Insufficient balance

  After dinner, Mochou, Dajie and Duan Yulan came to Dajie's boudoir. This was Mochou's second time entering Dajie's room, and he felt that his mood at this moment was slightly different from the first time. As for Duan Yulan who had just entered, she exclaimed: "Sister's room is so elegant!"

  "If you like, sister, we can sleep together tonight." The young lady said with a smile.

  "That sister of mine won't be polite anymore, haha!" said Duan Yulan, and the two sat down on the edge of the bed, holding hands.

  Musheng moved a chair and sat down at this time, saying: "Xin Ya, I think it's best to discuss the cooperation now."

  "Hmm, well then, you tell me!" The young lady said.

  Upon hearing the young lady's words, Mu Sheng cleared his throat and said: "As for how the Zhao family business will develop in the future, let's not discuss it for now. For the time being, our main priority is to withstand the Chamber of Commerce's attack while also expanding our territory. As for how to do these things, I think sister will tell you when the time comes. I'm clueless about business and my help is limited, but this 800,000 taels of silver should still be of some use to you." With that, Mu Sheng pulled out the silver notes he had confiscated from the bandits.

  When Mu saw the large amount of silver notes, the eldest sister asked in surprise: "Mu Sheng, where did you get so much money?", Duan Yulan couldn't help but look at her brother with curiosity, thinking that she had underestimated him.

  "This money was obtained during the last bandit suppression, Xinye you can use it with peace of mind. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Mu Sheng said as he stood up.

  Muyan was about to leave when the young lady looked at him with a hint of resentment and said: "Can't you stay for a little while longer?"

  Duan Yulan stared intently at the two of them, seeing the expression on the eldest sister's face, thinking "there's hope", it seems that this Zhao family's eldest sister has some feelings for my younger brother, but with his silly and muddle-headed appearance, he probably doesn't even understand yet whether he should help her or not. Duan Yulan thought to herself.

  "Ah, well, since we've already talked about this, I won't bother you and your sister anymore. I'll just head out now!"

  The big sister didn't stay any longer, watching Mu Sheng's back as he walked away, muttering to herself: "Dead Mu Sheng, stinky Mu Sheng, I'm so annoying, if I stayed a bit longer I would have died!"

  "Sister, what's wrong! What did that brother of mine do to offend you? Tell sister, and I'll fix him tomorrow." Duan Yulan said with a smile as she looked at the eldest sister.

  "Ah! Duan sister is still here!" The young lady exclaimed in surprise, wondering how she could have forgotten about Duan sister. She must have heard what was said earlier, this is so embarrassing, it's all your fault, it's all your fault.

  "You don't want me here?" Duan Yulan stared at the eldest sister and said.

  "How could it be? I haven't even had time to like Duan sister yet?" said the young lady.

  "So you like my brother?" Duan Yulan suddenly said.

  "No, nothing." The young lady replied somewhat flustered.

  "You're still saying you don't have it? Look at how red your face has become." Duan Yulan teased.

  "Sister Duan, you're bullying me, just you wait and see if I don't hit you."

  "Oh! Little sister is fighting big sister for her lover!"

  The two of them then chased and hit each other back and forth in the boudoir, with giggles constantly coming from inside.

  After Mu Sheng returned to the house, Xiang Ling fetched some water and then, under her meticulous care, Mu Sheng took a comfortable bath.

  Lying on the soft bed, Shuosheng asked: "Ling'er, have you been doing well at home these days?"

  Listening to Mu Sheng's greetings, Xiang Ling said with a melancholy face: "It's good, but I miss my husband." As she spoke, she buried her head in Mu Sheng's arms. Gently stroking Xiang Ling's black hair, Mu Sheng asked the questions he had when he came back, "Ling'er, why is the wall between our house and the Zhao's house gone? And also, why are we all eating together now?"

  "Oh, so that's what Master said! It was Xiaya sister's idea to make it more lively with everyone together. And that wall was in the way, so they tore it down. For convenience of having meals together, Xiaya sister even built a large pavilion." Xiangling said slowly.

  "Oh, I see!" Murong said.

  "Hubby, don't you like it?" Xiang Ling asked with a worried face.

