"Now you know how to blush, but unfortunately, itâs too late! Youâre already of such an old age, why choose to be a thief? Oh well, seeing your age, you must have gone senile and out of desperation made a wrong choice. If you honestly hand over the Token, perhaps I can plead with the Family Head to spare your life." Han Yan shook her head, saying with a look of pity.
"Pfft."
"Pfft."
"Pfft." Although they knew they shouldnât laugh, and didnât want to laugh, some couldnât help but chuckle at Han Yanâs look of pity. This was the Supreme Elder, always held in high regard, the absolute authority in the Mu Family. She wasnât just being reprimanded by Han Yan, but turned against cleanly, convincing almost everyone it was true.
The Supreme Elderâs eyes almost spewed fire. Clearly, sheâd already spat blood over a dozen times, but why did she want to again?
Han Yan sighed secretly; with her character, she never wished to agitate such an elder.
But this canât be blamed on her. With her keen Six Senses, she had already noticed when the Supreme Elder and Mu Beichen were hundreds of feet away.
The Supreme Elderâs summoning of all Zong Familyâs Disciples to accuse her was something she heard firsthand.
She knew what the Supreme Elder was plotting. If she hadnât prepared a countermeasure, the moment the Supreme Elder and the Third Elder spoke first, she wouldnât even have the chance to explain and would be cast deep into the abyss.
Even if many people knew something was fishy, under such circumstances, it was impossible to defend her; ultimately, she would suffer greatly, and even her grandfather might face grave danger.
This is the deceit among noble families, even without the clash of swords and shadows, itâs perilous.
Given the opponentâs unrelenting moves, how could she treat them kindly? Han Yan decided not to give any face to the other party.
"Han Yan, donât be rude." Seeing the Supreme Elderâs face turn purple with anger and her whole body trembling, Mu Beichen quickly stepped forward, positioning himself between Han Yan and the Supreme Elder, sternly scolding Han Yan.
Although Mu Beichenâs face was taut, his eyes couldnât hide the smile, and his mouth twitched slightly.
The Family Head wanted to laugh but knew he couldnât, or the Supreme Elder might explode on the spot, or worse, die from anger. For both Han Yanâs and the Supreme Elderâs sake, he had to hold it in, and it was quite a struggle.
"This is no old thief, but our Supreme Elder of the Mu Family. Come and apologize." Mu Beichen winked at Han Yan, showing satisfaction and comfort.
In the face of the aggressive Supreme Elder and Third Elder, he was at a loss too. He knew that if they succeeded in framing Han Yan for stealing the Supreme Elder Token, she wouldnât have the chance to clear her name no matter how she tried.
As the Family Head, he also couldnât think of a better solution.
Unexpectedly, Han Yan advanced without retreating, taking the initiative and effortlessly dissolving the aggressive momentum of the Supreme Elder and the Third Elder. The original scolding scene was turned into a farce by Han Yanâs witty retorts and satire.
Upon hearing Mu Beichenâs words, the Supreme Elder felt a bit dizzy.
Mentioning her status alone was fine, but why add that sheâs not an old thief â it felt ironically self-indicative.
These grandparents and grandchildren are no good!
Indeed, as those who discerned the irony tried hard to hold back, the juniorsâ smiles grew wider.
"Ah, it turns out to be the Supreme Elder. I didnât know you were visiting, I failed to greet you from afar, my apologies." Han Yanâs face changed from stunned to a warm spring smile, radiating brilliance and respect.
For some reason, seeing Han Yanâs warming smile, the Supreme Elder felt some comfort. Probably because of the severe earlier blows, a sweet date after the stick felt exceptionally sweet.
"Back in Heishi City, I heard of the Supreme Elderâs integrity and righteousness, being fair-minded and treating juniors kindly, without bullying the weak or relying on status, truly without an elderâs arrogance. Seeing you today, the words arenât false." Han Yan spoke with uprightness.
Letâs be honest, after scolding the Supreme Elder and accusing her of being an old thief, it wouldnât end well if deemed disrespectful. So Lady Mu first crowned the Supreme Elder with accolades, leaving her embarrassed to lash out.
"Han Yan, youâre right, the Supreme Elder is integrity incarnate, fair and open-hearted, generous to the young, and renowned both in our Zong Family and the Capital." Mu Beichen, seeing through his dear granddaughterâs ploy, immediately chimed in.
"Indeed, indeed, having such a magnanimous and upright Supreme Elder is our Mu Familyâs blessing, the Capitalâs blessing, and Anyunâs fortune." Mu Zexian and a group of juniors expressed admiration, almost tearing up at the mention of Anyunâs blessing.
Han Yan got goosebumps, thinking about Anyunâs blessing, and felt their flattery was shameless.
Zirong too had a face of emotion, noting the noble familyâs childrenâs unique flattery, maintaining focus while hitting key points, surpassing their predecessors, even he was ashamed.
Who said playboys have no future, he thought these playboys have great potential.
"Ahem..." The Supreme Elder blushed mildly, knowing her own nature regardless of what others thought. Though not feeling self-centered or narrow-minded, being praised as just and generous seemed a little overrated.
But who doesnât love compliments? Being lauded by juniors with such reverence made her feel utterly comforted, like drinking iced water on a hot day.
Initially, she wanted to hold Han Yan accountable for disrespect, but under such praises, it didnât feel right, not aligning with the âmagnanimousâ title.
"Supreme Elder, earlier I was too hasty, and having never met you, led to misunderstandings. I ask for your lenience and not to take it to heart." Seeing the flattery effective, Han Yan quickly seized the opportunity to descend the slope.