Chapter 111

Qiao Tianjing didn’t expect Qiao Jiaojiao to be so sharp. Even though the situation had passed, she still managed to find loopholes.

Seeing Qiao Diyi looking flustered, Qiao Tianjing shook his head helplessly and intervened.

“Second brother, thanks to your timely action to save the Western Prince today, otherwise things would have really spiraled out of control.”

“I haven’t had a chance to ask you yet, how did you know to track the Western Prince today?”

Qiao Diyi, with his back to Qiao Jiaojiao, widened his eyes, using his expression to silently complain:

—Big brother, why are you making things difficult for me again! How can my wooden head come up with an answer to this?

— I can’t just tell my little sister that I heard her thoughts and acted accordingly, can I?

Qiao Tianjing slightly turned away, gesturing with his eyebrows:

— Second brother, just make up any reason!

— Even if it’s not entirely convincing, there’s no way little sister would think we can hear her thoughts.

Qiao Diyi looked completely distressed.

— But what if I can’t even come up with a reason that’s “not entirely convincing”?

Qiao Tianjing: “…”

【Tsk, is my second brother reincarnated? Has he awakened? Does he know the plot now?】

Qiao Jiaojiao suddenly glanced at the back of Qiao Diyi’s head, starting her own wild speculation.

Qiao Diyi felt a chill down his spine, stuttering a couple of times, then suddenly cleared his throat and said:

“I… I saw the Western Prince taking a long time to come out with a gift today, and Yu Zhaoyi went in. I didn’t hear any greeting sounds, and it seemed like the two groups of people didn’t meet.”

“I was worried that the Western Prince, being playful, might sneak out from the back door. He didn’t have any eunuchs following him, and at such a young age, isn’t that dangerous?”

“Oh well, it was just a makeshift plan. Originally, I climbed the wall to take a look in a hurry, but I didn’t expect to run into this mess.”

Qiao Diyi finished speaking in one breath, looking nervously at Qiao Tianjing.

Qiao Tianjing smiled faintly, it seemed that his second brother still had some wit about him!

He nodded in approval, “Second brother, if the crown prince asks, just tell him the truth like this.”

Qiao Jiaojiao, hearing this, tilted her head slightly. Indeed, it seemed reasonable.

【Sigh, I tend to overthink. If my second brother knew he would die tragically on the battlefield, riddled with arrows, I’m afraid he wouldn’t be able to laugh at all!】

Qiao Diyi, upon passing the test with his answer, was about to lift the corners of his mouth, but upon hearing Qiao Jiaojiao’s words, he found that he couldn’t.

Qiao Diyi: “…”

Little sister, you really know how to hit where it hurts!

Seeing Qiao Diyi almost give the game away just now, Qiao Zhongguo was scared out of his wits. Now that the conversation was over, he immediately ushered everyone out.

“Alright, alright, let’s go. Jiaojiao should go to bed!”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Jiaojiao’s attention was instantly diverted, and ambiguous bubbles of thought bubbled up in her mind.

【Oh, it seems like my cute little stumbling block is going to be moved again tonight~~】

【Hehe, my parents’ relationship is really good, they’re so sweet together!】

Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi, upon hearing this, blushed instantly, feeling as if they were walking on air, they hastily left.

Qiao Zhongguo, receiving a meaningful look from his wife, blushed and embarrassedly followed suit. He hadn’t expected to be the one to trip himself up in front of his son!

“Cough cough, Jiaojiao, my dear, Daddy will tuck you in tonight!”

Qiao Jiaojiao chuckled.

【I’m such a good little kid, I don’t need to be tucked in, Daddy, hurry and go tuck Mommy in!】

Mrs. Qiao couldn’t bear Qiao Jiaojiao’s teasing and blushed as she hurriedly got up and entered the inner room.

Qiao Zhongguo and Qiao Jiaojiao couldn’t help but look at each other in surprise.

How come everyone’s gone?

“If Jiaojiao isn’t sleepy, let Daddy accompany her for a while longer. Daddy will finish the remaining part of the wood carving.”

