Liu Qinghuan enjoyed her lunch which then, as though as an alarm rang, Tang Zhibo stroll into the room. Spotting Liu Qinghuan sitting in front of the table, he smiles.
” Did Lady Du Juan have a great lunch? ”
” It’s all great before you came. ”
” Since Lady Du Juan doesn’t wish to see me, I shall introduce another person to you. ”
Liu Qinghuan’s eyebrows twitches but she stay silent, as another figure walk out from behind Tang Zhibo, stopping in front of her. That person have on a long Fire Beseeching Cult robe and a mask covering his face, staring silently at her.
After staring at each other for a while, that person then raises his hand and takes off his mask.
It is a man around the 40s, looking condescendingly at her, a natural aura of royalty all around him, letting everyone knows that he one of the royalty. For that, Liu Qinghuan only have 1 guess.
Duke Ling Nan.
Tang Zhibo take a step back.
” This is my foster father. ”
Making a face of one suddenly registering that fact, Liu Qinghuan said.
” Oh, so it’s the duke. ”
Did the Emperor knows that this Duke is not staying at his place but running all around the place?
After staring at her for a while, Duke Ling Nan finally speaks.
” The map you gave Aersi is a fake. ”
” Why did the Duke say that? ”
Liu Qinghuan responses in slight surprise, taken aback by how that is the first sentence he said. He stay silent, and Liu Qinghuan thinks about it on her own, before realizing it.
” Can it be that the Duke went to search according to the map? That means you have the《Armeniaca Mume· Winter》? ”
” You have too many questions. ”
Liu Qinghuan shut her mouth sulkily. Seeing that she’s quiet, Duke Ling Nan then speaks.
” Hand the real map over. ”
Liu Qinghuan rolls her eyes in her heart. Look at this tone of voice, the moment he open his mouth and it’s an order. As expected of a duke. She then looks at him confusingly, stating innocently.
” But that’s the real map that I gave him. ”
Duke Ling Nan stares at her silently. If stares could kill, Liu Qinghuan would already be slashed into a million bits.
Liu Qinghuan takes in all the ‘stare daggers’ the Duke is sending her as her eyes sparkles as innocently as ever.
” Duke, I only swindled the painting over from Zhou Jingjing because I thought it’s worth a lot. It was only after Xue Mu told me about the secret before I knew about it. At that time, it was only for a moment the map appeared as he splash water on it before he took it all away. If you said the map is a fake, then it is not my intention but… just maybe my memory isn’t that good. ”
The Duke continuing sending ‘stare daggers’ as he stare silently at her. Liu Qinghuan feels like she can’t take any more of the ‘daggers’.
” Duke, please trust in my sincerity. ”
” If you have that, why are you still wearing that face mask? ”
” Duke, why would you make things difficult for me? Although I promise to work with you, that didn’t mean that I would show you my real face. ”
” And yet you still claim sincerity? ”
” If the Duke is unhappy, you’re most welcome to put on that mask of yours too. ”
” ………. ”
He is not that childish. Turning to Tang Zhibo, who’s standing next to him, he said.
” You don’t have to treat a criminal this well, put her in the dungeon. ”
Liu Qinghuan eyelids twitches and she hurriedly says.
” Wait! Give me some time to think about it and maybe I can remember the map! ”
Duke Ling Nan stares at her for a bit before smiling.
” I give you a day. If by then you can’t remember anything, I’ll help you remember it. ”
” Relax, I will definitely remember it. ”
Without saying another word, the Duke turn and leave the room. Giving a look to Feng Zhi, Tang Zhibo follows after. Walking in front, the Duke gives his orders in a low voice.
” Keep a tight look out on her, don’t let her have any tricks up her sleeve. ”
” Yes, Father. ”
Tang Zhibo paused.
” About Liu Qinghuan… ”
” Hmpt, that little wretch. When the time is right, she will scamper back. ”
” Yes, Father. ”
Tang Zhibo’s eyes dims as he heard that.
” Is there any movement on Xue Mu’s side? ”
” No. He just had a fight with Du Juan yesterday so he shouldn’t be coming after her. ”
” Good. ”
That Xue Mu is really a thorn at his side. When the former Emperor was still alive, he had been eyeing the throne. Till now, he have no idea why his father would pass the throne to that weak and useless brother of his. Later, using Wen Wei’s corruption case, he wanted to keep the money for himself so he could build an army but it all came to nought.
That time he massacre Liu Zhenqing’s entire family and angered the former Emperor, who then suppressed his every move so he could only conceal and bide his time. It was only when Xue Cheng died, did he think that his time had come.
