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

Chapter 433: The Qian Family’s Secret Network

She’d had a feeling something was wrong. The little honeyeater she sent to investigate yesterday still hadn’t returned. While things were quiet at the General’s estate, she worried her master would grow anxious if he found out what was happening in the city.

"Right now, no news can get into or out of the Capital City," Qian Fanji said. "Dean Chen sent his message through the Qian family’s secret network."

"The Qian family’s secret network? You mean underground tunnels?"

"Something like that."

Ye Qianning couldn’t help but give him a second look. No wonder the Qian family was so well-informed. They had dirt on countless officials, both in the imperial court and in their private lives.

’Don’t tell me the Qian family has dug tunnels under the entire Capital City?’

’Heh. Even though he was being vague, she could imagine just how formidable the Qian family’s secret methods were. It was no wonder nobody dared to cross him, even though he was the Chief of Staff and his family was suspected of treason.’

"Right now, the Royal Family’s elite Hidden Guards are operating in the Capital City. Tell your guards to lay low. When those elite guards strike, people either die or are gravely wounded. They won’t be held accountable, even for accidental injuries," Qian Fanji said.

Ye Qianning nodded. "Nothing is amiss at the General’s estate, so we won’t need to trouble you, Lord Chief of Staff."

"I promised Dean Chen I would look after you, and I can’t go back on my word. I will be staying at the estate until the Capital City’s lockdown is lifted. It will also give me a chance to teach you your letters."

"You want to live here? No way. Absolutely not," Zhan Chi was the first to erupt.

Qian Fanji shot him a cool glance. "Young Master Zhan, this is the Xiang family estate, not the Zhan family’s. You should think before you speak."

"You..." Zhan Chi froze, the realization suddenly dawning on him.

’He’d instinctively come to see any place with his girl in it as his own home...’

Qian Fanji coolly withdrew his gaze. ’It wasn’t his place to be speaking in the General’s estate.’

"Stay if you want, but forget the calligraphy lessons." Ye Qianning stood up. She knew she couldn’t win an argument against him and couldn’t be bothered to waste her breath.

’As long as he doesn’t set foot in my Yuehua Small Building, he can stay as long as he wants.’

"You’ve fallen far behind in your academy lessons."

Ye Qianning glanced back. "I didn’t go to Lou Mountain to study."

"Hm?"

A hint of confusion flickered in Qian Fanji’s cool eyes.

Zhan Chi was curious as well.

"For fun."

Ye Qianning tossed out the two words, then turned and walked out of the pavilion.

The fine rain had grown heavier, and it felt cool against her face.

It was as if all the spring rain had been saved for these few days. The gloomy, oppressive weather soured everyone’s mood.

When she returned to Yuehua Small Building, the little honeyeaters she had sent out yesterday and this morning to gather intelligence were back as well.

Three birds landed on the windowsill. Upon seeing Ye Qianning, they flapped their wings and flew to the table inside. One of them appeared to be injured; its small leg dangled limply, as if broken.

"What happened?" Ye Qianning cupped the injured honeyeater in her hands to examine its leg.

’The entire city is full of powerful humans. They’re always fighting. The shockwaves from their energy hit all the birds nearby. Many have died.’

’The one Little Mistress sent out with a message must have run into one of those powerful humans. It didn’t come back.’

Guilt washed over Ye Qianning. "I’ve dragged you all into this. For the next few days, stay in your nests. You don’t need to gather any more information for now."

’It’s okay! Our Clan Leader said it’s our clan’s honor to be able to help Little Mistress.’

’That’s right, that’s right! We all really like Little Mistress!’

’Like... like...’

The little honeyeaters hopped about, pecking their beaks against the table. Even the one in Ye Qianning’s hand, its leg trembling with pain, didn’t forget to chirp in agreement.

Ye Qianning took out some medicine and gauze to bandage its leg. Fortunately, the bone wasn’t completely shattered; with some time to recover, it would heal. "There. You all just rest for a while."

’Huh? Little Mistress doesn’t need us anymore?’ the little honeyeater chirped, staring at her in surprise and panic.