The thought of having to recite like everyone else made Meng Shuping feel he was about to lose it. He couldn't help but try to speak up, "Teacher..."
But he had barely gotten two words out when Dai Fan cut him off sharply, "Men at their birth are naturally good. Recite!"
Meng Shuping felt he couldn't take it anymore and exclaimed, "Teacher!"
"How can he have so little integrity? And he's supposed to set an example? He has no manners at all. Doesn't he know it's impolite to interrupt people like that?"
"His teaching skills are poor, but on top of that, he's also pedantic, stubborn, incompetent, and always jumps to conclusions. Does he think just because he's the teacher, I can't do anything about it? Just watch me destroy him with words!"
Meng Shuyang watched excitedly as Meng Shuping and Dai Fan were confronting each other, hoping they would start arguing immediately.
There was no need to mention Meng Shuping—they had been at odds since he first returned, and Meng Shuyang hadn't gained the upper hand. As for Dai Fan, he had punished Meng Shuyang plenty of times. Whoever ended up losing in this confrontation, Meng Shuyang felt it would be worth it.
Though Dai Fan was furious again, he steeled himself quietly upon hearing Meng Shuping's disrespectful intentions. He had been looking for an excuse to teach Meng Shuping a lesson, and now it had fallen right into his lap. Soon, Meng Shuping would regret crossing him!
With a stern face, he asked, "What exactly do you want to say?"
Meng Shuping looked at Dai Fan with utmost sincerity and said, "You've got food stuck in your teeth!"
"Pfft—"
Although the others were supposed to be studying, they had been secretly watching the exchange. Upon hearing Meng Shuping's remark, they couldn't hold back their laughter.
Meng Shuping sighed, "Ah, look, I didn't want it to come to this. We could have resolved this peacefully, but he had to push me to use my sharp tongue. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I could dig out an Earl's manor from secondhand embarrassment for him."
Dai Fan froze, his face instantly turning bright red. He couldn't believe he had been teaching in front of everyone like that. Had they all seen it?
His face burning with humiliation, Dai Fan felt he couldn't stay any longer. Without another thought, he hurried out of the room.
After Dai Fan left, Meng Shuping quickly gathered his things and slipped away. Given how Dai Fan had reacted, he knew there would be plenty of trouble ahead. How could he possibly expect to learn anything here?
After checking his reflection on the water's surface, Dai Fan realized there was no food stuck in his teeth at all. Furious, he stormed back, intending to punish Meng Shuping severely, only to find that Meng Shuping had already disappeared.
He angrily asked the others, "Where is Meng Shuping?"
Meng Shuyang replied gleefully, "He ran off as soon as you left!"
Hearing this, Dai Fan grew even angrier. That Meng Shuping was nothing but a liar—disrespectful, ill-mannered, rude, and utterly vulgar!
A student like that was simply impossible for him to teach!
After leaving the classroom, Meng Shuping went to his study, *Hanwanzhai*, in the outer courtyard. Although he had no intention of continuing with Dai Fan's lessons, he still planned to study on his own. After all, he wasn't actually illiterate, so he could start by reading on his own.
Estimating that Dai Fan had probably finished teaching, he packed his things and headed back to the classroom.
The next subjects were calligraphy, etiquette, and others, each taught by different instructors, so Meng Shuping wasn't particularly concerned.
After a full day of lessons, Meng Shuping had only been back in his courtyard for a short while when someone from *Ruiwei Hall* came to summon him. "Fifth Young Master, the Earl is asking for you."
The Earl of Anyang was calling for him? Meng Shuping had a vague idea why but wasn't entirely sure, so he followed the maid to *Ruiwei Hall*.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Dai Fan was also there. Meng Shuping couldn't help but wonder, "Is he here to complain? Seriously? I didn't say a word against him, and he's playing the victim? How petty can he be?"
"And does he think Grandfather is as unreasonable as he is? Grandfather is impartial, perceptive, authoritative, and righteous—he wouldn't just take one person's side without hearing the whole story!"
