Chapter 101 – Damaging Nalan Manor's Reputation
His cultivation base is so high, yet he unexpectedly couldn't tell at all that this person is a woman disguised as a man.
He Xi didn't panic, because for her, Bai Hu knowing her true gender was simply an insignificant matter. However, just thinking about Nalan Manor, and also Nalan Feixue, who caused the death of Nalan He Xi, the corner of her mouth raised slightly, revealing a cold expression.
Her hand gently moved, like the flutter of a thin cicada wing, and suddenly a human skin mask appeared in her hand. After lightly wiping her face, she then applied the mask.
In the next moment, her youthful delicate skin, with an elegant and beautiful appearance, had now transformed into that of an ugly girl. Her complexion was now malnourished and sickly, with her skin dried up and swollen around her eyes.
Bai Hu look stunned as he pointed at He Xi's face, speechless for half a day.
At this moment, a rough and fierce roar burst forth from the door, "Get off! Don't you know who I am? How dare you block me, you all must be really impatient to die!"
The backyard's gate was savagely pushed open, and an unusually tall and sturdy man dressed in blue walked in with large strides.
From his appearance, he looked to be around forty years old. With a fierce looking face and the tip of his eyes slightly squinting, he emitted a ruthless aura.
This man's name is Qin Lu, he's a slave from Nalan Manor and was one of Zhang Dezhong's men. Due to the disappearance of Zhang Dezhong some time ago, Qin Lu had filled the gap of his absence and was promoted to Head Butler. He was currently very proud of his success.
However, once Bai Hu saw him, his face revealed nothing but disdain. This man was merely trash on the third rank of the Qi Refining stage. If he were to be assigned a place in Hell King Manor, he wouldn't even be able to find work sweeping the floor at the most remote courtyard.
Wet Nurse Chen was terrified, yet still quickly walked forwards and blocked him, saying, "Butler Qin, we are honoured by your presence, but whatever is the matter? It's better to tell this old slave, this old slave will then pass it on to Miss."
"Get out of the way, damned old woman!" Qin Lu raised his foot and kicked Wet Nurse Chen, then said with disdain, "Who do you think you are! What sort of qualifications do you have to speak to me! Quickly call Nalan He Xi out here, I came here with orders from Madam."
Finished speaking, he no longer looked at Wet Nurse Chen and taking big strides, he walked into the backyard.
Yet just as he entered the backyard, Qin Lu's footsteps halted, his face showing a surprised expression.
Not only was He Xi sitting in the yard, casually drinking tea from a cup she held, but standing beside her there was a little girl who was arranging refreshments for her, while several tall and strong men were guarding her.
Close by her side, there stood a graceful and outstanding man who was unfamiliar to Qin Lu, yet he had a sinister looking smile upon his face as he looked at him.
Qin Lu couldn't believe his eyes. Is she really that Third Miss, Nalan He Xi, who would only keep her head down while shrinking her shoulders and crying?
He looked carefully at her again. If it's not Third Miss, then who else could it be? Who else had that same pale complexion, with the same ordinary physical body without spiritual power?
Humph, she's only trash! Did she think she could threaten me just by gathering some ordinary people to fill this yard?
She's dreaming!
Thinking till here, Qin Lu's anger increased, so walking forwards in large strides he arrogantly faced Nalan He Xi and sneered, "Third Miss really has great style! I haven't see you in a few months, yet from where did Third Miss manage to hook these wild men? Clearly you aren't afraid that your reputation as a fickle woman would spread to the public, damaging Nalan Manor's good reputation."
Chapter 102 – Properly Teach You A Lesson
He Xi hadn't yet responded when Bai Hu suddenly burst into laughter, "Nalan Manor's good reputation? I'm really sorry, but how come I didn't know about Nalan Manor's good reputation? Didn't the Second Miss from your Nalan Manor, Nalan Feixue, seduce Young Master Zhu Zhongba from the Zhu family? The news that she stripped him using violent means has already spread everywhere. Still using her strength against him, even though you can tell with one look that Zhu Zhongba is trash…tsk tsk, the people from Nalan Manor are really well educated!"
