The other noble ladies in the Water Pavilion were stunned, their gazes swirling between the scolding noble lady and Mu Xi, while some secretly suppressed laughter.
When one's conduct surpasses that of others, everyone will criticize.
Mu Xi acted so high-profile and flamboyant; there were plenty of people who were jealous behind her back and wished to see her make a fool of herself.
Mu Xi was extremely vexed, wishing she could tear that person's mouth apart, but she didn't want to become a laughingstock or ruin the Birthday Banquet today, so she could only strive to maintain her noble lady demeanor.
"Younger Sister Zhou must be a bit drunk from the fruit wine; I'll take her to rest."
That noble lady intended to explain her words and actions, as Mu Xi's status was significant, and she was backed by Prince Qi; she couldn't afford to offend her. However, what came out of her mouth was the complete opposite of what she intended.
"I'm not drunk, was I wrong? If it weren't for your mother's potent seductive skills that charmed Prime Minister Mu into a daze, and if she hadn't used vicious means to kill Mu Ning, the legitimate daughter, would the position of the Prime Minister's Mansion's legitimate daughter ever fall to you? You should look in the mirror; a pheasant is just a pheasant; even with feathers attached, it can't become a phoenix. At best, it's just an awkward imitation that only invites ridicule!"
After rattling all that off, Zhou Zhi Lan covered her mouth again, her expression filled with panic.
It's over, it's over! How did I say what was in my heart again?
The entire Water Pavilion was dead silent; everyone was excitedly watching the show.
Mu Xi's face turned extremely ugly, her eyes seeming to want to devour someone, "Zhou—Zhi—Lan, do you know what you are saying?"
Zhou Zhi Lan was so scared her tears were about to fall. She wanted to say she was wrong, but as soon as she opened her mouth, it turned into: "Of course, I know what I'm saying! Mu Xi, you are just a wild pheasant! A wild pheasant!"
Mu Xi was furious, no longer caring about the noble lady's demeanor, and rushed forward to slap her.
"Slap!"
It was sharp and loud. Zhou Zhi Lan was stunned by the blow, covering her cheek in disbelief, "Mu Xi, you hit me?"
"I hit you, so what? You are merely the daughter of the Grand Master of the Imperial Stables; what right do you have to shout at me?"
"Ah—I'll fight you to the death!"
The two noble young ladies, who were perfectly fine moments ago, began wrestling in public like madwomen.
The other noble ladies included some who tried to stop them, some who tried to persuade them, and some who stood aside to watch the spectacle with schadenfreude, resulting in continuous shrieks.
The Water Pavilion quickly descended into chaos; tea tables and chairs were overturned, cups and plates were shattered, and fruits and pastries were scattered all over the floor.
Mu Ning took advantage of the chaos to leave the Water Pavilion with her daughter.
"Are you not angry anymore?"
Mu Yanxi blinked, "Mhm, much more satisfying."
Mu Ning helplessly and dotingly tapped her daughter's forehead, "Little mischief-maker."
"Hmph, if she likes gossiping behind people's backs so much, then let her gossip to her heart's content. Wild pheasant, hahahaha, that insult suits my taste perfectly."
Mu Ning was caught between laughter and tears, "I wasn't even angry, yet you got worked up. You're so young, why is your temper so fiery?"
"Mother has a generous spirit, but I cannot tolerate anyone bullying you. If I were the one being bullied today, Mother would surely stand up for me too, right?"
Indeed.
If their positions were reversed today, she might have acted even more ruthlessly and decisively than her daughter.
The three children were her reverse scale; no one could touch them.
"Mother, take me to see where you used to live."
"Alright."
Over at the main courtyard, more than a dozen young Noble Family disciples were gathered in a group, surrounding Mu Shi'an, the New Top Scholar in Martial Arts, like stars orbiting the moon.
"Congratulations, Brother Shi'an, for winning the top spot as the Martial Champion in one go! A position as a Cavalry Captain is surely guaranteed!"
"Brother Shi'an is a genius of heaven's making, accomplished at such a young age; we truly cannot help but envy you."
