The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 25

*Unedited

Xue Mu only freeze for an instance before shielding his sword and walking over to Liu Qinghuan .

” Qing Qing, why are you here? ”

His expression have return to ‘normal’ and as Liu Qinghuan look the light smile on his face . She too, gently hook the corners of her mouth .

” I felt better, so I am taking a walk in the garden . Having heard that the Marquise is having a guest in the banquet hall, I got curious and came along . Sorry, I should have asked first . ”

This of course, is a lie .

She immediately heard about Xue Mu splicing the fake dancer in half after waking up from her injuries . Although she have been swindling quite a few people these few years, she had never once killed anyone . And hearing how Xue Mu is able to cut someone down without a second thought makes her unsettled .

Till she heard about the banquet happening today .

The guest this time had to have something to do with the a.s.sa.s.sination, thus she makes up a reason to go over and have a look . Who knows she will be greeted with such a scene .

There is no hesitation when Xue Mu is killing . Maybe it is due to his appearance, but everyone tend to forget that the t.i.tle of ‘War G.o.d’ that he have is earn through killing on the battlefield .

Hearing Liu Qinghuan’s explanation, Xue Mu did not blame her, only to let her head back to her room to rest . She nods and begin heading back . Just before she does, she gives another glance at Li Mo, who is cleaning up the murder scene, murmuring about how good Xue Mu is with his sword, being able to cut through a body that cleanly .

Focusing back on the road home, Liu Qinghuan left for her room with Ci Tao and Qing Zhi .

After she is gone, Li Mo stop what he is doing and walk over to Xue Mu, a hint of gloating in his voice .

” I told you to get it over with in the beginning but you have to play around with him first . . ”
” You look happy? ”
” I am, but maybe just me . Did you see the expression on your wife’s face… ”

Ching .

The long sword sounded as it is being pull out and Li Mo shut up immediately . Dryly laughing, he continue the unsavory task of cleaning the place up .

A general like him doing clean up…who would believe it!

Xue Mu stare at Liu Qinghuan disappearing figure as the smile on his face disappears .

Back in her room, Liu Qinghuan sees that both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi faces are still pale and so, allow them to have a rest as she sits down on the side of her bed .

Previously, she still have the wistful thinking of finding all four paintings before leaving the mansion, but after today, she come to a realization that she needs to leave as soon as possible .

If Xue Mu ever finds out that she have been lying to him, she have no idea what he will do to her… . but everything points to him slicing her in half .

All she wants is money, but she is not about to lose her life for that . But before her plan to escape is even complete, a kink appear .

Nian Tang stands in front of her, her att.i.tude as bad as ever .

” The Marquise is waiting for you at the Lotus Pavilion . ”

A bad feeling arise in her heart as her face stay a mask of calmness .

” What is the matter? ”
” You will know once you are there . ”

Nian Tang says impatiently . Liu Qinghuan lowers her eyes as she stands up . Ci Tao Qing Zhi stand in their places behind her but is block by Nian Tang .

” There is no need for you guys . ”

They glance at each other, but obey her orders . The uneasy feeling grows stronger and come to think of it, her right eyelid have been twitching ever since she sits by her bedside .

On the way to the pavilion, Nian Tang looks to be escorting a prisoner and no matter what Liu Qinghuan says to her, she acts as though she heard nothing .

At the pavilion, Xue Mu looks to be concentrating on brewing his tea, while Peng Peng and Nuo Yan stand by his side, just like how Liu Qinghuan saw them for the first time . Her eyes gleams as she walks up to Xue Mu and smiles .

” Marquise . ”
” Qing Qing, I found your maid, Hong-er . ”

Xue Mu says gently as he lifts his head and look at her .

Liu Qinghuan’s heart skip a beat . Although Hong-er have some wits to her, she don’t think Hong-er could withstand Xue Mu questioning . But being expose is part of her expectation, only that she have not imagine it would be this quick .