Dai Fan glared angrily at Meng Shuping. Who was being petty? Meng Shuping had the nerve to criticize him? Had he looked at himself? All Dai Fan had done was make him stand for a while, and Meng Shuping had been mentally insulting him ever since, even playing tricks on him. Was that being magnanimous?
Besides, no one else could hear Meng Shuping's inner thoughts. Who was he trying to flatter with all that bootlicking?
Before Meng Houliang could speak, he heard Meng Shuping's string of flattering remarks. Amused, he put on a stern face and said, "Ping Geer, I heard from Mr. Dai that you were not only fighting in class but also playing truant?"
Meng Shuping quickly shook his head. "No, no. Sixth Young Master was trying to hit me, and I kept avoiding him. I didn't fight back."
"What kind of teacher is he, making up stories? Who was fighting? I didn't lay a finger on Meng Shuyang! I was even worried he might scratch himself and blame it on me!"
Meng Houliang glanced at Dai Fan and asked, "Why would Yang Geer want to hit you?"
Meng Shuping cleverly sidestepped the main issue. "He spat on my desk, so I called him out on it."
"Who knows why? Every time Meng Shuyang sees me, he goes crazy, picking fights or looking for trouble. I'm starting to think he has some kind of anger issues—he just loses it around me."
Having a rough idea of what happened, Meng Houliang turned to Dai Fan. "Mr. Dai, it seems this was just a misunderstanding, doesn't it?"
Dai Fan's face remained cold. "Even if this was a misunderstanding, what about him playing truant? Was that a misunderstanding too?"
He thought Meng Shuping was utterly hypocritical—putting on an innocent act on the surface but actually being arrogant, rude, and cunning. Maybe Meng Shuyang had fallen for one of his tricks and been provoked.
Unfortunately, he had no evidence to prove any of it, and even if he said something, no one would likely believe him.
Meng Houliang asked Meng Shuping, "What do you have to say about playing truant?"
Although Meng Shuping disliked Dai Fan's personality and teaching style, he still tried to save face for him out of kindness. "I just thought my situation is a bit special. If the teacher focused on me, he might neglect the others, so I didn't want to trouble him."
"It's not like he's not overly pedantic. He called me a country bumpkin and assumed I was illiterate without even asking, teaching me like I was a little kid. He looks down on me for being from the countryside, but I look down on him for his poor teaching skills!"
"Besides, he's so hot-tempered and always seems irritated with me. Who knows what he might do to get back at me? Should I have stayed and let him bully me?"
"Also, I only skipped his class, not the others. How can he say I skipped school? At most, it was cutting one class!"
"Fine, fine, fine!" Dai Fan stood up in anger. He saluted with cupped hands toward the Earl of Anyang and said, "Earl, my abilities are insufficient, and I am truly incapable of teaching your young master. Please find someone more qualified!"
Meng Shuping rolled his eyes silently. "Oh, please, he can't just say that!"
Dai Fan felt a surge of triumph. Now he's worried? Too late! He refused to believe Meng Shuping wouldn't be concerned about the reputation of having made a teacher quit so soon after returning.
If word got out, who would dare teach him?
But just as he thought this, he heard Meng Shuping's disdainful tone. "If no one tries to stop him, wouldn't that be awkward for him?"
"I don't believe for a second he actually wants to leave. It's just a tactic. The pay here is good, the workload is light, and if he plays his cards right, he might even land an official position later. Only a fool would leave."
Seeing that Meng Houliang remained silent, Dai Fan began to panic. Was it possible? Was the Earl really not going to stop him? Did the Earl of Anyang value Meng Shuping so much that he would replace Dai Fan for him?
Now Dai Fan felt a twinge of regret. If he had known, he wouldn't have issued such an ultimatum earlier. What if he couldn't back down without losing face? That would be a huge loss.
Thankfully, Meng Houliang soon spoke, giving Dai Fan a sense of relief. "Mr. Dai, that's too severe. Surely it hasn't come to that?"
Meng Shuping looked understanding. "See? He knew Grandfather is too considerate to let anyone lose face, so he dared to make those threats. I bet if Grandfather sides with me, he'll use it as an excuse to make my life miserable later."
