The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 18

Chapter 18

*Unedited

Liu Qinghuan is grounded for only a day before she is released . But poor Peng Peng is still working hard at the task of counting the lotuses .

” Madam, you should go take a look . General Peng Peng is going to turn into a bloated bun sooner or later, poor thing! ”
” Cough, cough! ”

Liu Qinghuan almost spray out the yogurt from her mouth from laughing when she heard what Qing Zhi just said . Come to think of it, Peng Peng is kinda dragged into all of it because of her and if he really becomes a bloated bun… . . She would need to take a bite, hahahahaha .

After getting all the laughing out, Liu Qinghuan finally rediscovered her conscience as she gets up from her seat .

” Ci Tao Qing Zhi, let’s head to the Lotus Pond for a look . ”

The overhead sun is really coming down hard but surprisingly, the area around the pond remain cool and breezy . Liu Qinghuan suddenly think that the reason why Peng Peng is still here might be because it is a lot cooler here .

” 34, 35, 36… . ”

Looking at Peng Peng counting with single-hearted devotion, Liu Qinghuan is so moved .

” Peng Peng, did you really stay in here for 2 days now? ”

She said as she throws a pebble into the pond . It lands with a ‘SPLASH’ and Peng Peng immediately get fustrated .

” Ahhhhhhhhh!!! Which number am I at?! ”
” 21 . ”
” Oooooh, 22, 23… . ”

Ci Tao Qing Zhi ” …… . ”

They think that General Peng Peng will go crazy sooner or later .

Liu Qinghuan blinks, and throws another pebble, this time at him .

” If the Marquise is bent on punis.h.i.+ng you, it wouldn’t matter even if you get the numbers correct, silly . ”

Peng Peng then look over with his immediate tear-filled face .

” Wu wu wu wu wu la la, I counted 6 times, and all 6 times the Marquise’s answer is ‘ Wrong, recount . ‘ . ”

Liu Qinghuan looks at him pitifully .

” So all this time you are soaking in this pond? ”
” Not really . I sneak out when the Marquise is not around, at night too . ”

Saying that, he looks guilty​ly around the area .

” Don’t ever let the Marquise find out . ”
” How many have you counted? ”
” 51 red lotus, 27 blue, 33 white and 18 yellow . ”
” Got it, I’ll convey it to the Marquise

on your behalf . ”
” Ooooooo a friend in need is a friend indeed! Thank you, Wu La La!! ”

Peng Peng is moved to tears, totally forgetting the fact that this predicament is all because Liu Qinghuan dumped​ the entire thing onto him .

Liu Qinghuan smiles at him, before crossing over the bridge .

Xue Mu sits in his room, resting, before hearing a knock on the door .

” Come in . ”

Liu Qinghuan pushes open the door gently as Xue Mu glances in her direction, sleepiness evident​ in his eyes . In her hands hold a container filled with soup, as she heads over and sits at his opposite .

” Did I disturb your rest? ”
” No worries . ”

He straightens up, and smiles at her .

” Qing Qing is looking for me because…? ”

She opens the container and places it in front of Xue Mu .

” The kitchen specially brew some green bean soup and after icing it for a while, I thought that the Marquise would like some . ”

Xue Mu stares at the iced green bean soup before scoping out a spoonful .

” Thank you . ”
” The Marquise don’t have to be this polite to me . ”

Liu Qinghuan laughs, seeing him take a sip, before asking again .

” Is it sweet? ”
” Very . ”

He licks his lips, the corners of it slightly curving up .

” As long as the Marquise likes it . ”

She laughs, before continuing .

” Oh yes, I was just by the Lotus Pond and Peng Peng wanted me to tell the Marquise that there are 51 red lotus, 27 blue lotus, 33 white lotus and 18 yellow lotus . ”
” Is that so? ”

Xue Mu chuckles before looking at her .

” You can tell him to come out when you pa.s.s by him again . ”
” Understood . ”

Liu Qinghuan relaxs . Look like the Marquise is not out for his life yet . After chatting with Xue Mu for a while, Liu Qinghuan takes her leave . Seeing Liu Qinghuan walking out of the Lotus Chamber, Peng Peng waves wildly at her .

