I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 90: Old Master Gu Got Sick

’That ruthless?’

Ye Qianning had read her fair share of stories about palace intrigue before. The imperial harem was a place that devoured people whole, leaving no bones behind. Of course, she wasn’t afraid of any of it.

"If you’re still worried, Father, why not ask Princess Changyang to take me to the palace?"

Xiang Minghou’s eyes lit up. "Yes, why didn’t I think of that? I’ll personally pay a visit to the Changyang Prince Mansion this afternoon."

Princess Changyang held a distinguished status. With her escorting Pangtuan, others would have to think twice before making a move, even if a mistake was made.

Ye Qianning had gone to great lengths just to put her father’s mind at ease.

’Imperial concubines?’

Heh. When it came to scheming, she was experienced enough to be their great-grandmother. If anyone dared to pull any tricks on her, she’d be sure to cut their path to glory short.

An eye for an eye—that was her most fundamental principle in life!

「The Gu Residence」

Mr. Gu was sick. He hadn’t had a single drop of water all day and was lying in bed, groaning and sighing.

Mr. Gu was usually full of life and hadn’t been sick for several years. When he suddenly took ill, everyone in the Gu family, young and old, was terrified. They had summoned doctors from all over the Capital City.

But the old man wouldn’t let any of them see him. For every doctor who arrived, he had one thrown out. He didn’t even spare the Imperial Physician from the palace.

"Father, you need to see a doctor when you’re sick. What is all this?"

"That’s right, Father. Why don’t you get up and have a bite? I had someone prepare your favorite wine, Immortal’s Intoxication."

"Grandfather, please get up and eat something."

"Grandfather..."

"Father..."

"Go away, all of you! Are you trying to summon my soul?" Despite not having eaten all day, Mr. Gu’s voice was still surprisingly strong.

The dozen or so people outside the door exchanged glances. Judging by the sound of his voice, he didn’t seem sick at all. ’What on earth is the old man fussing about?’

"Father, please open the door. If something is bothering you, just tell us," said Gu Zhifeng, the eldest son of the Gu family, pressing his ear against the door.

"And if I told you, could you even handle it?"

"We can, we can! As long as you say the word, Father, the four of us brothers and your six grandsons will get it done for you." Gu Zhifeng, sensing an opening, immediately complied.

"What do you mean, six grandsons? Don’t I have seven? What did you do, murder the other one?"

In the crowd, the second son of the Gu family’s expression flickered.

"...Yes, yes, Father. It was a slip of the tongue, just a slip of the tongue," Gu Zhifeng hurriedly corrected himself. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Hmph!"

After a cold snort from inside the room, all was quiet again. A moment later, a series of mournful sighs drifted out...

"Father? What is really wrong? Don’t keep it bottled up inside. You’re making us worry."

"That’s right, Father. If you’re sick, we can get you treatment."

"Grandfather, are you unable to get out of bed? I’m coming in..."

There was no sound from inside the room.

The group outside exchanged a look, and finally, Mr. Gu’s grandson, Gu Miao, raised his foot to kick the door.

"WHOA—!"

Just as Gu Miao went to kick, the door swung open. He kicked at nothing but air and stumbled straight into the room.

"Father."

"Grandfather..."

The dozen or so people crowded in, calling out "Father" and "Grandfather." Mr. Gu looked them over and saw that not a single one had a flower in their hair. He sighed again. ’What sin did the Gu family commit to deserve this!’

"Father, your color looks good. What are you doing sulking in your room? It’s terribly worrisome."

"Sigh..." Mr. Gu heaved another sigh and stared at his sons and grandsons. "You said you’d do whatever I asked. Can I take you at your word?"

"You can, you can," Gu Zhifeng nodded.

The second, third, and fourth sons of the Gu family all nodded in unison.

"You... ahem, forget it. The four of you brothers are past that age. It’s hopeless. I can’t rely on you anymore, no, I can’t. Sigh!" Mr. Gu started to speak, then stopped himself, though he couldn’t resist grumbling.

The four Gu brothers were utterly baffled. ’What does he mean we’re "hopeless"?’

Before they could figure it out, they saw the old man’s gaze shift to the younger generation. ’Could it be that in Father’s eyes, we’re less capable than these kids?’