I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 38: The Harmonious Concubines

Mrs. Liu led Ye Qianning back to Xiruo Courtyard, asking many questions along the way, though none were about her past. She even worried the child would get tired from walking and tried to carry her, but gave up awkwardly after a few attempts.

Ye Qianning’s small frame probably weighed fifty or sixty jin, far too heavy for an average woman to carry.

Still, Ye Qianning was starting to like Mrs. Liu. ’Though her appearance is plain, she seems like a simple, honest person. From the way she speaks so cautiously, she’s probably suffered quite a bit at the hands of the old matriarch since marrying into the General’s manor.’

"Give this to the Young Miss later."

"No, that’s more of a gift for an adult. Children like dolls. Here, look at this."

"This doll of yours isn’t very pretty. Did you make it yourself?"

"I was bored, so I made it for fun. But I sewed every single stitch myself. It’s the thought that counts, you know?"

"Stop arguing, both of you. Dolls, hair ties... Just look at how plump the Young Miss is! She must love to eat. Preparing a feast is what’s most important."

"..."

The moment Mrs. Liu led Ye Qianning into the courtyard, they heard a bustling clamor from within.

’Ye Qianning was puzzled. Do that many people live in Mrs. Liu’s courtyard?’

Mrs. Liu thought she was frightened and whispered, "Don’t be scared. The concubines inside are all very kind. They’re all preparing gifts for Qian Ning."

’Concubines?’

Ye Qianning grew even more confused. ’The main wife and the concubines get along this harmoniously?’

’Wives and concubines have been at odds since ancient times. Shouldn’t they be locked in constant strife, both open and secret?’

"Sister Liu is back with the Young Miss!" A concubine pasting a large, celebratory character on the door spotted them and shouted toward the main hall.

A moment later, a flock of brightly dressed concubines surged out, crowding around the little girl.

"Young Miss, look! This is my present for you."

"Here’s mine!"

"And mine!"

"..."

In an instant, Ye Qianning’s arms were piled high with gifts. All that could be seen was her little head poking out from the heap—a head that Fourth Granny had painted to look like a paper doll, making the scene all the more comical.

A concubine in a purple dress couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter at the sight. She reached out and pinched the girl’s little cheek. "How festive this makeup is!"

Ye Qianning was a little bewildered by the sudden wave of enthusiasm and, for a moment, didn’t know what to say.

"Alright, that’s enough. Don’t frighten her." Mrs. Liu took the gifts from Ye Qianning’s arms and handed them to a nearby maid. "Didn’t the General tell you all to return to your own courtyards? What are you doing, squeezing into my place like this?"

"The General carried this child back himself, of course we’re curious," the concubine in blue said with a mischievous chuckle. "Besides, if you’re really going to be looking after this little one, we’ll have something to help out with too."

With a sigh, Mrs. Liu led Ye Qianning into the house. "I’m more worried you’ll make her cry," she said. "If I can’t console her, you’ll all be in for it."

"Don’t worry! I can tell this girl isn’t timid at all. Besides, she’s chubby—easy to raise!" the concubine in yellow chirped, jogging into the house after them. "I’ve already prepared all the food. We were just waiting for the Young Miss to come home to eat."

In the main hall, a table was already laden with a colorful and fragrant spread of dishes. Ye Qianning hadn’t eaten since morning, and with her physique, she was already famished. The moment she sat down, her stomach began to RUMBLE.

Ye Qianning felt a pang of embarrassment.

"Looks like our Young Miss is truly hungry! Here, have some pork knuckle." The concubine in yellow casually speared a piece of braised pork knuckle and placed it on her plate.

"You shouldn’t eat something so greasy when you’re this hungry. Have some porridge first."

"She should have something sweet first!"

"Have some of mine!"

"Young Miss, eat my dish first! Don’t listen to them."

The concubines broke into another boisterous argument...