Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Jiang Zhiru's eyes blazed. She had intended to teach Meng Shuping a lesson, but he was perfectly fine, wasn't he? Why was he being so aggressive, exaggerating the danger in front of the Emperor?

And as for the Emperor losing face or bringing shame to the nation over such a trivial matter—was it really that serious? Did they think she knew nothing about court affairs just because she wasn't an official?

Seeing Jiang Zhiru so frightened, Emperor Qianyou had initially begun to calm down, but Meng Shuping's reminder reignited his anger.

Indeed, he had just hosted a banquet for foreign envoys, and Jiang Zhiru had caused such a scene. What would the envoys think if they found out?

His face darkened as he said, "What? Were you hoping something would happen to Seventh?"

Seventh was fine, but Jiang Zhiru showed no remorse. How could she utter those words so lightly? Did she even care about Seventh's safety?

Jiang Zhiru broke out in a cold sweat, shaking her head frantically. "No, Father Emperor, I didn’t think that!"

Although Jiang Ciyi was angry at his sister's recklessness, he still felt a familial bond. Seeing Emperor Qianyou truly enraged, he quickly stepped forward to intercede. "Father Emperor, please calm your anger. Zhiru is still young and likely doesn't understand the gravity of her actions. I believe she will learn her lesson from this!"

Meng Shuping was exasperated. [Why do they always use age as an excuse when they make mistakes? What does being young have to do with it? Does being young justify wrongdoing? If she's this malicious now, what will she be like when she grows up? Today, she attacked me because she disliked me—what if tomorrow she dislikes the Emperor and attacks him?]

[Don't say that just because the Emperor is her father, she'll remember family ties. The imperial family isn't like us ordinary commoners!]

[Besides, she didn't suffer any pain herself—what lesson could she possibly learn? She needs to face severe punishment to truly remember!]

The Minister of Revenue and others broke into a cold sweat. Was this something they should be hearing?

Emperor Qianyou's expression grew colder the more he listened. Meng Shuping, after all, was a court official. How could Jiang Zhiru act so recklessly without any regard for him?

Moreover, he hadn't even known about this incident until now. His seemingly well-behaved daughter was actually so audacious behind his back. What else had Jiang Zhiru done without his knowledge?

Jiang Zhiru seethed inwardly. This guy couldn't keep his mouth shut! She tried to ignore Meng Shuping's words and put on a pitiful expression. "Father Emperor, I truly know I was wrong. I won’t do it again."

Meng Shuping scratched his cheek, feeling like he had overlooked something. Suddenly, it dawned on him. [I was wondering why Sixth Princess, who I’ve only met once, would want me dead. Could it be that Prince Ning put her up to it?]

[Ah... I see now!]

[Perhaps their real target was the Prince? This would settle an old score from his imprisonment and eliminate a competitor for the throne. Even if someone died, would the Emperor really execute his own daughter? At most, he’d strip her of her title, and if her brother ascended the throne, he could always restore it. Of course, if he doesn’t become emperor, that’s another story.]

[But, not to criticize him, why not target his older brothers first? Aren't they bigger threats? Oh, I get it—the Prince is the head of secret investigations. Without getting rid of him, it’s hard to do anything discreetly, right?]

The Minister of Revenue and others gasped. Wow! This analysis... had to be admitted, it sounded quite plausible!

Jiang Ciyi felt a chill run down his spine. It wasn't him, he had nothing to do with it—don't spout nonsense! He truly knew nothing about this! It was entirely Jiang Zhiru’s doing!

He spoke rapidly, almost in a panic. "But wrong is wrong. Since she made a mistake, she must face the consequences for her actions! Father Emperor! Even though Zhiru is my own sister, I believe we cannot let this slide!"

He absolutely couldn’t let Father Emperor suspect him. If the Emperor had doubts, even without evidence, his future would likely be ruined.

Jiang Zhiru never expected her only full brother to treat her like this. She stared at Jiang Ciyi in disbelief. "Fourth Brother, what are you saying?"

Meng Shuping’s eyes widened in surprise. [Oho~ She never saw it coming—betrayed by her own brother, hahaha!]

Facing the astonished gazes of others and his sister’s look of betrayal, Jiang Ciyi remained composed. He spoke earnestly to Jiang Zhiru. "Zhiru, although I am your brother, what you did this time was truly excessive. How can I condone your mistakes? That wouldn’t be helping you—it would be harming you!"

