Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Meng Shuping translated once again, "You old fool! You've already taught them a lesson, yet you still won't let it go. What's with the petty grudge? And you call yourself the emperor of a nation? Even I, a mere official, am far better than you!"

Emperor Qianyou's expression turned stern. Although he knew Meng Shuping was just talking nonsense, why did he find himself getting angrier the more he thought about it?

The Minister of Works couldn't help but clench his fists, wanting to punch this kid! Who are you calling an old fool? How could I possibly show such disrespect to the Emperor? I was simply pleading for leniency. The Emperor hasn't even spoken yet, so why are you stirring up trouble?

He struggled to suppress the rising anger and continued, "Of course, their actions this time were indeed excessive. Therefore, I believe that even if they are released, it is necessary to keep them under strict discipline. If we further hire stern tutors to teach them the principles of benevolence and righteousness, they will surely better understand Your Majesty's good intentions."

No sooner had he finished than Meng Shuping's voice chimed in again, "To raise without teaching is the father’s fault! Their lack of discipline is your fault as their father! Do you need an outsider like me to remind you of this? Do you even know how to be a father?"

The Minister of Works gritted his teeth. Could he just beat this kid up right now? How could there be such an annoying person!

Meng Shuping, completely unaware that the Minister of Works detested him to the core, finished having his fun and began to wonder inwardly, "Wait, they're imperial princes. The Emperor must have arranged the most esteemed tutors for them! If they failed to learn, it's their own fault. Why blame others? The other princes grew up in the same environment—why didn't they turn out crooked?"

"The Emperor is a bit wronged in this matter. He shows such benevolence to ordinary people—how could he bear to treat his own sons poorly?"

Emperor Qianyou felt somewhat pleased. Finally, this brat said something good about him! Why did hearing this kid praise him make him happier than hearing others do so?

The other officials in the court watched as Emperor Qianyou's expression shifted between joy and anger, feeling deeply conflicted. Did the Emperor want to release the two princes or not?

If only he'd give a hint, so they could act accordingly! As things stood, who could possibly guess the Emperor's true intentions?

If they misjudged, would the Emperor still be pleased with them?

Nevertheless, some officials bravely stepped forward. "Your Majesty, Lord Shi is right. The two princes are still children. Who hasn't been young and reckless? As long as they recognize their mistakes and correct them, that is what matters."

Meng Shuping was speechless. "They're in their twenties and still children? What, are they overgrown babies? They get a second chance, but what about the people they victimized? Do they get a second chance?"

"It's not that I deliberately want to retaliate against them. As imperial princes, they already enjoy greater privileges. Not only did they fail to shoulder their responsibilities, but they also abused their status to act recklessly. Locking them up was already going easy on them! Given that, what more do they have to complain about?"

However, most officials couldn't hear Meng Shuping's inner thoughts. They were still diligently trying to give Emperor Qianyou a way out. "The two princes have been imprisoned for so long—they must have realized their mistakes by now! In my opinion, such a severe lesson is already enough."

"Exactly, exactly! The two princes have never suffered much hardship. In this freezing weather, the prison cell is so damp and chilly—no matter how many layers they wear, they can't stay warm! Let's not allow them to develop chronic illnesses."

"Your Majesty, the two princes are not inherently bad. Perhaps they were misled by others? In my opinion, their servants should be punished to prevent them from leading the princes astray again."

"Precisely! I believe that as long as Your Majesty guides them more in the future, they will surely turn over a new leaf!"

Meng Shuping felt puzzled. "Strange, why are so many officials speaking up for those two princes?"

"Do Jiang Ciyi and the other one have such influence in the court? Could it be that they’re banding together to challenge the Emperor?"

He once again mentally dubbed the voices of the officials: "Hmph, old fool! If you don’t release the two princes soon, just see if we don’t collectively stage a walkout and bring the court to a standstill!"

The Minister of Works shuddered, breaking out in a cold sweat. Band together to challenge the Emperor? What others might do has nothing to do with him! He was simply pleading for leniency—was it necessary to lay such a serious charge on him?

