Chapter 36: Settling the Matter

Chapter 36: Settling the Matter

Meng Yuan returned to the Imperial Mansion and headed straight for Jinyuan.

Today's incident was not a major issue, and Meng Yuan had a valid reason. Moreover, it was not the Prince who was injured, but merely a servant.

Therefore, Meng Yuan wasn't overly concerned, especially since Nie Shi had his back.

Of course, this meant he had thoroughly offended Supervisor Liu. But Meng Yuan was confident in his strength and wasn't afraid of any retaliation from Supervisor Liu.

Upon arriving at Xun Mei's office, he asked a young maid to pass on a message before entering.

Xun Mei was bent over her desk, calculating accounts. When she saw Meng Yuan enter, she casually told him to sit down without even looking up.

As Xun Mei had taken Meng Yuan under her wing, she didn't stand on ceremony with him.

"Before noon today, I heard the sound of a horn coming from the training ground. Was it you who started it?" Xun Mei asked without lifting her head, her fingers moving the abacus beads as she spoke.

Was it the horn used by the dead servant?

Meng Yuan had to admit, "I blurted out what was on my mind, but did I disturb you, sister?"

"It wasn't a disturbance." Xun Mei lifted her head and smiled at Meng Yuan, saying, "I know you're loyal to the Empress Consort, and I know you want to do things for her. But just keep it in your heart; there will be a time for you to contribute in the future. Don't lead them in shouting horns again; the Empress Consort prefers peace and quiet."

Indeed, Xun Mei was no fool. After all, she was an educated woman and knew that those words were not quite right.

"Yes, I'll listen to Sister Xun," Meng Yuan replied.

"By the way, what brings you here?" Xun Mei asked as she continued her calculations.

"I beat up Supervisor Liu's son at the Intoxicating Moon Tower," Meng Yuan stated bluntly.

Xun Mei was taken aback for a moment, then she lifted her head to look at Meng Yuan, asking curiously, "The Intoxicating Moon Tower? How did you end up there?"

"I went to borrow money from Nie Shi," Meng Yuan explained.

"..." Xun Mei rubbed her forehead and said seriously, "Didn't I just give you three hundred taels of bounty? The Imperial Mansion isn't lacking in providing for you, so why did you go to borrow money?"

"After receiving the bounty that day, I treated Nie Shi to a meal, and it was all spent," Meng Yuan replied truthfully.

"..." Xun Mei thought it was absurd, "You spent it on wine and women? Didn't I tell you not to follow Uncle Nie's bad example?"

"No, Uncle Nie wanted to go, and I firmly refused. We went to the Intoxicating Moon Tower. I didn't know that Lake Dream Spring was so expensive, and after buying several jars, I spent all the money," Meng Yuan explained.

Xun Mei touched her forehead, "That's a place for scholarly guests; the prices are more than double those elsewhere. Uncle Nie is really something, the Intoxicating Moon Tower is Nie Qingqing's business, why did he make you pay? He's taking advantage of your honesty!"

Meng Yuan remained silent, essentially acknowledging her words.

"How did you end up beating Liu He?" Xun Mei asked curiously.

Meng Yuan explained how Nie Qingqing invited him for a meal, the Prince's poetry, and Liu He's fawning behavior.

"Nie Shi taught me martial skills and has been a great mentor, second only to the Empress Consort and you, sister. How could I allow others to humiliate Nie Shi's daughter?" Meng Yuan asserted, full of integrity.

"Beating someone is wrong. However, what you did wasn't entirely a mistake," Xun Mei nodded slightly, her expression unchanged, indicating that she also didn't consider it a major issue.

"Sister Xun, Supervisor Liu is from the Empress Consort's family, so why is his son serving the Prince? Nie Shi taught me that my body and mind should only serve the Empress Consort, and even the Prince of Trust shouldn't be an exception," Meng Yuan asked curiously.

"Everyone wants to climb the social ladder, and we can't force them. We can't hold back someone's future without reason," Xun Mei said with a smile.

Meng Yuan noticed that Xun Mei had already said "we," so he knew the matter was settled.

Indeed, Xun Mei smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about this. The Prince is truly honest and has always been immersed in poetry, calligraphy, and painting, not paying much attention to other matters."

Meng Yuan understood her meaning; she was saying that the Prince was simple-minded and would forget about this incident after some time, but they had to be cautious about someone bringing it up around him.

"You can go back and focus on your martial training. I'll handle this later," Xun Mei took charge, then added seriously, "If you need money again, come to me. Also, I know Uncle Nie values you, and you're close to him, but don't follow his bad example."

"Thank you, Sister Xun," Meng Yuan expressed his sincere gratitude.

Just as he was about to take his leave, Nie Yinian rushed in from outside.

"You rascal, every time I turn my back, you cause trouble!" Nie Yinian pointed at Meng Yuan, his expression displeased.

"Uncle Nie," Xun Mei stood up and said, "He stood up for you and Qingqing, and it wasn't unprovoked troublemaking. There's no need for you to handle it."