Qiao Zhongguo raised the wooden carving in his hand.

Qiao Jiaojiao nodded enthusiastically, “Daddy! Daddy!”

Seeing her reaction, Qiao Zhongguo smiled and sat back under the candlelight, carving earnestly while speaking warmly, “Jiaojiao is already nine months old, time flies. Daddy still has many, many carvings to make for Jiaojiao, and we’ll put them all in Jiaojiao’s dowry.”

“When Jiaojiao grows up, she can take them out one by one to reminisce, and it’ll be enough to cherish for a long time.”

Qiao Zhongguo chattered on, and by the time he raised his head after making the final stroke, Qiao Jiaojiao was already curled up on the soft couch, fast asleep.

The candlelight was warm, shining on her face, making even the small fuzz look exceptionally cute.

Qiao Zhongguo’s heart softened. He put down the wooden carving and gently picked up Qiao Jiaojiao.

Mrs. Qiao had been listening for a long time without any movement from the outer room. When she walked out and saw Qiao Zhongguo gently pressing his face against Qiao Jiaojiao’s forehead, it was a scene of such warmth that it brought a slight warmth to her eyes.

“Husband.”

Qiao Zhongguo looked up at the sound of her voice and reached out his hand with a smile.

Mrs. Qiao’s eyes softened as she walked over and wrapped her arms around Qiao Zhongguo’s waist, and the three of them huddled together in the candlelight.

---

The next day at the morning court, everyone kept silent about what happened yesterday.

The Emperor appeared as usual, and there was no indication that anything was amiss.

After the morning court, Qiao Zhongguo had already reached the palace gates when Huang Gonggong suddenly caught up, panting, and exclaimed, “Lord Qiao, please wait!”

Qiao Zhongguo turned around in confusion, and Huang Gonggong caught his breath before hastily saying, “Lord Qiao, His Majesty summons you to the study!”

Qiao Zhongguo’s thoughts raced through his mind for a moment, then he smiled and followed along.

As he stepped into the study, Qiao Zhongguo’s steps involuntarily faltered because he saw an unexpected person there.

A young man stood upright beside the Crown Prince, wearing an official robe that made him look exceptionally dignified.

The Emperor noticed Qiao Zhongguo’s gaze and smiled slightly.

“Tan, Aiqing, young and promising, very capable.”

This meant he was going to be promoted.

Yes, the handsome young man standing beside the Crown Prince was indeed Tan Hanchi!

“Lord Qiao.”

Tan Hanchi bowed to Qiao Zhongguo, their eyes met for a moment, then he casually looked away.

Qiao Zhongguo nodded calmly at him and then smiled, “Congratulations to His Majesty for gaining another talented individual. I wonder why His Majesty urgently summoned me?”

The Emperor stood up, pointed to the Crown Prince, and got straight to the point:

“The Crown Prince has chosen the eldest daughter of General Xiao as his consort. Since it’s the Crown Prince’s in-laws, according to tradition, they cannot hold important military positions.”

His words were straightforward, indicating the Emperor’s deep trust in Qiao Zhongguo.

Qiao Zhongguo nodded; this matter was already within his expectations. It was to prevent the rise of powerful relatives and shake the foundation of the dynasty.

What surprised Qiao Zhongguo was that the Emperor already valued Tan Hanchi so much that he allowed him to sit in on such important military affairs.

The Emperor continued, “General Xiao has served on the border for many years and made significant contributions. I’m afraid that abruptly withdrawing his military power will hurt his feelings.”

Qiao Zhongguo shook his head immediately.

“Your Majesty, although I have not had the opportunity to interact with General Xiao, I don’t know what his temperament is like, but seeing his years of dedicated service on the border, I can tell that General Xiao harbors loyalty and righteousness.”

“Now that Your Majesty has chosen his daughter as the Crown Prince’s consort, General Xiao must have been prepared long ago. Your Majesty speaking first will surely help General Xiao understand Your Majesty’s difficulties.”

“However, there is one thing. Your Majesty must be cautious in selecting the replacement for General Xiao.”