Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 262 Departure from Study Abroad
Mr. Zhuang spoke at length with Sheng Changquan, but ultimately he only had one meaning: he hoped that Sheng would remain steadfast in his beliefs, thoroughly perfect this theory, and even carry forward his ideas in the future.

From Mr. Zhuang Ru's words, Sheng Changquan could easily see that the other party's ideas were extremely similar to his own. In fact, the old man already had a lot of arguments to prove that "the ruler is less important than the people"!
After all, Mr. Zhuang's experience is far beyond what Sheng Changquan can match.

Sheng Changquan only managed to extract a few famous quotes from several great works in his previous life because he had taken advantage of some advantages in his previous life. This impressed the old gentleman Zhuang Ru, who was very shocked and felt that Sheng Changquan was an extraordinary person who had a strange affinity with him.

It was precisely for this reason that Mr. Zhuang chose Sheng Changquan as his successor, intending to entrust him with all that he had seen, heard, thought, and realized throughout his life, so as to help Sheng Changquan perfect his groundbreaking doctrine.

In fact, there are similar ideas to Sheng Changquan in the world today. However, under the strong suppression of the mainstream Confucianism and Taoism and the imperial court, it is difficult for them to stand out. This is why Mr. Zhuang thought highly of Sheng Changquan.

He felt that Sheng Changquan was exceptionally talented, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and most importantly, he was neither pedantic nor lacking in integrity, able to be flexible and adaptable, and possessed a deep and shrewd mind.

In the not-too-distant future, he will inevitably become a powerful figure who stirs up the winds and waves, and only with this ability will he be able to complete the birth of this theory under tremendous external pressure.

And to promote!

Of course, the latter is the main sign of the former and the manifestation of its role. After all, if it cannot be promoted, how can it prove the birth of a theory?
"If this child can inherit my mantle, then I will have no regrets!"

After reading Sheng Changquan's "On the Destruction of Qian," the old gentleman had only one thought in his mind.

Although Sheng Changquan could not discern Mr. Zhuang's specific thoughts, he could tell from his demeanor, actions, and even his various behaviors that the other party truly had no ill intentions. In fact, the other party had repeatedly lent a helping hand, helping him solve some difficult problems.

How could Sheng Changquan refuse such kindness and favor?

Therefore, in front of Mr. Zhuang, Sheng Changquan finally agreed to the matter!

After all, in his heart, Sheng Changquan also had this idea.

……

Zeyutang.

"Brother!"

"You're back!"

Minglan was sitting in Sheng Changquan's courtyard, waiting for his news.

"Sister!"

Seeing Minglan's figure, Sheng Changquan was not surprised, obviously he already knew that she was in his courtyard.

"Sister, don't worry, the old scholar has already accepted my cousin's gift of gratitude!"

"That's settled then!"

The "matter" that Sheng Changquan was referring to not only meant the letter of introduction from Xiangshan Academy, but also that Jiang Xingzong would be entering the Sheng family school to listen to the teachings of Master Zhuang.

After all, it was not yet time for the Xiangshan Academy to hold its entrance exams. In addition to getting familiar with his living environment, Jiang Xingzong also needed to study hard and try his best to keep up with the Xiangshan Academy's learning pace.

Because Jiang Xingzong's previous learning environment was not as good as that in Bianjing City, and the private school teacher in the countryside was not very capable, his foundation in literature was not very solid. Otherwise, he would not have only become a student at this age, just like Sheng Changquan.

It should be noted that Jiang Xingzong is a year older than Sheng Changfeng, which means he is twice as old as Sheng Changquan plus two years!
Therefore, Jiang Xingzong's purpose in sending this gift was not only to express his gratitude to Master Zhuang, but also to indirectly meet with Master Zhuang so that he could test him and prepare to enter his school.

This is an unspoken rule for students entering school. Even if they are not formally enrolled but merely auditing classes, they still have to pay tuition and be examined by teachers.

This also shows the strong class structure between rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, and teachers and students in this world.

