Chapter 142

With this thought, Qiáo Zhōngguó looked at the Duke of Yǎn with a hint of resentment.

“Father-in-law, since you already have everything under control, why did you ask me for my opinion?”

Wasn’t this just to insult him!

The Duke of Yǎn smiled lightly, “Zhōngguó, you are sharp and intelligent. I was just worried I might have overlooked something.”

Qiáo Zhōngguó: “…”

Confirmed! This was definitely an insult wrapped in praise!

How could he be worthy of being called sharp and intelligent!

“Your son-in-law didn’t see any oversights, just that we need to keep a close eye on my brother. Since there’s no issue with the Chén family, the Second Prince is very likely to target my brother.”

Hearing this, the Duke of Yǎn’s smile faded.

He sighed lightly, “This whole matter has been a heavy blow to Héyīng. He seems to have changed somewhat, but I understand that a person’s nature is hard to change.”

“We’ll see how it goes. Héyīng… he’s bound to suffer a significant setback.”

The Duke of Yǎn’s voice grew faint, his brows knitted tightly together.

Seeing this, Qiáo Jiāojiāo raised her little hand to touch the Duke of Yǎn’s forehead, giggling as she said, “Don’t worry, Grandfather!”

The Duke of Yǎn looked down at Qiáo Jiāojiāo’s little face, and his heart melted instantly. He could no longer think about his troublesome son and stood up with Qiáo Jiāojiāo in his arms.

“Jiāojiāo is the best, my sweet little heart~~”

Qiáo Jiāojiāo giggled along, shaking the Nine Linked Rings noisily.

Seeing this scene, Qiáo Zhōngguó couldn’t help but smile.

He suddenly remembered something that might cheer his father-in-law up.

“Father-in-law, didn’t you previously ask my wife to look out for a potential husband for Ānníng?”

Hearing this, the Duke of Yǎn’s eyes lit up.

“Have you found someone?”

Qiáo Zhōngguó smiled and nodded, “Have you heard of Tán Hànchí?”

The Duke of Yǎn’s expression shifted slightly, “You mean the rising star in the court, the Emperor’s favorite, Editor Tán?”

Qiáo Zhōngguó beamed, “Exactly!”

The Duke of Yǎn slightly furrowed his brows, “What about his character? Is he upright in his actions?”

Since the Duke of Yǎn was completely trustworthy, Qiáo Zhōngguó didn’t hold back and praised Tán Hànchí extensively, recounting everything from the spring exam scandal to the recent southern military authority issue.

The Duke of Yǎn was amazed to hear that Tán Hànchí was such a capable person.

“In that case, it’s excellent…”

The Duke of Yǎn muttered.

Seeing his father-in-law was interested, Qiáo Zhōngguó continued:

“The young Tán is good friends with my two eldest sons. Although it can’t be made public, Tán is currently favored by the Emperor. No matter what, he must be invited to the wedding in September.”

“At that time, Father-in-law can observe him closely at the banquet. He is definitely a distinguished young man!”

Hearing this, the Duke of Yǎn couldn’t help but smile, “Zhōngguó, I don’t usually hear you praise your sons like this. It seems you truly like this young man.”

Qiáo Zhōngguó grinned, “It’s all about mutual affection in such matters.”

“When the time comes, if Father-in-law is satisfied, we can hint to the young ones and let them decide for themselves.”

“Forced relationships are not sweet. Both of them are excellent children; we mustn’t haphazardly matchmake them.”

The Duke of Yǎn understood and nodded gently:

“Once the news of the divorce spreads, there will undoubtedly be a lot of rumors in the capital. It’s a good opportunity to test this young Tán. If he readily believes the rumors, I won’t consider him for a son-in-law.”

Qiáo Jiāojiāo, on the other hand, had great confidence in Tán Hànchí.

