The thought that Meng Shuping, who grew up in the countryside, could be appointed as an official by the Emperor while they lagged far behind made the two of them green with envy. However, since they needed Meng Shuping's help, they forced smiles and pretended to be happy for him.
Meng Wenxiu put on what he thought was a kindly smile and said to Meng Shuping, "Ping'er, if you need anything in the future, just ask your mother. Don't be shy. Now that you've become an official, things are different from before. When it comes to schmoozing and making connections, you can't just do nothing."
Meng Shuping responded with a perfunctory "Oh," not taking Meng Wenxiu's words seriously. He thought disdainfully, "It's not even his to give away, why is he acting so generous? Unnecessary, really unnecessary. It's not like I'm desperate for it. If you can't afford it, don't offer it. How can he have the nerve to act so magnanimous with someone else's resources?"
"Not to criticize him, but he's almost forty. If he's not relying on his wife, he's relying on his father. No wonder he's never amounted to anything. Is he planning to depend on his son in the future too?"
Meng Wenxiu's blood was boiling. No matter what, he had good intentions. Even if Meng Shuping didn't appreciate it, why did he have to say such things?
Besides, they were family—why keep score? Didn't he have a share in this household? If Meng Shuping weren't his son, could he enjoy all this? Wasn't he the one who made it all possible?
Thinking this, Meng Wenxiu felt justified again. Without him, would Meng Shuping have met Prince Zhao? And without Prince Zhao, would he have been appointed as an official by the Emperor?
So, Meng Shuping's achievements today were all because of him. Wasn't it only right for him to help out?
Feeling self-righteous, Meng Wenxiu puffed out his chest and said sternly, "Although you've made something of yourself now, don't forget who gave you all this. When you have the chance, remember to put in a good word for your third brother in front of the Emperor. That way, you'll have someone to support you in court, won't you?"
Meng Shuping was dumbfounded. "Huh?"
"What does he mean by that? Is he trying to say that all this was given by him? You've got to be kidding me! Is he really that delusional?"
"If he's so capable, why come to me for help? Why not go to the Emperor himself? Asking for a favor with that attitude—does he think he's better than everyone?"
Seeing that Meng Shuping seemed unwilling to agree, Meng Wenxiu was displeased. "What? You're not willing? Let's get one thing straight—whose food are you eating? Whose clothes are you wearing? Since you're enjoying the benefits of the Earl's Household, shouldn't you give back to it?"
Meng Shuping was at a loss for words. "Well... isn't the Earl's Household currently supported by Grandfather? What does it have to do with him? Has he even contributed anything to the household? If anything, he's been dragging it down."
"At the very least, when I go out, people praise Grandfather for having a good grandson. But when he goes out? People don't even know he exists!"
Meng Wenxiu was furious. So what if Meng Shuping had lucked into an official position? Look how smug he was! Hmph, having grown up in the countryside, he had no foresight. Without the family's support, how long could Meng Shuping last as an official?
Seeing that Meng Shuping remained silent, he coldly said, "I'm asking you a question. Didn't you hear me?"
Meng Shuping felt that this father-son duo was really something else, acting as if everyone owed them something. He asked sincerely, "So what you're saying is, Third Brother can't pass the imperial exams?"
"Wasn't he said to have been studying diligently since childhood? And this is the result? Not to criticize him, but if he doesn't have the talent, he shouldn't force it. Now he can't cut it with either books or swords—what exactly can he do?"
Meng Wenxiu angrily retorted, "Who said he can't pass the exams? If you won't help, why curse him?"
Meng Shuping asked in confusion, "If he can pass, then why does he need my help?"
"So he knows he can't pass and wants to pull strings? If he can't pass, just admit it. Is it so hard to acknowledge that he's not cut out for it? Is he afraid I'll laugh at him? Hahaha!"
"But it's understandable. Some people care more about face than anything. Who knows, others might be laughing at him behind their back!"
Meng Wenxiu sputtered, then angrily said, "Since he's going to serve the court sooner or later, why stick to formalities? Of course, I want him to serve the Emperor as soon as possible!"
Meng Shuping nodded. "Right. So he still can't pass."
"If he can't pass, why make excuses? If he were truly talented, even if the Emperor didn't notice, wouldn't Grandfather step in? If no one pays him any attention, doesn't that mean he's mediocre?"
"Honestly, I think he's wasting his effort. Even if I put in a good word for him in front of the Emperor, if he's useless, what's the point?"
Meng Shuqi shot up from his seat, furious. "Father, since Fifth Brother refuses to contribute to the family, why should we endure his insults here? You don't need to beg him for my sake. I'll go back and study hard. Sooner or later, I'll pass the exams and make you proud!"
