The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 49

After the tunnels under the temple was destroyed by Xue Mu's troops, Emperor Yan then gave an order to bury all the tunnels, and even sealed off all the entrances. The Beseeching Fire Cult tried to argue against this order, stating that the tunnels were used for their rituals, and was a sacred place. That, that kind of order was a blasphemy against G.o.d! That it'll be punished by the G.o.ds!

To that, Emperor Yan only answered 3 words. He's a Buddhist.

And thus, the tunnels are forcefully sealed off.

Although all the cult devotees are still clamoring about how the Emperor is disrespecting their religion, they are soon shut up by the guards. All the commoners happily look on at the ‘show', not knowing how many are inconvenienced because of this matter.

Such as Duke Ling Nan, who is forced to squeeze in the tiny secret tunnel under Tang Zhibo's mansion, scheming.

” Father, are you truly heading over? I do think that this is a trap lead by Xue Mu to lure us out.”

Tang Zhibo said, staring solemnly at the one sitting opposite of him. The Duke think about it for a moment, before answering deeply.

” According to my scouts, Xue Mu indeed brought along a troop to the Liang county. ”
” But does the west mountain really have the treasure? What if it's a trap? ”
” Why don't you understand? As long as Xue Mu exist, even if we got the treasure and build an army, we still can't overthrow the Emperor. ”

Tang Zhibo bit his lips and remain silent. Father is correct. That year, they finally managed to persuaded Qiang Wu Emperor to send an army, but yet weren't they beaten back by Xue Mu? Still, to obediently run over to the Liang county is quite a risk.

” Father, Xue Mu possess high martial arts and even if he only brought along a troop of men, we are still not his match. ”
” Have you forgotten? We still have Aersi. ”

Tang Zhibo frown. Aersi is good at fighting and have a resourceful Yi Jin by his side. Because of these 2 only is Mongolia still standing among the huge countries. But towards Aersi, he still can't let his guard down…

” But… ”
” Have you gone weak after being caught by Xue Mu once? How are you able to do great things by being this cautious? If we wait till Xue Mu's men report back to the city, it'll all be too late. ”

Tang Zhibo shut his mouth, his father had always been careful and seeing that he can't wait to eliminate Xue Mu tells him how deep his father's hatred for him is.

” I'll personally contact Aersi and his men, you go and form a team to prepare to head up the west mountain. ”
” Yes, then I shall take my leave. ”

Standing up, Tang Zhibo bow to the Duke before leaving the secret chamber. Once he close the doors behind him, only does he let out a sigh. Now, whenever he thinks of Xue Mu, his wrist would start aching. He feels that his father should be more careful, but this is indeed a good chance and if he's the Duke, he probably won't let go of this chance either.

Letting out a sudden laugh, he head out. If this is really a trap laid out by Xue Mu, then he have really know them in and out. It would be better to remove this kind of enemy as soon as possible.

Back at Aersi's mansion comes a man dressed in Beseeching Fire Cult's long robes, his face covered with a vicious looking mask, scaring people even in broad daylight.

” The Duke? ”

Aersi is not surprised to hear the Duke visiting as he already heard the news of Xue Mu finding treasure at the west mountain.

Duke Ling Nan nod, keeping the mask on his face as he convey the reason for visiting. After hearing what he have to say, Aersi glance at Yi Jin, who's sipping tea by his side, before looking back at the Duke.

” Duke, Xue Mu is our common enemy and since this is such a good time to get him, how would I say no? ”
” What do you think are the chances that Xue Mu is setting a trap for us? ”
” Xue Mu didn't brought along much men so even if he's setting a trap, there's only a maximum of 2 area he could ambush us. We, however, have plenty of routes to choose from. ”

Seeing the Duke staying silent, Aersi continues.

” Don't worry, Duke, even if Xue Mu is planning to ambush us at the mountain. We can't bring much men up, but every single one of them will be a master. ”

“I understand, but the Envoy's every move is monitored by the Emperor. If we are to leave the city by tomorrow morning, I would have to asked the Envoy to pretend as a devotee of the Fire Cult. ”
” Sure, sure. ”

He is very good at that.

