Yeux charmants

Chapitre 12

If Chen Xun were to choose, he would give this magnolia to his mother. At the time, he said he wanted to choose a gift for his younger sister, but his elder brother Chen Xun said he wasn't good at it, so Young Master Ma helped him choose.

The magnolia was one that Dr. Shu thought was nice and just casually put in, saying it was to give him more options. He hadn't expected his younger sister to like it, and he couldn't help but praise Dr. Shu's good eye.

"No, Qing'er wouldn't dare to be greedy. This is my favorite, so this is it! The amethyst peony is noble and suitable for Sixth Aunt. As for the twin lotus?"

Mu Qing chuckled, gazing at Chen Xun with a hint of ambiguity: "Hehe, Qing'er has seen Father give Mother a jade hairpin like this before. Qing'er asked Mother for it, and Mother said that Father's gifts shouldn't be given away casually. Mother thought Qing'er didn't understand, but Qing'er does. Only husband and wife can give such gifts! So, Third Brother, let's save this one for our future Third Sister-in-law!"

Mu Qing teased her third brother, and Chen Xun blushed with embarrassment: "I didn't expect you to be such a precocious little devil. I thought I misheard your righteous words that day, but it seems it really wasn't a hallucination!"

"Ah!" Mu Qing regretted it. She had blurted it out without thinking that day, and now she was in trouble. She pouted and decided to play dumb: "What does 'righteous words' mean? Qing'er doesn't understand what it means. Qing'er heard Father say those words when he was scolding someone, and that person stopped talking back after hearing them. Qing'er thought it was useful, so she imitated it. I didn't expect it to work on Third Brother as well."

Chen Xun thought about it and realized it made sense. What could a little Mu Qing possibly understand? She must have overheard her family talking about it; children learn quickly, so she naturally remembered it.

"Yes! I knew it! My little sister is so young yet has such a broad mind and insight. She's sure to be a heroine in the future!" Chen Xun said, laughing heartily.

Mu Qing carefully put away the magnolia, stood up and curtsied to Chen Xun: "Third Brother, Qing'er has been out for a long time, it's time to go back!"

"Leaving already? Or should we stay for lunch?"

Mu Qing chuckled twice and waved her hand, declining, "No, no, Qing'er has to go back and draw patterns!"

"In that case, you may go now! Come visit your third brother more often when you have time!"

"Hmm! Qing'er is still thinking about delicious food!" Mu Qing was about to leave after saying goodbye when she heard laughter coming from the courtyard: "Third brother, we're here!"

Mu Qing's lips twitched, feeling a surge of annoyance. Why did it have to come at the exact moment I was about to leave? It didn't even give me a chance to take a detour!

"Big brother is here! Qing'er, wait a little longer before you go." Chen Xun said as he went out to greet him. Mu Qing had no chance to argue back. She scratched her head and thought tragically, "Fine, I'll see him then. Who told me to walk into the line of fire?"

...

Chen Xun welcomed Chen Xun, Ma Mingyuan, and Shu Hong into the room. As soon as the four entered, they saw Mu Qing sitting alone in a chair with her legs off the ground, drinking water from a cup.

Shu Hong immediately recognized the girl sitting inside as the one who had teased him that day. His anger flared, and he asked, "What are you doing here, you little brat?"

"Big brother, it's you? You're not here to ask me for that little carp back, are you? I'm not giving it back! You didn't come when your time was up that day. I even waited for an extra incense stick! A real man shouldn't be so stingy, haha." Mu Qingzao calmed herself down, intending to deal with whatever came her way. After all, she was a child and had the right to be ignorant; let's see who can do anything to her.

Mu Qing smiled, her round, pink face like a dough ball, with shallow dimples at the corners of her lips, her eyes narrowed into slits, and her thick eyelashes like two black crescent moons on her eyes, making her an absolutely adorable little girl.

Shu Hong was so angry that he couldn't speak. Was this some kind of ghost child? This was a little devil! Even girls a few years older than him had never seen anyone so troublesome and cunning. What was even stranger was that he actually felt that this little guy wasn't really an innocent and ignorant devil. From the fleeting glint in the corners of his eyes and brows, there was a faint... insight into people's hearts, which was very strange.

Seeing that there were others standing nearby, especially Ma Mingyuan, who was even smirking, he decided to calm down. He didn't believe that the little brat could be so smug forever. So, with a slight smirk, he replied, "What I've given away, I naturally won't take back. It's just that I was a little surprised to run into you here again, little sister. I'm very pleased!"

