Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 282 Request Plan
On the other side, Sheng Changquan, led by a maid in the mansion, finally returned to the place where he had briefly lived six years ago.

However, compared to its former ordinary courtyard appearance, the Zhuangyuan Hall is now quite different, at least much more luxurious and magnificent.

The courtyard, which still has two entrances and two exits, has not been expanded, but the interior is now much more exquisitely decorated.

Purple curtains, pale blue screens, and maroon tables, chairs, and beds—each element reflecting the other—perfectly form a circle, creating a pleasing and refreshing sight.

"Wow~"

Rays of sunlight, like ripples on water, streamed through the window and into the neat and tidy room.

"Thump~"

In Sheng Changquan's eyes, the golden light, which resembled waves, flowed into the room and then swirled in a purple-blue sandalwood fragrance, filling the air and echoing each other.

"Ok?"

Upon seeing the strange sight in the room, Sheng Changquan was slightly taken aback. Then, he suddenly smelled a faint fragrance in the air. He closed his eyes and savored the aroma for a while.

After a long silence, he finally sighed and said, "Indeed, this is a royal tribute, made from the finest sandalwood from the Western Regions country of Achanna."

He could recognize the sandalwood by its fragrance. In the past six years, Sheng Changquan had not only traveled more, but also broadened his horizons, which was why he was able to recognize this item.

Achanna was a small country in the Western Regions where Buddhism flourished and the people were steadfast in their faith. Although the country was not powerful, it had many special products, especially sandalwood, which was exceptional!
The finest sandalwood from the Kingdom of Achan is not only pleasantly fragrant, but also possesses remarkable medicinal properties. It can calm the mind, soothe emotions, and long-term use can nourish the spirit, prolong life, and promote good health, making it extremely popular among the high-ranking officials and nobles of the dynasty.

Even the palace designated it as a tribute, receiving a considerable amount from the Kingdom of Achanna every year.

However, because this top-grade sandalwood is not only rare and precious in its raw materials, but also extremely difficult to produce, it is said that only the most devout Buddhists can make this item under the witness of the Buddha. Therefore, this sandalwood is priceless and more valuable than gold!
Sheng Changquan was certain that there were probably only a few of these in the entire East Mansion. At this moment, it was already quite an achievement that he was able to obtain one to light for him!

He naturally accepted this favor.

"That's fine!"

After thinking for a moment, Sheng Changquan simply turned around and walked out, intending to summon his maids to take him to Minglan.

He planned to resolve Shulan's matter within the next few days to repay the kindness of the Eastern Mansion.

Unexpectedly, before he could even leave the courtyard of the Scholar's Hall, Minglan rushed in from outside with Pinlan.

"Brother!"

From a distance, Minglan simply called out to Sheng Changquan.

"Brother Changquan!"

Although it had been more than six years since they last met, Pinlan was not at all shy. She followed Minglan and greeted Sheng Changquan.

Having lived here for a period of time, Sheng Changquan was not unfamiliar with Shulan and Pinlan.

However, comparatively speaking, he was closer to Shulan than to Pinlan.

"Changquan greets Sister Pinlan!"

Sheng Changquan first smiled and nodded to Minglan as a greeting, then squinted at Sheng Pinlan, who had a happy expression on her face, while his mind raced.

"It seems that elder sister is planning to uncover that matter through elder sister Pinlan?"

Sheng Changquan turned his head and glanced at Minglan beside him again, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.

"Shh!"

Minglan smiled and winked at him, then nodded slightly in response to Sheng Changquan.

"Aha!"

"Brother Changquan, I knew you would still remember me!"

Pinlan was unaware of the secret exchange between the two beside her. At this moment, she was immersed in Sheng Changquan's reaction, and her face showed a hint of pride.

After all, Sheng Changquan held a special place in her heart.

Speaking of which, because the East Prefecture was a merchant area, Pinlan had heard a lot about studying since she was a child. Especially under Shengwei's teachings, Pinlan developed a deep respect for scholars.

However, unlike Shulan's gentle reverence for all scholars, Pinlan's worship was selective.

She disliked those boastful, incompetent, and self-righteous pedants. In her eyes, she only admired those who excelled in their studies, passed the imperial examinations, and had bright futures.

And coincidentally, Sheng Changquan was among them.

