Feng Shi almost burst out laughing but managed to hold it in. Thankfully, she hadn't made a sound, or it would have been awkward.
Then she froze. Judging by the voice, could it have been Meng Shuping speaking? The thought struck her as strange—she hadn't seen Meng Shuping speak at all just now. Was there something supernatural about it?
Realizing Meng Shuping was once again belittling him in his mind, Meng Wenxiu grew furious. He wanted to curse Meng Shuping outright but forced himself to hold back, mindful of Meng Houliang's presence.
"Ahem!" Meng Houliang covered his mouth and coughed, suppressing a smile. He turned to Meng Wenxiu and asked, "Well? Ping Geer has just returned today. Why were you about to hit and scold him?"
Hearing the question, Meng Wenxiu immediately flushed with anger. "Father, it's not that I want to hit or scold him, but he's utterly lacking in manners, outrageously arrogant, unfilial and disrespectful, and untamed. We can't let him continue like this—he must be disciplined."
Meng Shuping was stunned. "If he weren't talking about me, I'd almost believe him. I've only said one sentence to him since we met—how did he manage to pin so many accusations on me? Well, I could say he's hot-tempered, self-righteous, stubborn, gullible, can't tell right from wrong, and stubbornly ignorant too!"
Feng Shi was surprised once again. She had assumed that Meng Shuping, having grown up in the countryside, would be poorly educated. But now, it seemed he was quite learned.
Meng Wenxiu glared angrily at Meng Shuping. This kid was sharp-tongued—every word from him seemed to provoke three in return!
"Oh?" Meng Houliang lowered his eyes and spoke unhurriedly. "Then tell me, how is he utterly lacking in manners, outrageously arrogant, unfilial and disrespectful, and untamed?"
Meng Wenxiu wanted to say that Meng Shuping had been either cursing him or making up stories about him in his mind. But he remembered that others couldn't hear the voice. If he said that, they'd likely think he'd lost his mind.
So he could only say, "He returned to the manor today and didn't even pay respects to his elders before heading to the garden. When Yang Geer tried to stop him, he even resorted to violence. And when I tried to discipline him, he ran away. Tell me, Father, isn't that the height of arrogance and disrespect?"
Meng Shuping found it unbelievable. "Nonsense! The maid led me to an empty garden and then ran off alone. Then that little bastard, thinking I was an easy target, blocked my way to humiliate me. And as soon as my so-called father showed up, it was all threats and yelling. Was I supposed to stay and endure it? Poor me, traveling all this way, only to be welcomed like this by the Earl's manor. If they didn't want me here, why bring me back in the first place?"
Feng Shi nodded to herself. If that was the case, then everything made sense. Besides, since Meng Shuping was speaking in his mind, he likely wasn't lying. The boy's inner thoughts were so lively, yet he appeared quite composed.
For a moment, Meng Wenxiu wavered. Had he truly wronged Meng Shuping? But after a brief pause, he steeled himself. Regardless of anything else, the voice alone revealed that Meng Shuping was not the obedient type.
The boy must be subconsciously making excuses, twisting things to his advantage.
With that thought, Meng Wenxiu felt reassured. How could he have wronged Meng Shuping? Besides, Meng Shuping was his son. Disciplining his own son was right and proper—surely his father wouldn't fault him for that?
Meng Houliang took a slow sip of tea, then lifted his eyelids. "Did you ask him why he went to the garden or why he fought with Yang Geer?"
Meng Wenxiu replied as a matter of course, "Why bother asking? His nature is so wild…"
*Click.* The teacup was set down on the table, cutting off Meng Wenxiu's next words.
Belatedly, Meng Wenxiu realized the atmosphere had turned tense. He lowered his head, not daring to breathe too loudly.
Meng Shuping couldn't help but praise inwardly again, "Subduing the enemy without a fight—Grandfather is mighty, Grandfather is amazing, Grandfather is domineering! Just look at that aura—powerful and awe-inspiring. With just a glance or a gesture, he makes my so-called father tremble!"
"Ahem!" Meng Houliang and Feng Shi coughed simultaneously. Meng Houliang's stern expression nearly cracked, and he quickly coughed again to cover it up, reassuming a dignified demeanor.
Noticing Meng Houliang coughing twice in such a short time, Meng Shuping grew worried. "Why is Grandfather coughing again? Is he alright? Ah, Grandfather must take care of himself and live a long life!"
A hint of bitterness crept into Meng Wenxiu's heart. They had both met the boy for the first time today, so why was Meng Shuping so full of praise and deeply concerned for the old man, while finding fault with him at every turn?
Meng Houliang, however, felt deeply warmed. At the same time, he grew even more displeased with Meng Wenxiu. Such a good child, and this was how he was treated—no wonder the boy resented him.
He ignored Meng Wenxiu and turned to Feng Shi instead. "Has Ping Geer's accommodation been arranged?"
Feng Shi hurriedly replied, "Earl, I spoke with the eldest madam a few days ago. We've prepared the Liuming Courtyard for Ping Geer. He can move in as soon as he arrives."