Liu Qinghuan’s heart skip a beat . Although Hong-er have some wits to her, she don’t think Hong-er could withstand Xue Mu questioning . But being expose is part of her expectation, only that she have not imagine it would be this quick .

After a beat, Liu Qinghuan reveal a face of happy surprise .

” Really? Did anything happen to her? How is she? ”

This time though, before Xue Mu could answer, Nian Tang b.u.t.t in, unable to stand it any longer .

” You liar! Are you still thinking of lying to the Marquise?! ”

Peng Peng too, have his mouth wide open in disbelieve .

” I did not expect Wu La La is actually Du Juan, Sasamoni! ”

Only Nuo Yan stare at her silently .

Xue Mu douse the fire inside furnace .

” Do you care to explain? ”

Liu Qinghuan bit her lips before letting out a breath .

” Third Miss didn’t want to get married so I simply help her out . ”

Xue Mu lowers his eyes while Nian Tang shrilly retorts .

” Rubbish! She don’t want to get married? Who gave her the rights?! ”

Which part about the Marquise is not good enough for her? She must be blind to fall in love with that Tang Zhibo!

Liu Qinghuan glances at Nian Tang and forgo answering her . Xue Mu stares at her silently before asking again .

” Do you know where she is? ”
” No . ”
” What purpose do you have here? ”
” Just here for the money . ”

Xue Mu pauses and never speak up again . Nian Tang grows so angry that she grab onto Liu Qinghuan’s arm, growling .

Xue Mu pauses and never speak up again . Nian Tang grows so angry that she grab onto Liu Qinghuan’s arm, growling .

” I will bring this liar to the magistrate right now! ”

Liu Qinghuan shifts her eyes and cast off Nian Tang’s grip .

” That’s right, I’m a swindler but do you think this is what I wanted to do?! ”

Nian Tang is so surprise by her sudden outburst that she stand there in a daze as the other three stare silently at her .

Liu Qinghuan sniffs as her nose turn slightly red .

” From young I was abandoned by my parents in a remote village and the people taking care of me kept changing, one after another . You guys will never imagine the poor state of the village seeing you all live in Chang-An City . The villagers themselves don’t even have the means to care for their own children . not to mention someone like me who was pushed onto them . The kids don’t like me and in their eyes, I am only good as a form of entertainment to them by bullying me . ”

Stopping, she glance at Xue Mu, tears filling up her eyes .

” Marquise, do you remember you once said that the chicks of Du Juan will push all other chicks out of the nest? To them I am that, an existence that will rob them of any hope . ”

Xue Mu eye’s gleam while Peng Peng is already tearing up . Even Nian Tang feel sorry for her .

Liu Qinghuan blinks, as a few drops of tears got onto her long lashes .

” I knew I had to leave that place, otherwise I would die . I wanted to come here, to Chang-An City, but where is Chang-An? It seems so so far away, and I didn’t even know who is the Emperor was . But I still went . I stole food from a few families and ran away when it’s dark . I didn’t stop moving, be it day or night, eating only once per day but even so, I could only last about 2 months before I was at my limits . And when I was about to be at my end, I came across a group of refugees . I heard that there was a flood and they are all heading towards Chang-An . I was so happy then, it felt like the heavens were guiding me . ”

At this, her expression darken .

” But when I entered Chang-An hiding in the midst of the refugees, I then realized I was too naive . Chang-An was indeed as beautiful as I thought, but what awaits me here was still endless hunger . All the relief food by the government could not even fill my stomach and I have no skills to speak of, there was no way I can survive here . Till I lied to a boss of a road-side stall and got my ever first buns . ”

She look up, her eyes glittering .

” Swindling is my only way of life . ”

If she don’t lie to others, she will get lied to . If she don’t lie, she will go hungry . Lying is already a part of her .

” Sob sob sob, Wu La La, you are too pitiful! ”

Peng Peng have already been moved to tears and Nian Tang’s feelings have been stirred up too, causing her to think back to her younger days . Xue Mu and Nuo Yan, one sitting, one standing and both staying quiet .

