In the Golden Palace.

The second prince stood quietly behind the crown prince, expressionless.

As an unpopular prince with an awkward identity, he was always silent in the court, like a transparent person.

But today, he, who always had a downcast look, cast his gaze to the corner several times without making a sound.

There stood several young eunuchs, ready to be summoned and ordered around at any time.

The second prince is waiting.

If Sheng Qishan isn't stupid, it's time to find him...

Just as the Second Prince was thinking of this, a thin little eunuch cautiously walked into the group of eunuchs from the side door, raised his hand and quietly made a gesture in front of his chest.

When the Second Prince saw this, his eyes lit up slightly.

It's finally here!

He took a rare step forward and spoke before Emperor Yong agreed to the Crown Prince's request:

"Father, please let me go."

"My eldest brother is of noble status, so it is not appropriate for him to go to welcome a scholar. It would be better to let me go. This will show the emperor's importance of reporting grievances, and it will not damage my eldest brother's dignity."

When the second prince said this, all the court officials looked at him sideways.

You know, in this court, they have never seen the second prince speak on his own initiative.

The few times that he made suggestions in the past were when the Emperor personally appointed him.

The prince's expression slightly changed when he heard this, but he said nothing and waited for Emperor Yong's decision.

There was a hidden light in Emperor Yong's eyes. He thought he knew his second son well enough.

If he didn't want something, he would never ask for it rashly.

So, is there some hidden story behind the Zhuozhou scholar who beat the drum to report to the emperor?

"Old Second, what you said makes sense. In that case, you can bring the scholar in."

Emperor Yong still agreed to the second prince's request. He wanted to see what the second prince wanted to do.

The second prince looked calm, "I obey your orders."

When the prince heard this, he slowly bent his fingers under his loose court robes, and his fingertips turned slightly white.

When Qiao Zhongguo saw this scene, he suddenly frowned.

If the Second Prince were to turn the tables for Duke Qing today, then all of the Qiao family’s planning during this period would be in vain!

Things will go back to what Jiaojiao had predicted at the beginning. The Second Prince will take control of Duke Qing and the Minister of Rites, and with the help of the Gu family in Qingzhou, he will gradually gain more power...

"Your Majesty, I dare to go with the Second Prince to ask Your Majesty what happened!"

Qiao Zhongguo stepped forward before the second prince turned around and left.

Anyway, he has a bad reputation in the court, so when else would he go crazy?

Upon hearing this, the Second Prince paused abruptly, and a gloomy look flashed in his eyes.

What did Qiao Zhongguo stand up for?

He originally planned to let Tan Hanchi die quietly on the way to the Golden Palace. After all, he was just a scholar and had just been beaten with thirty sticks, so it was normal that he couldn't hold on.

At worst, Emperor Yong would just scold him a few words. Anyway, he was an unpopular prince, so a scolding would not hurt him.

In this way, Sheng Qishan can be easily used by him!

But now Qiao Zhongguo shows up unexpectedly. He is highly skilled in martial arts and extremely careful. It will be difficult to take action now...

"Master Qiao, he is just a scholar, why should I bother you to come out? I—"

The Second Prince was about to open his mouth to send Qiao Zhongguo away, but Qiao Zhongguo was already filled with gratitude and said in front of the court officials:

"Your Highness is so generous, I am ashamed!!!"

Civil and military officials: "......"

What the hell is this reckless Qiao planning to do?

Qiao Zhongguo bowed to the Second Prince and said in a full and clear voice:

"I have many old problems from my time on the battlefield. Now that I am getting older, I am always worried that I will not be able to help Your Majesty and share his worries. That is why I try to be the first in everything."

"The examinee is beating the drum to complain, I think this matter must be of great importance. I want to ask about the past first, so as not to be caught off guard by the examinee later."

"Your Highness, are you willing to fulfill my desire to serve His Majesty?"

Civil and military officials: "......"

Pretend! We just want to see you pretend!

And he's getting older? Is there anyone in the room who has more muscle than him?

Didn't they just give birth to a daughter a while ago? Their wives are so jealous!

