On the other side, Qiao Zhongguo and Tan Hanchi were waiting outside the hall, while Emperor Yong and the second prince were talking inside the hall.

It's getting late now, but I can still vaguely hear the noise ahead.

Qiao Zhongguo admired the lanterns for a while, then suddenly turned his head to look at Tan Hanchi.

Tan Hanchi felt something and turned to look over.

The two looked at each other and then looked away, with a knowing smile in their eyes.

Qiao Zhongguo observed the emperor's attitude today in the face of the Northern Kingdom's envoys' attempts to sow discord, and he did not believe that Tan Hanchi had no contribution in this.

Although they don't know what method Tan Hanchi used, they cannot thank him enough for his kindness. It is a great fortune for their Qiao family to get to know Tan Hanchi!

Tan Hanchi slowly withdrew his gaze, raised the corners of his mouth slightly, and then pressed it back.

He had said it long ago that he, Tan Hanchi, would definitely repay the Qiao family's kindness!

This is just the beginning.

When one day, he can be on good terms with the Qiao family and drink and chat with the two Qiao brothers, then he will have no regrets...

Squeak——

The palace door was opened from the inside, and Huang Pei walked out with the second prince.

Upon seeing this, Qiao Zhongguo and Tan Hanchi hurriedly saluted.

The second prince looked calm. He nodded at the two of them and walked out slowly.

Look at the direction, it’s not leaving the palace to go to the clan house, but returning to Chonghua Palace!

"Master Qiao, please come in first. Master Tan, please wait a moment."

Huang Pei walked the second prince for a while, then hurried back and led Qiao Zhongguo into the palace.

When Qiao Zhongguo saw Imperial Physician Zou standing beside Emperor Yong, he knew that the matter of the poison should have been resolved.

"Your Majesty."

Emperor Yong said in a gentle tone, "My dear minister, there is no need to be so polite. Doctor Zou, please tell me."

Doctor Zou stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Mr. Qiao, after careful inspection, I can confirm that this poison is not from our dynasty."

"But, pardon my ignorance. I have never heard of the raw materials and cannot make a fuss about their origin."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo could not hide his disappointment on his face.

Han Yaxian's incident happened in the palace. Emperor Yong knew he was in the wrong and felt indebted to Qiao Zhongguo.

He was about to say something to comfort her, but Qiao Zhongguo spoke with sympathy:

"Your Majesty, I have made too many enemies. I am lucky to have escaped unharmed this time."

"Today, His Majesty angrily rebuked the Northern Kingdom's envoys in the palace, which fully demonstrated his trust in me. I am extremely happy to serve a wise monarch, and I have no regrets."

"Your Majesty is very busy. If this matter is difficult to resolve, please do not worry about me. As for Dalang and his wife, I will certainly convey your Majesty's concern for them."

Qiao Zhongguo's words made Emperor Yong feel very relieved.

Seeing that Qiao Zhongguo was about to kneel down again, Emperor Yong immediately stood up and personally supported Qiao Zhongguo.

"Qiao Aiqing, whether as a general or an official, can help me solve my problems. I am very pleased."

When Qiao Zhongguo walked out of the palace gate, Huang Pei saw him off with a smile.

When Tan Hanchi saw this, he realized that there had been a very pleasant conversation in the hall just now, and he also had an idea in his mind.

Qiao Zhongguo nodded politely to Tan Hanchi, and then went straight out of the palace.

At this time, Huang Pei smiled and said, "Sir Tan, the emperor is calling you."

When Tan Hanchi walked into the hall, Emperor Yong was rubbing his brow with a slightly tired look.

Tan Hanchi immediately spoke up when he saw this: "Your Majesty, the dragon's health is the most important thing. You have been busy all day. If there is nothing extremely important, let's leave it for tomorrow."

Emperor Yong shook his head, "No problem."

