She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

The second master was bewildered. Didn't the Marquis of Chengen ask Consort Ling for help, so that she could use her favor to persuade his father to establish Zhao Jue as his successor?

Why is it even a test?

He subconsciously looked at Zhao Jue.

Zhao Jue frowned; this was not what he had expected.

The Duke of Zhao's mansion is already at its peak. How can it break through and reach an even higher level?

Grandfather couldn't possibly be unaware of the principle that the moon wanes after it is full, and water overflows when it is full.

It is already a difficult task to maintain the current prosperity!

He suspected that his grandfather did not want to pass on the title to him and that was why he deliberately set a difficult question for him.

If his answer does not satisfy his grandfather, his grandfather will have a reason to refuse Consort Ling.

Zhao Jue's face darkened, and he couldn't help but look at Zhao Yi.

Everyone had been looking at Zhao Jue, eagerly awaiting his answer. But now that they saw Zhao Jue looking at Zhao Yi, they all turned to look at Zhao Yi as well.

The First Madam found Zhao Jue's actions quite amusing. He wanted to compete for the title, and now that he had the opportunity to show off, he didn't rush to answer questions and steal the limelight, but instead focused on Zhao Yi.

Did Zhao Yi's face show the answer?

The old man muttered, "It's no use looking; Yi'er has no interest in the title."

Therefore, he would not answer, nor would he offer Zhao Jue any inspiration.

"Cough...cough..."

Zhao Yi covered his mouth and coughed. Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, he said succinctly, "Teach him how to treat others."

As for what to teach and how to teach, he said no more.

Despite this, it still had a great impact on the master and his wife.

Is he trying to claim a noble title?

Otherwise, given Zhao Yi's personality, he wouldn't utter a single word.

The Duke of Zhao clenched his fist tightly on his knees, then slowly released it, as if suppressing some emotion.

He remained calm and asked, "Tell me, how do you plan to treat this?"

"The fact that the imperial court opened up the civil service examination to select talents is enough to show that talents are the foundation of the country. Similarly, talents are also the foundation of a family."

Zhao Yi spoke slowly: "Of course, it's not only those selected through the imperial examinations who pursue official careers who can be called talented. Some people may not have a talent for studying, but they may excel in other fields. However, these talented people are often the most easily overlooked by their families."

He suppressed the itch in his throat, paused for a moment, and continued, "The Chen family of the previous dynasty was full of talented people, each with their own strengths. Over the centuries, the clan produced many outstanding individuals, some of whom have even gone down in history, contributing to the Chen family's generations of prominence. Therefore, it is clear that we cannot focus solely on the path of officialdom."

In just a few words, Zhao Yi coughed intermittently several times.

When he stopped talking, Shen Qingtan quickly handed him a glass of warm water, her eyes filled with worry.

She had previously wanted Zhao Yi to compete for the title, but seeing that he was physically weak, she gave up the idea of ​​letting him compete for the title.

But when he actually took the initiative to fight for it, she was shocked. She had only one thought in her mind: he understood what she hadn't said in the bedroom.

He was fighting for her.

Shen Qingtan's thoughts were complicated. Her worries about him outweighed her joy at the fulfillment of her wish, and she even thought he was a bit silly.

If she is a wicked woman, she might take advantage of his devoted love for his wife.

Would he be foolish enough to let her take advantage of him?

Zhao Yi took the water and drank a few sips to suppress the itching in her throat.

The room fell silent. Those who didn't understand the deeper meaning felt that Zhao Yi's suggestion was meaningless, since the clan itself placed great emphasis on education and governance.

The people who had this idea were the Second Master and the Second Madam.

“Nephew, our clan runs a private school where even children from poor families can study without paying tuition. The purpose is to cultivate talent.” The second wife covered her mouth with a handkerchief, pressed down the corners of her lips, and sighed, “What you’re saying is like saying nothing at all.”

The second master chimed in, "Nephew, with your intelligence, there must be other ways. Think of another one."

"Second Uncle, I am not very talented and can only come up with this idea." Zhao Yi looked up at the second branch of the family and smiled slightly, "Now let the third brother show us what he can do."

The second wife and the second master both changed their expressions, because when Duke Zhao had tested them earlier, Zhao Jue couldn't answer and pointed to Zhao Yi to answer first.

If he is incompetent and lacks wisdom, then what about Zhao Jue? What is he?

Zhao Jue's gaze darkened, and his face tightened, because he had a different opinion. Zhao Yi's words were not as simple as just sending someone to a private school.

He turned to look at the Duke of Zhao, and sure enough, he saw that the Duke of Zhao was deep in thought, clearly understanding the deeper meaning in Zhao Yi's words.

Zhao Jue's heart sank to the bottom: "Grandfather..."

"Alright." Duke Zhao interrupted Zhao Jue, looking at everyone and said, "Yi'er's idea is very good. Now, let's hear your opinions."

Zhao Jue's eyes darkened, and he fell into deep thought.

Duke Zhao felt that Zhao Yi would bring him a different kind of surprise, and looked at him expectantly: "Yi'er, tell me more about it."

Zhao Yi thought for a moment, and just as he opened his mouth, he coughed again.

Duke Zhao recalled that Zhao Yi had been coughing incessantly while speaking, and then he saw that Zhao Jue looked completely clueless.

He frowned and said, "Today's test was impromptu. Your preparations were insufficient. I'll give you half a month to prepare. Whoever makes a decision that is approved by the clan elders will be chosen as the successor."

The second lady's face turned very ugly. It was clear that Duke Zhao intended Zhao Yi to be his successor!

Because of the kindness shown to Consort Ling, the Duke of Zhao and his wife felt they had to give her face, but they didn't want to follow her request, which led to the current competition.

Zhao Yi was resourceful and cunning, and his scheming and cunning far surpassed that of Zhao Jue.

Based on the current situation, it is clear that Zhao Yi has the upper hand.

She couldn't swallow this insult and was about to speak when Zhao Jue pressed a hand on her arm and said in a deep voice, "Mother, your son has already made up his mind. Let's go back and discuss it first."

The second wife took a deep breath, fearing that her reckless actions might ruin Zhao Jue's plans, and had no choice but to temporarily abandon the plan.

Before leaving, the second wife glared fiercely at Zhao Yi.

This sickly fellow is indeed a stumbling block for the second wife.

They're already halfway to their deaths, yet they still want to fight with them!

Shen Mingzhu was equally indignant, filled with a great sense of loss, and even felt a sense of unease.

This unease seemed to foreshadow that she would not get what she wanted.

She hurriedly suppressed this terrible thought and left with the second wife.

Shen Qingtan glanced at the furious Second Madam, then coldly withdrew her gaze, preparing to help Zhao Yi back to Lanxue Garden.

Duke Zhao called out to them, "Yi'er, wait a moment."