Chapter 19: A Mess of a Story
◎Sister-in-law becomes second sister-in-law?◎
Mu Yun, today, was inexplicably sneezing incessantly.
His nose itched even when he saw his beloved.
After his sister took his precious cricket, he angrily left again.
His luck was bad; he ran into a small gang of bandits. Just as he braced himself for a beating, a female warrior saved him.
Mu Yun felt his life was complete.
Mu Jiaojiao couldn’t believe the soap opera unfolding before her; she wanted to cry.
Marrying her brother was no different than marrying her second brother; the Mu family was doomed.
Soon, Mu Huan, cricket-obsessed, realized something. He linked arms with his sister, enlightened: “So, second brother has a beloved! Then big brother will absolutely not steal his love!”
Zhan Qiyu, at the first-floor tea stall, saw Mu Huan’s actions and frowned deeply. Men and women should not be so physically affectionate; even siblings should not be so familiar.
His grip on his teacup tightened. A Liu, beside him, silently thought, That’s the future brother-in-law of the young master. He sure is jealous!
The girl, in moon-white men’s clothing, looked somewhat despairing, shaking off her brother’s arm. “It’s not like that; you don’t understand.”
But Mu Huan was convinced he understood. While his sister was stunned, he snatched the grass cage, eagerly examining his champion cricket.
Through the cage, he saw the bright red head of the champion cricket, his eyes wide.
Based on his years of experience, this was undoubtedly the king of crickets.
Mu Jiaojiao didn’t have time to argue with her brother. She waved him away; her second brother was more important now.
She felt that fate was truly unfathomable.
She watched the scene for a while, about to leave disappointed, when things took a turn.
Mu Yun and Miss Mao were chatting when a martial arts hero suddenly burst in, and the three of them began a heated discussion.
“Big brother, look!” Mu Jiaojiao turned to call him, only to find he had left.
Mu Huan had already slipped away to show off his cricket. The red-headed champion was now living in luxury.
Shan Cha whispered, “Eldest Master has been gone for a while.” She shrugged helplessly.
She had been busy eating snacks and hadn’t had time to stop him.
Mu Jiaojiao sat on a stool, pondering.
She decided to intervene and took Shan Cha to meet the female warrior, Mao.
Across the street, in a second-floor private room, three people were talking. When Mu Jiaojiao knocked, everyone fell silent.
Mu Yun saw his sister and looked embarrassed. “Sister, why are you here?”
The girl, in white men’s clothing, had a radiant complexion; her neatly tied black hair was sleek and shiny, highlighting her white neck.
Mao Qingqing’s master, Cheng Xingyao, was immediately struck by her beauty. Having traveled the martial arts world for decades, he had never seen such a beautiful girl. He was momentarily stunned.
After confirming she was the younger sibling of the young man inside, he somewhat regretted his earlier behavior.
An incense stick ago, Cheng Xingyao had defended his illicit love.
He had been Mao Qingqing’s master, a purely transactional relationship, but he had accepted her admiration and developed feelings for her.
However, he was not only promiscuous but also lecherous, enjoying her affections yet claiming to be a free bird, having his cake and eating it too.
Mao Qingqing was of marriageable age, but he didn’t propose, instead claiming he needed to wander the world, upholding justice.
Now, seeing she was engaged and had admirers, he was playing the role of a heartbroken lover.
Mao Qingqing, seeing Mu Jiaojiao, didn’t mince words. “Miss Mu, I have no intention of being your sister-in-law; please inform the Mu family.”
Mu Jiaojiao was pleasantly surprised. She asked uncertainly, “Are you serious, Miss Mao?”
Before Mao Qingqing could answer, Cheng Xingyao couldn’t contain himself. If she didn’t marry into the Mu family, he wouldn’t have a chance with this young lady.
Dressed in black martial arts attire with a red cape, he was eye-catching, but Mu Jiaojiao didn’t even glance at him.
In her past life, this man was the culprit behind the Mu family’s downfall; she hated him.
But Cheng Xingyao remained unfazed. He politely addressed Mu Jiaojiao: “Allow me to introduce myself; I’m Mao Qingqing’s master,” he bowed slightly, “A teacher’s influence lasts a lifetime. What she said doesn’t count; I’ll decide for her.”
Then, doing a complete U-turn, he told his disciple: “Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parents. You must marry into the Mu family.”
Then, he kindly addressed Mu Yun: “Young Master Mu, you and my disciple are a perfect match.”