Liu Qinghuan wipe her eyes, and look at Xue Mu .

” Although I did lie to the Marquise, all I want is to earn money . I have never plot to harm the Marquise in any way and so, I beg the Marquise to let me go . ”

Both Peng Peng and Nian Tang turn and look at Xue Mu while he stare at Liu Qinghuan . After a moment, he speaks up .

” Although I did lie to the Marquise, all I want is to earn money . I have never plot to harm the Marquise in any way and so, I beg the Marquise to let me go . ”

Both Peng Peng and Nian Tang turn and look at Xue Mu while he stare at Liu Qinghuan . After a moment, he speaks up .

” Until the real Liu Qinghuan is found, you will have to use her ident.i.ty and stay here . ”

No one expected the conclusion to be like this and even Liu Qinghuan is shocked . She once thought that she could use this chance to escape .

Xue Mu turn to the three .

” I don’t want to hear this thing spreading, especially not to Mother . ”
“”” Yes . “””

Liu Qinghuan once again strongly give her thanks to the Marquise for not taking her life and is escorted by Nian Tang back to the room . Only this time, her att.i.tude let up a bit .

At the pavilion, Peng Peng had left for the army barracks and only Xue Mu and Nuo Yan are left . Nuo Yan glances at Xue Mu, and finally ask the question he have in mind .

” Marquise, you know she is lying so why do you still let her go? ”

Xue Mu takes a light sip from his cup of tea and smile .

” It was a good story, no? ”

Outside the room, Nian Tang watch as Liu Qinghuan enter and as ordered, she station outside, guarding . Not minding it one bit, Liu Qinghuan turn and close the door to her room . Wiping the already dried tears from her face, she smiles .

The story today was one where she specially thought out accordingly for Nian Tang, only so much more pitiful and hard . Although at this moment her life is not hanging in a balance and she have gotten the grace of Nian Tang, she would still have to figure a way out of the mansion as soon as possible .

Just as she is racking her brains, someone knocked on her door twice .

Opening the door, she see Xue Mu standing outside . Stunned for a moment, she smiles like she always does .

” Marquise? ”
” It’s nothing, but I am just thinking when you would like to hand over the 《White Jade Orchid • Spring》 . ”

*Unedited.

Xue Mu only freeze for an instance before shielding his sword and walking over to Liu Qinghuan

” Qing Qing, why are you here? ”.

His expression have return to ‘normal’ and as Liu Qinghuan look the light smile on his face . She too, gently hook the corners of her mouth

” I felt better, so I am taking a walk in the garden . Having heard that the Marquise is having a guest in the banquet hall, I got curious and came along . Sorry, I should have asked first . ”.

This of course, is a lie

She immediately heard about Xue Mu splicing the fake dancer in half after waking up from her injuries . Although she have been swindling quite a few people these few years, she had never once killed anyone . And hearing how Xue Mu is able to cut someone down without a second thought makes her unsettled

Till she heard about the banquet happening today

The guest this time had to have something to do with the a.s.sa.s.sination, thus she makes up a reason to go over and have a look . Who knows she will be greeted with such a scene

There is no hesitation when Xue Mu is killing . Maybe it is due to his appearance, but everyone tend to forget that the t.i.tle of ‘War G.o.d’ that he have is earn through killing on the battlefield

Hearing Liu Qinghuan’s explanation, Xue Mu did not blame her, only to let her head back to her room to rest . She nods and begin heading back . Just before she does, she gives another glance at Li Mo, who is cleaning up the murder scene, murmuring about how good Xue Mu is with his sword, being able to cut through a body that cleanly

Focusing back on the road home, Liu Qinghuan left for her room with Ci Tao and Qing Zhi

After she is gone, Li Mo stop what he is doing and walk over to Xue Mu, a hint of gloating in his voice

” I told you to get it over with in the beginning but you have to play around with him first ”. ” You look happy? ”. ” I am, but maybe just me . Did you see the expression on your wife’s face… ”.