Once Qin Lu heard Bai Hu's words, his face turned red. With his eyes expressing how humiliated and angry he was, his body slightly trembled with his rage.
Even He Xi wore a surprised expression on her face.
Oh? It was unexpected that the rumour had spread to such a wild degree that it has already reached Yan Jing city!
This news really pleased her because if it wasn't thanks to Bai Hu, she never would have heard such amusing news as she had been busy lately with sorting out her space, and helping Xi Jia and the others with their training.
Thinking of this, she raised her head and glanced at Bai Hu with appreciation.
Bai Hu straightened his posture, immediately beaming with joy. Aiya! Young Master Xi Yue…wrong, it should be Miss Nalan! She's finally not angry anymore, there'll be no problem with the food in the future now.
Qin Lu finally recovered his wits and wanted to rush over to give Bai Hu a lesson right away.
However, the atmosphere focused around Bai Hu couldn't help but cause him to shudder. Although Bai Hu had restrained the power in his cultivation base, due to his rank, it was impossible for it not to make an impact, resulting in Qin Lu instinctively feeling fear.
He was used to being the one who took unfair advantage of a situation to bully others, so in the face of Bai Hu's aura, he had no courage, immediately choosing to rush towards He Xi instead, "Little slut, isn't it you who incited your pretty boy to slander our Second Miss and Nalan Manor? Nalan Manor raised you for so many years, yet you're a slut who kicks their benefactor! Not only do you not know how to be grateful, you even let your lover slander Nalan Manor. On behalf of Madam and Second Miss, I will now give you a proper lesson!"
Previously, when Qin Lu had followed Zhang Dezhong to this courtyard to deliver food, he had also used the opportunity to torture this Third Miss. Because although Nalan He Xi had the noble title as the Third Miss of the Nalan family, her nature was one of an incompetent coward, and when facing a beating and getting scolded, she could only weep.
Whenever he thought of himself beating the Third Miss, seeing her shivering pitiful body, his tyrannical heart would become excited.
Therefore, when he thought he would get to beat her again, with this Third Miss curled at his feet and begging for mercy, his face flushed while his body trembled due to excitement.
Bai Hu noticed the evil glint in Qin Lu's eyes, which made his own eyes turn cold.
She is the person Master cares about and cherishes, yet unexpectedly this guy dares to be so arrogant and humiliate her! He should just die a thousand times!
However, before Bai Hu could make a move, Zhangsan, who had been standing on the side, suddenly rushed forward. With his hands as fast as lightning, he pressed down on Qin Lu's shoulder, buckling it as he forcefully poured in his spiritual power. Qin Lu felt a sharp pain in his meridians, making him unable to move even a single step.
Then, Zhangsan lifted his foot, ruthlessly kicking Qin Lu's knee. With a heavy sounding 'thump', Qin Lu was forced to kneel on the ground, while his head was also pushed down, resulting in him kowtowing to Hexi.
A piercing pain came from his knee, and following that pain, his meridians being invaded by spiritual power caused him to release a pained howl.
He Xi, who was still sitting beside a stone table, was acting like she didn't hear or see any of it. Leisurely, she reached across, and grabbing a piece of sugar steamed cheese that Xiao Li had prepared, she gracefully placed it into her mouth.
Chapter 103 – I’ll Let You Die Ugly
This sugar steamed cheese made use of the spiritual fruit and spiritual flowers from her space. Specially mixed with water from the Ninth Secluded Spirit Spring, its flavour was fresher and more delicate compared to the famous desserts from her previous world. Most important of all, was that it also helped in nursing the spiritual energy to circulate in the body, and stabilising the endurance of the meridians. Recently this has become the favourite dessert of Xiao Li and He Xi.
