Chapter 151

Chapter 151

Meng Shuping tugged at Jiang Cihe's sleeve. When Jiang Cihe turned around, Meng Shuping mouthed, "Could you be a bit more tactful?"

Jiang Cihe seemed not to understand. He leaned closer to Meng Shuping and whispered, "What?"

Meng Shuping covered his mouth with his hand and whispered into Jiang Cihe’s ear, "Can you please not be so serious?"

Although he didn’t share a deep bond with Meng Houliang, ever since his return to the Earl’s residence, Meng Houliang had treated him with considerable care. He didn’t want Meng Houliang to be put in a difficult position because of him.

Jiang Cihe smiled faintly and leaned into Meng Shuping’s ear, saying, "Alright, I'll follow your lead."

Meng Shuping’s ear twitched involuntarily. He quickly pulled back, "Just talk properly—why say something like that out of the blue? How improper!"

Meng Houliang eyed Meng Shuping suspiciously, then Jiang Cihe. Weren't his grandson and Prince Zhao a little too uninhibited in their interactions? He sensed something odd between them.

He cleared his throat to get their attention, then said, "Your Highness Prince Zhao, aren’t you taking this matter too seriously? Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding?"

He thought it plausible that someone in the Earl’s residence might play a prank, but they certainly wouldn't dare target Jiang Cihe.

Jiang Cihe’s smile faded as he replied, "Earl, whether it’s a misunderstanding or not, I believe the people in your residence are in need of discipline. As you know, Shuping has made many enemies at court. Today, it’s a piece of writing that’s gone missing; tomorrow, it could be official documents he’s brought back. If someone were to exploit them, wouldn’t he be in serious trouble?"

Before Meng Houliang could respond, Jiang Cihe continued, "Moreover, not long after his return, rumors about him began circulating among the noble families. Then he was pushed into the water, and now he’s being framed. I refuse to believe all of this is mere coincidence. If you still fail to act now, I fear such incidents will only multiply. I cannot interfere in others' affairs, but I will not tolerate anyone in the Earl’s residence targeting Shuping again. Otherwise, I will not be so lenient."

Meng Shuping wholeheartedly agreed, "Exactly! I’ve never actively provoked anyone—at most, I’ve cursed them under my breath. I don’t know why they’re all so determined to oppose me. Don't they get tired?"

"Sigh, Grandfather is just too mild-tempered, letting them stir up trouble in the household every day. If it weren’t for Grandfather’s sake, do they think I’d let it go so easily?"

Meng Houliang finally understood—Jiang Cihe had spoken so sternly for Meng Shuping’s sake. He fell silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and said, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give Ping Geer a satisfactory explanation."

Although he knew there were some conflicts between Meng Shuping and others in the residence, such issues were inevitable in large families. Even other households had their share of unsavory matters. The Earl of Anyang’s residence was already considered relatively peaceful.

However, Jiang Cihe was right. If left unchecked, these minor squabbles could escalate. Moreover, Meng Shuping was now highly favored by the Emperor. They couldn't let family matters hinder his progress.

Jiang Cihe nodded, "Then I thank you, Earl."

Meng Houliang frowned slightly. Why was Jiang Cihe thanking him for investigating this matter? Ping Geer was his grandson—what business was it of Jiang Cihe's to offer thanks?

After discussing the matter, Jiang Cihe stood up to take his leave. Meng Shuping followed Meng Houliang to see Jiang Cihe off at the gate. Unexpectedly, after bidding farewell to Meng Houliang, Jiang Cihe turned back and ruffled Meng Shuping’s hair, saying, "That's far enough, no need to walk me out. You can go back now."

Meng Shuping was startled and quickly glanced at Meng Houliang, who was watching them with a thoughtful expression.

He quickly stepped back, "Alright, you should go now."

Jiang Cihe smiled, nodded, and boarded his carriage.

Meng Shuping followed Meng Houliang back into the residence. When they reached the courtyard gate and he was about to part ways to return to his own quarters, Meng Houliang stopped him, "Ping Geer, why is Prince Zhao so concerned about you?"

Meng Shuping froze for a moment before forcing out a laugh, "Haha, perhaps it’s because we’re good friends."

"That scoundrel! Is he deliberately trying to set me up? Making such a gesture right before leaving—if he’s so bold, why doesn’t he explain it himself?"

Meng Houliang looked him straight in the eye, "Good enough friends to interfere in the Earl’s affairs for you? He’s not one to meddle in others’ business."

Meng Shuping paused, "Then it’s probably because I complained to him. He must have gotten sick of my nagging."

"Stop asking, stop asking! If you keep asking, I’ll run out of excuses!"

Meng Houliang sighed and patted Meng Shuping’s shoulder, "Ping Geer, Prince Zhao’s status is different from yours. Some things may not affect him, but for you, one wrong choice could have serious consequences. No matter what, your grandfather hopes you will act with caution."

