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

Chapter 632

In fact, Meng Qingyuan really wanted to go find his father immediately and tell him that he had become a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, Meng Qingyuan was afraid of incurring the displeasure of his father's first wife, so for many years, Meng Qingyuan never dared to go to the Meng family mansion to find Meng Ji. It was always Meng Ji who came to find them, bringing them many things and money each time.

Moreover, Meng Qingyuan knew very well that he had obtained his position as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard through his father's connections, and his father must know this. Therefore, Meng Qingyuan was not in a hurry and thought he would tell his father when he came next time.

Meng Ji did not keep Meng Qingyuan waiting for long. On the third day after Meng Qingyuan became a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, while Meng Qingyuan was on duty at the Southern Garrison Command, learning from the other Embroidered Uniform Guards, he was summoned to He Er's office.

At He Er's office, Meng Qingyuan saw his father.

"Father, why are you here?"

Meng Qingyuan looked at his father with a face full of surprise.

"I've spoken to Lord He and he's granted you a day off. I have something to tell you, so come back with me."

Meng Ji looked at his son and nodded in satisfaction.

Although Meng Qingyuan was an illegitimate son, Meng Ji never showed favoritism towards either of them. He loved both his legitimate son and Meng Qingyuan equally, because Meng Ji felt that he owed both sides something, both his wife and Qingyuan's mother.

Meng Qingyuan is now considered to be both scholarly and martial, with a dignified appearance. He also works in the Southern Garrison Command. Even if he doesn't achieve great success in the future, he will certainly be able to live a life free from financial worries.

Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan looked at He Er, seemingly seeking confirmation.

"Go ahead, Lord Meng does indeed have something to say to you."

He Er laughed.

These words left Meng Qingyuan even more confused. He became increasingly suspicious of his father's identity. Was his father really just a fifth-rank official? How come even the Garrison Commander had to give him face?

With these questions in mind, Meng Qingyuan followed his father out of the gate of the Southern Garrison.

“From now on, you’ll be working here every day. You can’t always be on your feet. This horse is one that your father has raised for several years. Although it’s not a particularly valuable horse, under your father’s care, it’s not much worse than those famous horses. Give it a try.”

As soon as Meng Ji and his companion left the Southern Garrison Command, two horses were led out by the Imperial Guards of the Southern Garrison Command, clearly brought by Meng Ji.

"Father, I have never learned to ride a horse."

Meng Qingyuan said somewhat awkwardly.

"It's alright, it's not too late to learn now. With Dad here, I can help you keep an eye on things and even teach you."

Meng Ji looked at his son and said with some emotion.

When Meng Qingyuan heard this, he didn't think much of it. He had heard Zhou Chu say that his father was going to be sent as an envoy to the Yarkand Khanate. Meng Qingyuan had even checked the location of the Yarkand Khanate in the Southern Garrison these past two days. It was very far from the Ming Dynasty, so he figured his father would be there for several years.

Thinking of this, Meng Qingyuan felt somewhat at a loss. He had relied entirely on Meng Ji's protection all his life, and now that he suddenly learned that Meng Ji was leaving, and that he might be gone for many years, he felt completely lost.

"Father, will you be gone for many years?"

Meng Qingyuan couldn't help but ask.

Upon hearing this, Meng Ji was momentarily lost in thought.

“Yes, the Yarkand Khanate is too far away. Father is going there to show the might of our Great Ming Dynasty. He definitely won’t be back for a while. Your mother will have to rely on you from now on. Your mother broke off with her family for me. I’ve always felt bad for her all these years. You must treat her well from now on.”

Meng Ji looked at his son and said with some sadness.

"Don't worry, Father. I'm a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard now. No ordinary person would dare to mess with my daughter and me."

Meng Qingyuan said with a hint of smugness.

Meng Ji nodded upon hearing this.

"Yes, you've grown up. If you encounter any problems you can't solve in the future, just go to Lord He of your Southern Garrison Command. He will step in and resolve them for you. Don't feel embarrassed."