Chapter 148

Chapter 148

The crowd gathered around exchanged glances. After a moment, some, seeing no further spectacle, turned and left. Gradually, the throng dispersed.

However, a small number of people lingered, subtly observing Meng Shuping from a distance. Among them were Wu Qing and his companions, whom Meng Shuping had just encountered. They scrutinized Meng Shuping, thinking, *So this is the Fifth Young Master Meng of the Earl of Anyang's household. No wonder he's so detestable—he was even trash-talking us in his head!*

Once everyone had departed, Meng Shuping snatched the letter from Jiang Cihe's hand. "Let me get a look at this handwriting..."

"Strange, why does this handwriting look so familiar? I feel like I've seen it somewhere before. Wait, isn't this Jiang Cihe's handwriting?"

Jiang Cihe was surprised and quickly leaned in to examine it. Upon closer inspection, he too was taken aback. It did resemble his handwriting, but—"It looks a bit like mine, but it's far inferior to my actual hand."

The two looked at each other, even more puzzled. Even if someone intended to frame Meng Shuping, why would they use Jiang Cihe's handwriting to do it?

Meng Shuping took another look at the writing and suddenly realized, "Oh, I see what's going on."

Jiang Cihe asked, confused, "See what?"

Meng Shuping explained, "This looks like me trying to copy your handwriting."

Earlier, when Jiang Cihe had taught him to write, Meng Shuping had practiced by imitating Jiang Cihe's calligraphy. Could it be that the person behind this was mimicking Meng Shuping's imitation of Jiang Cihe's handwriting?

Jiang Cihe mused, "The person trying to frame you must be from the Earl of Anyang's household."

Meng Shuping grumbled, "You've got to be kidding me! I was wondering who would go to such lengths to make trouble for me. So it's them again? Do they have nothing better to do all day besides picking on others?"

Only a few people in the entire Earl's household had issues with him, so it had to be one of them.

Jiang Cihe looked at him and asked, "Do you want me to help you settle this?"

Meng Shuping nodded eagerly, "You bet!"

Jiang Cihe had initially thought that even if Meng Shuping refused, he would still stand up for him. To his surprise, Meng Shuping agreed outright. He was startled for a moment before smiling, "Alright."

Seeing Jiang Cihe's reaction, Meng Shuping couldn't help but chuckle, "Heh, didn't expect that, did you? If I have someone to rely on, why wouldn't I use them? I'm not stupid!"

Jiang Cihe's lips curled into a smile. He truly hadn't expected it, but upon reflection, this was indeed in line with Meng Shuping's character.

After carefully stashing the love letter into his robe, Meng Shuping and Jiang Cihe headed elsewhere. Jiang Cihe casually glanced around, and when he felt no one was paying attention, he reached out and laced his fingers through Meng Shuping's.

Meng Shuping looked at their joined hands and then at Jiang Cihe, "What are you doing? We're in public!"

*He's really pushing his luck! I haven't even agreed to be with him yet, and he's holding my hand so naturally?*

*Whatever, it's not like I'm going along with it. I just don't want to be seen making a scene!*

Fortunately, their sleeves were wide enough that, unless someone looked closely, it was hard to see what their hands were doing underneath. However, given how close they were standing, some observant people might still suspect something.

Jiang Cihe smiled, tightening his grip, "So what? Do I need their permission to do what I want?"

Meng Shuping protested, "But you didn't ask for my permission either?"

Jiang Cihe turned to look at him, "Well, do you agree?"

Meng Shuping tried to shake his hand off, "I don't agree."

"Fine," Jiang Cihe said, his grip not loosening at all, "I'm holding your hand whether you agree or not."

Meng Shuping didn't realize how much his own lips were quirking upward as he muttered, "So childish."

The two walked along the path for a while when suddenly, Meng Shuping heard more noise nearby. He instinctively turned toward the sound and saw a group of people gathered there.

"Excellent! The brushwork in this painting is delicate, the shading is just right—now that's a masterpiece!"

"So impressive!"

"It must have taken years to paint something like this!"

Just then, one of them turned around and noticed Meng Shuping and Jiang Cihe. He fluttered his folding fan and walked over, thinking he looked elegant.

