Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 358 The Merging of Examination Halls for the Provincial Examination (Part 1)

"Ok?"

Hearing Sheng Changbai muttering behind him, Sheng Changquan suddenly stopped in his tracks!
At the same time, a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face.

"So, I was wrong!"

Sheng Changquan inwardly mocked himself, but outwardly he also appeared somewhat awkward.

"So, it turns out that Gu Tingye doesn't actually enjoy traveling the world!"

Sheng Changquan shook his head inwardly, thinking that the other person was truly unpredictable.

"I thought he would definitely like these things!"

"But I never expected this..."

In fact, Sheng Changquan did not intend to make fun of Gu Tingye. Rather, he genuinely believed that Gu Tingye liked to be a wandering knight-errant. After all, with his dissolute nature, how could he possibly be a law-abiding "good person"?

But who knows?

Sheng Changquan gave an awkward, wry smile, looking somewhat uneasy.

However, although Sheng Changquan was somewhat embarrassed because he had guessed Gu Tingye's thoughts wrong, fortunately, he was walking fast and was at the front. Therefore, Sheng Changbai, who was at the back, did not see the strangeness on his face immediately.

"Whoo~"

"fortunately!"

Sheng Changquan, who was ahead, secretly felt lucky, but on the surface, he regained his composure.

However, to prevent any awkward situations from arising later, Sheng Changquan quickly changed the subject and brought up another matter with Sheng Changbai.

"Oh, right, second brother!"

Sheng Changquan turned around and grabbed his second brother, urging him, "Didn't Father ask you to teach me?"

"Now, let's find a quiet place quickly, and you can tell me properly what kind of person Lord Zhai is."

"And what kind of articles did he like best?"

What are his political views?

"..."

Sheng Changquan, as if he had picked up a machine gun, unleashed a torrent of fire at Sheng Changbai!
Of course, Sheng Changquan said this partly to ease his embarrassment, and partly to understand the examiner's personality as soon as possible so as to gain some advantage.

After all, it concerned his own future, so Sheng Changquan didn't care about anything else.

"what?"

Sheng Changbai was somewhat dazed and couldn't hear what his younger brother was saying for a moment.

"Xiao Qi, what did you say?"

"Second brother, let's go!"

Unfortunately, Sheng Changbai was still immersed in his suspicions about his friend and failed to come to his senses immediately. He was grabbed by Sheng Changquan and dragged away to a distance.

"Oh? Oh!"

"Xiao Qi, slow down!"

Slow down!

"..."

Dragged along by Sheng Changquan, Sheng Changbai, as the older brother, could only helplessly "struggle" from behind. Unfortunately, in front of the incredibly strong Sheng Changquan, Sheng Changbai was just a younger brother!
Therefore, no matter how much he shouted, it had no effect whatsoever, and he could only "go with the flow" and let Sheng Changquan drag him forward.

It has to be said that there really is something in this world that can subdue something else!

No matter how serious and upright Sheng Changbai is in front of others, he can hardly maintain his composure in front of Sheng Changquan. With him around, Sheng Changbai will break down eight or nine times out of ten.

This is truly a complicated situation!
……

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, autumn has arrived.

At the same time, once the osmanthus blossoms fill the air with fragrance, it signifies that the provincial examination is approaching.

However, this was precisely the time for taking the exam.

Shengfu.

"Quan'er, you'd better do well on this exam!"

At the gate of the Sheng family, Madam Wang, just as she had done when she saw Sheng Changbai off, sincerely bid farewell to Sheng Changquan.

Although Sheng Changquan was not her biological son, he was still raised by Madam Wang's side, so she still had a deep affection for him.

At this moment, Madam Wang was holding a large package, which she handed directly to Xu Changqing across from her.

Because the exam was being held in the city, Sheng Changquan didn't bring many people with him. He only asked Xu Changqing to serve him. Therefore, the Sheng family entrusted all their belongings to Xu Changqing for safekeeping.

"That would be best, just like your second brother!"

At this moment, Madam Wang suddenly turned her head and instructed Sheng Changquan, "You must pass the exam on your first try!"

"You must not follow the example of others and stumble here. You'll have to take the test once or twice to succeed!"

