Chapter 63 Taking the Initiative, This Drama Downstairs Can’t Compare to Next Door…

He spoke with hidden meaning. Zhidong, who was blocked to the side, immediately turned pale with anxiety. Meng Jun lowered his eyes to look at him, and took the opportunity to grip Meng Tan’er’s arm tightly. “How could that be? With you supporting me, even if I really fell and got hurt, it wouldn’t be too painful.”

Meng Tan’er was choked up by his words, secretly cursing Meng Jun twice in his heart. No wonder father said not to seek momentary satisfaction in verbal sparring with him.

It was just taking advantage of being the legitimate son.

Meng Tan’er curled his lips, letting out a light sneer. When this matter is settled, who knows who will be in charge of the Meng household.

A new play was being performed in the garden today.

Meng Jun followed Meng Tan’er up to the second-floor box. The opened window faced directly towards the stage. On stage, the actors in full makeup were hiding their faces behind water sleeves, singing melancholy tunes of a thousand twists and turns.

Meng Tan’er listened for a while, but soon found it boring. At his age, having to sit still and listen to tales of love and romance was truly torturous.

Taking advantage of a tea break, Meng Tan’er cast a sidelong glance at Meng Jun. After he had eaten a few plums, Meng Tan’er suddenly clutched his stomach, groaning incessantly.

“Elder brother, I’m afraid I’ve got a stomach ache. I need to go relieve myself first.” He struggled to hold back some tears. “Elder brother, I’ll be right back. You keep watching the play first.”

“Tan’er, why don’t I accompany you to see a doctor?” Meng Jun stood up worriedly, but before he could come near, the nervous Meng Tan’er hurriedly pressed him back onto the soft seat, waving his hands repeatedly, “There’s no need for elder brother to worry. My health has always been good. Perhaps…”

He rolled his eyes around, suddenly noticing the teacups on the table, and quickly added, “Perhaps I drank some cold tea.”

“Tan’er, are you sure you don’t need me to accompany you?” Meng Jun asked with concern.

“No need, no need.” Meng Tan’er’s eyes darted around. Clutching his stomach, he retreated to the door in a few steps. Just as he opened the door, he anxiously instructed, “Elder brother, we left all our servants by the carriage. There are many people here, so please don’t go out carelessly.”

He spoke with utter seriousness. Meng Jun smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I understand all this. But Tan’er, you’d better go take care of your business quickly.”

Meng Tan’er was stunned, couldn’t help but feel suspicious in his heart. However, since Meng Jun was being so cooperative, it could only mean that this tribulation was destined to happen to him.

He gently closed the door, deliberately walked heavily for half the way, then tiptoed back.

Meng Tan’er quietly pressed his ear against the door and listened for a long while before finally putting his mind at ease. He crouched down and knocked on the innermost box in a very regular pattern, then slipped inside in a flash.

“Young Master Meng.” The actor sitting in the place of honor raised his eyebrows, looking at Meng Tan’er who had sneaked in furtively. “Long time no see, you’ve grown so big. I remember when—”

“Cut the nonsense.” Meng Tan’er impatiently interrupted his reminiscing. “My father said you owe him a life debt. Today is your chance to repay it. I’ll only ask you one thing: is the earlier plan feasible today?”

The actor snorted, “Since Young Master Meng is so direct, let’s speak frankly. He made a gesture with his hand, indicating a number. “Repaying a debt is one thing, but the due payment can’t be short-changed. Especially when it’s a matter of ruining someone’s reputation. If all goes well, my goddaughter will get a young master from a noble family as a husband for nothing. It’s truly wonderful.”

“But if Lord Meng investigates, not only will small fry like us be unable to escape, even your father and you will be in trouble. So, if Young Master Meng could provide some money in advance, we could ‘serve’ properly, ensuring the eldest young master willingly marries down.”

“Hmph, stop with these high-sounding words.”

Meng Tan’er rolled his eyes dramatically. “My father only told you to ruin his reputation. When did he ever mention using such despicable methods? With your status, you still think you can marry my elder brother? Pah!”

“It seems Young Master truly doesn’t understand what it means to ruin someone’s reputation.” The actor wasn’t angered, but lowered his voice and whispered a few words. Meng Tan’er’s face changed drastically. He suddenly stood up, angrily saying, “Nonsense! My father clearly said this was only to damage elder brother’s reputation.”

“Is that so? Didn’t Young Master Meng ask your father what happens to a man whose reputation is ruined?”

Meng Tan’er was choked speechless. He hesitantly took a few steps back, lowering his head in thought.

Father had clearly said that once elder brother’s reputation was ruined, mother would understand that the household needed someone to manage it, and this would incidentally lift father’s restriction.

But what this actor said also made some sense. Meng Tan’er frowned, still hesitating. The actor sitting opposite slowly sipped some tea, “Well, after all, I owe your father a debt of gratitude. Let’s consider it settled this time.”

He curled his lips, bringing up a hint of a smile. “Young Master Meng is still in his childhood years. It’s not good for you to see those things now. I have some good tea here, so please, Young Master—”

He paused, glancing to his side, and had someone block Meng Tan’er who was trying to rush out the door. “Rest here for a while.”

“Let go!” When had Meng Tan’er ever been pinned down unable to move? His face flushed red as he struggled constantly. “Don’t say this young master didn’t warn you. My mother is the Deputy Censor-in-chief of the Censorate. If you dare treat me like this, my mother will definitely not let you off lightly when she finds out!”

“Young Master Meng is truly adorably naive.”

The actor curled his lips disdainfully. “You and your father have done such a thing disregarding brotherly affection. When your mother learns the truth, how could she still protect you? If Young Master wants to go inform your elder brother now, it would mean betraying your father. This lack of filial piety—”

He dragged out his voice, glancing contemptuously at the stunned Meng Tan’er. “Your father’s life has been quite a failure.”

“Pah! Don’t you dare speak ill of my father!” Meng Tan’er was furious, using all his strength to try to get up. But the other side had more people. He had barely shouted half a cry when his mouth was covered with a stinky rag.

On stage, the gongs and drums were booming. It was at the most exciting part of the performance, with cheers coming one after another, completely drowning out Meng Tan’er’s whimpers.

The actor stood up proudly, laughing, “It seems your father was truly desperate to stake everything on this, actually sending you to find me.”