Because her father and grandmother often mentioned him, Pinlan had a great deal of respect for Sheng Changquan.

Although she was Sheng Changquan's cousin, their abilities and statuses were worlds apart. Therefore, seeing Sheng Changquan's friendly attitude towards her, Pinlan couldn't help but feel somewhat happy...

Proud!
The feeling was like being praised by a respected elder, which made me feel extremely comfortable.

"Brother Changquan, where have you been all these years, and what have you seen?"

Although Pinlan's purpose in coming here was to ask Sheng Changquan to diagnose Shulan, even though the two families had a very good relationship, she wouldn't just ask him directly right away. After all, doing so would easily make people feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, after greeting each other, Pinlan would talk about other things to ease the awkwardness between them before making her request.

"hehe!"

"Actually, I haven't been to many places, except for Yanzhou..."

Although he had guessed somewhat, Sheng Changquan didn't say it outright. He simply smiled and gave Pinlan some answers before casually asking, seemingly with concern, "Sister Pinlan, what brings you here this time?"

You seem to have something on your mind.

Sheng Changquan pretended not to know and asked a question.

"Oh, it's Changquan, little brother!"

Sheng Changquan's question was exactly what she wanted to hear. Without thinking, Pinlan immediately replied, "You guessed right. Actually, I have something I'd like to ask you to do!"

"Oh?"

Sheng Changquan exchanged glances with Minglan for a while, then looked at Pinlan and asked, "Sister Pinlan, please tell me what's on your mind!"

"I will definitely help you if I can!"

Sheng Changquan blinked, a determined look on his face, and replied without the slightest hesitation.

Actually, it was all for the sake of his public image. Otherwise, Sheng Changquan would have patted his chest and made a solemn pledge to Pinlan.

Sheng Changquan knew perfectly well that Pinlan's request was nothing more than something related to Sister Shulan.

He certainly wouldn't refuse to do so.

"That's great!"

Upon hearing Sheng Changquan's words, Pinlan was overjoyed.

After Sheng Changquan agreed, Minglan finally stood beside the two of them and spoke up.

"Brother, actually, Sister Pinlan came this time because she wants you to go out with her to Sister Shulan's husband's house so she can take a look at her health!"

Seeing the hesitation on Pinlan's face, as if she was having trouble speaking, Minglan seized the opportunity to chime in, "Actually, Sister Shulan has been feeling a bit unwell lately, it seems she has some old ailment!"

"Brother, you have no idea how terrible Sister Shulan's complexion looked when her old illness flared up again!"

"Judging from the situation, it seems like he's really in pain!"

What Minglan was referring to was actually the excuse Shulan gave when she and Pinlan visited the Sun family last time, after seeing their expressions change drastically.

Afterwards, Minglan learned of Shulan's hardships in the Sun family, while Pinlan remained completely unaware. However, what Minglan needed to do at this time was to take Pinlan to expose this matter, preparing to bring Shulan's affair to light and reveal it to the entire Sheng family.

To be precise, the plan is to present it to the old lady and let her make the decision!
"Ah? Sister Shulan?"

Sheng Changquan was "greatly alarmed"!
We still need to do our best in the performances that need to be done.

Upon hearing Minglan's words, Sheng Changquan's expression changed drastically!
Not only did his sword-like eyebrows furrow suddenly, but his eyes also changed instantly, revealing a hint of anxiety. Just by looking at him like this, anyone who didn't know better would probably think that he and Shulan were actually siblings!

"Sister Pinlan, is Sister Shulan's old illness serious?"

Sheng Changquan didn't ask Minglan, but instead pressed Pinlan, asking, "Have you consulted a doctor?"

"What did they say?"

Pinlan was very pleased with Sheng Changquan's reaction.

Because she knew that, between the two sisters, Shulan and Sheng Changquan actually had a better relationship. After all, six years ago, it was she who often came to help Sheng Changquan with mundane matters.

“Brother Changquan, don’t worry, my elder sister has naturally consulted a doctor.”

Pinlan looked at Sheng Changquan and relayed what she had heard from Shulan: "However, all the doctors said that my sister's old ailments are chronic and cannot be cured at all; they can only be treated with slow and gentle recuperation!"

"I've come to invite you this time because Minglan told me that you, Changquan, have superb medical skills, and I hope you can cure my sister!"

