Zheng Qian immediately declared, "Your Majesty, not only did Prince Ning brazenly abduct a handsome young man from the street, but he also dared to seize a court minister. In my humble opinion, his crime deserves even harsher punishment! If left unpunished, I fear Prince Ning will only grow more audacious, and all of us court ministers will be in grave danger!"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but eagerly chime in, "Precisely, precisely! If he dares to openly abduct a court minister, what hope do ordinary citizens have for their lives?"
"Outrageous! Truly outrageous! This old man is so terrified I dare not even step outside now! With my frail body, I certainly couldn't withstand such an ordeal!"
"Who wouldn't agree?"
"Alas, from now on, I'll have to bring more guards whenever I venture out."
"Who would have thought being an official carried such risks!"
Minister of Revenue Chen glanced at Meng Shuping with a sudden realization, his expression particularly animated, "You know, even though Vice Director Meng's face is scarred now, he can still be considered a handsome young man! No wonder Prince Ning set his sights on him. In broad daylight, for all to see, tsk tsk…"
Minister of Justice Cao Jie's tone carried a faint hint of regret, "Ah, why wasn't I there at the scene? Vice Director Meng must have been scared out of his wits, right? If I had been present, I would have certainly stood up for Vice Director Meng and ensured justice was served!"
He truly wished he could have witnessed Meng Shuping's terrified and flustered reaction. What a pity, what a pity he missed it!
Emperor Qianyou: "..."
He never expected this matter to involve Meng Shuping again. He couldn't help but feel a headache coming on—why does this fellow pop up everywhere? And when did he get entangled with the Fourth Prince? This is beyond ridiculous!
Jiang Ciyi was seething with anger. He glared furiously at Meng Shuping, "What nonsense are you spouting? Who abducted you?"
And besides, didn't I already say that I had someone invite you over? Did you not hear clearly?
Moreover, while you're not bad-looking, do you have no sense of modesty? How dare you actually acknowledge being called a handsome young man!
"Ah?" Meng Shuping seemed startled by Jiang Ciyi. He trembled and, gathering his courage, said, "Didn't you have someone... someone drug me and take me away?"
The court officials: "Hoo!"
The other princes: "Hoo, hoo, hoo!"
"Fourth Brother, why go to such lengths? If he didn't want to go with you, why force him?"
"Fourth Brother, are you out of your mind? If you want someone, why target a court minister!"
"I say, Fourth Brother, aren't you being utterly despicable? How could you resort to such methods? Have you forgotten Father's teachings?"
"How could I have a brother like you? Alas, how can I show my face in public after this? You've completely disgraced Father!"
Emperor Qianyou's face darkened. He had initially thought that Meng Shuping might have inadvertently offended Jiang Ciyi, leading to his displeasure. But now, it seemed there might be more to the story.
He said coldly, "Fourth Prince, what is the meaning of this?"
Jiang Ciyi panicked and hurriedly explained, "Father, this is all a misunderstanding. I originally intended to have someone invite Vice Director Meng to my residence for a chat. But the servant, fearing I would be disappointed if Vice Director Meng declined, took it upon himself to drug him and bring him over. Father, I truly knew nothing about this initially."
Meng Shuping was speechless. "What do you mean, 'knew nothing'? The sedative was prepared in advance. Who would believe it wasn't premeditated?"
"I hate to say it, but does he think the Emperor is as foolish as he is? Using a servant as a scapegoat is an old trick! Does he think no one can see through it? Without his master's backing, would a servant dare to be so bold?"
"Wait, the abduction was so smoothly executed—could it be that they do this often?"
"Ah, I get it! He must be accustomed to taking by force! Whenever he takes a fancy to a handsome man or beautiful woman, he abducts them and does as he pleases! Impeach him! Whether it's true or not, impeach him on these grounds!"
