The Counterfeit Madam Hou Chapter 46

Liu Qinghuan is shocked.

” Dead? And they still want to marry me over? ”

The youth look in disdain at her ignorance.

” You've never heard of ghost marriage? ”

Liu Qinghuan stare blankly at him for a while before taking in a sharp breath, cupping her face in shock.

” G-ghost marriage?! ”

She finally understand why the Hu family tried all they can to prevent their daughter from marrying over! Without another word, the youth turn and walk back into the darkness. Seeing that he's leaving, Liu Qinghuan hurriedly jump down from the carriage and follow behind him.

He impatiently turn and glance at her.

” What are you following me for? ”
” To thank you for saving me, of course. ”
” I won't allow them to cause trouble under my Seven Stars Clan eyes. ”

What a pompous sentence, but she managed to bear it in and not throw the sarcasm out.

” Oh young hero, please help through the whole hog. You can't throw a weak girl in this wilderness. ”

The youth stop his tracks and size her up in a few glances, before asking.

” You're not afraid of ghosts, are you? ”

Liu Qinghuan lips twitches as she deny.

” How can it be? I have never believe in these superst.i.tions. ”
” Yet you're in that much of a shock when you heard about the ghost marriage? You must often be scared to tears by horror stories when you're young, right? ”
” ………. ”

Bingo.

When she was young, Liu Qingli often told her horror stories in order to scare her, and had given her much trauma in the past.

Seeing that the day is already late, the youth knows that leaving a lady alone in this hill is certainly dangerous, so he mercifully said.

” Follow me then. ”

And so she does.

On the entire way, the youth is silent, so Liu Qinghuan could only keep talking.

” Where are we going? ”
” Up the hill. ”

Up the hill? She blink, and ask again.

” Young hero, what's the Seven Stars Clan you spoke of? ”
” A martial arts clan that specialize in helping the weak and making sure justice is uphold. ”

Liu Qinghuan nods and just when she is about to speak up again, the youth impatiently said.

” Can you be quiet? ”

… But silence around here is terrifying.

Liu Qinghuan takes a deep breath and laughs dryly.

” Last question, why is Magistrate Ma want to hold a ghost marriage for his son? ”
” Because this hill is hunted. ”
” ……… ”

Why did she have to go and ask that question?

But then the youth begin to explain all that had happened.

This lofty west hill have rumors about a mountain demon roaming since tens of years go. It was said that this demon have tucks, 3 heads, 8 legs and also favors human meat. So the villagers nearby don't venture up apart from collecting firewood and some herbs. So every nightfall, no figure can be seen on this hill and the atmosphere was eerie as h.e.l.l.

5 years ago, the eldest son of the Ma family, Ma Daliang, and the Sun family's daughter got engaged. Hearing that she loved mushroom soup, Ma Daliang brought along a few brothers and climb up this hill to gather mushrooms.

Many wild mushrooms were growing on this hill and it was said that a rare kind of mushroom, after eaten, would increase lifespan and has an exquisite taste. After searching for the entire day and still can't find it, his brothers all went down the hill as it's starting to get dark, leaving only Ma Daliang searching around the entire night.

On the 2nd day, Magistrate Ma brought a bunch of people along to search for Ma Daliang, only to find a few torn pieces of clothing and a few bones lying inside a large puddle of blood.

Everyone said he was eaten by the mountain demon, and even his family thought so too. But this matter was not over. After Ma Daliang pa.s.sed away, many folks said that they heard crying noises on the hill, the sound of it so horrible that one can feel gooseb.u.mps appearing all over even in bright daylight. Some even said they saw the ghost of Ma Daliang, saying he had turn into a vengeful spirit, looking to eat people.

During this period, the entire town was living in fear and Magistrate Ma, fearing that something would happen, immediately went and found a famous priest. After divination, the priest said that Ma Daliang died of an unnatural death and bear regrets in his heart, which is why his spirit was out looking, haunting. Magistrate Ma then asked for a solution, and the priest said that he would need to perform a ghost marriage.

The Sun family at first resisted the h.e.l.l out of it and the Sun daughter was crying her eyes out. But due to Magistrate Ma pus.h.i.+ng it, stating that one, his son died due to their daughter and two, his son might come to look for them, only did the sun family agreed.

