The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 626

“This tea is grown in Wenxuan’s hometown. He sends some to my son and me every year.”

When Meng Ji was mentioned, a happy smile appeared on the woman's face. Then, remembering that Meng Ji was about to die, she was filled with sadness, but she didn't want Meng Qingyuan to see it, so she could only force a smile.

"Qingyuan, come over and pay your respects to this sir."

The woman waved to Meng Qingyuan, knowing full well that her son's future depended on the man before her.

Meng Wenxuan sacrificed his life for the country. Even if the court were to reward him, it wouldn't be for his mistress. It seems that Meng Wenxuan was worried about his wife and child. Thinking of this, the woman almost shed tears again.

"I've met my lord."

Although Meng Qingyuan did not know why he was bowing, he always obeyed his mother's words. He came to Zhou Chu and bowed respectfully.

"Have you ever practiced martial arts?"

Zhou Chu looked at Meng Qingyuan and asked.

"In reply to your question, sir, Qingyuan has never had much to do since childhood. He rarely goes out and doesn't have many friends. So my father found him a master of both literature and martial arts. He is doing well in his studies and was originally planning to take the imperial examination in a couple of years. He is also diligent in learning martial arts because my father always tells me that he will have to rely on me to protect my mother in the future."

Qingyuan scratched his head and said.

"Chunfu, why don't you spar with him and test his skills?"

Zhou Chu looked at Shen Lian beside him and said.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian approached Meng Qingyuan.

Looking at Shen Lian's exaggerated physique, the woman knew that his skills must be extraordinary. She wanted to plead for her son to go easy on him, but she was also afraid that it would affect her son's future. Her face was full of worry.

"Don't worry, Chunfu is very sensible and won't hurt Qingyuan."

Zhou Chu looked at the woman and said.

The woman was relieved to hear this.

Do you have any weapons?

Shen Lian approached Meng Qingyuan and asked.

"Yes, but we usually use wooden swords for martial arts practice, not iron ones."

Meng Qingyuan said, looking slightly nervous.

“Then I will use a wooden sword. I will not draw it; it will only be a friendly spar.”

Shen Lian brandished the Embroidered Spring Blade in his hand.

Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan hurriedly went to the shelf next to him, took down the wooden sword he usually used for practicing martial arts, and came to Shen Lian, where he assumed a fighting stance.

"Please enlighten me."

Meng Qingyuan said with a serious expression.

Shen Lian didn't bother with anything like "you make the first move," and simply grabbed the part where the sword and scabbard connected, starting to teach Meng Qingyuan how to spar.

Shen Lian was mainly testing Meng Qingyuan's skills. He didn't even use 30% of his strength, let alone his full strength; he was just sparring with him.

Even so, Meng Qingyuan still had a very difficult time fighting and was covered in sweat.

"That's enough, stop now."

Zhou Chu clapped his hands and said.

Upon hearing this, Shen Lian stopped his attack.

"Sir, his martial arts skills are quite good, not much worse than those of ordinary Imperial Guards."

Shen Lian bowed and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu nodded and looked at Meng Qingyuan again.

Seeing Zhou Chu's gaze, Meng Qingyuan became even more nervous. He could now see that the person in front of him was no ordinary person.

“There is a vacancy in my Southern Garrison Command. Lord Meng recommended you to me, so I came here specifically to see if you are qualified. It seems you are. Report to the Southern Garrison Command first thing tomorrow morning. Just hand this to them and do not open it.”

As Zhou Chu spoke, he took an envelope from his pocket and placed it on the stone table.

After saying this, Zhou Chu got up and left without lingering.

Meng Qingyuan picked up the envelope on the stone table, dumbfounded.

"Mother, is my father really that powerful? Does he have such connections? How could he arrange for me to be assigned to the Southern Garrison?"

Meng Qingyuan looked on incredulously.

He knew very well that his father was only a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of War, which sounded impressive, but this was the capital city, where fifth- and sixth-rank officials were commonplace.

The Imperial Guards were three ranks higher than the officials, and Meng Qingyuan couldn't understand how his father had such power.

Hearing this, the woman felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, but she smiled outwardly.