Of course, this is not to say that it is bad. After all, etiquette and law are the solid foundation of the world today. However, too much of a good thing is bad. If people regard them as the ultimate standard, or even disregard the law of the country and examine the world with the etiquette of ruler and subject, father and son, then how innocent are the people of the world?
On the other hand, out of respect for Sheng Changquan, Mr. Zhuang accepted the gift directly, which was tantamount to accepting his tuition fee.

In other words, Old Master Zhuang had no intention of testing Jiang Xingzong at all; he simply accepted him as a disciple to listen in on the proceedings.

However, since I'm just an auditor, there's no need to be so serious.

"call!"

"It's good that the scholar has agreed!"

Minglan patted her chest, quietly letting go of her worries.

Although she knew that the chances of Mr. Zhuang refusing were slim, Minglan's heart was pounding until she received confirmation that her family was involved.

"Sister!"

At this moment, Sheng Changquan thought about what he had promised Mr. Zhuang and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"Huh? What's wrong?"

Minglan looked up curiously, as if she had thought of something, and quickly asked, "Could it be that something has changed?"

"Has something gone wrong with my cousin's admission to the academy?"

"Huh? No! That's not it!"

Sheng Changquan quickly shook his head, comforting Minglan, "Sister, it's not about that!"

"I suddenly remembered something else that I need to tell you!"

"Ok?"

Minglan felt a little relieved: "It's good that this isn't the case!"

"But is there something you want to tell me?"

Sheng Changquan did not speak immediately. Instead, he pulled Minglan back to her seat before explaining, "Sister, I do have something to discuss with you."

"It's, it's..."

Meeting Minglan's concerned gaze, Sheng Changquan stammered and suddenly found himself unable to speak.

He knew that his older sister didn't have many close relatives in the Sheng family, and apart from him, she didn't have any other relatives to rely on. Now, he was going to travel and study with Mr. Zhuang, and he was really reluctant to part with her.

"What is it?"

At this moment, Minglan frowned and asked anxiously, "Brother, what's wrong?"

Although Sheng Changquan hadn't spoken yet, Minglan already had a vague idea in her mind that the news he was about to reveal might not be good!

"Sister!"

Sheng Changquan gritted his teeth and finally told the truth.

"Sister, I've already promised the scholar that I'll go on a study tour with him for the next period of time!" "Study tour?"

Minglan was startled!
"Brother, you..."

Just as Minglan was about to say something, she suddenly stopped!

She was no stranger to study abroad programs; she knew they were a valuable experience for scholars, a good way to broaden their horizons and gain more experience, and would greatly benefit their future.

As his older sister, she shouldn't have stopped him at all, not to mention that Sheng Changquan was accompanying Mr. Zhuang on his study tour!

After all, with Mr. Zhuang as a seasoned and knowledgeable guide, Sheng Changquan's gains from this long journey will be immense!

"Brother, how long will your study abroad trip last?"

Minglan thought for a long time before finally asking a question softly.

Sheng Changquan was also somewhat saddened, but since he had already promised Mr. Zhuang, he naturally wouldn't go back on his word. Besides, he himself wanted to take this trip to gain a more direct understanding of the world.

"Sister, the scholar has already spoken to me!"

Sheng Changquan looked directly into Minglan's eyes and said, "He is waiting for me to pass the provincial examination and obtain the title of Xiucai before he goes on a long journey with me!"

"I'm not entirely sure about the exact time, but I imagine it will take at least two or three years!"

Sheng Changquan provided the answer based on his own estimation.

"What? It'll take this long?"

A deep reluctance flashed in Minglan's eyes. She grabbed her younger brother's hand and said with a sad expression, "Brother, are you really going to be gone for so long?"

"But I've heard that long journeys can be taken in batches, without having to go for such a long time all at once. Can't it be done in a year or two?"

What Minglan said is true; for example, Sheng Changfeng once went on a "study abroad" trip.

However, his study tour lasted only a little over four months, and although it was called a "study tour," it was actually just a group of dissolute young men going out to collect inspiration.

Even so, when Sheng Changfeng returned, he still looked like he had been through the mountains. In a disheveled state, he said that he would never go on a "long journey" again because life there was just too difficult.

"Sister!"

Sheng Changquan gave a helpless wry smile: "Sister, I'm traveling with the scholar this time!"