"Father!" Jiang Ciyi's heart tightened, and he immediately cried out, "I admit it was under my orders that the servants brought Vice Director Meng over in such a manner. But please believe me, Father, I meant no harm. I promptly and properly sent Vice Director Meng away!"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but grumble, "What do you mean, 'properly'? He practically shoved me out the main gate! Is that how he treats a guest? I've never seen such rudeness. And he calls himself a prince? He has no royal dignity whatsoever."
Noticing that Meng Shuping had been distracted by his earlier words, Jiang Ciyi breathed a sigh of relief. This Meng Shuping really has a wild imagination.
Hearing that Meng Shuping had been unceremoniously ejected by Jiang Ciyi, Minister of Revenue Chen and Cao Jie couldn't help but chuckle. Hahaha, Meng Shuping, you got what you deserved! But after their laughter subsided, they once again felt a pang of regret. Alas, why couldn't they have been there? The scene must have been quite entertaining.
Emperor Qianyou also nearly failed to maintain his stern expression. Hahaha, when it comes to Meng Shuping, such antics somehow seem perfectly fitting!
Seeing that Jiang Ciyi had actually admitted it, the censors immediately straightened up. Zheng Qian snorted coldly, "Prince Ning, you certainly have quite the style! Is this how you invite someone? Isn't this simply bullying others by flaunting your status as a prince?"
Expecting Jiang Ciyi to refute this, they were surprised when he instead admitted his mistake with a very agreeable attitude. "Yes, yes, I now realize that my actions were highly inappropriate. Here, I would like to apologize to Vice Director Meng. That day, I was truly abrupt with young Lord Meng."
Meng Shuping was utterly baffled. "Strange, why is he suddenly so reasonable? Something's off. Really off."
Emperor Qianyou asked curiously, "Fourth Prince, why did you invite Beloved Minister Meng over?"
Could it be that he wanted to teach that fellow a lesson? Admittedly, Meng Shuping does tend to attract resentment.
Jiang Ciyi looked utterly sincere as he replied, "Your Majesty, I heard that Vice Director Meng is highly talented. Not only does he perform his duties well, but he has also repeatedly earned Your Majesty's praise. I was very curious about Vice Director Meng and couldn't resist inviting him for a chat."
"Ah?" Meng Shuping lowered his head slightly, not daring to meet anyone's eyes. "Weren't you planning to... to bribe me with two hundred taels of silver?"
"Two hundred taels! And he expects me to betray the Emperor and my prince? Who does he think I am? Am I someone who's short of two hundred taels? If you want to bribe someone, don't be so stingy. Who would work for him with such a paltry sum?"
"The most infuriating part is that he took the silver back! Was he just trying to taunt me?"
Meng Shuping still felt a bit regretful. "Alas, two hundred taels... Even if it wasn't enough to make me betray my loyalties, he could have asked me to do something else. Why didn't he ask?"
The court officials: "Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!"
"I knew it, I knew it! He wouldn't abduct someone for no reason. So he wanted to form a faction for personal gain!"
"Tell me, isn't Prince Ning a bit dim? Even if you want to bribe someone, this isn't the way to do it. Who forces someone to work for them?"
"If it were me, I would absolutely refuse!"
The other princes were even more confused. "Is this the going rate now? Two hundred taels can buy a court official?"
"Hey, do you remember what Imperial Censor Zheng said at the beginning?"
"You mean... using charm to win someone over?"
"He even tried to get it for free! Stingy! So stingy!"
Jiang Ciyi's face was extremely grim. This Meng Shuping actually had the nerve to blurt it out in court! Isn't he afraid of retaliation? Who acts like this?
Most people would pretend such a thing never happened. Why doesn't Meng Shuping play by the rules? He suspected that the censors' impeachment was also Meng Shuping's doing.
But the most excessive were the others. So what if he failed to win someone over? Did they have to laugh so heartily?
Emperor Qianyou glanced expressionlessly at Jiang Ciyi. Disgraceful fool! He had only promoted Meng Shuping a few days ago, and already you're scheming to win him over? Do you have no respect for me?
And not only did you try to win him over, you failed spectacularly and made a fool of yourself. Even I feel embarrassed for you. Idiot!
