The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 11

Chapter 11
CMH 11 – Night Prowl

Two day later, when Liu Qinghuan is back at the Lotus pond for some flowers viewing, she spots Peng Peng’s melancholic figure once again .

Something happened in the palace today and Xue Mu is summoned over by the Emperor early in the morning . Till now, he haven’t return . With this matter in mind, Liu Qinghuan walks over to the Lotus Pavilion .

” Peng Peng, I heard the Marquise gave you new soldiers to train so… why are you still so free? ”

With her bringing it up just piles on the gloom for Peng Peng . He throws a pebble into the pond . A ‘doop’ is heard and after the initial splash, the pebble simply sinks deep into the pond .

” Eh, it’s more like I’m the one being train than me training the soldiers . ”

Liu Qinghuan blinks at Peng Peng’s grumbling .

” When did you offend the Marquise? ”
” Never speak of it again . ”

Peng Peng said as he glumly turns his head away, his face a mask of regret .

Liu Qinghuan shrugs and takes a pebble from his hand before throwing it in the pond as well . As if it has grown wings, the pebble skid across the pond, leaving behind ripples after ripples .

” Wow! Wu la la, you’re awesome! ”

Peng Peng looks at the seemingly alive pebble in surprise, his face finally lighting up from all that gloom . Liu Qinghuan glances at him, before casually asking .

” The banquet is tomorrow, isn’t it? Have you thought of any plans yet? ”

Peng Peng cups his face as he stares blankly at the fading ripples in the pond .

” What other plans would there be? ”

Dancers in the West Market are simply viewed as products and as long as they fetch money . who would care about their feelings? Liu Qinghuan stay silent for a while before bending over to Peng Peng’s side, whispering .

” What about mine? ”

She spoke fast, yet clearly, so each and every word lands into Peng Peng’s ear . He frowns, as if reminding her .

” Wu la la, if the Marquise ever finds out, the ending will only be tragic . ”

Just look at him .

Liu Qinghuan pats the dust away from her hands as she nods .

” True, it’s not worth making the Marquise mad . Anyway, I am not the one ending up being the 14th concubine . ”

Peng Peng ” …… . ”

Liu Qinghuan

is about to leave after saying her thoughts . With a slight move, Peng Peng nimbly blocks her way .

” Do you have a concrete plan? ”

He looks slightly desperate, yet with a hint of hope . Liu Qinghuan’s lips curls up as she whispers .

” The 1st step of the plan is for us to scope out Merchant Zhou’s territory . ”

Peng Peng’s eyes moves as he thinks about it before laying his eyes on the two maids standing outside . Liu Qinghuan glances at where he is looking at .

” I have ways to deal with them but the Marquise… ”
” The Marquise might stay in the palace these 2 days . ”

He pauses .

” But there will be a night ban tonight . ”
” Just a night ban can stop you? ”
” O-of course not! It’s just you… ”

Peng Peng sizes up Liu Qinghuan’s small figure . He could see that she does have a martial arts base but if they ever got so unlucky and get caught, then they would have to have the Marquise to bail them out .

That is the one future he never ever hope to see .

As if knowing what Peng Peng is thinking about, Liu Qinghuan smiles .

” Relax, if it really comes down to needing the Marquise to bail me out, I would never tell him you are the one who brought me there . ”

Trying to show off her consideration for him, she continues .

” I would say that I followed you there . ”

Peng Peng ” …… . ”

It sounds like there’s a difference, but he knows that there will not be any difference to the ending he will get . After they set a time to meet up, Peng Peng ask worriedly again .

” Do you really know Mongolian dance? ”

The dance Liu Qinghuan did on the spot the last time had such an impact that it is still seared into his mind . Liu Qinghuan glances at him with disdain .

” Mongolian dance is just about dancing in circles, right? I can dance circles continuously for 4 hours straight . Do you need me to do it right now? ”
” No, leave it for the Marquise . ”

Liu Qinghuan pouts and prepares to leave . But after a few steps, she pauses and turns over .

” Peng Peng, why don’t you just buy her in the first place? ”

Peng Peng is stunned by the sudden question and he

he frowns .

” And after that? ”

Liu Qinghuan stares at him, before sighing .

” So easy to buy a tresure, yet so difficult to find a husband who truly loves you . ”

Somehow, Peng Peng’s heart grows really heavy as he pouts and walks back to the pavilion to continue throwing pebbles into the pond .

After the sun sets, all the city gates begin to close . As expected, Xue Mu hasn’t came back home, only sending a messenger to tell her to eat well .

Liu Qinghuan pouts . When has she not been eating well? She has always been placing great importance about eating .

Waiting till the sky totally darkens, two soft mewing sounds could be heard from outside her window . Liu Qinghuan’s brows twitches and she makes her way nimbly outside, where Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are nodding off . Taking the incense hidden in her sleeve and lighting it up, she then circles it under the both of their noses . After a few circles, she extinguishes it swiftly and picks up any ashes that had fallen onto the floor .

After all is done, she puts on a thin veil and catapult over the outer wall .

After landing onto the ground, Peng Peng, who have been waiting outside, looks at her meaningfully .

” Ai, I didn’t expect Wu la la’s that nimble! ”

Liu Qinghuan laughs .

” Thank you! I have been learning martial arts from my father since young . Although I am not very good at landing heavy punches, Qigong is a whole other matter . ”

Peng Peng glances at her again, before fixing his stare at her veil .

” But the way you’re dressed… . Du Juan? ”

That cuckoo embroidery on the veil is as lifelike as it can get and no one in Chang-An city wouldn’t know who this belongs to .

” Hehehehe, do I look like her? I thought we should be more careful if we are out doing bad stuff so I specially prepared this veil . If anyone ever saw us, we can just push it all onto Du Juan . ”
” Wu la la, you are one wily fox! ”

Peng Peng exclaim in surprise .

” Thank you, thank you . ”

Liu Qinghuan humbly does a fist palm salute, before swiftly moving over to direction of the city gates .

The both of them catapult over the another wall, ducked from the guards patrolling, before catapulting over and into the Yanshou Square . Peng Peng

Peng Peng brings Liu Qinghuan over to where Merchant Zhou’s mansion is . Lifting her head to take a look, she jumps onto the roof using her Qinggong . Peng Peng looks at her in a panic before following her up onto the roof .

” Why the roof? ”
” So we can see further! Plus, bad guys always starts from the roof, isn’t it? ”

She then points to the main hall .

” That’s where the banquet will be held tomorrow? ”
” Un . ”

Peng Peng has just nod before he sees Liu Qinghuan jumping over to the inner court . Rus.h.i.+ng up, Peng Peng can’t help but asks her again .

” And here is because? ”

He is beginning to regret taking up her offer . Liu Qinghuan, however, exclaim excitedly .

” Of course to look around! ”
” What is there to look around?! The Yong Ning Mansion is a hundred times better! ”

Peng Peng said, trying to pull her away before anyone finds them . Only to find her jumping over to another place again . Peng Peng is so anxious that he is about to puke a mouthful of blood, but woe is he, he could only follow behind her .

” Be careful! We are going to be in so much trouble if you break a hole in the roof! ”

Liu Qinghuan shoots him an a.s.sured glance .

” Relax . This is a mansion with 13 concubines, the house must be solid and able to withstand  vibrations . ”

Peng Peng ” …… . ”

He swear he understand not a thing she is implying about the vibrations .

Liu Qinghuan looks around, before suddenly speaking up .

” Where do you guess that merchant hid the 《White Jade Orchid • Spring》? The study? Secret s.p.a.ce? ”
” What are you in a rush for? He’s gonna bring it out tomorrow anyway . ”
” True . Let’s head back . ”

YES! Peng Peng finally let loose a breath . Just as he turns and walk back, a person walks out from under the roof .