"Yes! Qing'er is happy to see her big brother!" She's even happier when she doesn't see him.

Chen Xun and Chen Xun looked at each other, wondering how their younger sister knew Shu Hong. Just then, Ma Mingyuan spoke up.

"Little sister, you only recognize Shu Hong, but not me?" Ma Mingyuan came in and saw Mu Qing. He recognized her as Xiao Tangxin, whom he had met in the backyard, but he didn't expect her to be the little girl who had teased Shu Hong. He was even happier. Seeing Shu Hong's discomfiture, Ma Mingyuan was even more determined to get closer to Mu Qing.

Mu Qing's mind raced. Looking at Ma Mingyuan, should she acknowledge him or not? He was dressed as a servant back then; perhaps she could pretend not to know him! Children often have bad memories. But then there was the fox-faced man, who was clearly unhappy, while the man with the peach-blossom eyes was smiling maliciously beside him. Should she try to win one over while attacking the other?

Mu Qing tilted her head and looked at Ma Mingyuan, only to see that the boy's charming eyes were flashing, as if to say, "Why haven't you remembered yet?"

Mu Qing felt a wave of nausea. You want to win me over? You're not hot enough. In her past life, she had seen plenty of celebrity charisma. Those guys, tsk tsk, were nowhere near as good as a reserved old-fashioned person like you.

Mu Qing's eyes widened, and she feigned surprise, saying, "Oh! You're that rascal brother with the cramped eyes, right? Why are you wearing different clothes today?"

Shu Hong laughed heartily: "A servant with twitching eyes? Haha, Mingyuan, I know you have a little eye problem that flares up from time to time, but when have you ever been a servant?"

Ma Mingyuan's lips and eyes twitched together. He raised his hand to his lips and coughed twice, looking embarrassed.

"But it looks even better this way!" Mu Qing laughed happily, and seeing Shu Hong almost laughing himself to death, she added, "Much more handsome than big brother!"

Ma Mingyuan was immediately at a loss for words, bowing respectfully and saying, "Little sister, you flatter me!" He truly didn't realize his own charm; even his bewildered expression made him look handsome.

Shu Hong stopped laughing, regaining his calm expression. He glanced at Mu Qing, thinking about how the little girl was laughing... But Ma Mingyuan's flaunting of his beauty had truly swayed many! Alas, what a pity! So young and already so easily seduced by good looks!

Chen Xun and Chen Xie were utterly astonished; their younger sister's abilities were quite impressive. Hearing her call Ma Mingyuan "servant," Chen Xie feared it might be inappropriate, so he cupped his hands in apology and said, "My younger sister is still young; please forgive her if she has offended you in any way!"

Ma Mingyuan helped Chen Xie up, saying, "Your younger sister is intelligent, quick-witted, and innocent. I would love to have a sister like her, so there's no way I would blame her. Brother Chen, you're overthinking it!"

“Yes! This little girl is incredibly clever. If I had a sister like that, I would definitely…” Shu Hong’s words trailed off, and Chen Xun and Chen Xun were puzzled, wondering what he was going to say. Ma Mingyuan glared at Shu Hong, while Mu Qing sneered inwardly, “Isn’t it just that you want to teach me a lesson to vent your anger? You’ll have to wait for the right opportunity, you can dream on.”

Shu Hong smiled at Mu Qing, a fleeting hint of mockery and disgust in his eyes. "I'm not going to throw in three big drinks to celebrate!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xun said, "Brother Shu is absolutely right! Why don't we skip the chess game today? Since we have the opportunity to get together, why don't we drink and chat? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Shu Hong was the first to agree, and Chen Xie, being a straightforward person, also agreed. He would consult Young Master Ma later, and Ma Mingyuan nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the group wanted to drink, Mu Qing knew she was out of trouble, so she said, "Brothers, if you want to drink, then Qing'er will take her leave!"

"No rush, no rush!"

Mu Qing rolled her eyes inwardly. Was this fox-faced guy looking for trouble?

But... I'm just a kid now, do you think I'm afraid of you? If you're not afraid of losing face, then come on, hmph!

