Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Meng Shuping's face flushed crimson with embarrassment, but he knew clarification was necessary. Taking a deep breath, he declared, "Your Majesty, I... I did not seduce Prince Zhao!"

[Even if Wu Keli doesn't have many days left, he shouldn’t just randomly accuse people! How did I seduce Jiang Cihe? The Emperor even promoted me—does that mean I seduced the Emperor too?]

Emperor Qianyou abruptly choked. How could this brat come up with such a thing? Thankfully, Meng Shuping didn’t voice that last thought, or the Emperor's own reputation would have been tarnished.

"No seduction of Prince Zhao?" Wu Keli immediately retorted, "Then why does Prince Zhao get so anxious whenever something happens to you? He adjusts your clothes, wipes your face, and smiles like a blooming flower in front of you!"

After saying this, Wu Keli snorted coldly. "If you didn’t seduce him, how could Prince Zhao be so utterly captivated by you? How could he get so jealous just hearing that I sent you beautiful women? Meng Shuping, stop making excuses! Did you really think no one would notice your relationship?"

Since learning about Jiang Cihe and Meng Shuping’s relationship, Wu Keli had begun reexamining many past events, finding clues everywhere. Even if Meng Shuping denied it, the truth seemed undeniable.

The court officials exclaimed, "Hoo!"

Jiang Cihe’s brothers chimed in, "Hoo, hoo, hoo!"

"Who would’ve thought? Seventh Brother is so deeply devoted!"

"I’ve never even treated my own wife like that!"

"Wu Keli, if you know more, do tell! What else haven’t we heard? Hurry up and share!"

"Speaking of which, Vice Director Meng is quite charming. Remember what happened back then? Not only did Fourth Brother try to snatch him off the streets, but even random girls on the street tried to take liberties with him! Someone like him, who appeals to both men and women, it’s no wonder Seventh Brother fell under his spell!"

"Honestly, I kind of want to see it for myself now."

Jiang Ciyi’s face darkened. Why drag him into this when they were talking about Meng Shuping? He had said countless times that he had no interest in Meng Shuping—he was just trying to win him over!

But no wonder Meng Shuping refused to align with anyone else. So, they were in that kind of relationship. Seventh Brother must have made quite the sacrifice to get Meng Shuping on his side.

Meng Shuping nearly rolled his eyes in exasperation. Steeling himself, he said, "What I mean is... clearly, clearly he was the one who seduced me!"

[What’s wrong with Wu Keli? Just because I’m of lower status, it means I seduced the prince? Then why doesn't Wu Keli say the prince forced himself on me? If you all don't know the situation, don’t talk nonsense! If Jiang Cihe hadn’t pursued me relentlessly, do you think I would’ve agreed? I have principles, you know! This point must be clarified!]

Emperor Qianyou had just taken a sip of tea to calm himself and nearly choked again. He quickly set down his teacup. Better not drink any more water now, or he might choke again.

The others stared in shock, exclaiming, "Hoo, hoo, hoo!"

"I always thought there was something odd between them. Several times, I saw Prince Zhao coaxing Vice Director Meng. Looking back now, the signs were there all along! How did I not notice before?"

"Speaking of which, Vice Director Meng was discovered by Prince Zhao. Was it love at first sight?"

"A prince using such flirtatious methods is downright shameful! Couldn’t he just use force? It’s not like Vice Director Meng could refuse him! Disgraceful! Utterly disgraceful! Even I look down on him!"

"Who wouldn’t? He could’ve used a hundred and eight methods to force Vice Director Meng to submit, yet he chose to go about it like this. Is he really that in love?"

"Exactly! For a prince to act like this, doesn’t he feel like a failure?"

The Minister of Justice’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He sighed regretfully, "Ah, if only I had gone to assist with the disaster relief! Then I would’ve been the first to witness it! What a pity! What a pity!"

The Minister of Revenue, however, was quite pleased. Hahaha, you all found out too late—this old man has known for ages!

Seeing how gossipy the court officials were, all eagerly watching the drama unfold, Meng Shuping was at a loss for words. He couldn’t help but complain inwardly, [What’s wrong with them? Are they even proper officials? Shouldn’t they be impeaching me for moral misconduct? Why do they seem more excited than I am?]

[And they’re complaining that the prince didn’t use force? Are they out of their minds?]

The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Revenue, among other onlookers, smiled faintly. Why impeach Meng Shuping? It was the first time they’d heard such gossip during a morning court session—they were too entertained to do anything else!

Besides, Jiang Cihe was the Emperor’s favorite son, and Meng Shuping was a dearly beloved minister who had just returned from successful disaster relief. Even if the Emperor was angry, he wouldn’t punish them too severely. Only a fool would pick a fight with them.

Jiang Cihe coughed lightly and said somewhat sheepishly, "Father, he’s right. It's true, Father. I was the one who... seduced him. If he is at fault, it’s only for yielding to my advances."