” Wu la la, how is it? ”
” The Marquise allows you to come out . ”

The happiness he felt is but a fleeting moment as Peng Peng climbs gloomily​ out of the lotus pond . Seeing his face, Liu Qinghuan curiously asked .

” Why this face? ”

Peng Peng sniffs as he looks sadly at her .

” That’s the number I told him the very 1st time .

. ”

Liu Qinghuan ” …… . ”

” You must have remembered it wrongly . ”

This is the only consolation she can think of .

After climbing out of the pond, Peng Peng is thrown into the army to train new soldiers by Xue Mu almost immediately . Nuo Yan glances at the withered Peng Peng, who seems to have shrunken one whole circle, as he speaks to Xue Mu .

” Zhou Jing Jing is unable to find Du Juan, so he insisted that it was the Beseeching Fire Cult who stole his painting and has​ been causing trouble at their temple for days now . ”

Looking at the newly trained soldiers in front of him, Xue Mu smiles .

” This plan of Aersi is not bad, at least it’s going to cause trouble for Tang Zhibo for some time . ”
” Marquise, you told the Emperor you know where the real painting is, are you sure about that? ”
” Un . ”

This time, Xue Mu only gives a one-syllable​ answer and Nuo Yan, seeing as how he is unwilling to delve into it, turn silent and simply stay by his side .

At Aersi’s mansion, Yi Jin swings the pendent hanging on his waist as he glances at the man drinking by his side .

” Mr . Phantom Hands have drawn 3 paintings altogether . 1 he sold it to us, another to Tang Zhibo and the last one to an unknown lady . ”
” Unknown lady? ”

Aersi’s eyes narrows as he drown the last bit of wine in his cup .

” Du Juan? ”

Yi Jin thinks for a bit .

” Maybe . Don’t you think it’s weird that Xue Mu’s wife appeared in the banquet? And even disgusing as Anaye . ”

Aersi pursed his thin lips . He did felt that ‘Anaye’ was slightly off at that time, which was why he brought her along when he was running away .

” I got someone to look into it . The real Anaye said that it was to avoid Zhou Jing Jing from buying her . ”
” Didn’t think that Madam Hou is this enthusiastic about helping others . ”
[TN: Marquise in chinese is Hou Ye, so people often refer Liu as Madam Hou, the wife of the Marquise . ]

Yi Jin snorts . Aersi stares at him for a long time .

” You suspect that Du Juan is just a cover set up by Xue Mu and the real painting is in his hands? ”
” Xue Mu is a ​crafty b.a.s.t.a.r.d so it wouldn’t be difficult for him to come up with

up with this kind of plan . ”

Aersi goes deep into throughts for a moment .

” Looks like we need to find a time to give him a visit . ”

Yi Jin jumps down from the window still he have been sitting on .

” I heard that the start of next month is Xue Mu’s brithday . ”

The first of June is Xue Mu twentieth​ birthday but Liu Qinghuan only remembers… no, only knows about it the day before .

It would be too late to sew a fragrent pack or shoes . Plus… she don’t know how . Biting into the crystal dragon-phoenix cake, a light bulb appears . Why not make some deserts or something?

” Qing Zhi . ”

With just a call, Qing Zhi hurridly come forward .

” Yes Madam? ”
” How do you make this? ”
” Madam​, this is made from glutinous​ rice . Red dates are then fas.h.i.+oned​ into the dragon and phoenix shapes and laid on top, before steaming everything . ”

Liu Qinghuan’s brows twitches .

” Red dates can be fas.h.i.+oned into dragon and phoenix shapes? ”
” Yes Madam . ”
” …… . ”

Maybe she should just make a bowl of noddles . Yep . A bowl of longevity​ noddles sounds good .

Thus, on the second day, she personally goes into the kitchen to prepare a bowl of longevity noodles . Although it is just a bowl of noodles, she has​ really put a lot of thought into it . The broth is pork bone simmered for the entire night and in the bowl, there are eggs and mushrooms as well . Sniffing it, Liu Qinghuan feels like drowning the entire bowl herself .

Fearing that the noddles would become soggy, Liu Qinghuan uses the fastest speed she can get with her Qingong as she runs all the way towards the Lotus Chamber . She is so moved by herself that she is about to cry .

