"Let's go! If he didn't have something important, he wouldn't dare to come to the village so early and cause trouble, risking Liu Yue and the others tearing him into pieces. Su Zimo grumbled, still groggy and sleepy-eyed. This damn Mu Yunxuan was really troublesome.
Meanwhile, in the Taifu Mansion, a dagger shot straight at the wooden pillar that Su Ziyun had just passed. It startled Su Ziyun, who was only a few steps away, and he instinctively dodged the dagger aimed at his body.
As he looked at the dagger lodged in the pillar, a sense of familiarity washed over Su Ziyun. He quickly removed the note attached to the dagger and opened it, taking a few steps back in shock.
"Su Zimo... It's really Su Zimo. She's alive, she's still alive...?"
Su Ziyun leaned against the pillar, slowly sliding down in disbelief.
"Su Zimo, why did you have to come back? How did I, Su Ziyun, climb to this position? Why didn't you die out there?"
Tears welled up in Su Ziyun's eyes. She had climbed her way to the position of a concubine, with aspirations to become the third princess. But in the end, would she be crushed and destroyed by Su Zimo?
No, she refused to accept that. Before thinking about herself, she had to ruin Su Zimo first...
At the same time, Jun Lintian couldn't escape being drawn into the intrigue. However, this time was different. Jun Lintian showed no signs of anger or impatience. Instead, he leisurely observed the scenery of Bright Moon Villa.
"This Su Zimo has changed so much. To design such a unique mountain villa, there must be some substance to her. Su Zimo, you've hidden yourself well enough," Jun Lintian remarked to himself, looking outside at the scenery.
As he turned around, his eyes caught sight of a figure in white. Su Zimo was wearing a long white skirt adorned with silver silk trim and colorful butterfly patterns embroidered on the hem and cuffs. With each step she took, silver butterflies seemed to flutter in the air, accompanied by a delicate fragrance.
Jun Lintian smiled as he looked at her. The former Su Zimo was beautiful, but it felt as if she were a doll, devoid of genuine expression.
Now, her beauty went beyond her physical appearance. The initial impression she gave was breathtaking, and her soul seemed to shine through her captivating eyes, making it impossible to look away.
If it had been a few years ago, before she faced those unfortunate circumstances, she would have undoubtedly been hailed as the first beauty in the capital of Haoyue Country.
Jun Lintian stared at Su Zimo as she approached, and he couldn't help but feel a different sensation. Her stunning figure defied the fact that she had given birth to three children. However, the thought of those three children dampened his mood.
As Su Zimo entered the side hall, she felt Jun Lintian's gaze on her was different, although she couldn't pinpoint exactly how.
Without offering a salute, Su Zimo walked directly to her seat and sat down.
"Third Prince, did you disturb my dream so early in the morning? Did your royal mansion burn down?" Su Zimo's irritated words interrupted Jun Lintian's contemplation.
He turned to her and walked to his chair, frowning. This woman had become bolder. He responded softly, "If King Ben's mansion were truly burned, Momo, would you be willing to let King Ben stay here?"
Jun Lintian looked at her with a playful expression, aware of her previous willingness to sacrifice everything for him.
Su Zimo stared at Jun Lintian in disbelief, nearly spitting out the morning tea she had just sipped. Momo? Who told him to call her that? Was he delusional so early in the morning?
"Wang Ye, please show some respect," Su Zimo's meaning was clear, her warning tone undisguised.
"Momo, what's wrong? If others can call you that, why can't this king?," Jun Lintian responded with a meaningful gaze.
Su Zimo placed her teacup down. Jun Lintian's change in behavior today puzzled her.
"Wang Ye, the owner of Rong Ben Zhuang reminds you that a person's fate depends on their moral character. Therefore, one should be mindful of their words. If one lacks virtue in their speech, it can exhaust their good fortune over time. Words originate from the heart. Wang Ye should pay attention to this," Su Zimo sneered. Jun Lintian not only failed to understand but also believed that Su Zimo was resentful of their canceled marriage.
"Momo, King Ben has also heard a saying: 'Soft words please everyone.' Momo, you have always spoken ill of King Ben. Aren't you treating King Ben this way?" Jun Lintian found a way to counter Su Zimo. In the past, her words would have angered him to the point of wanting to kill her. But now, he desired to engage in a verbal battle with her.