After setting down the plans to ambush Xue Mu, the Duke head back to prepare to leave tomorrow morning,

On that day, the group leaving is small, consisting of only 7 men, including the Duke himself. Aersi bring along 3 men, all whom are masters. Yi Jin, who is only in-charge of planning, stayed behind. The Duke also bring along 3 men, one who is Tang Zhibo and the other two masters as well.

Although small, they are certain they can defeat Xue Mu, seeing he only brought along Peng Peng by his side.

Liang County is not far away as the group goes on their way. The Duke is still dressed in the Fire Cult's robes, seemingly not afraid that he can't see out of the mask. After reaching the west mountain, they tied their horses to the trees and start walking uphill.

West mountain is the only mountain in Liang County so all the commoners staying here could only get their firewood from the mountain. However, after walking for a while, they haven't even seen a single person. Aersi, who is walking in front, can't help but ask.

” Why is no one here? ”
” The Envoy haven't heard, but there's a myth of a mountain demon eating people around here. ”
” Mountain demon? I wonder what it looks like. ”
” According to rumors, it has 3 heads, 8 legs, green face and tusks. ”
” Green face with tusks? Just like that? ”

Aersi said, pointing to the Duke's mask. Tang Zhibo's lips twitches as the Duke answers.

” What mountain demon? I sure it's all a rumor spread by Wen Wei to prevent people from coming after his money. ”
” The Duke sure have a clear mind, but as we're heading up, I did heard people whispering something about a ghost. ”
” Commoners here are stupid and believes in all these superst.i.tions. I believe the Envoy is not like them? ”
” Then the one over there should be a person, right? ”

The Duke look over and see a lady in a cheap burlap dress kneeling far from them, as if looking for something. With a glance, the Duke send one of his men to get her as he observes her. She have a small stature with a roundish face and yellowish skin with some discoloration patches.

After being force towards the Duke's group, the young lady stare fearfully at them. This group of people are not from the Liang Country, as she recognize none of them. Especially the one with the mask, he look worst than the mountain demon.

Seeing her fearful face, the Duke slowly open his mouth.

” What's your name and what are you doing up here? ”

She gulp and carefully speaks up.

” My name is Hu Lingshan and I'm here to gather mushrooms. ”
” Mushrooms? Are you not afraid of the rumored mountain demon? ”
” I-I'm caught by the mountain demon… ”

After a moment silence, Aersi laughs.

” So the mountain demon doesn't eat human but mushrooms? ”
” N-no. ”

The lady seems to be trying so hard to explain that her face grows red.

” The mountain demon i-is not a demon, b-but a human. ”

They glance at each other and this time, it's Tang Zhibo who speaks up.

” Since the mountain demon is a human, why did it caught you? ”
” M-magistrate Ma wanted to hold a ghost marriage for his son and caught me. after which the mountain demon saved me. ”

Tang Zhibo eyes narrowed as he glance at the Duke. They heard about Xue Mu locking Magistrate Ma up for the offence of taking lives in order to hold ghost marriages for his son. At that time, he was still thinking why Xue Mu have the time to care about these matters when he was frantically looking for Du Juan.

” So this mountain demon is a good person? ”
” H-he's a very strange person. He kept saying how there's treasure on this mountain and he'll go crazy whenever anyone goes near.”

This successfully silence the entire group as they direct their eyes at her. She suddenly appears and even reveal to them the information they wanted. She is most likely a p.a.w.n send by Xue Mu.

Now, the question is if they should trust her or not.

According to the Duke's nature, he will definitely doubt her but Aersi is highly interested in her.

