After the servants cleared away the dining table, Meng Hongdao and Meng Zhao went to the study to continue discussing matters, while the two brothers, Meng Yan and Meng Chuan, were pulled aside by An Hui for a scolding.
Though it was called a scolding, An Hui was their mother after all and treasured her children dearly. Needless to say, she fussed over them with concern; more than anything, she urged the two boys to strive harder.
Meng Yan was likely beyond hope, but if he could marry a good girl someday and father a few chubby sons, that would be fine enough. Meng Chuan, meanwhile, carried the hopes of both her and Meng Hongdao, and was also being tempered and guided at Meng Zhao's side.
An Hui and Meng Hongdao did not expect Meng Chuan to catch up to Meng Zhao. Even if he achieved only half of what Meng Zhao had, it would be enough.
As the saying went, compare people and one dies of envy; compare goods and one throws them away. Meng Chuan was certainly a genius, utterly sincere and dedicated in his pursuit of martial arts. But talent came in degrees. Geniuses, too, were divided into ranks. Without question, Meng Zhao's talent stood at the very pinnacle throughout all ages. For Meng Chuan to catch up with him was basically impossible.
Even as parents who placed fervent hopes on their child, they would not indulge in such a Sweet Dream...
Meanwhile, once they were alone in the study, Meng Hongdao once again carefully questioned Meng Zhao about the two Imperial Guards. After a long while, he finally said,
"Zhao'er, do you know why, though the Emperor is dissatisfied with and wary of our Meng Family, he has not suppressed us, but instead sent people to