Cai Feng sneered, "Hmph, accusing the wrong person? Surely Vice Director Meng isn't suggesting he isn't the Vice Director of the Board of Punishments?"
Emperor Qianyou was taken aback. "You say he accused the wrong person? What do you mean?"
Meng Shuping's voice trembled violently, his face flushing deeper red. "It was Your Majesty who appointed me as the Vice Director of the Board of Punishments. If he claims I lack competence, isn't he implying Your Majesty is blind? Therefore, he should first impeach you! Impeach you for appointing the wrong person!"
The court officials gasped, "Oh!"
Who would have thought? This seemingly meek Vice Director Meng could speak so boldly!
Meng Shuping gathered his courage and continued, "And Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue, Minister Cao Jie of the Board of Punishments, Lord Fan of the Military Hall Department, and His Highness Prince Cheng! They all recommended me—they should all be impeached too!"
[If you're going to impeach, aim high! What's the point of impeaching a mere seventh-rank official? Impeaching such prominent figures would surely make a name for himself! Doesn't he understand what truly matters?]
[Sigh, I told them not to make me an official, not to make me an official, but they insisted. Look, I've only been in office for a few days, and all this drama has already erupted! Not to point fingers, but whoever made me an official should solve the problem! Now that there's trouble, they're just going to abandon me, is that it?]
Many officials exclaimed, "Oh, oh, oh!!!"
Just what is Vice Director Meng's background? So many powerful backers? They watched Cai Feng with smug delight—it seems he's messed with the wrong person this time!
Many officials who had been impeached by Cai Feng immediately stepped forward. "Indeed, Imperial Censor Cai, why don't you impeach His Majesty and the other high officials?"
"Is it because Vice Director Meng looks young and easy to bully?"
"Exactly, Imperial Censor Cai, you've seriously neglected your duties!"
Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue cast a sidelong glance. "Imperial Censor Cai, do you also intend to impeach this old man?"
Minister Cao Jie of the Board of Punishments was also displeased. "What, does Imperial Censor Cai have some grievance against this official?"
Emperor Qianyou: "..."
He never expected this boomerang to come back and hit him. This Meng Shuping—should he be called bold, bold, or just plain bold?
Meng Shuping was disdainful. [It's not that I look down on him, but as a censor, how can he be such a bully? Instead of impeaching the Emperor, he impeaches me—does he think I'm an easy target?]
[Honestly, I think impeaching the Emperor would be far more effective than impeaching me. Impeaching me at most shows he's doing his job, but impeaching the Emperor would be risking his life to speak truth to power, defying imperial authority!]
[Isn't that the kind of reputation censors all desire? He doesn't even know how to seize such a golden opportunity—is he stupid?]
Cai Feng: "..."
Is this kid threatening him? Does he think by invoking the Emperor, Prince Cheng, the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Punishments, and the Military Hall Department, he can absolve himself?
Hmph, even if the Emperor blames him, he will still speak frankly—this kid is truly unfit to be an official!
"Hahahaha!" Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Lord Cai, don't you seek a reputation for standing up to power? Why are you impeaching a mere junior Vice Director of the Board of Punishments instead of the Emperor? Are you not up to the task?"
Although Cao Jie disliked Meng Shuping, he now seized the opportunity and chimed in, "Precisely, isn't it true that the greater the power of the person you impeach, the more it reflects your integrity? The Emperor holds the greatest power in the world—why aren't you impeaching him?"
"Lord Cai, if you truly believe the Emperor is at fault, why not point it out? As a censor, aren't you seriously neglecting your duties?"
"Right, Imperial Censor Cai, if you think the Emperor is wrong, then say it directly! What is there to fear? Would the Emperor truly punish you for offering loyal and honest advice?"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but speculate, [Does he think the Emperor is particularly narrow-minded?]
Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue mocked, "Does Imperial Censor Cai believe the Emperor is dictatorial and cannot accept others' opinions?"
"Imperial Censor Cai is truly arrogant! I seriously doubt whether someone as opportunistic as Imperial Censor Cai can fulfill the duties of a censor well."