” Treasure? What's that? ”
” I don't know. The mountain demon usually stand guard by the entrance and I dare not go near. ”
” Since you're so afraid of him, why not run away? ” (Duke)
” Although the mountain demon have a weird temper, but he did saved me. A while ago, he was injured by a troop of army men lead by a general so I can't just leave him be. ”
” You sure have loyalty. ” (Aersi)
” General? What did he look like and why did he injured the mountain demon? ” (Duke)
” That General is very good-looking and is highly skilled in martial arts, even the mountain demon is not his match. As for why, I don't know either. It cannot really be that there's treasure? ”
” So did that General found the treasure? ” (Duke)
” Of course not, that's all crazy talk by the mountain demon! ”
” You just said the mountain demon stands guard by the cave so why is there no treasure in there? ” (Duke)
” I don't know, anyway, the General came out empty handed. ”
” And where is the General now? ”
” I don't know, maybe he left or maybe he's still looking for the ‘treasure'. ”

The duke narrows his eyes. Listening to her description, that general is most likely Xue Mu. He must still be on this mountain. He stares at her, his gaze turning sharper.

” Do you know what's the mountain demon's name? ”
” Name? He did mention it… Erm… It's… Gao… Gao Zhengping! ”

The Duke froze. Gao Zhengping was Wen Wei's personal guard and was considered to be one of the few top masters in Chang-An city.

With that, he stare at the lady in front of him. He asked a lot of questions and very detailed too but she could answer every one of them, and without contradictions. She can only be either speaking the truth or… she is very good at lying.

Speaking of good, Du Juan comes to his mind.

This accursed swindler who don't have an ounce of truth in her words can't be found after she ran from the secret tunnels. It can't be that she has meet up with Xue Mu at the Liang County and are thinking of swindling them again?

Duke's face grow dark. All the better if it is Du Juan. This way, he can settle both Xue Mu and Du Juan in one go.

” I do have some medical skills so would you like me to take a look? ”
” Can you?! That's great! But he's really weird so I'm afraid he would hurt you guys… ”
” You don't have to worry about that. ”
” In that case, please follow me. ”
” I thought you won't trust her. ” (Aersi)
” Of course I don't. ” (Duke)
” Then why did you get her to lead the way? Aren't you afraid that she'll lead us into Xue Mu's trap? ”
” With the Envoy's martial arts, even if we're ambush, I'm not afraid, right? ”
” Of course. ”

After walking for a while, a split path appears. The lady chose the right one without hesitation but the the group look at each other.

” Wait. Take the left path. ” (Duke)
” Why? We should turn right here, I don't know where the left will head to. ”

The Duke ignored her and goes down the left path. The men he brought along with him followed. As for Aersi, after thinking for a quick moment, he too, goes down the left path.

Seeing them all heading down the left path, she hurriedly run up to them.

” Where are you going? You can't deviate from the path in the mountains! What if you're lost? ”

The Duke glance at his men and one person comes forward and get hold of her. She turns pale and doesn't dare to speak to the Duke again.

After walking for a while, a cave appears in front of their eyes. A few of them stop in front of the cave and the Duke send one of them in to take a look. His man turn one round inside and is soon back out.

” Head Priest, the cave is empty. There's no one in there. ”

The Duke frown and is just about to wonder what is going on when a young voice sounded proudly from far away.

” What are you guys doing in front of my Seven Stars Sect? ”

Turning, the group see a 15-6 looking young man walking out from the forest. The Duke takes one look at him and ask.

” Who are you? ”
” Seven Stars Sect leader. ”

The Duke heart sinks. As he thought, Xue Mu set up a trap for them. But he didn't thought that Xue Mu would collaborated with a martial arts sect. If there's a whole sect behind them, then killing him will be way more difficult than he thought.

The rest of the group look uneasily around. This is where the sect is yet they cannot feel any presence here, saying that all the in this sect are quite skilled.

Gao Cheng look at their guarded faces and ask, puzzled.

” What are you looking for? ”
” Get all your men out, what is up with hiding from us? ”

Tanh Zhibo said.

” I'n already here. ”
” ….. ”

He stare at the young man in surprise, as if trying to find a ‘I'm kidding.' look. But, to his dismay, Gao Cheng is serious. Tang Zhibo takes a deep breath.

” Who are you exactly? ”

Gao Cheng look down at him.