Dai Fan snorted inwardly. This kid isn't stupid—he knows he's in for it. But what can he do about it? It's not like he can fight back.
With an expression of indignation, Dai Fan said, "Earl, it's not that I don't want to teach him, but look—your Fifth Young Master has such a temper. Even if he had a conflict with the Sixth Young Master, couldn't he have held back and waited for a teacher to resolve it? Instead, he caused a scene in class. I only reprimanded him a little, and he walked out. How am I supposed to discipline him?"
Meng Shuping was exasperated. "Of course I couldn't hold back. Endure once and you'll grow angrier; retreat once and you'll feel more wronged. If I have to hold back in my own home, wouldn't I be miserable? Besides, advising others to be magnanimous gets struck by lightning. If he likes tolerating so much, why didn't he tolerate it and wait for Grandfather to resolve it? Why did he have to humiliate someone publicly?"
"Basically, he's strict with others and lenient with himself. And he calls himself a teacher? He doesn't lead by example, yet he has the nerve to demand things from others?"
"And just because he's the teacher, does that give him the right to belittle and frame me? I didn't confront him on the spot to spare his pride, and yet he has the nerve to come and complain. Did I cut him too much slack?"
After being hit with Meng Shuping's rapid-fire comebacks, Dai Fan glared at him in suppressed anger. If you've got the nerve, say it out loud! Stop pretending to be honest on the surface while being so arrogant in reality—such a hypocrite!
Meng Houliang coughed lightly and said with an apologetic tone, "Dai Fan, Ping'er is young and impulsive. If he has offended you in any way, please forgive him. You are the teacher, after all—surely you won't hold a grudge against a child, right?"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but nod along. "Exactly! And he calls himself a teacher? All he knows is picking on those younger and nitpicking over trivialities. Has he no shame?"
Just as Dai Fan's anger had subsided slightly, it shot right back up. What did he mean by "holding a grudge against a child"? If the Earl of Anyang could hear what he was really thinking, would he still say that?
But even if he brought it up, no one would believe him. So, he had no choice but to sit there frustrated and listen as Meng Houliang continued.
Meng Houliang tried his best to ignore Meng Shuping's running commentary. "Look, isn't he acting right now? He's just a child—teach him patiently. I'll talk some sense into him later. I'm sure he won't act like this again."
Dai Fan struggled to suppress his rising anger. Well-behaved, my ass! If Meng Shuping could be considered well-behaved, then there were no well-behaved people left in the world.
Through gritted teeth, he asked Meng Houliang, "Earl, if he continues to defy discipline in the future, surely I can't just let that slide, can I? If others follow his example, it will be even harder for me to teach."
Hearing this, Meng Shuping immediately reacted. "Wow! And he calls himself a teacher? How nasty! He might as well have outright said he wants to retaliate against me! Using his position for personal revenge—he has no teaching ethics at all!"
"If he wants to teach, I don't even want to learn! After all, I'm so upright—what if he corrupts me?"
He quickly added, "Grandfather, I can actually study on my own!"
Dai Fan sneered. "Hmph! Do you think self-study is that easy? If you can achieve anything without a teacher, I'll take your last name!"
He has the nerve to say others would corrupt him? Has he even looked at how annoying he is himself?
Meng Shuping was disgusted. "No, no, no! I don't want a descendant with such sorry character! It would ruin my reputation!"
Seeing how Meng Shuping was getting digs in mentally, Dai Fan was both furious and exasperated, wishing he could punch Meng Shuping right then and there. But since no one else could hear those thoughts, he had to bite his tongue and say, "Earl, please don't give in to the fifth young master's every whim. He's never studied before, so he doesn't know how difficult self-study is. Besides, the fifth young master is already older and has weak fundamentals—he shouldn't waste any more time."
Meng Shuping scoffed. "And what about the others he taught? None of them even became scholars! As if he hasn't wasted others' time! Even if I don't plan to become a top scholar, if I study with him, my whole life would be ruined!"
