Chapter 192

Chapter 192

The Vice Minister of Personnel nearly fainted from Meng Shuping’s provocation. When had he ever implied such a thing? How could someone be so adept at twisting facts?

Yet, sensing the increasingly frigid aura from the throne, he could not afford to dwell. He kowtowed even more frantically. "Your Majesty, this humble official is innocent! I only learned of the Sun family’s actions today; I, too, was deceived! If they indeed committed such crimes, I implore Your Majesty to handle the matter with impartiality!"

Meng Shuping eyed the Vice Minister of Personnel with disdain. "No way! Seriously? Is he trying to distance himself from the Sun family now? Just moments ago, he was righteously condemning and accusing me, and now he’s playing innocent? No wonder he dared to deceive Your Majesty—he must think Your Majesty is easily fooled!"

Emperor Qianyou’s gaze bore down on the Vice Minister of Personnel. He might be old, but his mind was far from muddled. How could he be so easily misled? This Vice Minister had not only attempted to slander Meng Shuping but was now willing to abandon his own kin—utterly shameless!

Moreover, tax collection was a matter that brooked no obstruction. If Meng Shuping were punished now, wouldn’t all their previous efforts be in vain? Thus, even if Meng Shuping had made any missteps, the Emperor would not fault him. And since Meng Shuping had committed no error this time, he certainly wouldn't side against him.

He slammed his hand on the armrest and declared coldly, "Wu Ming, you have abused your power for personal gain, shielded your relatives, and now you spread falsehoods before me. Do you take me for a doddering old fool? Guards, seize him and imprison him. He will be dealt with once the other cases are resolved!"

The Vice Minister of Personnel’s legs buckled, his face turning deathly pale. "Your Majesty, this humble official truly had no knowledge! I have been wronged!"

He had believed that even if he failed to bring down Meng Shuping this time, it would not affect him personally. But he never imagined Emperor Qianyou would punish him as well!

Meng Shuping shot him a look of schadenfreude. "I told you not to provoke me, didn’t I? Look, you’ve kicked a hornet's nest now!"

The Vice Minister of Personnel glared hatefully at Meng Shuping. It was all this brat’s fault! His nephew had merely offended Meng Shuping with words, and Meng Shuping hadn’t even suffered any losses. Why did he have to be so ruthless?

But no matter how resentful he was, he could only be dragged away, powerless.

Watching the Vice Minister of Personnel being hauled out of the hall, the other officials silently reminded themselves once more: never provoke Meng Shuping again. This fellow was truly venomous!

Seeing the matter resolved, Meng Shuping swiftly retreated into the ranks of the court officials and let out a sigh of relief. "Phew! That should be the end of it for me, right? Now I can properly slack off!"

Emperor Qianyou rolled his eyes in exasperation and looked away. This brat—could he be any lazier? Thankfully, he was the only one like this in court. If there were more, the entire atmosphere would be corrupted.

As Meng Shuping was about to climb into his carriage after leaving the palace, Jiang Cihe stopped him. "Where are you going?"

Meng Shuping replied matter-of-factly, "Back to the Earl’s residence! His Majesty said I could have the rest of the day off after the morning court session."

Seeing that Meng Shuping had forgotten their previous conversation, Jiang Cihe pulled him closer. Startled, Meng Shuping quickly glanced around. Noticing many officials watching them with keen interest, he panicked and tried to step back. "Hey, what are you doing? We’re in public!"

"Help! Why are they all so nosy? I don’t want to be stared at like some kind of spectacle!"

Jiang Cihe was amused. He leaned close to Meng Shuping’s ear. "Then shall we talk in the carriage?"

Meng Shuping immediately grabbed Jiang Cihe’s hand and hurried toward the carriage. "Let’s go, let’s go, quickly!"

Once they were finally inside the carriage, Meng Shuping relaxed completely. He fanned his flushed cheeks and then looked at Jiang Cihe with slight dissatisfaction. "Can you be more careful next time?"

Jiang Cihe raised an eyebrow. "Careful about what?"

Meng Shuping glared at him. "You know what! Of course, it’s about not… in public!"

Before he could finish, Jiang Cihe suddenly pressed him against the carriage wall and kissed him. Meng Shuping’s eyes widened. "Damn! So shameless, sneak attacking me like this!"

After a long kiss, Jiang Cihe finally pulled back and said with a smile, "Not like this? Okay, I understand. I’ll be more careful next time."

Meng Shuping was left speechless for a moment. After a while, he remembered their earlier topic and composed himself. "By the way, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Jiang Cihe looked at him deeply. "Didn’t we agree that you’d come stay with me once you returned?"

Remembering his promise to Jiang Cihe about moving into the prince’s residence, Meng Shuping blushed and avoided Jiang Cihe’s gaze. "But I still need to go back and pack my things, right?"

Jiang Cihe kissed him again. "No need. I’ve already prepared everything for you. You just need to come over."

Meng Shuping stared blankly. "Wait, what?"

Jiang Cihe leaned closer. "You’re not thinking of backing out, are you?"

Meng Shuping’s eyes lit up with excitement. "What if I said yes…"

"Hah! Is he actually going to lock me up? Then I wouldn’t have to work or deal with so many people. Getting up that early every day is exhausting!"

Jiang Cihe gave Meng Shuping’s cheek a playful pinch. "If you say yes, I’ll have Father assign you more work."

