The next day, Mei Qing returned to the Neizu, effectively reporting back to the office. In fact, Huang the Fat had already come back earlier, and some superficial matters were probably already settled. However, according to protocol, matters handled by the Neizu required a separate report to their superiors. Due to Mei Qing’s prominent status within the Neizu, he was directly received by Lord Sixth.
What struck Mei Qing as somewhat odd was that Lord Sixth seemed clearly distracted. He asked a few cursory questions about the mission, then began to drift off in thought. Mei Qing had the distinct feeling that Lord Sixth wanted to say something, as if burdened by some inner turmoil, but never actually voiced it, leaving Mei Qing himself somewhat suspicious and uneasy. Finally, Lord Sixth, clearly impatient, waved him off dismissively and sent him away. Not a single word was mentioned regarding Mei Qing’s recent great achievement.
His colleagues and subordinates were all quite delighted to see Mei Qing’s return. Zhao Dayou, Yao Dingguo, Zhou Changduo, and others clamored for a banquet to welcome him back. As for Huang the Fat, it was said he had likely earned significant credit this time and had secured a new post in the military, soon to be transferred elsewhere.
“That fatso clearly isn’t playing fair,” Zhao Dayou remarked. “Even Master Yao and Master Zhou received promotions and rewards. As for you, Master Mei, you should at least be the one credited most. Now look at this—Huang the Fat has taken all the credit!”
Mei Qing smiled. Achievements could be claimed by many, but the benefits derived from them depended entirely on one’s background and family influence. Although Huang the Fat was somewhat slippery, he wasn’t the type to steal others’ credit, especially knowing Mei Qing’s relationship with Lord Sixth. The fact that Mei Qing had yet to hear of any reward likely had nothing to do with Huang.
After agreeing to a future banquet with his colleagues, Mei Qing excused himself, citing fatigue from travel, and prepared to head first to the Dongyue Temple. But no sooner had he exited through the back gate than he spotted a dark figure being unceremoniously tossed out near the entrance of the imperial prison.
“Dead man, you’re lucky to have survived our prison once. Now you dare come back for another beating? Don’t you know the might of the Jinyiwei?” A burly man laughed heartily.
Mei Qing frowned. The man was indeed Sibiao, whom he had met briefly years ago. He recalled that Sibiao was under the command of Ma Yanwang and had nearly beaten him back then.
As Mei Qing paused, Sibiao caught sight of him and was visibly startled.
Although Mei Qing’s reputation within the Jinyiwei wasn’t particularly prominent, those who were well-informed and perceptive had long been watching him closely.
Ma Shiqing, in particular, knew very well that it was Lord Sixth who had sent Wu Bing to rescue Mei Qing from him back then. Soon after, Mei Qing had officially joined the Jinyiwei and was quickly promoted to the Neizu.
Whether it was the theft case in the treasury or the later incident involving Yang Zui, Lord Sixth’s protection of Mei Qing was apparent to anyone with eyes to see. Therefore, many were not only curious about Mei Qing’s true identity but also deeply wary of him.
Sibiao, being under Ma Shiqing, naturally knew all this. But since he had once gravely offended Mei Qing, he usually avoided him, fearing retaliation.
Now, however, his luck was bad—just because this deadbeat named Guo had come to cause trouble at the prison, he had run into Mei Qing. Thinking this, Sibiao glared furiously at the half-dead figure on the ground, wishing he could tear him apart.
Mei Qing furrowed his brow. He naturally recognized Sibiao. But now, openly confronting him would make him seem petty.
Seeing Mei Qing standing silently, Sibiao’s heart pounded. He quickly forced a smile onto his face and hurried over. “Oh, Master Mei! We’ve all heard about your great success on this mission. The whole barracks is talking about it.”
Seeing Sibiao’s forced grin, Mei Qing had no desire to confront him directly, so he replied coolly, “Ah, isn’t this Master Sibiao? What kind of authority are you showing at the gate here?”
“Oh, Master Mei, what authority could I possibly show to you? I was just young and foolish back then, but you, sir, are a man of great magnanimity—surely you wouldn’t hold a grudge against a small fry like me,” Sibiao replied, catching the sarcasm in Mei Qing’s tone but careful not to show any displeasure. “This kid here is the young master from the Guo family’s mansion. Back in the day, he strutted around like he owned the streets, so arrogant it was unbearable. Later, when the Guo family got into trouble, his father died in prison, and their estate was confiscated. This young master was imprisoned too, but later the Emperor, out of old sentiment, pardoned the rest of the family after the patriarch’s death, so he was released, lucky to escape with his life.”
Guo Xun was dead? Mei Qing couldn’t help but feel a jolt of surprise. He had been away from the capital for so long and hadn’t kept up with the news. He hadn’t expected to hear such a piece of information upon his return.
“Guo Gongye was instrumental in the Emperor’s enthronement and contributed greatly during the court struggles. Even if he had committed some crimes, it shouldn’t have ended like this, should it?” Mei Qing asked, surprised.