Zhou Jingjing only wanted to use the toilet, but unexpectedly, he is. .h.i.t on the back of his head with something . Rubbing his sore neck, he turns around, and stare blankly at the roof .

There lies a person, a thin veil covering most of her face, and the expose eyes glitters brightly against the night sky .

Zhou Jingjing’s heart skip a beat . A beauty, what a beauty! Just by the Just by the eyes alone you would know that she’s a beauty!

The moonlight beauty waves a hand at him, her eyes curving into a smile .

Oh! Zhou Jingjing feels his heart going soft and mushy . What nice timing, he is just missing a 14th concubine .

Too bad the beauty swiftly jumps away using her qinggong after waving . Zhou Jingjing gasps his chest as he stay stunned at the same spot, his boiling blood cooling down in an instant .

Just when she stands up, he can clearly see the embroidered cuckoo on her veil .

The great beauty is Du Juan?!

As if someone just pours a bucket of ice over his head, his enchanted mood is gone in an instance . Du Juan is Chang-An City all-famous swindler and various merchants had been swindled by her . He would have to be extra careful .

Liu Qinghuan and Peng Peng flies over the streets of Chang-An City, however, the way back is not as smooth-riding . With Chongren Square just right in front of their eyes, the sounds of horse galloping could be heard behind them .

” s.h.i.+t, it’s the patrol guard! ”

Peng Peng’s heart sinks . He did not imagine that they would encounter them . Subconsciously, he tugs at a piece of black cloth covering his face as he turn behind to glance at Liu Qinghuan . Liu Qinghuan uses eye contact to imply Peng Peng to run away as the both of them swiftly heads towards the surrounding wall of Chongren Square . However, the troops chasing behind are faster .

” The ones in front! There’s a night ban tonight, do you have an access order? ”

The man closest to them shouts from his horse and when he sees the lady with her veil, his face pales . Oh, oh, oh! It’s you again, Du Juan!

” Du Juan! I will definitely get you today! ”

The man furiously squeeze the sides of the horse he is riding and with a loud neigh, it runs even faster .

Peng Peng have already flips over the wall and is waiting for Liu Qinghuan . Just when he lands on the ground, he sees her running along the top of the wall, laughing manically .

” Hahahahahaha, come catch me if you can~ ”

Peng Peng ” …… . ”

Patrol Guard ” …… . ”

Marquise! I am wrong! I shouldn’t have brought her out!
Peng Peng silently cries as he chases up to Liu Qinghuan as they heads towards the Yong Ning Mansion .

