Bone Painting Coroner Chapter 345-346

The innkeeper slapped his thigh in regret as he explained. Oh, how he had suffered!

Ji Yunshu could empathize with him. She looked down at Zhao Qing, pointing a delicate finger in his direction, "Then who is he?"

"That's the Second Master of the Gaoshan Gang."

"The Gaoshan Gang?"

"That's right!" The innkeeper summarised what he knew about the Gaoshan Gang and their business to Ji Yunshu.

She listened intently, "Then, the First Master and the Second Master have always had a bad relationship?"

"They had a big fight a year ago – their relationship only worsened since."

Ji Yunshu nodded, beginning to understand what had to be done. Although she could have cared less about Zhao Qing, she had only wanted to clear up any misunderstandings before she took action. She had to – if this dragged on any longer, Jing Rong and those men would definitely pick a fight with each other. There was bound to be bloodshed, and death!

Ji Yunshu's mind spun, "Innkeeper, do you wish for your inn to return to its former glory?"

Return to its former glory? "Is the young master implying that those men will never come again?"

"And if so?"

The innkeeper could not hide his excitement, "If that's so, then my entire family will pay their respects in gratitude, young master!"

"But, there is something you must help me with."

"Please speak, young master."

Ji Yunshu whispered something in his ear. That innkeeper was startled, but quickly nodded and headed off to prepare what was needed as Ji Yunshu entered her room and picked something up, about to head downstairs.

Before she could make it down however, Mo Ruo suddenly appeared before her, drunkenly peering over the railing while taking another swig of wine before addressing Ji Yunshu, "You won't solve any problems by heading downstairs now. Jing Rong's there, relax."

"And to have him become a mass murderer?" Ji Yunshu questioned accusingly.

Mo Ruo smiled, "Sometimes, there is no other way."

"But he is not Prince Yi!" With his personality, he can't kill whoever stands in his way like Jing Yi.

Mo Ruo was almost jolted sober, shocked to the point that he paused his drinking, but only for a moment. He laughed, "That's true. Jing Rong is not Prince Yi; that's not his path to take." Mo Ruo stepped aside, letting Ji Yunshu pass.

Jing Rong had already ordered his men to kill so many of the Gaoshan Gang members today, exactly like how Jing Yi would act. Ji Yunshu could not help but worry now that Jing Rong had ordered his men to kill on sight – what if Jing Rong turned out like Jing Yi?

Lang Po noticed Ji Yunshu as soon as she stepped downstairs, "Teacher Ji?"

Jing Rong immediately turned around. He berated, "Go upstairs." Ji Yunshu did not listen, hastening her steps instead.

Zhao Qing looked on curiously. That scholar looked as slender and fair as a woman!

Jing Rong moved to hold Ji Yunshu back as she approached, warning her, "I'll say it one last time. Go upstairs."

Ji Yunshu looked at him with her clear sparkling eyes, "It's not your responsibility to rid the world of bandits. Don't soil your hands." Jing Rong remained silent as Ji Yunshu circled around him to stand before Zhao Qing.

She met his curious gaze fearlessly, smiling, "For this little inn in the forest to have customers and make a name for itself, providing themselves and their customers with a roof over their heads, is a blessing. But for the Second Master to bring his men here and deny others of this safety; for them to be unable to drink when they can, unable to sleep where they can, it's a curse. Could the Second Master take it as an act of kindness, giving these weary travelers a good night's rest in preparation for their long journey tomorrow." Ji Yunshu did not hesitate nor mince her words.

These flowery words were lost on those uncouth bandits! Zhao Qing, however, was another case as he patiently listened, "So there are not just soldiers and servant dogs amongst you, but also a little scholar. This one likes those flowery words, but this one is not leaving today. What roof, what good night's rest – before this Zhao Qing, all of that is bullshit. Right now I am the king, I am the law."

Ji Yunshu only smiled, "The Great Lin extends north to North Liang, west to Yi City, East to the Han Pass, and south to Wanjiang – all these fall under the Great Lin's jurisdiction. Everything and everyone must abide by the Great Lin's laws."

"Laws? Don't talk to me about laws – if the government was capable, they would have sent men here a long time ago."

