Chapter 17

Blood relation is something hard to explain. Mu Er Pang, who had just opened his mind, didn’t initially think of this elder brother as his own. But now, upon seeing him, a sense of closeness arose in his heart, so he immediately called out to him.

The tailor Old Ge and Mu Yunchuan had known each other for many years. Old Ge chuckled and said, “No wonder the young master is so likable. Turns out he’s Mu Gongzi’s younger brother.”

As they spoke, he also took Mu Er Pang’s measurements and went to record them on the side.

Mu Er Pang had just wanted to approach his big brother when he noticed the curtain at the door move again, and three young scholars entered.

The already cramped little shop suddenly became packed.

Mu Yunchuan was a prominent figure in the academy, and these newcomers happened to be his classmates there.

Upon entering, they overheard a bit of conversation from the old tailor. One of them immediately spoke up, “I never knew Mu Yunchuan had a younger brother. Today is quite a coincidence. Mu Xiong, introduce him to us.”

“Yes, Mu Yunchuan frequents Academy Street. Could it be he’s also preparing to enter our academy? We’ll be classmates in the future, so it’s good to get to know each other early.”

When they saw Mu Er Pang standing next to the old tailor, the three of them involuntarily paused for a moment—

Although men didn’t need to pay as much attention to appearance as women did, scholars were refined individuals, at the very least, they would pay attention to their own image.

And the Mu Er Pang before them, wearing a loose-fitting green jacket, looked like a round ball.

Was this the excellent student of the academy, Mu Yunchuan’s own younger brother?

Someone asked, “Mu Yunchuan, is he your cousin or your brother?”

“He’s my real younger brother.” Mu Yunchuan’s expression remained unchanged, but his gaze shifted towards Mu Er Pang, giving him a careful look. He too showed a hint of surprise—

Although the two brothers hadn’t had a particularly deep relationship in the past, having lived under the same roof for so long, Mu Yunchuan, who was as observant as a needle, naturally noticed something different about him at a glance.

With the mention of a younger brother, the expressions on everyone’s faces were varied, showing both curiosity and excitement.

The three of them started chatting with Mu Er Pang. One asked how many years of schooling he had completed, another asked what he had learned so far, and the first one inquired about who their teacher was.

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Because they listened to them calling their eldest brother “brother” and treating him like a friend, Mu Er Pang answered each of their questions one by one: “I’ve been studying for just over half a month and have learned three hundred characters. I don’t have a teacher , I only study myself.”

Those who could enter the Qingzhu Academy were naturally the best among their peers.

Although these three people were constantly compared unfavorably by Mu Yunchuan in the academy, they had all started learning at the age of four, writing at five, and reading “The Great Learning” and “The Doctrine of the Mean” at six.

So when Mu Er Pang finished answering, the amused expressions on the faces of those three became even more evident, their eyes unconsciously flickering back and forth between Mu Yunchuan and Mu Er Pang.

Wei Shu pulled Mu Yunchuan aside and asked in a voice only they could hear, “Is he born of your stepmother?”

Mu Yunchuan confirmed it.

Wei Shu glanced at Mu Er Pang again, his expression somewhat displeased.

He and Mu Yunchuan were very close friends. Initially, he had always thought that Mu Yunchuan was from a poor farming family. It wasn’t until later that he heard from others that Mu Yunchuan’s father was a well-known artisan in the city, and the Mu family’s situation was not particularly difficult.

At the very least, they wouldn’t let him wear patched clothes and eat dry steamed buns.

During his spare time, Mu Yunchuan had to copy books and write letters for others in exchange for money.

His financial difficulties were due to having a stingy stepmother at home.

Comparing Mu Er Pang’s chubby appearance with Mu Yunchuan’s slim figure, it was easy to see the situation at home when Mu Yunchuan was around!

However, due to his upbringing, Wei Shu didn’t tease Mu Er Pang like the other three did.

Although Mu Er Pang noticed the unfriendly gazes of the others and felt somewhat puzzled, he didn’t back down, returning their gaze calmly.

The old tailor, accustomed to all kinds of people, naturally sensed the tense atmosphere. Not wanting to get involved in the conflict, he made an excuse about the shop being crowded, saying he would go to the backyard first and they could pick their fabrics or styles. They just needed to call him when they were ready.

As he reached the door leading to the backyard, the old tailor hesitated for a moment, then said to Mu Er Pang, “Young master, why don’t you come with me? Let’s discuss the styles properly.”

Although Mu Er Pang was pleasantly surprised to see his eldest brother here, he didn’t want to be stared at with those eyes by people he didn’t know. So he nodded in agreement and followed the old tailor out.

As he left, the shop suddenly became lively.

Wei Shu could figure out Mu Er Pang’s identity, and the other three naturally did too.

One of them said, “So the chubby guy just now is really Mu’s younger brother?”

“Brother Han, why say that? Mu himself admitted it. But they indeed don’t look alike. They must be from the stepmother’s side.”

“Tsk tsk, I heard Mu’s stepmother was notoriously harsh. I didn’t believe there could be such a shrew, but seeing Mu’s younger brother today, it’s clear what Mu’s home situation must be like.”

“Shut up.” Mu Yunchuan’s icy gaze swept over them. “My mother is my elder. What’s your intention in gossiping about my brother in front of me?”

Wei Shu couldn’t hold back anymore and whispered, “Yunchuan, why do you still insist on defending your stepmother? She’s really… she’s really a bit too much. You’ve worn the same robe for three years, patched and re-patched at the cuffs, while your younger brother, who’s just starting to study, already has new clothes. I think you’re just too kind-hearted…”

Mu Yunchuan frowned in silence.

He wasn’t really kind-hearted; he knew these classmates had long been jealous and resentful of him. They weren’t sympathizing with him at all; they were just enjoying seeing him embarrassed!

Those classmates, already intimidated by Mu Yunchuan, became even more vocal when they saw Wei Shu expressing indignation.

“Don’t you dare speak ill of my mother!” Mu Er Pang, who had returned from the back, rushed over, his chubby face turning red with anger. “My mother isn’t like that!”

Their faces flushed with embarrassment when their gossip was challenged.

But what they said was also true, so after a brief awkward silence, they pretended to regain their composure.

“Well, kid, tell us then, is it true that your elder brother lives in poverty, wears old clothes, has no meat to eat, and has to copy books to support his study? And after he got married, your mother kicked him out to fend for himself. Is any of that true?”

Mu Er Pang’s face turned so red it seemed blood might drip from it. Though he had been a bit confused earlier, he still had memories of what happened at home. Those things did indeed occur.

The scholars sneered, “Well, isn’t that convenient? How come only your mother can do such things, and we can’t talk about it?”

“But my mother has changed, you’re not allowed to speak ill of her anymore!”

“Kid, have you heard the saying ‘a leopard can’t change its spots’? People’s temperaments don’t change that easily.”

“I said you’re not allowed to say it! I said you’re not allowed!” Mu Er Pang glared with wide eyes, gritting his teeth like a fierce little leopard.