"Master, don't worry," Su Jinli bowed slightly, her manner dignified and graceful, showing the demeanor of a lady from a noble family. She turned around, glared at her brother with feigned anger, and said, "Why don't you practice your horseback riding and archery? If you keep making trouble, you won't be able to eat tonight."
Young Marquis Su pursed his lips in grievance, like a wronged puppy, his eyes revealing a hint of innocence. But he still obediently shouldered his wooden sword and walked towards the martial arts arena, looking back every few steps. He kept muttering, "I'll be watching from over there. If anyone dares to bully my sister..." His demeanor made him look like a dutiful little guard, making one laugh while also being moved by the deep brotherly bond.
Zhang Heng watched the young man walk away and couldn't help but turn to Su Jinli and say, "Miss Su, your brother is truly... honest and adorable."
Su Jinli smiled but didn't respond. She knew deep down that beneath her brother's seemingly honest exterior, he harbored a heart of unparalleled sincerity. In her previous life, after she married into the royal palace, this little bully, out of vengeance, had gone to the Liu family's courtyard daily with a slingshot to play with glass lanterns. As a result, he was grounded by his father for three months, his knees scabbed from kneeling. That painful experience had made her realize the depth and purity of her brother's feelings for her. Now, reborn, she vowed to protect this hard-earned bond and never let her brother suffer any more harm for her.
Just then, a sudden commotion erupted from the front yard, shattering the previously peaceful silence. Su Jinli frowned slightly and exchanged a glance with Master Li and Zhang Heng. All three, their hearts tensing, hurried forward. They saw the gatekeeper struggling to stop a young man, reeking of drunkenness. He wore a royal blue brocade robe, his jade belt askew, and appeared disheveled, evidently having struggled. A closer look revealed it to be Wang Jing'an, the second son of the Wang family.
"Get out of the way! I want to see Su Jinli!" Wang Jing'an's face flushed, his eyes blurry, revealing a mad and unruly look. He had obviously drunk quite a bit and had lost his mind. He pushed the gatekeeper aside and stumbled forward, his steps unsteady, as if he would fall at any moment. A malicious smile hung on his face, and he mumbled incoherently, "My little beauty, I heard you didn't want to marry me? Today I want to ask, which wild man is backing you up..." His vulgar words were particularly harsh in the quiet front yard of the prime minister's mansion.
"You're looking for death!" A roar like thunder came from the side, and Young Marquis Su rushed over like a whirlwind, carrying a wooden sword. His eyes burned with anger, as if he wanted to burn everything in front of him to ashes. The blade in his hand made a sharp sound of breaking through the air, like a silver lightning, and chopped off Wang Jing'an's leg. It turned out that he didn't go to the martial arts field at all, but had been hiding behind the screen wall, paying close attention to the movements at the front door. His worry about his sister made him always vigilant and would not allow anyone to hurt his sister.
Wang Jing'an was caught off guard, staggering from the sudden blow, losing his balance and nearly falling to the ground. He finally managed to steady himself, and upon seeing that it was Young Marquis Su, he erupted in fury, akin to a flaming powder keg, cursing, "Where did this little brat come from, to attack your Grandfather Wang?" His furious roar echoed through the air, unable to mask the panic and fear within him.
"I'm going to chop you down, you scoundrel!" Young Marquis Su was undaunted, advancing with his wooden sword raised. His face flushed crimson with anger, like a ripe apple, and his eyes held a resolute and determined look, as if he was determined to fight the scoundrel to the bitter end.
However, Young Marquis Su was stopped by Su Jinli.
"Brother, stop." Su Jinli quickly stood in front of her brother, like a solid barrier, protecting him behind her. She looked at Wang Jing'an's bewildered state, her eyes as cold as ice on a cold night, as if they could freeze all evil. "Young Master Wang, you have gambling debts, and instead of going to Jufulou to pay them, you have the leisure to act wildly in the Prime Minister's Residence?" Su Jinli's voice was crisp and cold, shooting towards Wang Jing'an like a sharp arrow, with an unquestionable majesty.
Wang Jing'an was sobered up by her cold gaze, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, instantly sobering him up a bit. He then heard the suppressed laughter of the servants around him, which pierced his heart like needles, and he suddenly felt humiliated. He was ashamed and angry, pointing at Su Jinli and shouting in a cowardly voice, "Su Jinli, don't be so proud! When I pay off my gambling debts, I will make you beg to marry me!" His voice was filled with both reluctance and a hint of powerless threat.
After saying this, fearing that Young Marquis Su would charge at him again, he scrambled back out the door. The hem of his brocade robe caught on the threshold, and he flung himself forward, nearly falling flat on his face. His comical appearance caused those around him to burst into laughter, unable to contain themselves any longer. The laughter echoed throughout the front yard of the Prime Minister's residence, as if mocking Wang Jing'an.
Young Marquis Su tried to give chase, but Su Jinli gently held his shoulder. "Don't chase him! He's not worth your effort." She stroked her brother's sweaty hair, her eyes filled with fondness and comfort, as if to tell him she saw and remembered his protection. "Come on, I'll take you to get some preserves." Those gentle words, like a spring breeze, soothed the boy's anger.
Watching the siblings walk hand in hand towards the inner courtyard, Master Li couldn't help but say to Zhang Heng, "Miss Su is truly courageous and resourceful, and your brother is so protective of her. When she studies in the front courtyard in the future, I'm afraid no one will dare to bully her easily."
Zhang Heng nodded, his eyes following Su Jinli's back, thoughtful. He suddenly felt that this daughter of the prime minister's family was far more dazzling than the rumors had said, like a pearl gleaming in the darkness, emitting a unique and captivating charm. The morning breeze blew, gently brushing the figure of Young Marquis Su carrying the wooden sword, and gradually, the figure disappeared at the end of the corridor. And Wang Jing'an's embarrassed departure, like a ridiculous clown, became a hilarious footnote in front of the prime minister's mansion, adding a unique episode to this morning, making the story of the prime minister's mansion that day full of drama and warmth.
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