However, although Madam Wang was speaking to Sheng Changquan, she was actually implying something about someone else. While her mouth was on Sheng Changquan, her eyes were unconsciously glancing back, secretly looking at Lin Qinshuang behind her.

"Yes, Mother!"

Sheng Changquan's lips twitched slightly, as if he could hardly bear the scene, but he tried his best to keep his face calm and not show any abnormality, so as not to provoke the individuals in the room.

"Ok!"

Upon hearing Sheng Changquan's reply, Madam Wang felt even more at ease.

However, Madam Wang was a woman of strong emotions, and seeing that she had the upper hand, she spoke even more enthusiastically.

"Quan'er, just remember this!"

"Otherwise, don't you think about it? If we have to take the test two or three more times, wouldn't that make the whole family miserable?"

Since it was still early, Madam Wang thought she should say a little more. After all, Sheng Changbai was her biggest source of confidence.

"Moreover, I've heard people say that if someone takes too many imperial examinations, it means that their ambition is gradually waning."

"The longer it takes, the harder it is to win!"

While "admonishing" Sheng Changquan, Madam Wang secretly watched Lin Qinshuang standing behind her, enjoying the changes in her expression. Her whole demeanor was filled with pleasure.

Given Madam Wang's personality, she was disdainful and wouldn't hide her expression, so her little actions were practically naked in front of everyone. However, this couldn't be blamed on her, after all, she had suffered quite a bit of teasing from Lin Qinshuang before.

Before Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination, the people of Linxi Pavilion were already strutting around with their tails between their legs.

At that time, compared to Sheng Changfeng's great reputation for talent, Sheng Changbai was low-key before the imperial examination. He remained unknown and focused on studying hard to improve his skills, but never participated in poetry gatherings or other activities.

Of course, on the one hand, Sheng Changbai really had no talent or interest in poetry, but more importantly, he had a sense of justice. He knew what he wanted and what he needed, so he was willing to be lonely and immerse himself in the art.

However, Sheng Changbai could endure the silence at that time, but Madam Wang could not!

Every time she saw Lin Qinshuang using Sheng Changfeng as a pawn to curry favor with Sheng Hong, she was filled with rage!

If it weren't for Sheng Changbai suppressing her anger back then, Madam Wang would have exploded long ago, and wouldn't have been able to wait until today!
Fortunately, in that year's imperial examination, Sheng Changbai made a name for himself and passed with flying colors, becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), while Sheng Changfeng dramatically failed the exam.

That day, apart from Liu's mother, no one else knew what kind of smile Wang's mother had after the results were announced!
The scene was truly indescribable.

Moreover, what made Madam Wang happiest was that Sheng Changfeng took the exam twice more, but still failed.

That's why Madam Wang was so happy to secretly mock Lin Qinshuang. In reality, her purpose was to make Lin Qinshuang angry so as to soothe her own grievances over the years!

"you!"

really!

Provoked by Madam Wang's simple words, Lin Qinshuang's expression immediately changed.

No matter how shrewd Lin Qinshuang was in the past, children were always a taboo for her.

At this moment, Madam Wang's words were like a knife being stabbed into her heart!
It's just that Sheng Changfeng was away on business; otherwise, the scene would have been even more lively.

On the other hand, since it was the time for everyone to gather in front of the Sheng family mansion, everyone except for the two brothers, Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng, who were absent due to other matters, had returned.

Even Sheng Changquan's eldest sister, Hua Lan, made a special trip back from the Yuan family, just to see Sheng Changquan off.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Sheng Changquan and Hua Lan had a particularly good relationship; it's just that Hua Lan thought highly of her half-brother.

When Hualan returned to her parents' home, she often heard Madam Wang say that Sheng Hong thought highly of Sheng Changquan, believing that he had the potential to be a top scholar and would have a bright future.

As a daughter, Hua Lan knew Sheng Hong's judgment. To be honest, apart from being a bit clueless about matters in the inner quarters, Sheng Hong was extremely accurate in judging people.

Back then, it was Sheng Hong who arranged for Yuan Wenshao to marry Hua Lan. He also told Hua Lan that although Yuan Wenshao was not the heir of the Yuan family and was not particularly liked by her parents, he was capable and had a good personality. If Hua Lan could marry him, she would certainly not be disappointed.