” Marquise? ”

She calls out as she peeks into the room . Xue Mu just came back from the army and he hasn’t​ even removed​ his armor yet . Seeing Liu Qinghuan walking in, he can’t help but feel surprised .

” Qing Qing? ”

This is the first time Liu Qinghuan has seen Xue Mu in his full battle gear as she stands there, slightly shocked .

” Today’s the Marquise’s birthday so I specially made a bowl of longevity noddles . Would the Marquise like to give it a try? ”

Xue Mu looks at the food container in Liu Qinghuan’s hands, glints of happiness sparkles across his eyes . his eyes .

” Sure . ”

She opens​ up the food container . The thick soup inside the bowl, the fresh vegetables​s, she can’t help it but licks her lips at that . Oh, luckily the noddles are still fresh . Glancing at Xue Mu, she frowns slightly .

” It seems to not be convenient​ for the Marquise to eat like this . How about changing into something first? ”
” No worries . I’m used to this in the army and the noodles​ will get soggy if left long . ”

Xue Mu picks up his chopsticks and send a chopstick-full of noodles into his mouth . Liu Qinghuan stares at him unwaveringly as the noodles go into his mouth .

” How is the taste? ”
” Very good, I like it a lot . ”

Liu Qinghuan breath a sigh of relief as she smiles at him .

” If the Marquise likes it, I’ll make a bowl for you every year . ”

His hand holding the chopsticks tremble slightly as Xue Mu stares at Liu Qinghuan for a long time . He then finally put down his chopsticks .

” Liu Qinghuan, I will hold you to your word . ”

Liu Qinghuan’s heart starts hurting as she glances away .

” Un . ”

But too bad, she’s a swindler .

Xue Mu never said anything else after that, concentrating​ solely on​ eating . The bowl is soon cleaned, and even the soup is gone . Putting down his chopsticks, Xue Mu purposely said to her .

” I’ll go to h.e.l.l if I waste food . ”

Liu Qinghuan is stunned . He remembers every single thing she said? Clearing up the table, she pretended to ask casually .

” Does the Marquise have any birthday wishes? ”
” Wishes? ”

Xue Mu lowers his head as he thought about it, before suddenly grabbing her hand .

” Compared to the earth, the lives of human is fleeting . Sickness and death are normal, but all I’m thinking of every day​ is to stay with you till the end of time . Is that too greedy? ”

She looks at him, unable to speak a word .

Lying to her, is as easy as breathing . But her teacher once warned her, that one can never lie about feelings, because you would need to pay it back some day .

” Marquise . ”

Nuo Yan’s voice rang out from beyond the door . Xue Mu releases Liu Qinghuan’s hand as he answers .

” What’s the matter? ”
” Aersi is seeking for a visit . ”

