I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?

Chapter 416: Searching the General’s Mansion

The woman, surrounded by several others, felt her pale face twitch at the remark. She subconsciously touched her cheek. ’I’m not that much older than them, am I...?’

"Hurry up, ladies. Gather in the front hall once you’re done."

"We’ll be done in a moment."

Huaihua called out.

The woman was ushered into an inner room. The concubines had a clear division of labor: some dried her hair, some helped her undress, and others washed her face.

The woman’s eyes followed the others as they moved about. She’d heard stories about the Great General of Beili—rumors said he had a harem of concubines. Seeing them now, she had to admit General Xiang had excellent taste.

Each of the concubines was graceful and elegant, looking as if they were skilled in the four arts. Moreover, despite their numbers, all the women seemed to get along harmoniously.

’Is this normal?’ freewёbnoνel.com

’Not only were they harmonious, but they also listened to a little girl?’

In the next moment, her train of thought shifted. ’That girl is so capable; of course she can handle a group of concubines who can’t even truss a chicken.’

At the main gate, a search party of a hundred soldiers had gathered. Their leader was the Left General of the Ministry of War. Just as a servant boy opened the gate, the Left General had one of his men shove it wide open.

"What took you so long to open the gate?" the Left General demanded coldly as he strode in.

"Our General is not in residence, and the young miss of the house is easily frightened. When you conduct your search, sirs, please be gentle," the servant said with a bow.

"Gentle? If the thief escapes, I’m afraid your entire General’s residence won’t be able to bear the consequences," the Left General retorted. "Men! Bring everyone in the General’s residence to the front courtyard for questioning. Search every corner of this estate thoroughly. Don’t miss a single spot."

"Yes, sir!"

The guards acknowledged the order in unison.

"Hold on." Old Master Zhan arrived in a hurry, leading Madam Zhan.

The Left General was slightly taken aback to see the pair. He stepped forward and gave a perfunctory salute. "Old Master Zhan, Madam Zhan. Why are you here?"

"General Xiang is not here. As his uncle, it is my duty to look after his household. There are children here, so I’d advise you not to be too disruptive, Left General," Zhan Yi said, his voice deep as he stroked his beard.

The Left General was well aware of the dynamic between the Zhan and Xiang families in the Capital City. They had been estranged for many years, so this sudden friendliness was highly unusual.

"Old Master Zhan, I am merely following the Emperor’s difficult orders. A very important item has been lost from the palace. If I don’t conduct a thorough search, I will be the one to suffer the consequences."

"I’m afraid you misunderstand me, Left General. You may search, but do not cause a commotion, and do not damage any of the property in this residence. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, they’ll be dragged out and beheaded."

Old Master Zhan hadn’t finished speaking; the words had come from a clear and soft voice.

"Pangtuan," Madam Zhan called out.

The Left General’s brow furrowed. ’Dragged out and beheaded?’

’Such bold words for a little girl.’

Ye Qianning came waddling over on her short legs, with Zhan Chi, who had changed his clothes, walking beside her.

"The Emperor sent you to search from house to house for a person, not to go from house to house smashing things. Search all you want, but if anyone breaks anything, they won’t be walking out of this residence today." Her voice, still laced with the lilt of a child, sounded particularly clear in the night air.

"Why, you little..."

"Whoa now, Left General, I wouldn’t talk back to her. If that child loses her temper, I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave at all," Zhan Yi said, hastily restraining the Left General before he could retort.

"..."

"Left General, you’d best tell your men to be careful," Zhan Chi said, giving him a lazy look.

The Left General’s expression shifted. He looked at Ye Qianning. The rumors about the Xiang family’s young miss had been circulating wildly lately, and he’d heard the Emperor had even issued a special edict for her two days ago.

After some consideration, he reined in his temper and nodded. "Alright. Everyone, gather all residents in the front courtyard. Be careful during the search, and do not damage any property."

"Yes, sir."

The guards responded and fanned out in unison toward the rear courtyards.