Bai Hu watched helplessly on the side as He Xi and Xiao Li were eating. As the fragrance of the food reached his nose and distracted him, his stomach began to rumble.
Finally, Xiao Li couldn’t stand his pitiful expression any longer, and after obtaining permission from
He Xi, she then carried a few desserts over to him while beaming.
At this time, Qin Lu who had been howling due to the sharp pain he felt, slowly came to his senses. Struggling with all his might, he twisted around to see who the person was that had pressed him into the ground. His face was distorted from his anger, but suddenly, shock was visible in every feature instead.
Zhangsan…unexpectedly, it was Zhangsan! However, his cultivation base was only at rank two of the Qi Refining stage, how could he beat him?
With a sneak attack, right?! This must be because he was momentarily unguarded, so Zhangsan used that opportunity to smoothly attack him, that’s all!
Thinking till here, Qin Lu shouted loudly in anger, “Zhangsan you dog, don’t you know who I am? I’m currently the External Manager for Nalan Manor! Did you dare touch me because you’ve eaten leopard guts?! Release me immediately, did you hear me?! Otherwise I will make it so that you die in an extremely ugly way!”
Qin Lu’s duty as an External Manager is to manage this outside courtyard, so it can be said that every slave belonging to Nalan Manor staying in this courtyard, including Zhangsan and the others, were all his subordinates. It was up to him how he wished to handle them, therefore he was furious.
Zhangsan’s eyes showed a carefree smile, and with a deep voice he said, “Qin Lu, who do you think you are? I now only recognize Young Miss as my Master.”
The moment that Zhangsan became controlled by He Xi, his state of mind was completely lost. At first, he had been filled with despair at the thought of spending his lifetime as an ignorant and unfeeling puppet.
However with the passage of time, his consciousness had become clearer, and apart from not being able to go against He Xi's commands or hurting her, himself and the others were gradually no different from ordinary people.
Furthermore, once they drank Miss’s special herbal drink, Zhangsan and the others were pleasantly surprised as their cultivation bases started to rise after being stagnant for a long time. Zhangsan, who had had the highest cultivation base amongst them, finally managed to break through to rank three of the Qi Refining stage.
Afterwards, Zhangsan and the others were fiercely dedicated to serving He Xi as their Master. Not just an insignificant manager from Nalan Manor, but even if the Madam from Nalan Manor personally came, they were only willing to obey Miss’s commands.
After hearing Zhangsan speak, Qin Lu just stared blankly. Then, due to his anger, he started trembling all over, his spiritual power even began to sharply increase.
No matter how much he thought about it, he just couldn’t understand. Zhangsan is a slave from Nalan Manor, and previously he was respectful towards him! How can he now be such a traitor, acting like a dog that kneeled and licked that useless Third Miss?!
So the next moment, the spiritual power in Qin Lu’s body suddenly burst forth, and fiercely shaking off Zhangsan’s suppression, he sent him flying with a kick.
Although Zhangsan had broken through to rank three of the Qi Refining stage, he still couldn’t compare with Qin Lu who had already been on rank three of the Qi Refining stage for many years, resulting in his strength only being able to last for a short length of time.
After kicking Zhangsan away, without the slightest hesitation, Qin Lu rushed towards He Xi. He wanted to tear her to pieces, his eyes red with rage.
He Xi stopped Bai Hu and Xi Jia, as well as the others, as they all moved to take action. Withdrawing the Bone Whip from the Storage Ring on her finger, she lightly waved her wrist, casually sending the whip in the direction of Qin Lu as he rushed closer towards her.
It was like the white whip had eyes as it flew like a spirit snake straight towards Qin Lu’s body. Obviously it looked like not much strength had been used and would be weak, yet when the whip thrashed Qin Lu’s body, its strength abruptly increased.
“AH AHH—-!”
Qin Lu issued continuous shrill screams as he once again he fell into a kneeling position on the ground with a thump.
