The Child I Raised Has Been Reborn - Chapter 30.2

The tomb lay deep within an impenetrable forest. Once inside, sunlight couldn’t reach them. The guards, prepared for this, lit torches to illuminate the path ahead.

The darkness of the forest grew oppressive as they walked, a chilling aura settling over them. No wonder they hadn’t found the tomb last time.

Pingxiang grew increasingly frightened, regretting her decision, yet too embarrassed to turn back. Seeing her sister hold hands with a woman from the Pleasure House stoked her jealousy, and she whined about being tired.

Hearing this, Qin Tangxi instructed Wenxia, “Carry the Commandery Princess on your back.”

Wenxia, skilled in martial arts, effortlessly hoisted the young woman onto her back. Before Pingxiang could protest, she was already being carried.

Refusing to be carried, Pingxiang struggled violently on Wenxia’s back, even attempting to strangle her with her hands.

Wenxia ignored Pingxiang’s struggles and carried her all the way to the cemetery before setting her down. Pingxiang was breathless from exhaustion, more tired than she would have been from walking.

As she gasped for breath, she noticed a grave mound ahead, surrounded by parched, barren soil—clearly a fresh burial.

A hazy memory of the recent case at the Duke of Xinguo’s Residence surfaced. The Duke of Xinguo deserved to be called a “past acquaintance” by Sister, she realized with a shock that left her rooted to the spot. “Sister, secretly paying respects to a traitor is a grave sin.”

Mingshu, standing beside the Grand Princess, frowned deeply. The image of Qin Jianhan offering her tea flashed through her mind. The corners of her pale lips trembled involuntarily, her tongue pressed tightly against her teeth, and her deer-like eyes welled with tears.

Qin Tangxi glanced at Mingshu out of the corner of her eye, a weight seeming to lift from her chest. Before Pingxiang could protest, she stepped forward and scooped up a handful of dry soil.

“Dig up the coffin and take it to Fahua Temple for a memorial service,” she said calmly.

The voices in the forest sounded eerie, and Pingxiang’s heart raced at these words. “Sister, it’s wrong to dig up someone’s remains without a reason.”

Wenxia took the iron shovel. “Commandery Princess, do you know why this body was buried here?”

Pingxiang’s teeth chattered as she shook her head violently. “Why?”

“Never to see the sun or sky. Buried against the mountain, with water flowing past and dense foliage blocking out the light.” Wenxia dug vigorously at the soil, deeply puzzled. “Who could Commandery Princess Long’an have been so bitter towards, to bury her remains in such a place?”

Pingxiang glanced around uneasily. The place was not only gloomy, but also emitted strange, eerie sounds from time to time. She swallowed hard. “Keep digging.”

Qin Tangxi personally lit the incense and candles. The dim candlelight flickered through the forest, too weak to illuminate the grave properly, and utterly incapable of dispelling the lingering shadows.

Mingshu stood motionless, her gaze fixed on Wenxia. Within moments, the shape of the coffin became clear. She took a step forward, wanting to get closer, when the Commandery Princess’s voice trembled beside her: “Sister… I’m scared… I want to leave.”

The candle flame suddenly leaped, then guttered out completely.

Pingxiang jumped in fright, her voice breaking into sobs. “Sister, I’m scared! Will she rest in peace? Is her ghost watching us right now? When I chanted with Mother, I heard that souls from unbroken ghost marriages can’t reincarnate.”

Her cries echoed through the forest, only to be answered by a mournful, lingering wail, as if the very spirits were echoing her despair.

The others showed no fear, but Pingxiang cowered behind the Grand Princess, too frightened to move. Yet, she couldn’t help but stare at the exhumed coffin and ask, “If there’s such deep resentment, why use such a massive coffin?”

Wenxia circled the coffin, tapping it with her hand. The wood was slightly blackened. She frowned at the Grand Princess. “Your Highness, we should replace this coffin. The darkening suggests it’s made of poor quality wood.”

A large coffin doesn’t necessarily mean it’s of good quality. In this case, its primary purpose was likely to suppress evil spirits.

Qin Tangxi glanced at the silent young woman before slowly stepping onto the coffin. The darkened wood was clearly visible. “Let’s consult the Abbot,” she said. “If we replace it, we’ll send this coffin to the House Hu as a wedding gift for Commandery Princess Long’an.”

