Chapter 23

In order to make his current trip seem very casual, in line with the image of a good father who is just here to pick up his daughter, Qiao Zhongguo didn’t bring any weapons at all.

From afar, he could see the Crown Prince and others being surrounded by twenty to thirty northern men, while his little Jiaojiao was being held by the second son, her eyes shining brightly as she yelled at him.

Seeing this scene, Qiao Zhongguo felt warmth in his heart, but also a sense of relief.

If he hadn’t listened to Jiaojiao’s advice three months ago and arranged spies around the Second Prince earlier, who knows if these aggressive northern assassins would have succeeded today!

Not to mention there was a crown prince among them, as well as his two sons and a precious granddaughter!

Thinking of this, Qiao Zhongguo’s anger flared up again!

These mere northern scoundrels actually dared to act recklessly in the capital of the Great Yong Dynasty. Today, they would definitely have no chance to return!

Qiao Zhongguo rushed all the way without stopping, passing by a lantern stall, he exerted force and pulled out a bamboo pole as thick as an adult’s arm.

He turned to the Qiao family guards beside him and said, “Quickly go and inform the Imperial Guards!”

“Yes!”

The guards complied, immediately turning their horses and leaving, efficient and decisive.

Qiao Zhongguo rode up, loudly shouting, “Qiao Zhongguo is here, you northern brats, surrender now!”

Qiao Zhongguo!

When the northern assassins, who were bending their bows and fitting their arrows, heard Qiao Zhongguo’s name, their shoulders couldn’t help but tremble.

Today’s northern commoners might not recognize any northern generals, but they would definitely know this fierce tiger of the Yong Dynasty.

It was him who led the army to break through the northern borders and almost reached the capital of the northern country!

If it weren’t for the timely surrender of the old king and the offer of Princess Yuliu back then, perhaps the northern country would have changed its ruler today!

Hearing that Qiao Zhongguo had arrived, the Crown Prince’s eyes lit up suddenly, knowing that today would be safe.

Qiao Zhongguo swung the bamboo pole vigorously, accompanied by five Qiao family guards and eight palace guards, instantly gaining the upper hand and scattering the northern assassins.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, those northern assassins were decisive, not even needing to exchange glances. They bit down on the deadly poison they had hidden in their mouths long ago!

Although Qiao Zhongguo had known about this trick, facing enemies who were determined to die, he couldn’t leave a single one alive no matter how fast he was.

In an instant, there was a pile of bodies lying on the ground.

Qiao Zhongguo leaped off his horse and was about to kneel in front of the Crown Prince to report, but he was already pulled up by someone.

The Crown Prince’s eyes were bright, without the panic and fear of being in a life-threatening situation.

“Imperial Censor Qiao, there’s no need for such a grand gesture. Today, thanks to you.”

At this time, the patrolling Imperial Guards finally arrived in a hurry.

“Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I arrived late and caused Your Highness to be alarmed. Please forgive me!”

At this time, there were still many civilians hiding in West Zhou, and they dared to slowly come out only after the crisis was resolved.

The Zhuozhou scholar Tan Hanchi was among them.

Just now, he wanted to seize the rare opportunity to ask Mr. Gu two questions, which delayed his escape time.

At this moment, he stood below the platform, still with lingering fear on his face, but his eyes were fixed on Qiao Zhongguo, shining brightly.

There were rumors among the people that the former Northern General Qiao Zhongguo was a true man, upright and loyal, a model of men who served their country.

Today, seeing General Qiao’s bravery and martial prowess, he indeed lived up to his reputation!

Qiao Tianjing was attentive. He looked around the Western Zhou Dynasty. His original intention was to remind the prince to appease the people first. Unexpectedly, he saw Tan Hanchi hiding aside.

Seeing his son’s reverent and admiring gaze toward his father, Qiao Tianjing’s eyes flashed slightly, indicating he already had a plan in mind.

The Crown Prince’s expression turned slightly grim, no longer displaying the affable demeanor he had when facing Qiao Zhongguo.

“Imperial Guards, listen up.”

The group of Imperial Guards kneeling on the ground instantly straightened up.

The Crown Prince spoke loudly, “The matter of the northern assassins infiltrating will be discussed later. The Imperial Guards must immediately evacuate the civilians, assess the casualties and losses, and report them all, compensating accordingly.”

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Guards were greatly surprised, and even the bystanders wore expressions of disbelief.

They… they can still compensate?

In the past, whenever they suffered, didn’t they bear it themselves?

Tan Hanchi, seeing this, looked at the Crown Prince in shock, thinking to himself: Is this their heir to the Great Yong Dynasty?

If he truly cares for the people like this, it is indeed a blessing for the Yong Dynasty and a fortune for scholars like us.

At this moment, Qiao Zhongguo had already eagerly taken Qiao Jiaojiao from Qiao Diyi’s hands.

Only now did he notice that his daughter’s pants were already wet, her little hands were freezing cold, instantly breaking his heart.

That second son, this despicable fellow, asked him to take good care of Jiaojiao, and this is how he does it?

Qiao Zhongguo immediately took off his outer robe and wrapped Qiao Jiaojiao in it.

The sudden warmth made Qiao Jiaojiao shiver, and she immediately clung tightly to Qiao Zhongguo’s chest.

[Whimper, Dad is so warm. My dad is not only a great hero, but also a caring and warm man!]

Qiao Zhongguo, seeing Jiaojiao curled up in his arms, felt his heart melting.

“Don’t worry, Jiaojiao, Dad will take you home right away.”

Jiaojiao was much warmer now, but she hadn’t forgotten one important thing!

Thinking of this, Jiaojiao stretched out her small finger, eagerly pointing behind her towards the Zhucui Pavilion.

At this moment, she wished she could learn to speak immediately!

[Dad! Can you understand what I mean? Quickly ask the Crown Prince to send someone to investigate the Zhucui Pavilion! That’s the main stronghold of the male lead. If we go late, there will be nothing left!]

Qiao Zhongguo’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, realizing that the Second Prince was so cunning, knowing to use the jewelry pavilion as a cover.

His thoughts shifted slightly, and he stuffed Jiaojiao’s cold little hand back into his embrace. “Jiaojiao, be good, Dad will take you out to play again later.”

Jiaojiao’s small face immediately drooped.

[It’s over, Dad didn’t understand what I meant at all. He probably thinks I just want to play!]

But the next moment, Qiao Zhongguo strode quickly to the Crown Prince’s side and lowered his voice, “Your Highness, considering the suspicious nature of the appearance of these northern assassins, in my humble opinion, we should thoroughly search the shops along the street.”

Upon hearing this, Jiaojiao couldn’t help but arch her body in excitement.

[Whimper, Dad, you are so wise and martial! Although you didn’t understand what I meant, it doesn’t prevent you from considering these details on your own!]

The Crown Prince trusted Qiao Zhongguo very much. His brows were slightly furrowed, then he nodded.

“As Imperial Censor Qiao suggests, start investigating from the two largest pavilions on both sides!”

[Listen to my advice, and you’ll eat well, Your Highness. Even though you didn’t listen to me, Dad’s decision is always right!]

[But the male lead is still very powerful. I guess he must have had everything taken away as soon as possible.]

[But it doesn’t matter. Without this Zhucui Pavilion, he’ll have a headache for a long time! Let’s see how he’ll plot against our Qiao family now!]