Chapter 177

Chapter 177

Lord Sun and Lord You stiffened, suddenly feeling utterly foolish for having provided Meng Shuping with such free entertainment.

Seeing them abruptly cease their argument, Meng Shuping was utterly perplexed. "Huh? Why did they stop? Did they run out of things to say? Honestly, their debating skills are abysmal. How dare they even show their faces in court with such poor eloquence? Their previous quarrels were far more entertaining!"

The Minister of Revenue, ever eager to fan the flames, feigned mediation while subtly egging them on, "Lord Sun, if you truly can't formulate a rebuttal, don't strain yourself. It's merely a lost argument—oh, I mean 'debate.' Why be so fiercely competitive?"

Minister of Justice Cao Jie chimed in, "Lord You, if you can't best Lord Sun, simply concede. Why get so agitated? Excessive anger is detrimental to your health. Your lack of eloquence isn't a recent phenomenon; everyone here is well aware of it. We certainly won't mock you."

"Precisely, precisely! You two are squabbling like chickens! Anyone unfamiliar with the situation would assume it was children bickering!"

"Childish! Utterly childish! My own grandson's arguments are more sophisticated than this!"

"Why not just settle it with a fight? Though, given your physiques, I doubt it would be much of a spectacle!"

Meng Shuping was utterly captivated. "Wow, even the high-ranking officials are saying their arguing skills are terrible. They must truly be awful, huh? Hahaha, if your skill is so low, why even bother arguing? It's so embarrassing!"

Lord Sun and Lord You's faces flushed crimson with indignation. Who lost? Whose eloquence was lacking? Were these people deliberately provoking them?

Despite suspecting a deliberate provocation, being publicly shamed in front of so many people was an unbearable blow to their pride. Thus, Lord Sun and Lord You reignited their heated exchange.

"Hmph, I've heard that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works' numerous wives and concubines are constantly brawling, and even the Vice Minister himself has been struck by them. How can someone who can't even manage his own household effectively manage the Ministry of Works?"

Meng Shuping's eyes widened. "Wow! That Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works truly has it rough. So, what's the point of having so many wives? Does it make getting beaten up more convenient? Hahaha!"

Other officials' eyes gleamed with excitement as they whispered amongst themselves, "No wonder the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works had bruises on his face the last time we saw him. Could it have been from his wives and concubines fighting? Tsk tsk, the battle must have been intense!"

"Ah, you don't know? The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works' wife comes from a military family, and his concubines also possess some martial arts skills. It's all too easy for them to fight!"

"The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works is truly blessed!"

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works felt like weeping. He desperately wished they would stop bringing him up. Could he just decline the position of Minister of Works? First, he was accused of corruption, and now his private family matters were being publicly aired. If they continued, how could he ever face the court again?

He cast a hopeful glance at Lord You. Why should he suffer alone? Since they were both vying for the position of Minister of Works, shouldn't the Vice Minister of War's affairs also be discussed?

True to form, Lord You refused to be outdone. "Lord Sun, the Vice Minister of War you recommended doesn't seem much better, does he? I heard he once spent a fortune on a counterfeit antique. If he's so easily deceived, how can he manage the Ministry of Works? The ministry deals with so many materials—he can't always rely on his subordinates. What if they deceive him and he fails to notice? Wouldn't that result in significant losses for the court?"

Meng Shuping immediately adopted a sympathetic expression. "Tsk tsk, buying a fake is already unfortunate enough, but to have it brought up here? He's truly unlucky! Counterfeits should definitely be cracked down on, right?"

The other ministers again whispered amongst themselves, "Alas, poor fellow. I heard he scrimped and saved for a long time to buy that antique! And the swindler was never caught!"

"They say the counterfeit was very convincing. One can't really blame him for not recognizing it!"

"If you disagree, just say so. Why bring up such a painful memory? Isn't that just twisting the knife in the Vice Minister of War's heart? How cruel!"

The Vice Minister of War's face darkened. It was one thing to deem him unsuitable, but why rub salt in his wounds?

Lord Sun, unwilling to yield, pressed on, "Antiques are entirely different from the materials the Ministry of Works handles. Moreover, having been deceived once, he will undoubtedly be more cautious and harder to fool in the future! As for the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, I heard he perfumes the air several times when he uses the toilet and even adds fresh flower petals to his bathwater. With such extravagance, who's to say he won't end up like the former Minister of Works?"

Meng Shuping gasped, covering his mouth in surprise. "Incredible! He even knows about someone's toilet and bathing habits. Is there anything he doesn't know? But I have to admit, this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works is quite refined!"

Feeling the curious gazes of everyone upon him, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works wished he could disappear into the ground. He knew the competition for the Minister of Works position would be fierce, but he never expected it to be like this. If he had known, he would have given up sooner!