Hearing these words, Nie Yinian glanced at Meng Yuan, thinking that his prediction had come true, and the matter was indeed resolved.

"Uncle Nie, I'll handle this; it's not a big deal," Xun Mei assured him.

"You have a lot on your plate; I'll go!" Nie Yinian immediately refused. "After all, I'm the one who brought him here, so I should be the one to deal with it."

"Sure, no problem." Xun Mei didn't push for the lead role, and she didn't question Nie Yinian's methods either, clearly aware of his capabilities.

After some polite small talk, Nie Yinian pulled Meng Yuan out with him.

"You're wasting your talent by not hanging out in the pleasure quarters!" Nie Yinian had no kind words to spare.

"Then another day, Master Nie, take me to broaden my horizons." Meng Yuan smiled as he spoke.

"You want to go just because you can write doggerel?" Nie Yinian laughed as he walked, "Let's go and settle this matter."

"Will Prince Xin inquire about this?" Meng Yuan was more concerned about this issue.

"Prince Xin has an eccentric temperament and doesn't bother with worldly affairs. He barely manages the prince, so don't worry."

Nie Yinian was clearly well-informed about the Imperial Mansion, "Let's find Scholar Wang, that old guest performer. He's a capable person in front of the prince and a master at flattering. Let him help, and the matter will be settled."

"Can a guest performer really get things done?" Meng Yuan asked curiously.

"You really have no experience. Those guest performers accompany the prince daily, reciting poetry and enjoying the scenery. While they do make money, they also keep the prince in check. Would they dare take the prince to gambling dens or brothels? Prince Xin isn't stupid; he's watching! No one would be on guard against such a foolish prince. There's no need to hide anything; just spend some money to have someone accompany him, so he doesn't cause trouble. A life of wealth and honor is assured!"

"I see." Meng Yuan genuinely learned something.

"Remember, some matters can be resolved with swords and knives. But in truth, most problems can be solved with money. If money can solve it, don't resort to violence." Nie Yinian advised as he walked, "Let's give Scholar Wang some silver, so they don't bring you up in front of the prince. By evening, he'll have forgotten about you!"

"Master Nie, I don't have any money." Meng Yuan said.

Nie Yinian frowned and asked, "Didn't Xun Mei just give you three hundred taels of reward silver?"

Meng Yuan couldn't help but laugh at that.

Nie Yinian laughed too.

The two arrived at the residence of Prince Du Gu, where they met the old guest performer, Scholar Wang.

After some small talk, Nie Yinian straightforwardly took out two hundred-tael silver notes, "This hundred taels is for you to enjoy some tea, and you can distribute the rest as you see fit."

"Of course, of course." Scholar Wang didn't refuse and accepted them readily.

The three of them began negotiating right outside the prince's garden, in perfect harmony.

After a long discussion, they didn't even mention Liu He, and the matter was considered settled.

Back at the training ground, Nie Yinian, with his hands behind his back, asked each young man about their recent situations. Then, he had them practice while he instructed Meng Yuan to bring over a reclining chair, upon which he sat cross-legged.

"Master Nie, I want to help you!" Meng Yuan spoke with a hint of embarrassment, sounding like a gang member.

Nie Yinian didn't respond but asked, "How many acupoints have you opened so far?"

Meng Yuan didn't hide anything and directly replied, "All the acupoints in my torso, front and back, and right arm are open. Only twelve remain."

Upon hearing this, Nie Yinian frowned, scrutinized Meng Yuan up and down, then grabbed his hand to examine it. After understanding the situation, he finally smiled.

"Your mother really has some skills!" Nie Yinian clicked his tongue, "I remember telling you that martial skills are more important than money. Focus on your martial arts now. Hurry up and reach the eighth rank, and I'll take you to do big business!"

Meng Yuan, realizing there was such a good opportunity, quickly agreed.

"Every spring, there's competition among the martial artists in the city. This year, a blonde girl and an old woman have been causing the most trouble, even resorting to assassination attempts. I need to deal with this." Nie Yinian stood up, took out a two-hundred-tael silver note, hesitated for a while, and then stuffed it into Meng Yuan's hand.

His manner reminded Meng Yuan of the way Elder Jiang had given him travel expenses before.

"I can't handle women, but you can't handle money!" Nie Yinian stood tall with pride and took a step towards the exit.

But Meng Yuan stopped him, saying, "Master Nie, the spring clothes haven't been distributed yet. Hu Qian and Wu Changsheng have mentioned it several times."

"You guys handle these matters. I have a lot on my plate, and I need to focus on the martial artists!"

Nie Yinian didn't forget to tap Meng Yuan's nose and said, "In a few days, the princess consort is going out for a spring outing. If you can reach the eighth rank, I'll take you along."

Meng Yuan had always heard about the princess consort but never had the chance to meet her, despite all the eggs he had sacrificed and the long hours he had spent practicing his blade technique. He never expected such an opportunity to come so soon.

Seeing that Meng Yuan remained silent, Nie Yinian rolled up his sleeves, looking ready for a big task, as if he was about to protect the princess consort with his life or practice his castration skills.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end