Su Zimo narrowed her eyes. Jun Lintian's shamelessness knew no bounds. However...
"I have always said, Your Highness, that one should not reveal everything to others. It is important to leave room for compromise. The owner of this estate believes she has shown you respect," Su Zimo implied that she refrained from criticizing Jun Lintian openly. It was already quite considerate on her part. If she could, she truly wished to curse him and his ancestors for eighteen generations. How could there be such an unworthy royal descendant?
"Alright, Momo. King Ben won't provoke you. Don't you enjoy listening to the melodious song 'Flowing Cloud' in the Qunfang Pavilion? Today, King Ben happens to be free and would like to accompany you there!" Jun Lintian recalled how Su Zimo used to love listening to the song performed by Yafu. Especially when they were in the Qunfang Pavilion, she would go to great lengths just to catch a glimpse of him there. In the past, Su Zimo treated him as the center of her world.
Su Zimo: "..."
What was happening...? Since when did she like listening to Yafu's 'Flowing Cloud' song in the Qunfang Pavilion?
Su Zimo's mind raced, recalling the image of a young girl who used to frequently stand outside the doors of the Qunfang Pavilion, eavesdropping on the music...
Su Zimo's heart sank as she realized that Jun Lintian might already know about her...
"Momo, why aren't you speaking? It wasn't good for this king before, but now..."
"Stop, Jun Lintian, leave immediately."
Su Zimo's voice was filled with anger. If she still didn't understand what was going on, then she truly would be foolish.
"Momo, why are you suffering here? Don't forget, you never accepted the divorce letter, and it is still in this king's possession. Since you've returned, you are still King Ben's fiancée. That being said, Jun Lintian was no longer pretending.
He knew that Su Zimo was trying to expose his actions.
"Was it you who attempted to assassinate me last night? Isn't that right?"
Su Zimo stared at Jun Lintian sharply and coldly. She had already suspected it was him, and now, with his arrival, her suspicions were confirmed.
"Momo, how could I bear to harm you? I just want to know if it was you," Jun Lintian was anxious to explain, realizing that she had indeed guessed correctly.
Jun Lintian looked at Su Zimo with a hint of guilt in his heart. Maybe he had been too hasty.
But as he looked at Su Zimo, who remained silent, he slowly said, "Momo, I came here to apologize and have a good talk. How about it?"
These words made Su Zimo want to slap Jun Lintian and send him flying.
Beat him up first, and then give him a sweet talk. Perhaps then, Jun Lintian would be able to swallow his pride.
"Jun Lintian, there's nothing to talk about between you and me."
She had seen many shameless people, but Jun Lintian topped them all. The divorce letter had shattered the Su family's door, and the hatred in her heart was still strong. Whatever feelings they had before had nothing to do with her anymore. She needed to make that clear.
"Momo, I won't give up on you. I will go to the palace immediately and request..."
"Jun Lintian..."
Su Zimo angrily interrupted Jun Lintian's words.
"Jun Lintian, you're pretending to be clueless! There are some things that you know very well in your heart. Some things cannot be fought for or asked for, just like what you didn't want before. It won't come back to you."
Su Zimo's face was solemn. She wouldn't give this scum Jun Lintian even a glimmer of hope.
"Momo... You..."
"Oh! Lintian, what trouble are you causing this morning!"
A lazy voice interrupted.
Mu Yunxuan's imposing figure appeared in Su Zimo's eyes, followed by Mu Yunhan.
Su Zimo raised an eyebrow. What kind of mess had this scoundrel added to now?
Can't she have a moment of peace in the morning? She still needed to go sell vegetables to make food for Shao Feng later.
The most valuable thing wasn't material possessions, but the person who stood by your side during difficult times. Murong Shaofeng occupied that place in Su Zimo's heart. Although Murong Shaofeng was hiding something from her, she found it forgivable. She had already stood Shao Feng up twice, and she couldn't break her word this time.
"Yunxuan, why are you here?" Jun Lintian was displeased. Mu Yunxuan had long known Su Zimo's true identity.
