Chapter 171

Chapter 171

The Yunzhou Prefect was taken aback. Was Prince Zhao ordering his arrest? When had he offended Prince Zhao? Could it still be about that old complaint? But so much time had passed, and he had even spent time in the plague zone. Surely, the prince's anger must have cooled by now?

He cautiously addressed Prince Zhao, "Your Highness, may I inquire what crime this humble official has committed? Why do you wish to apprehend me?"

"Why arrest you?" Prince Zhao let out a short laugh. "Wu Keli, did you truly believe I wouldn't uncover your embezzlement of river control funds and your illicit sale of government grain?"

The Yunzhou Prefect was stunned. How had Prince Zhao discovered these two matters? Why had he not heard even a whisper of it?

A moment later, a chilling realization dawned on him—could it have been after he was sent to the plague zone? The thought sent shivers down his spine. Was it possible that Prince Zhao had sent him to the plague zone not merely as punishment, but to remove him from the scene and investigate him in his absence?

Summoning his courage, he declared, "Your Highness, your words are too grave. When have I ever committed such acts? You cannot accuse me without proof, can you?"

Prince Zhao casually picked up an account book from a nearby table and slapped it down in front of the Yunzhou Prefect. "Would you care to examine it yourself?"

The Yunzhou Prefect's hands trembled as he opened the ledger. To his horror, he recognized it as a copy of the very account book he had hidden in a secret location. Deeply shaken, his grip faltered, and the book clattered to the ground once more.

Seeing him speechless, Prince Zhao instructed his guards, "Take him to prison. He will be interrogated on a later date."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Soon after, all individuals implicated in the two cases were also apprehended. Prince Zhao drafted a memorial detailing the matter to the capital and, in passing, requested Emperor Qianyou to appoint new officials to fill the positions of Yunzhou Prefect and other related posts.

Once affairs in Yunzhou were largely settled and the new officials had taken up their duties, Meng Shuping accompanied Prince Zhao, escorting the Yunzhou Prefect back to the capital.

Upon reaching the courier station, the disconsolate Yunzhou Prefect was confined to the woodshed. At that moment, a young figure entered.

The Yunzhou Prefect looked up in surprise. "You? What are you doing here?"

The young figure chuckled. "Prefect Wu, do you know why you've fallen to this state?"

The Yunzhou Prefect's expression was cold. "Have you come here merely to mock me?"

"Not at all," the young figure replied. "I merely wish for you to understand your demise. Let me tell you, Meng Shuping holds grudges. Even if he accepted your silver, he would still not spare you! And of all things, why did you send him beauties? Do you know the relationship between Meng Shuping and Prince Zhao? Meng Shuping is Prince Zhao's beloved. Sending him so many beauties—it's no wonder His Highness Prince Zhao was enraged and determined to see you perish."

The Yunzhou Prefect was stunned. Meng Shuping and Prince Zhao had such a relationship? No wonder Prince Zhao had reacted so strongly when Meng Shuping was imprisoned.

His face darkened. Had he been played by Meng Shuping from the very beginning?

Noticing the Yunzhou Prefect's profound distraction, the visitor smiled triumphantly and departed.

A few days later, Meng Shuping and his companions returned to the capital. As it was already late, Meng Shuping did not meet Emperor Qianyou until the morning court the following day.

Although Emperor Qianyou had already read about the famine relief efforts in the memorial, he desired a more detailed account. Zheng Qian recounted everything he knew, and Emperor Qianyou was greatly pleased. "Excellent, excellent! So that is how it was. This method is truly ingenious. It must be recorded for future reference."

He asked Meng Shuping, "How did you come to know these things?"

Meng Shuping replied bashfully, "This humble subject learned it from others."

Emperor Qianyou remarked with interest, "Oh? Then I should like to meet this person."

Meng Shuping quickly interjected, "I learned it from someone else's book."

[Don't put me on the spot—even if he wants to meet him, that person isn't from this era!]

Emperor Qianyou, assuming it was the work of a predecessor, did not press further, offering only a few more words of praise.

At that moment, Hong Da stepped forward and declared, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Vice Director Meng not only accepted bribes during the famine relief efforts but also hosted song and dance performances while the victims were suffering. Such a disregard for the welfare of the people is truly detrimental to the court's image!"

Other officials began to murmur, "Is this true?"

"Outrageous, absolutely outrageous! Even if Vice Director Meng wished to enjoy himself, he should not have done so at such a time. What must the suffering victims have thought?"

"Precisely! I understand Vice Director Meng has never experienced such hardships, but this was hardly the appropriate time for such activities!"

Meng Shuping was speechless. [Why is it him again? If he doesn't know, he shouldn't spout nonsense! How dare he say I don't care about the people? When the people were suffering, I didn't see him donating even a few taels of silver. For all we know, he was enjoying himself even more at home!]

[And it's not like I'm blaming him, but wasn't it his son who was punished according to the law? It's not my fault. Why is he snapping at me like a mad dog? If he had the ability, he should have disciplined his son properly back then. Now that his son has been lawfully punished, what does it have to do with me? He should blame himself!]

Hong Da was furious. Who was he calling a mad dog? How he disciplined his son was his own affair!

Emperor Qianyou looked at Meng Shuping. "Beloved Minister Meng, what is the truth of this matter?"

