Chapter 58: A Lesson Learned

After returning home that evening, Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi were thoroughly scolded. Judging from Xiao Qi’s action of rubbing his backside, it was evident that this time the lesson had left a lasting impression. Hopefully, he would refrain from speaking out of turn again in the future.

“From now on, Jun and Qi should avoid accompanying Father to the Imperial Academy. We wouldn’t want others to think we’re trying to curry favor with influential people,” Xiao Jingkang remarked, pulling his nephew close. While massaging the boy’s backside, he couldn’t help but marvel at its soft and springy texture. This kid wasn’t indulging in delicacies every day, yet his body seemed to grow plumper at an astonishingly visible pace, despite being closely monitored.

“Brother, don’t bother with him. He has thick skin and can handle a beating!” Xiao Jingtai, the instigator, was utterly unfazed by the incident. In his view, boys should be tough and able to endure hardship. Coddling was for girls.

“Qi, come here to Grandma,” Qin Shi said tenderly, pulling her little grandson into her embrace. She felt heartbroken for the boy. Just because he spoke a single careless sentence, he had to endure a beating. It was too much. Most families with attractive children would be proud and wish for everyone to know about them. Only in their household did everyone act as if guarding a treasure, fearing that someone might already start eyeing their granddaughter for marriage, living in constant anxiety.

In affluent households, daughters were often used for marriage alliances, and the more exceptional the girl, the greater her value. Even though the Xiao family intended only the best for their granddaughter and had no ulterior motives, families with daughters should naturally hope for their children to marry well. Meeting a few noble acquaintances shouldn’t be a bad thing. Xiao Shi’s husband had taught some royal children martial arts for three years, yet he neither introduced his grandchildren to them nor allowed the granddaughter to interact with them. What a wasted opportunity to form connections with influential people.

“Great! Now we don’t have to see those bullies anymore!” Xiao Jun exclaimed, jumping with joy.

“That’s my grandson! It doesn’t matter if they’re royalty; we don’t have to ingratiate ourselves. Just remember not to get into conflicts with them. Some people are not to be provoked or meddled with. If you can’t get along, then simply avoid them,” Xiao General patted his grandson’s head as he imparted this lesson.

“Understood, Grandfather,” Xiao Jun replied obediently, his face glowing with undisguised happiness.

Qin Shi opened her mouth as if to speak but then shut it again. Was this how a grandfather should teach his grandchildren? Did he even want them to have a promising future?

“Your future depends on genuine talent and hard work, not scheming. If you want to live a life above others, you need real skills.”

“Understood, Grandfather,” this time, it wasn’t just Xiao Jun who responded. Every grandson present answered in unison.

The sons also nodded in agreement.

“I’m making it clear now. Everyone in this family, without exception, is forbidden from having any ulterior motives regarding Ping An and Ruyi. If I find out anyone does something underhanded, don’t blame me for being ruthless,” Xiao General declared coldly.

Qin Shi quickly abandoned her budding thoughts. Her husband’s words were both a warning and an order. If he had his way, he would ensure their granddaughters married into simple households with peaceful inner courtyards to spare them from future grievances. It seemed there was no hope of relying on these two granddaughters to elevate their family’s status. Such a pity, considering how adorable Ping An was.

“Ah, how life treats people differently,” Xiao Jingyan sighed. Not only was he forced into marriage, but he also had to avoid people like Miss Yu everywhere he went. His family, however, turned a blind eye to his plight.

When it came to their nieces, the entire family stepped in to shield them. His father and elder brother were even willing to sacrifice everything for Ping An. Could they spare a thought for his feelings? He wasn’t picked up off the streets, after all.

“We’ll take the children back now,” his younger uncle said, sensing that the upcoming conversation might not be suitable for children. As a sister-in-law, it wasn’t appropriate to witness her brother-in-law’s embarrassment.

Xiao Yao had planned to eavesdrop on some juicy news and had no intention of leaving. But as soon as she moved, her mother, who knew her daughter well, yanked her back.

“Grandfather, save me!” Xiao Yao waved her arms in a plea for rescue.

On a normal day, Xiao General would have responded immediately. But today, he also wanted to address his youngest son’s issues while the family was gathered.

“Ping An, go home with your mother for now. Tomorrow, Grandfather will play with you, alright?” Xiao General coaxed gently.

Realizing she wouldn’t be able to watch the commotion, Xiao Yao reluctantly nodded.

“Even Ping An has her moments of miscalculation. Fourth Brother, come comfort her,” Xiao Rui said, rolling up his sleeves with a mischievous grin that suggested anything but genuine comfort.

“No mischief,” Xiao General couldn’t bear to see his little granddaughter fall into trouble and promptly stopped his grandson’s antics.

“I just wanted to comfort her,” Xiao Rui mimicked Xiao Yao’s habitual pleading expression, knowing that it often worked wonders.

“It’s late. You all should head back to your rooms and rest,” Xiao General ordered.

“Yes, Grandfather,” Xiao Lang obediently took his fourth brother by the hand, leading him away, followed closely by the other brothers.

“Why do I have to leave? It’s Ping An who should go!” Xiao Rui wailed in protest. His miscalculation had cost him. He should’ve stayed quiet.

“Should I escort the nephews back to the front yard? It’s dark and far, and we’d all feel more at ease, wouldn’t we, Father?” Xiao Jingyan tried to seize the opportunity to slip away.

“What do you think?” Xiao General’s tone was icy. All this trouble was his doing; he wasn’t getting off that easily.

Seeing his uncle in trouble brightened Xiao Yao’s mood. Before leaving, she waved a cheerful goodbye. “Fourth Uncle, hang in there! Your niece supports you in spirit.”

Xiao Rui was even more direct. “Fourth Uncle, will we still have breakfast together tomorrow? I hope we’ll still see you then!”

“Look at the kind of rapport you have,” Xiao General chuckled, clearly pleased by his witty grandchildren. They were far sharper than his sons.

“A bunch of troublemakers,” Xiao Jingyan grumbled. These heartless brats showed no compassion, only delighting in his misfortune.

“Let’s hear your plans,” Xiao General demanded after ensuring everyone else had left.

“I’ll follow your lead,” Xiao Jingyan replied with resignation. In his father’s domain, compliance was his best option.

“I could have you married by tomorrow. Would you agree?”

“Not impossible, but to whom?” If his father could conjure a bride, he’d go along with it.

“Your mother and sisters-in-law have been scouting candidates for you. Have you picked anyone yet?”

“Fourth Brother, even if you don’t want to marry now, could you at least deal with Miss Yu and Master Yu? Eldest Brother and I can’t handle them anymore,” Xiao Jingtai pleaded. While Xiao Jingyan lived a carefree life, his brothers suffered under Master Yu’s relentless pursuit.

“Then let’s just pick someone and get married. Anyone but someone from the Yu family,” Xiao Jingyan said, half-joking in despair.

“Absolutely not! Marriage is not a trivial matter. Do you want to break your mother’s heart?” Qin Shi scolded.

“You wanted him to marry, and now you don’t? What do you expect me to do?” Xiao General grumbled. If he didn’t intervene, his wife complained that he didn’t care about their son. Now that he was stepping in, she obstructed him at every turn.

“I don’t want him to suffer.”

“Who’s suffering? Other than his looks, what else does this son of mine have to offer? If I had a daughter, I’d never let her marry someone like him!”

While Xiao General dismissed him, Xiao Jingyan secretly rejoiced. With his mother’s unwavering support, he could continue his leisurely life. After all, he planned to marry by the age of thirty at the latest.