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Chapter Twenty-Nine: Youthful Feelings (Minor Revision)

"Although my younger sister is still young, she is very lovable. It is a great fortune for Mingyuan and me to have met her. Since we are about to part, I would like to invite her to sit with us. Would that be alright?" Shu Hong said earnestly, which made Ma Mingyuan and Mu Qing feel quite strange.

Chen Xun and Chen Xun were unaware of the past conflict between the two men. They assumed that Shu Hong had sincerely invited them, and besides, their younger sister was still young. They were not old-fashioned and did not adhere to such strict rules about the separation of men and women, so they readily agreed.

"Qing'er, stay for lunch. I'll send someone to inform the Old Madam," Chen Xun asked.

Mu Qing knew she couldn't refuse, and she wasn't afraid of Shu Hong's tricks, so she nodded and replied, "Alright!"

The midday banquet was held in Chen Xun's backyard, where a small stream flowed, with fresh water drawn in from outside. Surrounded by lush green trees, the stream was quite scenic, and there was a pavilion at one end of the stream.

Ma Mingyuan took a sip of tea and praised, "Jianzhou small-batch tea, Brother Chen's private collection are all treasures! I wonder what kind of wine we have today?"

"Hehe, Brother Ma will know once he tries it." Chen Xun laughed, then poured a cup of snow-infused plum blossom wine into a porcelain bowl for Mu Qing: "This name has the word 'wine' in it, but it is not wine. Little sister, use this to represent wine, which also fits the meaning of drinking today."

"Jiangning's famous Qinhuaichun wine, Brother Chen, your tea and wine are all top-quality." Shu Hong took a sip. "Mmm, good wine!"

"Brother Shu, if you like it, drink a few more cups! Hehe!" Chen Xie raised a cup and drank it all in one gulp: "Jiangnan wine is mellow, while Northwest wine is a bit stronger. Different regions nurture different people, and the same goes for wine."

“Exactly!” Shu Hong nodded in agreement.

"Brother Chen and Brother Shu have traveled all over the country, which I greatly admire. One day I also want to travel all over the Song Dynasty. It's much better than staying at home and studying! Even my little sister has traveled farther than me." Chen Xun thought of how he had never left Hangzhou City since he was a child, and felt depressed. He raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp.

When Ma Mingyuan saw Chen Xunri here, he smiled and said, "Third Brother Chen, your poetry and scholarship are quite good. When you pass the imperial examination, I will be waiting for you in Tokyo, shall I?"

"Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Ma! I'll drink this first as a sign of respect!" Chen Xun drank another cup, and Ma Mingyuan naturally followed suit.

At this moment, Chen Xie poured a full cup and said, "What's the point of everyone drinking separately like this? Come, let me propose a toast to the occasion today, to celebrate my siblings and I getting to know Brother Ma and Brother Shu!"

"good!"

Mu Qing was startled by the shouts of the three "boys," but their energetic and passionate voices also made her blood boil. However, due to her small stature, she could not raise her glass and drink heartily.

Mu Qing took her own glass of fake wine, tasted it. It was sweet and sour with a light flavor. Seeing the other three drink it all in one gulp, she also drank it down.

"Hey, Qing, you've finished drinking too?" Shu Hong suddenly spoke up, startling Mu Qing. What kind of "dear little sister" is this? That sounds awful! Why does she keep making up relatives for no reason?

"Qing'er just wanted to join in because she saw her brothers drinking so happily." Mu Qing rolled her eyes inwardly.

Ma Mingyuan put down his cup, his peach blossom eyes brimming with laughter, and looked at Qing'er, saying, "If Sister Tang were a man, she would surely be a man of great character! Come, come, let me toast you, Sister Tang, and thank you for your 'guidance'!"

The others didn't understand, but Mu Qing did. She poured herself another cup, raised it, and said, "It was big brother who helped me, so Qing'er should toast big brother!"

Chen Xun shook his head, saying, "Qing'er, you know Brother Ma's surname, and there are also Brother Shu and Big Brother here. You call them all Big Brother. How can you tell them apart? I'm confused!"

"Yes, you should call him Brother Ma." Mu Qing felt embarrassed as soon as she said it, but there was nothing she could do about it.

"Hehe, it's alright! Let's drink together! Please, little sister, make yourself at home!"

Just as Ma Mingyuan and Mu Qing finished their drinks, Shu Hong also raised her glass with a smile: "Come on, let me toast you too, little sister, thank you for 'giving me directions'!" Shu Hong emphasized the words "giving me directions" slightly, her phoenix eyes half-closed, seemingly a little drunk, yet also revealing an unknown dangerous light. Her lips were slightly pursed, with a hint of laziness, and she stared at Mu Qing, making her scalp tingle.

This person... isn't someone who's easily fooled.

Mu Qing steadied herself, pouted her lips, and said, "Brother Shu, you're wrong. I didn't give you directions or help you, and I feel ashamed. But thank you for the candy, it's very good, fragrant, and delicious. I'll drink it first!" After saying that, Mu Qing drank the large cup of beverage in one gulp.

The other three were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Shu Hong smiled and had no choice but to drink the wine in his glass in one gulp, but he felt a little heartbroken after drinking it.

Little did Mu Qing know that she had seen many cases of urging others to drink and lawsuits over drinking in her previous life. Looking at the beverage that was poured again, she smiled even more innocently: "Brother Shu is a man. A real man should stand tall and upright. How can you be like Qing'er? Brother Shu should drink another cup to show that you are sincere in forgiving Qing'er for not pointing out the way. Otherwise, Qing'er will not feel at ease. Isn't that right, Brother Ma?"

Ma Mingyu immediately burst into laughter and chimed in, "Yes, that's right, that's how it should be, haha!"

This little rascal is quite something, haha, he's exactly my type.

Shu Hong didn't want to appear stingy in front of everyone, so he gritted his teeth and drank another cup. He didn't care about these few drinks, but the reason for drinking was really making him want to vomit blood.

Suddenly, a sense of unease crept into his mind; this little vixen was no ordinary person!

Chen Xun exclaimed, "Little sister, you should copy me!" Chen Xun looked at this younger sister with even more admiration for her intelligence and boldness, and liked her even more.

Mu Qing took a sip, and seeing that Shu Hong had finished his cup, she smiled sweetly again: "My father said that things shouldn't be done more than three times. Since Brother Shu has drunk two cups, he should drink another one. My father said it's called something like... oh, three cups in a row. That way, it shows the host's hospitality and the guest's happiness. Qing'er is at ease, and Third Brother and Fourth Brother are also relieved. Everyone is happy, isn't that great, Brother Ma?"

Ma Mingyuan really wanted to pick up Mu Qing and toss her in the air twice. This little guy was so sensible and understanding; he was practically a mind reader. Haha.

Ma Mingyuan laughed even more unrestrainedly, saying, "Shu Hong, you should drink this glass of wine, otherwise you'll not only have designs on Xiao Qing'er, but also on Brother Chen and the others... Oh, and when will you give me a couple of candies to try!"

Shu Hong glared at him, then poured himself another glass and drank it all in one gulp, ignoring him. He admitted defeat today; women and petty people are the hardest to deal with, and he had encountered both today.

Mu Qing knew when to stop, sat down, and sipped her drink, feeling quite relaxed.

Chen Xie still didn't know how Shu Hong, Ma Mingyuan, and Mu Qing knew each other, so he asked Ma Mingyuan and the other man. Ma Mingyuan didn't hide anything and was about to tell him when Mu Qing stopped him: "Brother Ma, this is not a good thing to talk about. If Mother and Great-Grandma find out, Qing'er will be punished!"

"There are only five of us here. My elder brother and I will not tell our elders, so little sister need not worry. Brother Ma, please speak freely!" Chen Xun did not hold back and hurriedly asked.

Seeing that Chen Xun had made a promise, and Chen Xun nodded in agreement, Mu Qing stopped trying to stop him. Ma Mingyuan then recounted the whole story, omitting the part about the servant and the maid.

Mu Qing explained that he learned it from seeing other children playing with it in Sichuan.

Chen Xun and Chen Xie were still surprised by their little sister's boldness, as she was not afraid of these insects and ants, and they felt that Mu Qing was different from other girls.

When asked about his embarrassing situation, Shu Hong naturally wouldn't go around spreading it. He only said that he asked Mu Qing for directions. Mu Qing, unaware of this, gave him a bag of candy as a token of her gratitude.

Ma Mingyuan and Mu Qing naturally wouldn't expose it, but Chen Xun suddenly slapped his thigh after hearing this, as if he remembered something, and laughed: "Speaking of which, Brother Shu and my little sister have quite a connection."

The others, not understanding his meaning, all looked at Chen Xun, especially Mu Qing. This was only the second time she had met Shu Hong, so what made their connection seem "deep"?