"So, the Second Master is refusing to leave?"

"What can you do?" He was provoking her!

Although Ji Yunshu was the epitome of calmness, Jing Rong could not stand to watch the woman he loved to be treated this way and stepped forth. Suddenly –

"It's itchy!"

"Yes, it's so itchy, itchy all over!"

"My hand's turned red – it's covered in red spots!"

Several voices began to ring within the crowd. Very quickly, Zhao Qing began to itch all over. He scratched his arm quizzically, pulling up his sleeve to reveal little red spots spread all over his own body, "What's happening?"

Only Ji Yunshu, Jing Rong, and his men were spared; the others began to itch crazily, scratching themselves furiously.

Jing Rong scooched over to Ji Yunshu, asking, "What's going on?"

"I had the innkeeper fill white wine-soaked grass with arrowroot powder before burning it into ash and spraying it all over the first floor. Once you come into contact with it, your body will begin to swell up and itch."

"Why didn't I notice anything?"

"Because those ashes are colourless and odourless."

"Then why are we itch-free?"

"When I came downstairs, I sprayed some ginger juice onto you, Lang Po, and your men's bodies. That's why you're alright." This woman was incredible! Jing Rong was proud.

While the two of them were engaged in their conversation, Zhao Qing had been getting increasingly enraged and sore. Fuming, he questioned Ji Yunshu and Jing Rong, "What have you done?"

Ji Yunshu replied accordingly, "This is a kind of poison. Once you come into contact with it, it will penetrate your bones, causing an unbearable itch if mild. In severe cases, it will cause your skin to rot away as you become a living corpse."

"You…"

"But this is not an incurable illness."

Zhao Qing stretched out his hand, "Give me the antidote."

Ji Yunshu ignored him, "You can have the antidote, but you need to promise me one thing."

Hmm? Zhao Qing was shocked. He scratched as he asked, "What thing?"

"To never ever visit this inn from this day on."

"What if I refuse?"

"Then you and your men will itch yourselves to death!" An outright threat!

Zhao Qing was not Zhao Huai. He could not bear to debate with Ji Yunshu when his own brothers were suffering – neither face nor pride did matter in the face of camaraderie. He agreed cooly, "Fine. Bring us the antidote."

Grenn's Rants Corner

No real fight in the end. :/

Ji Yunshu was not stupid enough to just give him the antidote. She spoke with a crafty glint in her eye and a quirk of her lips.

"I can give you the antidote, but this humble one doesn't believe you will not create trouble here in the future. If you hold on to grudges and take it out on the inn's young and elderly, wouldn't we have lost out?"

Zhao Qing resisted the urge to scratch his full-body itch.

"I, Zhao Qing, never go back on my word," he thumped his chest and answered resentfully.

“Good,” Ji Yunshu said, reassured. She drew a small bottle from her waistband and tossed it at Zhao Qing.

"You'll be fine once you give this a good sniff," she said.

Zhao Qing sniffed the antidote himself first, then passed it to Ba Hu, who took a sniff and passed it along in turn to the other bandits. The itch and rash faded quickly as each took a sniff, and vigor quickly returned to their bodies.

Someone in the crowd inevitably turned his attention, and discontent, on Ji Yunshu.

"Let's kill them, Big Brother!"

"Yeah!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

The bandits hefted their weapons, ready to charge at the slightest nod from Zhao Qing.

Ba Hu strode to Zhao Qing's side.

"They're just here to seek death, Big Brother. Give the word and we'll kill them all."

Zhao Qing let out a huff of laughter, staring unblinkingly at Ji Yunshu. He reached back, drew out the knife tied to Ba Hu's waist and swung it at the unmoving Ji Yunshu.

However, Jing Rong took two steps forward and pulled her behind him. In the same motion, he drew Lan Po's sword with his other hand .

Shiiiiing!

The knife and sword clashed. Metal rang, sparks flew. The two were evenly matched.

"If you dare harm a single hair on her head, I'll kill you." Jing Rong growled, shoving his blade forward with ever-increasing force. His normally cool gaze blazed murderously. There was no leeway allowed when it came to Ji Yunshu's safety.