If it weren't for wanting to secure an official position early, why would he have endured sitting here for so long? Did Meng Shuping really think that without him, he could achieve nothing?
Hearing this, Meng Wenxiu also stood up indignantly. He gritted his teeth and said to Meng Shuping, "Fine, fine! I've truly raised a fine son! Since you refuse to help, let's see how long you last as an official!"
He turned to Meng Shuqi. "Qi'er, let's go! There's no need to beg him! Ungrateful wretch!"
With a flick of his sleeve, he left with Meng Shuqi.
Meng Shuping barely resisted rolling his eyes. "Seriously? They call that begging? Coming to ask for a favor with such arrogant attitudes—how high and mighty do they think they are?"
Hearing this, Meng Wenxiu and Meng Shuqi stormed off even faster, fuming. Hmph, did Meng Shuping think he could stay smug forever? With his knack for pissing people off, he'd be ousted sooner or later. To avoid being dragged down, they'd better not rely on him!
The following days passed without incident. Meng Shuping finished his heavy workload early each day and returned home.
One day, as he was ambling along on his horse back home after work, he noticed a commotion up ahead. He quickly looked forward and saw a young nobleman in his twenties, accompanied by several servants, barreling down the street on horseback.
Since the street was crowded and the horses were moving fast, people were frantically scrambling for dear life to the sides to avoid being kicked.
Although Meng Shuping was on horseback, his riding skills were poor, and his horse was usually led by a servant at a slow pace. Caught off guard by the oncoming riders, he couldn't react in time. Before he could have his horse moved aside, the group rushed past.
One of the horses bumped into his, and Meng Shuping lost his balance, falling off his horse. Fortunately, his servant Jia Yue cushioned his fall. Even so, Meng Shuping was shaken up pretty bad.
Gritting his teeth, he was helped up by two servants, feeling furious. "Who is it? Galloping on the streets—if they don't value their lives, others do! That fall hurt! I'll sue! I'm going to sue their pants off!"
But as soon as he thought this, he heard a loud crack behind him, followed by the sound of collisions and angry shouts.
Curious, Meng Shuping craned his neck to see what happened but only noticed that the horses had stopped.
He quickly ordered Xing Lai, "Go to the Military Hall Department and report that someone is causing trouble on the street."
Logically, he could have reported it to the Ministry of Justice, but Meng Shuping felt the Ministry was too complicated. The offender might be released as soon as he was detained. Better to get the Military Hall Department involved—without Jiang Cihe's approval, no one could interfere.
Xing Lai said with concern, "But what about you, Young Master? Shouldn't we find a doctor first?"
Meng Shuping waved him off, wincing. "It's fine. I'll go check things out first."
Seeing his insistence, Xing Lai hurried off to the Military Hall Department. Fortunately, it wasn't far, and the round trip wouldn't take long.
After Xing Lai left, Meng Shuping, accompanied by Jia Yue, limped toward the source of the noise. Seeing him struggle to walk steadily, Jia Yue asked worriedly, "Young Master, are you sure you don't want to see a doctor?"
Meng Shuping gritted his teeth. "No!"
He had to find the person responsible for his fall first. Otherwise, how would he claim compensation?
Damn it all, to think he'd suffer such misfortune on a peaceful street! How unlucky! This time, he'd make sure those reckless riders were locked up.
Soon, they reached the scene of the accident. There, they saw the young nobleman being supported by two servants. Another man was arrogantly berating someone else. "You reckless fool! How dare you throw something here? If you've injured my young master, can you bear the responsibility? Do you have a death wish?"
Seeing the nobleman's sorry state, Meng Shuping let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Serves him right for galloping like that! He deserved that fall! And it wasn't even harsh enough!"
Dong Wenjin flew into a rage. Who dared mock him? He looked around but couldn't pinpoint the speaker. Instead, he took his anger out on the person who caused his fall. "Servants, whip him! How dare you harm me? You've got a death wish!"
Immediately, a servant laid into him with a whip, striking the man so hard he collapsed in a heap.
Meng Shuping anxiously glanced back. Why weren't they here yet? Seeing the man curled up in pain, fearing he might be beaten to death, Meng Shuping took a deep breath and steeled himself. "Stop!"
Instantly, all eyes turned to him. Meng Shuping froze like a deer in headlights.
Dong Wenjin gave him the once-over with interest. Well, well, who was this guy? His voice cracked from fear, yet he dared intervene? Who does he think he is?
He arrogantly ordered his men, "Keep whipping him! Don't stop! We'll drag him back to the manor later for more lessons!"
Then, supported by his servants, he approached Meng Shuping. Noting Meng Shuping's low-ranking official robes, he sneered, "What? A two-bit official like you has the gall to butt in? Do you know who I am—"
Meng Shuping finished for him, sarcastically, "—Do you know who my father is?"