Chapter 104 – Vicious Woman Who Treats The Concubine’s Daughter Severely
The whip landed accurately on Qin Lu’s body like rain, and no matter how much he used his spiritual power to dodge, he was unable to avoid the whip that made him feel like his flesh was being torn.
This kind of torture continued for half an incense stick length of time before it ended, and by now, Qin Lu was lying in severe pain on the ground, tears and mucus running down his face.
Bai Hu looked at He Xi playing with the whip as it flashed through the air like a dance, and his admiration towards her increased.
Obviously she is an ordinary person who lacked a cultivation base, yet by just relying on a Bone Whip, she was able to beat up a martial artist on the Qi Refining stage until he was scared witless!
“Young…Miss Nalan, your method of disciplining slaves is extremely brilliant.”
He Xi raised her head and noticed Bai Hu’s fawning smile, so she faintly said, “Then how about I teach this method to your Master too!”
Bai Hu’s expression abruptly froze, and quickly lowering his head, he no longer dared to speak.
If this method was taught to Master, then who would be the people he would discipline? Wouldn’t it be them, his subordinates?
Miss Nalan was really too sinister!
At this moment, Qin Lu gradually returned to his senses, and stubbornly supporting his sore body, he slowly got up from the ground, fiercely saying, “Third Miss, for what reason do you beat me? I was personally appointed by Madam to manage the external Manor’s affairs, and Madam ordered me to come here to find you. You’ve so arrogantly humiliated me, do you want to disgrace Madam’s face by stepping on her with your foot?!”
He Xi sneered, her face not showing the least bit of fear like Qin Lu had anticipated, instead, there was only coldness and contempt, “Who do you think you are to be able to stand on behalf of Madam’s face?”
Seeing the displeasure revealed in Qin Lu’s expression, the contempt in He Xi's eyes increased, “I’ll tell you now, you’re merely just a dog from Nalan Manor, and I, even if not favoured, is still Nalan Manor’s Third Miss. You, as a dog, has dared to run in front of your owner to bark. I’m simply teaching you what is right and proper, so even if you were to complain in front of Madam, what do you think what she can do for you?”
“Hehe! Wouldn’t it be better if I ordered people to make this matter public? I can tell them that the Madam of Nalan Manor incited Butler Qin Lu to come to my courtyard to behave atrociously, even threatening to beat me up. We’ll see at that time if the people of Yan Jing city feel that I am arrogant, or comment that the kind and virtuous Madam Nalan is in fact actually a black hearted and vicious wife who treats the concubine’s daughter severely!”
Bai Hu standing on the side excitedly volunteered himself, “I’m an expert in spreading gossip for this kind of matter! Miss Nalan, you just give this matter to me to handle. I promise that in less than half a day, Madam Nalan’s new reputation will be known by everyone, even the people in Imperial city won’t be left out.”
He Xi almost choked on the tea she was drinking when she heard what was said. She really hadn’t expected that the Hell King’s personal bodyguard would have a hobby of gossiping like a meddling old woman!
Whereas for Qin Lu, once he heard these words his complexion became extremely ugly, his heart filling with panic.
Madam Nalan maintained a noble and benevolent appearance in Yan Jing city, if her reputation was ruined because of him, he didn’t dare imagine the consequences.
Moreover, this time the Madam had purposely ordered him to ask Third Miss to return. This Third Miss currently still had value as a commodity, so Madam would absolutely not dispose of her yet. Ultimately, the only one with bad luck is him.
Thinking of this, Qin Lu felt cold sweat drip down his forehead, his eyes flashed, and finally he lowered his head, unwillingly saying, “Third Miss please don’t talk nonsense! Madam is most fair and benevolent when handling affairs, she absolutely wouldn’t treat a concubine’s daughter severely. Just a moment ago, I was the one who was too rude and impetuous, offending Third Miss. I ask Third Miss to please forgive me.”