” Haven't I told you? I'm the leader of Seven Stars Sect. ”

His serious tone shows that he is not joking. Tang Zhibo feels like he is about to faint. The Duke then speaks up impatiently.

” Stop talking. Get him first. ”

Just when the man besides him is about to move, he can feel a sharp aura coming from in front of him, suppressing him to the extend that he cannot move. Soon, Xue Mu appears, with his sword in hand, besides Gao Cheng.

” What a familiar voice. Is it the Duke? ”

Seeing Xue Mu appear, the Duke smiles.

” Xue Mu, since you dare to appear alone, don't you think about going back alive. ”

As if not understanding, Xue Mu continues on his own.

” It really is the Duke. I wonder if the Duke applied to the Emperor about you coming back here? ”
” No worries, I'll definitely pa.s.s the message along with the fact that you're dead too the Emperor too. ”
” The Duke is so certain you're able to kill me? ”
” I thought you've set up something huge to lure me here but who would have thought that it's just this? You disappoint me. ”
” Why would I need to go through that much trouble? As long as you're here, you can't escape. Oh, yes, our plan is called ‘catching a rat in it's hole'. And you're that rat. ”

Tang Zhibo once heard that in a battle, each side would first diss each other but now it seems like Xue Mu got that part down. The Duke's face turn dark and doesn't feel like talking to Xue Mu any longer. He simply orders his men.

” Do it! ”

Just as the words comes of the Duke's mouth, Peng Peng brought along a troop of soldiers, running out of the forest. Aersi immediately runs to Xue Mu's side and begin fighting him. And at the same time, Tang Zhibo is also attacking Xue Mu. Peng Peng is stalled by Aersi's man while guards is hold by one of the Duke's man. As for the Seven Stars Sect leader, he's also fighting with the Duke's man.

In a blink of an eye, the area in front of the cave turns into a battlefield. Only 2 person are standing at the sideline watching. One is the Duke, another, Hu Lingshan.

Aersi's skills are on par with Xue Mu and with the addition of Tang Zhibo, Xue Mu is not having the easiest time. Sneaking a look at the person next to her, Hu Lingshan turn to look back at all the fights going on, deciding to stay silent.

Aersi's weapon of choice is also a sword, but Mongolian great sword and Chang-An long sword is a little different. The great sword have a hook / curve up towards the end, as if the beak of an eagle. After avoiding Tang Zhibo's strike, Aersi's sword is immediately right in front of him. Xue Mu frowns.

Aersi's moves aren't very special, but he, with his tall build and huge strength, is unexpectedly nimble. Paired with his Mongolian natural strength, Xue Mu is really not having it easy. If he is continue wasting his strength with these 2, he'll be at a disadvantage. As one said, one must defeat the enemy by capturing their chief. He needs to find a chance to get the Duke.

With that in mind, he strike against Tang Zhibo. This strike is fast and furious and even if Tang Zhibo did try to avoid it, his shoulder got slashed. Not keeping his sword, Xue Mu does a backward slash towards Aersi's heart and as Aersi twist his body to a side to avoid it, Xue Mu goes along with the momentum and pierce towards the Duke.

Seeing Xue Mu coming for him, the Duke takes out a soft sword and whip it, causing it to curl around Xue Mu's sword, like how a snake would curl around a prey. Glancing swiftly at Xue Mu's back, he knows that since Xue Mu is now caught with his back exposed, if Aersi can sneak an attack in right now, his weapon will most definitely kill Xue Mu.

Aersi indeed come flying over with sword sparkling white in the sunlight while Xue Mu is caught. In just a second, his sword is right at the Duke's neck.

Before the Duke even realized it, Xue Mu have already gotten free of the soft sword and standing in front of him calmly.

Aersi look at the Duke, smiling.

” I always knew you wanted Xue Mu to die by my sword but sorry, I'm not yet prepared to to against him this soon. ”

TN : d.a.m.n! Long! Long! What a long chapter! I'm p.o.o.ped! I swear this chapter is 2.5 times the normal length and 3 times the usual amount of words!!!!