Chapter 81: Flies and Eggs

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“That, that... There are quite a few young women in the capital who are infatuated with Lord Mu. That’s something that happens often, isn’t it?” Jiang Lan folded her arms, leaning against the window rail as she watched the two people in the distance. That Lord Mu was the officer who had initially tried to rein in the wild horse—the one with a vibrant aura and endless peach blossom luck.

Watching the flushed, bashful expression of the woman before him, Jiang Lan sighed inwardly, “Indeed, he never lacks admirers.”

Yet, this second daughter of the Fang family, who had previously strutted about, slandering her own sister’s virtue, was now meeting a man in public. What sort of spectacle was unfolding here?

“Is there any connection between them? Like family, or something else?” Seeing the prince’s thoughtful demeanor, Yu Yuan realized he couldn’t sell favors from Lord Liu or Master Fang. Since that was so, he’d best cling tightly to the prince’s goodwill.

“Fang family’s young master, Fang Ru, is very close with Lord Mu. They grew up together, bonded since childhood; Lord Mu was the imperial tutor to Fang Ru... As for Lord Mu and the second Miss Fang, well, they could be considered senior and junior disciples.”

“Senior and junior disciples?” Jiang Lan mumbled, but she was inwardly amused.

In those storybooks, the most romantic tales often involve senior and junior disciples—childhood companions, their tender feelings quietly blossoming into love. Jiang Lan, caught up in the drama, didn’t shy away. She openly propped her chin and watched, thoroughly entertained.

Though Yu Yuan was a eunuch, even he felt embarrassed by the prince’s unabashed curiosity. Knowing the secrets of others, yet still craning his neck to eavesdrop, he truly blushed for her.

At the prince’s request, the carriage stopped at an unobtrusive corner. Yu Yuan held the curtain slightly ajar, peeking out.

Jiang Lan was engrossed when an unexpected visitor on horseback entered the alley.

The fine steed halted at the gate of the city’s military office, and a young man with a face like peach petals dismounted.

“That’s the Peach Blossom Sprite.”

“Peach Blossom Sprite? What Peach Blossom Sprite?” Yu Yuan asked, puzzled.

Jiang Lan glared at him, “Quiet! I can’t hear what they’re saying.”

Yu Yuan quickly retracted his neck, then glanced at the prince in confusion. At such a distance, how could one possibly hear?

Surely the prince was just annoyed with him.

Yu Yuan was mistaken; Jiang Lan truly could hear.

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“Brother Qing, please let me explain. Last time, it was really Jiang Si who caused trouble. She disregarded the rules for women, lacked virtue, and her brother couldn’t distinguish right from wrong... Believe me, Brother Qing, it was all Jiang Si and her brother’s doing. I didn’t slander her as others claimed, truly, Brother Qing~”

Fang Yi’s eyes reddened with emotion as she spoke, recalling how her father had lost his temper and sent her away from her grandmother’s courtyard. Now her mother and elder sister supervised her, along with several stern matron tutors from the palace. None were easy to handle, not even her grandmother could help. All her grievances could only be confided in Brother Qing.

That woman—the pretentious, feigning one—not only had she saved countless people in her past life, but she’d also managed to win Brother Qing’s affection.

No, Brother Qing belonged to her—he must!

Looking pitiful and tearful, Fang Yi prompted Mu Changfeng to sigh, gently advising, “She’s not that kind of person. Yi’er, don’t trouble her anymore, all right?”

Fang Yi’s eyes grew redder. What did he mean she wasn’t that kind of person? Wasn’t he talking about her?

“Brother Qing, what do you mean? We grew up together, and you trust her instead of me? Or are you just like those shallow men outside, bewitched by her foxy appearance?”

At this, Mu Changfeng’s breath grew heavier, clearly irritated.

“Nonsense! Is this the sort of talk a young lady should be having?”

Fang Yi’s initial resentment melted into tears. She reached out to grab Mu Changfeng’s sleeve, “Brother Qing, don’t be angry, please don’t be angry. Yi’er won’t do it anymore, if you don’t like it, I won’t do it again...”

Mu Changfeng sidestepped her hand, maintaining a respectful three-step distance.

“Yi’er, don’t be like this. I’m your brother’s friend, and the only son in my family. Since you were young, I’ve always cherished you as my dearest little sister.”

“Sister...” The tears streaming down her face burned like molten iron, scorching every inch of skin they touched. Mu Qing was the only light sustaining her through these dark days—her parents’ strict discipline, her grandmother’s helplessness, her brother and sister’s indifference, all made her days unbearable.

Today, she’d finally shaken off the matron tutors, evaded her mother’s watchful eyes, just to see him, fearing that rumors might ruin their relationship.

Now he told her she was only a sister.

“And what about that fox, Jiang? Is she a sister too?” Fang Yi stepped forward, her presence growing more forceful, demanding an answer.

Mu Changfeng turned away, refusing to argue and signaled the maid nearby to take care of her mistress.

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“Mu Qing, make yourself clear. If you don’t, you’re not allowed to leave!”

Fang Yi strode forward, grabbing Mu Changfeng’s sleeve and refusing to let go.

Just then, the sound of hooves approached, and Fang Ru dismounted.

He first clasped his hands in apology to Mu Changfeng, “Mu Qing, my family was at fault in this matter. I apologize on behalf of my younger sister.”

“Brother!” Fang Yi continued to protest.

“Return to the carriage.”

Though his tone remained gentle and calm as always, Fang Yi dared not cause further trouble. Obediently, she let the maid help her back onto the carriage she’d arrived in.

Mu Changfeng was a bit embarrassed. Though things hadn’t unfolded as he’d hoped, the younger sister’s feelings had been exposed in front of her brother, and though he was merely a participant drawn into the drama, it was all rather awkward.

“Le Ran, don’t be too harsh with her. She still—she...”

Fang Ru strode forward, grabbing Mu Changfeng by the collar. Gone was his previous refined demeanor, replaced by strained neck muscles as he lowered his voice to roar at Mu Changfeng, “Yes! She still—what about you, Mu Changfeng!

If you have no intention, stay away from my sister. If not for you, she wouldn’t have been so easily swayed, running forward heedlessly, not caring for her own reputation! She’s naive, but she’s not for you to toy with!”

“Le Ran, I truly didn’t know your sister—”

“Didn’t know?” Fang Ru’s grip tightened. “Don’t you know your own behavior? Do you have any idea of the trouble your flirtations cause? She’s just a girl. If you were more reserved, where would all this mess come from?

She’s foolish, yes, and we didn’t teach her well, but she’s a pure and innocent girl. You meet her, she meets you—flies don’t land on eggs without cracks. My sister is wrong, but are you blameless?

Don’t pretend ignorance. How many times have I hinted to you, both openly and subtly, and you just laughed it off as a joke? I treat you as a friend, but bullying my sister is unacceptable!”

With that, Fang Ru raised his fist and punched Mu Changfeng squarely in the face.