【Haha, Grandfather, you better get ready to meet your future grandson-in-law. From what I know of Tán Hànchí, he won’t be swayed by mere rumors.】

【Last time he even met with cousin Ānníng. I wonder if he has any intentions.】

【But then again, this marriage would need Emperor Yōng’s approval!】

【After all, to outsiders, the Duke of Yǎn’s household and our Qiáo family are seen as one. And now, Tán Hànchí is highly favored by Emperor Yōng.】

【Sigh, it’s really troublesome!】

Qiáo Jiāojiāo sighed, drawing Qiáo Zhōngguó into his own worries.

It would depend on whether Emperor Yōng favored or distrusted the Qiáo family more.

Of course, if Emperor Yōng chose to see Tán Hànchí as his spy within the Qiáo family, that would be perfect.

Because then, this marriage would hit the mark by coincidence!

After lunch, the Duke of Yǎn did not take Zuǒ Ānníng with him but returned alone.

He had decided to spread the news of his son and daughter-in-law’s divorce upon returning. If Ānníng went back to the Duke of Yǎn’s residence, she might hear some unpleasant rumors.

It was better to let her stay at the Qiáo residence for a few more days, where Jìng would take good care of her.

---

In the afternoon, the news of the Duke of Yǎn’s son and Mrs. Zuǒ divorcing swept through the capital.

Upon hearing it, everyone assumed a “watching the show” stance.

Although the Duke of Yǎn’s residence announced that the couple was separating due to incompatibility, everyone knew Zuǒ Héyīng’s character. They secretly speculated whether his misconduct had driven Mrs. Zuǒ to the point of demanding a divorce.

People were eager for gossip, but when they couldn’t pry anything from the Duke of Yǎn’s residence, they turned their attention to the Chén family.

What they found shocked everyone.

It turned out Chén Qí had submitted his resignation the day before and was now nowhere to be found!

This strange situation made the divorce between the Duke of Yǎn’s son and Mrs. Zuǒ even more mysterious, giving rise to various wild rumors.

Zhūfēng had been sending people to investigate carefully, but now that the matter was public knowledge, it made it easier for him to report back.

Inside the Imperial Clan Court, the Second Prince listened to Zhūfēng’s report with a grim expression.

He knew about Ah Sheng’s past experiences.

So, when he decided to have Ah Sheng approach Mrs. Zuǒ, he had his doubts.

He didn’t expect Ah Sheng to agree so readily when he mentioned it.

According to Ah Sheng’s earlier reports, Mrs. Zuǒ had already agreed to gather information on the Qiáo residence for him.

Now, with Mrs. Zuǒ suddenly divorcing the Duke of Yǎn’s son and Ah Sheng disappearing mysteriously, there was no doubt that the affair between Mrs. Zuǒ and Ah Sheng had been discovered!

Zuǒ Héyīng certainly didn’t have the capability to handle things so neatly. So, the one responsible for Ah Sheng’s death… must be the Duke of Yǎn!

Since the Qiáo family and the Duke of Yǎn’s household are considered one, it’s unclear if the Qiáo family was also involved…

“Can you find out anything about the Chén family?” the Second Prince asked coldly.

Zhūfēng shook his head with shame, “Your Highness, I have investigated thoroughly. Chén Qí resigned the day before yesterday and left the capital yesterday.”

“The Chén family split into three groups as they left. They disguised themselves among the groups and scattered once they exited the capital, making it nearly impossible to track them.”

Upon hearing this, the Second Prince slowly clenched his fist, a murderous glint in his eyes.

“Keep searching! I will find a way to deal with the Duke of Yǎn’s residence. As for the Chén couple, who harmed Ah Sheng’s entire family, now that Ah Sheng is dead, they will pay with their lives!”

Sensing the Second Prince’s anger, Zhūfēng quickly and respectfully agreed.

As he was about to leave, the Second Prince’s tone suddenly softened.

“Let’s keep this from Ah Sheng’s mother. Zhūfēng, assign two people to take good care of her and report any issues immediately.”

Zhūfēng paused, now certain of the high regard the Prince had for Li Xūshèng.

He softly acknowledged the order. At this moment, Zhou Bo Feng Feng Huo Huo hurriedly entered from outside, a hint of joy in his voice.

“Your Highness, the Grand Princess has come to see you!”