Chapter 8: A Virtuous Wife and a Virtuous Daughter?

Upon hearing this voice, Concubine Song trembled with fright, not knowing what to do!

Mu Xinyao, who had been standing by her side, also turned deathly pale upon hearing it. This voice clearly belonged to her grandfather. As for her, his granddaughter, he didn't just lack affection for her; he found it a chore to even spare her a few extra glances.

"The Old Master is back? Why are you back so early today? Did you catch any fish?" the Old Madam asked with a smile, trying to smooth things over.

The Old Master sat down huffily and glanced at the two before him. The sharpness in his eyes made them both feel uneasy, as if his gaze could pierce through their bodies and reach their very hearts and lungs. It was the kind of feeling where one’s every hidden thought was laid bare under the sun, with nowhere to hide.

"Hmph! As a concubine, you have absolutely no self-awareness! Don't forget that A-Nuan is the eldest young lady of this household; is she someone a mere concubine like you can recklessly discuss?"

"Please forgive me, Old Master. This servant knows her wrong."

Seeing Concubine Song kneel, Mu Xinyao’s eyes darted around, and she knelt beside her, saying in a crisp voice, "Grandfather, please calm your anger. Concubine Mother did not mean any harm. It was only because of the matter regarding A-Yuan moving to the outer courtyard that she was momentarily anxious. I beg Grandfather to be lenient!"

Upon hearing this, the Old Master paused, his hand just having lifted his teacup. However, he brought it to his lips and took a few sips before saying, "What is going on?"

The Old Madam then recounted the day's events, point by point. She was neither biased nor partial, though her favoritism toward Mu Qingyuan was still quite evident in her words.

"Hmm, and this was A-Nuan's suggestion?"

"Replying to the Old Master, it was. I was just unsure of what to decide. What is your opinion?"

The Old Master glared at her. "Since when did you need to make decisions regarding A-Yuan's affairs? He is a descendant of the Mu family; naturally, his father should be the one to decide! However, A-Nuan is worthy of being the eldest daughter of my Mu household; she truly possesses the bearing of an elder sister. Not minding A-Yuan's status, she thinks only of having the two brothers work together to bring honor to the family. This is truly the fortune of our Mu family!"

Hearing this, the Old Madam also felt the Old Master’s words made sense. If it were any ordinary young lady of the main branch, she certainly would not have said such things! Although it was suggested he move out, it was indeed for the sake of his future prospects. Thinking of that child, A-Xuan, who was moved to the outer courtyard at a young age—he was only eight now, yet he was very well-mannered! Respectful to his elder sister and gentle toward his younger brother, this was what a fine son of the Mu family should be.

"That’s enough, you may withdraw." The Old Master waved his hand impatiently.

Concubine Song and her daughter had only just reached the corridor when they heard the Old Master inside give another order: "Tell the kitchen to steam the fish I caught. My A-Nuan loves steamed fish the most."

Hearing this, Concubine Song was so angry that her face flushed red and then turned pale! *My A-Nuan?* Was the daughter she gave birth to not a member of the Mu family? He was so clear about her preferences! Yet, in the Old Master's eyes, the pair of children she had borne were worth absolutely nothing!

The more Concubine Song thought about it, the angrier she became, her handkerchief nearly twisted into a knot in her hands. In the end, she could only stomp her feet in frustration and lead Mu Xinyao away.

At dinner, Mu Chang'an returned, followed closely by Mu Qingxuan. Because he was young and short, he naturally couldn't keep up with his father's pace. Mu Chang'an walked with long strides, while Mu Qingxuan had to trot the whole way!

By the time they reached the flower hall, everything was prepared. The father and son washed their hands and faces one after the other before taking their seats.

Because the Mu household did not have many people—the Old Master had only three sons and one daughter, and with the third son having died in battle and the second son serving in a post far away—only Mu Chang'an’s branch remained in the residence. Because of this, the Old Master felt the house was too quiet on ordinary days, so he established a rule: if there were no pressing matters, the whole family must dine together.

Seeing Mu Qingxuan, who had clearly been trotting to keep up the whole way, show not a hint of dissatisfaction on his face—not even a bead of sweat—the Old Master knew that this child not only had a good temperament but had also made great progress in his martial arts training during these days.

After the meal, the servants cleared the dishes and served digestive tea. The Old Master then brought up the matter of Mu Qingyuan.

When Mu Chang'an heard it was his eldest daughter's idea, he was stunned at first. But upon meeting his daughter's smiling eyes, his heart was set at ease! His own daughter was actually this sensible and well-behaved. Seeing Lady Li sitting to the side, smiling without a word, he felt even more that this wife of his was virtuous and magnanimous.

"Grandfather, actually, Mother had thoughts about A-Yuan's matter long ago. She was only worried that Grandmother would be reluctant to part with A-Yuan, and since Concubine Song usually takes care of him quite thoroughly, she had delayed mentioning it. Today, it was just A-Nuan being momentarily anxious and blurting out Mother's thoughts."

Mu Chang'an heard this and felt it made sense. Mu Qingyuan was not born of his wife, after all; if she were to speak too much, he feared his mother would be annoyed. Besides, his daughter was only ten years old this year; how would she think of starting her brother's education? It must have been the Lady's idea.

The Old Master was overjoyed upon hearing this. "Good! To have such a virtuous and sensible daughter-in-law is the blessing of our Mu family."

The Old Madam felt a bit uncomfortable hearing this, but she could not refute it; after all, the Old Master's words were reasonable!

"Grandfather, A-Nuan's injuries have healed. I would like to go to the schoolhouse. If I keep resting like this, I will forget everything I learned before!"

The Old Master laughed heartily. "How could my A-Nuan be so foolish?"

As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward her left arm. Seeing that it was indeed fine, he felt relieved.

"It is a good thing that A-Nuan wants to improve herself. However, you are a young lady, and now that you are ten, it would be better to learn more needlework and embroidery," the Old Madam said with a smile.

Mu Qingnuan looked at the two elders, said nothing, and just lowered her head with a faint smile.

The Old Master’s brow tightened. "My A-Nuan is naturally intelligent. If she only learns needlework, it would be a waste of her talent. Let her go to the schoolhouse if she wants. It is our Mu family's clan school anyway, and there are no outsiders, so it is fine!"

"Thank you, Grandfather."

"Reporting to Grandfather, I am only one year younger than Elder Sister. I wonder if I might also attend the schoolhouse?" Mu Xinyao’s slightly timid voice came, which surprised everyone!

Lady Li received a look from A-Nuan and smiled, "Xinyao is also a clever one. If A-Nuan goes to the schoolhouse alone, it might be a bit monotonous. Why not let them go together to keep each other company?"

Everyone was satisfied with Lady Li's performance today!

Mu Xinyao got her wish, Concubine Song breathed a sigh of relief, and Mu Chang'an, regarding his virtuous wife, felt not only gratitude but also a hint of guilt!

Everything seemed as normal as could be! But who knew that beneath this calm, dark clouds were already gathering and turbulent currents were surging!