Chapter 184 Undercurrents
Meng Xiang wanted to stop him, but said, "Your Majesty, this matter is probably not appropriate. Perhaps we should choose another suitable person."
"Who? Prince Duan?" Emperor Mu asked with a displeased expression.
Meng Xiang grew increasingly agitated. The Prince of Duan had already gained prestige through the disaster relief effort, and if he were to take further action this time, the situation in the court would become even more difficult to control.
"Prime Minister Meng has no objection either, so this matter is settled." Emperor Muzong made the final decision.
If anyone dares to disregard the imperial court and refuse to repay their debts, wouldn't it be a simple matter of taking back their title?
Seeing that the emperor had made up his mind, Meng Xiang dared not say anything more and could only take it one step at a time.
After everyone withdrew, the emperor looked at Prime Minister Meng's slightly hunched back and pondered, "...The third young master of the Meng family assaulted a court official?"
Eunuch Feng reported truthfully, "Yes, he broke the leg of Dou Ruzhang, the Deputy Transport Commissioner of Jianghuai, and also beat up several other officials, even..."
Even what?
Emperor Muzong's face darkened noticeably. On his desk were two memorials: one was Dou Ruzhang's apology, and the other was the Censorate's impeachment of Gu Zixiao, the Jianghuai Transport Commissioner, for fabricating a shipwreck and engaging in corruption and embezzlement, also pointing out that he had a powerful backer.
The Gu family has always been loyal to the royal family, yet Gu Zixiao dares to side with someone else?
Eunuch Feng glanced at him cautiously, "Even Miss Sisi from Lanxiang Garden was implicated and got slapped twice by him."
No wonder he sent word the other day that he wanted to meet Xu Sisi at night, but was politely refused. She said that she was not feeling well and would pass on her illness to the noble person. She would definitely wait for the noble person when she recovered.
So it turns out she was beaten by the spendthrift son of the Meng family and was too ashamed to face him?
Xu Sisi didn't dare to provoke the Meng family, and didn't even file a complaint!
These scoundrels, relying on their master's power, are truly lawless. Or do they think Pei Siyan's position as crown prince is insecure? The crown prince is ill and unable to stand up for his wife's family, so they just let them disgrace the imperial family like this?
Emperor Muzong was unusually furious. "Meng Duo, a commoner, assaulted a high-ranking official without cause. According to the law, he should be imprisoned. Is the Prefect of the Capital blind?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will take care of it right away."
Eunuch Feng wiped his sweat. The Meng family really needed to be taught a lesson, and those officials who relied on the Meng family and Prince Rui should also restrain themselves.
Meanwhile, Madam Meng returned to the Meng residence, seething with anger. She embellished her story and told Prime Minister Meng about the grievances she had suffered. "We even lowered ourselves to apologize, but the Dou family is truly shameless and short-sighted. They think that by climbing on the Crown Prince's coattails, everything will be fine."
Meng Xiang, somewhat absent-minded, thought of what had happened in the palace that day. "Alright, enough said. There's been a lot of rumors going around. We should just wait for the public opinion to calm down and let this matter pass quickly."
The couple didn't take the matter seriously at all. Unexpectedly, the yamen runners of the Prefect of the Capital arrested Meng Duo and took him to prison, even saying that they would hold a public trial for the case.
Meng Xiang's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that something was very wrong. "Someone, prepare the carriage, let's go to the Dou family."
According to the law, if the evidence of Meng Duo assaulting an official is proven, he will be exiled at the very least, and imprisoned at worst.
Dou Mansion.
Dou Bochang was suddenly informed that Prime Minister Meng had come to visit. He was filled with trepidation, but still opened the door to welcome the guest with a smile.
Dou Bochang even criticized Dou Ruzhang for being young and impetuous in front of Prime Minister Meng, blaming him for going to Lanxiang Garden, otherwise there wouldn't have been all this trouble.
Meng Xiang thought to himself: It seems that the Crown Prince is behind this. Otherwise, why would the Emperor personally concern himself with such a trivial matter? Dou Bochang, with his humble attitude, would never dare to compete with the Meng family.
"...My son was reckless and caused your son to suffer. I offer this small gift to express my gratitude and hope you will forgive me! However, this matter concerns the dignity of the court, so I hope my nephew Ruzhang will write a letter of understanding so that I may ask His Majesty for a favor."
A bitter taste rose in Meng Xiang's throat. He forced a smile and said, "I have been a powerful figure in the court for more than ten years. When have I ever humbled myself to beg anyone like this?"
Dou Bochang smiled broadly, "It's a misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding. How could we possibly trouble the authorities with such a trivial matter? It's only because Prime Minister Meng has personally come to our door that we've caused you so much trouble..."
"Someone, bring the second young master over here."
Meng Xiang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled with satisfaction, "Brother Bochang, you flatter me. The children are such a worry; being a parent is never easy."
The people of the Jingzhao Prefecture are very cunning. Without the Emperor's approval, they wouldn't dare to come to the Prime Minister's residence to arrest someone, even if they had ten lives.
They were chatting happily when, after a while, Dou Ruzhang was slowly pushed in by the servants in a wheelchair, followed by Dou Wenyi.
Meng Xiang's eyes widened slightly, but he did not get up.
Dou Bochang frowned slightly. "Yi'er, what are you doing here?"
After Dou Wenyi casually took her seat, she glanced sharply at the people in the room and asked, "Father, what brings Prime Minister Meng here?"
Prime Minister Meng's expression froze. "Your Highness, my son was reckless. I am here to apologize on his behalf. We shouldn't have gone to such a brothel, and then we encountered some... people who didn't know their place."
He paused, then changed the subject, "However, since His Majesty has inquired, I will certainly discipline him strictly. Forgive me, my dear nephew."
Dou Ruzhang was pale, his left leg was still in a splint, and he was expressionless. "I dare not accept such praise."
Prime Minister Meng glanced indifferently at Dou Wenyi. "To my shame, my son is usually very polite, but this time he was probably deliberately provoked, which led to this trouble. As officials in the same court, it's best to resolve this discord as soon as possible."
What a blatant liar! Meng Duo is a notorious playboy in Tianning City, yet he's portrayed as a polite person. According to him, isn't he just blaming Dou Ruzhang for deliberately causing trouble and being ignorant?
Dou Wenyi gently stroked her teacup, a mocking smile curving her lips. She said calmly, "I've heard that Young Master Meng was instigated by that scoundrel Hu Er. He's a notorious local ruffian in Tianning City..."
Dou Bochang looked embarrassed and wanted to interject, but when he caught a glimpse of her cold eyes, his heart skipped a beat, and he dared not speak rashly again.
Dou Wenyi suddenly slammed the teacup she was holding onto the table, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
"Prime Minister Meng should indeed discipline him properly, after all, it is the father's fault if the son is not taught! This time he broke my second brother's leg, what if someone dies in the future..."
"I'm afraid it's not as simple as just apologizing!"
Prime Minister Meng: "..."
Dou Wenyi seemed doubtful. “The Emperor dislikes the formation of factions among his officials and is even more unwilling to see brothers killing each other and fighting among sworn brothers. Whether it is the Crown Prince or I, we should share the Emperor’s burdens. We can let this matter go.”
"But, Prime Minister Meng, why did you promote my second brother to that position so exceptionally?"
...
Meng Xiang boarded the carriage, his mood even heavier than when he arrived.
He thought the Dou family would take the opportunity to make demands, but Dou Wenyi handed over the letter of understanding so easily. However, her last question made him wary.
The Crown Prince clearly understood his intention in making this move, which meant that Gu Zixiao was probably doomed.
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