At that moment, Jiang Cihe stepped forward. "Father, I have something to report."
Emperor Qianyou's expression softened slightly. "Seventh, what is it?"
Ah, this son is still the one who gives him peace of mind.
Jiang Cihe said, "Your son has heard that Fourth Brother has a fondness for married women. When he takes a liking to someone, he brings them back for a night of pleasure, then sends them back afterward. Fourth Brother's sedatives are probably often used for such purposes."
Meng Shuping widened his eyes in shock. "Aha! I knew something felt off! So he really did abduct commoners' wives! Tut tut tut, wicked! Truly wicked!"
"He's a prince—isn't it easy enough for him to get women? Ignoring the women in his own residence to go steal someone else's wife—is he deranged?"
"What?" Emperor Qianyou's face turned livid. He asked coldly, "Fourth Son, is this true?"
Jiang Ciyi hurriedly protested his innocence. "Father, your son did not!"
Then he turned angrily toward Jiang Cihe. "Seventh Brother, just because I accidentally offended you once before—it's been so long, and you still hold a grudge?"
Jiang Cihe said with a slight smile, "Fourth Brother, please understand. I merely wish to prevent you from continuing down this wrong path. Father loves the people as his own children. As a prince, how could you be the first to violate laws and discipline? Have you considered how this would place Father in an awkward position?"
Jiang Ciyi nearly spat blood in fury. If you want to deal with me, just deal with me—why drag Father into it? Do you have to be so devious?
With a look of grievance, he said, "Father, Seventh Brother is slandering me! You know how he is—he holds grudges! He's just taking this chance to get back at me!"
Jiang Cihe declared righteously, "Whether it's true or not, an investigation will tell. If I have wrongly accused Fourth Brother, I will apologize to him then."
Jiang Ciyi clenched his fists. "You!"
Fine words indeed! If Jiang Ciyi actually believed that, he'd be a fool!
Emperor Qianyou was already vexed by the matter with Meng Shuping, and Jiang Cihe's words only added fuel to his fury. He glared sternly at Jiang Ciyi. "Fourth Son, I ask you once more—is this true? If you do not admit it now, and I later find out through investigation, it will not be so simple."
Jiang Ciyi hesitated for a moment, then fell to his knees with a thud. "Father, your son admits his guilt!"
If Emperor Qianyou was determined to investigate, the matter would surely come to light. It was better to confess voluntarily and hope for leniency.
Meng Shuping: "Wow!"
The ministers in the court: "Wow!"
Emperor Qianyou was so angry he was tempted to kick Jiang Ciyi. Fuming, he said, "Guards, take Prince Ning to the Imperial Clan Court."
Jiang Ciyi quickly begged for mercy. "Father, I know I was wrong!"
Meng Shuping couldn't help but comment, "Know he was wrong? If he really knew, why didn't he repent earlier? Even now, he shows no remorse—only trying to evade responsibility. Serves him right!"
Jiang Ciyi shot a hateful glare at Meng Shuping. It's all this boy's fault! His downfall today is inextricably linked to him!
But no matter how resentful he was, he was still taken away. Soon, he was locked in the Imperial Clan Court prison.
Seeing Jiang Ciyi also imprisoned, Jiang Cian was very surprised. He burst into hearty laughter. "Well, Fourth Brother, how did you end up here too? Did you come specifically to keep me company?"
Jiang Ciyi glared at him angrily. "Hmph!"
Jiang Cian had been bored alone, and now with company, he was eager to chat. "Come, come, Fourth Brother, tell me—what did you get locked up for?"
Jiang Ciyi was too angry and resentful to chat with Jiang Cian. He turned his back to him. "That's none of your concern!"
For some reason, Jiang Cian felt subtly much happier. Tut tut tut, knowing he wasn't the only one suffering made him feel much better!
He said with a malicious grin and continued to bother Jiang Ciyi. "Fourth Brother..."
Jiang Ciyi: "..."
Aargh! This Fifth Brother—has he gone crazy from being locked up too long?!