"Jun Lintian, if you're here to disturb my wife this morning, do you want to ruin her reputation?" Mu Yunxuan walked toward Su Zimo. Since Jun Lintian knew the truth, he needed to assert his dominance.
"My wife?" Jun Lintian seemed puzzled.
"Lintian, your memory is failing you. Let me remind you that my wife is married to me, Mu Yunxuan. Our tombstone bears the names of a married couple. She is no longer your fiancée. Don't cause trouble for us. Go back and be with your future third princess."
Mu Yunxuan acted as if he had expected Jun Lintian's visit to his wife early in the morning.
Su Zimo pressed her forehead. What was happening? These two men must have taken the wrong medication in the morning. They were acting crazy, and she had no intention of joining them.
"Qinglian, please see the guests out," Su Zimo commanded angrily. Her little cotton jacket was about to wake up, and she needed to go check on her little Xin'er.
"Yes, Mistress."
Qinglian didn't hesitate and was about to speak when a slightly aggrieved voice interjected.
"Lady, don't you love your husband? Weren't we together last night..."
Mu Yunxuan gazed at Su Zimo with suggestive eyes.
Su Zimo felt her eyebrows twitching uncontrollably. If someone were to ruin her reputation, it would undoubtedly be Mu Yunxuan.
Mu Yunhan was on the verge of kneeling down as he looked at his elder brother in disbelief. Was this really the same older brother who used to inspire fear in others?
Su Zimo questioned them, "What happened between you two last night?"
Jun Lintian looked at Su Zimo with suspicion, and the question slipped out involuntarily. Men and women together...
"Lintian, are you really asking this? Men and women being together..." Mu Yunxuan interjected.
"Mu Yunxuan, shut up," Su Zimo stood up abruptly from her chair. The deafening sound made several people instinctively cover their ears. They couldn't listen to it, really couldn't. She had a grudge against Mu Yunxuan in this life, and wherever he went, trouble followed.
Su Qi covered his ears outside the door, shaking his head thoughtfully. He was anxious! How could this tigress's explosive temperament surface at this time?
"Ha! Isn't it said that the husband knows his wife best? The so-called unspoken understanding and silent compassion when love is known? The moment Weifu spoke, the woman understood what Weifu wanted to convey."
Mu Yunxuan acted as if he didn't understand the implications of Su Zimo's words. Both of them had stubborn personalities, and if neither of them yielded first, their relationship might never move forward. What was a little bit of face? He was only concerned about the person he loved. What did it matter if he played dumb?
He knew that her heart was burdened with pain and resentment.
Her bitterness made it impossible for her to find someone to confide in.
All the pain and suffering she endured, no one understood. He just wanted to use his sincerest heart, even if it was just a cup of warm tea, to make her feel cared for and warm, to let her know that someone in this world cared about her.
Su Zimo saw Mu Yunxuan's pretense and became even angrier.
"If you're not leaving, then I can leave anytime, right?"
Her words slipped out, and she wanted to slap herself. This was her home, and if anyone should leave, it should be them.
"Oh! It's quite lively at my house early in the morning! Su Qi walked out with short, brisk steps, a doggy grin on his face.
He didn't want his mother's image to be tarnished in front of his father. How could she behave like this? In Su Qi's mind, a woman should be gentle and refined...
Mu Yunxuan's mood improved upon seeing his son. With his son here, he could guarantee a delicious dinner tonight.
Finally, Mu Yunxuan understood that he had come to secure his dinner.
Su Qi glanced at his father and approached Su Zimo.
"Mother, please be more reserved. Your voice just now could be heard outside the Bright Moon Villa gate."
With an exaggerated expression, Su Qi said, "Mother, is the visitor a guest?"
"Go, you little traitor! What's the fun? Hurry up and refine the pill for Xin'er."
Su Zimo's face showed a hint of unnaturalness, but she quickly covered it up with a loud voice. When she was in a bad mood, she could be just as vicious towards her son. But was it really necessary to make such a scene? Could her voice really be heard outside the gate of Bright Moon Villa? Did she roar like a lion from Hedong?
Reserved? She was the mother of three children. Why should she hold back? Could she eat her own fart?
"Mother, I've already refined the elixir for Xin'er. It's enough for him to use for the next half month."