Unedited Liu Qinghuan is grounded for only a day before she is released . But poor Peng Peng is still working hard at the task of counting the lotuses . Madam, you should go take a look . General Peng Peng is going to turn into a bloated bun sooner or later, poor thing Cough, cough Liu Qinghuan almost spray out the yogurt from her mouth from laughing when she heard what Qing Zhi just said . Come to think of it, Peng Peng is kinda dragged into all of it because of her and if he really becomes a bloated bun . . She would need to take a bite, hahahahaha . After getting all the laughing out, Liu Qinghuan finally rediscovered her conscience as she gets up from her seat . Ci Tao Qing Zhi, let s head to the Lotus Pond for a look . The overhead sun is really coming down hard but surprisingly, the area around the pond remain cool and breezy . Liu Qinghuan suddenly think that the reason why Peng Peng is still here might be because it is a lot cooler here . 34, 35, 36 . Looking at Peng Peng counting with single hearted devotion, Liu Qinghuan is so moved . Peng Peng, did you really stay in here for 2 days now She said as she throws a pebble into the pond . It lands with a SPLASH and Peng Peng immediately get fustrated . Ahhhhhhhhh Which number am I at 21 . Oooooh, 22, 23 . Ci Tao Qing Zhi . They think that General Peng Peng will go crazy sooner or later . Liu Qinghuan blinks, and throws another pebble, this time at him . If the Marquise is bent on punis.h.i.+ng you, it wouldn t matter even if you get the numbers correct, silly . Peng Peng then look over with his immediate tear filled face . Wu wu wu wu wu la la, I counted 6 times, and all 6 times the Marquise s answer is Wrong, recount . . Liu Qinghuan looks at him pitifully . So all this time you are soaking in this pond Not really . I sneak out when the Marquise is not around, at night too . Saying that, he looks guilty ly around the area . Don t ever let the Marquise find out . How many have you counted 51 red lotus, 27 blue, 33 white and 18 yellow . Got it, I ll convey it to the Marquise on your behalf . Ooooooo a friend in need is a friend indeed Thank you, Wu La La Peng Peng is moved to tears, totally forgetting the fact that this predicament is all because Liu Qinghuan dumped the entire thing onto him . Liu Qinghuan smiles at him, before crossing over the bridge . Xue Mu sits in his room, resting, before hearing a knock on the door . Come in . Liu Qinghuan pushes open the door gently as Xue Mu glances in her direction, sleepiness evident in his eyes . In her hands hold a container filled with soup, as she heads over and sits at his opposite . Did I disturb your rest No worries . He straightens up, and smiles at her . Qing Qing is looking for me because She opens the container and places it in front of Xue Mu . The kitchen specially brew some green bean soup and after icing it for a while, I thought that the Marquise would like some . Xue Mu stares at the iced green bean soup before scoping out a spoonful . Thank you . The Marquise don t have to be this polite to me . Liu Qinghuan laughs, seeing him take a sip, before asking again . Is it sweet Very . He licks his lips, the corners of it slightly curving up . As long as the Marquise likes it . She laughs, before continuing . Oh yes, I was just by the Lotus Pond and Peng Peng wanted me to tell the Marquise that there are 51 red lotus, 27 blue lotus, 33 white lotus and 18 yellow lotus . Is that so Xue Mu chuckles before looking at her . You can tell him to come out when you pa.s.s by him again . Understood . Liu Qinghuan relaxs . Look like the Marquise is not out for his life yet . After chatting with Xue Mu for a while, Liu Qinghuan takes her leave . Seeing Liu Qinghuan walking out of the Lotus Chamber, Peng Peng waves wildly at her . Wu la la, how is it The Marquise allows you to come out . The happiness he felt is but a fleeting moment as Peng Peng climbs gloomily out of the lotus pond . Seeing his face, Liu Qinghuan curiously asked . Why this face Peng Peng sniffs as he looks sadly at her . That s the number I told him the very 1st time . Liu Qinghuan . You must have remembered it wrongly . This is the only consolation she can think of . After climbing out of the pond, Peng Peng is thrown into the army to train new soldiers by Xue Mu almost immediately . Nuo Yan glances at the withered Peng Peng, who seems to have shrunken one whole circle, as he speaks to Xue Mu . Zhou Jing Jing is unable to find Du Juan, so he insisted that it was the Beseeching Fire Cult who stole his painting and has been causing trouble at their temple for days now . Looking at the newly trained soldiers in front of him, Xue Mu smiles . This plan of Aersi is not bad, at least it s going to cause trouble for Tang Zhibo for some time . Marquise, you told the Emperor you know where the real painting is, are you sure about that Un . This time, Xue Mu only gives a one syllable answer and Nuo Yan, seeing as how he is unwilling to delve into it, turn silent and simply stay by his side . At Aersi s mansion, Yi Jin swings the pendent hanging on his waist as he glances at the man drinking by his side . Mr . Phantom Hands have drawn 3 paintings altogether . 