Facing everyone's flattery, Mu Shi'an's brow was filled with pride and arrogance.
Not far away, Mu Yuanlin was chatting happily with several colleagues from the same faction in the court. Seeing the excitement over there, one colleague couldn't help but feel envious.
"Ah, Prime Minister Mu truly knows how to raise his children. Eldest Young Master Mu is accomplished at a young age and is a leader among the younger generation in Fengjing City. Young Lady Mu is both talented and beautiful, intelligent and virtuous; her future prospects are boundless."
Mu Yuanlin smiled so much that wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes, "Brother Lin flatters me too much, too much. Shi'an winning the Martial Champion title was purely by chance. However, your family recently welcomed a new addition; allow me to offer my congratulations in advance."
"Haha, thank you. I'll take your good words; I must invite you over for some wine then."
"If there's wine, we all get a share! Brother Lin, don't forget us."
"No problem, no problem. Since you all don't mind, we'll all drink together then."
Meanwhile, Mu Shi'an led the group of Noble Family disciples to the martial arts stage, intending to publicly display his martial skills.
On the Martial Arts Stage, Mu Shi'an moved with agility, leaping and turning, wielding his long saber with powerful momentum.
"Good! Good!"
Below the stage, Mu Yanxi was savoring a Chicken drumstick while critically commenting on Mu Shi'an, who was vigorously swinging his long saber on stage.
"Tsk tsk, just this? That title of Martial Champion might be rather hollow."
A Noble Family disciple nearby, who was on good terms with Mu Shi'an, immediately reprimanded him, "Brat, if you don't understand, don't talk nonsense. Aren't you afraid of getting beaten?"
Mu Yanli stepped forward to shield Mu Yanxi, his beautiful Fox eyes coldly staring at the man.
"You aren't qualified to beat up my brother."
Fan Jian contemptuously rolled his eyes, "Who are you? You're small, but your tone is quite big."
"My surname is Li, and my given name is Dad."
Fan Jian froze, then became furious, "Brat, you dare to trick me!"
Saying that, he swung his fist toward Mu Yanli's face.
One was a seven-foot-tall adult man, and the other was a little milk doll just over three feet tall. If that punch landed, the small head might crack open.
The surrounding people worried for Mu Yanli, and some couldn't bear to watch, closing their eyes.
"Ah—"
They only heard Fan Jian let out a miserable scream, drawn out with a long wail, as he flailed his limbs and flew far away.
Everyone was stunned.
Were they performing some new acrobatics?
How could a man weighing over a hundred catties fly so far out of thin air?
Mu Shi'an, who was on the training ground, noticed the disturbance and strode over, his face displeased, putting away his long saber.
"What's going on?"
No one answered.
Because they truly didn't know how to explain it. Should they say Fan Jian was kicked flying by a five or six-year-old child?
Never mind if Mu Shi'an wouldn't believe it; they themselves could barely believe what they saw with their own eyes.
Seeing that no one spoke, Mu Yanli pointed at Fan Jian, who was lying ten zhang away, and spoke, "He wanted to beat me, but he didn't win. It's that simple."
Mu Shi'an frowned, "Who are you?"
"I am my Mother's child."
Mu Shi'an's brow furrowed even tighter, "What is your surname and given name, and who is your mother?"
"My mother's surname is Mu, and her given name is Ning."
"Mu Ning?" A Noble Family disciple exclaimed, "Didn't she die six years ago? I heard she died in a Mass grave, gnawed by wolves until nothing was left, how tragic."
Mu Shi'an's face darkened, and he glared unkindly at the man, "Stop mentioning that Good-for-nothing fool in front of me; she hasn't been a member of my Mu Family for a long time!"
After speaking, he fiercely pointed at Mu Yanli, "You little brat, dare to speak nonsense again and I won't let you off easily! Scram!"
If you won't acknowledge my Mother, I insist on calling out to her; that'll make you mad!
Mu Yanli tilted his head, "I don't know how to scramble. Why don't you, Uncle, demonstrate first?"