Ch 150: The Meng Elders
“Master, outside, outside…” The servant’s expression flickered, his words hesitant and halting.
“What is it outside?” Mr. Meng’s brows furrowed, his gaze sharp, piercing through the servant’s hesitation; his impatience and irritation grew increasingly difficult to quell.
The servant softly said, “Three people have arrived outside. They insist they are your relatives.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Meng’s brows tightened further, a flash of seriousness crossing his eyes, mixed with barely perceptible panic.
“Relatives? I don’t recall Father ever mentioning any other relatives,” Meng Tingyue’s voice held a hint of astonishment. She slightly tilted her head, looking towards Mr. Meng, as if seeking an explanation.
Mr. Wu, who had been somewhat drunk a short while ago, was now speaking eloquently, his words laced with a touch of playful teasing: “Relatives? I vaguely remember Brother Meng confessing to me that his parents had passed away, and that he had no siblings.”
“These few people are probably some lowlifes, attempting to fabricate a preposterous lie, using the guise of kinship to curry favor with Brother Meng.”
“Come, come, quickly usher them inside. Let’s expose the falsehoods in front of everyone.”
Upon hearing this, a wave of unease washed over Mr. Meng. He recalled the few words about his parents’ disappearance from recent reports from his informants, and a strange panic quietly crept into his heart, yet he still tried his best to maintain his composure and authority.
“This matter should not be publicized at this moment, lest it disturb the pleasant atmosphere of the banquet. First, order someone to properly accommodate them. Tomorrow, I will question them thoroughly and get to the bottom of this.”
Regardless of whether it is them, they must not be allowed to come.
The Xiao Family is now an Imperial Merchant. As long as he does not openly break with the Xiao Family, he can still rely on their power outside, and naturally, he has more confidence and composure in his actions.
“Someone is audacious enough to impersonate Mr. Meng’s relatives, attempting to engage in wrongdoing. This matter must be thoroughly investigated, without the slightest omission.” After the National Master spoke, his gaze subtly shifted towards the Crown Prince, his words implying profound meaning, “Your Highness, what do you think?”
Shen Yunheng glanced at the National Master, then nodded slightly. His expression was calm, yet imbued with undeniable seriousness, “Since they are here, let them in and let us investigate the matter thoroughly.”
“Such trivial matters, how dare I trouble His Highness the Crown Prince…” Mr. Meng chuckled dryly, his peripheral vision constantly glancing at Meng Tingyue, hoping she would speak up to help.
But Meng Tingyue seemed completely oblivious, only lowering her head to savor the food in front of her. Seeing this, Mr. Meng couldn’t help but show a hint of helplessness and anxiety in his eyes.
It’s at a time like this and she’s still eating, like a starving ghost.
Shen Yunheng’s expression was as calm as still water, undisturbed. He said, “It’s alright. I also want to see who is so bold as to impersonate my father-in-law’s relatives.”
“Someone, bring them in.” With a command from Shen Yunheng, his words carried an unwavering determination.
Mr. Meng hesitated, watching the situation that he could no longer reverse. The panic in his heart surged like a tide, difficult to quell.
Jiang Qingrou, on the side, although unaware of the Meng family’s quiet arrival in the capital, saw Mr. Meng’s tense expression, and a sense of inexplicable unease quietly crept into her heart, lingering persistently.
The servant led the three people into the courtyard.
As soon as the three stepped into the courtyard, their gazes were like searchlights, scanning for Mr. Meng’s figure.
“Big Brother, Big Brother, we’ve gone through so much hardship to finally find you!” Meng Dongliang was quick-eyed and quick-handed, catching sight of Mr. Meng’s location at a glance.
It’s quite amazing. Meng Dongliang and Mr. Meng resembled each other, like reflections in a mirror. With just one glance, one could easily recognize the unseen relative.
Mr. Meng recognized Meng Dongliang at a glance, as well as the two weather-beaten elders who followed closely behind. His pupils instantly constricted, and a flash of undisguisable panic and astonishment crossed his eyes.
Jiang Qingrou was well aware of the bright image Mr. Meng had cultivated for the outside world. Witnessing the appearance of the Meng Elders, she was terrified. If she hadn’t been sitting so steadily, she would have probably collapsed to the ground.
“Son, we’ve finally lived to see you. Someone wanted to kill us!” As soon as Old Madam Meng saw her son, tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry, her eyes filled with the lingering fear of a near-death experience.
Old Master Meng was the same. The two elders supported each other, staggering towards Mr. Meng, each step seeming so difficult yet urgent.
“Son, someone wanted to kill us. Quickly send someone to catch those evildoers and prevent future troubles!” Old Master Meng’s voice trembled slightly, his eyes full of terror.
Mr. Meng’s face was as stiff as a stone carving. His hands were firmly restrained, the pressure on his fingertips as if it would tear his flesh and blood apart. Yet that pain was insignificant compared to the surging fear and panic in his heart, almost completely swallowed up.
He racked his brains, unable to understand how these three people had managed to evade the killer network he had carefully laid out and appear here unscathed. Even more perplexing was why his informants were completely unaware of this, without the slightest warning?
As soon as the three appeared, anyone with discerning eyes could see that they were related.
Their looks were almost like they were carved from the same mold. Who would believe they weren’t related?
In that case, weren’t the words Mr. Meng had carefully spun for the outside world—that his parents were deceased and that he was alone and helpless—all carefully woven lies?
And he had woven these lies so seamlessly, year after year, still remembering to visit the gravesite during the Qingming Festival, performing all the surface courtesies.
Such a curse on one’s parents is unheard of.
A hush fell over the crowd, secretly sighing that Mr. Meng was a ruthless person, capable of such a deed.
“Mr. Meng, shouldn’t you give us a reasonable explanation?” Xiao Huaifeng’s voice carried an undeniable chill.