Another official stepped forward and declared, "Your Majesty, I impeach Imperial Censor Cai for being cowardly toward the powerful while bullying the weak. Clearly dissatisfied with Your Majesty, yet not daring to speak frankly—this is disloyalty. Only knowing how to oppress the weak and pick on the easiest target—this is injustice. How can such a disloyal and unjust person hold the position of censor? He is severely derelict in his duties!"
Cai Feng's face flushed crimson with anger. He was only impeaching Meng Shuping—how did it turn into him neglecting his duties?
Meng Shuping was shocked. [Holy cow! I'm utterly speechless! If this official hadn't stepped forward, I wouldn't have known Imperial Censor Cai was so negligent! If you have more to say, please do!]
Meng Houliang was even more shocked than Meng Shuping. Since when did their Ping Geer have such good connections? At first, he thought Meng Shuping became Vice Director of the Board of Punishments due to Prince Zhao's recommendation, but now it turns out the Emperor appointed him?
And Minister of Revenue is one thing, but Minister of Punishments and Prince Cheng didn't have good relations with their Ping Geer—how did they also recommend him?
Cai Feng's expression darkened. This Meng Shuping—why doesn't he follow the script? Wouldn't most people panic and defend themselves?
And what's with everyone else? Why are they all speaking up for Meng Shuping? Isn't he just the illegitimate son of an earl? Since when did he gain such influence?
Cai Feng never considered that it was because he would impeach people over trivial matters, arousing public anger. Now, officials he had impeached before saw a chance to step on him and naturally wouldn't let it go.
But now he was in a tight spot. If he followed Meng Shuping's words and impeached so many people at once, while it might boost his reputation, the pressure would be immense, and he could easily face backlash.
But if he stuck to his original plan and only impeached Meng Shuping, wouldn't he appear to the Emperor as someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong?
This Meng Shuping! Truly skilled in sweet talk! Perhaps the Emperor and the others have been deceived by this kid!
The Minister of Works, whom Meng Shuping had previously criticized for being long-winded, sneered, "Hmph, just a mere Vice Director of the Board of Punishments, yet so many court officials speak for him. Isn't he a bit too well-connected? In my opinion, we should also charge Vice Director Meng with forming cliques for personal gain!"
At this, Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue objected, "Does Lord Shi mean this court is your private club? Whatever you say goes, and no one is allowed to object?"
Meng Shuping chimed in, [Exactly! They can speak, but others can't? I say he's too domineering! Does he want to monopolize power and sideline the Emperor?]
[Then forming cliques for personal gain would include the Emperor—what, does he want to eliminate the Emperor?]
[Gasp...]
[Could they already be secretly supporting a certain prince?]
The Minister of Works broke out in a cold sweat. Kid, stop making wild accusations, okay?
He immediately retorted, "What, you can do it but others can't talk about it? What I said is also fact! Otherwise, why are you all protecting him?"
Minister Chen of the Board of Revenue said, "We're just calling you out for bullying a child, given your advanced age. Tsk, and I haven't even called you disrespectful elders yet!"
"Bullshit!"
"Oh, oh, are you mad because you're embarrassed?"
Seeing the Minister of Works and Imperial Censor Cai under attack from a group, some of their allies also joined in. The two sides went back and forth, arguing fiercely.
Meanwhile, Meng Shuping, the one who started the argument, was ignored. He even happily egged them on, [Fight, fight!]
Emperor Qianyou: "..."
Has this kid forgotten who started the argument?
Seeing that they might really come to blows if he didn't intervene, Emperor Qianyou cleared his throat and cut in on the chaotic scene.
"My dear Cai, this Vice Director Meng was indeed appointed by me. Do you think I lack discernment?"
Cai Feng quickly said, "Of course not! Your Majesty, look—this kid only had to say a few words to make the court officials argue like this. It shows he's very silver-tongued. In my opinion, you and the other officials have been deceived by him!"
