Chapter 122

Qiao Zhongguo’s expression changed several times.

If the Second Prince really had such behavior, then it meant that, like them, he had been planning since the moment the selection of the Crown Princess was settled!

No, they couldn’t let the Second Prince get ahead of them!

With this in mind, Qiao Zhongguo suddenly turned back and smirked at General Xiao, “Old Da, I’m going to change clothes, could you watch over Jiaojiao for me?”

General Xiao’s eyes widened at the sudden request. “Huh? Me?”

When his two daughters were young, he spent most of his time guarding the southern border and didn’t take care of children!

“Just for a moment, don’t let Jiaojiao fall!”

Qiao Zhongguo said, then turned and hurried away, seeming genuinely anxious.

Seeing this, General Xiao quickly took Qiao Zhongguo’s place, spreading his arms to stop Jiaojiao from getting off the couch.

Jiaojiao called out, “Daddy!”

She was getting really impatient; when would this small body be able to speak?

Seeing Jiaojiao not listening, General Xiao felt at a loss for a moment, just staring at her with wide eyes.

Watching Qiao Zhongguo’s figure disappear into the inner hall, Jiaojiao pursed her lips weakly and sat back down.

“If this continues, I’ll have to use the items from the mall to speak up in front of my parents and brother!”

Jiaojiao had already seen that there were items like Sound Transmission Talismans in the mall, which could turn thoughts into audible voices for people who had been marked with the talisman.

“They love me so much, they shouldn’t see me as a monster…”

Jiaojiao sighed silently and began to stare at General Xiao with wide eyes.

After Qiao Zhongguo left the inner hall, he waved to Qiao Tianjing with a serious expression.

Qiao Tianjing’s heart jumped, and he quickly approached.

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

Qiao Zhongguo pulled Qiao Tianjing aside and whispered, recounting Jiaojiao’s guess in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tianjing couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.

“Dad, your expression is so grim; it really scared your son.”

Seeing Qiao Tianjing’s calm demeanor, Qiao Zhongguo raised his eyebrows involuntarily, then listened as Qiao Tianjing said,

“Dad, a few days ago, I found out that Guo Gaoyi had some issues. How could your son not be on guard?”

“He’s always followed by two undercover guards. I specifically instructed them never to leave his side!”

“But Jiaojiao’s reminder is indeed important. It seems the Second Prince is preparing to make a move!”

“Dad, in that case, you and Second Brother should stay for dinner at the Xiao residence tonight. I’ll go back first and send someone to remind those two guards!”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo couldn’t help but stare at Qiao Tianjing in astonishment.

Qiao Tianjing looked a little puzzled, “What’s wrong, Dad? Did I arrange something improperly?”

Qiao Zhongguo shook his head.

Proper, it’s too proper.

So proper that even he, as a father, feels inadequate!

How…how did he raise such a clever son?

“You… you go.”

Qiao Zhongguo waved his hand.

Qiao Tianjing looked back into the hall somewhat hesitantly.

“Dad, wouldn’t it be impolite to leave without saying goodbye? Shouldn’t your son personally bid farewell to General Xiao?”

Qiao Zhongguo shook his head. Old Da can even be your godfather; there’s no need to be polite.

“You go, make it quick.”

Seeing this, Qiao Tianjing nodded and took a few steps forward, then turned back.

“Dad, Jiaojiao is probably really worried. When you go in a while, just casually tell her that I just received a report from the undercover guards saying there’s been some movement around Guo Gaoyi, and I rushed over.”

“That way, Jiaojiao can relax.”

Qiao Zhongguo was once again dumbfounded.

Thoughtful, he was truly too thoughtful.

How did he manage to raise such an all-around son?

“Dad?”

Qiao Tianjing looked a bit puzzled. Why was Dad ignoring him?

Qiao Zhongguo pushed him out, “Go on, go on, can’t this old man figure things out?”

A lifelong strong father must never let his son see any flaws!

Qiao Tianjing nodded, looking convinced. “Your son was just being overly cautious. Dad, then I’ll head back first.”

Qiao Tianjing walked away guided by the servants from the Xiao household.

Qiao Zhongguo watched his son’s tall and slender figure, feeling a myriad of emotions.

He still remembered when Jiaojiao was born, and the eldest would carelessly hand over drafts to servants for processing.

In less than a year, he had quietly grown to this extent, making him, as a father, feel inadequate.

His son had grown up, ready to shoulder responsibilities. He should be happy about it, but seeing his eldest reaching the age to start a family, worrying so much, he couldn’t help but feel a bit sad.

Hopefully, after the family had exhausted all efforts, they could change their predetermined fate and resolve all the hidden dangers, so the family could be happy and united!

With that in mind, Qiao Zhongguo turned and walked back into the inner hall.

Qiao Diyi, seeing his dad and older brother whispering mysteriously, was afraid of delaying things and only approached at this moment.

“Dad, why did Big Brother leave first? Is there something wrong at home?”

Qiao Zhongguo looked at his clueless second son and shook his head.

The second one… let his future father-in-law deal with him!

After entering the inner hall, Qiao Zhongguo saw his daughter had already run into Xiao Hongda’s arms.

Oh, still being carried high!

Xiao Hongda was obviously enjoying himself. When he saw Qiao Zhongguo coming in, his face slightly reddened, and he quickly pushed Qiao Jiaojiao into Qiao Zhongguo’s arms.

“Hehe, Old Qiao, your daughter is so clingy, insisting on me holding her.”

Qiao Jiaojiao: “…”

[General Xiao is bullying a little baby who can’t speak! Clearly, he finds me too cute and insists on holding me! He even wants to carry me high!]

Qiao Zhongguo smiled meaningfully at Xiao Hongda, “Yes, my Jiaojiao is the most affectionate.”

Qiao Jiaojiao: “…”

Qiao Zhongguo knew that Qiao Jiaojiao was concerned about Guo Gaoyi, so he quickly said, “Old Da, my eldest son has already left.”

Xiao Hongda looked surprised, “What’s going on? Wasn’t it said he would stay for dinner?”

Qiao Zhongguo explained in a low voice, “My eldest son had people following Guo Gaoyi before. Just now, we received a message saying there’s been some movement around Guo Gaoyi, so he hurried over.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Jiaojiao suddenly shivered!

[Ah! It must be the Second Prince taking action!]

[Great! So my big brother was prepared long ago! I was really scared just now. I was even considering whether to take the risk and use the Sound Transmission Talisman!]

[Waaah, my big brother is really reliable!]

Upon hearing this, General Xiao also couldn’t help but praise.

“Old Qiao, your eldest son seems extremely reliable, unexpectedly so thoughtful. Your carefree personality, how did you teach him?”

Qiao Zhongguo felt a bit guilty, but he wouldn’t show weakness.

“Old Da, do you know what it means to be refined within roughness? It’s talking about me! My eldest son was taught by me, step by step!”

“Cough cough, of course, my second son is also very good. He’s still like a piece of uncut jade. Old Da, you should teach him well! When he succeeds in the future, I’ll give him to you as a son-in-law!”

General Xiao: “…”

How did he hear a hint of someone wanting to palm off responsibility…

Qiao Jiaojiao relaxed at this moment too and couldn’t help giggling.

[Dad, let General Xiao train the second brother first, and then take away his daughter. If you keep this up, be careful of General Xiao confronting you in the future!]