The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 17

Chapter 17
CMH 17 – Du Juan (Last)

Tang Zhi Bo flips the table he have been sitting at and throws the painting in his hand over to the Grey-Robed Man .

” Where’s the painting?! ”

The Grey-Robed Man is stunned by the sudden outburst . He woodenly looks at the painting lying open on the floor, having no idea why have it turn into a fake one .

” This painting is handed to me personally by Su Yi, it can’t be a fake . ”

Tang Zhi Bo pursed his lips, before turning to the person standing behind him .

” Where’s Su Yi? ”
” She haven’t return . ”

The person respectfully replies . Tang Zhi Bo paces around in frustration before asking the Grey-Robed Man again .

” Did anything happened when you have the painting? ”
” What? ”

He frowns, trying to remember .

” I knocked into someone, a Mongolian, when I’m leaving . ”
” Mongolian? ”

Tang Zhi Bo narrows his eyes as he continues asking .

” What did he look like? ”
” He’s tall, but his collar and hat had blocked most of his face so I’m unable to see his face clearly . ”

Thinking of it, that incident must have been done on purpose .

” The painting drop onto the floor when he knocked into me, but as it was a short period of time, I didn’t suspect a thing . ”

Tang Zhi Bo almost immediately thought of the fake Qiu Ci band in Zhou Jing Jing’s banquet . That group that pretended to be from the Beseeching Fire Cult . The leader is also a large guy, and his clothes have him covered tightly… no, they might not even be Mongolian .

He walks over to the bench and sits down, subconsciously touching the joint of his right pinky . Donggan (Country) have recently send an envoy over, called Aersi . If he is to point out who would be the most suspicious person in Chang-An, it would have to be him .

His eyes turn treacherous before opening his mouth after a moment of silence .

” You may go for now, inform me once Su Yi returns . ”
” Yes . ”

The kneeling grey-robed man breath a sign of relief as he quickly gather himself and left .

The person standing next to Tang Zhi Bo looks worriedly at him .

” How should we explain this to the Duke? ”
” I will explain it myself to Father . You go find out about Aersi . ”

The man is a little surprise by that order from Tang Zhi Bo, but still he nods .

Aersi have been stared at by Yi Jing with that weird gaze of

his for more than an hour now . Unable to bear it any longer, Aersi reaches out and hit him .

” You remind me of those foolish woman who gaggle at me . ”

Yi Jing dodges the oncoming punch as he smirks .

” What a happy memory that is . ”

Aersi picks up a jar of wine from the table and knocks back a huge mouthful . Wine drips down his well-chiseled jaw and even Yi Jing cannot help it but whistles at him, causing Aersi to immediately lose all mood there is for drinking . He slams down the jar with a huge ‘BANG’ .

” Just spit it out! ”
” Hehehe . ”

Yi Jing laughs and throws the painting that Aersi just gave him back at him .

” Even if you wanna fool me with a fake, don’t use my fake to give it back to me . At least show a little sincerity, will ya? ”

Aersi stares at him, before picking up the painting that is lying on him .

” You’re saying this is a fake? ”

Yi Jing nods at him, satisfied .

” At least you’re still worthy to be taught . Now I can see your sincerity . ”
” Have I ever mention how much I hate your way of going around the bush? ”

Aersi frowns, looking like he is going to strangle Yi Jin to death . Yi Jin, just as calm as before, replies him .

” This is the first time I ever heard of it . ”

Aersi takes a deep breath, preparing to end this conversation with the next sentence .

” I took this painting directly from Tang Zhi Bo’s henchmen . Your painting should be in Tang Zhi Bo’s hands . ”

Yi Jin c.o.c.k his eyebrow, looking as if he realize something .

” Looks like Mr . Phantom Hands have drawn more than 1 fake . ”

Aeresi’s eyes narrows .

” You meant Tang Zhi Bo prepared 2 fakes? ”

He can’t believe that he got fooled by Tang Zhi Bo . Yi Jin laughs .

” No I didn’t . You’ll know once you catches Phantom Hands and ask him yourself . ”

After the sun sets, Zhou Jing Jing is still wallowing in the pain of losing his prized painting . A servant runs into the hall frantically and inform the disheveled Zhou Jing Jing .

