The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 12

Chapter 12
CMH 12 – Mongolian Dance

Chongren Square is situated along the west of the capital . The square’s southeast corner is facing the east market while the south houses the Ping Kang Court, where young and pet.i.te ladies live in . This situation is also why many inns and restaurant chose to set up their shops there . And although the main road into the square has forbidden any commoners from entering, business are still blooming and sounds of merrymaking can be heard every night .

Pulling Liu Qinghuan along while das.h.i.+ng throughout Chongren Square, Peng Peng finally reaches the Yong Ning Mansion safely after running past all the bustling restaurants .

The mansion itself is quiet, with only the chirping of the cicadas breaking the silence . Liu Qinghuan pants silently as she gestures to Peng Peng before heading towards her room .

Stopping right in front of the door, she listens intently, before opening the door to take a peek inside after she heard 2 light breathing sounds .

Both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are sleeping outside her bedroom, their position haven’t even changed from the last time she saw them . Removing the veil, she tiptoe back into her room . She only lay down on her bed after she carefully hides her outer garment and her veil, as if nothing happened .

When the second gong clangs, Qing Zhi sits up in shock . With the clanging of the gong ringing throughout the city, she can feel her heart drop with every beat .

She was in such deep a sleep?!

Liken to a panicked rabbit, she looks around and sees Ci Tao slumps over the table, snoring . Frowning, she walks over and gives Ci Tao a shake or two .

” Ci Tao, wake up! Look at the time! ”

Shaken up by Qing Zhi, Ci Tao pales when she heard the number of gongs clanging outside .

” Is the Madam awake yet? ”

If their madam awake earlier than they did, they are in for a beating! Qing Zhi shakes her head, whispering .

” I don’t think so . I haven’t heard anything when I woke up . ”
” That’s good, that’s good . ”

Ci Tao let out a sigh of relief, before urging Qing Zhi inside . Through the thin drapes, the figure of Liu Qinghuan can be seen lying silently on her side, apparently still deeply in sleep .

Not daring to bother her,

the both of them does their ch.o.r.es quietly before standing by at each side of her bed, waiting for her to wake up naturally .

Liu Qinghuan have already woken up at the first clang of the gong —————— Truth to be told, if anyone is able to sleep through that ridiculously horrible clanging noise, they are most likely dead . Feeling like the time is just about right, she begins to sit up .

Like always, she gave her morning greetings to Madam Ning after breakfast . Turning to Qing Zhi behind her, she ask .

” Did the Marquise send anyone over? ”
” No, Madam . ”

Qing Zhi said, shaking her head . Liu Qinghuan nod, wondering what exactly happened in the palace that the Emperor would need Xue Mu to stay over for two days now .

After finis.h.i.+ng her lunch alone, Liu Qinghuan picks up the bowl of yogurt by the side . She loves yogurt and after Xue Mu knew about it, yogurt becomes readily available in the mansion .

Finis.h.i.+ng the last bit of yogurt yet wanting for more, Liu Qinghuan glances at Qing Zhi . But before she even says a thing, Qing Zhi hurriedly speaks up .

” Madam, Sir knows how much you like yogurt but had also specially instructs that you can only have a bowl daily . ”

Liu Qinghuan’s mouth twitches . Xue Mu is so busy that he is hardly around but when it comes to her, he sure has the time to even take note of the smallest things .

Yes, so she did had an upset stomach from one too many yogurt before but she can’t believe that he still remembers that!

Liu Qinghuan smiles at Qing Zhi .

” It’s not that . I’m just thinking that the weather is really good today so I want to head to the West Market for a stroll . ”
” I understand . Qing Zhi will start preparing . ”

Qing Zhi bows and Ci Tao and she starts preparing for the things needed . Liu Qinghuan smiles as she digs into her bowl with her spoon, only to find it empty .

Ci Tao and Qing Zhi works fast, and in no time, preparations are complete . Liu Qinghuan is not dressed as a male this time round, but instead, got Qing Zhi to prepare a Mongolian dress for her .

Fetching Whitey from the stables, she flips

flips beautiful onto the horse . Bring her two maids along with her, she rides ostentatiously into the West Market . The market has not change much since the last time she was here with Xue Mu . The three stroll along the market as they visit shops after shops, yet coming out with nothing despite much rummaging .

Liu Qinghuan thinks to herself that if she is here with Xue Mu instead, she would most likely have a truckload of purchases with her by now .

At this time, she pucker her lips in surprise . It has only been 2 days since she last saw him so why does her thoughts keep drifting over to him?

All of a sudden, shouts of ‘bravo’ could be heard from the restaurant in front of them . Liu Qinghuan look at it with curiosity and even Ci Tao cannot hide the curiosity on her face as she ask .

” What is going on in front? Looks really crowded . ”
” Let’s take a look . ”

Liu Qinghuan said, laughing .