Chapter 105 – Return To Nalan Manor?
After saying all this he straightened back up again, and with an aloof manner said, "I came today to present to you Madam's order. Madam said that during childhood Third Miss made a mistake, so she assigned you to live in this remote courtyard as a punishment. Now that you've lived in this courtyard for many years already, it can be considered that you've learned your lesson. Therefore, Madam and Master have kindly sent me to come take Third Miss back to Nalan Manor."
Qin Lu finished speaking, his face proud as he waited for He Xi to shed tears of gratitude and kneel as she thanked him.
One must know that returning to Nalan Manor, or remaining in this courtyard, the treatment she would receive is like heaven and earth. Nalan Hexi was abandoned from an early age and lived a life worse than the servants. Now that she was finally able to return, she would definitely be insane if she wasn't happy.
Wet Nurse Chen who was standing nearby gently exclaimed in joy, her eyes tearful as she murmured, "Miss, Miss, did you hear that? Master is finally taking you back, Master is finally acknowledging you!"
The expression in Qin Lu's eyes became more arrogant, it faintly carried contempt over her misfortune.
Nalan He Xi and this old woman didn't know, but how could she live comfortably after returning to Nalan Manor. It would be like dying without a burial place instead. At that time, his suffering and humiliation from today could be repaid.
Qin Lu grew excited as he thought of this, but after waiting for a long time, the anticipated gratitude didn't come. As he raised his lowered head, he came into contact with the sarcastic expression in He Xi's eyes.
Obviously that was the same thin and shallow face as a moment ago, yet unknown when, those eyes had become as sharp as a cold blade, radiating a chill capable of absorbing a person's soul.
Qin Lu's whole body felt like ice as he shuddered, and before he had a chance to speak, He Xi had already started to unhurriedly talk, "Oh, receive me back at Nalan Manor? This is Madam Nalan's order, right?"
"Yes…yes, that's how it is, so?" Qin Lu's heart felt frozen as he was watched by those sharp eyes, causing him to stutter, "Madam has kindly graced you a favour, you should just obediently accept it."
"Not too early, not too late, yet it's only now that she shows her kindness? Does she regard I, He Xi, as a three year old child?" He Xi laughed coldly, "I'm unsure though, is this act done out of kindness, or maliciousness?"
The next moment her voice was filled with killing intent, "Unfortunately, it's merely an insignificant Nalan Manor, yet now they want me to return. That all depends on whether I'm willing to return or not!"
Qin Lu's complexion changed as he bellowed, "Third Miss, you've been given face by Madam allowing you to return, but you have no shame. You're just an illegitimate child from a lowly and shameless woman! You're one who still kneels at our feet asking for food, or have you forgotten that? You still think of yourself as a Miss from Nalan Manor? Pu! Wait for a bit and Nalan Manor will remove you from the family registry, we'll see how long it will take for you to die then…"
Qin Lu's voice was cut off with a grunt, his body forcefully lifted off the ground by a single hand at his throat.
He opened his mouth wide and issued a 'ka ka' sound, his whole face turning a mottled purple and red. Staring at the thin and weak little girl's hand which held him suspended, his eyes showed his shock and fear.
He Xi smiled slightly at Qin Lu and asked with a gentle voice, "Bai Hu, your Master, how does he deal with insubordinate slaves who bully their Master?"
Bai Hu gazed coldly at Qin Lu whose throat was still gripped by He Xi, and sinisterly said, "It's execution by a thousand cuts of course, then crushing the bones and scattering the ashes. This kind of filthy guy, don't tell me he will have to remain and keep dirtying my eyes?"
Qin Lu suddenly opened his eyes wide. They were filled with fear as he struggled with all his might and shouted with a hoarse voice, "You wouldn't dare! Madam…Madam will not let you off!"
"We still don't know who's willing to let who off!" Invisible Needles appeared like magic in He Xi's hand, then suddenly, she jabbed them directly into his brain.