Meng Shuping’s face fell. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Wow, I'm impressed. He knows how to handle me. Does he think I’ll listen to him? Well, he’s absolutely right!"

Jiang Cihe couldn’t help but smirk. "Alright, I’m just joking. If you really don’t want to move in…"

Meng Shuping looked at him curiously. "...Then I don’t have to?"

But the next moment, he heard Jiang Cihe say, "I’ll just tie you up and bring you there."

Meng Shuping sighed. "...Alright, fine."

A short while later, the carriage arrived at the prince’s residence. Jiang Cihe stepped out first and was about to turn back to wait for Meng Shuping when someone called out to him. "This humble official greets Your Highness."

Jiang Cihe turned and saw a young official holding something in his arms. He frowned slightly. "What is it?"

Just as Gao Ran was about to speak, he saw Meng Shuping jump down from the carriage and look at him curiously. He deliberately glanced at Meng Shuping with a guilty expression and said nervously, "My apologies, I didn’t know Lord Meng was here. Please don’t misunderstand, Lord Meng. There’s nothing between Prince Zhao and me. I’ll take my leave now."

Meng Shuping stared dumbfounded as Gao Ran left, feeling utterly exasperated. "Did I say he and Prince Zhao had something? Why does he sound so fake and manipulative?"

He called out discontentedly, "Wait."

Gao Ran smiled triumphantly inwardly but turned around with an anxious expression. "Lord Meng, did you call for me? Is there something you need?"

In his view, Meng Shuping’s quick rise to prominence was solely due to Prince Zhao’s favor. If Meng Shuping could achieve it, so could he—after all, he was just as attractive. Wouldn’t Meng Shuping feel threatened seeing someone equally attractive approach Prince Zhao?

Meng Shuping looked Gao Ran up and down with curiosity, then glanced suspiciously at Jiang Cihe. "Strange, what matter requires me to step aside specifically?"

Just as Jiang Cihe was about to clarify that he wasn’t familiar with this person, he heard Meng Shuping’s internal realization. "Ooh, I get it. He must be here to deliver a gift, right? Tch, no wonder he’s acting so guilty. No way—am I the type to miss out on gossip? I can’t let him leave. Later, I’ll hide behind the door and eavesdrop on their conversation."

Meng Shuping cleared his throat and said cheerfully, "It’s fine. You two talk; I’ll step aside."

But as soon as he took a step, Jiang Cihe grabbed his wrist. "Why are you leaving? You’re not an outsider. There’s no need to step aside."

Then he turned to Gao Ran. "Speak. What is it?"

Gao Ran was first stunned—hadn’t Meng Shuping just spoken? Then he grew annoyed. Why wasn’t Meng Shuping reacting as he’d expected? Shouldn’t he be misunderstanding his relationship with Prince Zhao and becoming hostile? This way, he could drive a wedge between them, and when Meng Shuping targeted him, Prince Zhao would feel apologetic. But instead of misunderstanding, Meng Shuping seemed excited. Was he pretending?

He composed himself and said sheepishly, "That day, thank you for Prince Zhao’s protection. I am deeply grateful. These are some local specialties my family sent. Nothing much, but please accept it."

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Meng Shuping. Surely Meng Shuping would be angry now—why would Prince Zhao protect him for no reason?

But the next moment, he heard Meng Shuping’s voice. "Hah! Called it! I knew he was here to deliver a gift! But local specialties? What kind? If he specifically brought them to Prince Zhao, they must be something special, right?"

Gao Ran was stunned again. Wasn’t Meng Shuping supposed to be insecure and overly possessive of Prince Zhao? Why wasn’t he getting the wrong idea?

Jiang Cihe had intended to refuse, but upon hearing Meng Shuping's words, he changed his mind. He asked Gao Ran, "What kind of regional specialty is it?"

Gao Ran hurriedly opened the bundle in his arms. "It's nothing fancy, just some tea produced in my hometown and some home-cured ham."

Then, he glanced at Jiang Cihe with slight embarrassment. "I hope Prince Zhao won’t consider it beneath his status?"

These items were carefully chosen by him. As a prince, what rare treasures had Prince Zhao not seen? Rather than offering something extravagant, it was better to present something unique that could bring a sense of novelty. Besides, it would leave Prince Zhao with an impression of simplicity and sincerity. Why not take the opportunity?

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Meng Shuping’s voice: "Of course he won’t find it beneath him! Hahaha, do I get to enjoy some too? But it’s not like I’m criticizing him—what’s the big deal about giving some tea and ham? These are perfectly fine gifts! Why did he have to act so guilty and avoid me? It’s not like I’d look down on him!"

Gao Ran was taken aback again. He was just being modest—how could Meng Shuping take it so literally and assume he felt insecure?

The corner of Jiang Cihe’s lips lifted almost imperceptibly. He motioned for Ling Feng to take the gifts, then turned to Gao Ran. "Anything else? If not, you may leave."

Despite Jiang Cihe’s cold dismissal, Gao Ran was not discouraged in the slightest. After all, Prince Zhao had already noticed him. He could always find another opportunity to approach him later. He bowed respectfully to Jiang Cihe and Meng Shuping. "Then this humble official will take his leave."

But just as he turned to leave, Meng Shuping called out to him again, "Wait."

Gao Ran's lips curved slightly. He had thought so—after making such an obvious appearance in front of Meng Shuping, surely Meng Shuping wouldn't just ignore him?

He turned back again. "Lord Meng, is there something else?"