A dancer is dancing in that restaurant, a thin white veil on her face . Because of her beautifully sharp nose, a part of the veil juts out and together with her deep-set eyes just brings out her elegant demeanor . There she goes, circles after circles as shouts of ‘Bravo’ rings throughout .

And just when Liu Qinghuan is about to get giddy watching her, she finally stops . Shouts of ‘bravo’ continues on as she gracefully does a bow and instead of continuing on to serve drinks, she turns and walks upstairs .

Because there is another thing she have to do later .

Liu Qinghuan blinks and follows the dancer upstairs . At the end of the corridor lies a small room . 2 Mongolian dancers walk out at that moment and gives them a weird look when they pa.s.s by Liu Qinghuan and her group . Not minding the looks, Liu Qinghuan only stands by the door and asks the dancer inside .

” You are a great dancer, would you mind teaching me? ”

The dancer, who is just about to take off her veil, stops as she turns around and stare weirdly at Liu Qinghuan . As if worried that she would reject, Liu Qinghuan hurriedly adds .

” Of course, I will pay for the lessons . ”

Ci Tao and Qing Zhi look at each

at each other . Why would Madam wants to start learning Mongolian dance all of a sudden? … . They heard nothing about Sir liking it as well…

The dancer sprouts a couple of mongolian phases softly, before inviting Liu Qinghuan inside . The room itself is very narrow, and all the various dresses and accessories makes the limited s.p.a.ce even more limited . After Liu Qinghuan, Ci Tao and Qing Zhi walk in, they are so tightly squeezed that they might even have trouble breathing . Liu Qinghuan frowns and turns to the both of her maids .

” It is too small in here, the both of you can wait for me outside . If it gets too boring, you are free to head downstairs to enjoy the music . ”
” That… . ”

The both of them stammer, not wanting to leave . Seeing their hesitation, Liu Qinghuan speaks up again .

” It’s okay, I won’t take too long . ”
” I understand . ”

Ci Tao bows and retreats outside the room . Once the two of them are outside, knocks can be heard from the small window pane in the room . The dancer opens the window and a figure slides in like a fish .

” Wu la la . ”

Peng Peng waves to Liu Qinghuan after gaining his balance . Liu Qinghuan smiles as an answer before walking over to the dancer .

” Start preparing, we don’t have much time . ”

Removing her veil, the dancer said falteringly .

” Oh, I can’t believe it . Are you guys really planning on doing it? ”

Peng Peng places his hand on her shoulder and turns her towards himself .

” Anaye, do you want to get married to Merchant Zhou as the 14th concubine? ”
” No . ”

Anaye strongly shakes her head .

” He will definitely get tired of me and sell me off then . ”

Thinking of how w.i.l.l.y-nilly she can be sold off, Ayane’s eyes goes red . Looking at the beauty crying, Peng Peng immediately rea.s.sures her .

” Then believe in us! ”

Looking at the two in front of her, Liu Qinhuan’s mouth twitches . They can actually start worrying about this matter after Merchant Zhou decides to buy her . According to what she has found out, all his concubines are Chinese . And as compared to the West Market’s restaurant, West Market’s restaurant, he is more often at Ping Kang Court . But all these she keeps to herself as she rushes them .

” We really don’t have time . ”

Anaye wipes her tears away and chases Peng Peng out the room through the window . Sizing up Liu Qinghuan, she begins dressing her up . Anaye helps into a light muslin dress and leather boots, before doing an iconic Mongolian dancer s.e.xy make up on her . After Liu Qinghuan puts on the veil, she looks around 80% Mongolian .

Anaye looks disbelievingly at her, before walking over to the window to let Peng Peng in . He slides in through the window like a fish again, and Liu Qinghuan blinks at him . She then spun a few circles on the spot, her veil and skirt flying in the air, causing Peng Peng to stare blankly at the sight of her .

” Oooh, sasamoni, Wu la la, you are beautiful! ”

Peng Peng walks circles around her, thinking that she look as good as Anaye . But then he starts worrying . What if that Merchant Zhou lay his hands on Wu la la? Dying 10 times would not even be enough to beg for forgiveness from the Marquise!

” Um, that… . ”

He scratches his head, asking .

” How are you planning on handling Merchant Zhou? ”
” I have my own ways . ”

Liu Qinghuan is very interested in her new look and keep staring at herself in the mirror . Peng Peng hesitates, before stammering .

” I still think Merchant Zhou will fall for you… Why don’t we think of another way? ”

Liu Qinghuan turns and smiles at him .

” Such as you redeeming Anaye? ”

Peng Peng froze, before lowering his head, staying silent . Anaye glances at him, and lowers her head as well . Liu Qinghuan coughs, breaking up the gloomy mood in the room .

