Chapter 125

Chapter 125

However, the butler remained unconvinced. He smiled, “The last person we brought back said the very same thing.”

Meng Shuping was stunned. [Good heavens, is this a regular occurrence then?]

His back stiffened, and he asked, somewhat horrified, “You… you’ve snatched several people?”

The butler maintained his smile. “To be frank, young master, ‘inviting’ a few more back simply gives us more options to choose from!”

Meng Shuping was speechless. [What do you mean ‘invite’? This is clearly abduction! And picking several? This isn’t like choosing vegetables at the market!]

He forced himself to say, “Actually, I didn’t even take the imperial examination. If you don’t believe me, go check—my name isn’t on the list.”

The butler waved a dismissive hand. “No matter. With your handsome appearance, even if you didn’t pass this time, you might still have a chance with our master and young lady.”

Not only was Meng Shuping still young, with plenty of time to try again, but his attire and demeanor alone indicated he came from a good family and possessed a gentle disposition. In any case, it was merely an initial assessment—nothing was set in stone.

Meng Shuping said helplessly, [Why would I want such an opportunity? Besides, if I didn’t pass this time, I won’t pass next time either! If they’re looking for a new imperial scholar, they’ve certainly miscalculated!]

He maintained a deadpan expression. “You… you’ve truly got the wrong person, and I have no intention of getting married right now.”

Just as the butler was about to speak, Minister of Revenue Chen entered from outside. Seeing Meng Shuping, he looked very surprised. “Vice Director Meng? What are you doing here? Are you looking for me?”

Meng Shuping was equally astonished. He glanced around and said incredulously, “Lord Chen, is this your residence?”

[No way, no way! Does Lord Chen’s daughter really need to snatch a husband? Couldn’t she find someone normally? These scholars from out of town have unverified backgrounds—isn’t he afraid of being deceived into a marriage?]

Hearing this, Minister of Revenue Chen realized Meng Shuping wasn’t there to see him. Then why had he come? And what was this about bride-snatching?

He smiled and asked, “If this isn’t my home, then where is it? Didn’t you know before coming?”

The butler looked bewildered, glancing from Meng Shuping to Minister of Revenue Chen. What was going on? Why did their master address this young man as Vice Director Meng?

Could it be that this young man held an official position in the court? The thought made the butler’s eyes widen in shock. Had they really… snatched the wrong person?

Meng Shuping fell silent for a few seconds, then said awkwardly, “I was snatched by people from Lord Chen’s residence. How could I have known?”

[And he has the nerve to ask if I knew? I was just walking down the street, minding my own business—who knew I’d be snatched and brought here? They couldn’t even snatch the right new imperial scholar. Doesn’t he think his household staff is utterly unreliable?]

“What?” Minister of Revenue Chen was shocked. He turned to the butler. “Why did you snatch him?”

“Well…” The butler said awkwardly, “Master, this Vice Director Meng came out from where the results were posted. We thought he was handsome and assumed he was this year’s scholar, so we ‘invited’ him back.”

Meng Shuping remained silent. [Is that what you call an invitation? Does he have a misunderstanding of the word ‘invite’? I thought I was being kidnapped! Besides, just because someone is good-looking, does that give them the right to snatch people?]

After hearing the butler’s explanation, Minister of Revenue Chen was stunned. After a moment of silence, he said to Meng Shuping apologetically, “I’m truly sorry about this. It’s entirely their fault. I’ll definitely give them a talking-to later.”

Although Meng Shuping was extremely exasperated inside, he replied magnanimously, “It’s fine. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

Just as Minister of Revenue Chen was about to speak, the butler leaned in and whispered, “Master, I wonder if this Vice Director Meng is married?”

Though he didn’t know Vice Director Meng’s background, if someone so young held an official position and was remembered by their master, he must be quite outstanding, right?

Hearing this, Minister of Revenue Chen paused, then his eyes lit up. He sized up Meng Shuping and suddenly realized that this young man might actually be a good candidate.

In terms of background, he came from the Earl of Anyang’s household. Although he was only a secondary son, it seemed the Earl was quite fond of Meng Shuping. Even if he weren’t, with his support, Meng Shuping would do just fine in the future.

In terms of prospects, Meng Shuping was highly favored by the Emperor and had a close relationship with Prince Zhao. Though his personality tended to offend people, in Minister Chen’s view, Meng Shuping knew which way the wind blew and had a promising future.

In terms of character, Meng Shuping was reliable and didn’t seem like a dishonorable person. Any young lady marrying him would likely not be mistreated.

Thinking this, he smiled amiably at Meng Shuping and said, “Wait, Vice Director Meng, there’s something I’d like to ask you. Would it be convenient to have a chat?”

Meng Shuping was puzzled. “What is it?”

Minister of Revenue Chen clapped him on the arm. “Come, come, let’s sit down and talk slowly.”

Meng Shuping hesitated. “Maybe we can talk another day? My servant is still looking for me.”

[Why do I feel like he’s up to something? Is it just my imagination?]

“No need to worry,” Minister of Revenue Chen instructed the butler. “Send someone to inform Vice Director Meng’s servant that he is at our residence and to come here to fetch him.”

The butler quickly replied, “Yes.”

Then, Minister of Revenue Chen turned back to Meng Shuping. “Let’s go, we’ll sit and wait.”

Meng Shuping, not good at refusing, reluctantly followed Minister of Revenue Chen and sat down in a chair. Minister Chen had tea served to Meng Shuping, then smiled and asked, “Vice Director Meng, why did you go to see the results today?”

Asked about this, Meng Shuping felt awkward. He replied stiffly, “I was just passing by and took a look.”

