Chapter Twelve: Yang Liuqing's Report

  Yang Liuqing not only looked radiant, but also handled matters elegantly. Within two weeks, he traveled from Liujiazhuang to the capital and back to Hujiazhuang again, not only was his speed astonishing, but he also brought back detailed information about both places. Upon returning to the manor, he dismounted his horse and immediately went to pay respects to his aunt and cousin in the main hall of the old madam's residence. The old madam, seeing how dusty and tired he looked, hastily ordered the servants to prepare water for Young Master Yang to wash his face and invited him to take a seat and have some food.

  Yang Liuqing finished washing and having a meal, looking at Old Lady Hu and her nephew Hu Zhongren. Hu Zhongren smiled slightly: "Nephew had a hard journey, why not rest first, then talk."

  Yang Liu Qing smiled brightly: "For brother's sake, I don't mind the hardship. Fortunately, I didn't disappoint you. This time when I went to the Liu's house, I made a major discovery."

  "Hurry up and tell me."

  Yang Liuqing said: "Why don't we go to the side room and have a chat."

  The old lady said: "What are you going to the side room for? Is there something that can't be said in front of me?"

  Hu Zhongren said: "Yes, what can't be said in front of mom? But it's okay to say."

  Yang Liuqing was secretly delighted, this is what you asked for, don't blame me for not reminding you. As soon as I say this, I guarantee it will stir up a thousand waves. "Then let's get straight to the point, our daughter-in-law, my younger sister-in-law, is not Liu Fengchun's biological daughter Liu Qinglian, but his adopted daughter Liu Qingqing." After finishing speaking, Yang Liuqing looked at Hu Zhongren with a smug expression, waiting for him to erupt in anger. But Hu Zhongren's face didn't change at all. The old lady also remained calm and collected. Seeing that she hadn't achieved the desired effect, Yang Liuqing quickly asked: "Aren't you angry? Is Liu Fengchun deceiving our Hu family?"

  The old lady said, "You silly child, our contract clearly states that the bride's name is Liu Qingqing, not Liu Qingjuan. And even if what you say is true, Liu Qingqing is only Liu Changchun's adopted daughter, which doesn't violate the agreement either. An adopted daughter is still a daughter, after all. We didn't specify that we had to marry Liu Qingjuan, as long as she is Liu Changchun's daughter and her embroidery skills are good enough to save our embroidery shop."

  "But the one who can embroider is his own daughter, Liu Qinglian. This Liu Qingqing cannot embroider at all, she has no use for our embroidery house, right? I think we should force Liu Fengchun to hand over his biological daughter, otherwise, even if he breaches the contract, we can take down his embroidery house and other shops."

  "Qing'er's words also make sense. Liu Fengchun clearly knew we wanted the embroiderer, Liu Qinglian, but he used a trick to swap her with this Liu Qingqing. We should teach him a lesson and let him know the consequences of deceiving the Hu family. Zhongren, what do you think?" The old lady looked at Hu Zhongren for his opinion. "As for this matter, I have my own plan. Cousin, how is the situation in Beijing?"

  "We still haven't rushed to the Liu's house, and now that Xixi has returned, no one is supervising those embroiderers, the situation is a bit tricky." Yang Liuqing replied.

  "Since things are not going well in Kyoto, let Xixi go to the capital first!" The old lady was just about to separate Hu Zhongren and Chen Xixi, and this opportunity was a good excuse. "Chuncao, go call Xixi over here and say I have something to discuss with her." Chuncao responded and left.

  "Brother-in-law, you've had a long and tiring journey, go rest first." Yang Liuqing responded with a "yes" and also left.

  "Mother, I'm going to talk to Ninth Lady." Hu Zhongren bowed to his mother and turned to leave. The old lady said: "Remember what I told you, apologize sincerely to your wife, you won't meet another wife as understanding and reasonable as her again."

  Hu Zhongren walked out of the main hall, stood on the corridor and thought for a moment. He saw Chen Xixi leading the way through the spring grass, coming towards him. He quickly hid behind a flower tree, watching them whispering to each other as they entered the main hall. He went into the stable, called Xiaozi, and said he was going to Hongcui Mountain Villa, asking him to bring out his jujube red horse. In no time, Xiaozi led the horse over. Hu Zhongren mounted the jujube red horse and galloped away. Xiaozi watched as Hu Zhongren's figure disappeared into a black dot in the distance before he quickly ran to the west wing house. "Reporting to Master Biao, Hu Shao rode his horse, saying he was going to Hongcui Mountain Villa."

