Chapter 107 The Separate Residence (Part 4)

Mu Fengwu had long been eager to meet the dragon-and-phoenix twins from the Xiao family. Every time, for one reason or another, his wish had been thwarted. Could today finally be the day? Mu Fengwu thought excitedly.

Mu Fengwu’s inner thoughts were of no concern to Xiao Yuan. However, his proximity was absolutely unacceptable. Her elder sister had taught her that apart from boys in their own family, girls should always maintain a proper distance from others.

“Why are you standing so close to me? You’re a grown man! Don’t you understand the concept of propriety between men and women?” Xiao Yuan rebuked. Seeing that he still hadn’t moved, she pushed Mu Fengwu forcefully with both hands. “You rascal, see if you can handle the strength of the second miss of the Xiao family!”

Caught off guard, Mu Fengwu almost stumbled. He hadn’t expected such strength from a young girl. Rolling up his sleeves, he approached Xiao Yuan, intending to test just how strong she was. However, his actions appeared to others as though he were about to hit her.

“Fengwu, stop!” Yun Yifan shouted. No matter what, they couldn’t allow anyone to harm the Xiao family children, especially considering the Old Master’s years of martial arts instruction.

“Fengwu, this young lady is Auntie’s own niece. Could you, for Auntie’s sake, not make a fuss with her?” Yin Qianhua added.

“Mu Fengwu, she’s my cousin,” Yun Yichen chimed in, stepping in front of Xiao Yuan. “You absolutely cannot lay a hand on her today.”

“What are you all thinking? How could I hold a grudge against a child? I just wanted to see how strong she is. Why are you all so worked up?”

Worked up? Of course, they were! Rolling up your sleeves like that made it look like you were about to hit someone!

“Alright, tell me—are you one of the dragon-and-phoenix twins?” Seeing everyone’s anxious stares, Mu Fengwu reluctantly let his sleeves down. He had no intention of provoking the Xiao family. He knew better than to court disaster by antagonizing the Old Master.

Xiao Yuan had been momentarily frightened as well. If he really tried to hit her, what would she do? Fortunately, it was a false alarm. Relieved, she turned and left. Without her sister around, she decided to seek refuge with Aunt Wangfei.

“Little Junior Sister, I’m asking you something. Why won’t you answer me?” Mu Fengwu called after her persistently.

“The dragon-and-phoenix twins are someone else. She’s the youngest child of the Xiao family,” Yun Yichen replied. He hadn’t intended to indulge Mu Fengwu’s ridiculous ideas, but since he had mistaken the six-year-old Xiao Jun for a twin, it was better to clarify.

“Princess, the banquet is ready,” a maid reported.

“Why don’t you three head to the front courtyard?” Yin Qianhua urged, anxious to send Mu Fengwu away. His presence always left her feeling on edge.

Once the three boys had departed, Yin Qianhua called the other young ladies to gather again. She couldn’t help but notice how Xiao Yao’s charm and beauty stood out even more against Yun Jin’s presence. She sighed inwardly, acknowledging that a beautiful person could make any outfit look exquisite.

“Thank you, Princess, and Lady Junzhu, for your hospitality. It’s getting late, so we should be heading back,” Yuan Min said, bowing.

“We sisters have been out for a while; it’s time to return home,” Xiao Yao added, holding her sister’s hand.

With someone taking the lead, the other young ladies felt it inappropriate to linger and also prepared to leave.

Yin Qianhua sent Qiu Ying to escort the Xiao sisters. Before their departure, she invited them to visit the Wangfu again. Xiao Yao deferred the decision to her sister, not wanting to risk further encounters with the Yun family.

Through today’s events, Xiao Yao concluded it was best to keep her distance from Yun Shizi for her own safety.

“Aunt Wangfei, I’m scared of those boys from earlier. I don’t think I’ll visit the Wangfu again,” Xiao Yuan confessed.

“Looks like I’ve failed as a host if even my niece won’t visit me,” Yin Qianhua joked, pretending to be hurt.

“I like you, Aunt Wangfei! How about you and Cousin come visit us instead?” Xiao Yuan suggested, attempting to reciprocate the invitation.

“One day, I will,” Yin Qianhua smiled, curious to see what her husband had been praising about the Xiao family.

“Next time, I’ll invite only you two—no one else,” Yin Qianhua promised.

“Really?” Xiao Yuan’s interest was piqued. This time, she nodded without hesitation.

“Thank you, Princess, and Lady Junzhu, for such a wonderful day,” Xiao Yao said, bowing once more.

“You shouldn’t let anyone bully you. Why endure it in silence?” Yin Qianhua advised.

“I understand. Thank you for the guidance,” Xiao Yao replied politely.

In the front courtyard, Yun Yichen and the others chatted while maids and servants arranged tables and chairs, as Mu Fengwu had insisted on dining outdoors.

“It sounds like guests are starting to leave from Auntie’s side,” Mu Fengwu remarked, straining to hear.

“Thirteen and already infatuated? Seriously?” Yun Yifan teased. Of the three, Mu Fengwu was the oldest, followed by Yun Yifan, with Yun Yichen being the youngest at eleven.

“If I marry, it will be to the most beautiful woman in the world. I won’t settle for mediocrity!” Mu Fengwu declared.

“Everyone wants the most beautiful woman, but where would you find her?” Yun Yifan shook his head.

“Yichen, tell me—did the Old Master’s eldest granddaughter, the twin, come today?” Mu Fengwu pressed on.

“Why do you care?” Yun Yichen dodged the question.

“I bet she did. Just let me see her once, or I won’t be able to sleep tonight!”

With no other choice, Yun Yichen led them to a vantage point near the main gate.

“Look, so many people are leaving. Which one is she?” Mu Fengwu asked eagerly.

“Keep your voice down! If you’re not afraid of being caught, go out there by yourself. Don’t drag us into this,” Yun Yifan whispered harshly.

“Sorry, I forgot we’re technically spying,” Mu Fengwu apologized sheepishly.

After some searching, Yun Yichen finally spotted Xiao Yao and Xiao Yuan just as they were about to step through the gate.

“The two by the gate—that’s who you’re looking for,” he said.

“I’m going out there. I must see her today,” Mu Fengwu announced.

The Yun brothers grabbed him to stop him. Chasing after someone’s granddaughter to the gate—was he out of his mind?

“Let’s go eat. You said you were hungry. There’ll be plenty of chances to meet her later,” Yun Yifan reasoned.

“If I miss this chance, I’ll propose to the Xiao family and bring her home to see her every day,” Mu Fengwu declared.

“You’re out of your mind,” Yun Yichen muttered as they returned to the courtyard.

In the carriage, Xiao Yao sighed deeply. The day had been mentally and physically exhausting. Finally, it was over, and she could rest.

“Don’t mention what happened with Miss He when we get home,” Xiao Yao warned her sister.

“I was going to ask Grandfather to smash their gates!” Xiao Yuan admitted.

“I don’t want to worry the family or upset Grandfather over this, so keep it to yourself.”

“Alright. Starting tomorrow, I’ll train with Fifth Brother and Sixth Brother to protect you,” Xiao Yuan promised.

“Good! I’ll wait for you to protect me,” Xiao Yao replied, and the sisters shared a laugh.