Chapter 8: Full of Malice
"You still need to apologize to your elder brother." Mu Changnian's expression softened slightly, but he still directed his words at Mu Xiaolin.
For himself, it didn’t matter much, but in the secular world, he still needed his eldest son to look out for things. Otherwise, with his second son’s temperament, he would easily offend people.
Upon hearing this, Mu Xiaolin pouted and retorted unhappily, "Father, this whole thing was started by Elder Brother. What did I do wrong? I admit I was disrespectful to you, I shouldn’t have talked back. But he…" He didn’t finish his sentence, but the arrogant look on his face made anyone unaware of the situation think he was the true young master of the Mu family.
"Father, forget it. I won’t argue with someone who doesn’t know better." Mu Lichuan was no fool. His father wanted to mediate, but Mu Xiaolin clearly wasn’t having any of it. This temperament was probably his true nature. Bfore entering the Mu family, he had simply been suppressing it.
Seeing his eldest son’s attitude, Mu Changnian’s mood improved further. "Look at how magnanimous your elder brother is. Meanwhile, you- just one look at you and anyone can tell how narrow-minded you are. How do you expect to achieve great things in the future?" His voice was full of displeasure. 'If a child is not taught, it is the father’s fault.' If his own father found out about this, he would surely be reprimanded.
[子不教，父之過 (zǐ bù jiào, fù zhī guò): lit. If the child is not taught, it is the father’s fault (The Three Character Classic); fig. Parents are responsible for their children's upbringing and behavior.]
"Father, if you love Elder Brother so much, why did you bring me back in the first place? You should’ve just left me to fend for myself!" Mu Xiaolin showed no remorse whatsoever. In his eyes, he was undoubtedly a genius, there was no need for him to lower himself before a good-for-nothing.
"You—!" Just as Mu Changnian was about to lose his temper, Bai Ping pulled her son down to kneel beside her.
"Master, Young Master, it’s my fault for failing to teach him properly. I’m willing to take him away to learn proper etiquette and return only when he’s adapted." Bai Ping’s heart was filled with regret. She had instilled too much unwarranted pride in her son, shaping his current arrogant and unyielding nature.
That person had warned her, until she had absolute power, she must not reveal their true standing.
Mu Xiaolin stared at his mother in disbelief. "Mom…" He didn’t understand. Once his spiritual roots were tested, why would he still need to fear Mu Lichuan?
"The child doesn’t need to go, but the elder certainly should. After all, a child is a reflection of their upbringing." Zhang Xiao spoke slowly. "It’s time for breakfast. Lichuan has school, and Master, you have the company to attend to." Clearly, she wanted to drop the subject.
Though she was furious about Mu Changnian keeping a mistress hidden outside, Mu Xiaolin had yet to undergo his spiritual root test. For now, she had to swallow her anger. If he turned out to be trash, expelling him from the Mu family would be effortless. But if not, the status of both mother and son in the Mu family would become… complicated.
Bai Ping said nothing, pulling her son up before quietly taking a seat and beginning breakfast in silence.
Mu Lichuan watched the expressions on their faces and sneered inwardly: even if he tests as a genius, I can still make Mu Xiaolin’s life miserable.
In his past life, Mu Xiaolin had relied on absolute strength to bulldoze his way through everything. But would he still be able to do so in this life? He understood the principle of 'destroying the grass and rooting out the sprout,' but right now, he didn’t even have control over the Mu family’s secular influence. Easier said than done.
[斬草除根 (zhǎn cǎo chú gēn): lit. to cut the grass and pull out the roots; fig. to eliminate a problem thoroughly, leaving no chance of resurgence.]
Mu Changnian ordered Mu Xiaolin to follow his elder brother to school, while Bai Ping was to remain behind and learn proper decorum.
"You think you’ve won?" Mu Xiaolin glared at Mu Lichuan’s indifferent expression, his anger flaring at the sight.
Mu Lichuan smiled faintly. "I never celebrate in front of my enemies. Only when they’re completely dead can I truly rest easy."
"You—! So you really are full of malice toward me!" Mu Xiaolin pointed accusingly, his face twisted in hatred.
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