Meng Shuping averted his gaze, unable to bear the sight, "So cringey! Does he really think walking like that is attractive? Is he trying to charm everyone? Gross... is he serious?"

Wu Qing's steps faltered, and his expression stiffened for a moment. What was wrong with the way he walked? Wasn't it quite graceful? Did this kid even know how to appreciate style? Then again, someone who grew up outside the capital—what would he know about style?

After reassuring himself internally, Wu Qing maintained his stride and continued over. Under his sleeve, Meng Shuping quickly tried to pull his hand free to avoid drawing attention.

Jiang Cihe had no choice but to let go. He looked at Wu Qing displeased, "Is there something you need?"

Wu Qing was taken aback, wondering why Jiang Cihe's attitude had suddenly turned so cold. He then put on a smile and said, "Your Highness. We were painting over there. I heard that Lord Meng is quite knowledgeable. Why don't you and Lord Meng come take a look?"

Meng Shuping stared at Wu Qing in disbelief, "Oh, please, now he's pretending not to know me? Last time he was sarcastic and mocking, but this time he's so friendly? Is it because the prince is here? Ugh! So obsequious—what a bootlicker!"

*Speaking of which, how does he have the nerve to welch on the payment he promised someone?*

Wu Qing's expression stiffened. He hadn't expected this person to be on such good terms with Prince Zhao. But even so, what did it matter? Would this guy actually go out of his way to snitch?

Jiang Cihe had initially not wanted to be disturbed during his time with Meng Shuping, but after hearing Meng Shuping's inner thoughts, he felt there might be more to the story. He changed his mind and said, "Sure!"

Meng Shuping looked at Jiang Cihe in surprise, "He actually agreed? Is he on good terms with this guy? Well, then I'll have to tell on him. You really shouldn't be friends with someone like this!"

Wu Qing's mouth twitched. Most people would let bygones be bygones, so why was this guy being petty? If that was the case, then he couldn't be blamed for causing a scene.

He smiled and said, "Then, Your Highness and Fifth Young Master Meng, please."

Meng Shuping hung back a step, following Jiang Cihe and avoiding the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd. After a moment, Wu Qing brought over a painting from the table, "Fifth Young Master Meng, I heard even the new imperial scholars were stumped by the questions you posed. It's clear you're really smart and talented. I imagine your calligraphy must be outstanding as well. Could you inscribe a few words on this painting so we can all admire it?"

Although he knew Meng Shuping's handwriting was nothing special, he was certain Meng Shuping wouldn't actually inscribe the painting. If he did, and so many people saw his awful handwriting, the news would spread, and Meng Shuping would become the laughingstock of the entire capital.

But if Meng Shuping refused, he would have to publicly admit his handwriting was poor. Either choice would lead to public humiliation. Thinking of this, Wu Qing felt quite pleased. He hadn't expected to find an opportunity to deal with Meng Shuping so quickly.

Under everyone's gaze, Meng Shuping felt flustered and panicky. At the same time, he was completely shocked, "You want me to inscribe it? Are you sure?"

*Even if he's doing this on purpose, does he have to flatter me so insincerely? Doesn't he feel embarrassed? I'm actually embarrassed! But honestly, if he's going to praise me, he should praise me more. I love hearing it!*

Wu Qing: "..."

Did he think Wu Qing wanted to be insincere? The words tasted bitter in his mouth! His expression stiff as he replied, "Of course!"

Meng Shuping shook his head nervously, "No way, I can't do that!"

*Praising me is one thing, but buttering me up to get free work? That's going too far. He didn't even offer any payment, and he expects me to work for free? He must think I'm some kind of fool who does things for nothing!*

Jiang Cihe couldn't help but laugh. Wu Qing was indeed thinking too highly of himself. Even his father, the emperor, had to reward Meng Shuping to get him to work. What right did some unrelated person have to expect free labor?

Wu Qing was exasperated. For a simple inscription, Meng Shuping actually wanted payment? Meng Shuping was the one with lofty expectations! He put on a puzzled expression and said, "Why can't you do it? I heard even His Majesty praised Fifth Young Master Meng's calligraphy. Could it be that Fifth Young Master Meng looks down on us?"