Emperor Qianyou: "..."

Rest assured, those two really don’t have that much influence.

After finishing his thoughts, Meng Shuping looked up at Emperor Qianyou, wondering whether the Emperor would let them out. If they were set free, he would surely face trouble again.

But as soon as he looked up, he suddenly met Emperor Qianyou’s eyes. He quickly lowered his head. "Whoa! Scared me to death! Why is he looking over here? Could he be looking at me?"

"Oh oh oh! I get it! He’s hinting for me to stop shooting my mouth off! If I ruin his plans, he’ll have my head!"

"So that’s it! The Emperor must want to release his sons himself, but he doesn’t want to go back on his word. So he just hinted to the court officials: 'Hey, you few, did you see my look? Be sensible and quickly give me a way out so I can smoothly release my sons! Otherwise, you’ll regret it!'"

"Tsk tsk tsk, after all these years in court, those officials sure know how to read the room! How come I didn’t notice anything?"

"Good thing I never like to stand out. If I were to openly oppose their release, wouldn’t that be slapping the Emperor in the face? He’d definitely hate me to death!"

Emperor Qianyou’s vein in his temple throbbed. Kid, you’re overthinking it! When did I ever hint to others to release my two sons?

You didn’t notice anything because I didn’t give any hints. Don’t go making wild guesses!

Minister of Revenue Chen and a few others stood motionless, eyes fixed on their noses. Under normal circumstances, they would also try to read the Emperor’s expression to decide how to act, but this time, they thought it better to stay out of it.

After all, with Meng Shuping around, who knew how much the Emperor would be influenced?

At that moment, Jiang Cihe stepped forward. "Father, I also think Lord Shi is right. Since Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother lack a sense of benevolence and righteousness, it would be best to quickly find them a stern tutor. Even in prison, it wouldn’t get in the way of their studies."

Minister of Revenue and the others: "Whoa!"

You’re ruthless! Is that what he meant? He wanted them released, but you’re not only keeping them in prison but also making them study and receive strict discipline there? How shameless!

The other princes: "Whoa whoa whoa!"

Why didn’t they think of that? When it comes to scheming, Seventh Brother takes the crown! But this idea is really quite good!

They immediately chimed in, "Exactly, Father! Since Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother have nothing to do in prison anyway, giving them something to do will keep them from getting bored!"

"Seventh Brother’s idea is excellent! Repentance shouldn’t come only from punishment—it should come from the heart! Studying is a great way to deepen their understanding!"

"What do you mean Seventh Brother’s idea? This is clearly Lord Shi’s idea! As princes, how can we steal the credit from the officials? If we did that, what would others think of us once word got out?"

"Right, right! Look at my memory—this was obviously Lord Shi’s suggestion! My apologies, Lord Shi, I misspoke earlier."

Minister of Works: "..."

You all shut up! When did I ever say that? You princes, don’t just pin this on me because you know I can’t refute you easily!

The court officials: "..."

So what should they do? Can someone give them a hint? Well, anyway, hiring stern tutors for the two princes can’t be wrong. Lord Shi already took the lead, didn’t he?

So they all said, "The princes make a valid point! Whether the two Highnesses are released or not, having them study is certainly not a bad idea!"

"Reading makes one wise. I believe that under the guidance of stern tutors, the two Highnesses will better understand Your Majesty’s good intentions!"

"Exactly, exactly! Reading brings enlightenment!"

Emperor Qianyou: "..."

Fine, let them study. They have nothing to do in prison anyway. Making them study won’t harm them.

He asked the officials, "Regarding the selection of stern tutors, do any of you Beloved Ministers have suggestions?"

The officials glanced at each other and began recommending one another. "Your Majesty, this Lord Li is learned—teaching the two princes would be no trouble for him!"

Lord Li quickly declined. "No, no! I’m old and cough cough—I can’t handle the back-and-forth. Lord Zhao would be more suitable!"