That battle with the Mongolians not only wasted manpower and wealth, it had also created a huge dent on the imperial army. Many surrounding countries were eyeing this opportunity and were stirring. Many were on their toes during this period but only he was making his strategies. On one side he was visiting various officials and getting them to his side, and on another, he is conspiring with the King of Mei Wu.
The only unexpected blip in his plans was that Xue Mu, as young as he was, had already displayed his superior talent in the battlefield, wielding victories whenever he goes.
In the battle against Mei Wu, Xue Mu, in just one fight, send them scattering back with their tails in between their legs. This victory not only cleared the gloom covering Chang-An but also made him famous.
And when he returned from the battle, the former Emperor personally went to received him. A young general merely 14 in age, yet full of mettle.
Like father like son.
These 4 words popped into his head when he went with the former Emperor to received Xue Mu. It was also during this time that he wanted him for himself.
Although he didn’t get the support of Minister Liu, he managed to get Tang Zhibo and Liu Qinghuan close. Even if he always had a guard against Liu Qinghuan, having another pawn in his hands is always a good thing. And maybe, this pawn might be the best one yet.
Everyone have a weakness. And Xue Mu’s weakness is Liu Qinghuan.
When the day folds, Xue Mu goes over to the main bedroom. Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are in there, staring at each other.
Madam is missing and Sir didn’t allocate them to other places, causing them to have plenty of free time on their hands. The moment they spot Xue Mu walking in, they bolted up and hurriedly greet him.
” Sir! ”
Nodding at them, he said.
” I’ll be sleeping here tonight. ”
That surprises the both of them and for a moment, they are left in confusion. But when Xue Mu lift his legs and walk straight inside, they finally woken up.
” We shall clean the place up for Sir! ”
Everything inside the room had been used by Madam, even the bed sheets. No matter what, they should change a new set for the Marquise.
” No need, just leave it like that. ”
That sentence hit a pause button on both of the maids action as they look at each other before politely leaving the room.
After cleaning up, Xue Mu lies down on the bed.
The entire place is fill with her smell, as if she is by his side. Burying his head into the pillow, he carefully takes in the leftover scent.
” Qing Qing…. ”
He can’t help but call out, curling the blanket into his arms, as if hugging a person.
As night falls, Liu Qinghuan glances at the still very energetic Feng Zhi and yawn.
” Aren’t you sleepy? ”
Although she can’t see the sky from where she is, by her tiredness she knows that it is quite late at the moment. Feng Zhi looks at her and smile.
” I am not sleepy, if Miss is, please feel free to go to bed. ”
” Sure. ”
As Liu Qinghuan prepares to climb onto the bed, she spot something black skittering out from under the bed, giving her a fright.
” Ah! ”
She screams, pointing it out.
” What is that?! ”
Feng Zhi follows her finger down and see something like a roach yet unlike one, skittering all over the floor, finally stopping near the table.
” It’s just a cockroach Miss, you don’t have to be this frightened. ”
Although Feng Zhi have on a face of calmness, Liu Qinghuan still have a face full of fright.
” I hate cockroach the most! Kill it! Quick! ”
Feng Zhi rolls her eyes. Just a cockroach and she’s this scared? Looking at Liu Qinghuan, she knows if she don’t kill this bug tonight, Liu Qinghuan might scream till dawn breaks. Pursing her lips, Feng Zhi walks up and as if sensing her getting nearer, it shivers it’s feelers.
” How long are you going to stare into each other’s eyes?! Kill it, quick! ”
Liu Qinghuan covers herself in the blanket, screaming loudly. Feng Zhi frowns and lifts her feet to finish it once and for all, but who knows, this little thing squeals and start flying! She almost thought it’s a huge fly instead.
She pauses, surprised as the little thing flies in front of her, and spurts a gas of smoke in her face. As Feng Zhi faints from the smoke, the last thought on her mind is that it’s not a cockroach nor a fly, but a sneaky little weasel.
With her face covered under the blanket, Liu Qinghuan wait till the smoke disperse and takes out a bamboo container from her sleeve. Opening it, the little black thing flies back into the container.
Lu Qinghuan smile, and keep the container carefully back into her sleeve.
Walking over to Feng Zhi, she hits a few of her acupuncture points, before dusting her hands satisfactorily.
Tang Zhibo said that Feng Zhi’s martial arts is good, but why should she face her head on? She could… use dirty tricks like this!