Tan Hanchi's expression changed slightly, and he suddenly spoke in a low voice: "Your Majesty, what is worrying you about?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong sighed softly, looked up at Tan Hanchi, and said in a deep voice: "My dear, how do you think I should deal with the Second Prince?"

Tan Hanchi had already prepared a draft in his mind, and he still pretended to be hesitant at this moment, and then spoke cautiously:

"Your Majesty, please allow me to say a few words."

"The Second Prince has admitted his mistakes in front of all the civil and military officials today. Besides, there are only two months left in his one-year confinement. Why not give him some leniency?"

"The clan residence is not a good place after all. If the Second Prince goes in and out twice, it will not sound good if the news gets out."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and after a long while he spoke in a low voice: "Then let's do as you say, my dear minister."

Tan Hanchi nodded in agreement, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.

Judging from the direction the Second Prince left just now, he was clearly heading to Chonghua Palace.

If His Majesty intended to continue punishing the Second Prince, he would have taken him back to the clan house as soon as the palace banquet was over. Now it is obvious that he does not want to pursue the matter further.

His Majesty has already made up his mind, he is just waiting for a step.

Tan Hanchi's words really satisfied Emperor Yong, who was satisfied and said in a gentle voice:

"My dear, do you still remember the bet you made with me?"

Tan Hanchi's heart skipped a beat and he nodded, "I remember."

Emperor Yong raised his lips slightly, "My dear minister, you are indeed smart. You have guessed the thoughts of the Northern thieves."

"In this case, my dear minister has won. I promised to reward you."

When Tan Hanchi heard this, a surge of heat surged through his body and his face turned a little red.

He glanced at Emperor Yong a little awkwardly, then lowered his head in fear.

When Emperor Yong saw Tan Hanchi's reaction, he couldn't help but smile.

"Lord Tan is really thin-skinned. He is always calm and composed, but now he acts like a nervous teenager."

"Since I have promised you, I will not break my promise."

"Tomorrow, I will issue an edict to grant you a marriage with Miss Yanguo, how about that?"

When Tan Hanchi heard this, he felt genuine joy in his heart, and for the first time he dared to openly recall Miss Zuo's appearance in his mind.

Of course he was very willing to do so. He could tell that Brother Qiao also wanted to bring him and Miss Zuo together.

It seems that Miss Zuo should... not resist him, right?

Thinking of this, Tan Hanchi knelt down and bowed his head to thank the Lord for his grace.

"Okay, get up. It won't be too late to perform the ceremony tomorrow when you receive the imperial decree."

There was a hint of sarcasm in Emperor Yong's words.

Tan Hanchi stood up with a red face, looked at Emperor Yong on the seat, and said sincerely:

"Your Majesty, I was born a commoner, and I rose from humble beginnings. I am where I am today because of your trust and your use of me."

"I cannot express my gratitude enough. I will do my utmost to be loyal and help Your Majesty!"

Emperor Yong nodded with satisfaction, then suddenly stood up and walked out from behind the desk. When he stood in front of Tan Hanchi, a profound look appeared on his face.

"My dear, the Duke of Yan's Mansion and the Qiao's Mansion are as close as one family. I allow you to marry into the Duke of Yan's Mansion. I don't need to explain the deep meaning of this..."

Tan Hanchi's expression became solemn, and he nodded heavily, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will keep it in mind!"

Emperor Yong raised his hand and patted Tan Hanchi on the shoulder, smiling and saying, "My dear minister, you are young but mature and outstanding. I trust you."

"Qiao Zhongguo is good in every way, except..."

"Forget it, go ahead and don't let me down."

Tan Hanchi quickly bowed in response.

"Your Majesty, I will take my leave."

After leaving the hall, Tan Hanchi's mood was in turmoil. While he was happy, he couldn't help but worry about Qiao Zhongguo.

If he guessed correctly, the unfinished words of His Majesty should be:

Qiao Zhongguo is good in every way, except that... he is too popular among the people.