Seeing her dad’s resolute attitude, Ye Qianning pouted and muttered, "I still really like Old Man Gu." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

’He’s such an interesting, perceptive old man. I never noticed before, but after chatting with him a few times, I realized he’s very open-minded, and it’s so relaxing to talk to him.’

’If it weren’t for Dad, she would’ve become sworn siblings with Old Man Gu!’

"It’s fine that you like him, but this godfather business is off the table. Do you hear me?"

"But Old Man Gu is already preparing the ceremony..."

"Just tell him your dad doesn’t agree. If he has a problem with it, he can come talk to me," Xiang Minghou said firmly.

"Alright..."

’Looks like there’s no hope for the ceremony. I just hope Old Man Gu doesn’t raise too much of a fuss with Dad when he finds out.’

’Old Man Gu is a genuinely good person, but he’s also a genuine handful...’

"General, the old Clan Leader is here to see you," the housekeeper announced, knocking on the door.

"Let him in." Xiang Minghou sat up straighter.

Ye Qianning stood up. "Dad, I’ll get out of your way then."

"No rush. The old Clan Leader hasn’t met you yet." Xiang Minghou patted the spot on the bed next to him, motioning for her to sit there.

Ye Qianning grinned at the invitation, hopping onto the bed and leaning her small frame against the headboard.

A smile appeared on Xiang Minghou’s face as his large hand gently stroked her hair.

A moment later, the old Clan Leader walked in, leaning on a cane. He froze for a moment, surprised to see the little girl by the headboard.

Ye Qianning hopped down from the bed and bowed respectfully to the old Clan Leader. "Clan Leader."

"Such a polite little girl." The old Clan Leader walked closer. Seeing that Ye Qianning was still holding her bow, he gently patted her head. "You may rise. We’re all family here; no need for such formalities."

"Yes, Clan Leader." Ye Qianning straightened up.

"According to our family’s seniority, you should call me Great-Grandfather," the old Clan Leader chuckled, his expression kind.

"Great-Grandfather," Ye Qianning called out sweetly. She took his hand and led him to the bedside. "Please have a seat, Great-Grandfather."

"Oh, yes, good, very good." The old Clan Leader sat down, his face wreathed in smiles.

Ye Qianning also sat back on the bed, snuggling against her dad.

"It’s been a few years, but you’re as robust as ever, sir," Xiang Minghou said with a smile.

The old Clan Leader shot him a look. "It’s been a few years, and look at you—you almost died. You’re in far worse shape than this old man."

"Er... haha." Xiang Minghou looked a little embarrassed.

"In any case, that’s all in the past now," the old Clan Leader said. "I’ll be returning to the village tomorrow. I just came to say my goodbyes."

"So soon? It’s rare for the elders to visit the Capital City. Why not stay a few more days? Once I’ve recovered, I can show you all around."

"There’s nothing much to see, and there’s plenty to do back in the village." The old Clan Leader paused before adding, "Everything else is fine, but I’m a bit worried about you."

"About me?" Xiang Minghou asked, confused.

The old Clan Leader’s gaze fell upon Ye Qianning. "When you were on your own, it didn’t matter. But now that you have a little girl, things are different. You’re away on campaigns for years at a time. How can anyone rest easy with her left all alone in the manor?"

Xiang Minghou nodded. "You’re right. I’m not at ease about it either."

"If you ask me, you should marry soon. The household needs a mistress to manage things. Then, she and this little girl can be added to the clan registry together."

Xiang Minghou froze.

Ye Qianning was also stunned. ’So, the Old Madam never added Lady Liu to the clan registry...’

’In ancient marriages, the first order of business was to worship the ancestors and be entered into the clan registry. Only a wife in the registry was considered the official matriarch. Without that, you were nothing.’

"Did you hear what I said?" the old Clan Leader’s voice grew heavier.

"Yes. I will take care of it," Xiang Minghou replied, snapping back to his senses.

"You’d better be quick about it. You’re not getting any younger."