Chapter 118: The Villa (Part 4)

Mu Fengwu also had a deep impression of Xiao Yuan. After all, in Tianyu, it was rare to see someone publicly push the legitimate grandson of the Mu family.

“Little junior sister, do you still remember your senior brother?” he asked with a playful tone.

“Don’t think being a member of the royal family makes you so special,” Xiao Yuan retorted coldly, her disdain evident. “I’m telling you, trying to cozy up to me won’t work. Just get out of my way.” She showed clear resistance to Mu Fengwu and had no intention of engaging with him.

“The commoner greets the Ninth Prince and Young Master Yun,” Zhao Mian said as he led a group of servants from the Xiao family to kneel before the distinguished guests.

Once everyone else knelt, Xiao Yao and Xiao Yuan stood out conspicuously. What were they supposed to do? Xiao Yao regretted wearing her brand-new dress today. After performing the grand gesture of respect, it would probably be ruined. Xiao Yuan, on the other hand, silently cursed her bad luck. Why on earth did she have to encounter these people?

“Oh no! My little cat chasing the butterfly!” Xiao Yao exclaimed dramatically. There was no way she would kneel—this was only her second time wearing this dress, and it would break her heart if it got dirty.

“Dear cousin, we’re relatives, so there’s no need for us to kneel, right?” Xiao Yuan reluctantly turned to Yun Yichen with a flattering tone, clearly more concerned about her dress than protocol.

“Of course, you’re my real cousin, so you don’t have to kneel,” Yun Yichen replied nonchalantly, casting a brief glance at Xiao Yao.

That meant Xiao Yao, the “fake cousin,” would have to perform the grand gesture. She shot Yun Yichen a look filled with disdain—what a petty act. Bullying a girl? What kind of achievement was that?

“Aunt the Princess Consort said that my sister and I are both your cousins. If I don’t kneel, then my sister doesn’t have to kneel either, right?” Xiao Yuan continued pleading softly, though she was inwardly cursing Yun Yichen over and over.

Mu Fengwu and Yun Yifan turned their attention to Xiao Yao simultaneously. Her pink dress with delicate floral patterns accentuated her lively and charming demeanor. She looked like a spirited elf wandering through the forest, a sight that caught everyone’s eye.

“Are you also the Old General’s granddaughter? Could it be that the other half of the dragon-phoenix twins is you?” Mu Fengwu asked, his mouth wide open in disbelief.

Who was it that told him twins always look alike? Who said his little junior sister was plain-looking? In that moment, Mu Fengwu felt like he could no longer trust anyone in this world.

Yun Yifan also stared at Xiao Yao for a long time. It was truly unexpected that the rugged and bold General Xiao could have such a stunningly beautiful granddaughter.

The youngest son of the Qi County Prince, Yun Can, had been sitting in the carriage due to his frail health. After waiting for so long without the carriage moving, he lifted the curtain. With just one glance, he caught sight of Xiao Yao. Which family’s young lady is this? She’s too beautiful! Yun Can thought. He silently resolved that when he grew up, he would find a way to bring her back to the County Prince’s residence.

With this newfound interest, Yun Can got out of the carriage and walked directly toward Xiao Yao. Though only ten years old, the way his eyes roamed over Xiao Yao made it impossible for anyone to like him.

“Hey! Don’t you dare come any closer! Be careful, or my grandfather will break your legs,” Xiao Yuan said, stepping protectively in front of Xiao Yao. Zhao Mian also hurried toward the two young ladies, effectively blocking Yun Can’s intrusive gaze from the elder young mistress.

“What are you all doing? I just wanted to greet my junior sister, that’s all,” Yun Can said, stepping aside slightly. He didn’t dare glare at Xiao Yuan, but he was much less polite to Zhao Mian. Annoying thing! Why are you blocking me from seeing my junior sister?

Seeing that Yun Can had no intention of stopping, Yun Yifan sighed, dismounted his horse, and walked over. He didn’t want this little troublemaker to frighten the young ladies. That would make it difficult to explain to the Old General later.

Yun Yichen dismounted from his horse. No matter what, Xiao Yuan was still his cousin. If she were to be offended or frightened by Yun Can, and he stood by doing nothing, his mother would never let him hear the end of it once she found out.

“Yun Can, it’s time for us to leave,” Yun Yifan said, quickly stepping forward and grabbing Yun Can by the arm.

“If we delay any longer, it’ll be dark before we can enter the city,” Yun Yichen added as he reached out to block Yun Can as well. Today, Yun Can seemed even more impulsive than Mu Fengwu. Yun Yichen glanced toward his two younger cousins, wondering if the commotion had scared Xiao Yuan. However, what he saw almost made him explode with frustration.

The two girls had their heads together, whispering secrets to each other, completely indifferent to what was happening around them. Yun Yichen felt like his effort to intervene had been utterly unnecessary. He, the usually aloof and uninvolved Young Master Yun, had decided to show rare goodwill, only to be completely ignored. The frustration he felt was beyond words.

Perhaps his gaze was too intense, as Xiao Yao suddenly looked up, sensing the source of her unease.

“Hmph.” Yun Yichen let out a heavy snort, his temper flaring. Why is it that every time I meet this girl, I end up so angry? She and the Old General are truly two of a kind—masters at provoking others.

How many times has this brat looked down on me already? What gives her the right? Yun Yichen thought, seething as Xiao Yao returned his glare with defiant eyes.

This little girl had grown bold—she’d even learned to retaliate! Yun Yichen had never encountered any young girl who dared to act so insolent in front of him. It was as if she didn’t care about his status as a noble son at all.

