When Tan Hanchi heard this, his face changed drastically, "This..."

He was extremely intelligent and understood what Qiao Zhongguo meant after a quick thought, but precisely because of this, he found it even more unbelievable.

"General Qiao, the Spring Examination is for selecting talents for the imperial court. It concerns the fate of the country. How could anyone dare to tamper with it?"

Seeing that Tan Hanchi reacted so quickly, Qiao Zhongguo admired him even more.

"Da Lang once told me that your writing and insights are both top-notch. I just want to ask you, do you have confidence in your writing?"

Tan Hanchi was deeply shocked when he heard this.

First, he didn't expect Qiao Tianjing to think so highly of him.

Second, from what General Qiao said, he was actually willing to find out the truth for him?

This is the Spring Examination. If it is really as General Qiao expected, then the enemy they are going to face must be extremely powerful!

When Tan Hanchi thought of this, he couldn't help but tremble slightly all over, not because of fear, but excitement!

If he could help General Qiao eradicate this cancer in the court, even if Tan Hanchi's official career was cut off in the future, it would have paved the way for future people with lofty ideals!

People live in this world, not for fame or wealth, but for having a clear conscience and to look up to the world!

Thinking of this, Tan Hanchi nodded solemnly towards the great hero respected by all the people.

"General Qiao, I have loved studying since I was young, and I have never put down my books. I studied very hard and won first place in both the Tongsheng Examination and the Provincial Examination."

"I know that the whole country is full of talented people, and there are countless capable people in the capital, but I have this confidence. Even if I am not on the first-class list, I, Tan Hanchi, should have a place in the second class!"

"good!"

Qiao Zhongguo growled and gave Tan Hanchi a look of great approval.

This young man is not only talented in writing, but also extremely intelligent. What is more rare is that he is neither humble nor arrogant, and has self-respect and self-confidence.

Such a person would surely not show any fear even if he followed him to the Golden Palace to confront Duke Qing!

Qiao Zhongguo knew what was going on, so he asked again, "Can you recite the essay you wrote in the Spring Examination? It doesn't have to be word for word, but it can't be too different from the original."

Tan Hanchi shook his head.

Qiao Zhongguo couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when he saw this, "Is it still too much of a stretch?"

At this moment, Tan Hanchi finally had a smile on his face.

"General Qiao, that article has long been engraved in my mind, like a knife or an axe. I can recite it right now, word for word."

Qiao Zhongguo's brows relaxed instantly when he heard this, "Good boy, you are really promising!"

In his excitement, Qiao Zhongguo patted Tan Hanchi's shoulder hard, almost pushing him to the ground.

Qiao Tianjing was quick to support Tan Hanchi and couldn't help laughing:

"Dad, the drug in Brother Tan's body has not yet dissipated, you have to be gentle."

Qiao Zhongguo laughed loudly upon hearing this, "This kid is good in every way, except that he is too thin."

Tan Hanchi couldn't help but smile bitterly when he heard this.

Although he had no martial arts skills, he had always kept fit. How could he look skinny in the eyes of General Qiao?

"It's okay, Brother Tan. I'll train you more in the future and make sure you have a body full of muscular muscles!"

Qiao Diyi flexed his arms, looking eager to try.

Tan Hanchi couldn't help but smile heartily upon seeing this.

Now that he was in the Qiao Mansion, and General Qiao was willing to believe in him and run around for him, at this moment, Tan Hanchi felt an indescribable sense of security in his heart.

Qiao Jiaojiao's eyes were shining brightly, and she was extremely happy when she saw the harmonious atmosphere in the room.

[Great, Tan Hanchi is now part of our Qiao family! ]

[His article is one of the top three, and it will be sent to the emperor personally for review. I believe the prince will also be able to see it.]

[If Tan Hanchi can really write out his own essay from memory, then Dad can go talk to the Crown Prince first.]

[Prince Bai Yueguang is a virtuous crown prince. He will definitely not tolerate a parasite like Duke Qing. By then, he will be able to solve the biggest Spring Examination fraud case in history! ]

[Although I can't speak now, my wise and powerful father should be able to take these things into consideration. I feel relieved! ]

When Qiao Zhongguo heard this, he was immediately overjoyed!

Even though he may not think things through carefully, he has his daughter by his side who can tell him things in secret!

Jiaojiao is sweet-mouthed and considerate. She is simply the most precious treasure God has given to the Qiao family!

It's really reassuring——

————

On the other side, the Mansion of Duke Qing.

Sheng Mingcheng waited and waited, but the two assassins who had gone to deal with Tan Hanchi never came back to report.

He was feeling uneasy as he saw the list had been released and he sent out two more groups of people.

One group will go to the inn to inquire about the whereabouts of Tan Hanchi, and the other group will go to guard under the list. If they see Tan Hanchi show up, find an opportunity to kill him!

Before the two groups of people came back to report, Duke Qing had already sent people to look for them.

Sheng Mingcheng was so frightened that beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

In order to get his grandfather to agree to let him marry the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, he had to perform well during this period of time, so he took on the task of handling the candidates who were tested on behalf of others.

The remaining twelve people had been successfully dealt with, but something went wrong with the most important one, Tan Hanchi.

His essay ranked first, and he will be meeting the emperor to take part in the palace examination!

When Sheng Mingcheng arrived at the main hall, Duke Qing was sitting in the main seat, stroking a top-quality jade ring in his hand.

"Cheng'er, is everything settled?"

Duke Qing just turned sixty this year. Although his temples are gray, he has a strong figure and looks very energetic.

He had a serious face and his slightly narrowed triangular eyes made him look very majestic.

Sheng Mingcheng's heart trembled slightly when he heard this. Even if it was not for the sake of his marriage with the Xiao family, for his own sake, he could not admit that there was a mistake.

Otherwise, with Grandpa's methods, he would inevitably be punished, and most importantly, he would most likely lose Grandpa's favor!

He is just a candidate from Zhuozhou, with no relatives or friends in Beijing. He will definitely not be able to escape!

At worst, he can send some more people out, and they will definitely be able to get rid of Tan Hanchi!

Thinking of this, Sheng Mingcheng replied respectfully: "Grandpa, everything has been handled."

Duke Qing specifically asked, "Has the case in Zhuozhou been resolved as well?"

Sheng Mingcheng's heart trembled violently, and he nodded again, "Solved!"

"good!"

Duke Qing stood up suddenly, walked to Sheng Mingcheng, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Cheng'er, you are much more promising than your useless father. The Duke of Daqing's Mansion now has a successor."

"Grandpa didn't expect that the candidate from Zhuozhou you selected would be so competitive and actually get first place. The number we originally agreed on with the other side has now tripled!"

A smile appeared on Duke Qing's face. He gently gestured with his right hand to count five, and then retracted his finger.

"Okay, I've been keeping you here for a while. Now that you've done a great job, I'll give you a few days off. Go have fun."

Seeing that his grandfather valued him so much and that his tone of voice had become much more intimate, Sheng Mingcheng immediately showed a look of joy on his face.

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Sheng Mingcheng took his leave and left the main hall, his steps becoming more and more hurried.

No, we have to make up for it as soon as possible!

If grandpa finds out that he is not doing his job well, he will definitely skin him alive!

Where on earth did Tan Hanchi go?