Chapter 2, The Youth of Spring Mountains and Eyebrows (Part 2)

In the next moment, a sharp little knife swiftly slipped from my palm and with a whoosh, it plunged forcefully into the back of Liu Ma's hand

Before Liu Ma, who was about to roll her eyes in anger, could speak, Mu Xin could no longer contain herself: "Who do you think you are to teach Liu Ma a lesson on behalf of my mother?"

Without looking back, I continue to move forward. I will come when I wish to, and leave when I choose. Those three who love to bark can do so at their own pace.

What has happened to him

The guards looked at the wailing Liu Ma, who was still clutching her bleeding hand, with strange expressions. Then they glanced at me, whose face was filled with a compassionate and radiant demeanor, and could not help but shiver.

The guards and Aunt Liu exclaimed and hurried to offer their support, amidst the clamor, I smiled faintly, my voice clear and resonant, as I gracefully departed

Upon hearing the last word, my heart skipped a beat; these are the two words I despise the most. The world deceives me, humiliates me, destroys me, and slanders me. I am free from it, for my mother once told me that while the mouth may belong to others, a noble heart belongs solely to oneself

Mu Xin today seemed possessed, each word more venomous than the last: "No wonder the servants say that your Crow Courtyard is strange and eerie, with white shadows drifting about, the garden not resembling a garden, the master not resembling a master, a yard full of wild grass and a house full of oddities, which is why there is you, this inexplicable wild child clinging to someone else's home!"

Those beautiful eyes were fixed intently on me, shimmering with glass-like colors in the afternoon sunlight. Despite being filled with anger, they remained beautiful.

Hey, you crazy girl, don't go!

I adjusted my sleeves and casually walked back. After this incident, I felt too lazy to pay my respects, especially since it was not the right time to face the lady's wrath. However, by evening, if my uncle noticed my absence in paying respects, he would surely inquire about it. With these guards to mention the matter briefly, given my uncle's temperament, I need not worry that the lady would still want to protect that old woman.

The slender Zhang Ma approached, ominously saying: "Miss, your words are rather strange. The lady is your elder, and Liu Ma is a person of the lady's household. If there is a need to reprimand Liu Ma, it is the lady who should decide. You, an outsider residing in the侯府, and also a junior, should not speak in such a manner, should you?"

This Muxin has angered me

I gestured with my empty hand, signaling a young guard with a gentle and honest appearance to come forward: "Come here, you."

Mu Xin showed no mercy towards me. I took a step back, and he advanced a large step, his prominent nose nearly touching mine: "Wild girl, your father dotes on you, and I won't hold it against you. Why did you ruin the garden that your mother cherished? Our Mu family provides you with shelter, food, and fine clothing; how could you turn out to be an ungrateful wretch?"

The guard listened with a strange expression on his face, looking as if he wanted to laugh but dared not. I ignored him and recalled something, then added a reminder: "Please tell the lady that Huaisu said, knowing that the lady is just and will never tolerate such treacherous and malicious servants who tarnish the reputation of the Hou residence for strict governance. It seems that punishment and beating would be too lenient, but considering that this old fellow is merely muddled for the moment, I hope the lady will only impose a minor reprimand."

I remember when my mother heard my words, she exchanged glances with Aunt Yang and then chuckled. Aunt Yang pulled me in front of the bronze mirror and pointed at my reflection, saying: "Miss, when you grow up, there will be no one in this world who can be called a beauty that could topple a city in your presence"

Madam Liu, being the trusted confidante of the lady of the house, had grown accustomed to the flattery of those around her, believing herself to be on par with even a minor master. Now, being scolded by this wild girl of unknown origins, she was so enraged that her entire body trembled with indignation: "You, you, you... how dare you insult me?"

I paused for a moment and took a step back. Mu Xin is an exceptionally favored child, gifted with outstanding intelligence. He composed poetry at the age of three and essays at five. In the martial arts family of the Mu clan, he is a rare prodigy, which is why Madam Mu dotes on him so dearly. This indulgence has fostered his fearless and tyrannical temperament. However, despite being somewhat spoiled, he has been raised on poetry and literature, deeply understanding propriety and righteousness. Although he has always inexplicably disliked me and opposed me, he has maintained a sense of decorum and upbringing, never speaking ill as he did today.

I left carelessly, with only half of my braid remaining.

