Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 370 Opponent
"misfortune?"

Hearing Sheng Changquan's question, the four of them exchanged glances.

"That's not true!"

The group shook their heads, denying his guess.

"Isn't it?"

At this point, Sheng Changquan became even more curious.

"And what brings you here, my esteemed brothers?"

"Chang Quan!"

Seeing his younger brother ask the question, the eldest among them, Niu Xingwen, spoke first: "The reason we came here today is not because of any unexpected event, but rather..."

"I need to remind you of something!"

"Oh? What's the matter?"

Seeing the serious expressions on their faces, Sheng Changquan gradually suppressed his smile, pricked up his ears, and listened carefully.

In fact, apart from Liu Renyuan, a family friend, the other three were "friendships" that Sheng Changquan developed on his own.

Of course, Shen Li's situation was a bit special, after all, he was the son of the old fox, so Sheng Changquan didn't use any tricks on him, and even genuinely treated him as a friend.

After all, only in this way could they maintain their friendship in front of Shin Shou-jung.

Speaking of Sheng Changquan, that guy...

What a dirty heart!

As for the other two, Niu Xingwen and Lian Zhuo, they were chosen by Sheng Changquan from among many candidates, as friends selected for future arrangements within the Six Ministries of the Imperial Court.

After all, although Lord Niu Qingyuan and Lord Lian Shangren's official positions were not the highest, their families were quite powerful in the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works, respectively.

Both families have been cultivating their respective fields for a long time, and many of their clansmen are also in these two departments in the imperial court.

Although of low rank, it is of practical use.

Getting back to the main point, at this moment, Sheng Changquan quietly looked at Niu Xingwen opposite him, waiting for him to continue.

"This year's provincial examination has produced quite a few hidden talents."

Niu Xingwen didn't keep them in suspense, but said directly, "Changquan, do you know that you're not the only top scholar here to participate in the Bianjing Autumn Examination this time?"

Because Sheng Changquan was a rare top scholar in the imperial examinations, everyone was proud of him. After all, in the current situation, he was truly the best of the best.

At least, that's how it appears to these four people.

Otherwise, how do you think Sheng Changquan managed to make these friends?
Besides their similar personalities, the fact that they can bring each other benefits is the reason they can become friends.

Even Shen Li, who was of pure and kind nature, was the same, though perhaps he himself did not realize it.

"Oh? So what?"

Upon hearing Niu Xingwen's words, Sheng Changquan felt reassured.

To be honest, Sheng Changquan definitely wanted to continue his glory and remain number one, becoming the top scholar in the provincial examination.

However, he also knew that the world was so vast that there must be countless hidden dragons and unicorns among them.

Therefore, he couldn't be sure he would become the top scholar in the provincial examination, but he dared to say that he had a good chance of being in the top three.

Therefore, Sheng Changquan didn't really care about the important matter his brother Niu mentioned.

"how?"

Niu Xingwen and others were shocked by the reaction of the parties involved!

"Chang Quan!"

"Don't you know that your position as the top scholar in the imperial examination is already in grave danger?"

Among them, Liu Renyuan, the most impatient of them all, was the first to speak up: "Moreover, people outside have started betting on this matter!"

"Really?"

Sheng Changquan remained unhurried, even leisurely pouring himself a cup of tea and slowly sipping it.

"Yes, Changquan!"

"Not only that, but many people outside don't think highly of you and believe that your ranking is below those people!"

At this moment, Shen Li couldn't sit still any longer. After all, Sheng Changquan was very likely to become his brother-in-law, so how could he not be anxious? "Hehe!"

"Brothers, there's no use in rushing this matter."

Seeing that Shen Li, who had rushed back from his hometown in Shandong, was also in such a hurry, Sheng Changquan finally said helplessly, "The provincial examination is already over. No matter the outcome, we can't change it now."

"If that's the case, why should everyone worry?"

Everyone was speechless upon hearing this.

"By the way, what are my odds?"

Sheng Changquan changed the subject and asked about the gambling outside.

At this point, a sense of shared indignation rose on everyone's faces again: "Hmph, those people are blind! They actually gave you odds of 1 to 9!"

"One to nine?"

Sheng Changquan narrowed his eyes, but his face remained calm, still smiling faintly.

"What about the others?"

"Who is the lowest?"

"Yuan Shanjian!"

Liu Renyuan spoke up immediately, introducing, "Changquan, I've already inquired, this guy is from the Yuan family of Henan Province!"

"Henan Road, the Yuan family?"

Upon hearing this news, Sheng Changquan raised an eyebrow: "That's not right. Didn't the Yuan family say they wouldn't participate in the imperial examinations?"

"Why did they send someone out again this time?"

Sheng Changquan was also familiar with the Yuan family. They were an old and prestigious family with a history of hundreds of years. They were a typical family that passed down their knowledge of poetry and books, which was the kind of family that Sheng Hong envied the most. In the previous dynasty, they were extremely prominent and noble. It was only in the current dynasty that they declined.

Especially during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, their family faced even more hardships. Perhaps because of the Yuan family's excessive reputation, they were forced by the treacherous minister Li Ang to join Li's faction in order to preserve their family, and did many things that violated their principles.

However, due to the strict family traditions, the Yuan family did not have much bloodshed on their hands during those years; they only did many things against their conscience.

Therefore, after Emperor Renzong ascended the throne, the current head of the Yuan family submitted a memorial requesting that the Yuan family be shut down for sixty years and that his disciples be prohibited from participating in the imperial examinations, in order to atone for the mistakes made during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong.

Of course, no one knows exactly what happened back then, but the story of the Yuan family head sealing off the Jiazi year is widely known and spread.

That's why Sheng Changquan was surprised.

Right now, the full cycle of sixty years hasn't even ended yet!

"Well, I'm curious about that too!"

Liu Renyuan touched his nose, unable to answer.

"Surely the Yuan family wouldn't contradict themselves like that?"

Not to mention Liu Renyuan, even Shen Li and Niu Xingwen were unaware of the reason.

"Cough cough!"

At this moment, Lian Zhuo, who had been silent all along, spoke up: "I do know about this matter."

"Ok?"

Everyone looked up and saw Lian Zhuo purse his lips and say, "The reason why Yuan Shanjian participated in the imperial examination was entirely because of His Majesty's will!"

"Your Majesty?"

Everyone was shocked!
"Ok!"

Lian Zhuo nodded and continued, "I don't know the specific reasons, but I heard my father say that it seems to involve an event from back then, which is why only Yuan Shanjian from the Yuan family has entered officialdom."

Sheng Changquan knew the matter was over and didn't press further, simply nodding and saying, "I see!"

"But besides Yuan Shanjian, are there any other candidates?"

"Have!"

At this moment, Liu Renyuan spoke up again: "Besides Yuan Shanjian, there is also Lou Ben in Henan Province, who is quite talented."

"Oh right, there's one more guy!"

At this point, Liu Renyuan glanced at Shen Li and said, "Li Yancheng, Shen Li's cousin, is ranked above you."

(End of this chapter)