And thus, the Sun daughter was sacrificed and after her death, the spirit of Ma Daliang really quieten down. Villagers once again begin to climb up the hill for firewood and mushroom, and the gloomy cloud over the town begin to lift.

But recently, Ma Daliang spirit begin to come out and wreak havoc again. More and more villagers were saying that they saw his spirit on the hill and that low crying noises were terrifying. Magistrate Ma once again hurriedly consulted the priest and after divination, said that all men have concubines and Ma Daliang only have a wife so he must be lonely so all they need to do is to get him a concubine.

But the difficult question of who should be take in to be his son concubine had Magistrate Ma slumped. At that time, the reason why Sun family didn't kick up a huge fuss was because one, they already had an engagement, and two, their daughter inadvertently caused his death. But if now he was to randomly forced a lady to get married, he might lose his official t.i.tle if things got big.

The priest then gave him an idea. He'll find a compatible birth date with Ma Daliang and Magistrate Ma can look along that line and chose one family that was poor and doesn't have much influence. So in any cases that they kick up a fuss, Magistrate Ma would be able to suppressed it.

Thinking about it, Magistrate Ma too, thought it's a good idea, and so, Hu Lingsan became that unfortunate soul.

Liu Qinghuan goes silent after hearing the story, not because she is scared, but that she thought Magistrate Ma is an imbecile, choosing to listen to foolish advice and take an innocent life. Thinking of it, the Sun daughter was really pitiful. And that priest, he needs to be drag out and be heavily punished!

Seeing her silent, the youth lift an eyebrow.

” Why, scared? True, if it weren't for me, your end would be the same as that Sun lady. ”

Liu Qinghuan begin coughing, her throat this time have an overwhelmingly ironly sweet taste. When she release her hand over her mouth, there are small droplets of blood on her palm.

The youth frown.

” You can't be that scared that you would cough blood, can you? ”

She wipe the blood on her clothes and smile at him.

” It's just tuberculosis. ”
” ………. ”

He subconsciously take a step back and look suspiciously at her.

” Are you okay? ”
” I'm fine, just that it looks like the wound on my waist has split open. ”

She was coughing so hard that she tore her wound open.

The youth stare at her for a long while.

” Can you survive the night? ”
” If you support me, I think I can. ”

After hesitating for a bit, the youth walk over and lift her arm over his shoulder to support her. After a few steps, he deem she walk too slow and simply carry her instead.

” You look small yet you have quite the strength. ”
” Talk again and I'll throw you down the hill. ”

Liu Qinghuan obediently closes her mouth, but after a while, she can't help but ask again.

” Young hero, can I have your name? I'll definitely repay you for your help. ”
” What can you repay me for? Even if you wanna marry me, you also only have half a life left. ”
” …As a young hero, you can't look down on injured folks. ”
” Gao Chen. ”
” A good name. ”

Gao chen keep his mouth shut and carry her all the way back to a… cave. Looking around at the empty cave, Liu Qinghuan pauses for a bit before stating.

” This… is the headquarters of your Seven Stars cult? ”
” Un. ”
” You're the leader? ”
” Un. ”
” Where's your fellow members? ”
” …Not found yet. ”
” ………. ”

This cult is failing too badly, Du Juan at least have 2 members.

Putting her onto a bed made out of gra.s.s, the youth turn and left the cave. Looking at the gra.s.s underneath her, Liu Qinghuan mouth twitches.

Oh well, she should be grateful at least it's not on rocks.

But come to think of it, aren't him afraid of living on a haunted hill? She blinks, and lay down.

Madam Hu didn't sleep a wink the entire night. Although they struggle for a living, but they haven't done any law-breaking stuff. This time, they send a girl to the Ma Family, and since then, she has been really restless about it. But when she think about her own daughter, who only turn 16, she force herself to stop thinking.

They saved that girl's life and didn't she also said that she wants to repay them?

Consoling herself like that, Madam Hu walk out of the chicken pen. Just when she has boil some water, a loud noise can be heard outside.

