowd had gathered, including officials and commoners, conversing in small groups. The Dynasty’s customs were notably open, with no strict gender segregation. As the Grand Princess descended, many courtiers came forward to pay their respects and engage in conversation. At that moment, Grand Princess Zhang’an approached with deliberate steps.

Grand Princess Zhang’an, though past forty, maintained her youthful appearance through careful grooming. She wore a jade-green bamboo jacket, her hair coiled in a high bun. As she walked, the pendant in her hair remained perfectly still, not even swaying slightly.

Mingshu, familiar with Grand Princess Zhang’an’s strict upbringing, wasn’t surprised. She carefully concealed herself behind the Grand Princess, aware of the elder’s unwavering adherence to protocol.

As Grand Princess Zhang’an drew near, her gaze swept over the young girl behind Qin Tangxi, her eyes betraying clear disdain. “Your Highness, where are you heading?”

“We’re going to the mountain to pay respects to our departed friend,” Qin Tangxi said with a slight nod. The little girl behind her suddenly vanished. When Qin Tangxi turned around to look for her, she found the child hiding behind her.

Feeling both pity and amusement, she pulled the girl out from behind her and introduced her, “Mingshu, this is Grand Princess Zhang’an.”

Mingshu curtsied. “Mingshu pays her respects to the Grand Princess.”

“So you’re the girl from the Pleasure House?” Grand Princess Zhang’an’s gaze was slightly venomous. The girl was beautiful, with a fox-like charm. She smiled. “How does it feel to rise from obscurity to the pinnacle in a single step? A woman from the Pleasure House who’s climbed to the top like you… you must be the first.”

Pingxiang, standing behind her mother, stepped forward arrogantly and took the Grand Princess’s arm. “Sister,” she said intimately, “I’ll accompany you to pay respects. How about it?”

Qin Tangxi watched coldly and yanked her arm away in irritation. “I’m afraid my Imperial Aunt wouldn’t approve of your presence. Treacherous rebels don’t need your help.”

Grand Princess Zhang’an’s expression darkened. She pulled her daughter back. “We won’t trouble the Grand Princess any further.”

Pingxiang, failing to grasp the meaning, kept calling “Sister! Sister!” even as her mother dragged her away.

Those out for a spring outing usually only lingered around the waterfall, rarely venturing deeper into the mountains. The path was treacherous and prone to leaving one covered in thorns.

Wenxia led the way, clearing the path, with Qin Tangxi following closely behind. Mingshu, still recovering from her illness, soon grew weary and began limping along, slowing their progress.

Qin Tangxi took Mingshu’s hand, and Mingshu smiled gratefully. Her pale face wasn’t due to fatigue, but discomfort.

Just as they clasped hands, a voice called from behind: “Sister! Sister…”

Qin Tangxi ignored it, quickening her pace with Mingshu. But Pingxiang eventually caught up to them.

Support The Child I Raised Has Been Reborn