Chapter 402: Written on His Face
Seeing the way Peony held the brush, Luo Wen knew what to do. He stepped forward and restrained Mo Geluo, grabbing his hair and forcing his head back.
"How dare you," Mo Geluo struggled, but he was too injured to break free.
"General Mo, an apology requires sincerity," Ye Qianning’s voice drifted out lightly.
’People must bear the consequences of their mistakes. What they were doing was already a light punishment.’
Mo Geluo gritted his teeth and glared at Ye Qianning.
"What are you looking at her for? Look at me." Peony blocked his line of sight, her slender hands holding the ink brush as her eyes crinkled into a smile.
Mo Geluo’s eyes bulged. ’Damned women,’ he thought, ’I swear I’ll make you pay for this tenfold.’
Unintimidated by his ferocity, Peony smiled as she lifted the brush toward his contorted face. With a slight movement of the tip, she wrote the word "Vile" on the uninjured part of his left cheek.
"There," Peony said, looking at her masterpiece with great satisfaction.
Luo Wen let him go.
With his hands free, Mo Geluo immediately tried to wipe his cheek.
"Young Miss, Dean Chen, the Third Prince is here," the steward announced, trembling as he approached.
A brief silence fell over the garden.
Prince Yu was beginning to understand why Xiang Minghou dared to keep a little child in his residence. ’Their guards could probably take on ten men at once, no problem.’
"Since the general of Xi Yan has sincerely admitted his mistake, this matter is now closed," Dean Chen said, then looked at Ye Qianning. "You should head back first. Leave the rest for your master to handle."
"Okay. Besides, I’m getting a little sleepy," Ye Qianning said with a yawn.
Peony yawned as well. "It’s time for an afternoon nap. Let’s go."
Ye Qianning took her aunt’s hand, and the two of them, one big and one small, departed under everyone’s gaze.
Xiliu Yuan glanced at her once before looking away. ’If she can truly keep Mo Geluo in check,’ he mused, ’it proves she saw something at the banquet.’
It was the first time Prince Yu had seen such a formidable child. ’With just a few words, she made a general of Xi Yan take a huge fall. I’m starting to see why Dean Chen took her as a disciple.’
Simply because Ye Qianning had taught the big bear a lesson, Helian Chen began to idolize her.
’I was even a little scared when that big bear was acting so ferocious, yet she, a tiny little girl, dared to plant her foot on his head.’
’As expected of someone from a general’s family—so brave. But...’
His gaze shifted to Peony. ’Her aunt is brave, too, and cunning. I have a feeling they’re the ones pulling the little girl’s strings. She’s going to be a real terror when she grows up.’
Mo Geluo stared daggers at their departing backs, his fists clenched tightly.
Dean Chen happened to turn and catch the venomous look in Mo Geluo’s eyes. He said coldly, "If Xi Yan still wishes to dispute this matter, we can take it up before His Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Mo Geluo instinctively looked toward his crown prince.
Xiliu Yuan’s placid, unreadable gaze made his heart sink. He hastily lowered his head and fell silent.
"The Third Prince must have heard of our guests’ arrival. Everyone, please follow me to the main hall," said Dean Chen.
Xiliu Yuan turned to go.
"Of course, of course."
Prince Yu nodded and followed Dean Chen.
Mo Geluo trailed at the very back, clutching his chest.
—
Peony and Ye Qianning returned to the Yuehua Small Building. The seven other aunts had arrived only a few minutes before them.
"Luo Wen’s skills are incredible! In just a few swift moves, he beat that big, dumb bear so badly it couldn’t get up."
"Pangtuan’s guards were all personally trained by the General. Of course they’re top-notch."
"Does that mean Ying Ge and Ying Yuan are incredible, too?"
"Most likely."
"Tsk, tsk. I’m so jealous. If I’d known, I would’ve studied martial arts instead of all that nonsense with zithers and painting. Then if anyone defied me, I’d just beat them into submission."
