The story goes that as Mu Le ran ahead, the maids and nanny chased after him, having just left the courtyard of the servants' quarters. They reached the front yard garden, where Yuan'an and Madam Ye were coming from the opposite direction. The two of them were engaged in a rather indifferent conversation.
At the sight of Yuan'an, Mu Le felt a sense of relief and immediately hid behind her.
The maids halted and paid their respects, saying, "Madam, Little owner."
Seeing them in disarray, still holding their tools, and noticing Mu Le's obviously beaten up appearance, Yuan'an's displeasure surged. She immediately wore a stern expression and questioned, "Is there something that can't be discussed with words? Why did you resort to violence?"
One of the maids replied, "Young Master, this child is a troublemaker. He... he was peeping, peeping on us while we were bathing!"
Madam Ye seemed quite intrigued and wanted to get a clearer picture. "Oh? Is that so?"
Yuan'an pulled Mu Le out from behind her and asked, "Is what they said true?"
Mu Le lowered his head, his brows knitted together. Despite his simple mind and his belief that he didn't mean any harm, he couldn't deny that the maids' observation wasn't entirely inaccurate. He nodded and answered honestly, "Yes, it's true."
Given the matter's implications for honor and morality, even if Yuan'an were rebellious, she couldn't condone such behavior. Furthermore, he admitted to it, making her feel even more displeased. She furrowed her brows and scolded, "How could you do such a thing?!"
Mu Le, who had a simple mind and even clumsier words, clenched his hands together and looked distressed. "I didn't..."
The maids wouldn't let him off so easily. "Didn't what? Did all twelve of our eyes deceive us? Wasn't it you?"
Madam Ye added a bit of drama, "Yuan'an, this child... Isn't this the stable boy you brought back a couple of days ago? Aren't you the one who's been causing a ruckus outside? Yet the servants in this house must adhere to certain rules. In this state, haven't things gone awry?"
She said this aloud, but inside, she was pleased, thinking, Hmph, I've caught you this time! Let's see where you can escape now.
Yuan'an lowered her head, gritting her teeth. "According to Mother, what should we do?"
Madam Ye smiled. "What's there to do? Apply the house rules' punishment, give him a good beating with a few dozen cane strokes! Then, expel him!"
Yuan'an turned to look at Mu Le. Mu Le remained clueless, his innocence evident. He had no idea what the house rules' punishment was, let alone what had transpired.
Madam Ye stretched out her hand. "Come here!"
The household servants approached, carrying switches in their hands. They were about to hand them over to Madam Ye.
Yuan'an shouted, "Stop! This child was brought back by me. I will decide his fate! No one else is to touch him!"
Madam Ye and Yuan'an stared at each other, locked in a standoff.
The maids dared not utter a word, aware that this conflict had escalated into a clash between the two women of the house.
What neither of them realized was that their eyes were practically emitting sparks of fire.
After a considerable duration, Madam Ye let out a gentle laugh, turned around, and said to the maids, "Why don't we just let it be? Young Master wishes to protect his servant. Don't make things difficult for her."
Yuan'an gestured with her hand, "Mother, there's no need to intervene. Since he's made a mistake, I'll punish him. But others can't touch him. I'll handle it myself."
With those words, Yuan'an took the switch from the household servant's hand, raised it, and lightly tapped Mu Le's nose. "Kneel."
Mu Le thought this was just another display of her usual assertiveness, so he complied as instructed, as if oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
Yuan'an stared into his round eyes, distinct black and white, twinkling like stars. He seemed like the most obedient little puppy. Yuan'an herself mustered courage for a while, then with determination, she said, "You saved me twice so now you dare to act recklessly? Do you think you're invincible? Today, I will make sure you understand!"
The switch in Yuan'an's hand brushed against Mu Le's face and neck in an instant. Although she hadn't used much force, Mu Le, in his anxious response to her words, instinctively moved forward slightly. The combination of forces resulted in a small cut on his face and neck, and blood appeared.
Mu Le froze, touched the wound, lowered his head, looked at his own blood, and then at Yuan'an, with disbelief in his eyes.
Then he understood. He had been wronged, chased and beaten, and when he had thought he would be trusted and protected, she had done the opposite. She was the one who ultimately punished him severely.
His innocent eyes turned cold, and his reliance and trust in Yuan'an collapsed.
Suddenly, on this sunny day, the weather shifted to wind and rain.
Madam Ye left with the maids.
Yuan'an dropped the switch and left as well.
Mu Le suddenly felt a chill throughout his body. The remnants of the medicinal effect within him seemed to have finally dissipated.
~Thank You for Reading, Please Comment Below~
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