Normally, Luo Wen and his men stood guard outside Yuehua Small Building, so they couldn’t get in. Since they weren’t making too much of a fuss in the estate, she hadn’t paid them any mind.

A maid in blue hurried over with small steps. "Master, breakfast is ready. The mistress sent me to find you."

"Alright, I’ll be there in a moment," Zhan Yi said, slowly going through his martial arts forms. "Is that little rascal Zhan Chi up yet?"

"The Young Master left the estate before dawn."

When Zhan Yi heard this, he stopped his forms and steadied himself, grumbling, "That damn brat is never home."

...

Xiang Minghou watched, a bewildered look on his face. ’This is still my General’s Estate, isn’t it...?’

...

Ye Qianning raised an eyebrow. ’You really shouldn’t be so brazen.’

"Pangtuan, have you eaten breakfast? Come, join us. The Zhan family’s chefs are first-rate," Zhan Yi said, his gaze sweeping past Xiang Minghou to land on Ye Qianning.

"...I’d rather not."

"Come on," Zhan Yi said, walking over. "Your grandmother would be delighted to know you’re eating with us."

Xiang Minghou’s brow furrowed. He took a step forward, shielding Ye Qianning’s small figure. "Old Master Zhan, if I’m not mistaken, this is the General’s Estate."

"It is. What about it?"

’What about it?’

Heh...!

Xiang Minghou felt a laugh bubbling up. ’To be so brazen while living in someone else’s estate... it’s truly admirable.’

"A few days ago, I was gravely injured, and I’m grateful for Madam Zhan’s care. However, my injuries have now healed, so I won’t impose on you any longer. I will be sure to have a generous gift prepared and pay a personal visit to express my gratitude on another day."

"My boy, your injuries have only just healed. Why the rush to kick us out?" Zhan Yi paid no mind to Xiang Minghou’s cold expression.

"The Zhan family is a great and noble house in the Capital City, related to the imperial family. Your staying here at the General’s Estate will inevitably attract unwanted gossip." Xiang Minghou knew what the Zhan family was scheming. ’They want the girl? Not in a million years.’

"Let them gossip all they want. This old man isn’t scared."

"I’ve tried asking nicely and you refuse to leave. In that case, Old Master Zhan, you’ll have to forgive my discourtesy. Men! Show our guests out," Xiang Minghou said, his face cold and his patience exhausted.

Two guards leaped down.

"Wait," Madam Zhan called out, rushing over.

Upon seeing her, Xiang Minghou, though his face remained cold, raised a hand in a brief salute as a sign of respect.

"General Xiang, we have imposed on your hospitality for many days. In truth, there is something we wish to discuss. We didn’t feel it was right to bring it up when your injuries were so severe, but now that you have fully recovered, might we sit down and talk?" Madam Zhan had been anxious for a while.

’If she hadn’t seen how sharp and clear-headed Xiang Minghou was when dealing with his second branch, they would have taken their granddaughter home long ago.’

"I don’t believe we have anything to discuss."

"General Xiang, about Pangtuan..." Madam Zhan began, but she hesitated, embarrassed to speak of it in front of the child.

Ye Qianning peeked out from behind Xiang Minghou.

’The more she looked, the more she adored the girl,’ Madam Zhan thought, ’wishing she could just scoop her up and take her home right then and there.’

Xiang Minghou raised a hand and gently pushed the little girl’s head back behind him. He then turned to her and said, "Breakfast should be ready. Go on, now. There are meat buns today, your favorite."

"I’m not eating. I’m going to pack my things. I want to go to the academy." Ye Qianning had no desire to get involved in this mess. ’A strategic retreat is the best plan.’

"Leaving now?"

"Yes. My master sent a letter yesterday. He wants me to return to the academy."

"Why wasn’t I told?" Xiang Minghou asked, confused.

’All the mail usually comes to me first,’ he thought. ’I don’t remember any letters arriving from Lou Mountain yesterday.’

"Master had a guard from Lou Mountain deliver it to me personally. He said there’s an academic issue we need to discuss." ’There really was a letter, but as for its actual contents...’

’Of course, she wasn’t about to tell him that some old man named Gu had gone up Lou Mountain to pester her master, who, at his wit’s end, had written to her for help.’