As long as it was not related to Princess Yuliu, Emperor Yong still looked like the king of a country, and he would never make fun of the stability of the southern border.
He nodded to Qiao Zhongguo with a solemn expression, "Qiao Aiqing, this is exactly what I am worried about."
"The reason why the Nanli Kingdom is so peaceful is because General Xiao is so famous. If the people who come after him are drunkards and ricebags, I'm afraid it will destroy the tranquility of the Southern Territory for more than ten years."
Although Qiao Zhongguo resented Emperor Yong's ignorance and partiality in the matter of the second prince, he must have known everything about it concerning the people of Yong.
"Your Majesty, what I advocate is that people who are suspicious should not be used, and people who are employed should not be doubted."
"If Your Majesty does not have a suitable candidate yet, it would be better for General Xiao to recommend his reliable lieutenant to temporarily take over the position of general."
"In this way, the southern border will remain stable, and the Holy One will have enough time to inspect the soldiers and select the most capable candidates."
When Emperor Yong heard this, he couldn't help but look back at the prince and Tan Hanchi.
When Qiao Zhongguo came just now, Emperor Yong also asked them both. The prince and Tan Hanchi had the same opinions as Qiao Zhongguo.
With this, Emperor Yong no longer hesitated and nodded.
"According to what Qiao Aiqing said, I still have to carefully consider the final candidate for this general."
Qiao Zhongguo couldn't help but feel a little moved when he heard this. He wondered if there was the most suitable candidate in the future that Jiaojiao had foreseen.
It seems that I have to think of a way to seduce my daughter when I get back...
The business had been discussed and Qiao Zhongguo was about to retire when the prince suddenly stood up.
"Father, while Master Qiao is here, I would like to ask for a favor for Xiaosi."
Qiao Zhongguo was slightly shocked when he heard this!
What, is this going to set a date for Jiaojiao and the Fourth Prince to have a baby kiss?
No!
No way, no way!
The royal family is the most dangerous, and Jiaojiao must not be involved in it under any circumstances!
Qiao Zhongguo had already silently made plans to refuse in his heart, but then he heard the prince continue to say:
"My son hopes that Xiao Si can become a disciple of Mr. Qiao and learn how to behave and strengthen his body with martial arts."
Qiao Zhongguo was slightly startled at first, and then breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, okay, I am a student, he thought I was a son-in-law!
This... is fine.
Emperor Yong was also a little surprised, but when he saw the prince's frown and gloomy expression, he remembered that the fourth prince was in shock yesterday, and he felt a little guilty in his heart.
"That's fine."
Emperor Yong nodded, and then looked at Qiao Zhongguo.
"Qiao Aiqing, are you willing to accept Xiao Si as your student?"
The prince did not expect that Emperor Yong would agree so simply.
But after what happened yesterday, he no longer dared or could place his future on Emperor Yong.
Even though the second brother was so bold that he sent Yu Zhaoyi to his father's bedside and cut off his relationship with Yu Zhaoyi, his father still refused to punish the second brother severely.
This allowed him to completely see the importance of Concubine Yu and his second brother in his father's heart.
Standing by Yuhua Lake last night, he had already made up his mind, he wanted to fight! Want to grab it!
Whether it was for his mother, for his mistress, for the loyal people of the Qiao family, or for the people of the Great Yong Dynasty, he could never let his father deliver the Great Yong Mountain to the hands of his second brother!
Qiao Zhongguo thought of the well-behaved fourth prince, and he was willing, but he was a little worried.
"Your Majesty, it is my honor to accept the fourth prince as my student. But you also know that I am a rough guy. This... the fourth prince will have to endure hardships if he follows me."
Emperor Yong knew that Qiao Zhongguo was a measured person, so he immediately said: "It's okay to endure some hardships, Xiaosi was raised too delicate after all."
After receiving the correct words, Qiao Zhongguo no longer hesitated and nodded in agreement.
The prince was overjoyed and thought that the fourth prince's enlightenment had been delayed since the last incident with Di Zaiying. He immediately turned his attention to Tan Hanchi beside him.
"Father, we haven't found a teacher for Junior Four yet. From what I've seen, Lord Tan is a good candidate. What do you think, Father?"
When the fourth prince's enlightenment came up, Emperor Yong became even more shameless. He glanced at Tan Hanchi.