“I only wish to help my cousin. As for certain troublesome people who do nothing but cause problems, it’s best they stay at home. Otherwise, they might harm themselves and waste everyone else’s time,” Yun Yichen said, his gaze locked on Xiao Yao as he spoke slowly and deliberately. If it were any other timid girl, she might have been reduced to tears by now.

“I’ve never heard of anyone being reprimanded for walking near their own doorstep,” Xiao Yao retorted, her tone sharp. “Only those who are idle troublemakers, self-important and think they’re superior would elevate themselves by belittling others. Some people are even more pathetic—getting caught in traffic while simply walking. It’s a clear sign their character is questionable.”

Yun Yifan was at a loss for words. Could the two of them argue without dragging others into it? Words like “idle troublemakers” and “self-important” were a bit too inclusive, weren’t they?

Yun Can, meanwhile, was growing more intrigued by Xiao Yao. A girl who dared to argue with Yun Yichen had to have guts. Who wouldn’t want such a feisty little pepper—both beautiful and spicy?

What a cheeky, insolent little girl with no sense of rank or decorum! For the first time in his life, Yun Yichen found himself mocked by a mere girl. He was so stunned that he forgot to react, to use his authority to suppress her, or to lean on his status to crush her. He didn’t even have to endure her barbs, yet here he was, speechless.

After venting her frustration, Xiao Yao began to regret her actions. How could I be so impulsive? If Yun Yichen decides to make an issue out of this, I might implicate Grandfather and Father. While it wouldn’t cost them their positions, they wouldn’t escape criticism for failing to manage their household and allowing insubordination. Should she take the initiative and apologize? Xiao Yao was torn.

“Ping’an, Ruyi, Grandfather has come to join you on your lake outing!” The cheerful voice carried a rare note of delight. Yun Yifan, who had trained under the old general for over four years, swore it was the first time he had ever heard him speak in such a tone.

“Grandfather, come quickly! There’s a bad—mmph!” Xiao Yao clamped her hand over her younger sister’s mouth. The situation was chaotic enough; the last thing they needed was to involve their grandfather!

“What’s wrong, Ruyi?” General Xiao quickened his pace upon hearing his youngest granddaughter’s cry for help and appeared before everyone in the blink of an eye.

“Ruyi, who bullied you just now? Tell Grandfather, and I’ll skin them alive!” Before he finished speaking, General Xiao skillfully rolled up his sleeves, assuming a stance that made it clear anyone who wasn’t afraid could come forward and have a fight.

“Grandfather, it was just me and Ruyi playing a game!” Xiao Yao quickly grabbed onto her grandfather’s arm and shook it a couple of times. Afterward, General Xiao’s expression seemed to change instantly. From glaring and baring his teeth, he became as gentle as a spring breeze.

Yun Yifan and Mu Fengwu were sweating nervously on their foreheads. That was close! Thank goodness we didn’t offend the two little girls earlier. They both wanted to know what Yun Yichen was feeling right now. If the old general found out that Yun Yichen had been bullying his beloved granddaughter, the relationship between the two of them, which had just shown signs of improving, would probably go back to square one. It seemed they were more suited to love-hate relationships rather than a friendly bond.

Having regained his composure, Yun Yichen glanced at Xiao Yao as if casually. This girl is probably going to report me, right? Will the old man take revenge on me?

“Grandfather, didn’t you say we were going to the lake? Let’s go quickly!” Xiao Yao was eager to leave. As long as Yun Yichen didn’t hold today’s rudeness against her, she figured he wouldn’t bring it up in the future. Some people were best avoided entirely. It wasn’t worth upsetting herself over Yun Yichen’s attitude.

“Alright, let’s go now. Wait a minute, why are you three still here? Weren’t you supposed to be back in the capital by this morning?” General Xiao asked, noticing the young men still hanging around. His granddaughter had just been with them, and he couldn’t help but wonder if these young men had been bullying his precious granddaughter.

Yun Yifan could only laugh bitterly. Finally, the old man noticed us. After being ignored for so long, I don’t even have the energy to complain.

“Thank you, old general, for finally noticing us, we’re deeply honored!” Mu Fengwu gave General Xiao a deep bow.

“Mu brat, stop with the nonsense. Tell me, did you all bully my granddaughter just now?” General Xiao squinted his eyes, asking in a low voice.

Mu Fengwu glanced at Yun Yichen, unsure whether to report him or cover for him. Little sister, this is when you should step forward and cry out! Make him look like a bully… no, that’s not appropriate; make it seem like he was flirting with a common girl… also not right… maybe I can say he was abusing his power… Well, that sounds somewhat fitting! Let the old man teach him a lesson.

Xiao Yuan looked at her older sister with her eyes, silently asking for advice. When she saw her sister shake her head, she reluctantly closed her mouth. If it were up to me, I’d definitely report that royal cousin and the son of the duke! Both of them were so unpleasant to my sister. As for Mu, he’s no saint either. In any case, Grandfather is right—other boys should be kept as far away as possible except for those in our own family.

“Grandfather, we just met the Ninth Prince. Our carriage got stuck in the mud and blocked their way. It’s been pulled out now, and we should clear the path. They’ve probably been waiting for quite a while,” Xiao Yao briefly explained, leaving out any mention of the conflict between her and Yun Yichen.

“Really, no one bullied you two?” General Xiao asked, his chin lifted slightly, signaling Zhao Mian to speak.

“Ah! Are you here to spend time with us, or to interrogate us? If you keep asking, then I’ll just leave with Ruyi,” Xiao Yao said as she began to walk away.

“I’m obviously here to accompany the two of you. Grandfather won’t ask anymore. Let’s go to the lake, let’s go!” General Xiao, ignoring everyone else, happily followed his granddaughters.