The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 21

*Unedited

A messenger pigeon silently lands in Tang Zhibo's courtyard without anyone's notice. The door closest to the courtyard creaks as it is push open. Holding a birdcage in his hands, Tang Zhibo walks out from the room.

” Coo, coo. ”

The pigeon c.o.c.ks it's head as it cries out. Tang Zhibo looks at it, smiling slightly.

” I knew we would never get Liu's collaboration. Put killing Xue Mu as first priority. ”

The person following behind Tang Zhibo looks at him for a second, before asking.

” What did the Duke say? ”

Burning the slip of paper the pigeon delivered, Tang Zhibo answers.

” He said not to bother with Liu Qinghuan and put killing Xue Mu first. ”

That person stay silent, as if waiting for Tang Zhibo's instructions. After seeing the paper burn to ashes, Tang Zhibo narrows his eyes.

” Get Jing Shu to move. ”
” Yes. ”

After that lovely conversation with Xue Mu in the Lotus Pavilion, Liu Qinghuan haven't seen him for some time.

This afternoon, she promised Madam Ning to have breakfast with her. But who would expect that when she arrives, Xue Mu would be present as well. Immediately, she understands Madam Ning's concerns. Facing her, Liu Qinghuan bows and greets her with a smile.

” Did Mother have a good night sleep yesterday? ”
” The weather is getting cooler lately so my sleep is getting better. ”
” It is good to hear that. Mother needs to take care of your body. ”

Madam Ning is all smiles as she nods. To tell the truth, she is very pleased with this daughter-in-law… except for one point. She haven't consummate her marriage with Mu-er yet. Maybe it's that she is getting old, but she can't understand what youngters are thinking these days.

Speaking about her Mu-er, he has only been thinking about his little dumpling, Liu Qinghuan, for years and finally, after much trouble, married her. But then he hasn't even touch her?! Plus this Liu Qinghuan, she can see that she have some feelings for her Mu-er. If she only seduces him, with Mu-er's feelings for her, he definitely cannot hold it in.

But instead, none of them move, staying civil with each other.

Madam Ning sighs lightly, asking Liu Qinghuan to take a seat besides her. Liu Qinghuan walks over, smiles at Xue Mu, saying nothing.

Madam Ning's brows furrows lightly. The previous time when she saw them, their relationship is progressing nicely and she thought that she perhaps would soon see a grandchild… So why are they back to the square one?

She orders the dishes to be served and during the entire breakfast, not one of the three spoke. Seeing that breakfast is about to be finish soon, Madam Ning can no longer hold it in.

” Mu-er, what's between you and Qinghuan? ”

Xue Mu and Liu Qinghuan both jerk at that question. Liu Qinghuan glances at Xue Mu, before swallowing the meatball that is already right by her mouth. Since that question is not directed at her, she shall continue eating.

Seeing that Liu Qinghuan is not planning to get herself involve, Xue Mu can only put down his chopsticks.

” Mother, there's nothing between us. ”
” Nothing? You call this nothing? ”

Madam Ning is outraged, giving a cold snort.

” Since you don't like Qinghuan, then I shall help you take a concubine in. ”

Liu Qinghuan almost choke on the meatball inside her mouth.

Holding her mouth, she coughs for a while. Although she tries her best to lower the volume, Madam Ning gaze still wanders over to her.

” Qinghuan, what do you think of this suggestion? ”

A light smile hangs on Madam Ning's mouth, giving Liu Qinghuan gooseb.u.mps all over. She swallows the meatball that she have in her mouth forever, and smiles at Madam Ning.

” I shall follow whatever Mother thinks is right. ”

Madam Ning's smile freeze while Xue Mu narrows his eyes, standing up from his seat.

” I will never get any concubine. ”

No concubine then you better consummate your marriage!!

Madam Ning's emotions is overflowing with no words to express. Liang Chen, who is standing by the side, rushes over.

” Old Madam, don't get too agitated, your body is not well. ”

Madam Ning takes a few deep breaths, calming herself. She feels like she will soon die by anger by these two.

” I'm tired, I shall head back to rest. ”

With Liang Chen's help, Madam Ling stands up. Before leaving, she reminds once again.

” Mu-er, send Qinghuan back later. ”
” I understand. ”

Xue Mu agrees as he send Madam Ning off. Lightly letting out a breath, he turns around, seeing Liu Qinghuan still eating. He knows that before all the food in her plate is finish, she will not leave. Thus, he takes his seat and continue eating.

After Liu Qinghuan finishes everything in her plate, she finally turns and look at Xue Mu.

” Marquise, I finished eating, so I shall go back first. ”
” Wait a minute. ”

Xue Mu stands up with her, walking towards the door.

” I promise Mother to walk you back. ”

Staring at his back, Liu Qinghuan bites her lip as she follows.

Along the way, the two of them only hurried along. Not one of them open their mouth, and even Ci Tao Qing Zhi, who are following behind them, can sense that something is wrong.

Seeing that Liu Qinghuan's courtyard is getting nearer, Xue Mu finally open his mouth.

” Qing Qing, do you really not mind me taking in a concubine? ”

Liu Qinghuan tilts her head to look at him.

” No. ”

Xue Mu's face darken, only to hear her continue.