Mingshu seemed to snap out of a daze, her eyes widening in surprise. The Grand Princess’s expression remained grim, devoid of sorrow or even anger.

Only Pingxiang shifted uneasily, her earlier fear replaced by curiosity. “Which of Qin Jianhan’s juniors is buried here?” she asked. “Could it be that Zhao girl?”

As usual, no one answered.

She rapped on the coffin, her curiosity piqued. “This would be interesting if it really is that Zhao girl. Sister, you should skin her alive. Think about it; she betrayed the one you love so dearly, Zhao Lan. I’ve always said Qin Jianhan was no good. Concubine Chen is kind-hearted, but she’s pure venom.”

Mingshu shuffled slowly forward, a chill creeping up her spine. The coffin felt like a vortex, inexorably drawing her closer.

As she approached, Qin Tangxi reached out and pulled her closer. Her refined features furrowed slightly. “My legs are numb.”

Pingxiang brightened, rolling up her sleeves. “Sister, I’ll carry you on my back.”

Mingshu’s wrist ached from Pingxiang’s grip. “I’ll carry Your Highness,” she grumbled.

Pingxiang seized the opportunity, wedging herself between them. “You’re too frail to carry me. I’ll do it myself.”

“Your Highness, you…” Mingshu bit her tongue. The princess’s grip was surprisingly strong. Fine, I’ll carry you. But why pinch me?

Qin Tangxi settled comfortably onto her back, pinching her ear while chatting with Pingxiang. “It’s high time you got married.”

Pingxiang had missed a great opportunity, and she was still seething with resentment. “I won’t marry him! A few days ago, the Marquis of Rongchang came to see Mother and suggested I enter the palace as an imperial consort. As if I’d want to marry the Emperor! Only a fool would scramble to get into the palace like Qin Jianhan. I’ll only marry someone who’s truly devoted, like Sister…”

“You’re overthinking it. Sister isn’t devoted,” Qin Tangxi cut her off easily. Sensing the young girl’s exhaustion and vulnerability, she gently bit her bright red earlobe.

Mingshu shrank away, already struggling to keep up. Feeling something was amiss with Her Highness, her ear throbbing and itching, she reached up to touch it.

Her shallow breaths felt unnaturally hot, waves of heat assaulting her, making her feel uncomfortable.

The little girl walked excruciatingly slowly, especially going downhill. One misstep could send her tumbling, and she emerged from the forest as if treading on thin ice. When the sunlight hit her, she squinted slightly.

Qin Tangxi wrapped her arm around the girl’s neck, closed her eyes, and murmured, “Mingshu, if you couldn’t let go of someone, what would you do?”

“Steal her away! Your Highness is so strong, you’d definitely succeed,” Mingshu panted, keeping her eyes on her feet as she replied absently.

Qin Tangxi laughed, a gentle, rain-like chuckle. “True enough. Then I’ll steal her away.”

Such a simple truth—how could anyone not understand? Yet she had become lost on the crossroads, unable to move forward, blindly following Zhao Lan’s wishes and leading to an irreparable tragedy.

It was her fault!

No one knew where Mingshu found the strength to carry the Grand Princess down the mountain, collapsing exhausted in the carriage afterward.

Pingxiang eagerly shared the news with her mother upon returning home. Grand Princess Zhang’an’s expression darkened. “You’re saying Qin Jianhan buried Zhao Lan’s body in an impenetrable, sunless forest?”

“Apparently. And from Commander Wen’s reaction, there seemed to be something amiss with the coffin too. Do you think they harbored such deep resentment that they couldn’t let go even after death?” Pingxiang took a large gulp of tea, the eerie forest lingering in her mind. Losing interest in the surrounding scenery, she tugged at her mother’s hand and insisted on returning to the residence.

As soon as the Grand Princess’s carriage departed, the villagers gathered near the waterfall began whispering about Mingshu’s identity. Even an ordinary woman might not be so fortunate, let alone someone from a pleasure house with a tainted past.

Undoubtedly, she had become the object of universal envy.

