The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 34

Taken aback, Tang Zhibo stare at the piece of paper Aersi is holding in his hand. Considering for a quite a while, he finally reaches out for it and flip it open. On it is a crudely drawn map, with even the words unrecognizable.

He studies the paper for a few minutes before folding it back to it's original state and lift his eyes to look at Aersi.

” And the Envoy meaning of this is? ”

Aersi smiles.

” I know His Highness the Duke is looking for this set of painting. And seeing our goals are the same, why not help each other? ”

Aersi pauses, before adding strongly.

” Plus we have a common enemy. We all know, as long as Xue Mu is around, things are going to get difficult. ”

Tang Zhibo stares straight at Aersi, as if trying to figure out his motives from his face. Sadly, Aersi's eyes are sincere, so sincere that one would feel guilty for doubting him.

Tang Zhibo chuckles under his breath. His foster father wants to remove Xue Mu because he's the Emperor's right arm. If he is planning to do anything, Xue Mu would be the greatest obstacle. As for Aersi…. Xue Mu is the greatest wall in stopping his army from advancing into the country, wouldn't it?

Such ambition hiding behind such sincere eyes… Aersi sure have a thick skin.

But no matter what, he can't deny that Xue Mu is their common enemy currently. Looking back at Aersi, he ask calmly with a gentle smile on his face.

” And what conditions do the Envoy have? ”

A sly gleam flashes through Aersi narrow eyes.

” I just wish that when the Duke gets what he wants, he would support me in ascending the throne in Mongolia. ”

Tang Zhibo purse his lips and stay silent for a few moments before answering slowly.

” I will inform this matter to my father as soon as possible. I hope the Envoy would have the patience and await my news. ”

Aersi's eyes twinkles.

” I shall be looking forward to our collaboration. ”

Tang Zhibo nods, before asking worriedly again.

” The Envoy won't perhaps use a fake map to delude me, would you? ”
” This map is hand-drawn by Du Juan. I can't help it either if Brother Tang is in doubt. ”

Tang Zhibo thought for a few moments, before smiling at Aersi.

” Since The Envoy is so sincere, how can I? ”

Having reach a consensuses, they then chat about random stuff before Aersi left. Once he left, Tang Zhibo contact his Father, who is all the way over at Ling Nan, about Aersi proposal and even brought up the matter about the fake Liu Qinghuan.

As the messenger pigeon flies out of Chang-An city, Aersi reaches his mansion at about the same time. Yi Jin is in the garden teasing birds, and seeing him return, ask casually.

” How is it? ”

Aersi frowns, as if in thought.

” Do you think they would really follow the map for the treasure? ”

Yi Jin laughs and look at him.

” Duke Ling Nan have a《 Armeniaca mume · Winter 》 in his hand. With the《 White Orchid 》half of the map, he would be able to get half of the treasure. Even if there is a possibility the map is a fake, he would still definitely try. ”
” Then if the map is real, wouldn't we be giving it away to them? ”

Yi Jin thought about it.

” Doesn't matter. If there really is an upraising, it would still be to our advantage. ”

Aersi nods and join him in teasing the birds.

Back in the Hou Mansion, Liu Qinghuan have been quiet for these couple of days. After that extra lock being broken by Xue Mu, she left it like that and apart from the first day Xue Mu moved over, he had never once ‘a.s.saulted' her at night.

And while these two are living their peaceful days, over at Madam Ning is hopping with panic. Seeing that Xue Mu have already moved in for more than half a month yet nothing is happening, she can't help but to wonder if her son is having problems with… a certain aspect.

” Liang Cheng…. why don't we just drug them? ”

Liang Chen hands, that are currently ma.s.saging Madam Ning's shoulders, jerk to a stop and stiffly said.

” That… that wouldn't be good, would it? ”

It seems like Madam Ning is anxious till she is about to use every method there is! Madam Ning stands up angrily.

” I can't let them just go on like this! ”

Looking at the time, Liu Qinghuan is married into the family for more than three months yet they still haven't even consummated their marriage yet! Are they trying to give her a heart attack?!

Liang Chen softly and calmly calms down Madam Ning for a long time before she finally let go of the idea of drugging them. Seeing Madam Ning's angry expression, Liang Chen decides to brave up and sound out Xue Mu's att.i.tude.

Coincidentally spotting the Marquise right outside the main room, Liang Chen then subtly convey how Madam Ning is thinking of drugging them to Xue Mu and he freezes a little, staring at her unbelieving. Just one look and Liang Chen's face explodes in redness.

She runs away, leaving the perplexed Xue Mu to walk into the bedroom.

Liu Qinghuan is in the room, eating her yogurt and upon seeing Xue Mu, she enthusiastically invites him.

” Marquise! The kitchen just made yogurt! Would you like some? ”

Lowing his head to look at the bowl of yogurt in her hand, a subtle change happen in his eyes.