During those days, people in the mansion ate deer antlers and wolfberries in different ways, and they almost vomited!

Look at how attentive and conspicuous he is!

When the Second Prince heard this, he showed no expression on his face, but secretly clenched his fists.

He knew that Qiao Zhongguo was the most difficult to deal with!

Seeing that Qiao Zhongguo insisted, Emperor Yong waved his hand indifferently.

Qiao Zhongguo was a man of upright and generous character, and there was no doubt that he was loyal to the emperor and the country.

"Then Qiao Aiqing, please go with us."

Qiao Zhongguo grinned upon hearing this, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Second Prince, please——"

The second prince had a calm expression as he and Qiao Zhongguo walked out of the Golden Palace one after the other. The Minister of Rites Xin Ruizhi stood in the palace, his back already soaked with sweat.

After exiting the Xuanwu Gate, a man immediately came out and greeted the Second Prince.

"Your Highness, you finally——"

"Ah Sheng, this is the Lord Qiao whom you respect and admire."

The second prince gave a look and gave way to Qiao Zhongguo who was following closely behind him.

Qiao Zhongguo raised his eyes and saw that the man had a slightly hunched body, but his eyes were bright, his temples were slightly protruding, and his steps were steady. It was obvious at first glance that he was a martial artist!

Ah Sheng...

This must be the Li Xusheng that Madam mentioned.

Haha, another enemy who brought harm to the entire Qiao family has appeared!

"I am here to see you, Master Qiao!"

Li Xusheng was slightly surprised. He didn't expect Qiao Zhongguo to follow him.

Fortunately, he was slow to speak and did not reveal the news that Duke Qing was waiting outside the palace!

"Where is that scholar now?"

Li Xusheng hurriedly bowed and replied, "Your Highness, I will wait for your summons in the Dengwen Drum Courtyard."

Qiao Zhongguo smiled and said, "Your Highness, let's go and take a look. The candidate just received thirty strokes of the cane. I'm afraid we can't delay any longer."

Qiao Zhongguo didn't know yet that his powerful baby had already saved Tan Hanchi. At this moment, he was still worried that something might happen to Tan Hanchi.

The second prince nodded and walked out of the palace.

"Look, it's General Joe!"

When Qiao Zhongguo and the second prince walked out of the palace, they immediately caused a sensation.

People may not recognize the second prince, but many people recognize Qiao Zhongguo!

[Ahhh! It’s Dad! Dad is here to pick up Tan Hanchi in person! Woohoo, so reliable! ]

Qiao Jiaojiao was overjoyed!

When she saw the second prince for the first time, her heart sank. She didn't expect that her father was following behind him!

In the crowd, when Sheng Mingcheng saw the second prince, he was ecstatic and secretly praised his grandfather for being so wise.

But when he saw Qiao Zhongguo the next time, Sheng Mingcheng was so scared that his whole body went limp!

Qiao Zhongguo!

Why would Qiao Zhongguo come with the Second Prince!

Sheng Mingcheng was at a loss and could only go back to the carriage to find Duke Qing.

As a result, when he opened the curtain, he saw his grandfather, who was always decisive and resolute, leaning against the wall of the car with his eyes closed and his face pale.

"Grandpa...Grandpa!"

Sheng Mingcheng was extremely frightened and called out anxiously.

Duke Qing slowly opened his eyes, and the moment he saw Sheng Mingcheng, even though he was his own grandson, deep hatred was revealed in his eyes.

"It's over. The Duke of Qing's Mansion is over."

Duke Qing spoke in a hoarse voice, and his hands on his knees were shaking uncontrollably.

When Sheng Mingcheng heard this, he rolled and climbed onto the carriage, crying, "Grandpa, don't say that. The Second Prince is here, and we still have a chance."

Duke Qing was too lazy to even kick his hopelessly stupid grandson.

The Second Prince was originally the last straw for the Duke Qing’s Mansion, but now, the Second Prince is useless!

Who could have thought that Qiao Zhongguo would suddenly show up!

Given his character, he would never let Tan Hanchi make any mistakes!