Chapter 173 – How to Elegantly Take Down Meng Liang (Part Ten)
“Ah, my heart aches! No matter the era, whether for the anchor or in reality, why do good people always end up with misfortune?”
Old Driver Alliance: “The Meng Clan truly isn’t good for anything. That Colonel was so loyal, yet he was forced into such a situation. But I must say, well done! What a man of spirit! Loyalty doesn’t mean foolish devotion; the Colonel handled it well—if you don’t recognize me, then that’s ungrateful!”
Xiyan: “I hope the anchor can lend a hand; this man seems so pitiful.”
Liuyue Xie Sandao: “Same here +1. Though reality is harsh, I still believe good people will be rewarded.”
Jiang Pengji was similarly “shocked,” her eyes wide in disbelief. “How could this happen?”
Meng Hunyun replied, “If the Young Master doesn’t believe, you can ask merchants coming from Meng County. Although the Meng family military tries to silence the gossip, I firmly believe there are those brave enough to speak the truth. Even if you can’t find out, you can inquire about Meng Liang’s reputation in Meng County!”
Hesitating for a moment, Jiang Pengji finally responded, “While I sympathize with your plight, you know that the Meng Clan is one of the four great clans of Dongqing. Even the Official Master fears them, and I—being just a small Liu from Hejian—cannot stand against the Meng Clan. For the safety of my family, I cannot allow you to kill Meng Liang. Absolutely not!”
Hunyun felt a wave of powerlessness wash over him at her words.
“I can let you all go, ensuring your safety. Tomorrow morning, once the city gate opens, you just leave Hejian County far behind and don’t come back. Don’t try to assassinate Meng Liang again,” Jiang Pengji added. “Today’s events, I’ll pretend I never knew about.”
A jolt went through Meng Hunyun, and with a bitter smile, he said, “The Young Master is still as headstrong as ever. What will be done then?”
“What do you mean?” Jiang Pengji asked.
Hunyun replied, “What the Young Master doesn’t understand is that this vile person has an incredibly narrow mind and holds grudges. After hearing our conversation, how could he forget? The Young Master can act as if nothing happened tonight, but will he truly forget? If he escapes and spins a tale about it back to the Meng Clan, it’s likely they not only won’t appreciate the Young Master’s life-saving efforts but will also retaliate against the Liu Residence.”
Given Meng Liang’s character as a white-eyed wolf, the likelihood of that happening was a hundred percent.
Instantly, Jiang Pengji was stumped, hesitating, “How… how could this be?”
“How could it not be possible?” Hunyun insisted.
Meng Liang, listening to the two with differing thoughts, was anxious to the point of desperation, but with his hands and feet tied, his life in the hands of others, he couldn’t voice a word nor defend himself—it was maddening!
Though unaware of why Liu Xi was framing him, he did know one thing:
In Liu Xi’s hands, he at least had a chance at life. If Liu Xi were convinced by Hunyun, he would be doomed!
“Be quiet, or I’ll crush you!”
One of Hunyun’s subordinates kicked Meng Liang’s thigh when he became restless, causing him to nearly explode as if stepped on the tail of a cat.
“The Young Master might not know, but there’s a longstanding grudge between the Cangzhou Meng Clan and the Hejian Liu Clan. It’s only because the Hejian Governor, your father, has acted cautiously and firmly these years that the Meng Clan hasn’t taken action against you,” Hunyun continued without holding back, fearing Jiang Pengji might be foolish enough to let the tiger back into the mountains. “The esteemed Lady of your residence was once a member of the Meng Clan!”
What?
Jiang Pengji displayed an appropriate level of shock, almost losing her composure. “What are you rambling about, daring to tarnish my mother’s reputation!”
Hunyun swore fiercely, “If there’s a single word of lie, may heaven strike, may I fall into the Underworld and suffer for eternity!”
Hearing this, Jiang Pengji calmed slightly and pressed, “Well then, tell me what you have to say.”
Though he loathed Meng Liang, Hunyun disliked exaggerating or kicking someone when they’re down, simply narrating what he knew plainly.
“If I recall correctly, your esteemed Lady is a concubine of the ancient Gu family of Langya. Years ago, she married Meng Zhan, but Meng Zhan, who favored his wife and neglected his concubines, grew suspicious of her fidelity and treated her with contempt. Their legitimate eldest son faced scolding and beatings from him as well. Later they divorced, and some years after, the Lady remarried the Hejian Governor…”
No man would be comfortable knowing his discarded woman took another husband. Meng Zhan was particularly petty, being Hunyun’s employer for many years; he often overheard him curse when drunk.
“Regarding the Lady’s remarriage, Meng Zhan still bears a grudge. If Meng Liang were to return and spin a wild tale, even worse, frame Meng Hunyun as a traitor manipulated by the Liu Residence, the Young Master must consider the consequences. Would the Meng Clan let the Young Master’s family off the hook?”
Though Hunyun was rough around the edges, he had more insight and rationality than a typical warrior.
It seemed Jiang Pengji was swayed, fatigue washing over her as she rubbed her brow and asked, “Then what do you propose we do?”
Resolutely, Hunyun knelt, delivering a heavy bow, “Meng Liang must die. This beast is a born white-eyed wolf; if he lives, he’ll definitely bring calamity to the Young Master. Since that’s the case, I have a selfish request and hope the Young Master can consent.”
Jiang Pengji subtly sidestepped, raising her hand to help Hunyun up.
“Such a dignified man, how could you kneel just like that? Stand!”
Hunyun’s subordinate wanted to step forward but was firmly rejected, Hunyun’s expression persistent.
“Since my wife and child’s death, I’ve survived only by a hatred that fuels me. Even if I’ll fall into the Underworld and never find solace, I must drag this little beast down with me. Young Master, being kind-hearted, I don’t want to put you in a tough spot. I just hope you’ll spare me for the sake of vengeance against this beast, and then you can place the blame for Meng Liang’s death on me…”
Jiang Pengji, heart-rending, prepared to intervene when Hunyun stubbornly interrupted.
“…The beast’s death has nothing to do with the Young Master. Later, if the Young Master decides to take my head, I believe it could provide a fitting explanation. I fear not death; I just hope the Young Master might show a bit of mercy, and after I’m gone, look after these brothers a little.”
With that, he bowed deeply, his forehead striking the ground heavily, producing a sound that resonated with a tremor of the heart.
All of this was truly within Jiang Pengji’s calculations; otherwise, how could one speak of her cold-heartedness?
But genuinely experiencing it held a different flavor.
Those with sincere hearts could often touch the deepest chords, including those of Jiang Pengji.
With an undeniable authority, she firmly helped Hunyun to his feet.
“Speak while standing!” Her tone now carried a seriousness and firmness, “I must admit, your points are very sound. If Meng Liang truly is such a vile person, then should he survive, Liu Residence will find no peace…”