After a pause, Pinlan added, "Moreover, even if you, Changquan, cannot completely cure my sister's problem, you can at least alleviate her pain and make her more comfortable!"

In fact, Pinlan didn't know that Shulan was just lying to her, trying to appease her and prevent her from discovering the hardships she had endured in the Sun family.

At this time, Pinlan was unaware of all this, and only thought that the doctors' medical skills were inadequate and that they could not cure Shulan's old illness.

Therefore, she now turned her attention to Sheng Changquan across from her, hoping that he could create a miracle and cure her older sister's old ailment.

After all, based on what Minglan said, Sheng Changquan's medical skills did seem to be quite extraordinary!
"However, Brother Changquan!"

"I heard from Minglan that you learned your medical skills from the old lady of the He family at Baishitan, is that right?"

Pinlan looked at Sheng Changquan with hopeful eyes.

Everyone in the Sheng family knew about Old Madam He, mainly because Old Madam Sheng and Old Madam He had a very good relationship. They also knew that Old Madam He's father was a royal physician in the palace.

Therefore, Madam He's medical skills were a true inheritance from her father, and she was truly extraordinary in the medical field.

She is especially adept at handling her daughter's cases, and there are very few lesions that she cannot manage.

"Sister Pinlan, it's not as exaggerated as you say."

Sheng Changquan shook his head, but did not nod as Pinlan had hoped.

He simply looked at Pinlan and slowly said, "Sister Pinlan, I did not formally become Grandma He's apprentice. I only learned a few skills from her in my spare time, enough to barely make her lose face!"

"But I am not worthy of being called Old Madam He's student!"

Before the disappointment on Pinlan's face could fade, she suddenly smiled.

"Brother Changquan, you are too modest!"

"If you weren't so talented, Grandma He definitely wouldn't have given you medical guidance!"

Pinlan couldn't care less about complaining at this point. She quickly curtsied to Sheng Changquan and pleaded, "Brother Changquan, since that's the case, let's not delay. Let's go to the Sun family now and have my sister checked out!"

"That way, it will make my sister feel better sooner!"

Before Sheng Changquan could speak, Pinlan gave Minglan a look—"Help me!"

Minglan's expression shifted, and she immediately understood Pinlan's meaning.

However, she was happy to go along with it and lend her a hand.

After all, this was an opportunity she had been looking forward to for a long time.

"Yes, brother, let's go now!"

Minglan stepped forward and grabbed Sheng Changquan's wrist, half-pulling and half-dragging him out: "Just as Sister Pinlan said, if you can cure Sister Shulan sooner, she can have more time to relax!"

"Don't you feel sorry for your sister Shulan?"

Seeing Minglan dragging Sheng Changquan away, Pinlan was also itching to join in. However, she wasn't familiar enough with Sheng Changquan yet, so she could only watch the siblings longingly.

but.

"Sister Pinlan, please come and help me!"

Seeing Pinlan's envious look, Minglan had an idea and simply called her to join her.

"Ah good!"

So, Pinlan, who had been itching to help for a while, naturally stepped in to "help" without any hesitation.

"Oh, Sister Pinlan, older sister, don't worry!"

"Even if I'm going to go, I'll have to go back first and bring my medicine kit with me!"

Sheng Changquan was dragged forward by his two older sisters, and he looked both amused and exasperated.

"what?"

After Sheng Changquan said that, Pinlan and Minglan immediately understood. They looked at each other, both of them looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Ha ha……"

"Yeah……"

The two gave an awkward smile.

……

lobby.

"Well, what happened?"

The old lady finally noticed the strangeness on Sheng Wei's face. She frowned her long, white eyebrows and asked, "Wei'er, what's wrong with you?"

"Could it be that something happened to Shulan's family?"

Because Sheng Wei's expression changed when he heard about the Sun family, the old lady could guess what was wrong.

"Ah...no...it's nothing!"

Startled by the old lady's question, Sheng Wei quickly replied, "Son... I was just thinking about that Scholar Sun, that's why I was so lost in thought!"

"Scholar Sun?"

"What's up with him?"

The old lady didn't understand what Sheng Wei meant and looked somewhat puzzled.

"mother!"

"Do you think Scholar Sun... has any future prospects?"

Sheng Wei asked cautiously, "Judging from his current attitude, do you think he can pass the exam?"

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(End of this chapter)