” Ma, Master, Chun Hua is just found bound and fainted inside the firewood shed! ”
” Un . ”

Zhou Jing Jing don’t care . What’s a maid compared to his painting, his《White Jade Orchid • Spring》is lost!

But the servant continues .

” Chun Hua said that the one who hit her was Du

Du Juan! ”
” WHAT?! ”

Zhou Jing Jing leap right up from the floor and grabs the servant’s collar .

” Are you sure?! ”

He had already reminded himself to be careful when he saw Du Juan the other night . How is he to know… that he still fell into her trap! He is sure that the painting must be in her hands!

Shocked by the sudden jump Zhou Jing Jing did, the servant said nervously .

” There could be no mistake, she recognize Du Juan’s veil! Ah, she’s still in the shed, you can ask her yourself! ”

Zhou Jing Jing waves his hand and shouts .

” Let’s go! ”

They immediately rush over, but only to be left disappointed . Apart from the rope left behind, no maid can be found .

At the same time Chun Hua goes missing in Zhou Jing Jing’s mansion, Su Yi appears at Tang Zhi Bo’s mansion .

” Master, I have failed you . I am willing to accept any punishment . ”

She kneels on the floor, her face deathly pale .

Tang Zhi Bo narrows his eyes, not speaking . He plans and stay diligent against so much, yet he actually missed one Du Juan in his calculations . But what use have Du Juan for the painting? Can it be that she knows about the secret that is hidden in it as well?

The Grey-Robbed Man stands there, not believing that he just heard .

” But the one I saw was you… ”
” It’s just a disguise . ”

Tang Zhi Bo glare at him . The man pursed his lips . It’s not just a disguise . He have not noticed anything off at all, even the voice is exactly the same as Su Yi .

Tang Zhi Bo stands up and orders the man standing behind him .

” Both of them failed in their responsibilities . You know what to do . ”
” Yes . ”

The Grey-Robed Man and Su Yi faces paled as Tang Zhi Bo walks out of the room .

The next day, news about Du Juan disguising as a maid in Zhou’s mansion and stole the famed《White Jade Orchid • Spring》spread across Chang-An City, causing a heated buzz all around . Even the constables can’t keep their mouth shut and talked about how they met Du Juan the day before .

Du Juan have once again lit a fire within the city . Liu Qinghuan smilingly listens to Qing Zhi’s animated explanation, not commenting at all .

Now everyone is off looking for Du Juan’s trouble, she, as the Mistress of this Yong Ning Mansion, would be safe .

Liu Qinghuan finishes her breakfast and is just about to go give her

give her morning greetings to Madam Ning . However, the hateful glare from Ning Tang once she opens the door makes her retreat back into the warm comfort of her room .

Not being about to go out make things a lot easier for her too . Why not head back to bed for another round of sleep?

This round of sleep lasts until mid-afternoon, till Qing Zhi informs her that lunch is ready . Only then does she climbs out of bed . Usually, Liu Qinghuan loves visiting the loft to cool herself and to admire the scenery as a means to pa.s.s time . Now, trap in her room, not only is she bored, she’s very hot too .

Ci Tao stands by her side, fanning her as Qing Zhi brings the small jar of wine and grapes for her . Knowing that Liu Qinghuan is feeling moody, Qing Zhi never said a word when she finishes off the entire jar .

But… Qing Zhi is regretting that decision almost immediately .

Liu Qinghuan is bad at drinking, very bad at drinking! Normally one or two cups is fine, but now, after finishing a jar, be it a very small jar, she is already dead drunk!

My gosh! This is Qing Zhi first time seeing anyone get this drunk just on wine and grapes!

The two maids start panicking badly, afraid of any mishap . Ci Tao wanted to help Liu Qinghuan back to bed but this person is just so difficult to control drunk! She just sits there, refusing to budge . Seeing that there is no other choice, Qing Zhi goes to get Xue Mu .

Luckily, the Marquise have just return from the palace .

Xue Mu enters the room just as Liu Qinghuan once again pushes Ci Tao away . He frowns slightly, walking over to her .

” Qing Qing . ”

As if recognizing his voice, she looks up at him, grinning foolishly .

” Ma, Maquise, hic . ”

Her face is red from the alcohol, her eyes confused akin to a shocked rabbit . With just a glance, Xue Mu immediately carries her over to the bed . The moment Liu Qinghuan touches the bed, she suddenly grabs hold of Xue Mu’s collar and pull . With a flip, she is now sitting on top of Xue Mu .

