I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 67: Exasperated Father Resorts to the Art of War

"What’s past is past. Eldest, you should just let it go." The Old Madam thought it was highly improper for her second son to flee with his entire family, but she also believed he had his reasons. If a true disaster had struck, ensuring the Xiang family had an heir was what mattered most.

Ye Qianning scoffed inwardly. ’She’s certainly protective of them. If the roles were reversed, this old lady would probably curse Xiang Minghou to death.’

Xiang Minghou was displeased by her words, but he couldn’t bring himself to be too harsh with his own mother.

"Eldest, Pangtuan grew up in the countryside. If she can attend, why can’t Si Yan?" Though the Old Madam’s tone was gentle, her words carried a subtle condescension whenever she mentioned Ye Qianning.

"What’s wrong with the countryside?" Xiang Minghou scoffed. "The Imperial Physicians in the palace, decades their senior, are no match for Pangtuan, a six-year-old child. The countryside is full of hidden talents, far superior to those young masters who spend all day coddled in wealth."

The Old Madam had recently heard quite a few rumors about Pangtuan. Many families in the Capital City had sent gifts to the General’s manor, with wives and relatives all praising Pangtuan’s medical skills.

However, she remained convinced that the child was just lucky—a case of a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse.

’The more inflated a person’s reputation,’ she thought, ’the more the General’s manor stands to be dragged down in the future.’

"I don’t care! Grandma, I want to go to Lou Mountain Academy too!" Xiang Siyan crawled over to the Old Madam’s side on his knees.

The Old Madam’s heart ached for him. "Alright, alright, don’t cry. You’ll go. Grandma will make sure you get into Lou Mountain Academy."

"Grandma is the best! You’re the only one in the family who’s on my side." Xiang Siyan had known how to wrap the old matriarch around his finger since he was a child. All he had to do was cry, and he would get whatever he wanted.

Xiang Mingli fell silent. He knew that as long as his mother dug her heels in, there was nothing his elder brother could do. After all, his son was the Xiang family’s only male heir.

Mrs. Wang gave Xiang Zhenzhu a subtle nudge.

"Grandma, I want to go to Lou Mountain Academy too!" Xiang Zhenzhu was a sharp one herself. She scrambled up and trotted over, throwing herself into the Old Madam’s arms.

"Yes, yes, of course. You’ll all go. Don’t cry now, or you’ll get tear streaks all over your pretty face." The Old Madam absolutely doted on this grandson and granddaughter.

Ye Qianning rolled her eyes. ’They always say a doting parent spoils the child. Xiang Zhenzhu is still young, so with the right guidance, she might still be turned around. But it’s probably too late for Xiang Siyan.’

’It’s just as that concubine said,’ she mused. ’He’s bound to stir up trouble in the future.’

"Oh, my dearest daughter, don’t you cry! Don’t cry! Papa will go sign you up for Lou Mountain Academy right now, just don’t cry—" Suddenly, Xiang Minghou’s voice boomed as he pulled Ye Qianning into his arms. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

His voice was so loud it made both Xiang Siyan and Xiang Zhenzhu jump. They forgot to cry and stared over in unison.

The Old Madam, who had been in the middle of comforting the children, got such a fright that her heart sank. It took her a long moment to recover.

"..."

Ye Qianning was mortified—

Thank goodness Xiang Minghou had buried her face in his chest. Otherwise, she would have been so embarrassed she could have dug a hole to hide in with her toes. A moment later, however, Ye Qianning couldn’t help but laugh.

’Her father was being adorably childish with his own nephew and niece.’

’What a show of force! A Great General, pushed by his own family to the point of using military tactics!’

"Let’s go, sweetie." Xiang Minghou stood up, holding the girl in his arms, and walked out.

"Elder Brother... where are you going?" Xiang Mingli called after him.

"Oh, stop crying, both of you! Get up, quickly! Your uncle is taking her to Lou Mountain Academy! Hurry up and chase after them!" the Old Madam exclaimed, being the first to react.

Xiang Siyan hastily scrambled up from the floor.

Xiang Mingli also jumped to his feet and ran out, while Mrs. Wang pulled Xiang Zhenzhu up and chased after them.

The family ran in a panic to the main gate, but there was no sign of Xiang Minghou in the empty entranceway.

"Someone, prepare the carriage, quickly! To Lou Mountain Academy!" Xiang Mingli shouted to a servant.