Su Qi's smile froze instantly. His eyes blinked as he looked at his mother, who had thrown her hands up and left. If his mother left, wouldn't he be left to handle everything alone? What was the point?
"Huh!" Su Qi let out a forced smile. He had always been good at observing people and talking about others behind their backs. His eyes shifted and landed on Jun Lintian.
Jun Lintian had a bad premonition. He looked at the mischievous smile on Su Qi's face and had an urge to run away.
"Wang Ye, they say wise people don't do secret things, and real people don't tell lies. Why are you suffering? You abandoned my mother six years ago. If I were you, I would have found a hole to hide in. How dare you come here in such a grand manner and say you want to listen to Xiaoqu? Wangye, you can roll away with your thoughts! Don't come to Bright Moon Villa to provoke my mother. If my mother gets angry, nothing is more terrifying than a tigress. Don't bring harm upon yourself. We'll suffer with her."
Su Qi smiled mischievously, as if he was just chatting and not accusing anyone.
In his heart, he scolded Jun Lintian for being two-faced. He showed a different side to him and then turned around like a ghost.
Su Qi's words made people feel that even a five-year-old child understood the truth better than Jun Lintian did, yet he remained oblivious.
The two brothers hadn't found the opportunity to teach him a lesson at the Three Kings Mansion? He had come here first to show off his power. If it weren't for his mother's watchful eye, he would have already made his move.
"You...," Jun Lintian was furious. When a five-year-old child said such things, his face immediately turned gloomy. But in front of Mu Yunxuan, how could he argue with a five-year-old?
"People are not saints who do nothing. This king was also impulsive in the past, and now regrets not making the right choice. That's why I came to ask your mother for forgiveness," Jun Lintian tried to justify himself angrily, but his face still carried an air of dominance, showing no sign of remorse.
Mu Yunhan shrugged, struggling to maintain his composure and not burst into laughter.
Jun Lintian wouldn't be able to sleep tonight with the thought of his rolling mind. It was truly brilliant.
Mu Yunxuan leaned back in his chair, watching his son scold Jun Lintian and seeing Jun Lintian's indignation. He felt an immense sense of joy in his heart.
"Wang Ye, even though everyone is not a saint who can ignore the faults of others, I want to say that some things cannot be forgiven so easily. Wang Ye, please leave! Go to the city and visit Taifu Mansion, where you truly belong."
Su Qi spoke with an air of maturity, pointing towards the door. With that scum present, it wasn't a good environment for him and his father to communicate.
"Haha..." Looking at Su Qi's serious expression, Mu Yunhan couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. Even Mu Yunxuan shrugged his shoulders.
"Hmph!" Jun Lintian didn't plan to stay any longer. He didn't want to engage with a child. Weakened enemies were not worth his attention, and strong enemies did not scare him. He strode out.
"Qi'er, you have such a way with words! You could become the most eloquent person in the capital of Haoyue Kingdom," Mu Yunhan walked towards Su Qi with a smile. This little rascal, if they were still in Cloud City, his mother would be overjoyed every day.
"Uncle, you've been pampered since childhood. You can't understand the hardships we've endured. This man, just like jade, jade is not a tool or a vessel. People who don't learn or understand, when we were at the border, when those children pointed at us and called us 'wild seeds,' we didn't even know what that meant. We, three siblings, could only stare at them dumbfounded, unable to respond. Then, my mother took us around to do business, and through hardship, we learned more."
Su Qi spoke as if he was talking about someone else's story, not his own.
Hearing this, Mu Yunxuan felt a sense of guilt in his heart. He realized how much suffering the three of them had endured, suffering that he knew nothing about.
"Qi'er, from now on, you won't have to suffer anymore."
Mu Yunxuan walked over with a distressed expression, embraced Su Qi, and kissed him on the forehead.
Mu Yunhan also felt a sense of unease. If they had been born in Cloud City, they would have been cherished and treasured.
"Daddy, Qi Er said this not to make you feel guilty, but to make you understand that you haven't experienced all that we have. How could you understand these truths? Look, aren't we fine now? We don't have to wander anymore. Bright Moon Villa is our permanent home now."