He had brought the two together with a few words.
The remaining four people: ???
Mu Yun was resentful. “Qingqing is devoted to you, yet you act so rashly; you’re shameless!”
But Mao Qingqing slammed her teacup. “Don’t insult my master!”
Mu Jiaojiao also lost her temper, smashing a plate. “My brother is defending you! How can you be so ungrateful!”
The two girls were about to fight when Cheng Xingyao, pitying his disciple, rebuked her. “Qingqing, do you disobey your master?!”
The proud girl burst into tears, covering her face and running out.
Mu Yun was worried, instructing Shan Cha to stay with Mu Jiaojiao before chasing after her.
A Liu and Zhan Qiyu at the tea stall saw a man and a woman run out, realizing it wasn’t Mu Jiaojiao, and continued waiting calmly.
However, Zhan Qiyu didn’t like the man in a red cape. He paid A Liu and decided to check the situation; he couldn’t let her stay with strangers.
Mu Jiaojiao had nothing to say to this man, only that she had broken his plate and bowl, waiting for the waiter to compensate.
The waiter took the broken pieces to the manager for valuation. Mu Jiaojiao was about to leave to pay when a black sword with a scabbard blocked her path – Cheng Xingyao.
“May I ask your name, Miss? I’m merely a swordsman, at your service.”
Even Shan Cha found him greasy, even greasier than pork lard.
At that moment, Zhan Qiyu arrived, the air suddenly less greasy.
His icy aura caused Cheng Xingyao to be very displeased.
“Boy, what do you mean?”
Their eyes met, sparking invisible fire. Cheng Xingyao sensed the other’s powerful aura. Even though he was merely a poor scholar, he felt like he was being watched by a cheetah.
A Liu timely stood in front of his master, quietly gathering his energy, ready to fight this arrogant swordsman if necessary.
A Liu had been itching for a fight.
Shocked by A Liu’s profound internal energy, Cheng Xingyao, sensing the boy’s considerable skill despite his young age, backed down.
Under the dual pressure, Cheng Xingyao retreated. “Young masters, there’s a misunderstanding. I was merely greeting you; I apologize for the disturbance.”
He smiled at Mu Jiaojiao, leaving temporarily, intending to get acquainted later.
He didn’t seek lifelong commitment; a brief fling would suffice.
“Brother Zhan, why are you here? Did you happen to pass by?”
The man’s gaze softened, becoming clear and cold. He nodded. “Yes, a coincidence.”
The refined young man brought a scholarly air to the shop; the waiter charged them only the cost price.
The manager was honest and didn’t want to overcharge them.
The four walked down the street as if strolling, the street vendors forming their backdrop.
Mu Jiaojiao briefly recounted the day’s events, looking troubled by the messy family affairs.
Zhan Qiyu didn’t seem to think much of it, as it didn’t concern him and Mu Jiaojiao.
“Are you afraid that your brother or second brother marrying her will cause family discord?”
The afternoon sun illuminated his profile. He turned his head and looked at her, seeing only her side profile—beautiful.
Mu Jiaojiao found it hard to explain but wanted to share her thoughts. She slightly raised her head, meeting his icy gaze. “I’m not only afraid of family discord; I’m afraid the family will be ruined.”
Her eyes were extremely beautiful, like a pool of autumn water, captivating. Zhan Qiyu quickly looked away, unable to continue looking.
Seeing his silence, she thought he found her ideas absurd. “Perhaps I’m overthinking.”
But Zhan Qiyu replied seriously: “Nothing in this world is certain. Sometimes, even a small thing can change everything.”
He was always patient with her; he wouldn’t bother explaining to others.
Lessons are learned through experience, and he understood this better than anyone.
“Really?”
The girl’s mood improved. She smiled, walking home with the man in the evening glow.
She asked several questions.
“Brother Zhan, have you thought about what kind of official you want to be?”
“Brother Zhan, what kind of house do you want when you become a high-ranking official?”
“Brother Zhan, what kind of life do you want in the future?”
Her questions were numerous and rapid; Zhan Qiyu didn’t answer, but his heart held only one answer: As long as it’s with you.
Unknown to them, a significant event had occurred in the capital. The Crown Prince, upon waking in the East Palace, had dismissed all the beauties he’d spent the night with.
One after another, almost everyone in the East Palace except the Crown Princess was sent to a nunnery, doubling the population of nunneries in the capital.
Even the Emperor had heard about it, asking the head eunuch, “What’s going on with the Crown Prince?”