  Yang Liuqing waved her hand and told the little one to go out. She changed into a soft and comfortable outfit, took some good anti-swelling ointment, and came to Liu Qingqing's bedroom.

  "Little sister-in-law, I'm here. May I come in?" Yang Liuqing said loudly outside the door of Liu Qing's bedroom.

  Xiao Lian hastily came out from inside, "Young Master, Young Master, when did you arrive? Please come in quickly, my family's Ninth Madame has a severe facial swelling and cannot personally come out to greet you."

  Yang Liu Qing strode into the bedroom, saw Liu Qing Qing leaning against the bed, her hair disheveled, and her illness was more beautiful than Xi Shi by three points. She felt as if her heart was boiling with anger, and she said resentfully: "Brother-in-law's hand is too heavy, isn't it?"

  Xiao Lian said: "Isn't Young Master Bao just back, and he already knows the whole story?"

  Yang Liuqing's face showed a hint of unnaturalness as she said, "I'm talking about what Auntie said. She said that just now, she came to Xiaotai's place and scolded her brother severely for not understanding how to cherish his wife. But it's also no wonder, who else has been in Brother's heart besides Da Xiaojie?"

  "Xiao Lian, go and serve tea to Young Master Biao." Liu Qingqing supported her cheek with one hand and instructed Xiao Lian, unintentionally making a sucking sound with her mouth.

  "Oh dear, look at my memory, I've even forgotten what I came for. This is Yu Lu Gao, it's especially effective for treating swelling and pain. Let me apply some to you." Yang Liu Qing hastily pulled out the ointment, which he had specially bought back from Kyoto after hearing that Little Sister-in-law had been beaten. He hoped to win a smile from her, or even get close enough to smell her fragrance.

  "No need to trouble yourself, young master. The old lady has already brought me the ointment and I've applied it." Liu Qingqing hastily stopped Yang Liuqing from approaching, knowing that this scoundrel was trying to take advantage of the situation.

  "What did you see when my younger cousin came to our house this time?" Liu Qingqing hastily threw out a topic, which was also what she most wanted to know at the moment. Liu Wu had delivered himself to her doorstep, saving her the trouble of going to find him herself.

  "I saw your father, Liu Laoyuanwai, he is still building the flying ship, it's said that he wants to fly into the sky." Yang Liuching spoke of what she had seen.

  "He's indeed a bit abnormal, how can he possibly fly up to the sky? He's not a god!" Liu Qingqing replied in agreement, but thought to herself, "Actually, it is possible to fly up to the sky. In our era, astronauts have even gone to the moon! And as for me, with the help of Biyu Buddha, didn't I also arrive at your place? Moreover, San Yu Hebi can bring several people through the time tunnel."

  "Your mother is very concerned about you, repeatedly asking if you are living well, if your brother-in-law is treating you well, and how the old lady is treating you!"

  "Everyone is good to me except you, except your brother!" Liu Qingqing sniffled, her red and swollen face telling the world: she was having a terrible time.

  "Yes, Brother Yang is indeed too rough on you." Yang Liuqing reached out to touch the red and swollen face of Liu Qingqing, who quickly shrank back and raised her voice: "Xiao Lian, can't you hurry up? Do you want Young Master to die of thirst?"

  Xiao Lian stepped forward a few steps, "Here it is, here it is. I just boiled the water, so it's a bit slow. Master Biao, please wait for a moment."

  Yang Liuqing shook her head repeatedly, "How could that be? I know Xiaolian is the most diligent maid!"

  Xiao Lian poured tea and went out the door, "I'll wait outside, call me if you need anything." Liu Qingqing smiled slightly, this little demon, knew her thoughts.

  "That's all for now."

  Liu Qingqing said in surprise: "Is there still no news about my sister? She told me to replace her and marry Hu Shao, didn't she go to the capital to find her beloved husband?"

  Yang Liuqing feigned surprise and said: "Aren't you Jade-Faced Weaving Maiden Liu Qinglian?"

  Liu Qingqing said: "Of course I'm not, she's my sister. Otherwise, would I be able to weave and embroider? Would I have to take a slap in the face?"

  "Speak a little softer, are you afraid that your brother-in-law will find out that you're not the real deal and settle accounts with your old man? Are you afraid he'll know he's been deceived and divorce you?" Yang Liuqing waved her hand to signal Liu Qingqing to lower her voice.

