I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 34: The Gaudy Women

"What’s wrong with crying in front of my own daughter? Besides, if anyone dares to laugh, I’ll chop off their... hand..." Xiang Minghou had wanted to say "head," but he caught himself. The little girl in front of him was still young; it wouldn’t do to frighten her.

Ye Qianning covered her little mouth and giggled.

When Xiang Minghou saw her laugh, he immediately started laughing too.

A crowd of colorfully dressed women, maids, and servants from the General’s Residence rushed to the front hall. Hearing such joyous laughter from within, they were immediately suspicious. The General hadn’t been home in years, so why had he returned so suddenly?

And for him to be laughing like that... something was definitely up. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"General, everyone has arrived," the steward reported as he entered.

Xiang Minghou’s voice softened. In high spirits, he walked out, still holding the little girl.

"Can someone please tell me what’s going on?" Old Madam Xiang arrived, leaning on a cane and supported by a maid.

The brightly-clad women of the household immediately parted to make way for her, lowering their heads in silence.

"Mother, the General has returned," Liu-shi said, stepping forward. She waved the maid away and took her arm to support her personally.

Old Madam Xiang had never been fond of this daughter-in-law. "I know he’s back," she said irritably. "He hasn’t been home in years, and even after returning for two days, he didn’t set foot in the house. Now he finally shows up and causes such a ruckus?"

"I am not sure, Mother," Liu-shi said quietly.

"Hmph." Old Madam Xiang snorted.

Just then, Xiang Minghou walked out of the main hall carrying Ye Qianning. All eyes turned to him. Their family’s Great General, a man who killed as easily as breathing, was actually holding a chubby, ugly little girl with a face painted like a ghost’s.

What’s more, the General’s eyes were red, clear evidence that he had been crying. What was this bizarre scene all about?

"Eldest Son, what is the meaning of this?" Old Madam Xiang stepped forward.

"Mother, don’t say anything yet. Just listen to me, this is wonderful news!" Xiang Minghou said excitedly, then turned to the crowd. "Now that everyone’s here, listen up! From this day forward, this girl is the Eldest Young Miss of the Xiang Residence!"

"..."

His words sent a shockwave through the residence. Everyone, from the masters to the servants, stared wide-eyed, their gazes landing in unison on Ye Qianning.

Ye Qianning knew General Xiang had a harem of wives and concubines, but seeing them now was still an eye-opener. There were seven or eight of them, all dressed in vibrant colors and possessing considerable beauty.

’This father of mine doesn’t seem like a lecherous man.’

’I’d only done a basic check on the residence’s staff before, nothing too detailed. If I plan on staying here, I’ll need to figure out every single person.’

"Eldest Son, you... what did you just say?" Old Madam Xiang felt like she was mishearing things. ’Where did he pick up this little stray?’

"Yeah, Big Brother, have you lost your mind?" Xiang Mingli, the second son of the Xiang family, was also stunned.

"I’ll say it again: From now on, she is the Eldest Young Miss of the Xiang Residence. I won’t tolerate any questions from anyone. And if someone doesn’t listen—" As he spoke, Xiang Minghou freed one hand and brought it down in a vicious chop against a nearby pillar.

A cloud of dust showered from the smooth stone pillar. When it settled, a deep indentation was visible in the stone—

Everyone stared, dumbfounded, and unconsciously took a step back. Even Ye Qianning jumped in fright. ’Damn, that was impressive,’ she thought. ’With a move like that, he could probably chop a person’s head clean off.’

Old Madam Xiang stumbled back several steps. If Liu-shi hadn’t been holding her tightly, she probably would have fallen flat on her bottom.

Xiang Minghou nonchalantly blew on his hand and declared, "If I hear any objections, that will be the consequence!"

"Eldest Son, what do you think you’re doing?" the Old Madam demanded angrily. "It’s just raising a little girl. The Xiang Residence isn’t short on food. Is there any need for all this?"

"Exactly, Big Brother! Why are you so worked up? Raising a little girl is no big deal. If you’re worried, you can entrust her to your sister-in-law. Look, this child seems to be about the same age as Zhenzhu. If they’re together, she won’t feel so shy around strangers," Xiang Mingli said cheerfully, sounding very magnanimous.