Both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi’s mouth are wide with shock before they covers their eyes as they run out of the room .

Despite being pinned underneath, Xue Mu does not struggle at all . Liu Qinghuan stares at him for while before bending down, asking him .

” Who are you? ”

Her breath smells slightly of wine . Xue Mu holds her waist to keep waist to keep her steady, afraid that she would tumble and fall off the bed, as he looks at her, staying silent .

She studies him for a bit, then, as if finally knowing who he is, she exclaims .

” Oh! I know you! You’re the bad guy! You locked me up and don’t allow me to go out! ”

Xue Mu brush away her long black hair to the side, speaking gently .

” Then I won’t lock Qing Qing up any longer, okay? ”
” Okay, okay! ”

Liu Qinghuan happily replies .

If Xue Mu isn’t that much of a drinker yet being said as still sober even after a thousand cups, then Liu Qinghuan is those who seems like she would fall once wine touches her lips but she is actually undefeatable —————— If she is easily drunk, as a swindler, wouldn’t she spill secrets out immediately?

A lock of hair brush across Xue Mu’s nose . Sniffing in the light fragrance, Xue Mu stares at the movement of Liu Qinghuan’s eyes .

This girl is pretending to be drunk with him .

His lips curls up as a gleam of amus.e.m.e.nt light up in his eyes . Since you want to pretend, let’s make the best of it .

Using the strength in his arms, the two of their position are swapped . Liu Qinghuan stares at Xue Mu in a daze, the switch too fast for her to react . That smile of his promises nothing good is going to come no matter how you look at it .

” Qing Qing . ”

Xue Mu suddenly whispers into her ear with that low voice of his . Just two words and Liu Qinghuan’s heart starts thumping rapidly .

His lips move over to hers, as he bends and kiss her . Her mouth tastes lightly of grapes, as if able to make one drunk on it . Xue Mu kisses get deeper and deeper . Even his hands ends up inside Liu Qinghuan’s clothes .

She froze . I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dead . Looks like she is about to gamble herself away in this con . Should she continue pretending… or not?

Luckily, Xue Mu haven’t push his luck as he withdrew his hand . Liu Qinghuan’s face is now redder than a tomato as his lips lightly touch her face, before getting off the bed .

Seeing the Marquise getting out from the room, Nian Tang rushes up .

” Marq… . ”
” You don’t have to stand guard here anymore . ”

Not waiting for her to finish, Xue Mu turns and walk away . Nian Tang’s face changes, as she thinks to herself that Marquise messy clothing is simply just an accident .