Liu Qinghuan enjoyed her lunch which then, as though as an alarm rang, Tang Zhibo stroll into the room. Spotting Liu Qinghuan sitting in front of the table, he smiles.
” Did Lady Du Juan have a great lunch? ”
” It’s all great before you came. ”
” Since Lady Du Juan doesn’t wish to see me, I shall introduce another person to you. ”
Liu Qinghuan’s eyebrows twitches but she stay silent, as another figure walk out from behind Tang Zhibo, stopping in front of her. That person have on a long Fire Beseeching Cult robe and a mask covering his face, staring silently at her.
After staring at each other for a while, that person then raises his hand and takes off his mask.
It is a man around the 40s, looking condescendingly at her, a natural aura of royalty all around him, letting everyone knows that he one of the royalty. For that, Liu Qinghuan only have 1 guess.
Duke Ling Nan.
Tang Zhibo take a step back.
” This is my foster father. ”
Making a face of one suddenly registering that fact, Liu Qinghuan said.
” Oh, so it’s the duke. ”
Did the Emperor knows that this Duke is not staying at his place but running all around the place?
After staring at her for a while, Duke Ling Nan finally speaks.
” The map you gave Aersi is a fake. ”
” Why did the Duke say that? ”
Liu Qinghuan responses in slight surprise, taken aback by how that is the first sentence he said. He stay silent, and Liu Qinghuan thinks about it on her own, before realizing it.
” Can it be that the Duke went to search according to the map? That means you have the《Armeniaca Mume· Winter》? ”
” You have too many questions. ”
Liu Qinghuan shut her mouth sulkily. Seeing that she’s quiet, Duke Ling Nan then speaks.
” Hand the real map over. ”
Liu Qinghuan rolls her eyes in her heart. Look at this tone of voice, the moment he open his mouth and it’s an order. As expected of a duke. She then looks at him confusingly, stating innocently.
” But that’s the real map that I gave him. ”
Duke Ling Nan stares at her silently. If stares could kill, Liu Qinghuan would already be slashed into a million bits.
Liu Qinghuan takes in all the ‘stare daggers’ the Duke is sending her as her eyes sparkles as innocently as ever.
” Duke, I only swindled the painting over from Zhou Jingjing because I thought it’s worth a lot. It was only after Xue Mu told me about the secret before I knew about it. At that time, it was only for a moment the map appeared as he splash water on it before he took it all away. If you said the map is a fake, then it is not my intention but… just maybe my memory isn’t that good. ”
The Duke continuing sending ‘stare daggers’ as he stare silently at her. Liu Qinghuan feels like she can’t take any more of the ‘daggers’.
” Duke, please trust in my sincerity. ”
” If you have that, why are you still wearing that face mask? ”
” Duke, why would you make things difficult for me? Although I promise to work with you, that didn’t mean that I would show you my real face. ”
” And yet you still claim sincerity? ”
” If the Duke is unhappy, you’re most welcome to put on that mask of yours too. ”
” ………. ”
He is not that childish. Turning to Tang Zhibo, who’s standing next to him, he said.
” You don’t have to treat a criminal this well, put her in the dungeon. ”
Liu Qinghuan eyelids twitches and she hurriedly says.
” Wait! Give me some time to think about it and maybe I can remember the map! ”
Duke Ling Nan stares at her for a bit before smiling.
” I give you a day. If by then you can’t remember anything, I’ll help you remember it. ”
” Relax, I will definitely remember it. ”
Without saying another word, the Duke turn and leave the room. Giving a look to Feng Zhi, Tang Zhibo follows after. Walking in front, the Duke gives his orders in a low voice.
” Keep a tight look out on her, don’t let her have any tricks up her sleeve. ”
” Yes, Father. ”
Tang Zhibo paused.
” About Liu Qinghuan… ”
” Hmpt, that little wretch. When the time is right, she will scamper back. ”
” Yes, Father. ”
Tang Zhibo’s eyes dims as he heard that.
” Is there any movement on Xue Mu’s side? ”
” No. He just had a fight with Du Juan yesterday so he shouldn’t be coming after her. ”
” Good. ”
That Xue Mu is really a thorn at his side. When the former Emperor was still alive, he had been eyeing the throne. Till now, he have no idea why his father would pass the throne to that weak and useless brother of his. Later, using Wen Wei’s corruption case, he wanted to keep the money for himself so he could build an army but it all came to nought.
That time he massacre Liu Zhenqing’s entire family and angered the former Emperor, who then suppressed his every move so he could only conceal and bide his time. It was only when Xue Cheng died, did he think that his time had come.
