Pan Jinhua never expected that General Ouyang would immediately declare himself his adopted son.

As she herself said, this was a great thing, as the Li family could not have asked for anything more than the opportunity to establish a connection with the Empress's maternal family.

However, she couldn't make decisions for Li Qingtong. He was young, not stupid, and even his parents and relatives had no right to decide his future in front of him, even if it was a good one.

"General, you are wise. This matter is of great importance. I would like my family to discuss it seriously. Please forgive me."

"Of course. Qing Tong is very talented in martial arts. I really can't bear to miss out on such a talent. Madam, please rest assured that if Qing Tong becomes my disciple, I will definitely provide him with the best guidance."

Fearing that the Li family would be reluctant to part with their child, Ouyang Cheng made another promise before taking his leave, giving the Li family some time to think.

The Li family quickly tried to persuade him to stay, but since he was already inside, they couldn't possibly push him away.

"General, you have saved my family's life, so it is only right that you stay at the Li family's house. We have prepared a room, but it is a bit simple. Please do not find it offensive."

"Then I shall respectfully comply."

Ouyang Cheng readily agreed and, along with two of his subordinates, settled down at the Li family's residence.

As soon as Ouyang Cheng left, Li Xuchang jumped up.

"Mother, why did you disagree just now? That's the Ouyang family, the Empress's maternal family!"

"How dare you speak to your mother like that!"

Li Xuming looked displeased. Although he was also puzzled as to why his mother hadn't agreed immediately, he was still extremely unhappy with his third brother's tone.

What did he mean by this, that he started to resent his mother?

Li Xuchang only came to his senses after being scolded by his older brother.

Looking at his elder brother and sister-in-law, his second brother, even his own wife, and the children around him, all with disapproving expressions, he felt embarrassed and regretful.

"Mother, I don't blame you. I was too hasty and didn't know how to speak properly. I was wrong."

Li Xuchang immediately knelt down in front of Pan Jinhua, slapped himself in the face, and hurriedly apologized.

Pan Jinhua felt helpless. She didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but everyone's attitude made it seem like a serious matter, so she cooperated by keeping a cold face.

"Mother, you can scold him all you want. He's been blinded by this whole thing."

Qi Wan stepped forward to speak up, and although she was scolding, she was also trying to explain for Li Xuchang.

"Yes, yes, Wan'er is right. Mother, please scold me. I really just acted impulsively."

"Alright, you should learn your lesson. You're not young anymore, don't hold the children back."

The crowd below the hall listened intently. Li Xuchang had really lost face this time. What kind of nice thing could there be to say about a father dragging his son down?

It's obvious that Mom/Grandma is really angry, and she deserves to be scolded!

Qi Wan glared at Li Xuchang. Her mother-in-law had always been kind and treated her like a daughter. Her husband was really being unreasonable this time. How could he speak to his mother like that?

Ignoring everyone's thoughts, Pan Jinhua continued to express her own.

"This matter is not up to us to decide; it mainly depends on whether Xiao Wu is willing or not."

Li Qingtong was stunned. She hadn't expected that her grandmother hadn't agreed because she was afraid that she wouldn't be happy.

After a moment of stunned silence, I felt happy.

His grandmother was always like this; he didn't know how to describe her feelings towards her children, but he felt very happy at that moment.

"Grandmother, your grandson is willing!"

Without saying anything else, Li Qingtong openly expressed her wishes.

He was naturally willing. General Ouyang was highly skilled in martial arts, and if he could learn even a little bit from him, he would definitely benefit immensely.

Being able to become General Ouyang's godfather is like a windfall. He has just gained a stepping stone to join the army. Perhaps in the future, he can pave the way for his third and fourth brothers and the future generations of the family.

Of course, since General Ouyang treats him well, he will repay the general's favor and will never let the general down!

"Since Xiao Wu is willing, then the family should also prepare a ceremony. General Ouyang is out dealing with the rebels, and he probably won't be away for long. He will likely return to the military camp soon. Let's keep everything simple and not keep the general waiting."

"yes."

The Li family members readily agreed, their faces beaming with smiles as they looked up.

With this matter settled, the benefits to the Li family are numerous, and everyone is naturally happy.

The three Li brothers hurried downstairs to discuss what they needed to prepare.

Li Xushi only had time to offer a few words of comfort to the twins, as they were already at home with plenty of people to take care of them; there was no need for excessive tenderness between father and sons.

As expected of the matriarch, Liu Yun had already sent someone to fetch a doctor as soon as she heard that the children had returned.

After the discussion was finished, the doctor came over.

Li Qingduan, Li Qingyi, and Bai Sha all need to rest at home for one or two months. It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, and there are concerns that they are too young to take care of themselves and may develop health problems later.

Li Qingtong is fine now. Her dislocated hand was swollen for a few days, but the swelling went down and she was fine.

Li Qingyao was fine; his neck had been choked hard at first, but he reacted quickly and, apart from a sore throat a couple of days prior, he wasn't seriously injured.

The Li family acted quickly, and by the third day, everything was ready.

Ouyang Cheng had a very pleasant stay at the Li family's house for the past two days.

He himself came from a noble family and grew up in luxury. The hardship he endured was in the military.

He didn't care about material possessions; he only cared about the honor and disgrace of his family and the gains and losses of his country.

But I did feel very comfortable staying at the Li family's house these past two days.

Soldiers have big appetites. On their first day at the Li family's house, he and two of his personal guards ate all the food prepared that day. The food was truly to their liking.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!