As a result, she and Yuan Wenshao have hardly ever argued over the years, and their relationship has only gotten better since the day they got married.

Therefore, it was precisely for this reason that Hua Lan made a special effort to befriend Sheng Changquan and his sister, and to have close interactions with them in private.

And at this moment, it is the same.

Returning to the scene in front of the Sheng family's gate, since Madam Wang spoke at this very gate, everyone present was watching. Therefore, Lin Qinshuang could only strictly adhere to the rules for concubines and dared not speak recklessly.

Even if Madam Wang was subtly criticizing her son Chang Feng, Lin Qinshuang could only endure it.

However, even if Lin Qinshuang couldn't openly refute, it didn't mean she couldn't vent her anger.

then.

Lin Qinshuang's eyes lit up, and she immediately came up with an idea.

While everyone's attention was focused on Madam Wang, Lin Qinshuang used her natural talent to instantly fill her eyes with tears. Then, she turned her head slightly, looking at Sheng Hong with a mixture of resentment and anger, and softly called out in a voice filled with expectation and grievance, "Honglang~"

The phrase "Honglang," uttered with a twist and turn, instantly captivated someone on stage.

"what!"

However, some people also found Lin Qinshuang's voice disgusting!

And this person was none other than Wang Ruofu, Madam Wang.

When Madam Wang heard the word "Honglang," she immediately jumped to her feet!
"Pah! Vixen!"

Madam Wang cursed under her breath, unable to bear it any longer.

However, while Madam Wang found it disgusting, Sheng Hong did not.

On the contrary, when Lin Qinshuang pleaded for help in a "helpless" manner, he became even more excited, twitching his mustache, and then "heroically" stood up for her and began to speak.

"My wife, what are you talking about?"

Sheng Hong spoke up to "uphold justice" for him, saying, "Right now is the most crucial time for Chang Quan, so don't spout nonsense!"

Although Sheng Hong harbored some resentment towards Sheng Changfeng, he was still his son after all. Therefore, his intervention this time was not only to stand up for Lin Qinshuang, but also to stand up for Sheng Changfeng.

Sheng Hong felt that no matter what, he still couldn't bear to see his illegitimate son being bullied by his legal wife.

After all, this was a vow he had made since he was a child!

"Hmph! What did I say?"

In an ordinary family, the eldest daughter-in-law would naturally not dare to talk back to her husband. However, who is Madam Wang? Apart from her own parents, she fears no one else!
Of course, this is what she said herself, and it's unclear whether it's true or not. But the only thing that's certain is that she's absolutely not afraid of Sheng Hong right now.

"how?"

Why can't I say it?

Madam Wang glared at him and said fiercely, "I didn't name you or mention your surname, so what right do you have to criticize me?"

"Aren't you afraid that your favoritism towards your concubine over your wife will get out?"

Madam Wang bluntly revealed what Sheng Hong had always been quite afraid of.

For a moment, her aura was even stronger than Sheng Hong's!

"you you……"

In front of everyone, Sheng Hong was so angry at Madam Wang's words that he couldn't speak. He wanted to say something, but when he saw the bustling scene on the main road in front of the door, he could only grunt and shut his mouth!
"What, you still know..."

"All right!"

Just as Madam Wang was about to say something more, Old Madam Sheng, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

Although Sheng Changquan was only going to take the provincial examination, as a member of the Sheng family and Minglan's younger brother, Old Madam Sheng got up early to personally see him off.

It should be noted that such a scene of the whole family seeing off their offspring is usually only seen during the provincial examination or the palace examination. After all, as a family that rose to prominence by becoming a third-place scholar, the provincial examination is important, but for the sake of their prestige, they cannot act in this way casually, lest they become a laughing stock.

Of course, this was just Sheng Hong's idea. As the head of the Sheng family, who was determined to enhance the family's prestige, he needed to pay attention not only to improving his family's strength but also to his outward appearance.

Although it's somewhat ridiculous, it's Sheng Hong's truest thought.

It is immature and clumsy, like a newly hatched bird, eager to fly but cautious.

It's not enough for 4,000 words, I'll revise it tomorrow... Sorry!