CMH 11 Night Prowl Two day later, when Liu Qinghuan is back at the Lotus pond for some flowers viewing, she spots Peng Peng s melancholic figure once again . Something happened in the palace today and Xue Mu is summoned over by the Emperor early in the morning . Till now, he haven t return . With this matter in mind, Liu Qinghuan walks over to the Lotus Pavilion . Peng Peng, I heard the Marquise gave you new soldiers to train so why are you still so free With her bringing it up just piles on the gloom for Peng Peng . He throws a pebble into the pond . A doop is heard and after the initial splash, the pebble simply sinks deep into the pond . Eh, it s more like I m the one being train than me training the soldiers . Liu Qinghuan blinks at Peng Peng s grumbling . When did you offend the Marquise Never speak of it again . Peng Peng said as he glumly turns his head away, his face a mask of regret . Liu Qinghuan shrugs and takes a pebble from his hand before throwing it in the pond as well . As if it has grown wings, the pebble skid across the pond, leaving behind ripples after ripples . Wow Wu la la, you re awesome Peng Peng looks at the seemingly alive pebble in surprise, his face finally lighting up from all that gloom . Liu Qinghuan glances at him, before casually asking . The banquet is tomorrow, isn t it Have you thought of any plans yet Peng Peng cups his face as he stares blankly at the fading ripples in the pond . What other plans would there be Dancers in the West Market are simply viewed as products and as long as they fetch money . who would care about their feelings Liu Qinghuan stay silent for a while before bending over to Peng Peng s side, whispering . What about mine She spoke fast, yet clearly, so each and every word lands into Peng Peng s ear . He frowns, as if reminding her . Wu la la, if the Marquise ever finds out, the ending will only be tragic . Just look at him . Liu Qinghuan pats the dust away from her hands as she nods . True, it s not worth making the Marquise mad . Anyway, I am not the one ending up being the 14th concubine . Peng Peng . Liu Qinghuan is about to leave after saying her thoughts . With a slight move, Peng Peng nimbly blocks her way . Do you have a concrete plan He looks slightly desperate, yet with a hint of hope . Liu Qinghuan s lips curls up as she whispers . The 1st step of the plan is for us to scope out Merchant Zhou s territory . Peng Peng s eyes moves as he thinks about it before laying his eyes on the two maids standing outside . Liu Qinghuan glances at where he is looking at . I have ways to deal with them but the Marquise The Marquise might stay in the palace these 2 days . He pauses . But there will be a night ban tonight . Just a night ban can stop you O of course not It s just you Peng Peng sizes up Liu Qinghuan s small figure . He could see that she does have a martial arts base but if they ever got so unlucky and get caught, then they would have to have the Marquise to bail them out . That is the one future he never ever hope to see . As if knowing what Peng Peng is thinking about, Liu Qinghuan smiles . Relax, if it really comes down to needing the Marquise to bail me out, I would never tell him you are the one who brought me there . Trying to show off her consideration for him, she continues . I would say that I followed you there . Peng Peng . It sounds like there s a difference, but he knows that there will not be any difference to the ending he will get . After they set a time to meet up, Peng Peng ask worriedly again . Do you really know Mongolian dance The dance Liu Qinghuan did on the spot the last time had such an impact that it is still seared into his mind . Liu Qinghuan glances at him with disdain . Mongolian dance is just about dancing in circles, right I can dance circles continuously for 4 hours straight . Do you need me to do it right now No, leave it for the Marquise . Liu Qinghuan pouts and prepares to leave . But after a few steps, she pauses and turns over . Peng Peng, why don t you just buy her in the first place Peng Peng is stunned by the sudden question and he frowns . And after that Liu Qinghuan stares at him, before sighing . So easy to buy a tresure, yet so difficult to find a husband who truly loves you . Somehow, Peng Peng s heart grows really heavy as he pouts and walks back to the pavilion to continue throwing pebbles into the pond . After the sun sets, all the city gates begin to close . As expected, Xue Mu hasn t came back home, only sending a messenger to tell her to eat well . Liu Qinghuan pouts . When has she not been eating well She has always been placing great importance about eating . Waiting till the sky totally darkens, two soft mewing sounds could be heard from outside her window . Liu Qinghuan s brows twitches and she makes her way nimbly outside, where Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are nodding off . Taking the incense hidden in her sleeve and lighting it up, she then circles it under the both of their noses . After a few circles, she extinguishes it swiftly and picks up any ashes that had fallen onto the floor . After all is done, she puts on a thin veil and catapult over the outer wall . After landing onto the ground, Peng Peng, who have