Chapter 30 A Lonely Man and Woman in Difficulty Clearing Their Names
"Mr. Zhang!"
Meng Yanzhi walked in with a smile, calling out to him very affectionately.
Zhang Xuanyun's lips unconsciously curled up, and when he turned around and saw that Meng Yanzhi had brought people over, he was startled.
He stepped forward, looked Xiao Ce up and down, then knelt on the ground and bowed respectfully: "This humble subject, Zhang Xuanyun, pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
Xiao Ce was taken aback for a moment upon seeing this, and frowned slightly as he looked at him: "You know me?"
"This humble subject does not recognize Your Highness, but the clothes Your Highness is wearing are not ordinary; only the Crown Prince could wear them," Zhang Xuanyun said earnestly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.
He did not belittle himself because of his poverty, nor did he flatter the crown prince because of his wealth; in short, he was a man of integrity.
Meng Yanzhi knew that only people with such integrity and moral character could rise step by step from the bottom to the position of Grand Secretary.
Meng's parents didn't care who Zhang Xuanyun was at all; they just rushed in. They breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that there were still more than a dozen children in the room, but Meng's mother's face was very ugly.
She thought she could find something to hold against Meng Yanzhi and completely crush her, but unexpectedly, she turned out to be completely innocent.
Xiao Ce smiled slightly: "You are quite clever. I came here today only to ask how you and Miss Meng met and what your relationship is?"
"Your Highness, we are only teacher and student. Miss Meng is eager to learn, so I am willing to teach her everything I know."
Zhang Xuanyun once again spoke the truth.
Upon hearing this, Mencius' mother immediately snorted coldly: "Pah! You make it sound so nice, but a lone man and woman together, and you call that studying?"
"Madam, please watch your words!"
“We are not a man and a woman alone. These children come to class every day. The girl’s reputation is precious. Madam, please don’t talk nonsense.”
Zhang Xuanyun's aura suddenly sharpened, and he looked coldly at Meng's mother.
Mencius' mother was completely taken aback that a poor scholar would dare to speak to her like that.
Her expression changed, then she snorted unhappily, "You make it sound so nice, but who knows if you're just trying to fool my Yanzhi because she's innocent!"
“Miss Meng is indeed simple-minded, but not foolish. She knows that reading can enlighten her mind. How could such a woman be easily deceived?”
"Besides, what did I lie to you about, Miss?"
Zhang Xuanyun argued forcefully and refused to back down.
Meng Yanzhi nodded: "Mr. Zhang only taught me books and texts, and we didn't have any other contact. As for what you said about being deceived, those things were given to them voluntarily, and they weren't just for Mr. Zhang, but for these children!"
"How dare you speak to me like that! I am your mother, this is disobedience!" Mother Meng strode forward angrily and grabbed Meng Yanzhi: "You have done such a shameless thing outside and you still dare to talk back. Wait until I get back and teach you a lesson."
At first, Zhang Xuanyun didn't know that Meng's mother was Meng Yanzhi's mother. Now that he knew, he was shocked.
He stared at Meng Yanzhi in disbelief, his eyebrows furrowed, and asked, "In this world, are there really mothers like this, so indifferent to their daughters' reputation and innocence, so maliciously speculating about their own daughters? A mother who is not kind, no wonder the young lady can only go out to study, it is utterly ridiculous!"
His words were harsh, and Meng's father felt even more embarrassed, especially since they were spoken in front of Xiao Ce.
Previously, everyone roughly knew that Meng's parents were biased, but it was just something they said in a roundabout way. But now, Zhang Xuanyun has directly torn off the last veil of pretense, causing the Meng family to lose face completely.
When Meng Yanzhi looked at Zhang Xuanyun while being held by her mother's hand, her eyes were slightly red and her nose felt a little sore.
In both her past and present lives, this was the first time someone had so steadfastly protected her and spoken up for her!
"You! You! What do you know!" Mencius' mother, embarrassed, pointed at his nose and kept questioning him.
Zhang Xuanyun smiled coldly: "Of course I don't understand. After all, this is a matter for your Meng family. Miss Meng and I are completely innocent. If you really care about your daughter, you shouldn't make a big deal out of this. You should take your daughter back and teach her properly!"
As he spoke, Zhang Xuanyun looked at Meng Yanzhi, a hint of sympathy flashing in his eyes: "Miss, wherever you study, you must work hard. Studying helps you understand principles, and women especially should study hard."
Xiao Ce stood by and watched. He noticed that although Zhang Xuanyun was poor, he was proud and humble, spoke with conviction, and was very talented. He was a rare talent!
“Mr. Zhang is right. The Meng family has indeed mistreated the young lady. It’s time to make amends.”
"Mr. Zhang is a man of exceptional literary talent. Why don't you come back with me and become my advisor?"
Xiao Ce was the first to extend an olive branch to Zhang Xuanyun.
Zhang Xuanyun was somewhat surprised and subconsciously looked at Meng Yanzhi. After seeing the expectation in Meng Yanzhi's eyes, he knelt down and bowed, saying, "This humble subject thanks Your Highness for your appreciation. I could not have asked for more!"
"Very good!"
"Return to the manor!"
Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the children in their tattered clothes and said with great compassion, "Settle these children down and let them study properly!"
"This humble subject kowtows in gratitude to Your Highness!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Zhang Xuanyun bowed again, and the children understood, so they all knelt on the ground, expressing their gratitude.
The news spread quickly, and the entire capital praised Xiao Ce for his courteous treatment of scholars, which earned him a great reputation.
After leaving the dilapidated temple, Xiao Ce walked up to Meng Yanzhi and said, "Miss Meng, would you be willing to go back to the Meng family? If you are not willing, you can come back to the Crown Prince's residence with me, and I will protect you!"
“Rouge is a daughter of the Meng family, so naturally she should go back with us.”
"Your Highness, please rest assured. We were wrong in the past. We will definitely take good care of Yanzhi in the future and make it up to her."
Meng's mother quickly stepped forward and pulled Meng Yanzhi back, fearing that she had really gotten into the carriage with Xiao Ce.
Unfortunately, Xiao Ce did not believe Meng's mother's promise at all, and only turned his gaze to Meng's father standing to the side.
"Yes, Madam is right. We are proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Your Highness, please rest assured that we will take good care of Rouge."
Meng's father hurriedly made a promise.
That's more like it.
Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this and looked at Meng Yanzhi: "Miss Meng, no matter what happens, you must remember that you are my savior, and I will always protect you!"
"Thank you, Your Highness." Meng Yanzhi bowed respectfully, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