"Besides, I don't want to become a stuffy old pedant like him, incompetent in both teaching and handling matters, yet number one in misleading students. He himself admitted he's not cut out to teach me, so why is he still shamelessly insisting on dragging me down? I've never seen anyone so shameless."
Dai Fan was so angry he felt like he was about to explode, wishing he could bite a chunk of flesh off Meng Shuping. Who's an old pedant? When did he ever mislead his students?
And that was just a humble remark—who takes it literally? Hmph! He's just a hick who doesn't understand subtlety!
If he could refute it, he wouldn't let this brat spout nonsense so freely.
Unaware of how much he had angered Dai Fan, Meng Shuping made his case earnestly. "Grandfather, please let me try studying on my own first. If it doesn't work out, we can reconsider."
Meng Houliang asked, "Are you sure you want to study on your own?"
Meng Shuping nodded immediately. "Yes."
Seeing how the two disliked each other, Meng Houliang thought it over for a moment and said, "Then you may study on your own for now. If it doesn't work out, you can join the clan school, though it's more crowded and noisy there."
Meng Shuping's face lit up. "Thank you, Grandfather!"
"I knew it! Grandfather is fair-minded and reasonable—he wouldn't listen to the slander of petty villains!"
"Ahem!" Meng Houliang almost laughed but managed to hold it in. This child—his words about others are infuriating, but when he praises you, it's pretty flattering.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason he agreed. Mainly, he had already suspected that Meng Shuping wasn't illiterate—he must have studied for a few years. Otherwise, how could he come up with such sharp comebacks when mocking others?
Dai Fan seethed. Who's the petty villain? If you don't know how to use words properly, don't use them at all! But why did the Earl actually agree to let Meng Shuping study on his own? Does he value Meng Shuping or not?
After thinking it over without reaching a conclusion, he consoled himself: Actually, this isn't so bad. He refused to believe that Meng Shuping could achieve anything without a teacher. Maybe he'd end up worse off than him in the future!
Meng Houliang turned to Dai Fan. "Dai Fan, is everything settled now?"
Though still dissatisfied, Dai Fan had no choice but to accept the situation. Stiffly, he replied, "It's settled."
After leaving Ruiwei Hall, Dai Fan sneered at Meng Shuping. "Hmph! Let's see how much you can achieve without a teacher, fifth young master!"
Meng Shuping rolled his eyes. "He had a teacher, and what did he achieve? All he can do is teach spoiled rich kids here!"
Dai Fan's anger surged again. He glared fiercely at Meng Shuping before storming away. Whatever—a worthless heir with no future. Why bother with him?
Having achieved his goal, Meng Shuping returned to his courtyard in high spirits. However, his good mood didn't last long before he was summoned by Meng Wenxiu.
Meng Shuping was irritated. Why is there so much trouble? Do they only feel satisfied when they're causing trouble for others?
Grumpily, he went to Meng Wenxiu's courtyard. The moment he saw Meng Wenxiu, he felt his deadbeat dad was utterly unbearable. "Does he really want me to come see his old face? Tch, at his age, his face is covered in beard and wrinkles—what's there to see? Is he so bored at home he's sitting around with nothing better to do?"
Feng Shi and Meng Shuchun nearly laughed out loud. That hit the nail on the head—they didn't want to see Meng Wenxiu's old face either.
Meng Wenxiu was already furious after hearing about Meng Shuping's fighting and truancy. Seeing Meng Shuping blow him off so obviously only fueled his anger. He slammed his hand down on the table. "Meng Shuping! Look what you've done!"
Meng Shuping looked at him admiringly. "Wow, that force—doesn't his hand hurt? He must have thick hide."
"But why take it out on the table? What did the table ever do to him?"
Feng Shi pretended to be concerned while suppressing a laugh. "Master, could you please slap the table more gently?"
Meng Wenxiu's hand on the table was numb and almost painless, but he still put on a brave face. "It's just a slap on the table! Do you think I'd break my hand?"
No way would he let this brat see him embarrassed.
Feng Shi coughed once, explained, "Master, I meant the table. It's made of pearwood—it'd be a shame if it broke."