” Liang Chen delivered this? ”
” Yep. ”

She takes another bite of the smooth and thick yogurt and feels like her heart melting.

” Liang Chen cooking skills is really good. Maybe I should send Ci Tao and Qing Zhi over to learn some. ”

Xue Mu sits by her side, gazing strangely at her.

” Wh, what is it? ”

Feeling uncomfortable by his gaze, Liu Qinghuan squirms as she gulps down the yogurt in her mouth.

” It would be better not eat everything that is send from Mother's side. ”
” Why? ”
” Because Liang Chen just told me Mother is considering about drugging us. ”
” ………. Coughs coughs coughs, heck coughs! ”

Liu Qinghuan covers her mouth as she chokes and coughs. Seeing that, Qing Zhi hurriedly pa.s.s her a cup of water. Downing a few mouthful of water, she finally feels better.

” Marquise, you shouldn't slander Mother like that. ”

Sue Mu look at her sympathetically.

” Are you feeling unwell anywhere? ”
” ………. ”
” Do you feel hot? ”
” ………. ”

Seeing her face getting redder, Xue Mu's gaze grows warmer and full of love.

” If you're uncomfortable, don't endure and look for me. ”
” ………. ”

He is flirting, isn't he?! Isn't he!

Looking at her, Xue Mu chuckles. Feeling like she have been teased, Liu Qinghuan look angrily at him.

” You're lying?! ”

She can't believe that she, a world-renowned swindler, have been swindled!

Xue Mu shakes his head.

” Mother is really thinking about drugging us. ”

She frowns.

” What should we do? ”

He thought about it for a while.

” Consummate our marriage. ”
” ………. ”

Now she's certain he is flirting with her.

Nian Tang walks in and sees the seated two immediately.

” Marquise, Peng Peng is having a fight in the main hall. ”
” What is going on? ”
” A youth about 17-18 of age came and said he is looking to challenge Marquise so Peng Peng blocked his way and the 2 started fighting. ”

As Xue Mu's renowned throughout the country, time and time again there would be youngsters possessing high level of martial arts looking to challenge him. Once there were also people visiting in order to ask Xue Mu to be their teacher. These kind of people would usually first be beaten by the guards and if they are unable to settle them, Peng Peng or Nuo Yan would then take over.

For so many years, there have been a great many who came but till now, none have really reach Xue Mu.

He is used to it but this is the first time Liu Qinghuan ever heard about it and is very interested.

” There is actually someone who wants to challenge the Marquise. They sure are brave! ”

Xue Mu glance at her.

” You seems like you are itching to go take a look. ”
” Can I? ”

She asks, her eyes sparkling. He stand up and look over to Nian Tang.

” Let's take a look. ”

Being able to cause Peng Peng to move means that he does have something to him. Putting down the bowl of yogurt, Liu Qinghuan follows them excitedly.

Many are gathered outside the main hall, most of them guards but some of the maids are there too, looking excitedly at the two fighting inside, exclaiming every now and then.

The two look about the same in age, and both uses swords. Standing by the side and studying them for a little while, Xue Mu could see that youth cannot match up to Peng Peng.

Liu Qinghuan too, looks on interestingly at the two fighting. The youth looks to be every bit normal, but every strike of his is forceful. Too bad he is too anxious in his punches.

As the fight is in the Hou Mansion, all the guards and maids surrounding are all cheering for Peng Peng and in comparison, the youth looks to be alone. Only a girl standing next to Liu Qinghuan, dressed in purple, is cheering for him.

Liu Qinghuan can't help but glance at her a few more times. She looks to be about 15 – 16 of age, eyes big and sparkly, seemingly to be the youth's childhood friend.

At this moment, a huge clanging sound resounded throughout the hall and everyone fall silent. Looking over, Liu Qinghuan sees that Peng Peng's sword have split the youth's sword in half.

The expression on the youth's face is a little ugly as Peng Peng sheath his sword proudly.

” Next time, get a better sword before coming. ”

That anger the youth till his face flush red. Staring angrily at Peng Peng, he then glance at Xue Mu before running out. The lady in purple calls out his name and follows him out.

Peng Peng walks over proudly, only to see Liu Qinghuan shaking her head.

” Don't you have to compensate him for breaking his sword? He looks like he doesn't have that much money and yet you still want him to get a better sword before coming. ”
” ………. ”

Xue Mu lips curves up as he look at Peng Peng.

” Do something for me. ”
” As long as you are not asking me to pay. ”
” Go check who that youth is. ”

Liu Qinghuan and Peng Peng glance at each other. Since Xue Mu is not asking him to pay, Peng Peng relax.

” Got it. ”

Following that, he chases after the kid.

After instructing Peng Peng, Xue Mu begin heading back. Staring at his back, Liu Qinghuan tightens her left hand.

In that hand is a piece of paper the purple-dressed lady pa.s.sed her when the two were fighting.