Chapter 94

Meng Shuping waited for a moment, but Hong Yucheng remained silent about his identity. He couldn't help but wonder, "Huh? Why the sudden silence? Weren't you quite arrogant just now? Speechless?"

Hong Yucheng, resentfully held by the constables, was escorted out. He wouldn't be provoked into losing his composure; he wasn't as foolish as that idiot Fan Jianhui!

Just as he reached the door, he heard Meng Shuping's voice say, "Fine, if you won't speak, I can always ask someone else. I'll figure out who you are in no time!"

Before he could even react with anger, he was unceremoniously shoved out of the restaurant's entrance. Hong Yucheng struggled fiercely, "Let go of me right now! Do you want to see what I can do?"

The constables escorting him burst into laughter. Then, with a sharp twist of their hands, they made Hong Yucheng howl in pain, "We can show you right now!"

Threatening them? He should have known better than to try.

Hong Yucheng was livid. How dare they treat him this way? They would regret it!

Compared to Hong Yucheng, Fan Jianhui and the others received much better treatment, mainly because they were more cooperative.

When Hong Yucheng, Fan Jianhui, and the rest were brought to the yamen by the Military Judicial Department, Peng Boshan felt an immediate headache!

Usually, brawls between two young masters were troublesome enough, but this time, it was a whole group of them. When their fathers arrived, who knew what kind of uproar they would cause?

He looked troubled as he turned to Ling Feng, who had accompanied them, "Guard Ling, did His Royal Highness have any other instructions?"

Ling Feng glanced around, then cupped his hand over his mouth and whispered, "Minister Peng, His Royal Highness sent me specifically to remind you that when General Hong's son caused trouble at the restaurant, Emperor Qianyou and several high officials were also present."

Peng Boshan was surprised. Could it be that Emperor Qianyou had ordered their arrest?

Well, he'd first clarify the details of the incident, then lock them up in jail with good food and drink. They could argue it out among themselves later.

…

Upon hearing that his son had been arrested, Hong Da slammed the table in anger, "What? Yucheng got into a fight and was detained? Didn't you arrange for his release?"

This Peng Boshan—surely he wouldn't refuse him even this small favor?

The messenger replied, "The one he fought was the son of Minister Fan and several other ministers' sons!"

Hong Da shot up from his chair, "Has Fan Liang's son lost his mind? Let's go! To the yamen!"

However, when he arrived at the yamen, he couldn't take Hong Yucheng away. Peng Boshan feigned sympathy and said, "General Hong, it's not that I'm unwilling to do you this favor, but the truth is, when your son was fighting, Emperor Qianyou and several colleagues were present, and they were nearly accosted by your son's actions. How could I release him so easily? But don't worry, I'll make sure your son is well taken care of in jail."

Hong Da was shocked. What? He nearly accosted Emperor Qianyou? That brat! How could he be so careless? Gratefully, he said to Peng Boshan, "Thank you for the reminder, Minister Peng. I must trouble you to look after my son."

Peng Boshan smiled politely, "It's nothing, nothing at all."

After using the same tactic to deal with Fan Liang and the others, Peng Boshan breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he had managed to send them all away.

After leaving the yamen, Hong Da hurried to the palace. However, upon arrival, he was informed that Emperor Qianyou was not currently in the palace. He had no choice but to wait until after the next morning's imperial court session to see Emperor Qianyou privately.

The next day, it was time for Meng Shuping to attend the morning audience again. He struggled to get out of bed early and made his way to the palace.

Since Emperor Qianyou had given specific instructions, Meng Shuping took his usual spot by the door after arriving.

Although it was much warmer there than outside, being under Emperor Qianyou's watchful eye made it impossible to doze off as openly as before.

Meng Shuping expertly bowed his head and squinted his eyes, "Yawn, I'm still so sleepy. I'll just rest my eyes a bit—surely that's allowed?"

Emperor Qianyou glanced at Meng Shuping disapprovingly but didn't call him out. He grumbled inwardly, wondering where this kid got all his sleep from. How could he doze off anywhere?

After discussing several important matters with the other ministers, Emperor Qianyou asked the officials below, "Do any of you Honored Ministers have other matters to report?"

At that moment, Zheng Qian stepped forward, "Your Majesty, your servant has a report to make!"

Emperor Qianyou looked at him, "What matter does Imperial Censor Zheng wish to report?"

"Your Majesty," Zheng Qian raised his voice loudly, "your servant wishes to impeach General Hong!"

Meng Shuping's eyes snapped open, and he instantly perked up, "What? What's this? Something interesting to watch? Huh? Who is this Hong Da? Could he be Hong Yucheng's father?"

Emperor Qianyou gave Meng Shuping an exasperated look. This brat—why did he get so excited at the prospect of drama?

Jiang Cihe also couldn't help but smile. So Meng Shuping hadn't been asleep after all! He had thought the Young Bold was motionless because he was already dozing.

Hong Da calmly stepped out from the ranks. He had guessed it was about his son's incident from the previous day, but he didn't rush to defend himself. Instead, he kept his head bowed, remaining composed.