"Pfft—" Meng Shuping almost burst out laughing. [Sorry, I really couldn't hold it in.]
Meng Wenxiu was extremely embarrassed. Flustered and angry, he retorted, "It's just a table! Why be so petty? If it breaks, we'll replace it."
This Feng Shi—why couldn't she read the situation? Why say something like that now? Where does that leave my dignity?
Meng Shuping rolled his eyes silently. "Easy for him to say. He doesn't manage the household, so he doesn't know the cost of rice and firewood. This family isn't supported by him. At his age, he's still mooching off his father, and he has the nerve to say that? Does he even have any shame?"
"Ah, how did Grandfather end up with such a good-for-nothing son? Are we sure he wasn't adopted?"
Meng Wenxiu was so angry he was fuming, but he had no way to vent. His face turned bright red.
Seeing the conversation veer off track, Meng Shuqi reminded him, "Father, let's get to the main issue."
Meng Wenxiu finally remembered why he had summoned Meng Shuping. He regained his composure and said angrily, "You disgrace! I heard you caused a scene in the classroom and skipped Dai Fan's lessons. Is that true?"
Meng Shuping understood immediately. "So he's here to avenge Meng Shuyang. Sigh, there's no point arguing now. I might as well admit it. After all, this household is his show—whatever he says goes. Arguing with him would be foolish!"
He lowered his head and said sincerely, "If you say so, then it must be true."
Meng Wenxiu's face darkened. "What kind of attitude is that?"
Meng Shuping was equally dissatisfied with Meng Wenxiu's attitude. "What's wrong with my attitude? Isn't it respectful enough? I'm not even contradicting him—isn't that what he wants?"
"Why is he so hard to please? Admitting it is wrong, not admitting it is wrong—what does he actually want?"
"But he could have just scolded me directly, yet he went through all the trouble to find excuses. Seriously though, he's actually quite reasonable!"
He said with a sincere expression, "Whatever attitude you say it is, that's what it is."
"Zero arguments here!"
Feng Shi wanted to laugh but held it in, her body trembling from the effort.
"You!" Meng Wenxiu was so infuriated by Meng Shuping's couldn't-care-less attitude that his hands shook. He sprang up from his chair. "Someone, someone! Bring the punishment board!"
Meng Shuping was deeply disappointed. "Tsk, I just praised him for being reasonable, and now he drops the act? He just has to prove me wrong, doesn't he? And after I even said something nice about him—this is how he repays kindness?"
"Sigh, good thing I had the foresight to have someone keep a lookout. If that lousy father dares to hit me, Grandfather's slap will land on his head the next second."
Feng Shi quickly tried to calm him. "Sir, it's not such a big deal. Why resort to the paddle? If this escalates and the Earl of Anyang finds out, won't he be worried?"
Meng Wenxiu felt entirely justified. Even if his father found out, so what? This time, he was in the right—would his father still side with that brat?
Meng Shuping was even less worried. "Why is Second Madame still trying to talk Lousy Dad out of it? Unnecessary, really unnecessary. It'd be better if this got out of hand—I've been hoping Grandfather would teach him a lesson. This is the perfect opportunity."
"After all, Grandfather already knows what happened. Even though the tutor was so angry he almost left, Grandfather still took my side. If he finds out Lousy Dad tried to hit me when the tutor didn't, would he let Lousy Dad off the hook?"
Hearing this, Feng Shi immediately stopped persuading him. Since the Earl of Anyang was backing them, what was there to fear?
Meng Wenxiu secretly fumed. How did this brat complain to the old man again? No doubt the old man believed his lies.
But if the old man really showed up, the outcome would be hard to predict—he might even end up getting an earful himself. Thinking this, Meng Wenxiu decided to let Meng Shuping off for now.
He was waiting for Feng Shi to persuade him one more time so he could take the out to say he'd spare Meng Shuping, but unexpectedly, Feng Shi suddenly stopped.
Meng Wenxiu: "..."
Weren't you just worried? Why stop persuading all of a sudden? How is he supposed to call it off now?