Meng Shuping scoffed disdainfully, [Pfft, a coward's a coward. The Emperor has seen countless people and is well-versed in the ways of the world—how could he be easily deceived by a youngster like me? Is he praising my intelligence or mocking the Emperor for being foolish?]
[If he's got the guts, he should stand up to the Emperor! Honestly, I really don't get it. The Emperor isn't a tyrant—what's an Imperial Censor so scared of? That the Emperor might chop his head off in a rage?]
Emperor Qianyou felt immensely pleased by Meng Shuping's words. This Meng Shuping—when he praises someone, he's truly endearing, even if he's infuriating at other times.
At the same time, he felt quite annoyed with Cai Feng. This Cai Feng, after serving in the court for so many years, still doesn't understand things as clearly as Meng Shuping. Indeed, he likes to think he's fair-minded—how could he possibly punish someone just for speaking bluntly?
But then, he heard Meng Shuping think to himself, [He should bash his head against the pillar! Splatter blood across the throne hall! If he doesn't even have that courage, how can he call himself an Imperial Censor? Pah! Gutless!]
Emperor Qianyou didn't know whether to laugh or scold. This kid really loves stirring the pot, doesn't he?
"Hahahaha!" The Minister of Revenue and a few others laughed mockingly. "Imperial Censor Cai, who's to say smooth talking isn't a talent? If he wins our admiration with it, that's his skill. When Imperial Censor Cai impeaches others, isn't he just as articulate? Surely you wouldn't claim someone who can't even speak clearly could become an Imperial Censor?"
Imperial Censor Cai's face turned livid with anger. "Don't twist my words! Then tell me, Lord Chen, which official can perform their duties well based solely on eloquence?"
Before the Minister of Revenue could respond, Meng Shuping thought to himself, [There are plenty! The Censorate, the Court of State Ceremonial—you could pick any of them!]
Imperial Censor Cai's face darkened, and he immediately retorted, "Even if there are, that doesn't mean he's fit to be Vice Director of the Board of Punishments. How can eloquence alone qualify him to handle cases?"
Cao Jie snorted. "Why not? Before Vice Director Meng even joined our ministry, he solved two difficult cases. If he didn't have such great talent, why would I recommend him for office? And why would the Emperor appoint him? Does Imperial Censor Cai think the Emperor is some muddle-headed fool? His Majesty is wise and discerning—how could he be easily deceived?"
Hmph, he wasn't speaking up for Meng Shuping—he was siding with the Emperor!
Imperial Censor Cai cursed inwardly at Cao Jie. If you're going to defend Meng Shuping, just defend him—why suddenly flatter the Emperor? How shameless!
Unyielding, he said, "What great talent? I heard even he himself admitted those cases were pure coincidence. Besides, he's barely literate—how could he possibly understand the legal codes?"
Meng Shuping, already drowsy, grew even sleepier after listening to their long argument. Just as he was about to doze off, Imperial Censor Cai asked him, "Vice Director Meng, do you admit to this or not?"
Meng Shuping half-opened his eyes and replied dismissively, "Yes, yes, you're right."
[If he's got the nerve, let him ask the Emperor to dismiss me!]
Imperial Censor Cai sputtered, then flared up in anger. The nerve of this kid, acting so arrogantly!
Fuming, he demanded, "Then let me ask you: isn't it true that shortly after returning to your estate, you nearly drove your tutor away?"
Meng Shuping nodded vaguely. "Yes, yes, you're right."
[Then why doesn't he get the Emperor to dismiss me?]
Imperial Censor Cai glared at him. "And isn't it also true that you recently made your grandmother faint from anger?"
"Yes, yes, you're right!"
[After all this talk, can he actually get the Emperor to dismiss me or not?]
"You—"
Meng Shuping automatically said, "Yes, yes, you're right."
[Pah! Useless! Can't handle even the smallest matter—all he does is spout nonsense!]
Imperial Censor Cai was so angry he nearly saw red. Furious, he bowed with cupped hands toward Emperor Qianyou. "Your Maj—"
"Yes, yes, you're right."