Putting aside all the ch.o.r.es, she run outside to take a look, only be shocked. A large troop of soldiers standing neatly in a row outside her courtyard. Not only is the one leading it handsome, the entire troop are smart and imposing-looking. One look and anyone can see that they are from the capital, a world of difference from the local constables.

Madam Hu stand there, stunned, not even daring to breath. The leader walk towards her, asking.

” Madam, you don't need to be afraid, we're just here to look for a person. ”
” a person? ”

Listening to the gorgeous general with a even s.e.xier voice in front of her, she can't help but think if there is really a murderer on the run.

Xue Mu wave to the one behind him, who then walk forward with a portrait. Once the portrait is unraveled, Madam Hu gasp at the beautiful girl. I-isn't this Miss Ji whom her husband brought back a few days ago?!

Looking at her, Xue Mu brows lift slightly.

” Have Madam seen her? ”
” N-no. ”

Xue Mu gaze is so sharp that Madam Hu subconsciously s.h.i.+ft her eyes away. The soldier standing next to them push the portrait forward and said stiffly.

” Madam, you better take a closer look and don't hide anything from our general! ”
” I-I really haven't! ”

She wrings hands nervously, her head even lower. Xue Mu stare at her, his deep voice stating.

” Lift your head up. ”

She does, and thus met with Xue Mu eyes. He stare at her silently, his gaze like a sword slicing into her heart. She has never seen that kind of eyes before, and her face flush white from fright.

” I.. You… you can't be that overbearing cousin, can you… ”

Miss Ji never once said her cousin is a general!

The soldier immediately angrily said.

” How bold of you! This here is Yong Ning Marquise, the great General Xue! ”

As ill-informed and ignorant as Madam Hu is, she has heard of the great name of Xue Mu. With a pale face full of shock, she look at the picture the soldier is holding, stammering.

” T-then t-this i-is… ”
” The Marquise's wife, Madam Hou, of course! ”

Madam Hu legs buckle and she kneel on the floor.

At Magistrate Ma place, there are a few soldiers visiting as well. Looking at the Mongolian youth in front of him, he angrily said.

” The fire cult is too much, to even dare s.n.a.t.c.h the Marquise's wife! ”

Peng Peng nod heavily and hand the portrait over to him.

” This is Madam's portrait, if Magistrate Ma even see her, please inform us quickly. ”
” Definitely, definitely! ”

He would love to have suckled up this golden goose any chance he have. Thinking about it, he slowly unravel the portrait. After taking a look, he also almost kneel onto the floor.

” T-this is Madam Hou?! ”

Peng Peng observes his expression and walk forward.

” Magistrate Ma seen her before? ”
” I… This… ”

Isn't she Hu Lingsan from the Hu family?! When has she turn into Madam Hou?! With a miserable face, he stare at the portrait, thinking that this time, he most definitely can't keep his job.

Loud footsteps can be heard outside as a large troop of soldiers rush in. Peng Peng look surprisingly at Xue Mu, who suddenly appear. But the more surprising thing is seeing him walk up to Magistrate Ma and lift him up by his collar, yelling.

” WHERE IS SHE?! ”
” Forgive me, Marquise, forgive me! ”

Magistrate Ma is frighten out of his wits as he keep begging for forgiveness. Xue Mu can't wait to tear him apart, not to mention about forgiving him.

” I, the Marquise, is asking, where is she? ”
” S-she has been seized yesterday! ”
” What is going on? ”

Peng Peng ask, a face of surprise. Seeing that, a soldier nearby walk up and whisper into his ear.

” Magistrate Ma took Madam Hou to perform a ghost marriage with his dead son. ”
” ………. ”

What a unusual and twisty story. Now, Peng Peng only has 3 words in his head. He is dead.

Xue Mu throw Magistrate Ma onto the floor, his sword by his neck.

” By who and where?! ”
” W-west hill, n-not sure b-by who… ”
” You better not be lying to me. ”
” I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare! ”

Keeping his sword, he commend Peng Peng.

” Tie him up, and search the hill. ”

When Liu Qinghuan wakes up, the day is already bright. She stirs, and find a blanket of gra.s.s on her. Looking over to the entrance of the cave, she doesn't see Gao Chen's figure anywhere. Sitting up, she shouts towards the entrance.