” Relax, I can definitely handle Merchant Zhou . There’s no turning back now! ”

Just as she finish saying that, someone calls out for Anaye, telling her that it’s time to set off . Peng Peng holds a pair of cymbals in his hands, and sneaks into the accompanying band . Reaching the first floor, Liu Qinghuan runs her gaze across the floor and spots both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi sitting in a corner, fascinated with the music .

CMH 12 Mongolian Dance Chongren Square is situated along the west of the capital . The square s southeast corner is facing the east market while the south houses the Ping Kang Court, where young and pet.i.te ladies live in . This situation is also why many inns and restaurant chose to set up their shops there . And although the main road into the square has forbidden any commoners from entering, business are still blooming and sounds of merrymaking can be heard every night . Pulling Liu Qinghuan along while das.h.i.+ng throughout Chongren Square, Peng Peng finally reaches the Yong Ning Mansion safely after running past all the bustling restaurants . The mansion itself is quiet, with only the chirping of the cicadas breaking the silence . Liu Qinghuan pants silently as she gestures to Peng Peng before heading towards her room . Stopping right in front of the door, she listens intently, before opening the door to take a peek inside after she heard 2 light breathing sounds . Both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are sleeping outside her bedroom, their position haven t even changed from the last time she saw them . Removing the veil, she tiptoe back into her room . She only lay down on her bed after she carefully hides her outer garment and her veil, as if nothing happened . When the second gong clangs, Qing Zhi sits up in shock . With the clanging of the gong ringing throughout the city, she can feel her heart drop with every beat . She was in such deep a sleep Liken to a panicked rabbit, she looks around and sees Ci Tao slumps over the table, snoring . Frowning, she walks over and gives Ci Tao a shake or two . Ci Tao, wake up Look at the time Shaken up by Qing Zhi, Ci Tao pales when she heard the number of gongs clanging outside . Is the Madam awake yet If their madam awake earlier than they did, they are in for a beating Qing Zhi shakes her head, whispering . I don t think so . I haven t heard anything when I woke up . That s good, that s good . Ci Tao let out a sigh of relief, before urging Qing Zhi inside . Through the thin drapes, the figure of Liu Qinghuan can be seen lying silently on her side, apparently still deeply in sleep . Not daring to bother her, the both of them does their ch.o.r.es quietly before standing by at each side of her bed, waiting for her to wake up naturally . Liu Qinghuan have already woken up at the first clang of the gong Truth to be told, if anyone is able to sleep through that ridiculously horrible clanging noise, they are most likely dead . Feeling like the time is just about right, she begins to sit up . Like always, she gave her morning greetings to Madam Ning after breakfast . Turning to Qing Zhi behind her, she ask . Did the Marquise send anyone over No, Madam . Qing Zhi said, shaking her head . Liu Qinghuan nod, wondering what exactly happened in the palace that the Emperor would need Xue Mu to stay over for two days now . After finis.h.i.+ng her lunch alone, Liu Qinghuan picks up the bowl of yogurt by the side . She loves yogurt and after Xue Mu knew about it, yogurt becomes readily available in the mansion . Finis.h.i.+ng the last bit of yogurt yet wanting for more, Liu Qinghuan glances at Qing Zhi . But before she even says a thing, Qing Zhi hurriedly speaks up . Madam, Sir knows how much you like yogurt but had also specially instructs that you can only have a bowl daily . Liu Qinghuan s mouth twitches . Xue Mu is so busy that he is hardly around but when it comes to her, he sure has the time to even take note of the smallest things . Yes, so she did had an upset stomach from one too many yogurt before but she can t believe that he still remembers that Liu Qinghuan smiles at Qing Zhi . It s not that . I m just thinking that the weather is really good today so I want to head to the West Market for a stroll . I understand . Qing Zhi will start preparing . Qing Zhi bows and Ci Tao and she starts preparing for the things needed . Liu Qinghuan smiles as she digs into her bowl with her spoon, only to find it empty . Ci Tao and Qing Zhi works fast, and in no time, preparations are complete . Liu Qinghuan is not dressed as a male this time round, but instead, got Qing Zhi to prepare a Mongolian dress for her . Fetching Whitey from the stables, she flips beautiful onto the horse . Bring her two maids along with her, she rides ostentatiously into the West Market . The market has not change much since the last time she was here with Xue Mu . The three stroll along the market as they visit shops after shops, yet coming out with nothing despite much rummaging . Liu Qinghuan thinks to herself that if she is here with Xue Mu instead, she would most likely have a truckload of purchases with her by now . At this time, she pucker her lips in surprise . It has only been 2 days since she last saw him so why does her thoughts keep drifting over to him All of a sudden, shouts of bravo could be heard from the restaurant in front of them . Liu