Chapter 401 - 401: Everyone Gets a Makeover

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi zipped back to her village and snuck into her room through the window. She plopped down in her chair and began scribbling down the method for brewing yellow rice wine.

Back in the cultivation world, she had opened several shops, one of which sold divine brews. To rake in more spirit stones, she spent three years perfecting three types of divine brews, turning her shop into the busiest one in town. Although yellow rice wine wasn’t a divine brew, it shared similarities.

With every stroke of her brush exuding confidence, she finished writing after an hour and a half. Reviewing her work, she declared, “Done!”

Next, she sketched the design of the brewery…

The next morning, Chu Qingzhi called Shen Ruyue into her room and discussed the matter relating to Hong Yujun, revealing what was necessary and concealing what should remain hidden. For instance, she didn’t mention Hong Yujun’s background in a brothel – some pasts were better left buried. Nor did she mention Hongyu Jun cross-dressing. What started as a secret remained a secret.

Chu Qingzhi told Shen Ruyue that Hong Yujun was a friend of a friend. Shen Ruyue agreed without a second thought. Grateful for Chu Qingzhi’s help in her time of need, she felt it was her duty to help another damsel in distress.

“I’ve written down the method for brewing yellow rice wine and the brewery’s design,” Chu Qingzhi said. “Hong Yujun knows her stuff. Just follow her lead.” Shen Ruyue nodded earnestly.

“Ruyue, I’ll leave the matters at home to you,” Chu Qingzhi added.

“You don’t have to be formal with me. Rest assured, I’ve got it covered,” Shen Ruyue assured her, hugging Chu Qingzhi. “But you better come back before August 25, or else my wedding with Xuhua will have to be postponed!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back in time for your wedding,” Chu Qingzhi assured her with a laugh.

Shen Ruyue patted Chu Qingzhi’s back sisterly. “I’ll be waiting.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Okay.”

After breakfast, Chu Qingzhi, Shen Ruyue, Chu Xujin, Ge Lihua, and Chu Qingyan set off for the county. Chu Qingzhi, Chu Xujin, Ge Lihua, and Chu Qingyan went to the Tao residence to do makeup for the constables, disguising them as Tao Pengnan’s subordinates.

Chu Qingyan tagged along to learn and lend a hand. This large-scale operation couldn’t rely on spells, so Chu Qingzhi hired a master proficient in disguising. Chu Qingyan’s understanding of this art would undoubtedly benefit from this experience.

Shen Ruyue, on the other hand, went to fetch Hong Yujun.

At the Tao residence, the group sneaked in through the back door and headed to Tao Pengnan’s study. Everyone was already there, including the thirty-five real subordinates of Tao Pengnan, all tied up and looking utterly bewildered.

They needed thirty-five people in total. The county office had only fifteen constables, and even if they dragged in the county magistrate and the secretary, they still wouldn’t make up the number. So, Chu Qingzhi asked for twenty-five soldiers from the garrison and borrowed five more constables from the other county. With Zhan Hongjun, Baolin Jiang, Chu Xujin, Ge Lihua, and Tang Jinghong joining, they hit the number.

Chu Qingzhi would disguise as Tao Pengnan. Her adaptability made her the perfect candidate for this crucial role. She was strict. Everyone had to wear the subordinates’ clothes. Dressed in the clothes, they already looked the part of a ragtag crew.

The master of disguise Chu Qingzhi had hired was none other than Wang Ximing, the same person who had helped the Lord of the Northern Border change his face.

Wang Ximing was now working under Tang Jinghong. His loyalty wasn’t in question – Tang Jinghong had saved his life twice, and he had no ties with the force in the eastern border, making betrayal unlikely.

“Master Wang, thank you for your help,” Chu Qingzhi said politely.

Wang Ximing, fiercely loyal to Tang Jinghong and compliant with Chu Qingzhi, replied, “No need for politeness. Let’s get started.”

“Okay,” Chu Qingzhi agreed, turning to Chu Qingyan. “Qingyan, Master Wang is an expert in changing appearances. You should watch and learn.”

To Chu Qingzhi’s surprise, Wang Ximing was looking to take in a disciple, and they quickly struck a deal.

Chu Qingyan was very obedient. “Fifth Sister, I’ll learn well.”

“Good girl, go ahead,” Chu Qingzhi encouraged, patting her head.

Chu Qingyan stood by Wang Ximing, watching intently as he transformed one face after another. Noticing her genuine interest, Wang Ximing began to teach her the tricks of the trade and slowly foster a master-disciple bond.

Chu Qingzhi then worked on Ge Lihua’s makeup. As a woman dressing as a man, the challenge was to give her face a more masculine and rugged look – not an easy feat.

But for Chu Qingzhi, it was manageable. With a combination of technique and magic, another “Zhao Er” was swiftly brought to life.

The real Zhao Er, upon seeing his doppelganger, was stunned. “Are we twins or what?”

Ge Lihua checked her reflection and was amazed. “Qingzhi, it’s uncanny how much we look alike.”

Wang Ximing also came over to admire the work. “Incredible,” he praised.

Chu Qingzhi smiled, then moved on to work on Chu Xujin, transforming him into “Li San”…

By noon, everyone was made up.

Chu Qingzhi asked Wang Ximing to escort Chu Qingyan back and then led the group, carrying ten large boxes, on their journey to the capital.

??

Fengxin County Lin Family.

The young servant asked in a whisper, “Young Master, now that you’re awake, should we tell everyone?”

“No, pretend I’m still unconscious,” Lin Yingmin instructed, remembering Chu Qingzhi’s warning. He couldn’t discern friend from foe, so he chose to trust no one except this servant he had picked up from the streets.

The servant nodded obediently. “Understood, Young Master.”

Lin Yingmin got out of bed and wrote a letter, which he handed to the servant. “Find a way to leave the mansion and deliver this to my mother.”

The servant shivered. “The one in the nunnery?”

Lin Yingmin nodded, instructing him to keep the letter concealed.

The servant vowed, “Don’t worry, Young Master, I’ll handle it.”

No one paid much attention to the servant of an unconscious man, so he easily left the mansion and headed to the nunnery outside the county, delivering the letter to Consort Xin.

Consort Xin, upon reading the letter, flew into a rage. “Someone dared harm my son!” Her imperial demeanor was unmistakable.. “Summon!”