Jiang Zhiru’s face flushed red with anger. "You say I went too far? Jiang Ciyi, what did Meng Shuping offer you to make you take his side like this?"

Before Jiang Ciyi could respond, Jiang Zhiru glared fiercely at Meng Shuping, then turned back to him and said furiously, "Do you have feelings for him?"

The Minister of Revenue and others: "Whoa!"

"No wonder Prince Ning has been so unusual toward Vice Director Meng. He must have had designs on him from the start!"

"Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous! A prince of the realm, harboring such filthy intentions!"

"Now it’s Vice Director Meng, but what if one day his tastes change and he sets his sights on our sons or grandsons? What would we do then?"

"Exactly, exactly. But at my age, I doubt I’d catch Prince Ning’s eye."

Meng Shuping’s eyes widened. [Eww, how terrifying! What exactly does he want from me?]

[No wonder he dragged me back and then kicked me out back then. Was he just trying to get my attention? And this time, inviting me to dinner to apologize—was that also part of a long-term scheme?]

[What should I do? How can I make him give up completely?]

Emperor Qianyou frowned and stared at Jiang Ciyi. When others had said it before, it was one thing, but now even Jiang Zhiru was saying it. Could there be some truth to it? Jiang Ciyi could fool around with others if he wanted, but meddling with a court official was absolutely forbidden!

Jiang Ciyi was so angry he could die. This sister of his—utterly useless and only causing trouble! Was now the time to argue about this? If he kept pleading for her, he’d be dragged down too!

Moreover, he had only said those things to get ahead of the situation and hopefully lessen Jiang Zhiru’s punishment. Instead of understanding his good intentions, Jiang Zhiru only made things worse. If he had known, he wouldn’t have tried to defend her. Not only did it not help, but it also landed him in hot water!

He said furiously, "Jiang Zhiru! I’m your brother—how can you spread such rumors? Besides, do you think harming others is right? By your logic, if Father Emperor disciplines you, does that mean he has feelings for someone else?"

And as for Meng Shuping—he liked women! Stop worrying about nonsense!

The Minister of Revenue and others: "Hiss..."

Was Prince Ning being a bit too bold with his words?

However, hearing Jiang Ciyi speak this way, Emperor Qianyou’s suspicions eased slightly. Fourth Son’s words weren’t wrong. Jiang Zhiru’s actions were indeed unacceptable. Emotionally, he hadn’t sided with his sister, but logically, he hadn’t done anything improper.

Emperor Qianyou scrutinized Jiang Ciyi. "Then, Fourth Son, how do you suggest we discipline Le Ning?"

Jiang Ciyi tensed up and answered cautiously, "I privately believe that Sixth Sister acted without understanding the consequences because she lacks proper moral guidance. It might be best to confine her to her palace and have strict tutors educate her on principles and conduct. Once Sixth Sister has learned reason and propriety, she can be released."

He was truly afraid of this sister. If she wasn't confined, he might face more trouble. Besides, even if she were confined, she wouldn't suffer much—just lose her freedom. It wouldn't be long before she could be released with some pleading.

Emperor Qianyou’s suspicion deepened. Did Jiang Ciyi know about Jiang Zhiru’s actions? Confinement could be light or severe depending on how it was enforced. Was Jiang Ciyi saying this out of brotherly love or to protect her?

But Jiang Zhiru felt Jiang Ciyi was being utterly unreasonable. Her eyes reddened. "Why? I only taught him a lesson, and no one was hurt. Why should I be confined?"

Seeing Jiang Zhiru so unrepentant, Emperor Qianyou was about to erupt in anger when someone outside announced, "Your Majesty, Consort Shu requests an audience."

Meng Shuping was puzzled until Jiang Cihe whispered, "Consort Shu is their birth mother."

Meng Shuping immediately understood. [So she’s here for some pillow talk!]

"Pfft!" The Minister of Revenue and others couldn’t help but burst into laughter. They quickly controlled their expressions but turned red in the face from suppressing their amusement.

Emperor Qianyou stiffened and said angrily, "I won’t see her! Tell her to go back!"

What nonsense about pillow talk—did they think he was the kind of person who couldn’t tell right from wrong?