That one stroke severed the tip of the captured braid

All the potted flowers have been removed and replaced with porcelain pots made from famous kiln firing, crowded together with various wildflowers of unknown origin, all in a state of distress. The seven-colored peonies, which my aunt took great pride in, were haphazardly planted in a chaotic manner, forming a giant character for 'bath.' The blush begonia, which my aunt had painstakingly sought after, was hung on a tree, while the invaluable renowned orchids were carelessly scattered on the ground alongside weeds. I dare say these weeds were certainly not there before; who knows how many guards Uncle Liu had to mobilize from the manor, using hands accustomed to wielding swords to take up sickles and hoes to dig out the grass.

Mu Xin, having exerted all her strength on the braid, found her hands empty and, suddenly losing her balance, awkwardly fell backward while grasping a section of the dark braid.

I looked at that braid, feeling an immense sense of regret. One must understand that achieving such length is not easy for me.

Clapping my hands, I carefully put away the small knife that my mother had given me for self-defense. With an air of nonchalance, I smiled at the young guard and said: "Here, take Liu Ma back to the lady's room and just say that Liu Ma has committed an offense by speaking ill of Miss Huaisu and resorting to physical actions. Huaisu, feeling helpless, had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure. The lady comes from a noble background, and her household is known for its propriety. Everyone in the lady's room is strict and adheres to the rules. Liu Ma's behavior is truly detrimental to the lady's esteemed character, which is quite upsetting for those who respect her. I am now sending Liu Ma back, and I ask the lady to make a judgment."

However, only those of us at the Cangya Courtyard know of her nobility, her beauty, and her unparalleled wisdom. Those who point fingers and gossip behind her back are only worthy of kneeling in the dust, breathing in the hem of her skirt.

Madam Liu curled her lips disdainfully and arrogantly turned her head to the side: "You have compensated the Fourth Young Master, haven't you? Naturally, I will let you go; otherwise, you can forget about it!"

Yet in the end, it was but a smile before departing

I suddenly feel a bit guilty ... ? ... It seems I haven't asked my uncle to renovate Ruiyuan, have I

I stared at him in astonishment, wondering where this noble son of a marquis had learned such vulgar language from these village women

The guards, however, became tense; a knife being thrust into a servant's hand was certainly not the same as being directed at the Fourth Young Master. They had witnessed the brutality of my actions, and immediately gathered around, all on edge.

Seeing them appear as if facing a formidable enemy, I lazily turned my head and smiled

"Why don't I dare to scold you?" I gazed into her slender eyes, which were buried in layers of fat. This old woman, who knows how much she has embezzled in the mansion, just look at her plumpness: "The Marquis of Xiping is my uncle, I am your master. You, a servant, dare to speak to your master like this and even lay your hands on me. According to the mansion's rules, that means you deserve to be punished. What does it matter if I scold you? If you don't let go, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of the lady!" Just look at her plumpness: "The Marquis of Xiping is my uncle, I am your master. You, a servant, dare to speak to your master like this and even lay your hands on me. According to the mansion's rules, that means you deserve to be punished. What does it matter if I scold you? If you don't let go, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of the lady!"

After speaking, I lifted my foot and left. I do not wish to converse with these people. Is the son of the侯府 truly remarkable? Is the prodigy truly remarkable? He could compose poetry at three and write prose at five, but my mother has said that his poetry and prose are ornate and superficial, lacking in substance. He is merely a wealthy young master, confined to the frivolities of romance and beauty, and does not compare to me, who at the same age possesses a broad and profound style, with exquisite writing. It is only because my mother has never allowed my works to be revealed that this young man has been allowed to act so arrogantly.

Yes, I did not say that; it was my uncle who wanted it this way

Now, in these captivating eyes, there shines a light of disdain, glaring at me: "You, this unknown wild girl, have ruined Mother’s beloved Rui Garden!"

I raised my eyebrows and coldly stared at him: "Is this the cultivation you have acquired from the Four Books and Five Classics? Is this the demeanor of a prodigy from the Mu family? Even my maid speaks more elegantly than you do."

I stopped, turned around, and glared at the chubby hands belonging to Liu Ma: "Take your dirty hands away!"

The sharp sound, like fine sand, ground the afternoon air that was still relatively tranquil. I bit my lip; how dare those two old loyal dogs speak to me like that

However, I cannot tolerate anyone speaking a word that might harm my mother. My mother lives a secluded life, rarely engaging with the world, and very few have seen her. They harbor malicious speculations about the Cangya Courtyard, filled with disdain for the two of us, a mother and daughter without any male relatives to rely on. They are perplexed by my uncle's boundless love and care for us. In their crude mindset, my mother and I are merely two women living under someone else's roof, with no one having seen my father. A solitary woman and her daughter of unknown paternity can give rise to many scandalous stories, comparable to the sordid experiences that circulate in the streets.

