"Mu Nan, have you really dismissed my words like they’re nothing? Didn’t I tell you to keep your distance from him? Do you have a bad memory, or do you think your wings are hardened enough to defy me?" the Third Elder reproached bitterly, his annoyance was so intense that he left no room for Mu Hanyan’s dignity.
It’s no wonder he was so angry; he had just given Mu Nan a stern lecture yesterday, and barely a night had passed—an mere few hours—yet Mu Nan was seen mingling with Mu Hanyan again.
Judging by the way he was meekly following him around, it was clear that he held Mu Hanyan in high regard, not realizing what sort of love potion this playboy must have fed to his precious Little Six to make him so compliant. In his memory, even in dealing with himself, Mu Nan had never been this respectful.
The more the Third Elder thought about it, the angrier he became, and his resentment towards Mu Hanyan intensified.
"Grandfather, Brother Han Yan really isn’t what you all think he is; you’ve all misunderstood him," Mu Nan initially didn’t want to talk back, but seeing such derogatory remarks about Mu Hanyan, he couldn’t help but speak up.
Though Mu Nan was impulsive, he was extremely filial and perceptive, which made him a favorite of the Third Elder on ordinary days. It was the first time he dared to retort when knowing the elder was angry, which made the Third Elder’s white beard tremble with fury. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ n̷o̷v̷e̷l̷f̷i̷r̷e̷.net
"So your wings really are hardened, daring to talk back to me!" the Third Elder shouted furiously, raising his hand.
Mu Nan, terrified, closed his eyes and shrank his neck. The Third Elder’s hand, ultimately, did not come down.
They say the Emperor loves his eldest son, the people love the youngest; the Third Elder deeply adored his youngest grandson, and no matter how mischievous he was, he could never bear to lay a hand on him.
"Enough, enough, you’re grown up, and I can’t control you anymore. Just look after yourself. I mentioned to you yesterday that an old friend might be visiting today. I’ll go arrange a banquet in welcome for tonight; just make sure you don’t embarrass me," the Third Elder said listlessly. Although he didn’t strike him, it seemed he was thoroughly disappointed in Mu Nan.
"Grandfather..." Mu Nan wanted to say something, but stuttering, he ultimately didn’t say it, stubbornly biting his lip.
The Third Elder was even more disappointed, he sighed deeply and turned away.
"Little Six, you didn’t have to speak up for me and get scolded by the Third Elder," Mu Hanyan said softly.
As a son of a noble family, life seemed endlessly glorious, but behind it all lay a maze of power struggles. Given the vast family fortunes, not a single penny should be squandered frivolously. Winning the elder’s favor meant access to more resources and a greater chance for a prosperous future, but disappointing them could doom one to obscurity.
Even if Mu Nan had just remained silent, or even yielded to the Third Elder and distanced himself from her, Mu Hanyan wouldn’t have blamed him, yet he had not wavered and had stayed by her side. Although Mu Hanyan had become wary of trusting others easily after her past life experiences, Mu Nan’s recent actions moved her somewhat.
"Right is right, wrong is wrong. Brother Han Yan isn’t at all what they think, and even if I can’t prove anything for you, I absolutely cannot betray my conscience," Mu Nan said resolutely.
Mu Hanyan was startled, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.