"Hmm," Meng Houliang nodded slightly. "Have someone take him to meet the elders of the manor. There's no need for him to return here afterward."
Feng Shi responded, "Yes."
Hearing this, Meng Shuping appeared calm on the surface but was panicking inside. "Ahhh, help! There won't be a room full of people, will there? Ahhh, this is terrifying!"
At first, Meng Houliang thought something serious had happened when he heard Meng Shuping's mental cry for help. But it turned out to be this. He couldn't help but find it amusing—the boy was far too shy.
Meng Shuping knew that since he had come to the Earl's manor, this was unavoidable. Though he resisted the idea, he obediently bid farewell to Meng Houliang and followed Feng Shi out of Ruiwei Hall.
After the two had left, Meng Houliang turned his gaze back to Meng Wenxiu. Under his sharp stare, Meng Wenxiu grew uneasy. "Father…"
"You fool!" Meng Houliang roared. "Kneel!"
Not daring to argue, Meng Wenxiu immediately dropped to his knees. Meng Houliang berated him harshly, "Is this how you act as a father? Hmph! Don't think I don't know—you look down on Ping Geer, which is why you allowed the people in this manor to mistreat him the moment he returned!"
Recalling the events Meng Shuping had described, Meng Houliang grew even angrier. He continued scolding, "You're a man in your thirties or forties, yet you let a junior and a servant manipulate you so easily? Fool! I think you'd better retire. If you can't even manage household affairs properly, you might as well come back and rest early!"
Meng Wenxiu hurriedly pleaded, "Father, I know I was wrong. I was just impatient from waiting too long, and when I saw him fighting, I jumped to conclusions. When I return, I'll treat Ping Geer well and clarify everything I need to ask."
Meng Houliang stared at Meng Wenxiu for a while longer, making him terrified, before finally lowering his eyes and saying, "Very well, you may go."
"Yes," Meng Wenxiu replied, feeling relieved. He bowed to Meng Houliang and quickly retreated.
…
Because she could hear Meng Shuping's inner thoughts, Feng Shi had a rather favorable impression of him. After leading him out of the main hall, she walked alongside him and said, "I'll take you to the old madam first. Her courtyard is just east of this one."
Meng Shuping had no objections. He nodded and said, "Alright."
The two left Ruiwei Hall and entered the courtyard of the Earl's old madam, Ruiyin Hall. The maid guarding the door quickly lifted the curtain upon seeing Feng Shi. "Second Madam is here!"
The old madam, Madam Fu, had been chatting and laughing with Fourth Madam Wu Shi and several maids. Hearing of Feng Shi's arrival, they all turned to look toward the entrance.
As soon as Meng Shuping stepped inside, he was met with curious stares. His scalp prickled, but he kept his eyes forward and followed Feng Shi inward.
Seeing Feng Shi bring in an unfamiliar youth of sixteen or seventeen, Fourth Madam Wu Shi frowned slightly, displeased. "Second Sister-in-law, how could you bring an outsider in so casually? Thankfully, the young ladies aren't here today, or they might have been offended."
Where had Feng Shi found such a wild boy? Not only was his face injured, but his clothes were also dusty. How could she bring someone like this to see the old madam? It was utterly improper.
Madam Fu was also displeased. She straightened her face and asked Feng Shi, "Second Daughter-in-law, is this a relative of yours?"
Feng Shi quickly explained, "Old Madam, this is no relative of mine. This is our Ping Geer. Weren't we told recently that he'd been found? Well, he was brought back today, so I've brought him to pay his respects to you."
She then signaled to Meng Shuping, "Hurry and greet the old madam."
Just as Meng Shuping was about to step forward, someone outside called out, "Third Young Lady, Sixth Young Lady, and Cousin Young Lady are here!"
At the same time, seven or eight maids escorted four young ladies into the room. After everyone had paid their respects, the leading young lady acted as if she hadn't seen Meng Shuping and went straight to Madam Fu. "Grandmother!"
"Ah," Madam Fu happily embraced Meng Ziyun, beaming. "Ziyun, how was your outing today?"
Meng Ziyun sat down beside Madam Fu, chattering excitedly, "Grandmother, let me tell you, we had so much fun today…"
The other young ladies, seeing them engrossed in conversation, naturally took seats on the side. Only Meng Shuping remained, unsure whether to sit or leave. He quietly stood to the side, hoping they would finish their conversation soon.
But he stood for a long time, his legs growing sore, and the young lady was still talking. "…It's just that a few girls kept hovering around me, talking nonstop. It was so annoying."
Meng Shuping observed that she didn't look annoyed—if anything, she seemed pleased with herself. He couldn't help but complain inwardly, "Yeah, yeah. If she knows talking too much is annoying, why does she keep doing it? Doesn't she realize she's being annoying too?"
After standing there for so long, Meng Shuping was tired and hungry. He had no patience left for Meng Ziyun. Besides, he was certain she had seen him when she entered. Knowing they were waiting to discuss matters, yet still monopolizing the old madam's attention—she clearly had ill intentions.