Fortunately, Meng Shuqi spoke up. "Father, what the lady said is right. Grandfather is busy with matters every day. If we bother him with trivial matters like this, wouldn't that be unfilial?"
Meng Wenxiu finally had an excuse to back down. He breathed a sigh of relief and put on a show. "Qi'er makes a good point. Fine, I'll let you off this time. But tomorrow, you must go apologize to Tutor Dai and study properly under him. Otherwise, people will say you're a crude, disrespectful country bumpkin with no regard for your elders!"
Meng Shuping was utterly speechless. He said respectfully, "You can go if you want."
"Hah, as if he's so capable, so well-mannered, so much better than everyone else, right? Going on and on about 'country bumpkin'—what, does the rice he eat not grow in the countryside? If he's so great, why doesn't he stop eating? Picks up the bowl to eat meat, puts it down to curse the farmer—what right does he have to look down on country folks?"
"Look at himself—arrogant, unable to tell right from wrong, full of himself, contributing nothing, only able to study because of his ancestors' legacy, and this is what he becomes? If I were him, I'd die of shame. How dare he spout nonsense here?"
Feng Shi quickly turned away, covering her face with a handkerchief. She couldn't hold it in anymore—listening to Meng Shuping dress down people was just too satisfying, especially since there was no way to argue back. Hahaha!
Meng Wenxiu once again felt like using the paddle, but the thought of the Earl of Anyang made him back down. He suppressed his anger with effort. "What do you mean, 'you can go if you want'? This is your matter—can someone else go in your place?"
Meng Shuping repeated, "You can go in my place if you want."
"I don't care. I don't mind."
Meng Wenxiu couldn't argue further and couldn't hit him either. He was utterly helpless against Meng Shuping. In the end, he could only say furiously, "Do you think Tutor Dai teaching you is beneath you? Let me tell you, with your current level, if you weren't in the Earl's household, even a Xiucai wouldn't be willing to take you on."
"And what's wrong with Tutor Dai? Even if he's not a Jinshi, he's a Juren—more than qualified to teach a commoner like you. If you're still hoping to find a Jinshi to teach you, you might as well prepare to be illiterate for life!"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but retort, "If he really thinks it's so good, then why did he send Meng Shuqi to study at an outside academy? He doesn't even believe his own words—who's he trying to fool?"
That day, when he didn't see Meng Shuqi and the others at the school, he asked a servant and found out that the direct descendants of the first and fourth branches were studying at the Imperial College, Meng Shuqi of the second branch was at an academy, and the rest studied at home. As for Meng Shuchun, he already had a job and didn't study at home anymore.
He lowered his head slightly and said very shyly, "It's fine, it's fine. My father back home said even if I don't earn any honors in the future, I can still inherit your estate. I won't starve."
"Pfft—" Feng Shi and the others could no longer hold back their laughter.
Meng Wenxiu's face twitched. He wasn't even dead yet, and already this brat was eyeing his inheritance—how unfilial! Hmph! Even if he died, he wouldn't leave much for Meng Shuping.
If Meng Shuping was really counting on his inheritance, he might as well prepare to live on air!
He sneered. "Let's see how far your aiming too high takes you. Now get out! Seeing you gives me a headache."
Meng Shuping was delighted and immediately slipped away. The "father back home" excuse worked great—he'd use it again next time!
The next few days were uneventful, with nothing happening. Then, one day, Meng Shuping suddenly received news: in two days, it would be the Marquis Cheng'en's sixtieth birthday, and everyone from their household would go to the Marquis Cheng'en's residence to offer congratulations.
Meng Shuping felt like he was suffocating. Another banquet? Just the small family gatherings with his siblings in the household made him uncomfortable—now he had to attend a birthday banquet? The thought was terrifying!
After thinking for less than three seconds, Meng Shuping decided: when that day came, he'd feign illness!
No way was he going to such an event! And what did that Marquis Cheng'en have to do with him anyway? Even if he didn't go, no one would say anything.
Soon, it was the day of the Marquis Cheng'en's birthday. After breakfast, Miao Bi and Jinzhan began preparing a formal outfit for Meng Shuping. Meng Shuping quickly refused. "No, no, I'll just wear this!"