But Lord Zhao didn’t want this troublesome task either. He hurriedly said, "No, no! I’m too busy with official duties—I can’t spare the time! How about Lord Lin?"

"Hmm... I’ve recently caught a cold. It wouldn’t do to pass the illness to the two Highnesses. What about Lord Zhou?"

...

Meng Shuping thought excitedly, "I know, I know! Assign them a strict, by-the-book disciplinarian! Otherwise, an ordinary person wouldn’t be able to keep them in check!"

Although Emperor Qianyou knew full well that Meng Shuping was settling a personal grudge, he still felt the suggestion made sense. If he assigned them a smooth-talking official, what would be the point of having them taught?

So, after scanning the room, he finally pointed to an official known for his rigid integrity. "Minister Wei, I’ll leave this matter to you."

The official stepped forward with a stern expression. "Yes."

Soon, a eunuch came to the Imperial Clan Court prison to deliver the decree. Seeing someone from the palace, Jiang Ciyi and Jiang Cian were overjoyed. They rushed to the door, trying hard not to appear too excited. "Has our father the Emperor issued an order to release us?"

The eunuch delivering the decree felt awkward and forced a dry laugh. "No, Your Highnesses Prince Cheng and Prince Ning. His Majesty has arranged for a strict teacher to come here daily to instruct and supervise your studies."

Jiang Ciyi and Jiang Cian were stunned. Jiang Cian asked in disbelief, "What? Why would our father the Emperor suddenly want us to study here? Are you faking imperial orders?"

The eunuch was startled and quickly replied, "How could I dare? It was mainly because Lord Shi said the two of you lack virtue and moral character, and that you need a strict teacher. That’s why His Majesty made this arrangement."

The two princes’ faces darkened, and they seethed inwardly, "That Shi! What grudge do you hold against us? Why are you trying to harm us like this?"

Nearby, Dong Wenjin had initially been worried that if Jiang Ciyi and Jiang Cian were released, he would be left alone in the prison. But upon hearing this, he began shaking with silent laughter. How miserable! Too miserable!

To think that two esteemed princes, stuck in here this long without getting out, would now have the Emperor specifically arrange for them to study here! He himself had hated studying even when he wasn’t imprisoned. Now, the fourth and fifth princes actually had to study!

Hahaha! Compared to them, he suddenly felt his own situation was much more comfortable!

Some time later, several officials involved with Dong Lide were successively brought to the capital. After the investigation was completed, it was time for Dong Lide to leave the capital for his provincial assignment.

Before departing, he visited the Imperial Clan Court prison. Seeing him, Dong Wenjin was overjoyed. "Father, have you come to take me out?"

Remembering that his current predicament was largely due to his troublesome son, Dong Lide found it hard to put on a pleasant face. He snorted and said, "Take you out? Because of you, I’ve been reassigned to Ningzhou. How would I have the means to get you out? I’m here just to see you one last time. After this, I’ll be leaving."

Dong Wenjin was shocked. "What? You’ve been demoted to a provincial post? Then what about me? Will anyone still make arrangements here?"

Dong Lide’s face darkened again. "Make arrangements? Make arrangements for what? If it weren’t for the family fortune being surrendered to the Emperor, I wouldn’t have gotten off so easily! Just tough it out here for now. When the family has money again, we’ll see about taking care of you."

Dong Wenjin was stunned. Not only was his father demoted, but the family’s money was gone too? How was he supposed to live from now on?

Jiang Ciyi and Jiang Cian, while doing their assignments, overheard the conversation between father and son. When they heard that Dong Lide had been demoted and the family had lost its wealth, their mouths curved into uncontrollable grins. Hahaha! They had thought their situation—having to study in jail—was miserable enough, but Dong Wenjin was even worse off!

At least they lived comfortably in prison and would have money to spend once they got out. But Dong Wenjin? With no one to look out for him, he was stuck with rough conditions in prison!

That thought cheered them right up.