Chapter 13: Come Quickly and See the Daughter Your Father Has Just Adopted

“You fought eighteen rounds in a row and never lost?” Ji Huo asked, amused.

Twenty-three shrugged. “That’s right. The challenger was the second disciple of General Feilian from Liang. He’s inherited all of Feilian’s skills. They came prepared this time, determined to humiliate the Zhou court.”

“You wouldn’t believe it, boss. The younger generation in Zhou are all useless scholars—can’t fight to save their lives. Even the sons of the military families are forced to study all day, and when they’re not reading, they’re hanging around brothels. Sure, their martial skills aren’t terrible, but compared to Liang’s people, they fall short. Losing is no surprise.”

“How interesting. I bet the old emperor is furious,” Ji Huo said with a laugh.

Thirty grinned. “Of course! I heard the old emperor flew into a rage in court, cursing up a storm. He ordered the crown prince and the fourth prince to find someone to defeat Liang’s warriors, but after several days, Liang’s record grew even more impressive.”

Twenty-three picked up, “The Liang envoys have met with the emperor recently, and though they haven’t formally challenged the young generation of court officials, it’s just a matter of time. If Zhou loses, they’ll have no face left. The embassy’s stage has been set up for days now, but no one dares step up.”

Thirty blinked. “Boss, want me to try? I swear I’ll beat the stuffing out of them.”

Ji Huo shot him a look. “Why get involved in this mess? Let the old emperor worry about it.”

After discussing the next steps with his team, Ji Huo didn’t leave the hideout until dusk, heading toward the Duke’s residence.

As soon as he arrived, he heard Ji Xiaoxiong’s booming laughter echoing from inside—he clearly was in high spirits.

Ji Huo walked in to find Ji Xiaoxiong chatting animatedly with Little Brown Sugar, his dark, bearded face split into a grin as bright as a blooming chrysanthemum.

Beside him sat Ji Junhong, smiling with a hint of resignation.

“Really? So Little Huo got into that kind of trouble as a child?”

“Oh yes, he got into all sorts of mischief. Once, he snuck off to spy on a widow bathing and ended up being chased for three miles. I waited for him all night and went hungry!”

“That’s terrible! Making my dear Little Brown Sugar starve!”

“Exactly! You have no idea, Papa Bear. My brother was always sneaking out to steal chickens or fool around—he’d be gone for ages, and I was always hungry as a kid. That’s why I never grew tall!”

“Oh! My poor heart! From now on, you’ll live here. If anyone bullies you, your Papa Bear will deal with them!”

“Really?”

“Of course! Just look at these muscles! This sturdy back! Who would dare defy me?”

“Wow! Papa Bear, you’re amazing!”

“Hehehe! Good girl, Little Brown Sugar!”

Ji Huo stood there, slightly agape. What on earth was happening here?

Ji Junhong noticed Ji Huo’s entrance, rubbed his head, and greeted him with a smile. “Back already, Second Brother? How’s the capital treating you?”

“It’s fine,” Ji Huo replied.

The lively conversation paused as Ji Xiaoxiong saw him. The happiness on his face vanished, replaced immediately by the stern air of a strict father. He said coolly, “You’re back.”

Really now, did he have to change faces so quickly?

“Mm.” Ji Huo took his seat, catching sight of Little Brown Sugar, who turned her back to Ji Xiaoxiong and stuck out her tongue at him.

This girl must be itching for trouble after being idle so long… Ji Huo glared at her, only to be immediately caught by Ji Xiaoxiong.

Ji Xiaoxiong’s face darkened. “Listen here, boy. Little Brown Sugar is my sworn daughter now. If you bully her, you’ll answer to my iron fist.”

Ji Huo: (´･ᴗ･`)

He glanced at Ji Junhong, who nodded gently and whispered, “She came looking for you soon after you left. Father—well, Father has always wanted a daughter. If you hadn’t gone missing, he probably would have raised you as one.”

That wouldn’t have been necessary.

“Looking at things now, your disappearance was a blessing; at least you brought home such a sweet daughter,” Ji Xiaoxiong said, forcing his expression neutral before turning to beam at Brown Sugar, his face blossoming with joy. “Be patient, dear, dinner will be ready soon.”

“Okay! Papa Bear, you don’t know how hungry I am—I followed you all the way from Sichuan!”

“My poor darling! Where’s Old Ma? Old Ma! Tell the kitchen to serve dinner! Can’t you see my precious girl is starving?” Ji Xiaoxiong roared, then turned back to smile dotingly at Brown Sugar. “Just a moment now, the food’s coming.”

Then he shot a stern look at Ji Huo. “And you! Making her travel all the way from Sichuan alone—do you know how dangerous that was? If anything had happened to her, you’d answer to my iron fist.”

Ji Huo: (￣(∞)￣)

No, really, this face-changing is too much!

Soon, the food was served. For a poor family, it would have seemed a grand feast, but compared to the extravagant tables he’d seen in the homes of corrupt officials, it was decidedly modest.

The main feature was plenty and filling.

Whether it was Ji Xiaoxiong’s massive size or the result of his martial training, he devoured several large bowls of rice and never forgot to serve Little Brown Sugar more dishes.

“How is it, dear? Do you like the food?”

“Mhm! It’s delicious! I’ve never had food this good!”

“Oh, my heart! Eat more, eat all you want! What do you want next?”

“Chicken drumstick!”

Ji Huo rolled his eyes. Nonsense! My cooking isn’t bad, and I’ve often taken you out to eat. How can you say that without feeling guilty?

He silently ate his rice, but just as he was about to finish, a chicken drumstick appeared in his bowl. Glancing up, he saw Ji Junhong’s gentle smile.

“Father grew up poor, built his fortune from nothing alongside the emperor. Even now, he doesn’t forget his roots, so our meals are always simple,” Ji Junhong explained. “If you don’t like it, I can have a few dishes made especially for you tonight.”

Ji Huo shook his head. “Thank you, Big Brother. I’m used to this.”

He looked down at the drumstick, then at Ji Junhong’s refined manners, and then at Ji Xiaoxiong, who was shoveling rice, laughing and joking with Brown Sugar, his face full of paternal affection. Suddenly, something felt unreal.

He had expected life in the Duke’s residence to be stifling and uncomfortable, but now, watching them, it felt much like any ordinary family dinner.

He remembered returning from missions and seeing families of three laughing around the dinner table by candlelight. It wasn’t so different from this.

He quietly chewed a piece of chicken, his eyes lowering as he savored the moment.

To his surprise, he found himself feeling no aversion at all.