A trace of disdain appeared on Jinzhan's face. "Fifth Young Master, you're attending a birthday banquet. You should dress more elegantly, or else people might laugh at you."
Meng Shuping said, "Who said I'm going to the banquet?"
Jinzhan and Miao Bi were both stunned. Jinzhan asked in surprise, "You're not going to the banquet today?"
Meng Shuping coughed dryly. "I think I might have caught a cold. I have a bit of a headache, so I won't be going today."
"Fifth Young Master has caught a cold?" Miao Bi asked worriedly. "Should we call a doctor?"
Meng Shuping hurriedly said, "No, no, I should be fine after resting. If I don't feel better later, we can call a doctor then. For now, send someone to inform the lady, so they won't wait for me."
Hearing this, Miao Bi had no choice but to send a young maid to pass along the message.
Not long after, Meng Shuyang also received the news. He narrowed his eyes. Meng Shuping was sick? Something felt highly suspicious.
He immediately ordered the maid beside him, "Have someone call a doctor, and quickly."
When the doctor arrived, he took him to Meng Shuping's quarters. If Meng Shuping didn't go today, how would his plan work?
Meng Shuping thought feigning illness would let him off the hook, but as he was practicing calligraphy in his room, someone reported that the Eldest Young Master, Second Young Master, Third Young Master, and others had all come to visit him.
He froze. "Ugh, why are they all here?"
Nervously, he went to the door and saw that Meng Shuyi, Meng Shuchun, and the others had indeed arrived. He said awkwardly, "Eldest Brother, Second Brother… what brings you here?"
Meng Shuyi asked concernedly, "Sixth Brother said you're sick? How are you feeling? Nothing serious, I hope?"
Meng Shuping said guiltily, "I'm fine. I'll be better after some rest."
"Fifth Young Master," Meng Shuyang said, pretending to be concerned, "I heard you haven't called a doctor. I happen to have brought one—let him examine you."
Meng Shuping's back stiffened, sensing a major problem. He immediately refused. "N-no, that's not necessary. It's not really serious. I'll be fine after resting."
"Ugh, why is he so nosy? Who asked him to pretend to be kind and bring a doctor? Shouldn't he focus on treating his own health issues?"
Meng Shuyang's face showed annoyance, but he quickly suppressed it. He adopted an earnest tone. "Fifth Young Master, that's not the right way to think. It might not seem serious now, but what if it worsens? Better let the doctor take a look."
The others chimed in, "Indeed, the Fifth Young Master, since Sixth Brother has already invited the doctor, why not let him take a look?"
"It's better to take medicine for a quicker recovery."
"Fifth Young Master, please sit on that chair over there and let the doctor take your pulse."
...
Meng Shuping was speechless. Helplessly, he sat down and let the doctor take his pulse. "Sigh, if I had known it would come to this, I wouldn't have faked an illness. I should've just said I had something else to do! Or even pretended to have tripped and sprained a muscle—who could've detected that? Ah, what a miscalculation."
Meng Shuchun raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had thought Meng Shuping was genuinely ill, but it turned out he was only pretending? Was Fifth Brother really that afraid of attending banquets?
Meng Shuyang, on the other hand, was thrilled. He had suspected Meng Shuping was up to something! That little rascal was indeed faking it. Hmph, today he finally managed to turn the tables.
Seeing the doctor finish taking the pulse with a puzzled expression, Meng Shuyi grew concerned and quickly asked, "Doctor, how is it? Is the Fifth Young Master's cold serious?"
The doctor shook his head. "This young master's pulse is strong and vigorous. He appears to be in excellent health and shows no signs of a cold."
Meng Shuyang feigned surprise. "How is that possible? Dr. Li, are you sure you didn't misdiagnose?"
Hearing this, Dr. Li was displeased. "Even with my limited skills, I would never mistake a common cold! If you doubt my abilities, feel free to seek another physician!"
Meng Shuyang was secretly pleased but quickly replied, "How could we doubt Dr. Li? It's just that Fifth Brother himself claimed he had caught a cold."