Minister of Revenue Chen nodded. “I see.”

He paused, then continued, “I was thinking of selecting a match for my daughter among this year’s scholars. What do you think, Vice Director Meng?”

Meng Shuping was confused. [Huh? Why is he asking me? His daughter’s marriage has nothing to do with me. But choosing a match from the new imperial scholars seems quite risky, doesn’t it?]

He answered cautiously, “I think it’s important to investigate carefully. Snatching someone like this seems too hasty.”

[What can you possibly learn in such a short time? And he’s the Minister of Revenue—why is he so reckless? No wonder his household staff is so unreliable; it must be because he sets the example.]

[But if he’s really set on finding someone, he should put in the effort. What if the candidate already has a wife back home? What if his family is difficult to get along with? What if he has secret medical conditions? What if he just wants to rely on his father-in-law? It’s hard to investigate someone from far away. If you miss something, it could be a disaster. Besides, even if there are good candidates, with so many people snatching, you might not even get one!]

Minister of Revenue Chen: “…” Hearing this, he realized there were indeed many problems.

He nodded in agreement. “Vice Director Meng is right. It is indeed too hasty.”

He then smiled slyly and asked, “I wonder if Vice Director Meng’s marriage has been arranged?”

Meng Shuping was startled, not understanding why Minister Chen suddenly brought this up. [Why is he shifting the topic to me? Weren’t we talking about his daughter? Ugh… is he thinking of marrying his daughter to me? No, no, I don’t want to get married now.]

After a moment’s thought, he replied carefully, “I’m still young. There’s no hurry.”

Minister of Revenue Chen chuckled. “Isn’t that perfect? I was thinking of keeping my daughter at home for a couple more years. It seems we’re on the same page. How about you marry my daughter?”

Meng Shuping was horrified. He waved his hands frantically. “No, no! I… I…”

Suddenly, an idea struck him. “The Emperor said he would arrange a marriage for me!”

[Good heavens! Why is everyone so interested in my marriage? Thankfully, I have the excuse of the Emperor’s arrangement; otherwise, it would be hard to refuse. In that case, the Emperor’s promise to arrange my marriage isn’t such a bad thing.]

Minister of Revenue Chen was surprised. He knew the Emperor favored Meng Shuping, but he hadn’t realized the Emperor would even help choose his marriage partner. This made the young man even more desirable!

He probed further, “Do you know which family’s daughter the Emperor has in mind for you?”

Meng Shuping hesitated. “The Emperor didn’t specify.”

Minister of Revenue Chen was somewhat reassured. “No matter. When I next enter the palace, I’ll bring it up with the Emperor. I’m sure he will consider it.”

Meng Shuping said hurriedly, "No need, no need, really, there's no need."

[Why hasn't he given up yet? Am I really that likable to him? No, no, I have to think of a way to make him give up quickly!]

Just as he was about to speak, suddenly, a servant entered from outside, "My lord, Prince Zhao, Your Highness, has arrived."

Meng Shuping was surprised. Jiang Cihe's here?

The Minister of Revenue was also very surprised. He quickly stood up, "Show him in at once."

Soon, Jiang Cihe strode in from outside. He first glanced at Meng Shuping, then greeted the Minister of Revenue, "Lord Chen."

The Minister of Revenue said politely, "What brings Your Highness here?"

Jiang Cihe walked to Meng Shuping's side and said calmly, "I heard he was taken here by force, so this king came to see what was going on."

The Minister of Revenue hadn’t expected that even Jiang Cihe knew about this. He looked embarrassed, "It’s nothing, nothing, just a misunderstanding. It’s all been cleared up now."

Jiang Cihe breathed a slight sigh of relief, "That’s good, then. I’ll be taking him with me now."

The Minister of Revenue quickly nodded, then turned to Meng Shuping, "Vice Director Meng, please do think carefully about what I said!"

Just as Jiang Cihe was about to leave, he heard this and paused, turning back, "What matter does Lord Chen want him to consider?"

"What else could it be, Your Highness?" the Minister of Revenue said with a laugh. "It’s about my daughter’s marriage. We were just discussing it."

Jiang Cihe frowned, shot a glance at Meng Shuping, then turned back to the Minister of Revenue, "Your daughter’s marriage?"

Meng Shuping felt inexplicably guilty under Jiang Cihe’s gaze and quickly said, "Lord Chen, don't speak nonsense! When did I say I would consider this?"

[I clearly refused already, okay? How can he twist things around like that?]

The Minister of Revenue smiled, "Didn’t Vice Director Meng just say that rushing into a marriage after the results are announced is too hasty? I’ve taken Vice Director Meng’s advice, and besides, didn’t we both agree that it’s still too early to marry, Your Highness? Vice Director Meng will have time to think it over after he goes back."

Jiang Cihe pressed his lips into a thin line. After a long pause, he let out a short laugh, "Lord Chen should look for another son-in-law. Vice Director Meng is not suitable."

Meng Shuping nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, yes."

The Minister of Revenue was puzzled, "Why?"

Jiang Cihe spoke calmly, "Some time ago, His Imperial Majesty said he intended to arrange a marriage for him, but he declined. If he were to agree to Lord Chen’s proposal now, wouldn’t that displease His Imperial Majesty?"

Meng Shuping nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, yes."

Just as the Minister of Revenue was about to say that if Meng Shuping agreed, he could also speak to the Emperor, Jiang Cihe continued, "Moreover, he has been persistently pursuing this king. I’m afraid he has little interest in anyone else."

Meng Shuping nodded again, "Yes, yes, yes... Wait, what?"