"As you know, the scholar is getting old, and this trip is almost certainly his last bit of enjoyment!"

"If I don't let him have a good time this time, I'm afraid he'll regret it later!"

As the saying goes, a disciple should do the work when there is something to do. As the successor chosen by Master Zhuang Ru, he naturally had to follow his teacher's wishes and let him spend a happy old age.

This long journey is what Mr. Zhuangzi defined as "happiness".

Upon hearing Sheng Changquan's reasons, Minglan fell silent.

a long time.

"Brother, you're right!"

Minglan silently changed her mind and began to agree, saying, "The scholar is getting on in years; it is indeed the right thing to do!"

Minglan's kind nature remained unchanged. Even though she was reluctant, she was still willing to grant Mr. Zhuang's wish and her own younger brother's wish.

After all, if Minglan truly did not want Sheng Changquan to travel far away, then Sheng Changquan would certainly not leave either, because he only had Minglan as his sister, and between sibling affection and the honor of traveling far away, he was willing to choose the former.

"However, little brother!"

Minglan then changed the subject and suddenly said, "In that case, you must be extra careful out there and take good care of yourself!"

“Take good care of the scholar, you…”

Although Sheng Changquan hadn't set off yet, Minglan was already starting to worry.

"besides……"

Minglan talked on and on for a long time, but Sheng Changquan showed no sign of impatience. He simply listened quietly to his sister's story with a smile on his face.

This heartwarming scene between the siblings was so touching that it made everyone in the courtyard a little envious!

The sound of these people walking became much lighter at that moment, as they were all unwilling to disturb the brother and sister who depended on each other for survival. Even Kikyo, who was usually very boisterous, maintained a ladylike demeanor for once, quietly hiding to the side and watching the brother and sister with envy.

Sometimes, even if you have few relatives, having one who truly cares for you can bring you peace of mind!

……

Now that they had made arrangements with the other party, Mr. Zhuang Ru and Mr. Sheng Changquan naturally began to prepare for the upcoming trip.

However, it wasn't just them; Grandma Zhuang and Minglan were also busy packing for the two of them and preparing for their long journey.

Naturally, the fact that Sheng Changquan was going to travel and study with Mr. Zhuang could not be kept secret from Old Madam Sheng and Lord Sheng Hong. However, it was Mr. Zhuang who told them about it, so Sheng Changquan didn't have to put in much effort. He simply met the two elders and then went back to review his studies.

After all, although he was already a confirmed scholar, he still couldn't afford to lose the last of the three honors in the imperial examinations, in order to achieve his dream and have a better starting point in the future!
So, after meeting his father and listening to his "strict fatherly love," Sheng Changquan obediently went to the old lady's room to listen to her teachings.

To be fair, the difference between Sheng Hong and Old Madam Sheng is like the difference in skill level between Madam Wang and Lin Qinshuang; they are practically not on the same level.

Of course, Sheng Hong is capable, but he focuses too much on results and ignores many things, which makes him somewhat difficult to talk about in the eyes of the children.

In Shou'an Hall, Old Madam Sheng strongly approved of Sheng Changquan's study abroad. Of the three children in the Sheng family, Sheng Changbai, being the eldest son, did not travel far while his parents were alive; while Sheng Changfeng, being lazy and unable to endure the hardships of traveling far, also did not participate in this activity.

Originally, Old Madam Sheng thought there was no such person among the Sheng family members of this generation, but unexpectedly, Sheng Changquan gave her such a big surprise!

The reason why Old Madam Sheng cared about studying abroad was because she herself had such a thought when she was young: to travel far away. However, due to the difference between men and women, her wish could not be fulfilled at all!
Moreover, back then, Old Master Sheng Xu had traveled far and wide with Old Master Sheng, which is why he had such experience, and thus attracted the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi, Old Madam Sheng.

That's why Old Madam Sheng is paying even more attention to this matter.

……

Time flies like an arrow; things change like clouds drifting by.

As time passed, after doing what he was supposed to do, Sheng Changquan indeed went out as planned and traveled far away with Mr. Zhuang!
The next chapter will begin to address the issue of age!
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(End of this chapter)