Meng Shuping was speechless, "Not inscribing it means I look down on him? Why is he so sensitive? Is he that insecure?"

He said sincerely, "I'm afraid someone might use my calligraphy for bad purposes!"

Wu Qing was about to retort when he remembered that, indeed, someone had just tried to use Meng Shuping's calligraphy for mischief. Before he could speak, he saw Meng Shuping looking at him incredulously, "You insist on me writing something—could it be you're planning to sell my calligraphy for money?"

"Even though my handwriting is just average, it's become famous now—the Emperor himself called it ugly! Who knows, maybe many would want to buy it for collection?"

"Of course, even if not for selling, it could be used to frame me. Didn’t someone just try that trick?"

Wu Qing’s face was a mix of emotions. Him, selling Meng Shuping's calligraphy for money? Was he out of his mind?

Seeing the suspicious looks from those around him, he snapped, turning red, "You're overthinking it! With handwriting like yours, how could you even suggest selling it?"

He’d seen confident people before, but never one so full of himself—this guy had no shame!

Meng Shuping said in disbelief, "If you think my handwriting is so bad, why insist I write? Are you crazy? Or do you think your painting skills match my calligraphy that well?"

"Is it so hard to admit you just want to embarrass me? Or does he love me so deeply that he wants my writing even if it's terrible? Could he be collecting my used belongings too? Ew, that’s just weird!"

Jiang Cihe quickly objected, "How could that be? Your calligraphy is way better than his painting! You mustn’t write on it—it might ruin the piece!"

The onlookers stared at Jiang Cihe, stunned. They wondered inwardly if Prince Zhao was blind. Though they hadn’t seen Meng Shuping's handwriting, given his background, they assumed it couldn’t be good.

Hearing this, a vein bulged on Wu Qing's forehead. Him, loving Meng Shuping deeply? How narcissistic could this guy get?

And what was up with Prince Zhao? No matter how close he was to Meng Shuping, he couldn’t just make things up, could he? Even the Emperor had openly called Meng Shuping's writing ugly—how could Jiang Cihe praise it?

Though he was trying to make things hard for Meng Shuping, he couldn’t admit it openly, so he said stiffly, "What I meant is, how could I possibly sell your calligraphy?"

Afraid Meng Shuping would keep going on about it, Wu Qing quickly changed the subject, "Since Fifth Young Master Meng is unwilling to let us admire your calligraphy, how about you critique this painting instead? I’d like to hear Fifth Young Master Meng's opinion."

Meng Shuping hesitated and mumbled awkwardly, "My opinion? Better not."

"Why does he keep being on my case? Is he that obsessed with me? But even if he is, I don’t know how to appreciate paintings—saying 'it looks nice' is about the best I can do!"

Jiang Cihe shot a displeased look at Wu Qing. Him, obsessed with little moneygrubber? So his earlier strutting, repeatedly provoking little moneygrubber to speak, and promising him money—was it all to get little moneygrubber's attention?

Hmph! A toad lusting after a swan!

Wu Qing suddenly felt a chill and shivered. Was it just his imagination?

Just then, others jumped in, "Wu Qing, you’re really pushing him too far. Fifth Young Master Meng grew up in a small place—when would he have had the chance to learn this?"

"He’s an outsider—what right does he have to judge professionals? It’ll just be embarrassing."

"Ask him about the painting’s school and style—if he can answer, I’ll admit he’s talented. If not, he’s just a fraud!"

Meng Shuping frowned slightly, "What’s wrong with them? Wu Qing’s the one who asked for a critique—why are they all mocking me? It’s not like I volunteered. Deliberately cornering me is one thing, but rallying others too? Just wait, I’ll shut him down!"

Jiang Cihe was about to intervene for Meng Shuping but stopped when he heard this. He watched as Meng Shuping puffed out his chest and said firmly, "Fine, I’ll give a critique."

"Don’t blame me if it ends up embarrassing!"

Wu Qing felt a hint of smugness. Critiquing a painting wasn’t something just anyone could do, let alone an outsider like Meng Shuping. Did he think saying "it looks nice" or "it’s realistic" would suffice?

He didn’t know how Meng Shuping had faked his way through poetry critiques, but with paintings, it took years of study to say anything meaningful.