  "That's not it, I'm just a bit surprised," said Mu Sheng with a smile.

  The next morning, Mu Sheng took out the hairpin he had bought in Qingzhou City and handed it to Xiang Ling, who was sitting in front of the dresser: "Ling'er, this is a hairpin I bought for you in Qingzhou City. Take a look and see if you like it."

  Xiang Ling was stunned for a moment, then took it over, carefully opened the box, and saw that inside was a phoenix jade hairpin. She exclaimed in surprise: "So beautiful!"

  "Ling'er, shall I help you put it on?" asked Musheng.

  "Hmm", Xiang Ling softly responded.

  After helping Xiangling get dressed, Mushi kissed Xiangling's cheek and said: "My Ling'er is really beautiful".

  "Hubby, Ling'er's beauty is only for you to see." Xiang Ling said with deep feeling. As soon as Xiang Ling said this, Mu Sheng couldn't help but kiss her, and Xiang Ling also responded passionately. Just when the two were lost in their kiss, they heard a knock on the door: "Young master, young madam, breakfast is ready."

  "Oh, I see." Mu Sheng replied. Xiang Ling tidied up her disheveled dress and leaned into Mu Sheng's arms, saying: "Husband, let's go!"

  "Good", said Mu Sheng, and then he took Xiang Ling out with him.

  Looking at Xiang Ling leaning in Mu Sheng's arms, the eldest sister felt melancholy and hurt in her heart. When could she be like Ling'er, carefreely leaning in his arms?

  It seems that Duan Yulan noticed the young lady's expression and pulled her sleeve, saying: "Don't think too much".

  "I understand, Sister Duan," said the young lady, her expression calming down.

  Musheng didn't notice these, at the dinner table, Musheng and Xiangling were serving each other dishes, the two were affectionate, warm and cozy. The eldest sister looked on from the side, feeling sour in her heart, unable to eat a single bite of rice, looking at the eldest sister sitting dryly, not eating, with lifeless eyes, occasionally glancing at Musheng. In response, Duan Yulan shook her head helplessly, how did she herself not feel that silly younger brother had any attractive points?

  Qin Bo came back after going out on an errand. Mu Sheng couldn't help but take a look at Qin Bo and found that he had aged even more.

  After dinner, everyone went about their own business, and Mu Sheng was called away by Sima Chengfeng and his mother-in-law.

  In the room, Sima Chengfeng said seriously: "Mujun, what are you planning to do next?"

  "Hmm, I haven't thought about that yet." Mu Sheng scratched his head and said. Actually, Mu Sheng was planning to stay at home with Xiang Ling for a few days before going to investigate the Wu Xiang Sect. Being asked by Sima Chengfeng made Mu Sheng feel a bit embarrassed.

  They fell silent for a while, and Sima Chengfeng asked, "Musheng, I'd like to invite you to take a look at the situation of Wuxiang Sect in Hunyuan Prefecture. Are you willing?"

  "Since Master Sima has invited him, that kid will certainly obey. However, I think Master Sima won't just go take a look at something so simple!" Mu Sheng said with a glance at Sima Chengfeng.

  Simachen Feng was taken aback, he didn't expect this seemingly foolish-looking young man to be so clever. He chuckled and said: "Musheng, not bad! This time I plan to eliminate the Wuxiang Sect's branch in Hunyuan Prefecture."

  "Among us three people?" Murong asked with some surprise.

  "Of course not, you'll know when the time comes." Sima Chengfeng said.

  Since Sima Chengfeng said so, Mu Sheng didn't ask any more questions. The three of them made some preparations and headed out of the city. When they arrived at a small grove, Mu Sheng saw that there were already over twenty black-clad masked men present. Seeing this, Mu Sheng's heart was already clear - it seemed that Sima Chengfeng had long been prepared.

  Simachengfeng's eyes swept around, finding everyone was surprised, so he made a gesture, and the crowd rushed to one place, and Musheng also followed closely behind.

