Chapter 117

When Qiao Jiaojiao heard this, she was slightly surprised.

【Replacing the Great General of the Hussars? Dad didn’t mention it this morning!】

【Hmm… I don’t remember this matter too well. Let me think about it carefully!】

Qiao Zhongguo felt a bit regretful upon hearing this.

Of course, he didn’t dare to be greedy, as Qiao Jiaojiao had foreseen the future multiple times and had helped the Qiao family too much.

He actually had a candidate in mind, but the situation was somewhat complicated, so he wanted to hear Tan Hanchi’s opinion.

Perhaps His Majesty might reveal some intentions to Tan Hanchi.

Tan Hanchi had absolute trust in Qiao Zhongguo, so he spoke without hesitation:

“Master Qiao, His Majesty hasn’t made a final decision yet. Regarding the candidate, I have two considerations.”

Qiao Zhongguo’s interest was piqued upon hearing this, and he exchanged a glance with Qiao Tianjing before smiling and saying, “Tell me about it.”

After pondering for a moment, Tan Hanchi spoke cautiously:

“Nowadays, there are many capable generals in the court, but if we’re talking about someone who can shoulder the responsibility of guarding the southern border, there are only two people.”

“One is General Ren, who is related to Her Majesty the Queen’s family, and the other is the venerable General Guo.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo nodded repeatedly, “And then?”

Tan Hanchi continued, “However, General Xiao relinquished his military authority this time due to his status as an in-law, so General Ren, being the cousin of Her Majesty the Queen, may not be able to take up this position.”

“In that case, General Guo is the most suitable candidate.”

“I have privately investigated. General Guo has experience on both the northern and southern fronts and is renowned for his achievements.”

“Moreover, General Guo is only fifty-five years old and is still in excellent spirits, more than capable of handling such a role.”

Qiao Zhongguo nodded slowly and smiled, “And, I know General Guo’s character very well.”

“Because when I first entered the military camp, I was under General Guo’s command. It can be said that General Guo is my mentor.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Hanchi couldn’t help but smile with joy.

“In that case, General Guo is indeed the most suitable candidate!”

However, Qiao Tianjing, who was listening on the side, added with a serious expression,

“But, there is a hidden danger in this.”

When they analyzed up to this point, Qiao Jiaojiao’s mind became clearer and finally remembered this matter!

【Ah! I remember now!】

Qiao Zhongguo and Qiao Tianjing immediately perked up their ears upon hearing this.

Qiao Jiaojiao’s expression became solemn, unable to help but squeeze her hand.

【General Guo is naturally excellent, but he is… affiliated with the Second Prince!】

Qiao Zhongguo and Qiao Tianjing felt a sudden chill in their hearts, but Qiao Jiaojiao continued on another track.

【No, I shouldn’t say he’s affiliated with the Second Prince. It’s more accurate to say he’s been threatened by the Second Prince!】

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tianjing immediately understood.

Seeing Tan Hanchi looking at him with concern, he quickly explained,

“Tan, do you remember the list we snatched from Sheng Mingcheng’s hands?”

Tan Hanchi’s heart tightened slightly, “Could it be…”

Qiao Tianjing nodded, “Exactly. General Guo’s son, Guo Gaoyi, his name is on it! He also bought a ranking in the last spring exam!”

So that’s why little sister said General Guo was being threatened by the Second Prince.

Because according to the original plan, this list should belong to the Second Prince. Naturally, he can use this matter to coerce General Guo for his own purposes!

Qiao Jiaojiao sighed inwardly.

【So it turns out that the son of a hero is not necessarily a hero. When General Guo was informed by the Second Prince that his son was involved in cheating in the spring exam, he was devastated.】

【Once this matter is brought to the attention of the Yong Emperor, it will spell death.】

【General Guo is a loyal and courageous man. He did consider sacrificing his family for the greater good, but his wife and mother pressured him with threats of suicide. General Guo didn’t want his family to be destroyed.】

【So he could only comply with the Second Prince’s demands and be forced to become one of the Second Prince’s helpers.】

【Now, the fortunate thing is that the list is in our hands, and the Second Prince probably doesn’t know that Guo Gaoyi also participated in the cheating in the spring exam. But this matter is still a disaster waiting to happen!】

Tan Hanchi frowned tightly.

“I haven’t investigated General Guo’s son in detail.”

Qiao Tianjing sighed inwardly, “After the Princess Consort’s candidate was decided, Dad knew that General Xiao’s military authority couldn’t be maintained. That’s when we began discussing suitable candidates.”

“General Guo is good in every aspect, but unfortunately, he has an unreliable son.”

“I had someone investigate thoroughly. General Guo’s first two sons both joined the military and are now of a decent age, with some achievements. This Guo Gaoyi was born when General Guo was thirty-two years old and was doted on by his wife and General Guo’s mother.”

“Unlike his older brothers, Guo Gaoyi doesn’t like martial arts; he prefers studying literature. It’s said that he loves poetry to the point of obsession, but he lacks interest in military strategies and writings.”

“It’s unclear if he can’t endure hardship or if he lacks the talent, but in the end, he couldn’t excel in either literature or martial arts and ended up resorting to buying a ranking.”

“It seems that because of General Guo’s status, the court eventually arranged for him to be a seventh-ranked magistrate in the capital.”

“But I found out a few days ago that Guo Gaoyi spends all his time studying poetry and prose in his official position, doing nothing!”

Upon hearing this, Tan Hanchi shook his head.

“In that case, Guo Gaoyi is indeed General Guo’s weak spot. With such a hidden danger, if it’s exploited by someone with ill intentions, it could even threaten General Guo!”

Qiao Jiaojiao immediately nodded.

【Tan Hanchi has seen through it again!】

At this point, Qiao Zhongguo finally spoke up, “This matter must be resolved. After all, the stability of the southern border is crucial to the stability of the Yong Dynasty.”

“In that case, when I take the second son to pay respects to General Xiao tomorrow, I’ll ask for General Xiao’s opinion!”

“Tan, I’m telling you about today’s events so you can become more aware. If it comes to the Emperor’s attention, you’ll know what to do.”

Tan Hanchi immediately nodded, “I will definitely act accordingly when the time comes.”

Qiao Zhongguo finally felt a little relieved, and Tan Hanchi couldn’t stay any longer. After all, he was now a prominent figure in front of the Emperor.

“Arrange the lessons for the Western Prince, and just notify me when it’s time.”

Tan Hanchi nodded, knowing it was time to leave.

“Brother Tan, I’ll see you off.”

Qiao Tianjing led Tan Hanchi out. As they passed through the courtyard, they met Qiao Diyi, who was followed by a beautiful young girl in a light yellow dress.

“Oh! Brother Tan!”

Qiao Diyi was pleasantly surprised.

Tan Hanchi couldn’t help but smile when he saw Qiao Diyi.

“Second Brother, where did you go? I’m about to leave.”

Qiao Diyi stepped forward and patted Tan Hanchi on the shoulder. He was always sincere and got along well with everyone.

“So soon? Won’t you stay a little longer? I haven’t had a drink with Brother Tan yet! I just took my cousin here!”

Qiao Diyi said, stepping aside with a grin. “Hey, this is my cousin, Anning!”

Without Qiao Diyi’s obstruction, Zuo Anning stood in front of Qiao Tianjing and Tan Hanchi.