Stop!

Unfortunately, it was a step too late; someone has already emerged to eliminate the evil.

Walking a great distance, I inadvertently turned back and still saw that little figure in splendid attire, holding a strand of hair, standing dazed among the crowd. The dim yellow light of the setting sun was shining on him and my broken hair, and I could only feel that his features were distant and clear, yet I could not discern his expression. His hair was dark and shiny, flowing with a lustrous light like black pearls.

Turning away, I no longer look at him, preferring to gaze at the floating clouds in the sky: "If I am indeed a wild seed, then it is too unjust for my uncle, the Marquis of Xiping. I fear that you may not amount to much either. As for whether I am dependent on your family, your words do not count. This marquisate belongs to my uncle, not to you. When you become the Marquis of Xiping, then you may come and drive me away."

Even though I can console myself in this way, I ultimately cannot face the devastation that the Rui Garden has suffered because of me, let alone dare to step inside. I wipe the cold sweat from my brow and quietly turn to slip away.

Mu Xin's gaze met my smile, and suddenly there was a tremor; her eyes slightly dazed. Before she could react, a flash of the blade appeared, descending straight down.

This time, however, I was not angry; with a giggle, I said nothing, and with a flick of my hand, the knife reappeared in my palm

What a clever Zhang Ma, far more astute than Liu Ma, who only knows how to grow fat without any sense. Her remark, "the outsider residing in the Hou residence," is quite sharp. I do not look at her, merely sneer coldly, and lower my head to the hand that still clings to my sleeve: "I will say it again, will you let go or not"

Mu Xin fell in response to the sound

In ancient times, there were those who severed their robes to demonstrate loyalty; today, there are those who cut their hair to escape difficulties. Huaisu does not yield to his predecessors, while Mu Jun foolishly acts as a petty person

The gardener squatted among the flowers and plants he had meticulously tended to for a long time, now destroyed in an instant, wanting to cry but with no tears, his face full of sorrow and resentment

With a cry of despair, Liu Ma jumped up, clutching her hand. I looked at the few drops of fresh blood seeping from the back of her hand and coldly smiled to myself, what are you pretending for? How could I not know how to control my strength? This is merely a small punishment. To be honest, I have endured those seemingly gentle yet secretly cunning gazes for quite some time. It is just right to kill a fat hen, so that the monkeys can have a good look.

Struggling to protect the end of her braid, she turned around, and indeed it was that little tyrant. With long, black eyebrows raised high, his gaze was filled with fury: "You vile and scheming wildling!"

I am truly envious of Mu Xin, a boy, for why should he possess such captivating eyes? These eyes are so beautiful, mesmerizing in their movement, that I often find myself entranced, which gives him the opportunity to pinch my cheeks. For this reason, I have wept to my mother, lamenting why those eyes are not on my face.

After just a few steps, my braid tightens, pulling at my scalp painfully. My temper flares up; is today a day of misfortune or what? One moment it's tugging at my clothes, the next it's pulling at my braid. When will it end?

Please provide the text you would like to have translated from Simplified Chinese to English.

I turned my head to look at Liu Ma: "You won't let it go, will you..." I elongated my voice: "Then I have no choice but to offend you!"

Brush!

I was calculating happily, yet I forgot that the instigator had been watching in astonishment all along.

Mu Xin's gaze flickered, seemingly in disbelief that I would actually reveal this knife to him. There was a hint of fear in his eyes, yet he stubbornly clung to my braid without letting go

Oh. I nodded, glanced around, and noticed that the guards not far away had heard the commotion here and were gradually approaching. However, due to the sensitive identities on both sides, they found it difficult to intervene and were patrolling from a distance.

A sudden sound of wind arose behind my head, mingled with a strong scent of powder. A pair of plump hands suddenly reached over to tug at my sleeve, accompanied by a sharp voice that rose in pitch with urgency: "Didn’t you hear me tell you to stop?!"

Behind him were two maidservants, whom I recognized as the accompanying aunts from the lady of the marquis's household, Liu Ma and Zhang Ma, who held considerable status within the residence

The guard hesitated and stepped forward, and I smiled: "Wait, I have something to assign to you"

The boy who jumped out is of a similar age to me, with jet-black hair and snow-white skin, eyes as clear as a mountain spring, bright like the first star that appears on the horizon at dawn, shimmering with a glimmering light, swaying like ripples in an instant, radiant and mesmerizing.