The court officials exclaimed, "Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!"

How could they speak so openly about such matters in court without considering others’ feelings?

Wu Keli was left speechless. What was wrong with these two? Meng Shuping said that, and Jiang Cihe actually admitted it? Didn’t Jiang Cihe care about his dignity?

Furious, he retorted, "Even so, if Vice Director Meng’s behavior becomes known, won’t it damage the court’s dignity? If the common people learn that Vice Director Meng is such a person, they’ll surely think officials in Great Chu will stop at nothing to advance, even sacrificing their own bodies!"

Meng Shuping hung his head, too embarrassed to meet anyone’s gaze. "Then blame the one who spread the news. Why blame us?"

[We didn’t go around publicizing this. If it weren’t for him, would anyone have known? I haven’t even accused him of violating my privacy, and he has the nerve to say I’ve damaged the court’s dignity?]

[Honestly, if such rumors spread, everyone in this court would be suspect. They’re the ones trying to undermine the court’s dignity and harm Great Chu! What does it have to do with us? We’re just in a relationship—is that illegal?]

Wu Keli glared at Meng Shuping, fuming. Clearly, it was their fault, yet instead of reflecting on themselves, Meng Shuping shifted the blame to him?

Enraged, he said, "But the two of you having an improper relationship—that’s true, isn’t it?"

Even if they weren’t to blame for the rumors, Meng Shuping was in such a relationship with the Emperor’s son, a prince of the court. Would the Emperor really not mind?

Meng Shuping was about to retort—what was improper about it?—when it suddenly occurred to him: since their relationship was real and would eventually come to light anyway, why not use it to his advantage?

So mustering all his courage, he said to Emperor Qianyou, "Your Majesty! I admit my guilt! I should not have such a relationship with Prince Zhao. But even if Your Majesty punishes me, I cannot part with Prince Zhao. Please punish me as you see fit!"

[Hehe, if the Emperor gets angry, he might dismiss me from office. Then I wouldn’t have to work! Even if he doesn’t dismiss me, confining me for a while would be nice—I could rest a bit longer. I’m such a genius!]

Emperor Qianyou, who had been about to speak, was infuriated by this. He had thought Meng Shuping was reflecting on his actions, but it turned out he just wanted to avoid work. Was this kid really that lazy?

With a cold expression, he said, "Since you have admitted your guilt, I have no choice but to punish you. I will reduce your paid leave from eight days to four days of unpaid leave!"

Work was non-negotiable. Did he think he could escape it because of this? Impossible! Unless he committed some unforgivable crime, there was no way the Emperor would lighten his workload!

Meng Shuping stared in disbelief. [What’s wrong with him? Shouldn’t the punishment be barring me from court affairs? Why is my leave reduced instead of increased? Worst of all, he canceled my paid leave! Is it so hard to let me relax a little?]

Wu Keli also began to doubt reality. This was the punishment? Other officials would be overjoyed to be so favored by the Emperor!

But the most absurd part was that Meng Shuping actually complained? Was he out of his mind?

Unwilling to accept this outcome, Meng Shuping mustered his courage and said, "Your Majesty! I feel... I feel this punishment is too light. I am willing to reflect on my actions at home. Please confine me for a longer period—otherwise, I cannot rest easy!"

Emperor Qianyou waved his hand. "Since Beloved Minister Meng has already admitted his mistake, why make a fuss? If you truly wish to atone, you should assume your post at the Ministry of Revenue as soon as possible and contribute to the court!"

The Minister of Revenue added, "Your Majesty speaks wisely. Vice Director Meng merely followed his heart—what fault is there in that? But if he truly feels guilty, he should serve the court diligently and focus on official duties. That is the way to redeem himself!"

Meng Shuping was flabbergasted. [He's okay with his son being with a man? Is he even his real father?]

[But since my leave has been reduced, can my official rank be reduced too?]

An idea suddenly occurred to him. "Your Majesty, before I even assumed my post, I have already failed in my moral conduct. I am truly unfit for the position of censor. I beg Your Majesty to revoke this appointment."

Emperor Qianyou sneered. "It's no big deal. You are merely young and infatuated—where is the fault in that? If this is considered wrongdoing, then many in this court would be guilty! You are more than worthy of being a censor!"

Did he really think he could reduce his workload over such a trivial matter? How naive!

Meng Shuping was about to say more, but Emperor Qianyou cut him off. "Enough. Your personal matters can be discussed after court. Bringing such private affairs to court discussion is highly improper!"

Then, he ordered the guards, "Take them away."

Wu Keli stared blankly as he was dragged away. This wasn’t fair! Why? Why was Meng Shuping, who had done such things, still favored?

And all the officials in court were eagerly watching the drama—not a single one impeached Meng Shuping. Was this normal? Was he hallucinating?