Qinghuan look at it with curiosity and even Ci Tao cannot hide the curiosity on her face as she ask . What is going on in front Looks really crowded . Let s take a look . Liu Qinghuan said, laughing . A dancer is dancing in that restaurant, a thin white veil on her face . Because of her beautifully sharp nose, a part of the veil juts out and together with her deep set eyes just brings out her elegant demeanor . There she goes, circles after circles as shouts of Bravo rings throughout . And just when Liu Qinghuan is about to get giddy watching her, she finally stops . Shouts of bravo continues on as she gracefully does a bow and instead of continuing on to serve drinks, she turns and walks upstairs . Because there is another thing she have to do later . Liu Qinghuan blinks and follows the dancer upstairs . At the end of the corridor lies a small room . 2 Mongolian dancers walk out at that moment and gives them a weird look when they pa.s.s by Liu Qinghuan and her group . Not minding the looks, Liu Qinghuan only stands by the door and asks the dancer inside . You are a great dancer, would you mind teaching me The dancer, who is just about to take off her veil, stops as she turns around and stare weirdly at Liu Qinghuan . As if worried that she would reject, Liu Qinghuan hurriedly adds . Of course, I will pay for the lessons . Ci Tao and Qing Zhi look at each other . Why would Madam wants to start learning Mongolian dance all of a sudden . They heard nothing about Sir liking it as well The dancer sprouts a couple of mongolian phases softly, before inviting Liu Qinghuan inside . The room itself is very narrow, and all the various dresses and accessories makes the limited s.p.a.ce even more limited . After Liu Qinghuan, Ci Tao and Qing Zhi walk in, they are so tightly squeezed that they might even have trouble breathing . Liu Qinghuan frowns and turns to the both of her maids . It is too small in here, the both of you can wait for me outside . If it gets too boring, you are free to head downstairs to enjoy the music . That . The both of them stammer, not wanting to leave . Seeing their hesitation, Liu Qinghuan speaks up again . It s okay, I won t take too long . I understand . Ci Tao bows and retreats outside the room . Once the two of them are outside, knocks can be heard from the small window pane in the room . The dancer opens the window and a figure slides in like a fish . Wu la la . Peng Peng waves to Liu Qinghuan after gaining his balance . Liu Qinghuan smiles as an answer before walking over to the dancer . Start preparing, we don t have much time . Removing her veil, the dancer said falteringly . Oh, I can t believe it . Are you guys really planning on doing it Peng Peng places his hand on her shoulder and turns her towards himself . Anaye, do you want to get married to Merchant Zhou as the 14th concubine No . Anaye strongly shakes her head . He will definitely get tired of me and sell me off then . Thinking of how w.i.l.l.y nilly she can be sold off, Ayane s eyes goes red . Looking at the beauty crying, Peng Peng immediately rea.s.sures her . Then believe in us Looking at the two in front of her, Liu Qinhuan s mouth twitches . They can actually start worrying about this matter after Merchant Zhou decides to buy her . According to what she has found out, all his concubines are Chinese . And as compared to the West Market s restaurant, he is more often at Ping Kang Court . But all these she keeps to herself as she rushes them . We really don t have time . Anaye wipes her tears away and chases Peng Peng out the room through the window . Sizing up Liu Qinghuan, she begins dressing her up . Anaye helps into a light muslin dress and leather boots, before doing an iconic Mongolian dancer s.e.xy make up on her . After Liu Qinghuan puts on the veil, she looks around 80 Mongolian . Anaye looks disbelievingly at her, before walking over to the window to let Peng Peng in . He slides in through the window like a fish again, and Liu Qinghuan blinks at him . She then spun a few circles on the spot, her veil and skirt flying in the air, causing Peng Peng to stare blankly at the sight of her . Oooh, sasamoni, Wu la la, you are beautiful Peng Peng walks circles around her, thinking that she look as good as Anaye . But then he starts worrying . What if that Merchant Zhou lay his hands on Wu la la Dying 10 times would not even be enough to beg for forgiveness from the Marquise Um, that . He scratches his head, asking . How are you planning on handling Merchant Zhou I have my own ways . Liu Qinghuan is very interested in her new look and keep staring at herself in the mirror . Peng Peng hesitates, before stammering . I still think Merchant Zhou will fall for you Why don t we think of another way Liu Qinghuan turns and smiles at him . Such as you redeeming Anaye Peng Peng froze, before lowering his head, staying silent . Anaye glances at him, and lowers her head as well . Liu Qinghuan coughs, breaking up the gloomy mood in the room . Relax, I can definitely handle Merchant Zhou . There s no turning back now Just as she finish saying that, someone calls out for Anaye, telling her that it s time to set off . Peng Peng holds a pair of cymbals in his hands, and sneaks into the accompanying band . Reaching the first floor, Liu Qinghuan runs her gaze across the floor and spots both Ci Tao and Qing Zhi sitting in a corner, fascinated with the music .