"Then let Tan Aiqing be the first teacher for Junior Four."
Tan Hanchi had no room for refusal and immediately respectfully accepted the order.
Seeing that the conversation had reached this point, Qiao Zhongguo also joined in the fun.
"Your Majesty, I also want to ask for a favor."
Emperor Yong:?
Qiao Zhongguo smiled shamelessly.
"Your Majesty, I see that the second son of the family has a little talent in formation and martial arts, and I want him to become a disciple of General Xiao and learn more about his real skills."
Emperor Yong raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this. He glanced at Qiao Zhongguo and suddenly said half-jokingly:
"Qiao Aiqing is honest. Aren't you afraid that people in the capital will say that Aiqing is greedy and clings to power?"
Qiao Zhongguo looked directly into Emperor Yong's eyes, as if he could see Emperor Yong's concerns. He suddenly put away the smile on his face and said seriously:
"Your Majesty, I am not afraid of rumors, and I don't care about reputation. I just dare to give my heart to Your Majesty."
"The second man in the family has this talent, and I can't bear to bury it. But after all, I have been away from the battlefield for a long time. I have forgotten many things, and I have lost my fighting spirit."
"If Erlang can succeed in his studies under General Xiao, he will surely be able to share your Majesty's worries in the future."
After Qiao Zhongguo finished speaking, he bowed deeply to Emperor Yong.
Emperor Yong looked at Qiao Zhongguo steadily. After a while, there was a hint of emotion on his face.
Looking at the entire court, Emperor Yong knew that no one dared to say such a thing to him.
The Qiao family was already extremely prominent, and ordinary people had already clamped their tails between their legs. Only Qiao Zhongguo knew that this might cause fear, but still chose to speak out.
At this moment, even Emperor Yong had to admit that Qiao Zhongguo was still the same Qiao Zhongguo as before, magnanimous and calm, bold and lonely.
There was silence in the imperial study room. When the prince and Tan Hanchi heard this, they couldn't help but feel admiration.
Qiao Zhongguo is indeed a strange person.
He never seemed afraid to face difficulties, and his rare frankness was something the emperor could not refuse.
Sure enough, the next moment, Emperor Yong came over from behind the case and personally helped Qiao Zhongguo up.
Qiao Zhongguo raised his eyes and met Emperor Yong who had a rare gentle expression.
"Qiao Aiqing, I believe in you. I hope that Erlang of the Qiao family can have half the strength and bravery of his father. In this case, why should I worry that no one can help me?"
Hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo's face showed real joy.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I dare not betray the trust entrusted by the Holy One!"
After the prince and others exited the imperial study, Emperor Yong sat in front of the case for a long time.
Eunuch Huang was waiting on the side, a little uneasy about Emperor Yong's abnormality.
At this time on weekdays, after handling government affairs, Emperor Yong would sit with the portrait of Empress Yuliu for a while and occasionally talk, but today he took no action.
"Your Majesty, would you like to take a nap?"
Eunuch Huang asked in a low voice.
Emperor Yong slowly raised his head, looking at the expression on his face, he seemed to have mixed feelings.
"Huang Pei, what do you think of Qiao Zhongguo?"
Eunuch Huang guessed Emperor Yong's thoughts and said with an apologetic smile: "Your Majesty, I don't dare to speak nonsense, but Lord Qiao is indeed a rare loyal minister."
"I'm afraid no one in the entire capital would dare to express what I just said in front of the Holy One."
Emperor Yong nodded slightly when he heard this and said in a low voice:
"This Qiao Zhongguo is indeed a man of great use, but I don't know if he still has resentment in his heart about the attack on Beiguo..."
Eunuch Huang suddenly shook his head.
He must be extra cautious when it comes to the Northern Kingdom and the Yu Liu Empress.
Emperor Yong didn't seem to want to get an answer from Huang Pei. He slowly turned his head, looked at the wall with the portrait hidden, and said solemnly:
"I imprisoned the second child in the sect's residence. I don't know if Yu Liu will be angry with me."
"I hope I can reflect on myself and not hurt my heart again..."
Having said this, Emperor Yong suddenly stood up and walked out.
Eunuch Huang was stunned on the spot, unable to react!
This is the first time in more than ten years that the Holy Emperor has not opened the hidden compartment to look at the portrait of Empress Yu Liu!
