SGEIRS -Chapter 497 The Little “Green Tea” Boy

That night, the ancestral hall was cold and dim, the candlelight flickering, and Meng Chengxing’s voice reading aloud sounded particularly jarring in the stillness.

For Meng Chengxing, tonight’s punishment was nothing short of humiliating. He seriously suspected that his father was taking personal revenge. A few days ago, when he had made a minor mistake with Madam Dong, he had been punished by copying the family rules three times. And now, because of some ambiguous behavior with a maid, he was forced to kneel in the ancestral hall and read aloud. Kneeling was one thing, but kneeling while reading aloud made the humiliation complete.

Watching over Meng Chengxing was one of Meng Dongyuan’s trusted attendants, who answered only to Meng Dongyuan. When the boy lowered his voice, the attendant spoke up: “Young Master, if you’re thirsty, I can fetch you some water. Master said that tonight you must study diligently, reading loudly enough so that our ancestors can know your sincere remorse.”

Meng Chengxing slammed his book down, turned to him, and said in a cold voice, “Who do you think you are? Since when do you get to tell me how to act?”

The attendant remained unbothered and replied, “Young Master, how could I possibly presume to teach you? I am merely following Master’s orders. If you are dissatisfied, you can speak directly to him yourself.”

Meng Chengxing was furious but powerless. Yet this was not the time to argue. Tomorrow, when his grandmother learned of this, she would surely set things right.

The next morning, when the old Old Madam Meng awoke, she learned that her little grandson had been forced to kneel in the ancestral hall and study all night. He was too exhausted to attend the academy that morning, and she was so angry that she couldn’t even eat breakfast. She immediately summoned her son and began scolding him without pause.

Meng Dongyuan replied, “Mother, Chengxing hasn’t been diligent with his studies. He spent his energy on frivolous matters and deserved a severe punishment. Otherwise, he will repeat his mistakes.”

Old Madam Meng dismissed this lightly. “Then why didn’t you punish the maid who tempted him? Chengxing is only fourteen, and she is sixteen. If that maid hadn’t lured him, do you think he could have done such a thing?”

Meng Dongyuan said, “It still shows he lacks self-discipline. If he were resolute, such tricks from a maid wouldn’t sway him.”

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Meng’s anger only deepened. Her son, now middle-aged, had become rebellious, even daring to argue with her. She scolded, “You made him kneel in the ancestral hall all night, and now his reputation is ruined! You’re not a young man anymore—why don’t you know what should and shouldn’t be done? In other families, if something like this happens, they handle it discreetly to protect the child’s reputation. But you—you seem determined to ruin it!”

Meng Dongyuan had only been venting his anger on his son yesterday and hadn’t thought much about reputation. Hearing his mother’s words, he felt that he had done well. This ungrateful child had already turned against him, tried to harm his unborn child, and caused him to lose both his wife and child. He could no longer rely on this child. Moreover, this boy had no promise of success—wicked at heart, indulged in pleasures, and destined to become a waste of potential. Ruining his reputation would make way for Chengzhang’s prospects.

Seeing that her son remained silent, Old Madam Meng didn’t overthink it. Her son was not very sharp, so some carelessness was expected. She said in a serious tone, “You are old enough to be a grandfather. In the future, you must act more prudently. Think carefully before you act, and always prioritize the family’s interests and reputation.”

Meng Dongyuan responded respectfully, “Your son remembers.”

Old Madam Meng, skilled in managing people, softened her tone once she saw her son’s obedience. “Have you had breakfast yet? If not, stay and have it together.”

Meng Dongyuan replied honestly, “Not yet.”

During breakfast, mother and son shared a joyful meal, as if the previous stern lecture had never happened.

Afterward, Meng Dongyuan left the Hall of Prosperity and Happiness.

Concerned for her grandson, who had suffered all night kneeling and studying, Old Madam Meng brought medicine for his knees and a soothing drink, personally visiting the boy’s courtyard. After comforting him with gentle words, she punished the maid from the previous day, selling her off.

As for the maid who had entered Meng Chengxing’s quarters at the end of last year, she remained, but Old Madam Meng called her forward for a stern warning. She ordered that, until Meng Chengxing passed the Lingshan Academy exams, the maid must fulfill her duties without distracting him; otherwise, she would be sold as well.

This action also deterred other maids in Meng Chengxing’s courtyard who might have been tempted to seduce him.

But for Meng Chengxing, this was truly unpleasant. He had only recently begun to explore the world, and now he had to resist his impulses. How could he bear it?

Old Madam Meng genuinely wanted her grandson to succeed and didn’t want flirtatious maids to ruin his future. Yet she also didn’t want him to hold a grudge. With heartfelt words, she said, “Chengxing, don’t think your grandmother is being too harsh. I only do this for your own good. Once you achieve fame and success, you can have any girl you wish. These maids are merely slightly attractive girls.”

Meng Chengxing obediently replied, “Grandmother, your grandson understands your good intentions. Last night, I reflected on my mistakes before our ancestors and realize I should not have wasted my time on such matters.”

Listening to her grandson’s hoarse voice, Old Madam Meng felt a pang of worry. “I’m glad you understand. Your father is also at fault for making you read all night—no wonder your voice is hoarse.”

Meng Chengxing shook his head repeatedly. “Grandmother, don’t blame father. He loves me deeply and disciplines me strictly. He was angry only because he saw me wasting time on frivolous matters.”

Old Madam Meng was pleased by her grandson’s maturity. She was even more displeased with her son’s methods, but she didn’t speak further to avoid alienating father and son. She said, “You didn’t sleep all night. Rest well today and gather your energy for the academy tomorrow.”

Meng Chengxing obediently nodded, personally escorting Old Madam Meng to the courtyard gate. Returning, he didn’t rest but went straight to the study, picked up his books, and began reading aloud with his already hoarse voice.

His personal maid, upon hearing him, exchanged a glance with him and immediately understood his intent. She went to the Hall of Prosperity and Happiness to report to Old Madam Meng that her grandson had not rested and was still diligently studying.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Meng was pleased by her grandson’s diligence but worried about his exhaustion. After staying up all night and continuing to study, how could his body withstand it?

In the end, she decided to make another trip.

When Meng Chengxing saw Old Madam Meng coming again, he immediately scolded his maid for meddling.

Old Madam Meng defended the maid slightly, then gently persuaded her grandson to rest, reminding him that studying could wait, but his health was paramount. She stayed until the maid reported that Meng Chengxing had finally gone to bed, and only then did she return to the Hall of Prosperity and Happiness.

No sooner had she left than the maid entered the inner room to report that Old Madam Meng had gone.

Hearing this, Meng Chengxing’s lips curved into a smile—his purpose had been achieved. He could finally sleep without worrying about studying anymore.