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he feigned surprise and said, "Fifth Brother, were you perhaps pretending to be sick?"
Meng Shuping was so embarrassed he wished he could literally dig a hole right there and hide in it. "Ahhh, life is already so difficult! Why does he have to expose me? Why! His kidney deficiency isn't my fault! Why does he always blame me?"
"Pfft—" Meng Shuchun couldn't hold back a laugh. Fifth Brother was just too amusing!
Meng Shuyang felt both smug and irritated. Hmph, did Meng Shuping think he was innocent? If it weren't for that rascal publicly mentioning his kidney deficiency that day, would he have been so humiliated? This was just a small lesson—hardly enough to make up for it.
Seeing that Meng Shuping was fine, Meng Shuchun suppressed his laughter and said, "Since Fifth Brother is in good health, why not join us for the birthday celebration?"
Unable to refuse, Meng Shuping said dejectedly, "Fine."
The group headed out and soon arrived at the Marquis Cheng'en's residence. Meng Shuping was immensely grateful for his many brothers at that moment. When it came time to offer birthday wishes, they all went together, and he could blend in without standing out.
After paying their respects, they waited for the banquet to begin. Just as Meng Shuping was about to find some corner to hide until the feast started, he felt someone grab his arm.
Turning around, he saw Meng Shuchun enthusiastically saying, "Fifth Brother, come, let me introduce you to some young masters from other families. Since you've just returned, it's a good chance to make some friends."
Meng Shuping looked horrified and quickly declined, "No, no need! I, uh, really need to relieve myself. Second Brother, you go ahead and find your friends!"
"Ahhh, does anyone understand? Attending a banquet where I don't know anyone is already suffocating enough, and now I have to socialize with them? Save me! Just kill me now!"
Seeing how resistant Meng Shuping was, Meng Shuchun reluctantly gave up. "Alright then, I'll introduce them to you later."
Meng Shuping nodded desperately. "Okay, okay."
Anything to buy more time. If necessary, he could always make another escape.
Just then, one of Meng Shuchun's friends came over to greet him. Seizing the opportunity, Meng Shuping darted away unnoticed.
By the time Meng Shuchun finished his brief conversation and turned around, Meng Shuping was completely gone.
Meng Shuchun: "..."
Only after reaching a spot where Meng Shuchun could no longer see him did Meng Shuping let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness he had escaped quickly—otherwise, he'd be stuck in an even more man-to-man situation.
But just as he began to relax, he noticed other passersby glancing at him strangely. Meng Shuping tensed up, quickened his pace, and forced himself to appear calm as he hurried away.
After he left, those who had been watching him whispered among themselves, "Whose family does that young master belong to? I've never seen him before."
"Could he be the son of some new official in the capital?"
After avoiding people for a while longer, he finally found a relatively secluded spot behind a rockery. Unless someone deliberately went around it, it was quite hard to spot.
There was even a flat stone where he could sit and rest. Aside from being a bit boring and the slab being somewhat cold, it was the perfect hideout.
Meng Shuping was pleased and decided to stay there until the banquet began. As long as he kept out of sight during the meal, he could probably get through the day without incident.
But he hadn't been hiding for long when he heard a group of people talking and laughing as they approached. He quickly signaled his two attendants to stay quiet, afraid they might give away his location.
He assumed the group would pass by, but instead, they stopped nearby and began talking.
"Hey, have you heard? The Earl of Anyang's family found the Fifth Young Master who went missing years ago."
"Of course I've heard. I also know this Fifth Young Master is a country bumpkin—violent, unruly, and barbaric. As soon as he returned, he beat up his cousins and even the maids."
"Not only that, he's crude and ill-mannered, with no manners at all. On his first day of school, he nearly drove his teacher away. It took a lot of effort to calm the situation."
"He must be exactly dark, burly, and rough, then?"
"Absolutely!"
Meng Shuping couldn't hold back any longer. "Couldn't have known all this unless they were eavesdropping under the bed!"
The men started in surprise. "Who's there?"