Bone Painting Coroner

Ever since Ji Muqing was released from the woodshed a few days ago, she had almost recovered completely. Although she still had a pale complexion and seemed to be getting thinner as time went by, she no longer looked as pitiful as before.

However, she was supposed to be the respectable Princess Consort Yi. Yet she was not allowed to take a single footstep out of her own courtyard, and her every movement was constantly monitored by the servants. How is this any different from being in prison?

Just then, the sky had gradually turned darker and the maids who had been watching her all day and had gone to light up the lanterns in the courtyard.

A while ago, she found out that her brother Ji Li was meeting with Prince Yi in the residence. Therefore, while the maids were lighting up the place, she put on a black cloak and seized the opportunity to sneak outside. She hoped that she could run into Ji Li before he left the residence.

Her heart beating fast, she glanced backwards every few steps, worrying that she might be caught as she hurried along.

Ji Li had taken his leave after he finished reporting to Jing Yi. Just then, he walked past the corridor where Ji Muqing was hiding.

Exhilarated, she called out, “Brother!”

Unfortunately, her voice was too soft. Ji Li did not hear her and continued following the servant out of the estate with a blank expression.

Ji Muqing clenched her teeth and lifted the hem of her dress, ready to dash towards Ji Li.

But just as she took the first step, someone violently yanked her cloak, causing her to fall backwards.

She didn’t have time to cry for help before someone grabbed her shoulders, covered her mouth, and dragged her away.

“Mmmh…” Her eyes wide, she looked helplessly at Ji Li who was disappearing into the distance. No matter how hard she struggled, it just wasn’t enough to break free.

After that, she was dragged all the way back to her courtyard, and violently thrown on the cold hard floor.

She sprawled on the ground, a burning pain scorching her palms as they scraped against the sharp little pebbles on the ground. The pain spread throughout her entire body but she bit down hard on her lips, refusing to let out a single sound.

A pair of delicate flower-embroidered shoes invaded her sight. She then looked up to see Chen Xiang towering above her, looking down at her with an arrogant expression on her face.

"Younger sister, why were you loitering around at this time of night instead of resting in your room?" She spoke sharply, her tone full of barbs.

Ji Muqing was born a haughty girl. Not bothered by the pain in her palms, she pushed herself up from the ground. Just as she finally got her footing, a maid stepped forward and pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground again. She almost fell on Chen Xiang before Chen Xiang dodged her by taking a step backward.

A peal of condescending laughter rang out. Chen Xiang covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her brows raised, as she stared at the dishevelled woman on the ground. She sneered, "You want to tell your brother about this? Dream on! Even if you die in the estate right now, he would never find out." Her tone was cutting.

Swamped with resentment, Ji Muqing remained silent.

"Tsk tsk tsk. How pitiful. To think that the eldest Miss of the noble Ji Family, the Princess Consort Yi, would one day end up like this. You lie on the floor like a dog and can’t even meet your own brother whenever you like, so why do you think you could go tattle? Why don’t you look at your own pitiful situation?”

Ji Muqing lay on the floor. Her eyes were bloodshot and her hands clenched into fists, fingernails digging so deeply into her flesh that she was bleeding. She sneered as she lifted her chin. With a dark look, she spoke, emphasising every single word. "Sooner or later, you'll end up in my shoes." She spat at Chen Xiang.

"I’m not like you. You are destined to live pitifully, scrabbling for mere scraps of attention, never being able to obtain what you desire most. However, it’s different for me..." Chen Xiang caressed her belly. "I am pregnant with Prince Yi’s child. Once Prince Yi ascends to the throne, this baby will become the Crown Prince and I will be his rightful Empress."

Haha! "Empress?" Ji Muqing laughed so hysterically that her shoulder began to shake. She focused her already grim gaze as she said, "Have you possibly… forgotten what I reminded you before?"

Ah! Back when she was in the woodshed, she had told Chen Xiang, "Prince Yi is hungry for power, and he wishes to strengthen his political footing. His Empress candidate must be the daughter of a General or an important official…"

Chen Xiang was neither! Therefore, even if she gave birth to a Crown Prince, she would never become Empress!

Even then, Chen Xiang still had to try and seize the opportunity. "Maybe you should worry about yourself first. Look at you right now. You're like an abandoned dog who’s about to die."

"It’s still better than you living in a castle built upon the clouds."

"You…" Chen Xiang suddenly leaned forward and grabbed her by her cape. She snarled, "Ji Muqing, since the day the Emperor decreed your marriage and conferred you as Prince Yi's consort, I have hated you so much that I wanted you dead. On what grounds should you be placed above me? Just because you’re born in a General’s family? But now seeing you like this, I could be at ease since you could never receive the Prince’s affection. In fact, it’s much more satisfying to watch you suffer like this for the rest of your life than having you dead."

If this were the Ji Muqing of the past, she would have reached out to grab the woman’s neck and strangle her to death. But now, she was completely indifferent, as if she didn’t care anymore.

The more unconcerned she appeared, the angrier Chen Xiang became. "Don't think that I will let you off just because you didn’t try to retaliate against me."

"I never begged you to let me go."

Hmph! Chen Xiang released her and stood up straight. She dusted her peony-embroidered sleeves and took two steps backwards, ordering the servants, "Drag this woman inside. Keep a watchful eye on her. If she runs away again, you'll have to pay with your lives."

"Yes." Several maids went forward to pull the defenceless Ji Muqing from the ground, then dragged her back into the room.

When she was dragged past Cai Lan, the maid who used to serve her closely, she stopped moving and stared at Cai Lan with her cold eyes. Ever since the maid started serving Chen Xiang, she seemed to have become another person. She now wore nice hair accessories and beautiful clothes. She had transformed completely from head to toe, looking almost like a concubine now.

Cai Lan felt a chill down her spine being stared by Ji Muqing. She lowered her head, trying to avoid Ji Muqing's gaze as she took several steps back.

"Things have certainly changed. I hope you're following the right master now," Ji Muqing said.

Ah! Cai Lan paled. She pursed her lips, afraid to speak.

Following that, Ji Muqing laughed out loud, not resisting as the maids continued to drag her into the shed. Her laughter continued to echo throughout the space, intimidating everyone within earshot, making them feel unease.

Chen Xiang threw a side glance at Cai Lan, and noticed that her eyes were swimming with tears.

"Why? Do you wish to return to serving your old master?"

"No." Cai Lan quickly shook her head, "This humble one has never thought of that." She hurriedly wiped off her tears.

Chen Xiang stopped in front of her and said in a friendly tone, "Listen here. As long as you serve me obediently, I'll make sure you get what you deserve after I give birth to the little Crown Prince."

"Yes."

"As long as you understand."

How would she dare say that she didn’t understand? If she didn’t, she would likely be slapped to death before she could finish speaking.

Chen Xiang caressed her belly that had yet to swell, and let out a laugh. Satisfied, she led her maids and walked away.

The courtyard returned to its peaceful state. All that was left behind were the occasional caws from the crows.