” But I hope you wouldn't mind if I accidentally killed her off. ”

Xue Mu looks at her, stunned for a moment, before laughing softly. At his laughter, Liu Qinghuan's face starts getting hot. She shoot Xue Mu a look before turning back and walks into her courtyard.

But in Xue Mu's eyes, she just looks like she is running away because she is embarra.s.sed. The laughter in his eyes haven't yet fade away when Nuo Yan lightly come up besides him.

” Marquise, General Bravo is here, clambering that he wants to have a drink with you. ”
” Where is he? ”
” Sitting at the doorstep of the main hall, hugging a wine jar and refusing to budge. ”

Nuo Yan pauses, before adding on.

” I also heard that he has already been to the army barracks and made Peng Peng drunk. ”

Xue Mu laughs.

” Looks like he haven't had enough of the Emperor's scoldings. Let's go. ”

After being back in her room, Liu Qinghuan took a short nap and when she is awake, she heard the 2 maids chatting outside. Getting up from her bed, she open the door to take a look.

” What are the both of you having so much fun chatting about? ”

This scares the both of them silly and they almost kneel down.

” Madam, you're awake?! ”

Looking at the two, who are scared pale, she can't help but mused.

” What did you do, being this afraid? ”
” No no no no no no no! ”

Ci Tao hurriedly explains.

” It's General Bravo! ”
” General Bravo? ”
” Yes Madam. I heard that he is scolded by the Emperor this morning and is now here to drink with Xue Mu because he is frustrated. ”
” The General Bravo you are talking about…. is he Li Mo, General Li? ”
” Yes. ”
” Oh? ”

Now she is interested. She too, heard of Li Mo, and it is rumored that he is the second best general there is in the battlefield. The first, it goes without saying, is of course Xue Mu. Because of this ‘second' ranking, he have always hold a grudge with Xue Mu. And later, he finally have the chance to fight with Xue Mu. According to Chang-An's citizens, this fight is unparalleled, awesome, and even dogs, who are keep to guard houses, will weep at the sight of it.

As for the result of the fight, the citizens of Chang-An all happily said that it belongs to Great General Xue Mu. Although Li Mo is. .h.i.t till he he lies flat onto the ground, but at least he lies satisfied. Not only does he not bear any grudge, he is even brothers with Xue Mu. So in the end, this entire fight became the talking point of Chang-An.

But although Li Mo is bold and powerful, he is also addicted to alcohol. Due to it, he often make mistakes and have been scolded by the Emperor many times. But this leopard is keeping his spots.

Liu Qinghuan looks at the two, curious.

” What did he do again that got him scolded by the Emperor? ”
” What else is there? Must be something to do with alcohol. ”

Qing Zhi then laughs.

” Talking about it, I heard he got General Peng Peng drunk in the barracks so I think he is going to get scolded again tomorrow. ”

Looking at the two maids mischievous smile, Liu Qinghuan starts feeling sorry for this General Bravo.

” He is still here? ”
” Yes. He said that he won't leave till Xue Mu get drunk. ”

Liu Qinghuan ” ……. ”

Actually, it is really easy to get Xue Mu drunk, really.

The corners of her lips curves as she look over to both of her maids.

” Wanna go take a peek? ”

You should always have people along when you're doing bad deeds. That way, it is a lot more difficult to get caught. Pulling the two of them, Liu Qinghuan sneakily inches closer to the main hall. Just when they reach the door of the main hall's courtyard, Liu Qinghuan see scantily clad dancers walking in.

” They must be dancing in the main hall then. ”

Qing Zhi said. Liu Qinghuan nods as she silently follow them in. The dancers in front are walking in groups of twos and threes, and are chatting happily among themselves.

” I heard General Bravo is really handsome. ”
” Ooh, no wonder you chose such a s.e.xy shade of lip color. ”
” Not as s.e.xy as the perfume on you! Ai, I once thought that I would catch the Marquise's eye here.. Who knows he didn't even look at us! ”
” Forget it, the likes of you getting the Marquise's eye? Haven't you see that even the beautiful wife of his have to sleep in a different room? ”
” Puuf. Hey, do you think that the Marquise can't…. eh? ”

Ci Tao and Qing Zhi following behind are both bright red with anger, and almost run over and grab them while shouting ” HOW DARE YOU! “.

But are stop by Liu Qinghuan. Qing Zhi look over angrily.

” Madam, how dare they talk about you and Marquise like that! You have to punish these kind of people to let them know what can't be said! ”
” That's right! ”

Ci Tao pip in angrily.

” Wait.. ”

Liu Qinghuan furrows her brows, deep in thought. The second dancer that spoke.. She keeps having a feeling like she heard that voice somewhere…

But where?

In the main hall, Xue Mu take a look at the heavily drunk Li Mo, and shakes his head haplessly.

” Li Mo, it's for your own good that the Emperor wanted you to quit drinking. ”
” Bah! ”

Li Mo spit out a few wine bubbles as he stares at Xue Mu.

” Asking this general to quit drinking is like taking my life! ”

Xue Mu laughs.

” I'm sure the Emperor would take it if he heard you. ”

Li Mo ” ……. ”

He buries his head and mumbles something, before taking another mouthful of wine.

As the dancers emerges from behind and into the main hall, Liu Qinghuan too, have finally remember where she heard that voice from.

Although that voice sounds a lot brighter, but that's the same voice as the one that spoke to her from the window.