That battle with the Mongolians not only wasted manpower and wealth, it had also created a huge dent on the imperial army. Many surrounding countries were eyeing this opportunity and were stirring. Many were on their toes during this period but only he was making his strategies. On one side he was visiting various officials and getting them to his side, and on another, he is conspiring with the King of Mei Wu.
The only unexpected blip in his plans was that Xue Mu, as young as he was, had already displayed his superior talent in the battlefield, wielding victories whenever he goes.
In the battle against Mei Wu, Xue Mu, in just one fight, send them scattering back with their tails in between their legs. This victory not only cleared the gloom covering Chang-An but also made him famous.
And when he returned from the battle, the former Emperor personally went to received him. A young general merely 14 in age, yet full of mettle.
Like father like son.
These 4 words popped into his head when he went with the former Emperor to received Xue Mu. It was also during this time that he wanted him for himself.
Although he didn’t get the support of Minister Liu, he managed to get Tang Zhibo and Liu Qinghuan close. Even if he always had a guard against Liu Qinghuan, having another pawn in his hands is always a good thing. And maybe, this pawn might be the best one yet.
Everyone have a weakness. And Xue Mu’s weakness is Liu Qinghuan.
When the day folds, Xue Mu goes over to the main bedroom. Ci Tao and Qing Zhi are in there, staring at each other.
Madam is missing and Sir didn’t allocate them to other places, causing them to have plenty of free time on their hands. The moment they spot Xue Mu walking in, they bolted up and hurriedly greet him.
” Sir! ”
Nodding at them, he said.
” I’ll be sleeping here tonight. ”
That surprises the both of them and for a moment, they are left in confusion. But when Xue Mu lift his legs and walk straight inside, they finally woken up.
” We shall clean the place up for Sir! ”
Everything inside the room had been used by Madam, even the bed sheets. No matter what, they should change a new set for the Marquise.
” No need, just leave it like that. ”
That sentence hit a pause button on both of the maids action as they look at each other before politely leaving the room.
After cleaning up, Xue Mu lies down on the bed.
The entire place is fill with her smell, as if she is by his side. Burying his head into the pillow, he carefully takes in the leftover scent.
” Qing Qing…. ”
He can’t help but call out, curling the blanket into his arms, as if hugging a person.
As night falls, Liu Qinghuan glances at the still very energetic Feng Zhi and yawn.
” Aren’t you sleepy? ”
Although she can’t see the sky from where she is, by her tiredness she knows that it is quite late at the moment. Feng Zhi looks at her and smile.
” I am not sleepy, if Miss is, please feel free to go to bed. ”
” Sure. ”
As Liu Qinghuan prepares to climb onto the bed, she spot something black skittering out from under the bed, giving her a fright.
” Ah! ”
She screams, pointing it out.
” What is that?! ”
Feng Zhi follows her finger down and see something like a roach yet unlike one, skittering all over the floor, finally stopping near the table.
” It’s just a cockroach Miss, you don’t have to be this frightened. ”
Although Feng Zhi have on a face of calmness, Liu Qinghuan still have a face full of fright.
” I hate cockroach the most! Kill it! Quick! ”
Feng Zhi rolls her eyes. Just a cockroach and she’s this scared? Looking at Liu Qinghuan, she knows if she don’t kill this bug tonight, Liu Qinghuan might scream till dawn breaks. Pursing her lips, Feng Zhi walks up and as if sensing her getting nearer, it shivers it’s feelers.
” How long are you going to stare into each other’s eyes?! Kill it, quick! ”
Liu Qinghuan covers herself in the blanket, screaming loudly. Feng Zhi frowns and lifts her feet to finish it once and for all, but who knows, this little thing squeals and start flying! She almost thought it’s a huge fly instead.
She pauses, surprised as the little thing flies in front of her, and spurts a gas of smoke in her face. As Feng Zhi faints from the smoke, the last thought on her mind is that it’s not a cockroach nor a fly, but a sneaky little weasel.
With her face covered under the blanket, Liu Qinghuan wait till the smoke disperse and takes out a bamboo container from her sleeve. Opening it, the little black thing flies back into the container.
Lu Qinghuan smile, and keep the container carefully back into her sleeve.
Walking over to Feng Zhi, she hits a few of her acupuncture points, before dusting her hands satisfactorily.
Tang Zhibo said that Feng Zhi’s martial arts is good, but why should she face her head on? She could… use dirty tricks like this!