CMH 17 Du Juan Last Tang Zhi Bo flips the table he have been sitting at and throws the painting in his hand over to the Grey Robed Man . Where s the painting The Grey Robed Man is stunned by the sudden outburst . He woodenly looks at the painting lying open on the floor, having no idea why have it turn into a fake one . This painting is handed to me personally by Su Yi, it can t be a fake . Tang Zhi Bo pursed his lips, before turning to the person standing behind him . Where s Su Yi She haven t return . The person respectfully replies . Tang Zhi Bo paces around in frustration before asking the Grey Robed Man again . Did anything happened when you have the painting What He frowns, trying to remember . I knocked into someone, a Mongolian, when I m leaving . Mongolian Tang Zhi Bo narrows his eyes as he continues asking . What did he look like He s tall, but his collar and hat had blocked most of his face so I m unable to see his face clearly . Thinking of it, that incident must have been done on purpose . The painting drop onto the floor when he knocked into me, but as it was a short period of time, I didn t suspect a thing . Tang Zhi Bo almost immediately thought of the fake Qiu Ci band in Zhou Jing Jing s banquet . That group that pretended to be from the Beseeching Fire Cult . The leader is also a large guy, and his clothes have him covered tightly no, they might not even be Mongolian . He walks over to the bench and sits down, subconsciously touching the joint of his right pinky . Donggan Country have recently send an envoy over, called Aersi . If he is to point out who would be the most suspicious person in Chang An, it would have to be him . His eyes turn treacherous before opening his mouth after a moment of silence . You may go for now, inform me once Su Yi returns . Yes . The kneeling grey robed man breath a sign of relief as he quickly gather himself and left . The person standing next to Tang Zhi Bo looks worriedly at him . How should we explain this to the Duke I will explain it myself to Father . You go find out about Aersi . The man is a little surprise by that order from Tang Zhi Bo, but still he nods . Aersi have been stared at by Yi Jing with that weird gaze of his for more than an hour now . Unable to bear it any longer, Aersi reaches out and hit him . You remind me of those foolish woman who gaggle at me . Yi Jing dodges the oncoming punch as he smirks . What a happy memory that is . Aersi picks up a jar of wine from the table and knocks back a huge mouthful . Wine drips down his well chiseled jaw and even Yi Jing cannot help it but whistles at him, causing Aersi to immediately lose all mood there is for drinking . He slams down the jar with a huge BANG . Just spit it out Hehehe . Yi Jing laughs and throws the painting that Aersi just gave him back at him . Even if you wanna fool me with a fake, don t use my fake to give it back to me . At least show a little sincerity, will ya Aersi stares at him, before picking up the painting that is lying on him . You re saying this is a fake Yi Jing nods at him, satisfied . At least you re still worthy to be taught . Now I can see your sincerity . Have I ever mention how much I hate your way of going around the bush Aersi frowns, looking like he is going to strangle Yi Jin to death . Yi Jin, just as calm as before, replies him . This is the first time I ever heard of it . Aersi takes a deep breath, preparing to end this conversation with the next sentence . I took this painting directly from Tang Zhi Bo s henchmen . Your painting should be in Tang Zhi Bo s hands . Yi Jin c.o.c.k his eyebrow, looking as if he realize something . Looks like Mr . Phantom Hands have drawn more than 1 fake . Aeresi s eyes narrows . You meant Tang Zhi Bo prepared 2 fakes He can t believe that he got fooled by Tang Zhi Bo . Yi Jin laughs . No I didn t . You ll know once you catches Phantom Hands and ask him yourself . After the sun sets, Zhou Jing Jing is still wallowing in the pain of losing his prized painting . A servant runs into the hall frantically and inform the disheveled Zhou Jing Jing . Ma, Master, Chun Hua is just found bound and fainted inside the firewood shed Un . Zhou Jing Jing don t care . What s a maid compared to his painting, his White Jade Orchid Spring is lost But the servant continues . Chun Hua said that the one who hit her was Du Juan WHAT Zhou Jing Jing leap right up from the floor and grabs the servant s collar . Are you sure He had already reminded himself to be careful when he saw Du Juan the other night . How is he to know that he still fell into her trap He is sure that the painting must be in her hands Shocked by the sudden jump Zhou Jing Jing did, the servant said nervously . There could be no mistake, she recognize Du Juan s veil Ah, she s still in the shed, you can ask her yourself Zhou Jing Jing waves his hand and shouts . Let s go They immediately rush over, but only to be left disappointed . Apart from the rope left behind, no maid can be found . At the same time Chun Hua goes missing in Zhou Jing Jing s mansion, Su Yi appears at Tang Zhi Bo s mansion . Master, I have failed you . I am willing to accept any punishment . She kneels on the floor, her face deathly pale . Tang Zhi Bo narrows his eyes, not speaking . He plans and stay diligent against so much, yet he actually missed one Du Juan in his calculations . But what use have Du Juan for the painting Can it be that she knows about the secret that is hidden in it as well The Grey Robbed Man stands there, not believing that he just heard . But the one I saw was