He did not believe Meng Shuping would accept bribes or attend song and dance performances. There must be some misunderstanding.

Meng Shuping replied nervously, "Your Majesty, it is true that Princess Yongtai, Lord Shi, General Hong, Lord Wu, and the Yunzhou Prefect, among others, attempted to offer gifts to your servant. However, considering the disaster victims were in dire need of funds, I redirected the gifts on their behalf to the victims. The specific accounts were recorded by Minister Zheng and supervised by His Highness Prince Zhao. I did not keep a single coin for myself."

The Minister of Works and the others darkened their expressions. What did he mean by "they also tried to offer gifts"? They had only done so for the sake of their sons! Don't make it sound as if they were trying to curry favor with him!

After explaining the first matter, Meng Shuping moved on to the next. "As for the song and dance performance, it was not for entertainment. It was a consolation and charity performance. Through this event, we raised over a hundred thousand taels of silver for the disaster victims. The accounts are clear and verifiable."

[If you don't understand, don't talk nonsense! They talk as if they were there. And it wasn't just me—others were there too. Why single me out? They just want to bully me, right?]

Hong Da snorted. "Who's to say you didn't coerce those wealthy households to donate money and goods? Aren't those wealthy families also considered common people?"

Before Meng Shuping could respond, Zheng Qian stepped forward. "General Hong, you are mistaken. Vice Director Meng did not coerce the wealthy families to donate money and goods. In fact, the disaster relief funds included a contribution from your own son!"

[Exactly! Although I didn't coerce the wealthy families to donate money, I did compel their sons to contribute goods. Can that really be called bullying the common people? At most, it's targeting colleagues' sons. Is that even a crime?]

[Besides, it's not like I wanted to pressure their sons. But who else could I target when their sons appeared so wealthy? If they didn't want their sons to suffer, they shouldn't have let them bring so many valuables! Why blame me for it?]

The Minister of Works and the others shot angry glares at Meng Shuping. So this kid had done something so shameless!

Emperor Qianyou was curious. "Oh? Beloved Minister Zheng, please elaborate."

Zheng Qian then explained how Meng Shuping had generated funds through the performance and how he had auctioned items from Guan Siming, Shi Yue, and others to raise donations. This series of actions left Emperor Qianyou and many ministers wide-eyed with astonishment. So this was how money could be made!

If Meng Shuping were not an official but instead pursued commerce, he would surely amass a fortune.

Emperor Qianyou laughed heartily. "So that is how it was! Beloved Minister Meng is indeed quick-witted and adaptable!"

It had to be said, Meng Shuping possessed a unique talent!

Other ministers also praised him. "Vice Director Meng has truly been wronged. For the sake of the people, he was willing to tarnish his own reputation!"

"This act is truly noble. We are not worthy!"

"Admirable, truly admirable!"

Meng Shuping was almost blushing from the praise. [No, really, I'm not that noble. I was just winging it. Who knew I'd be criticized for it?]

Emperor Qianyou was very satisfied with the disaster relief results. He praised Zheng Qian and the others genially. "Beloved Minister Zheng, Beloved Minister Meng, you have worked hard."

Meng Shuping couldn't help but think, [If you think we've worked hard, how about a raise or a reward? Don't just say it—put your money where your mouth is!]

Emperor Qianyou was momentarily taken aback. Ah, that familiar refrain! It had been a while since he'd heard Meng Shuping like this, and he had almost forgotten how it felt.

He continued, "Since there are merits, there shall be rewards. Minister Zheng is granted one hundred taels of gold and fifty rolls of brocade."

Zheng Qian quickly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I am deeply grateful."

Meng Shuping was pleasantly surprised, [Wow, why is Your Majesty so generous this time? Since we went together, my reward shouldn't be much less than his, right?]

[Hahaha, I never expected it! After all this time, I finally get to benefit from the emperor's generosity! I wonder how much he'll give me. Although I don't need the money now, I certainly won't mind more pay from the emperor!]

However, he then heard Emperor Qianyou say, "As for Lord Meng, I hereby promote you to Director of the Board of Revenue and concurrently Investigating Censor."

Meng Shuping widened his eyes in shock, [What? Why? He gives rewards, but I have to take on an extra job? That's not fair! Making me hold two posts before leaving the capital was one thing—at least one was temporary. But now that I'm back, it's become permanent?]

[How many salaries will I get? Surely not just one, right? No, no, I won't accept this! Change it!]

Just as the Minister of Works and others were about to step forward to object, they heard Meng Shuping’s words and immediately withdrew their intention. Since Meng Shuping was unwilling, why should they go against his wishes?

Emperor Qianyou smiled and asked, "What's wrong, Lord Meng? Is happiness overwhelming you?"

Although he didn't need the extra silver taels, he couldn't help but want to oppose this brat. The sight of Meng Shuping cursing inside but putting on an obedient face always amused him.

Others quickly whispered to urge Meng Shuping, "Vice Director Meng, hurry and thank His Majesty! Being promoted again in such a short time is an exceptional distinction!"

"Exactly, this is a rare opportunity. Others don't get such an honor."

Zheng Qian smiled and looked at Meng Shuping, "Vice Director Meng, you aren't so happy you're speechless, are you?"