Ching

The long sword sounded as it is being pull out and Li Mo shut up immediately . Dryly laughing, he continue the unsavory task of cleaning the place up

A general like him doing clean up…who would believe it!.

Xue Mu stare at Liu Qinghuan disappearing figure as the smile on his face disappears

 .

 .

Back in her room, Liu Qinghuan sees that both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi faces are still pale and so, allow them to have a rest as she sits down on the side of her bed

Previously, she still have the wistful thinking of finding all four paintings before leaving the mansion, but after today, she come to a realization that she needs to leave as soon as possible

If Xue Mu ever finds out that she have been lying to him, she have no idea what he will do to her… . but everything points to him slicing her in half

All she wants is money, but she is not about to lose her life for that . But before her plan to escape is even complete, a kink appear

Nian Tang stands in front of her, her att.i.tude as bad as ever

” The Marquise is waiting for you at the Lotus Pavilion . ”.

A bad feeling arise in her heart as her face stay a mask of calmness

” What is the matter? ”. ” You will know once you are there . ”.

Nian Tang says impatiently . Liu Qinghuan lowers her eyes as she stands up . Ci Tao Qing Zhi stand in their places behind her but is block by Nian Tang

” There is no need for you guys . ”.

They glance at each other, but obey her orders . The uneasy feeling grows stronger and come to think of it, her right eyelid have been twitching ever since she sits by her bedside

 .

On the way to the pavilion, Nian Tang looks to be escorting a prisoner and no matter what Liu Qinghuan says to her, she acts as though she heard nothing

At the pavilion, Xue Mu looks to be concentrating on brewing his tea, while Peng Peng and Nuo Yan stand by his side, just like how Liu Qinghuan saw them for the first time . Her eyes gleams as she walks up to Xue Mu and smiles

” Marquise . ”. ” Qing Qing, I found your maid, Hong-er . ”.

Xue Mu says gently as he lifts his head and look at her

Liu Qinghuan’s heart skip a beat . Although Hong-er have some wits to her, she don’t think Hong-er could withstand Xue Mu questioning . But being expose is part of her expectation, only that she have not imagine it would be this quick

After a beat, Liu Qinghuan reveal a face of happy surprise

” Really? Did anything happen to her? How is she? ”.

This time though, before Xue Mu could answer, Nian Tang b.u.t.t in, unable to stand it any longer

” You liar! Are you still thinking of lying to the Marquise?! ”.

Peng Peng too, have his mouth wide open in disbelieve

” I did not expect Wu La La is actually Du Juan, Sasamoni! ”.

Only Nuo Yan stare at her silently

Xue Mu douse the fire inside furnace

” Do you care to explain? ”.

Liu Qinghuan bit her lips before letting out a breath

” Third Miss didn’t want to get married so I simply help her out . ”.

Xue Mu lowers his eyes while Nian Tang shrilly retorts

” Rubbish! She don’t want to get married? Who gave her the rights?! ”.

Which part about the Marquise is not good enough for her? She must be blind to fall in love with that Tang Zhibo!.

Liu Qinghuan glances at Nian Tang and forgo answering her . Xue Mu stares at her silently before asking again

” Do you know where she is? ”. ” No . ”. ” What purpose do you have here? ”. ” Just here for the money . ”.

Xue Mu pauses and never speak up again . Nian Tang grows so angry that she grab onto Liu Qinghuan’s arm, growling

” I will bring this liar to the magistrate right now! ”.

Liu Qinghuan shifts her eyes and cast off Nian Tang’s grip

” That’s right, I’m a swindler but do you think this is what I wanted to do?! ”.