Just as another official was about to speak, a voice that nearly cracked interrupted, "Your Majesty!"

He turned in surprise to see the Vice Minister of War stepping forward with a grave expression. "Your Majesty, I believe Lord Sun is correct! I am indeed unfamiliar with the materials used by the Ministry of Works. When it comes to expertise, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works is the most qualified. Perhaps the Minister of Works position should be entrusted to him!"

He deeply felt that the argument could not continue. Otherwise, he might be the next target. His career was promising, and he had no desire to ruin it over such ridiculous reasons.

Before Emperor Qianyou could respond, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works also stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this cannot be! I believe Lord You also makes a valid point. Since the former Minister of Works and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works were both found guilty of corruption, how can my integrity be guaranteed? The Minister of Works position should be offered to the Vice Minister of War!"

If the argument continued, he might not just lose face—he might lose his position. And even if he kept his job, he would likely be too ashamed to show his face. At least the Vice Minister of War was in the same predicament; otherwise, he would be even more overwhelmed.

Meng Shuping was once again utterly astonished. "Good heavens! I've seen people fight for promotions, but never seen them fight to decline one! But honestly, if they keep arguing, they might even reveal how much secret savings they have at home! Hahaha!"

"Lord You and Lord Sun's argument is like hurting the enemy a thousand while damaging themselves eight hundred. Good thing I don't have teammates like that, or I'd be furious!"

Lord You and Lord Sun's faces darkened. They glared at each other angrily. It was all the other's fault! To win, they'd say anything!

Emperor Qianyou's lips curled into a smile. "Since both of them have declined the Minister of Works position, do any of you Beloved Ministers have other recommendations?"

However, whichever official he looked at immediately averted their eyes. Emperor Qianyou sighed in exasperation. "In that case, let Beloved Minister Zheng assume the position of Minister of Works."

Zheng Qian quickly stepped forward. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Several officials who had originally been interested in the Minister of Works position breathed a sigh of relief. Though they desired promotion, they absolutely did not want it to happen this way. Even if they became Minister of Works, would having their embarrassing secrets exposed truly bring them honor?

After settling the matter, Emperor Qianyou and the court discussed other issues. When the morning court session finally concluded, Meng Shuping tried to slip away quickly but was stopped by Zheng Qian. "Director Meng."

Meng Shuping almost didn't realize Zheng Qian was addressing him. After a moment, he remembered he was now the Director of the Board of Revenue, so "Director Meng" referred to him.

He turned stiffly. "Minister Zheng, were you calling me?"

Zheng Qian said gratefully, "I haven't yet congratulated Director Meng on your promotion. And I must also thank Director Meng for your recommendation."

Before Meng Shuping could respond, a group of officials swarmed around them. "Congratulations, Minister Zheng! Congratulations, Director Meng!"

"I had intended to congratulate Director Meng earlier, but I heard Director Meng prefers to keep a low profile and didn't wish to host a promotion banquet, so I didn't dare disturb you."

"Not just that! Director Meng finally has a few days off—how could we possibly bother him? Director Meng, you won't mind our belated congratulations, will you?"

"Ah, Director Meng is so magnanimous—he wouldn't concern himself with such a trivial matter!"

Meng Shuping felt both nervous and utterly confused. "Huh? Am I that close to them? Why are they suddenly so friendly towards me? Oh! I get it! Minister Zheng and I both got promoted, but they're only flattering me in front of him. Are they trying to make Minister Zheng resent me? When did I ever offend them?"

"Pfft!" The Minister of Justice nearly burst out laughing. They weren't trying to make Zheng Qian resent Meng Shuping. Although both Meng Shuping and Zheng Qian had been promoted, with Zheng Qian holding the higher position, everyone knew Meng Shuping was the one truly favored by the emperor.

After all, even Zheng Qian's appointment as Minister of Works was partly due to Meng Shuping. Naturally, the court officials were eager to curry favor with Meng Shuping.

After awkwardly dealing with the overly enthusiastic officials, Meng Shuping hurried away. After breakfast, he took a carriage to the Ministry of Revenue's office.

On the way, he unexpectedly encountered a convoy transporting luggage. Curious, Meng Shuping peered out the carriage window. At the same time, someone in the carriage next to his also lifted the curtain.

The former Minister of Works had intended to take one last look at the familiar surroundings. But when he lifted the curtain, he saw Meng Shuping. His face darkened, and he snorted before lowering the curtain again.

Meng Shuping had noticed the former Minister of Works the moment he lifted the curtain. Before he could react, the other man had already scowled at him. Meng Shuping couldn't help but feel exasperated. "What's with the attitude? At a time like this, he still dares to glare at me? Does he not believe I'll keep badmouthing him to the emperor so he never returns?"