It wasn’t that he distrusted Jiang Cihe’s character, but Meng Shuping was a beloved junior. He didn’t want Meng Shuping, young and inexperienced, to be swept up by a fleeting infatuation. Jiang Cihe might treat him well now, but what about in a few years?

Moreover, there was still Emperor Qianyou to consider. Although Jiang Cihe was favored by the Emperor, that didn’t mean he could get away with anything. If he angered the Emperor, his future could be ruined.

Of course, he hoped he was mistaken.

Meng Shuping wasn’t sure whether Meng Houliang had guessed the nature of his relationship with Jiang Cihe. Guiltily, he said, "Grandfather, I understand."

Meng Houliang nodded, "Very well, you may return to your courtyard now."

Meng Shuping quickly bid farewell to Meng Houliang and hurried off to his own quarters.

The next day, during the morning court session, as soon as Meng Shuping saw Jiang Cihe, he turned his head away, avoiding his gaze. Jiang Cihe pondered—had he been too obvious the other day, angering the little moneygrubber? Or had Meng Houliang figured it out and strongly opposed it?

So, when Meng Shuping left the court to have breakfast, he was suddenly pulled into a corner. His heart raced as he tried to push the person away, only to realize it was Jiang Cihe. Relieved, he couldn’t help but complain, "What are you doing?"

Jiang Cihe looked down at him, "What’s wrong? Are you angry?"

Meng Shuping said irritably, "What do you think? Acting like that in front of my grandfather—were you afraid no one would notice?"

Jiang Cihe feigned ignorance, "Notice what?"

Meng Shuping retorted, "Don’t play dumb."

Jiang Cihe studied him for a moment, "Fine, I just wanted to prepare him gradually, so he wouldn’t be too shocked given his age."

Meng Shuping looked up, "It was shocking enough as it is, alright? If you’re so brave, why don’t you try shocking your father?"

Jiang Cihe stared at him intently, "Really?"

Meng Shuping was confused, "Really what?"

A smile lit up Jiang Cihe’s eyes, "Do you really want me to shock my father? If you don’t mind, I’ll go to my father right now and make our relationship public."

Seeing that Jiang Cihe seemed serious about dragging him along, Meng Shuping wasn't about to take that chance. He quickly grabbed Jiang Cihe, "No, no, I was just joking."

Jiang Cihe looked disappointed but took the opportunity to make a demand, "Then kiss me, and I won’t go shock my father."

Meng Shuping gaped at him, "What?"

"Isn’t he too shameless? It’s not just my problem—why is he using this to threaten me? Does he think I’ll just give in?"

Jiang Cihe curved his lips, "So, you do want our relationship to be public. In that case, let’s go."

Panicked, Meng Shuping quickly glanced around, then pressed his lips briefly against Jiang Cihe’s cheek, "Satisfied?"

"How annoying! Did he know I’d fall for such a threat? What if he really tells the Emperor we’re together? Would I have any chance to take it back? No, no—I can’t leave myself without an escape route!"

Jiang Cihe was momentarily stunned. He had only meant to tease Meng Shuping, never expecting him to actually take the bait.

But the little moneygrubber still wanted a way out? He wouldn’t give him the chance.

He gazed deeply at Meng Shuping and said slowly, "Not enough."

Meng Shuping was about to protest when Jiang Cihe’s lips suddenly pressed against his. Unconsciously, Meng Shuping grabbed Jiang Cihe’s collar, his breathing growing rapid.

After what felt like an eternity, the intense kiss broke off. Jiang Cihe held Meng Shuping by the waist to steady him, "Does this mean we’re together now?"

Meng Shuping moved his tingling lips, "...How childish."

Jiang Cihe leaned in as if to kiss him again, "Hm?"

Meng Shuping pressed a hand to Jiang Cihe's face and pushed him away, "All right, all right, it counts! Can I go now?"

Jiang Cihe asked with a smile, "Then, would you like to stay at my residence? I want... to see you every day."

Meng Shuping looked at him speechlessly, "Don't push your luck, okay?"

Jiang Cihe shook his head helplessly, "Fine, let’s go then. We'll get food first."

Meng Houliang worked efficiently, and within a few days, he had investigated most of the matter. On this day, as soon as Meng Shuping returned, he was summoned to Ruiwei Hall. After waiting there for a while, he noticed that almost everyone from the Earl's Mansion had been called.

He quietly stood in a corner. Shortly after, Meng Houliang, seated at the front, spoke, "Do you know why I’ve called you all here today?"

Apart from a few individuals who had done something wrong and felt guilty, the others were puzzled, "Grandfather, what is it?"

Meng Houliang unfolded the love letter and showed it to everyone, "I assume you’ve all heard that at the flower gathering the other day, Ping Geer was falsely accused of improper private dealings. I have now identified the person behind this—someone from our own household. I hope the person responsible will step forward voluntarily. If I have to point them out later, the punishment will be more severe."