Chapter 48

Tan Hanchi’s face changed drastically when he heard this. “This…”

Being exceptionally intelligent, Tan Hanchi quickly understood General Qiao’s meaning, but precisely because of this, he found it even more unbelievable.

“General Qiao, the Spring Examinations are for selecting talents for the court, which concerns the fate of the country. How could anyone dare to tamper with it?”

Seeing Tan Hanchi’s quick reaction, General Qiao appreciated him even more.

“Dalang has told me that your literary talent and insights are top-notch. I only ask you, do you have confidence in your own articles?”

Tan Hanchi was shaken by his words.

Firstly, he hadn’t expected General Qiao to hold him in such high regard.

Secondly, judging from General Qiao’s implication, was he willing to uncover the truth for him?

This was the Spring Examinations. If what General Qiao suspected was true, then they would be facing an incredibly powerful enemy!

With these thoughts, Tan Hanchi couldn’t help but tremble slightly, not out of fear but excitement!

If he could help General Qiao remove this cancer from the court, even if his own future prospects were severed, it would pave the way for future aspirants!

Living one’s life, not for fame or fortune, but for a clear conscience and to bow to the heavens and earth!

At this moment, facing the great hero in front of him whom the people revered, Tan Hanchi nodded solemnly.

“General Qiao, from a young age, I’ve been fond of learning, then immersed myself in studies, and excelled in the provincial and metropolitan exams.”

“I know that there are many talents in the country and even more in the capital, but I have the confidence that even if I’m not on the top list, there should be a place for me on the second list!”

“Good!”

General Qiao nodded approvingly, giving Tan Hanchi an extremely admiring look.

From then on, Tan Hanchi not only displayed outstanding literary talent but also exceptional intelligence. What’s more, he was dignified and self-assured.

A person like this, even if he were to confront the Duke of Qing in the Jinluan Palace, he would not show any signs of weakness!

General Qiao knew this well, so he asked, “Can you recite your Spring Examinations article again? It doesn’t have to be word for word, but it shouldn’t differ too much from the original.”

Tan Hanchi shook his head.

Seeing this, General Qiao couldn’t help but feel disappointed. “Is it still too much of a stretch?”

By this time, Tan Hanchi had finally smiled.

“General Qiao, that article is engraved in my mind as if it were carved with a knife and chisel. I can recite it now, word for word, without missing a single one.”

Upon hearing this, General Qiao’s brows relaxed instantly. “Well done, young man, you truly have potential!”

Excited, General Qiao patted Tan Hanchi’s shoulder heavily, almost pushing him to the ground.

Qiao Tianjing, quick to react, quickly supported Tan Hanchi, unable to help but chuckle, “Father, Brother Tan’s body still hasn’t completely recovered from the effects of the medicine, so please go easy on him.”

General Qiao laughed heartily at his words. “This kid is good at everything, except that he’s a bit too weak.”

Tan Hanchi couldn’t help but smile wryly at his words.

Although he didn’t possess martial skills, he had never neglected physical fitness. Yet, in General Qiao’s eyes, he had somehow become weak?

“No problem, Brother Tan. I’ll train you more in the future to ensure you have a strong physique!”

Qiao Diyi flexed his arm, looking eager to try.

Seeing this, Tan Hanchi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Now that he was in the Qiao Mansion and General Qiao was willing to believe in him and work for him, at this moment, Tan Hanchi felt an indescribable sense of relief.

Qiao Jiaojiao’s eyes sparkled, especially seeing the harmonious atmosphere in the room, she was overjoyed.

[Great, Tan Hanchi is back in our Qiao family!]

[His article is one of the top three in the first rank and will be personally presented to the Emperor. Surely, the Crown Prince will also see it.]

[If Tan Hanchi can really recite his own article, then Father can inform the Crown Prince in advance.]

“The Crown Prince Bai Yuanguang is a virtuous and wise heir apparent. He definitely won’t tolerate parasites like the Duke of Qingguo. When the time comes, we’ll be able to crack open the biggest cheating scandal in the history of the Spring Examinations!”

“Although I can’t speak right now, my wise and valiant old man should be able to consider these matters. It’s truly reassuring!”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo’s heart swelled with joy!

Although there were some matters he might overlook, his daughter would quietly inform him of them!

Jiaojiao was sweet and considerate, simply the most precious treasure bestowed upon the Qiao family by the heavens!

It’s truly comforting—

————

On the other side, at the Duke of Qingguo’s residence.

Sheng Mingcheng waited anxiously, but neither of the two killers sent to deal with Tan Hanchi returned to report.

He felt uneasy. The examination results had been released, and he had dispatched two groups of people—one to inquire about Tan Hanchi’s whereabouts at the inn, and the other to wait below the examination hall. If they spotted Tan Hanchi, they were to seize the opportunity to kill him!

But neither group had returned to report, and now the Duke of Qingguo had sent someone to look for him.

Sheng Mingcheng felt anxious, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

In order to gain his grandfather’s approval for marrying Miss Xiao from the Xiao family, he had to perform well during this period. That’s why he took on the task of dealing with the substitute exam candidates.

All twelve others had been successfully dealt with, but Tan Hanchi, the most important one, had messed up.

His article was ranked first, and he was supposed to participate in the palace examination!

When Sheng Mingcheng arrived at the main hall, the Duke of Qingguo was seated in the main seat, playing with a top-quality jade thumb ring in his hand.

“Cheng’er, is everything taken care of?”

The Duke of Qingguo had just turned sixty this year. Although his temples were white, he was still robust and full of vitality.

He had a stern face, and his slightly narrowed triangular eyes looked extremely imposing.

Sheng Mingcheng’s heart trembled at his words. Even if it was just for his own sake, he couldn’t admit to any mistakes now.

Otherwise, given his grandfather’s methods, he would undoubtedly receive a punishment, and most importantly, he might lose his grandfather’s favor!

After all, it was just a mere examinee from Zhuozhou, with no relatives or connections in the capital. He definitely couldn’t escape!

If worst came to worst, he could send out more people to ensure Tan Hanchi was dealt with!

With this in mind, Sheng Mingcheng respectfully replied, “Grandfather, everything has been taken care of.”

The Duke of Qingguo asked specifically, “What about the one from Zhuozhou?”

Sheng Mingcheng’s heart thumped, and he nodded again, forcing himself to say, “Taken care of!”

“Good!”

The Duke of Qingguo stood up suddenly, walked to Sheng Mingcheng’s side, and patted his shoulder.

“Cheng’er, you are much more capable than your useless father. With you here, the Duke of Qingguo’s residence will have a successor.”

“I didn’t expect the examinee you chose from Zhuozhou to be so outstanding, achieving the first rank. Originally, the agreement was for a certain number from the other side, but now it has been tripled!”

The Duke of Qingguo’s face lit up with a smile. He lightly gestured with his right hand, then withdrew it.

“All right, I’ve kept you tied up during this time. Now that you’ve made great achievements, I’ll give you a few days off to relax.”

Seeing his grandfather value him so much, and even speaking to him in a more affectionate tone, Sheng Mingcheng’s face immediately showed a delighted expression.

“Thank you, grandfather.”

After Sheng Mingcheng took his leave and left the main hall, his pace became more hurried.

No, he had to make up for his mistakes quickly!

If his grandfather found out he had not done his job properly, he might skin him alive!

Where on earth had Tan Hanchi disappeared to!