been waiting outside, looks at her meaningfully . Ai, I didn t expect Wu la la s that nimble Liu Qinghuan laughs . Thank you I have been learning martial arts from my father since young . Although I am not very good at landing heavy punches, Qigong is a whole other matter . Peng Peng glances at her again, before fixing his stare at her veil . But the way you re dressed . Du Juan That cuckoo embroidery on the veil is as lifelike as it can get and no one in Chang An city wouldn t know who this belongs to . Hehehehe, do I look like her I thought we should be more careful if we are out doing bad stuff so I specially prepared this veil . If anyone ever saw us, we can just push it all onto Du Juan . Wu la la, you are one wily fox Peng Peng exclaim in surprise . Thank you, thank you . Liu Qinghuan humbly does a fist palm salute, before swiftly moving over to direction of the city gates . The both of them catapult over the another wall, ducked from the guards patrolling, before catapulting over and into the Yanshou Square . Peng Peng brings Liu Qinghuan over to where Merchant Zhou s mansion is . Lifting her head to take a look, she jumps onto the roof using her Qinggong . Peng Peng looks at her in a panic before following her up onto the roof . Why the roof So we can see further Plus, bad guys always starts from the roof, isn t it She then points to the main hall . That s where the banquet will be held tomorrow Un . Peng Peng has just nod before he sees Liu Qinghuan jumping over to the inner court . Rus.h.i.+ng up, Peng Peng can t help but asks her again . And here is because He is beginning to regret taking up her offer . Liu Qinghuan, however, exclaim excitedly . Of course to look around What is there to look around The Yong Ning Mansion is a hundred times better Peng Peng said, trying to pull her away before anyone finds them . Only to find her jumping over to another place again . Peng Peng is so anxious that he is about to puke a mouthful of blood, but woe is he, he could only follow behind her . Be careful We are going to be in so much trouble if you break a hole in the roof Liu Qinghuan shoots him an a.s.sured glance . Relax . This is a mansion with 13 concubines, the house must be solid and able to withstand vibrations . Peng Peng . He swear he understand not a thing she is implying about the vibrations . Liu Qinghuan looks around, before suddenly speaking up . Where do you guess that merchant hid the White Jade Orchid Spring The study Secret s.p.a.ce What are you in a rush for He s gonna bring it out tomorrow anyway . True . Let s head back . YES Peng Peng finally let loose a breath . Just as he turns and walk back, a person walks out from under the roof . Zhou Jingjing only wanted to use the toilet, but unexpectedly, he is. .h.i.t on the back of his head with something . Rubbing his sore neck, he turns around, and stare blankly at the roof . There lies a person, a thin veil covering most of her face, and the expose eyes glitters brightly against the night sky . Zhou Jingjing s heart skip a beat . A beauty, what a beauty Just by the eyes alone you would know that she s a beauty The moonlight beauty waves a hand at him, her eyes curving into a smile . Oh Zhou Jingjing feels his heart going soft and mushy . What nice timing, he is just missing a 14th concubine . Too bad the beauty swiftly jumps away using her qinggong after waving . Zhou Jingjing gasps his chest as he stay stunned at the same spot, his boiling blood cooling down in an instant . Just when she stands up, he can clearly see the embroidered cuckoo on her veil . The great beauty is Du Juan As if someone just pours a bucket of ice over his head, his enchanted mood is gone in an instance . Du Juan is Chang An City all famous swindler and various merchants had been swindled by her . He would have to be extra careful . Liu Qinghuan and Peng Peng flies over the streets of Chang An City, however, the way back is not as smooth riding . With Chongren Square just right in front of their eyes, the sounds of horse galloping could be heard behind them . s.h.i.+t, it s the patrol guard Peng Peng s heart sinks . He did not imagine that they would encounter them . Subconsciously, he tugs at a piece of black cloth covering his face as he turn behind to glance at Liu Qinghuan . Liu Qinghuan uses eye contact to imply Peng Peng to run away as the both of them swiftly heads towards the surrounding wall of Chongren Square . However, the troops chasing behind are faster . The ones in front There s a night ban tonight, do you have an access order The man closest to them shouts from his horse and when he sees the lady with her veil, his face pales . Oh, oh, oh It s you again, Du Juan Du Juan I will definitely get you today The man furiously squeeze the sides of the horse he is riding and with a loud neigh, it runs even faster . Peng Peng have already flips over the wall and is waiting for Liu Qinghuan . Just when he lands on the ground, he sees her running along the top of the wall, laughing manically . Hahahahahaha, come catch me if you can Peng Peng . Patrol Guard . Marquise I am wrong I shouldn t have brought her out Peng Peng silently cries as he chases up to Liu Qinghuan as they heads towards the Yong Ning Mansion .