” Hero Gao? ”
” Why the noise? ”

Hearing his voice from the outside, Liu Qinghuan make her way outside, and find him making mushroom soup. Sitting next to the fireplace, she glance inside the pot.

” Smells good, but there's no poisonous mushroom inside, is there? ”
” I've live here for 15 years, I can spot a poisonous mushroom with just a look. ”
” How admirable, how admirable. You're 15? ”
” Drink it. ”

Gao Chen push a bowl of soup in her face. She pouts and begin drinking. After eating her fill, she glances at Gao Chen and stand up.

” Thanks for young hero's care, I shan't bother you any longer. ”

Just when she have taken 2 steps, Gao Chen yell.

” That's not the way down. ”

Liu Qinghuan feet stop and she turn, smiling.

” Hero Gao may not know but my mother's health isn't so good. I heard there's a rare mushroom here and is thinking of picking it for my mother. ”
” There's a demon here, you aren't scared of being eaten? ”
” You just said you have been living here for 15 years and is still alive so I figured the demon is just a myth. ”
” I might be alive, but that doesn't mean you would be too. ”
” Sounds reasonable, or… you know who the demon is? ”

Gao Chen raises his brow and reevaluate Liu Qinghuan. Although he heard rumors that Magistrate Ma had looked for a farmer's daughter, but this person in front of him, no matter the looks or aura, doesn't look like one.

Just when he is about to open his mouth, he frown.

” Someone is here, and it's a lot of them. ”

Liu Qinghuan brows lift as Gao Chen stand up.

” Go in first. ”

Thinking about it, she obediently goes into the cave.

Xue Mu and company soon find this cave on the hill. In front of the cave stand a young man, staring unblinkingly at him. The young man doesn't look more than 15-6, but an impressive aura, like a martial art master. After seizing him up in a few glance, Xue Mu ask.

” Have you seen a lady here last night? ”
” No. ”

Xue Mu eyes gleams and he move forward, when Gao Chen suddenly attack. Xue Mu dodge it with a hair breath and unsheathe his sword at the same time.

Seeing that the young man is actually attacking their general, the soldiers want to surround him, only to be hold back by Peng Peng.

” What's the hurry? If our General can't even beat a kid, how is he going to survive in the army? ”

The soldiers gulp and stand their place.

In just a move, Gao chen know he is not Xue Mu's match. But these guys look dangerous and he, as the leader of Seven Stars, cannot allow any trouble at his Seven Stars Cult doorstep!

The sound of the exchange of weapons reach Liu Qinghuan's ears and after hesitating for a bit, she still run towards the entrance to take a look.

As expected, it's Xue Mu.

She did not expect that he would find her so fast but seeing the urgent situation, she stop thinking and yell.

” Marquise! ”

Xue Mu sharply stop and glance in her direction.

” Qing Qing? ”

Gao Mu's sword slash the air as Xue Mu is immediately standing next to Liu Qinghuan.

” Qing Qing… ”

He look at her, his eyes so full of emotions that in the end, he simply hug her tightly.

The wound on Liu Qinghuan's waist start hurting and just when she is about speak up, a coughing fit hits her. Xue Mu loosen his hold on her and nervously look at her.

” What happened to you? ”

She covers her mouth, and cough a mouthful of blood. Xue Mu face goes pale and he grab her wrist.

” Qing Qing, what happened to you?! ”

Gao Chen calmly keep his sword as he said.

” She said it's tuberculosis. ”
” ……. ”

Xue Mu frown, his expression as stern as ever in spite of the joke. In one swoop, he carry her up.

” We're going back. ”
” Wait! I have something to say! ”
” I'l listen when we get back. ”
” No, it'll be too late then! ”

Xue Mu face darken as he stare at her, before tightly carrying her inside the cave. Looking at them, Gao Chen want to say that it's his Seven Star s.p.a.ce but he decide to keep quiet.

Inside the cave, Xue Mu lay her down on the bed of gra.s.s and he himself sits down beside her.

” We'll be going back after you finish talking. ”

Looking at his sullen face, Liu Qinghuan take the painting of《Blue Lotus · Summer》out of her sleeve.

” I found the rest of the map. ”