Su Qi looked happy, hugged Mu Yunxuan's neck, and looked at his father's guilty gaze. His father still felt sorry for them.
As soon as Su Li entered the room, he saw this scene, and a trace of strange emotion flickered in his eyes.
He was followed by Yue Tongzi.
"Brother, brother..." The smile on Su Qi's face suddenly froze. This was bad. He had been caught by his brother.
Su Li gave Su Qi a cold glance and said in a chilly tone, "Go and see Uncle He. Wasn't he injured last night?"
"Oh! Look at me, I was actually planning to visit Uncle He, but when I heard that the Third Prince was coming, I completely forgot about it. Last night's events were a result of both me and my brother's efforts. Uncle He has already informed us about what happened. Otherwise, we wouldn't have rushed over to teach Jun Lintian a lesson."
"Dad, you guys wait here. I'll go back," Su Qi replied.
"Hmm!" Mu Yunxuan gently let go of Su Qi, but his gaze towards Su Li was filled with gloom.
"Brother, what are you..." Su Li's voice was interrupted by Mu Yunxuan's angry glare. How could Qi Er...?
Feeling his brother's anger, Su Qi quickly ran away without daring to say anything more in front of his furious brother.
Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan exchanged glances, their eyes filled with worry and distress.
"Quercus..."
Mu Yunxuan called out softly.
"Tongzi, you can go down first."
"Yes, Young Lord."
Tongzi respectfully left, showing proper etiquette throughout the process.
"Quercus..." Mu Yunxuan spoke, unsure of what to say.
Quercus had a different personality compared to Su Qi. He was stubborn and principled. Mu Yunxuan knew that Quercus was trying to hold on to his principles, but he didn't need to be so rigid. Here was him, and there was Quercus. Mu Yunxuan didn't want his son to bear such a heavy burden.
"What are you doing here?" Su Li looked at the guilt in his father's eyes, and his heart softened a little. His tone was not as harsh as before.
Xin'er was right; he didn't know about their existence, and how could he intervene in their lives? But he would never let go until his mother forgave him.
"Li'er, can we talk?"
Communication, that was the best approach Mu Yunxuan could think of. He couldn't treat Quercus like a five-year-old child; he could only have a calm conversation with him.
"No need, I know what you're trying to say. Just one word from my mother, and I will naturally call you father."
Su Li spoke solemnly and turned to leave.
"Big brother, Li'er hates you. He really is your son. But this time, his attitude wasn't as strong as before. It's a good start," Mu Yunxuan noted the change in Quercus's tone, feeling a glimmer of happiness in his heart.
On the streets of the capital of Haoyue Kingdom, a maid dressed in green stood in front of a stall selling rouge and glanced around.
She loudly exclaimed, "Oh! Have you heard, my lady? I heard that the owner of Bright Moon Villa is a bastard child."
The lady selling rouge frowned and looked displeasedly at the little maid. "How have I not heard of this? Who do you think you are, a little maid, spreading trouble everywhere? I've heard enough! The owner's husband is deceased, and it's not easy for her to raise three children alone. Don't spread rumors on the street. Perhaps it's your master who is jealous of her, leading you to gossip like this."
Clearly, the lady selling rouge disagreed with the little maid's statement.
Coincidentally, the lady selling rouge happened to be the wife of Xiao Jinliang, the steward recruited by Bright Moon Villa.
After Xiao Jinliang informed her about Su Zimo, she became an admirer of the owner of Bright Moon Villa. She couldn't tolerate others tarnishing her reputation!
"You..."
The little maid's face turned pale and blue. She didn't expect this lady to be so confrontational.
At that moment, a middle-aged woman, around forty years old, elegantly dressed in a crimson gown, walked by. She was beautiful, well-proportioned, and exuded grace and warmth.
Behind her were four handsome men, who were like the finest gentlemen.
"Tianji, Shaoyu, go and bring that girl here. If she dares to defame the owner's reputation, we must find out who ordered it."
"Yes, Mo Niang," they replied.
The woman was Mo Niang, who had been helping Xin'er gather medicinal herbs outside for the past few months.
"Hey, who are you? What do you want?" The little maid panicked as she was forcefully taken away by two strong men, and she shouted in fear.