Meng Shuping was a little disappointed. [Huh? Why not see her? I was quite curious about what kind of person Consort Shu is!]

[But this really isn’t a good time for her to request an audience, is it? She should wait until evening, invite the Emperor to her chambers, serve some wine, give him a massage, and when he’s in a good mood, he’d agree to anything she says, right?]

[Tsk tsk, no wonder both siblings are so arrogant. Look, even the Emperor probably can’t resist the power of pillow talk.]

[Ah? I forgot again—the Emperor is so old now. Does he still fall for that kind of thing?]

The Minister of Revenue and others hurriedly lowered their heads and pinched their thighs to prevent themselves from laughing out loud again. They dared not openly watch the emperor’s embarrassment.

Emperor Qianyou’s face darkened. Did Meng Shuping really think he wouldn’t catch the implication just because he didn’t say it outright? This brat was clearly insinuating he wasn’t capable anymore! Hmph! Even at his age, he was still very capable!

Just then, that eunuch spoke up again, “Your Majesty, I told her you wouldn’t see her, but Consort Shu still insists on seeing you!”

Meng Shuping watched the drama unfold, [Ooh~ so persistent!]

Jiang Cihe covered his mouth with his hand. This Little Bold was truly mischievous!

Emperor Qianyou took a deep breath, “I said no means no. If she wants to wait, let her wait outside!”

Meng Shuping remarked, [Wow, how cold-hearted of His Majesty! I said she should’ve come at night, right?]

Jiang Zhiru, however, felt her heart sink. If even her mother couldn’t get an audience with the emperor, who would plead on her behalf now?

She couldn’t help but glared hatefully at Meng Shuping. It was all his fault! If he hadn’t invited Jiang Cihe into his carriage, would the emperor have paid so much attention to this matter?

Startled by Jiang Zhiru’s furious glare, Meng Shuping exclaimed, [Whoa? She dares to glare at me? Does she only regret not succeeding in killing me this time? And she claims she’s learned her lesson—that’s just fooling His Majesty! Is she planning to be more careful next time she tries something?]

Emperor Qianyou glared displeasedly at Jiang Zhiru, “Jiang Zhiru.”

Trembling with fear, Jiang Zhiru replied, “Yes.”

Emperor Qianyou said sternly, “Considering you didn’t cause any major disaster this time, I will not punish you severely for now. But if there is a next time, I will not be lenient!”

Overjoyed, Jiang Zhiru immediately said, “Thank you, Father!”

Meng Shuping couldn’t help but complain, [No way, no way! He wouldn't protect his malicious daughter at the expense of his son’s disappointment, would he?]

Emperor Qianyou: “…” He hadn’t even finished speaking! Why was this brat in such a hurry? Was he only happy when he was being sarcastic?

He continued, “But since you have done wrong, you must be punished. I sentence you to six months of confinement for reflection. Do you accept this punishment?”

Jiang Zhiru felt her whole body go cold. After a long pause, she listlessly replied, “Yes.”

Meng Shuping hadn’t expected Emperor Qianyou to add more. He immediately cheered inwardly, [How wise of His Majesty!]

Emperor Qianyou couldn’t help but smile—he loved hearing that! But just as his lips curved upward, he heard Meng Shuping mutter softly, “But what I really want to know is, will my carriage damages be compensated?”

[After all, it was his daughter who caused the trouble. Surely her father isn’t thinking of skipping out on the bill, is he?]

Emperor Qianyou’s smile instantly froze on his face. After he had upheld justice for him, this brat only cared about asking him for money?

He huffed angrily, “Fourth Prince!”

Jiang Ciyi had a bad feeling, but since Emperor Qianyou had called him, he reluctantly stepped forward, “I am here, Father.”

Emperor Qianyou said, “You will compensate Beloved Minister Meng for his losses.”

Jiang Ciyi was stunned, “Father, why should I pay? You’re her father—shouldn’t you be the one compensating?”

Though he had money, why should he be the scapegoat? Jiang Zhiru wasn’t only his relative! Besides, his father had far more money than he did—how could he be so stingy?

Emperor Qianyou looked at him with self-righteousness, “Aren’t you her brother? Shouldn’t you pay?”

What was the point of raising sons if not to share his burdens? Look at Seventh—how readily he paid up!

Jiang Ciyi seethed inwardly but didn’t dare speak out, so he grudgingly said, “Yes.”