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

Chapter 633

Meng Ji knew his son's personality very well; he was too shy and embarrassed to bother others with many things. If he didn't explain things to him, what would happen if something really happened in the future?

For Meng Ji, He Er was merely a transit point. Meng Ji was well aware that once a problem arose, if He Er found out, it would be the same as if Lord Zhou found out. Once Lord Zhou found out, nothing else mattered.

"Father, are you really only a fifth-rank official? Why does Lord He give you so much face?"

Meng Qingyuan asked in confusion.

"Father was originally a fifth-rank official, but His Majesty promoted him three ranks during this mission to the Yarkand Khanate. He is now a fourth-rank official. The reason why Lord He is so polite to Father is entirely because of that other official, the one who went to see you a few days ago."

Meng Ji explained.

Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan suddenly realized what was happening.

"Just who is that person?"

Meng Qingyuan pressed for an answer.

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. When that person wants you to know, you will naturally know. If he doesn't want you to know, don't inquire, understand?"

Meng Ji gave instructions.

"Got it, Dad."

Meng Qingyuan nodded obediently.

"Come on, step on this spot and mount your horse."

Meng Ji pointed to the stirrups and said.

Mounting a horse was not difficult for Meng Qingyuan. Although he had never practiced martial arts, he had been practicing for many years and easily mounted the horse.

"Grab the reins. This horse has been raised by its father for many years and is very docile. Don't worry. Touch its head and connect with it."

Meng Ji pointed it out.

Meng Ji came from a poor family. His father and grandfather were horse breeders. Meng Ji grew up with his family raising horses and also developed a talent for judging horses.

Meng Ji deeply agreed with Han Yu's theory on horses and regarded it as a guiding principle. He knew very well that the quality of a horse did not depend entirely on its breed. Horses of any quality could produce excellent steeds; the key was how they were raised.

In his spare time, Meng Jiping spent most of his time raising horses, apart from reading. He didn't buy these horses at high prices, after all, not everyone knows horses as well as he does. He felt very relaxed with the horses, unlike the backstabbing and infighting among his colleagues.

This horse was one of the best among the horses he owned. He had originally planned to give it to Meng Qingyuan when he grew up, but now that Meng Qingyuan had become a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and he himself was about to embark on a long journey, it would be too late if he didn't give it to him now.

"Yes, that's it. Don't pull the reins too hard; keep it moderate."

Meng Ji rode his horse side by side with his son, pointing out Meng Qingyuan as they went.

"Dad, I think I can do it now. Riding a horse isn't that hard."

Meng Qingyuan said lightly.

“Our family has been horse breeders for generations. Your grandfather and my grandfather both came from horse breeding backgrounds. These are things we were born with, so it must be easy for us.”

Meng Ji smiled.

The two chatted and laughed all the way, and soon returned to the vicinity of Meng Qingyuan's home.

Those neighbors who had previously looked down on Meng Qingyuan now saw him riding such a magnificent horse, with another person by his side. This person clearly had an extraordinary air about him and must be an important figure.

These people already knew that Meng Qingyuan had become a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard; it would be difficult for them not to know, after all, some of their sons were still imprisoned in the Northern Garrison Command's prison.

"Lord Meng, you are a magnanimous man. Please just let my unfilial son go."

A landlord in his forties knelt directly in front of Meng Qingyuan, tears streaming down his face.

This family has only one son, the only son in three generations, who has been spoiled rotten since childhood. It was because of this excessive pampering that his son went astray from a young age. In his opinion, his son was good in every way, and he could usually handle it if his son hit someone.

But now he has encountered Meng Qingyuan, whose status is no longer what it used to be. He is not someone that a mere landlord like him can handle. These past few days, he has been begging Meng Qingyuan every day. For the past two days, Meng Qingyuan has refused to see him. He dares not disturb him too much, for fear of angering Meng Qingyuan.