"Shut up! If you don't, I'll kill you," threatened Shao Yu, causing the little maid to immediately fall silent.
In the shadows, Su Ziyun, who was unaware of Huan'er's arrest, wondered if they were from Bright Moon Villa.
Su Ziyun realized that going out now would only raise suspicions. If she appeared on the streets, it would be as good as calling herself out.
She dismissed the idea of interfering. After all, the maid would never admit her involvement, and Su Zimo couldn't help her either.
Casually, Su Ziyun left the area and headed towards the Three Kings Mansion, but her plans had been foiled from the start.
At the entrance of Bright Moon Villa, Mo Niang's group coincidentally encountered Murong Shaofeng and Zhu Yan.
"Mo Niang, you're back?" Murong Shaofeng exclaimed happily upon seeing her.
"Oh, isn't this Murong Gongzi? Shao Yu, Tianji, Wu Jiang, and Hongxiang," Mo Niang greeted them with a nod.
"Mo Niang, you've worked hard for Xin'er's illness this time," Murong Shaofeng said appreciatively.
"It's our duty to do our best for our masters, Murong Gongzi," Mo Niang replied modestly.
"What's happening here?" Murong Shaofeng asked, looking at the green-clothed maid.
"Murong Gongzi, it's nothing major. This woman tried to tarnish the owner's reputation on the street, but she was caught by our grandmother and brought back to Bright Moon Villa. We'll interrogate her and find out who's behind this," Mo Niang explained, emphasizing the word "interrogate" as she glared fiercely at the green-clothed woman.
The woman in green was already trembling with fear, and with Mo Niang's intimidation, tears welled up in her eyes.
Afraid of Shao Yu's threat, she didn't dare to utter a sound.
"Since that's the case, we'll take our leave," Murong Shaofeng said. He despised those who spread malicious rumors the most.
"Hmm!"
Meanwhile, Su Zimo was busy in the kitchen.
As they entered the main hall, they were surprised to find that Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan hadn't left. Su Qi and Su Xin were engaged in conversation with them.
Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan exchanged glances, perplexed by their presence. Why were they here?
Bright Moon Villa was bustling with activity that day.
Seeing Mo Niang and Murong Shaofeng, both siblings were overjoyed.
"Grandma Mo."
"Grandma Mo, you're back?"
"Yes, we're back," Mo Niang exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Su Qi and Su Xin.
"Uncle Shaoyu... Uncle Moonmark," the siblings greeted Shaoyu and the others.
The four of them smiled in response.
Then, the siblings turned their attention to Murong Shaofeng.
"Uncle Murong."
"Uncle Murong."
Both of them happily called out his name.
"Hmm!"
With a happy expression, Murong Shaofeng responded upon seeing the presence of Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan. He furrowed his brows, wondering how they ended up there.
"Oops! Grandma Mo, Qi'er, Xin'er wants to see you."
Mo Niang embraced Su Xin and asked, "Xin'er, have you been feeling better lately?"
"Grandma Mo, Xin'er is much better now."
Xin'er sweetly smiled. She was loved and pampered by many people, and seeing her father again made her truly happy.
"Alright then!"
Mo Niang smiled and kissed Su Xin on the forehead.
Murong Shaofeng glanced at Mu Yunxuan, feeling a slight displeasure in his heart.
Qi Er and Xin'er were very close to him, and seeing Qi Er's interaction with Mu Yunxuan made him inexplicably anxious.
"Holy Lord, Second Prince, I didn't expect to see you here?"
Murong Shaofeng took a few steps forward.
Mo Niang observed them, recognizing that these two men were extraordinary individuals. They were referred to as the Holy Lord in the capital of Haoyue Country, and Mu Yunxuan, who was alone, turned out to be the Holy Lord of the Mu Family and the second son.
"Uncle Murong, it was Qi Er who invited the two uncles for dinner."
Su Qi giggled. He had pleaded with his mother all day today, and finally, she reluctantly agreed.
"Huh! What's going on? Su Qi looked at Huan'er, the girl who was being held by Shao Yu.
"Qi'er, this girl attempted to tarnish the owner's reputation but was apprehended by her grandmother. She was taken back and locked in the snake's den, where she is being interrogated to reveal the mastermind behind all this."