Meng Shuping had barely finished speaking when he suddenly realized, [Damn! I spoke too fast—he wasn't even talking to me! This Imperial Censor Cai is so sneaky—how could he set me up like this!]
Imperial Censor Cai was so enraged he nearly spat blood. Before he could accuse Meng Shuping of dismissing him, Meng Shuping had the nerve to claim he'd been tricked? How shameless!
"Pfft!" Several officials couldn't help laughing aloud. Say what you will about Vice Director Meng, but he's utterly brazen! Even the censor known for arguing was left speechless.
Imperial Censor Cai gritted his teeth and said to Emperor Qianyou, "Your Majesty, since Vice Director Meng himself admits to his poor conduct, doesn't that prove he is unworthy of his position?"
Emperor Qianyou looked at Meng Shuping. "Beloved Minister Meng, do you truly admit to all this?"
Meng Shuping instinctively gripped his robe and whispered, "But is Imperial Censor Cai going to impeach you or not? If not, doesn't that mean he's seriously neglecting his duty?"
Other ministers in the hall, loving the drama, chimed in, "Exactly! Imperial Censor Cai, are you going to impeach him or not?"
"If you don't, it's dereliction of duty!"
Imperial Censor Cai was furious. "You all! Hmph! Right now, we're discussing Vice Director Meng's issues!"
At this point, Meng Houliang stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I can testify that these matters are mere rumors and utterly untrue. Moreover, everyone knows you appoint people wisely and govern diligently—how could you possibly treat state affairs as a joke?"
Imperial Censor Cai said sternly, "The Earl is Meng Shuping's grandfather—of course he would speak for him. Besides, where there's smoke, there's fire. If these things weren't true, how would such rumors spread?"
Meng Shuping looked at him in disbelief. [No way, no way! Although censors can report on hearsay, that doesn't mean everything they hear is true! If I said he likes sleeping with other men's wives, would that be true too?]
"Pfft!" Minister Cao Jie of the Board of Punishments cast a sideways glance. "I heard Imperial Censor Cai likes sleeping with other men's wives?"
Meng Shuping acted shocked. [Whoa, whoa! He really does that?]
Other ministers' eyes lit up instantly. "Whoa! Whoa!"
Imperial Censor Cai flew into a rage. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
Cao Jie smiled. "If it weren't true, how would such rumors spread?"
Under the mocking gazes of the officials, Imperial Censor Cai's face flushed bright red. "You—you're slandering me!"
Seeing the conversation growing increasingly inappropriate, Emperor Qianyou cleared his throat. "Ahem, enough. Since the Earl of Anyang has testified that these matters are unfounded, let's drop this subject. As for you, Beloved Minister, do you still wish to impeach me?"
Imperial Censor Cai took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "Your Majesty, since Vice Director Meng's matter is a misunderstanding, I will not impeach him."
Meng Shuping sneered, [Pfft, as if he ever planned to! Are all censors such bullies? Isn't this just freeloading?]
Emperor Qianyou said displeasedly, "Beloved Minister, the duty of a censor is to investigate and impeach. If everyone acts as opportunistically as you, what use are censors to me?"
"Since this is your first offense, I'll fine you one month's salary. Do not forget this lesson!"
Imperial Censor Cai was completely stunned. He never expected that what seemed like a routine impeachment would end like this!
But under Emperor Qianyou's gaze, he had no choice but to say resentfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The other court officials were even more shocked than Imperial Censor Cai: "Oh!"
This Vice Director Meng is something else. When other officials are impeached, they're forced to defend themselves meekly or even politely explain themselves. But this Vice Director Meng?
Not only did he emerge unscathed, but he also got the censor who impeached him punished. Though it was just a month's salary, it's still unbelievable.
After resolving Meng Shuping's matter, Emperor Qianyou instructed him, "Don't return just yet. Find somewhere to stay for now."
Meng Shuping sighed. "Yes."
[Sigh, why won't he let me go back?]
After finding a spot at the back of the hall, Meng Shuping settled in. Just then, another censor stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report!"