After all, it was such a minor matter. Even if he were impeached, it wouldn't be a big deal—at most, he'd receive a reprimand.

Meng Shuping craned his neck to look forward, "Wow, this Hong Da is impressive! Listen to what Jiang Cihe said: he became a palace guard at twenty, suppressed border revolts at thirty, and rose steadily thereafter, winning Emperor Qianyou's favor!"

"Too bad he can't even teach his own son properly. Not only is his character flawed, but he even fights so disgracefully!"

Hong Da was taken aback, then furious. What did it matter to outsiders whether he could teach his son properly? Which official was being so rude, spouting such nonsense here?

Emperor Qianyou quickly suppressed a smile and asked Zheng Qian, "What matter does Honored Minister Zheng wish to impeach General Hong for?"

Zheng Qian said sternly, "Your Majesty, I've heard that General Hong's son acts arrogantly in the capital, oppressing the common people with his influence. Yesterday, just because a play at the restaurant didn't suit his taste, he brought a group of retainers to cause trouble. Such behavior is thoroughly disgraceful! And General Hong, knowing his son's misconduct, not only failed to discipline him but also used his own influence to shield him at every turn. With such character, how can he be fit for the role of a general?"

Hong Da replied calmly, "Your Majesty, may Your Majesty judge wisely. This humble official is fortunate to have earned Your Majesty's trust and has always been assiduous, without ever slacking. Perhaps I've been too busy with official duties and haven't devoted enough time to my son. To be honest, it's been a long time since I've spent quality time with him, and this is the first time I've learned he's become like this. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, your servant will certainly come down hard on him upon my return!"

The others looked at Hong Da with admiration. See how well General Hong speaks! With these words, who wouldn't think that General Hong had neglected his family only because he was wholeheartedly serving the Emperor? Even the Emperor couldn't fault him too much and would instead praise his dedication to the court!

Hong Da felt a slight sense of pride. Even if his son had behaved improperly, with this explanation, would the Emperor really have the heart to blame him?

But just as he thought this, he heard the same voice again, "Hiss…"

"I knew it—the Emperor's overworking people is bound to cause problems! See? Now someone's complaining. General Hong is blaming the Emperor, that old codger! If you hadn't loaded me with so much work, would I have had no time to teach my son? You get to see your son every day, but do you know how long it's been since I've seen mine? And you have the nerve to ask for an explanation? Let me tell you, my son turning out like this is half your fault!"

Emperor Qianyou, who had initially felt somewhat apologetic toward Hong Da, immediately turned expressionless upon hearing this. Was he really such a slave driver?

Noticing the change in Emperor Qianyou's expression, Hong Da felt a chill. He quickly added, "Of course, your servant has indeed neglected my son to some extent. I will certainly correct this in the future."

After finishing his thoughts, Meng Shuping grew puzzled again, "Wait, that doesn't make sense. He's not the only high-ranking official in the court. If he's busy, aren't the others busy too? How come they managed to raise their sons well?"

"Oh, I get it!" he muttered. "He's praising himself while disparaging the other officials. 'I'm wholly devoted to serving the court, so busy I can't even tend to my family, while you all have the leisure to play with your children at home!'"

"Tsk, tsk, what an old fox! With one speech, he not only praised himself and criticized others but also pushed the blame onto the Emperor, making him feel guilty and remorseful, so he naturally can't bring himself to punish him!"

"Your Majesty!" Minister of Justice Cao Jie immediately stepped forward indignantly, "Is General Hong implying that we are not wholeheartedly serving the court and are instead lounging at home raising children?"

The Minister of Revenue also stepped forward, "Your Majesty, please judge wisely! In terms of official duties, ours are no less than General Hong's. How is it that my son hasn't turned out like this?"

Fan Liang, already displeased that Hong Yucheng had beaten his son, seized this chance to play a sly trick, "Your Majesty, both are sons of court officials. General Hong's son oppresses the common people and throws his weight around, while my son Fan Jianhui stands up for the people with a sense of justice. Surely this doesn't mean I haven't served the court diligently?"

Other ministers whose sons had been involved in the fight also stepped forward, "Exactly! Does General Hong think he's the only busy one in the entire court? The only one wholeheartedly serving the court?"

"Even when I was so ill I could barely get out of bed, I still handled official duties. Does that mean I wasn't diligent? Then why are my children and grandchildren so outstanding?"

Hong Da was left speechless. He had intended to apologize first and then counterattack gradually, but before he could even finish apologizing, he was cut off by criticisms, leaving him no chance to speak. His face darkened—it was all that brat's fault! Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have turned against him!

He dropped to his knees with a thud, "Your Majesty! That's not what your servant meant! Your servant meant that when my son was young, I was often away on battlefields and had little time to care for him. To be frank, even the troops under my command are more familiar to me than my own son!"

Meng Shuping's eyes widened, "Whoa! Over such a small matter, he's threatening the Emperor! He's saying, 'Old fool! Hear that? My soldiers answer only to me. Don't think that just because you're the Emperor, you can command them. If you dare make things difficult for me, just see if I don't rebel!'"