“Who says otherwise?” Sibiao replied. “Actually, the Emperor hadn’t decided to punish him severely. But the old man wasn’t in good health to begin with, probably worn out by years of indulgence in wine and women. He was treated well here in the prison, but somehow contracted a sudden illness and died suddenly.”
Mei Qing inwardly sneered, thinking the current Emperor truly wanted to have his cake and eat it too—punishing Guo Xun while maintaining a facade of mercy. He asked, “Life and death are matters of fate; one can’t blame others. But what’s this young man doing here? If he was spared, why not go home quietly instead of coming here to cause trouble? Hasn’t he had enough time in prison?”
“Ah, a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken,” Sibiao chuckled. “Though spared, he’s lost his title, his father is dead, and his family ruined. What’s he got left? Somehow he went mad and came here, accusing us of killing Lord Guo. We’re actually being kind—we know the Emperor spared his life, so we didn’t harm him. If you, Master Mei, are upset, I can call a few men over right now to ensure he never crawls near this gate again.”
“Forget it,” Mei Qing waved him off. “I’ve met him once before. Since he’s already come to this, there’s no need to pile on the misfortune.”
As they were speaking, the young Guo heir had already recognized Mei Qing and suddenly rushed over, grabbing his leg and bursting into tears. “Master Mei! It’s you! Oh, my family has fallen, I went looking for Bzhen but couldn’t find her, and Uncle Lu won’t see me either…”
Mei Qing frowned but didn’t move. Sibiao, seeing this, hurried forward to pull and hit the young man. “You deadbeat! How dare you touch Master Mei’s body? Are you asking for death?”
“Enough,” Mei Qing raised a hand to stop Sibiao, shifting his body slightly to free himself from the young nobleman’s grasp. “You went looking for Bzhen? What for?”
The young nobleman was now emaciated, his clothes tattered, without even a winter coat in the freezing cold, his hair a mess, his face blackened—nothing remained of his former dandyish charm. Hearing Mei Qing’s question, he wiped tears and snot from his face. “My house is empty, and no one I used to know will see me. I thought only Bzhen, though she never gave me a warm look, was kind-hearted. So I came to beg her to help me find a way to survive. Otherwise, hungry and cold, I fear I won’t last another two days on the streets!” He collapsed to the ground, banging his head repeatedly and sobbing loudly.
Mei Qing felt a pang of difficulty. Technically, since the matter involved Bzhen, he shouldn’t take it upon himself to decide anything. Besides, he had already returned to report to the guards, and Bzhen had temporarily returned to the temple for a visit. After so long away, she naturally needed to go back and check in.
If he just walked away, and this fellow somehow found his way to Dongyue Temple, shouting Bzhen’s name at the gate, it would be awkward and unseemly. Moreover, from what Bzhen had said, though this young nobleman was pitiful, he had treated her decently in the past. Thinking this, he sighed. “Making a scene here won’t help. Since we’ve met, come with me.”
“What?” The young nobleman thought he must have misheard. He blinked hard, rubbed his face twice, and stared blankly at Mei Qing.
“Didn’t you hear me clearly? Get up, come with me.” Mei Qing said impatiently, then turned to Sibiao. “Please, call a carriage.”
Now realizing he hadn’t misheard, the young nobleman slowly rose, staring at Mei Qing like a wooden doll, forgetting to cry, laugh, or even thank him, just standing by Mei Qing’s side, not daring to leave even an inch.
Sibiao was also stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered, running to the corner of the street to call a carriage. He then helped the dazed young nobleman into the carriage, invited Mei Qing to mount his horse, and watched them off before shaking his head in disbelief, spitting on the ground with a “Phew!” What had just happened?
“Who beat him?” Bzhen asked, surprised at the sobbing young nobleman at the door, unsure what to do.
“If I had beaten him, he wouldn’t still be alive,” Mei Qing said, annoyed. “His family was confiscated, his father died, and he was causing trouble at the barracks. I thought, since you two had some old connection, I brought him back for you.”
“Old connection? If you keep saying that, I’ll beat you too!” Bzhen’s beautiful eyes widened. “Tell me properly—what exactly happened?”
Seeing Bzhen was getting worked up, Mei Qing quickly apologized profusely before recounting the Guo family’s misfortunes.
Bzhen frowned. “That old man again… Hmph, never mind. But why did you bring him here? If you wanted to rescue someone, take him to your house!”
“My house? Where would I keep this guy? One day I might just kill him if I get angry,” Mei Qing snorted. “Your temple has plenty of space. Don’t you need someone to plant vegetables, cook, or carry manure? Just assign him there.”
Bzhen sighed. “He was raised in luxury his whole life. How could he do any work? And without someone to supervise him, he might cause trouble again.”
Mei Qing’s eyes sparkled. “Well, I do have a good place to send him. I’m just afraid you won’t let me.”
“What do you mean I won’t let you?” Bzhen asked. “What trick are you planning?”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage