Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

”Han Yan was unaware of the family rules, so you really can’t blame him for this. Situated in the Barbaric Land, Heishi City’s customs are known to be particularly fierce, and it’s said that it’s quite common to see killings in the streets. For a branch of the Mu Family to thrive for a long time, it’s natural that they cannot manage their affairs strictly by law like the main family. They have to be much more lenient with the rules. Given that Han Yan grew up in Heishi City, it’s understandable that he might be used to getting into small scuffles with his peers. How could he know about such rules of the main family? You really can’t blame him for that,” someone in the crowd chimed in.

Hearing his words, Mu Hanyan nearly laughed out loud. Yes, Heishi City was a bit remote, but it certainly wasn’t a Barbaric Land, nor were the customs savage. She actually found the people of Heishi City to be much more honest and kindhearted than those in the Capital.

As for street killings, that was utter nonsense. Under the governance of Mu Rui’an, Heishi City might not be so peaceful that doors remained unlocked at night and lost items went unclaimed on the streets, but it was still a safe and peaceful place. The only one to really stir up trouble was none other than the Big Playboy Mu himself.

Speaking of family rules, even if the rules of the Mu Family in Heishi City were a bit more relaxed, it definitely didn’t mean that the younger generations were allowed to fight at will. If that were the case, it would have been chaos long ago.

Mu Hanyan had seen enough to know that her grandfather was not without support within the clan. The Fourth and Fifth Elders were certainly on her grandfather’s side, and many others from the Sect Family also seemed to favor him. On the other hand, if everyone had really been on the Third Elder’s side, to the point of division and disloyalty like this, the Family Head’s position would have probably been lost long ago.

Initially, Mu Hanyan had been ready to argue with the Third Elder, but once she saw them stepping forward, she couldn’t be bothered to make a fuss and simply put on an utterly bewildered and innocent face.

Seeing her pitiable look, even those who sided with the Third Elder felt uneasy. As the eldest grandchild of the Family Head who had grown up with her parents and was sent to that ”Barbaric Land,” she had seen more than her share of ”street killings” and naturally had a bit more vigor than the Zong Family’s Disciples. Not knowing the Sect Family’s rules and retaliating out of resentment after being humiliated by Mu Chengyang, wasn’t it normal? If there was blame to be placed, it should be on the Third Elder for neglecting his duty and not clarifying the rules to her earlier.

Speaking of which, Mu Chengyang, bolstered by the support of his grandfather and older brother, had become quite arrogant. He disregarded not only Mu Zexian and others, but even dared to chastise those from the Fourth Elder’s faction within the Zong Family. The elders from the various houses of the Zong Family had long been unhappy with his behavior.

So, when the Fourth and Fifth Elders and others confronted the Third Elder, no one spoke up. They all stared intently at the Third Elder, waiting to see how he would handle the situation.

”Pfft,” Mu Hanyan seized the moment to spit out another mouthful of fresh blood, appearing even more feeble as she fell to the ground.

”Han Yan.” Mu Beichen hastily took out an Elixir for her to take. Then, turning around, he said coldly to the Third Elder, ”Third Elder, Han Yan did not know the Zong Family’s rules, and even if she made a minor mistake, it’s understandable. Besides, she already apologized to Chengyang, and the elders from all houses saw it. However, Chengyang, having grown up in the main family, could not possibly be unaware of the Zong Family’s rules. Yet he obstinately caused serious injury to Han Yan. This matter surely deserves an explanation for Han Yan.”

Seeing that even his own faction didn’t speak up, the Third Elder realized that Mu Chengyang had provoked public indignation and there was no longer any point in accusing Mu Hanyan of breaking the clan rules. His expression fluctuated. But then, something came to mind, and the corner of his mouth revealed an imperceptible cold smile.

”Han Yan’s ignorance of the rules is my fault, not his. You can’t blame him for that. Chengyang knowingly committed a grave offense and seriously injured a family member, so he must be severely punished. How about this: he will forfeit half a year’s stipend as compensation to Han Yan. Family Head, honorable elders, Han Yan, what do you think?” said the Third Elder.

”We’re all part of the same family. Youngsters can be hot-blooded and make mistakes; it’s not too serious. We have no objections. The only question is, what does Han Yan think?” The Fourth and Fifth Elders both nodded in agreement.

”Just a fine?” Mu Hanyan certainly didn’t want to let Mu Chengyang off so easily.

The so-called stipend was merely pocket money received monthly by the clan’s disciples; Mu Hanyan wasn’t short on money and didn’t care for it.

However, before he could finish speaking, he felt his grandfather gently tug at him. A glance from the corner of his eye revealed that the Fourth and Fifth Elders were secretly signaling to him.

Then, he saw Mu Chengyang pulling the Third Elder in anxiety, ”Grandfather, I...”

Mu Chengyang hadn’t finished his words when the Third Elder glared at him fiercely, scaring him into lowering his head and daring not to speak any further.

”Well then, let’s just leave it at that,” Mu Hanyan immediately realized, aware that the hierarchies within the Zong Family were not as simple as those in a branch family, and he quickly agreed.

”Let’s settle it this way. Everyone, you may dismiss. Also, let’s keep today’s incident within the family and not spread it around,” the Third Elder evidently in a bad mood, waved his hand and said.

Seeing his unpleasant expression, no one wanted to offend him, and they all dispersed.

”Mu Hanyan, I won’t forget what happened today,” Mu Chengyang glared fiercely at Mu Hanyan and sent a message through gathering energy transmission.

”Are you talking about the slap? I’ve forgotten about it. Why keep dwelling on something that’s not worthy of pride? Better to forget it,” Mu Hanyan replied with a similarly transmitted message, speaking magnanimously.

”Mu Hanyan!” Mu Chengyang was so angry he almost wanted to start a fight again.

”What, still want to fight?” Mu Hanyan looked at him with disdain.

Mu Chengyang of course knew he couldn’t fight; if he started a fight now, the punishment could be more than just losing half a year’s status benefits.

”Heh, that slap must have been unpleasant, right? I merely lost some status benefits for half a year, but who knows how long your wounds will take to heal. I heard that the selection at Long Yan Academy is coming up soon. I wonder if you’ll have recovered from your injuries by then. As the eldest grandson of the Family Head, it will be quite disgraceful if you can’t even enter Long Yan Academy,” Mu Chengyang suppressed his anger and sneered.

Although he was slapped by Mu Hanyan, losing face and falling into Mu Hanyan’s trap, forcing him to lose half a year’s status benefits, the thought of Mu Hanyan getting slapped too set his mind at ease.

”The Third Elder was quite impartial this time, giving the Family Head a proper explanation.”

”It seems impartial, but if we get down to the details, it’s Mu Hanyan who has incurred the bigger loss. Soon it’s the selection at Long Yan Academy, and looking at the force of Mu Chengyang’s slap, Mu Hanyan was completely unprepared. The injury won’t heal quickly. Not only might he miss the selection at Long Yan Academy, but it could even damage his foundation.”

”Yeah, now that you mention it, getting hurt at this critical moment, when you think about it, it’s Mu Hanyan who has really suffered the biggest setback. No wonder the Third Elder was so fair this time and didn’t show favoritism to his cherished grandson,” said the disciples from the various houses as they left, whispering among themselves.

Those who were older knew to stop at the right point, but the younger ones weren’t as cautious and said whatever came to their minds.

Hearing their words, the Third Elder just sneered but said nothing.