you It s just a disguise . Tang Zhi Bo glare at him . The man pursed his lips . It s not just a disguise . He have not noticed anything off at all, even the voice is exactly the same as Su Yi . Tang Zhi Bo stands up and orders the man standing behind him . Both of them failed in their responsibilities . You know what to do . Yes . The Grey Robed Man and Su Yi faces paled as Tang Zhi Bo walks out of the room . The next day, news about Du Juan disguising as a maid in Zhou s mansion and stole the famed White Jade Orchid Spring spread across Chang An City, causing a heated buzz all around . Even the constables can t keep their mouth shut and talked about how they met Du Juan the day before . Du Juan have once again lit a fire within the city . Liu Qinghuan smilingly listens to Qing Zhi s animated explanation, not commenting at all . Now everyone is off looking for Du Juan s trouble, she, as the Mistress of this Yong Ning Mansion, would be safe . Liu Qinghuan finishes her breakfast and is just about to go give her morning greetings to Madam Ning . However, the hateful glare from Ning Tang once she opens the door makes her retreat back into the warm comfort of her room . Not being about to go out make things a lot easier for her too . Why not head back to bed for another round of sleep This round of sleep lasts until mid afternoon, till Qing Zhi informs her that lunch is ready . Only then does she climbs out of bed . Usually, Liu Qinghuan loves visiting the loft to cool herself and to admire the scenery as a means to pa.s.s time . Now, trap in her room, not only is she bored, she s very hot too . Ci Tao stands by her side, fanning her as Qing Zhi brings the small jar of wine and grapes for her . Knowing that Liu Qinghuan is feeling moody, Qing Zhi never said a word when she finishes off the entire jar . But Qing Zhi is regretting that decision almost immediately . Liu Qinghuan is bad at drinking, very bad at drinking Normally one or two cups is fine, but now, after finishing a jar, be it a very small jar, she is already dead drunk My gosh This is Qing Zhi first time seeing anyone get this drunk just on wine and grapes The two maids start panicking badly, afraid of any mishap . Ci Tao wanted to help Liu Qinghuan back to bed but this person is just so difficult to control drunk She just sits there, refusing to budge . Seeing that there is no other choice, Qing Zhi goes to get Xue Mu . Luckily, the Marquise have just return from the palace . Xue Mu enters the room just as Liu Qinghuan once again pushes Ci Tao away . He frowns slightly, walking over to her . Qing Qing . As if recognizing his voice, she looks up at him, grinning foolishly . Ma, Maquise, hic . Her face is red from the alcohol, her eyes confused akin to a shocked rabbit . With just a glance, Xue Mu immediately carries her over to the bed . The moment Liu Qinghuan touches the bed, she suddenly grabs hold of Xue Mu s collar and pull . With a flip, she is now sitting on top of Xue Mu . Both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi s mouth are wide with shock before they covers their eyes as they run out of the room . Despite being pinned underneath, Xue Mu does not struggle at all . Liu Qinghuan stares at him for while before bending down, asking him . Who are you Her breath smells slightly of wine . Xue Mu holds her waist to keep her steady, afraid that she would tumble and fall off the bed, as he looks at her, staying silent . She studies him for a bit, then, as if finally knowing who he is, she exclaims . Oh I know you You re the bad guy You locked me up and don t allow me to go out Xue Mu brush away her long black hair to the side, speaking gently . Then I won t lock Qing Qing up any longer, okay Okay, okay Liu Qinghuan happily replies . If Xue Mu isn t that much of a drinker yet being said as still sober even after a thousand cups, then Liu Qinghuan is those who seems like she would fall once wine touches her lips but she is actually undefeatable If she is easily drunk, as a swindler, wouldn t she spill secrets out immediately A lock of hair brush across Xue Mu s nose . Sniffing in the light fragrance, Xue Mu stares at the movement of Liu Qinghuan s eyes . This girl is pretending to be drunk with him . His lips curls up as a gleam of amus.e.m.e.nt light up in his eyes . Since you want to pretend, let s make the best of it . Using the strength in his arms, the two of their position are swapped . Liu Qinghuan stares at Xue Mu in a daze, the switch too fast for her to react . That smile of his promises nothing good is going to come no matter how you look at it . Qing Qing . Xue Mu suddenly whispers into her ear with that low voice of his . Just two words and Liu Qinghuan s heart starts thumping rapidly . His lips move over to hers, as he bends and kiss her . Her mouth tastes lightly of grapes, as if able to make one drunk on it . Xue Mu kisses get deeper and deeper . Even his hands ends up inside Liu Qinghuan s clothes . She froze . I m dead, I m dead, I m dead . Looks like she is about to gamble herself away in this con . Should she continue pretending or not Luckily, Xue Mu haven t push his luck as he withdrew his hand . Liu Qinghuan s face is now redder than a tomato as his lips lightly touch her face, before getting off the bed . Seeing the Marquise getting out from the room, Nian Tang rushes up . Marq . You don t have to stand guard here anymore . Not waiting for her to finish, Xue Mu turns and walk away . Nian Tang s face changes, as she thinks to herself that Marquise messy clothing is simply just an accident .