The four of them—father and sons—huddled closely together, affectionately bonding for a long time... Zhou Jiao glanced at Zhang Guoqing, then left the room first, going downstairs to stand guard and tidying up the specialties they brought back.
Upon her departure, not only did Zhang Guoqing understand, but the Ping An Brothers also restrained their mischievous smiles and settled down, waiting silently for their father to get to the point.
As for his three sons, Zhang Guoqing was very satisfied with them. They were perceptive, exceptionally intelligent, and had strong-willed natures. So young and yet they knew to get up early every day to practice martial arts.
With a family such as theirs, it wasn’t impossible for them to turn out spoiled, especially with a grandmother who indulges them and constantly instills them with a refined lifestyle.
Though the children learned many Western etiquettes, they knew how to keep them hidden; could speak several foreign languages, yet never uttered a word outside...
Of course, all of this was due to their inherent good genes and could not be separated from the guidance of parents and elders. He himself was happy to educate his sons, helping them better adapt to society.
May 1st shook his hand with anticipation in his eyes, saying, "Dad, you caught those bad guys, right? My dad is amazing!"
Did he have to sound so certain? How could his small mouth be this articulate? With such praise, could he, as a father, dare to hide the truth?
"How did you guys guess?"
May 1st glanced at his two brothers, then gestured with his thumb towards himself, giggling gleefully.
Liu Yi immediately rolled his eyes at him in disdain, muttering under his breath, "Idiot!" Then, looking at Zhang Guoqing, he asked, confused, "Dad, why didn’t you let those little brats starve for a few days before sending them home?"
Zhang Guoqing felt a thrill in his heart. He hadn’t expected his second son to resemble his wife the most in temperament. He immediately asked without showing any emotion, "Why say that?"
Liu Yi furrowed his brows, "The show of strength wasn’t enough, and the punishment was too light! If those adults caught us brothers, they wouldn’t be so gentle."
For a child of only four or five to say such things, Zhang Guoqing did not comment on whether his thoughts were right or wrong. He looked towards Ping’an, "Why don’t you tell them why Dad acted that way?"
"Firstly, we didn’t have enough time—don’t forget this was a secret operation. Secondly, Dad went to a place that isn’t easily accessible from the city. Thirdly, this is the most crucial point: unless you can eliminate the issue entirely, any warning can only serve as a warning without causing casualties."
"Although Dad took action, there’s no evidence to catch him, but those bad guys tied up in the square should be able to guess it was our family who struck.
The masters behind those bad guys will undoubtedly notice, like chess opponents knowing each other’s moves without acknowledgment. Dad’s maneuver was to inform the other side.
Whatever they plan to do, I know. If they reach out, they should be prepared to face consequences, but if I don’t expose them, it doesn’t mean I’m incapable. Look at how your kids can also fall into my hands."
Zhang Guoqing nodded upon hearing this, smiling at his three children. "That’s pretty much what your eldest brother meant. I’m openly telling them they can play their games, as long as they’re careful not to target our family, everything can be discussed."
Seeing his second son still looking displeased, he laughed and continued, "Liu Yi, if Dad really lets those children get hurt, it means tearing their faces, setting up to fight to the end. Killing a few of their dogs wouldn’t be a concern, but if it escalates, think about whether our family would get involved in it?"
"Dad, are you just going to let those people off?"
"Let them off? How is that possible! Whether or not they came up with the idea, the feud is noted! Now is a time when they’re thriving; we need to avoid confronting them head-on to preserve our strength. Wait for it, when the time is right, action can be taken naturally."
Liu Yi nodded sternly, "A gentleman waits ten years for revenge. When we grow up, you and Granddad won’t have to worry about not having anyone to support."


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