Zhao Qing's resistance faltered visibly against the additional pressure. His feet inched back slowly. He had never faced such a powerful opponent before, and his effort was apparent on his tightly wrinkled brows.

Zhao Qing twisted his wrists and deflected the blade to the left, finally breaking the deadlock.

Looking at the frail figure behind Jing Rong, he said disdainfully, "I didn't expect there would be someone so dedicated to a little scholar."

"If she's hurt in any way, this inn will be your final resting place." Jing Rong answered.

Zhao Qing gave a bark of laughter.

"An expert indeed. Even your words cut like a fine blade. No wonder those wastrel followers of Zhao Huai were killed so easily."

"If you don't want to end up the same way they did, take your people and leave now!"

"Fine. We will go. I, Zhao Qing, have always been a man of my word. I said we wouldn't come back, so we won't."

"Big Brother, are we really leaving like this? We–" Ba Hu began.

–Bam!

Zhao Qing gave Ba Hu a smack on the head as he turned to his subordinates..

"Listen up, all of you! From this day forward, if I catch any of you making trouble at this inn, I will peel off your skin and feed it to wild dogs."

No one wanted to follow his order, but their big brother had already made his decision, so they could only obey.

“Yes!”

Zhao Qing picked up a jar of wine and poured out two bowfuls. He walked with them to Ji Yunshu, thrusting one at her.

"This gentleman is skilled indeed. He's most certainly not an idle good-for-nothing. If you don't mind, why don't we become friends?"

Friends? With bandits?

The novelty of this concept amused Ji Yunshu . Both in dress and behaviour, Zhao Qing very much looked the part of a bandit leader, but he undeniably exuded a carefree sense of righteousness, incongruent with his reputation as a cold, ruthless killer.

Ji Yunshu stared at the bowl in his hand, conflicted.

This miss can't drink! But she can't reject the drink either…

Zhao Qing raised his bowl in a toast.

"It's your choice. I'll drink mine in the meantime."

The entire bowl of wine vanished down his throat without further ado.

Before Ji Yunshu could decide what to do, Jing Rong took the bowl instead and drained it in a single gulp, before throwing the bowl back onto the table.

Zhao Qing laughed.

"Good! Today we've become friends through our fists. Let's wipe the slate clean now that this unpleasantness is over.."

"Let's go!" he commanded with a wave of his hand.

He walked past Jing Rong without hesitation, but halted beside Ji Yunshu. He leaned towards her and spoke softly.

"Little scholar, if we have the chance to meet again, we must have a couple of drinks together."

The whole group left without another word. However, the same could not be said for the furniture. As they left, the dissatisfied bandits wrecked the furniture and smashed several jars of wine.

The inn was in shambles by the time the last man walked out the door.

Jing Rong tugged Ji Yunshu's arm lightly once the bandits were out of sight.

"Didn't I ask you to stay in your room?” he asked.

Ji Yunshu lifted her chin and met his gaze steadily.

"Did you mean to have me rest tranquil while you killed everyone?"

"Who said I would kill everyone?"

"Would you not?"

Of course he would! They were bandits, for goodness sake.

His adam's apple bobbed up and down as he thought and finally let go of Ji Yunshu's arm.

The innkeeper finally came closer, bowing all the way, his eyes red with gratitude.

"My sincerest thanks to the two gentlemen on behalf of my whole family!"

He descended to his knees as he spoke, but Jing Rong stopped him with a hand on his elbow.

"This is not the capital."

Oh? What did that have to do with anything?

The innkeeper was confused but continued bowing and sobbing. Once he was done, he approached Ji Yunshu and asked, worried.

"Who knows if they'll come back again. Gentleman, why don't you tell me the secret recipe for the antidote, just in case?"

"There isn't any antidote" Ji Yunshu replied.

"No antidote? What about the poison?"

"There was no poison either. It was just a colourless gas that causes a rash. It would have faded soon(in the time taken to drink a cup of tea), anyway."

Grenn's Rants Corner

Lol! Ji Yunshu's bluff… I wonder if she could own everyone in a game of Poker.

Chapter end