  Liu Qingqing said, "You've already reported to Old Lady and Hu Shao that I'm Liu Qingqing. If I don't perform as you say, it would be unfair to your efforts." With a completely sincere expression on her face, she said, "He's known all along that I'm an imposter. I confessed to him on our wedding night, so if he wanted to divorce me, he would have done it then. Why wait until now?"

  Yang Liu Qing was secretly shocked in her heart, her brother-in-law had already known the true identity of Liu Qing Qing, probably calling me over was just to verify it, fortunately I didn't lie, otherwise... But she was extremely puzzled and unknowingly spoke out her doubts. "But why wasn't he angry? And didn't scold me?"

  Liu Qing smiled sweetly and said, "Of course it's because he fell in love with me at first sight and can't bear to part with me."

  "Ah, ah." Yang Liuqing said with a forced smile. In his heart, he was secretly thinking: Brother-in-law, since you truly like little sister-in-law, heh heh, sorry, I must seduce her and make you suffer terribly. "Alright, little sister-in-law, take good care of your illness, I'll come visit you again in two days." After saying that, he placed the Jade Dew Cream on the bedside table and respectfully exited the room.

  Jiang Liuqing walked away, and Xiao Lian returned to the dormitory. "Madam Jiǔ, it seems that Old Madam Hu and Master Hu have already acknowledged your identity as the legitimate wife of the Hu family and won't bother Mr. Liu's family anymore. In this case, do you still want to leave?"

  "You say, what's our next move?" Liu Qingqing took out the Jade Dew Cream. "Xiao Lian, come and apply some on me to see its effect."

  Xiao Lian said: "You really dare to use it, Young Master Biao's mind is very heavy, be careful he harms you and loses half of your face."

  Liu Qingqing laughed, "You really are suspicious of everything. Yang Liuqing has been coveting me for a long time and wants to take me down, how could he possibly harm me and make me ugly? Besides, I used to disguise myself as an ugly woman without makeup, and they didn't reject me then. Now, it should be better than that time, shouldn't it?"

  Xiao Lian opened the raindrop bottle and gently applied a little to the swollen area. A miracle appeared, and the redness on Liu Qingqing's face disappeared. Liu Qingqing only felt a cool sensation on her face, picked up the mirror and took a look, and found that her skin had returned to its original pale complexion. "How amazing!"

  Xiao Lian picked up the jade dew cream, carefully examining it. "Ah, so it's actually the Jiu Hua Jade Dew Cream! Master Tiao really went to great lengths for you."

  Liu Qingqing smiled and asked: "What do you mean by this?"

  Xiao Lian said: "This is the unique ointment of Yue's medicine shop, not to mention eliminating this small redness, even if it's rotten and exposed bones, it can remove corruption and regenerate flesh. As long as you have a thread of life, within nine days, I can return you to a lively and healthy person. This is something that can't be bought with a thousand pieces of gold in the market."

  Liu Qingqing heard this and secretly cursed: "What's wrong with me? Is it necessary to flatter me like this? Isn't using me like this a waste of talent?"

  Xiao Lian smiled and said, "This Ninth Lady doesn't need to worry, it must be that Young Master Biao proposed Hu Shao's name and got it without spending a single penny. However, Young Master Biao's intentions should not be underestimated. In the past, he used all his tricks to seduce several ladies, and when it comes to pursuing women, Young Master Biao has a set of skills that are unparalleled. When it comes to abandoning them, he is also unmatched."

  "Oh no, don't say that! If I couldn't resist his masculine charm, wouldn't I end up in a terrible state?" Liu Qingqing covered her ears and pretended to scream, but in her heart she was shouting: Yang Liuqing, come on and make your move, I'll definitely take you down, and enjoy your good looks.

  Xiao Lian also shouted: "Madam Jiǔ, you'd better not show the expression of a fox seeing a chicken, it's too scary. You should think carefully about what to do next."

  "Right, let's think about what to do next. Let me think for a moment... Ah, yes! You continue observing at home, and I'll go to the North Garden to see if that Casimodo has returned?" Liu Qingqing hid the Jade Dew Cream in her bosom, planning to go out and take a look at whether Ren Zhonghu had returned. After all, he was the one who had taken 500 silver coins out of the door, which was a large sum of money. Let's see if the brave warrior would return triumphantly under the heavy reward.