Mu Hanyan had a vague understanding that these playboys were somewhat similar to his former self, overlooked by the family, always wanting to prove themselves, but using the wrong methods, and inadvertently becoming a group of little playboys. However, it was just that their reputation wasnât too good, and they hadnât really done anything too rebellious.
These guys really werenât beyond redemption, Mu Hanyan affirmed his previous judgment once again.
"Letâs do this, my sword is broken, we should go to the workshop to see if thereâs a suitable longsword to buy." Of course, Mu Hanyan wouldnât take them to the Zuixiang Building, seeing their embarrassment, he changed the topic.
"Sure, sure, I know the workshop area the best. Brother Han Yan, choose whatever you like, nobody will dare to overcharge you even one cent." Mu Zexian started to brag again.
"Thank you, then." Mu Hanyan remained skeptical of their words, of course, he wouldnât say it out loud.
"Itâs between brothers; thereâs no need to be polite." Mu Zexian thumped his chest with a pounding sound.
"Isnât that Zexian? Where are you planning to go so early?" Just as they reached the main gate and were about to go out, a group of young men came toward them. The young man at the front had a cold smile on his face as he spoke to Mu Zexian.
"Good morning, Brother Chengyang. We are going for a walk in the workshop district." Mu Zexian squeezed out a smile in response.
"Good morning, Brother Chengyang. Good morning, Brother Chengyang." Mu Zeran and the others also greeted.
It was apparent that they were somewhat afraid of Mu Chengyang and his group. They who had just been so full of youthful vigor, with the posture of striding around the Capital however they pleased, were now all shrunken and meek, as docile as rabbits.
"Going to the workshop, do you have money?" A young man behind Mu Chengyang said with disdain.
"Donât end up buying things you canât pay for again, waiting for your family to come bail you out. We Mu Family canât afford to lose that face," another young man also said scornfully.
"We are just going to look, just to look." Mu Zexianâs face flushed with embarrassment, and anger flashed in his eyes, but he didnât dare to retort.
"Not diligently cultivating, but always roaming around and finding trouble, what kind of behavior is that!" Mu Chengyang snorted coldly, without sparing anyoneâs feelings as he scolded.
Being berated so harshly, although Mu Zexian and the others were resentful, not one dared to talk back.
Mu Hanyan frowned; Mu Chengyang, if he wasnât mistaken, must be a brother from Mu Chengxuanâs branch, related as peers to Mu Zexian and others, but now behaving like an elder, scolding them into submission. The Third Elderâs branch had significant influence in the Mu Family.
"Brother Han Yan has just come to Capital, we were taking him to browse the workshop." Mu Zeran, who was still young and somewhat stubborn, although afraid of Mu Chengyang, couldnât help but speak in a low voice.
"Mu Hanyan, the Mu Hanyan from Heishi City?" Mu Chengyang looked at Mu Hanyan among the crowd, asking with confusion.
Only now did Mu Hanyan realize that this group looked travel-worn, probably just back from a training journey outside, hence, they werenât aware of his return to the Zong Family, nor did they know about Mu Chengxuanâs defeat at his hands.
Indeed, the Mu Family had strict rules, and the Third Elder held great prestige. Although some had witnessed the battle between Mu Hanyan and Mu Chengxuan yesterday, no one dared to publicize it. Thus, not to mention outsiders, even few among the Mu Familyâs disciples knew of this, let alone Mu Chengyang and his companions who had just returned.
"It was me," Han Yan nodded. As soon as Mu Chengyang saw her, he put on an elder-like demeanor, coldly mocking and bossing around his own family members without sparing any feelings, which really made it impossible for her to have any good feelings towards him.
"I was wondering why these good-for-nothings were so happy, turns out youâve arrived. After all, Iâve long heard that the Eldest Young Master Mu from Heishi City is ignorant and unskilled, bullies men, oppresses women, and is up to no good, just the same kind as them," Mu Chengyang said unabashedly.
"Isnât that so? Mu Baijia, Big Playboy Mu, Mu Siyiâare you hearing these resounding titles? These good-for-nothings have nearly ruined the reputation of the Zong Family already, and with him added to the mix, I guess itâs going to be utterly destroyed."
"Having just wreaked havoc in Heishi Cityâs Mu Family, now the disaster has come to the Zong Family. I really donât know what the elders were thinking to actually allow such a person to return to the Zong Family," others also chimed in.
Several servants just happened to pass by, hearing their words, all gave Han Yan a strange look and then quickly took a detour on a nearby path.
Han Yanâs expression darkened.
Having bore the playboy label for two lifetimes, she utterly detested titles like Mu Baijia and Big Playboy Mu. In Heishi City, people respected Mu Ruiâan and mostly only criticized her behind her back; no one dared to say it to her face. Even if the Great Elder loathed her deeply, he still left her some face and would not rebuke her loudly in front of the servants.
But now, here in the Zong Family hall, in full public view and in front of servants, Mu Chengyang and others were being so unbridledâthey were clearly slapping her in the face. And it wasnât just her face they were humiliating, but her grandfatherâs as well.
Just returned yesterday, and already Mu Chengxuan had come knocking on her door, and today it was Mu Chengyangâs turn. This whole family of the Third Elder, do they really think I, Han Yan, am so easily bullied?
"Slap!" Han Yanâs gaze intensified, she raised her hand and delivered a loud slap across Mu Chengyangâs face.
If you want to use words to slap me, fine, Iâll just give you a real slap to see!
A dead silence fell over the surroundingsâeveryone was shockingly staring at Han Yan, even the few servants who had walked far away couldnât help but stop and turn their heads.
He actually dared to strike!
Nobody expected that Han Yan would dare to resort to violence.
This was the Zong Family, not a branch family, where countless people and stringent family rules made physical confrontations severely frowned upon. No matter who it was, or whatever conflicts arose, they were supposed to be mediated by elders or negotiated privately among the family branches, not to recklessly resort to violence.
Even if a resolution couldnât be reached and physical confrontation was unavoidable, it should be done behind closed doors or arranged as a formal duel to showcase martial skills, not a public humiliation.
Yet Han Yan not only resorted to violence but did so right at the front gate, in front of the servants for everyone to seeâeven passersby were witnesses. Others might speak of "slapping a face" figuratively, but she was literally doing it.
Mu Chengyang and his group were completely stunned. For years, following brothers Mu Chengxuan and Mu Chengyang, relying on the Third Elderâs authority, they never considered Mu Zexian and others worthy of respect, saying whatever they wanted, however they wantedâno one had ever dared to talk back.
Little did they know that just after Han Yan returned to the Zong Family, she hadnât even warmed up her spot yet but dared to strike! And she struck Mu Chengyang, brother of Mu Chengxuan.
Huayue, Zirong, and Jiang Yuzhe also exchanged glances. They knew the strictness of the family rules too and had not anticipated that Han Yan would suddenly resort to violence.
Seeing the stunned servants around them and the surprised looks from passersby outside, they all rolled their eyes. The Young Master dislikes the playboy reputation, but his actions seem to make the playboy title even more prominent. However, that slap was indeed satisfying.