If it were just any ordinary person, it might have been different. But everyone knew the Grand Princess’s immense power—the Emperor himself had to heed her counsel. Moreover, for years, the Grand Princess had maintained an unblemished reputation, as pristine as a blank sheet of paper.

The vast rear courtyard of the Grand Princess’s Residence housed no concubines. Envy stirred in the hearts of the onlookers, and they hurried back to their own residences to inquire about Mingshu’s preferences.

Some even went to the Jade Spring Tower to see it for themselves, making Yongping Alley even livelier than usual.

The day of Jiang Zhiyi’s birthday arrived in the blink of an eye. After returning from the prefectural office, Qin Tangxi changed her clothes. Mingshu stood nearby, hesitating whether to help her dress.

If she was considered Your Highness’s woman, she didn’t even need to share her bed. If she was a maid, she wasn’t doing any work. She was stuck in the most awkward position.

Watching the maid retrieve the clothes, Mingshu mustered her courage and approached, her long lashes trembling. “Your Highness, shall I help you change?”

The slender figure before the bronze mirror froze. A young girl pushed her way forward, her fair face tilted upward with a hint of rivalry.

Mingshu smiled faintly. “Change your clothes yourself and come to the Jiang Residence with me.”

“The Jiang Residence?” The girl’s eyes widened. “Is that where Jiang Zhiyi lives?”

The incident at River View Tower remained unresolved, and another visit might invite more trouble.

She hesitated. “Must we go?”

“Yes, go change.” Qin Tangxi nodded toward the maid. “Bring Miss Ming’s clothes.”

In the spring, with flowers blooming in vibrant hues, the girl should wear something festive. A long skirt, a fitted jacket, a slim brocade belt, and jingling accessories at her waist accentuated her slender waist.

Qin Tangxi personally led Mingshu to the bronze mirror, took up a brush, and began to carefully draw her eyebrows. “Today is Lord Jiang’s birthday. Don’t be afraid when we go. I’ll take responsibility for everything.”

The brush tickled Mingshu’s eyebrows. She stood nervously, too anxious to speak. Why is Your Highness being so kind to someone like me, bought from a pleasure house?

Qin Tangxi attentively applied Mingshu’s makeup, brushing Lanruo rouge onto her lips. The vibrant color framed her lips, creating a delicate fragrance that complemented her youthful beauty. Satisfied, she said, “Don’t be afraid to meet Lord Jiang. She’s very friendly.”

Once they were ready, the two women rode in a carriage to the Jiang Residence.

The Jiang Residence was some distance from the Grand Princess’s Residence. The carriage took nearly an hour to arrive, and several carriages were already parked before the gates. The Jiang Residence’s housekeeper greeted them at the entrance.

Qin Tangxi led Mingshu inside, drawing attention from those they passed along the way.

Ever since that day at the waterfall, when the Grand Princess was seen with a woman from the Pleasure House, the rumors had gradually begun to take shape.

As they entered the inner courtyard, Jiang Zhiyi hurried over. The scene before her eyes only deepened her astonishment.

The fish had taken the bait too quickly.

Mingshu felt slightly nervous, her hands unconsciously clutching her sleeves as she instinctively edged closer to the Grand Princess. Fortunately, Jiang Zhiyi’s gaze remained fixed elsewhere, easing her tension somewhat.

Jiang Zhiyi led them toward the main hall. As they passed through the colonnade, they noticed a crowd gathered around something.

As they approached, they saw a woman dancing.

Her dance skills were exceptional, her waist supple and flexible. In an instant, she could fold her body in half, revealing her navel.

The crowd clapped and cheered. Jiang Zhiyi instinctively introduced the performers: “These are dancers from the Jade Dew Pavilion. I heard many people enjoy their performances, so I invited them here today.”

Qin Tangxi followed her gaze. The woman’s face seemed familiar. Though she hadn’t visited the pavilion recently, the memory remained vivid. Her name was Mizhen, if she recalled correctly.

The Grand Princess stood on tiptoe to watch, and the crowd before the stage parted to give her a clearer view.

Mingshu suddenly felt a wave of nervousness, her throat going dry. Clutching the hand of the person beside her, she volunteered, “Your Highness, I can do it too.”

Qin Tangxi was puzzled. “Do what?”

Mingshu felt a wave of shame.

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