Chapter 46: Master Rong, Please Beat Me Up!

“It’s Zi Yu’s fault. I’ve caused trouble for Second Brother,” Wen Jing said sincerely, feeling guilty.

Wen Ye was suddenly embarrassed by Wen Jing’s apology. “Third Brother, you’ve just recovered. Don’t worry so much. That Mu Si is just stirring up trouble. We only had a little scuffle. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Alright, let’s get you checked by the family doctor. You can’t keep fighting with Mu Si like this. Your fragile body can’t match up to him. He must have shown mercy,” the matriarch said, thinking of how Mu Si was a capable person in both martial arts and literature. From the way Wen Ye described it, it didn’t seem like a real fight. If it had been serious, Wen Ye wouldn’t look like this.

“Yes, dear. Our relationship with the Mu Rong family should only get better from now on. Don’t always be at odds with Mu Si. After all, he’s Shu Er’s uncle. You two quarreling every time you meet is making things awkward for Shu Er,” the first Madam added, trying to calm her husband down.

Wen Ye looked at his wife, feeling wronged. “My dear, how can you say that? I can understand Mother supporting Mu Si, but why are you helping him too?”

The second Madam was speechless. She was used to her husband’s issues with Mu Si and didn’t want to get involved. As long as it didn’t affect her relationship with Shu Er, she didn’t mind.

“Second Brother, don’t you want Master Wu’s autumn hunt painting? After the doctor looks at your injury, you can come to my place to get it,” Wen Jing said, trying to shift the conversation.

Wen Ye was thrilled, his excitement evident. “Really? The original painting from Master Wu, not the one you copied, right?” He was so happy. Who knew his third brother treasured this painting so much and was now giving it to him?

“Of course,” Wen Jing said, trying to hold back a smile at how excited Wen Ye was.

“It’s just a small injury. It doesn’t matter. Let’s go get the painting right away!” Wen Ye couldn’t wait, thinking that after fighting with Mu Si, he was getting a reward.

“Dear, the painting won’t run away. Let’s first let the family doctor check you,” the second Madam advised with concern.

“You don’t understand, the doctor can check me any time. I’m fine. No need for the doctor. I’ll be fine without seeing him,” Wen Ye insisted, eager to get the painting.

“Let him go to Jing Er’s place first. He’s just trying to get sympathy from us. I knew Mu Si would show restraint,” the matriarch said to her daughter-in-law.

“Mother, you’re hurting my feelings! I’m so sad!” Wen Ye started his act again when his mother teased him.

“Look at him again, starting his performance. Only Jing Er believes him and gave him the painting so easily,” the matriarch laughed with the first and second madams, poking fun at Wen Ye.

“Mother, don’t tease Second Brother too much, or he’ll start acting spoiled with his second sister-in-law,” the first Madam joked, causing everyone to laugh.

Wen Ye, however, was undeterred. “Third Brother, let’s go now!”

Wen Jing saw how eager Wen Ye was and, with no interest in seeing the doctor for now, led him straight to the Ting Zhu Pavilion to get the painting.

Little Wen Yu, watching his grandmother, mother, and second aunt, sighed helplessly. “If Father knew, would he regret that it wasn’t him fighting Mu Si instead of Second Uncle?”

His innocent remark made everyone think of Wen Zhi, who also liked the painting. If he knew that Wen Ye had gotten it by fighting with Mu Si, he might actually regret not being the one to take the beating.

Later, when Wen Zhi returned from the court and heard about what happened, he regretted it deeply. If Mu Si wanted to fight, he was ready to step in. He was better at taking hits than Second Brother and would never fight back. Why didn’t Mu Si come to him instead?

The next day at court, Wen Zhi kept looking at General Mu and Mu Si with a forlorn expression, making both brothers feel a little guilty.

Afterward, Mu Si caught up with Wen Zhi and asked, “Big Brother, why was Lord Wen staring at me today in court?”

Mu Shi glared at his second brother with annoyance and said, “How dare you ask? Isn’t it your own fault? Why are you fighting with Wen Ye? He’s no match for you! You beat up his brother, and now he can only give you a look of reproach.”

“Big Brother, Wen Ye is definitely faking it to gain sympathy! I didn’t even lay a hand on him! Look at my arm, it’s bruised from where he grabbed me! Besides, it was his third brother who first provoked Shu Er. I couldn’t hit the third young master, so it was fine to deal with him!” Mu Si retorted, his dissatisfaction growing as Mu Shi spoke in defense of Wen Ye.

Mu Shi, however, wasn’t having any of it. “You can tell that to Mother. But from now on, stop arguing with Wen Ye. Shu er and the Wen family might have some sort of connection, and you fighting with Wen Ye all the time will only make things difficult for Shu Er.”

Mu Shi had already sent the information about Wen Jing’s birth date, which he had obtained from Wen Ye, to the hermit in the mountains and was waiting for a reply. Meanwhile, his younger brother continued to stir trouble.

Mu Si was frustrated, but when he thought of his precious niece, he reluctantly said, “As long as he doesn’t provoke me again, I won’t argue with him. It’s not that I’m afraid of him, but I don’t want Shu Er to be caught in the middle.”

Mu Shi was pleased with his second brother’s concession. He didn’t push the matter further, considering how long Mu Si had been at odds with Wen Ye. He was satisfied with this small step forward.

When they returned home, General Mu instructed his wife to send their daughter to Wen Manor with a gift, pretending it was for Wen Jing’s medical treatment. It was also an opportunity to visit Wen Ye, since he had fought with Mu Si.

Mu Rong Shu’s visit was warmly welcomed by everyone at the Wen residence, and Little Wen Yu especially clung to her, unwilling to leave her side for even a moment.

Not only did Mu Rong Shu check Wen Jing’s pulse, but she also visited the second madam and Wen Ye in their courtyard.

After hearing the purpose of Mu Rong Shu’s visit, the second madam recounted the events of that day, and reassured Mu Rong Shu not to take it to heart.

“Ever since your third brother got the autumn hunt painting, he’s been in a great mood. Now he wishes Mu Si would hit him a few more times, since there are still many treasures he wants from him,” the second madam added with a laugh.

As Mu Rong Shu was leaving the second madam’s courtyard, she ran into Wen Jing, who had been waiting for her. “Shu Er, there’s a new dish at the Tian Ran Pavilion. Would you like to go try it tomorrow?” he asked with a smile.