1 he sold it to us, another to Tang Zhibo and the last one to an unknown lady . Unknown lady Aersi s eyes narrows as he drown the last bit of wine in his cup . Du Juan Yi Jin thinks for a bit . Maybe . Don t you think it s weird that Xue Mu s wife appeared in the banquet And even disgusing as Anaye . Aersi pursed his thin lips . He did felt that Anaye was slightly off at that time, which was why he brought her along when he was running away . I got someone to look into it . The real Anaye said that it was to avoid Zhou Jing Jing from buying her . Didn t think that Madam Hou is this enthusiastic about helping others . TN Marquise in chinese is Hou Ye, so people often refer Liu as Madam Hou, the wife of the Marquise . Yi Jin snorts . Aersi stares at him for a long time . You suspect that Du Juan is just a cover set up by Xue Mu and the real painting is in his hands Xue Mu is a crafty b.a.s.t.a.r.d so it wouldn t be difficult for him to come up with this kind of plan . Aersi goes deep into throughts for a moment . Looks like we need to find a time to give him a visit . Yi Jin jumps down from the window still he have been sitting on . I heard that the start of next month is Xue Mu s brithday . The first of June is Xue Mu twentieth birthday but Liu Qinghuan only remembers no, only knows about it the day before . It would be too late to sew a fragrent pack or shoes . Plus she don t know how . Biting into the crystal dragon phoenix cake, a light bulb appears . Why not make some deserts or something Qing Zhi . With just a call, Qing Zhi hurridly come forward . Yes Madam How do you make this Madam , this is made from glutinous rice . Red dates are then fas.h.i.+oned into the dragon and phoenix shapes and laid on top, before steaming everything . Liu Qinghuan s brows twitches . Red dates can be fas.h.i.+oned into dragon and phoenix shapes Yes Madam . . Maybe she should just make a bowl of noddles . Yep . A bowl of longevity noddles sounds good . Thus, on the second day, she personally goes into the kitchen to prepare a bowl of longevity noodles . Although it is just a bowl of noodles, she has really put a lot of thought into it . The broth is pork bone simmered for the entire night and in the bowl, there are eggs and mushrooms as well . Sniffing it, Liu Qinghuan feels like drowning the entire bowl herself . Fearing that the noddles would become soggy, Liu Qinghuan uses the fastest speed she can get with her Qingong as she runs all the way towards the Lotus Chamber . She is so moved by herself that she is about to cry . Marquise She calls out as she peeks into the room . Xue Mu just came back from the army and he hasn t even removed his armor yet . Seeing Liu Qinghuan walking in, he can t help but feel surprised . Qing Qing This is the first time Liu Qinghuan has seen Xue Mu in his full battle gear as she stands there, slightly shocked . Today s the Marquise s birthday so I specially made a bowl of longevity noddles . Would the Marquise like to give it a try Xue Mu looks at the food container in Liu Qinghuan s hands, glints of happiness sparkles across his eyes . Sure . She opens up the food container . The thick soup inside the bowl, the fresh vegetables s, she can t help it but licks her lips at that . Oh, luckily the noddles are still fresh . Glancing at Xue Mu, she frowns slightly . It seems to not be convenient for the Marquise to eat like this . How about changing into something first No worries . I m used to this in the army and the noodles will get soggy if left long . Xue Mu picks up his chopsticks and send a chopstick full of noodles into his mouth . Liu Qinghuan stares at him unwaveringly as the noodles go into his mouth . How is the taste Very good, I like it a lot . Liu Qinghuan breath a sigh of relief as she smiles at him . If the Marquise likes it, I ll make a bowl for you every year . His hand holding the chopsticks tremble slightly as Xue Mu stares at Liu Qinghuan for a long time . He then finally put down his chopsticks . Liu Qinghuan, I will hold you to your word . Liu Qinghuan s heart starts hurting as she glances away . Un . But too bad, she s a swindler . Xue Mu never said anything else after that, concentrating solely on eating . The bowl is soon cleaned, and even the soup is gone . Putting down his chopsticks, Xue Mu purposely said to her . I ll go to h.e.l.l if I waste food . Liu Qinghuan is stunned . He remembers every single thing she said Clearing up the table, she pretended to ask casually . Does the Marquise have any birthday wishes Wishes Xue Mu lowers his head as he thought about it, before suddenly grabbing her hand . Compared to the earth, the lives of human is fleeting . Sickness and death are normal, but all I m thinking of every day is to stay with you till the end of time . Is that too greedy She looks at him, unable to speak a word . Lying to her, is as easy as breathing . But her teacher once warned her, that one can never lie about feelings, because you would need to pay it back some day . Marquise . Nuo Yan s voice rang out from beyond the door . Xue Mu releases Liu Qinghuan s hand as he answers . What s the matter Aersi is seeking for a visit .