  The Wu Xiang Sect, in order to facilitate their clandestine activities, had set up a branch in an old mansion on the outskirts of town. The owner of this mansion had long since left, and from the outside, it didn't look like anyone lived there at all. Mu Sheng and his companions quietly climbed over the dilapidated wall and converged on the large house in the center, Mu Sheng quietly approached the window, which was so old that it hardly blocked anything, and saw about fifty people inside.

  At this time, someone on Mo Sheng's side accidentally moved a tile, and with a "whooshing" sound, the tile rolled down to the ground with a loud "bang". The sound of the tile startled the people inside, and they rushed out with their weapons, while Sima Chengfeng made a killing gesture. Without saying a word, both sides began fighting, and Mo Sheng also joined the battle immediately. These people were all second-rate masters, and there weren't many first-rate masters, so Mo Sheng didn't have too much trouble dealing with them. However, when Mo Sheng looked at Sima Chengfeng, he seemed a bit uncomfortable. Sima Chengfeng was surrounded by seven people, who formed the Big Dipper Array, which had considerable power, making Sima Chengfeng secretly lament, blaming himself for being too careless.

  Mo Sheng took care of a few people around him, then shook off the three who came next, and quickly approached Sima Chengfeng. The opponent seemed to realize Mo Sheng's intention and immediately sent five more people to surround Mo Sheng. Mo Sheng didn't want to be entangled by them, and for now, the most important thing was to destroy that Seven Star Sword Formation. If it took too long, Sima Chengfeng would be in danger. His wife was already surrounded by people and couldn't escape for a while. Others went there but were useless, so for now, he could only rely on himself. Mo Sheng then launched his palms, stepped on one person's body, and used this fulcrum to fly to Sima Chengfeng's side. He also slapped out a palm in mid-air, using 10% of his strength. The thick palm force eliminated one more person from the sword formation. With fewer people in the formation, Sima Chengfeng's pressure greatly reduced. At this time, the opponent's leader realized that Mo Sheng was very troublesome and personally attacked him.

  Facing this middle-aged man who was among the best of the best, Mo Sheng also became serious. The two fought and fought until they reached outside the house. The opponent's swordsmanship was indeed good, and Mo Sheng was now worried about not having a weapon, so he could only use his palms to counterattack. However, this would hurt his internal energy, and in the long run, it would be very disadvantageous for Mo Sheng. At this time, the middle-aged man seemed to have also realized that Mo Sheng's internal energy was being consumed greatly, so he intensified his attack, which made Mo Sheng furrow his brow. Unable to do anything else, Mo Sheng could only rely on his agile movements and lightness skills to dodge the opponent's sword moves.

  The old woman saw Muzi hiding in the distance, frowning heavily, and kicked out a treasured sword with her foot, shouting loudly: "Catch it!"

  Mu Sheng saw the sword flying towards him, and he hastily slapped out a palm in response. Then, with a swift leap into the air, he caught the treasured sword. Next, he began to wield the sword techniques from the "Mantra of Brahma". With this, Mu Sheng's pressure greatly alleviated, and his opponent seemed to realize that victory was no longer possible for him. Looking around at his own subordinates, who were now all defeated, he prepared to flee. However, Mu Sheng would not let him succeed. With a slap from his left hand and a sword strike from his right, the middle-aged man was pierced in the chest by the sword while trying to dodge Mu Sheng's palm force.

  The leader was killed, and the remaining few people were soon all settled. The fierce battle finally ended, with five of the enemy fleeing, and the rest being annihilated. Of the more than 20 people brought by Sima Chengfeng, three were sacrificed and eight were injured. Generally speaking, the results were not bad. Immediately after that, Sima Chengfeng ordered someone to take away the eight wounded and three dead, and then set fire to the big house.

  Looking at the raging flames, Sima Chengfeng sighed: "It's all over, it's a good ending!" Then he turned to Mu Sheng and said: "Young man, thank you so much today! Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have died here."

  "Grandfather Sima, you're too polite, this is what I should be doing." Murong said humbly.

  The grandma then fiercely stared at Sima Chengfeng, and forcefully pinched his waist, saying discontentedly: "You think you're so capable, you think you're so capable."

  Simacheng Feng licked his lips, then dryly said: "Old lady, Muzi, let's go back!" After hearing Simacheng Feng's words, the three of them rushed towards the city.