Nian Tang is so surprise by her sudden outburst that she stand there in a daze as the other three stare silently at her

Liu Qinghuan sniffs as her nose turn slightly red

” From young I was abandoned by my parents in a remote village and the people taking care of me kept changing, one after another . You guys will never imagine the poor state of the village seeing you all live in Chang-An City . The villagers themselves don’t even have the means to care for their own children . not to mention someone like me who was pushed onto them . The kids don’t like me and in their eyes, I am only good as a form of entertainment to them by bullying me . ”.

Stopping, she glance at Xue Mu, tears filling up her eyes

” Marquise, do you remember you once said that the chicks of Du Juan will push all other chicks out of the nest? To them I am that, an existence that will rob them of any hope . ”.

Xue Mu eye’s gleam while Peng Peng is already tearing up . Even Nian Tang feel sorry for her

Liu Qinghuan blinks, as a few drops of tears got onto her long lashes

” I knew I had to leave that place, otherwise I would die . I wanted to come here, to Chang-An City, but where is Chang-An? It seems so so far away, and I didn’t even know who is the Emperor was . But I still went . I stole food from a few families and ran away when it’s dark . I didn’t stop moving, be it day or night, eating only once per day but even so, I could only last about 2 months before I was at my limits . And when I was about to be at my end, I came across a group of refugees . I heard that there was a flood and they are all heading towards Chang-An . I was so happy then, it felt like the heavens were guiding me . ”.

At this, her expression darken

” But when I entered Chang-An hiding in the midst of the refugees, I then realized I was too naive . Chang-An was indeed as beautiful as I thought, but what awaits me here was still endless hunger . All the relief food by the government could not even fill my stomach and I have no skills to speak of, there was no way I can survive here . Till I lied to a boss of a road-side stall and got my ever first buns . ”.

She look up, her eyes glittering

” Swindling is my only way of life . ”.

If she don’t lie to others, she will get lied to . If she don’t lie, she will go hungry . Lying is already a part of her

” Sob sob sob, Wu La La, you are too pitiful! ”.

Peng Peng have already been moved to tears and Nian Tang’s feelings have been stirred up too, causing her to think back to her younger days . Xue Mu and Nuo Yan, one sitting, one standing and both staying quiet

Liu Qinghuan wipe her eyes, and look at Xue Mu

” Although I did lie to the Marquise, all I want is to earn money . I have never plot to harm the Marquise in any way and so, I beg the Marquise to let me go . ”.

Both Peng Peng and Nian Tang turn and look at Xue Mu while he stare at Liu Qinghuan . After a moment, he speaks up

” Until the real Liu Qinghuan is found, you will have to use her ident.i.ty and stay here . ”.

No one expected the conclusion to be like this and even Liu Qinghuan is shocked . She once thought that she could use this chance to escape

Xue Mu turn to the three

” I don’t want to hear this thing spreading, especially not to Mother . ”. “”” Yes . “””.

Liu Qinghuan once again strongly give her thanks to the Marquise for not taking her life and is escorted by Nian Tang back to the room . Only this time, her att.i.tude let up a bit

At the pavilion, Peng Peng had left for the army barracks and only Xue Mu and Nuo Yan are left . Nuo Yan glances at Xue Mu, and finally ask the question he have in mind

” Marquise, you know she is lying so why do you still let her go? ”.

Xue Mu takes a light sip from his cup of tea and smile

” It was a good story, no? ”.

 .

 .

Outside the room, Nian Tang watch as Liu Qinghuan enter and as ordered, she station outside, guarding . Not minding it one bit, Liu Qinghuan turn and close the door to her room . Wiping the already dried tears from her face, she smiles

The story today was one where she specially thought out accordingly for Nian Tang, only so much more pitiful and hard . Although at this moment her life is not hanging in a balance and she have gotten the grace of Nian Tang, she would still have to figure a way out of the mansion as soon as possible

Just as she is racking her brains, someone knocked on her door twice

Opening the door, she see Xue Mu standing outside . Stunned for a moment, she smiles like she always does

” Marquise? ”. ” It’s nothing, but I am just thinking when you would like to hand over the 《White Jade Orchid • Spring》 . ”.