Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 414 On the Eve of the Court Assembly
Jiang Xingzong nodded in agreement, saying, "That's absolutely right!"

"only……"

"Cousin, according to you, the Wan family... is it intentionally trying to befriend Lord Shen?"

Jiang Xingzong looked at Sheng Changquan with some hesitation, secretly speculating in his heart.

Compared to the power of the Shen family, the Sheng family is not even in the running. In fact, the Wan family of Yuzhou is already much stronger than the Sheng family of Youyang. As for the Jiang family, it is even less likely. Therefore, the only possibility for the Wan family to do this is to try to get on the good side of the Shen family.

"Not bad!"

Sheng Changquan looked at his cousin with a smile and said with certainty, "The Wan family does think so, and it's not just the Wan family, the Shen family also wants to recruit the Wan family."

"This is a tacit understanding between the Wan family and the Shen family, and it is also the way for aristocratic families to survive."

Although it was Sheng Changquan's idea to ask the Wan family for help, he informed Shen Li before taking action. Therefore, Shen Shouzhen was naturally aware of it as well. Since he did not step forward to stop him, it means that he approved of Sheng Changquan's approach.

"Although it is said that my brother and I were involved in this matter, it was actually a deal between the Wan family of Yuzhou and the Shen family of Shandong. The former wanted to find a backer in the court, while the latter wanted to expand their power."

Because of his background, Jiang Xingzong rarely, or rather, never had any, experience with such matters. He seemed somewhat clumsy at this moment regarding the intrigues and power struggles within aristocratic families and the imperial court, but Sheng Changquan was intentionally guiding him.

After all, given Jiang Xingzong's current momentum, he will inevitably be drawn into this vortex in the future. If he can familiarize himself with these things in advance, it will only be beneficial and harmless.

As for why Sheng Changquan himself knew all this so well, it was not only because of his experience from his two lifetimes, but also because he was grateful for the teachings of his grandmother and father.

Sometimes, some people really do win over you from the very beginning.

Old Madam Sheng came from the Yongyi Marquis's mansion, and in her youth she had some connections with the empresses in the palace. You know, no one who can survive in the harem is simple, let alone become an empress.

Therefore, she was naturally quite accomplished in matters of power and strategy. Sheng Changquan remembered that when he and his sister Minglan were young, she often told them such stories to enlighten and educate them, thereby cultivating their sense of the big picture and improving their character.

As for the latter, Sheng Hong, although he was not clear-headed about some important matters, he was cautious and tactful in his work. Most importantly, he was accurate in judging people and could often see a person's talent and temperament from small things. Therefore, Sheng Changquan benefited a lot from his father's influence and his learning increased significantly.

He has gained his current level of knowledge due to the influence of many factors.

Seeing Jiang Xingzong's relaxed brows, Sheng Changquan knew that his cousin had a general understanding of the situation.

"Hehe, cousin, do you know why I got involved in this?"

Sheng Changquan chuckled self-deprecatingly and said, "Actually, given my current status, I'm not qualified to be a pawn at all."

"However, now that I have chosen the path of the imperial examination, there are some things that are no longer up to you!"

Sheng Changquan's voice was calm, yet it carried a profound meaning.

"If you don't want things to continue like this, the best way is to actively integrate into it and take control of it yourself!"

Jiang Xingzong neither offered any comfort nor uttered any words, because he understood the meaning behind Sheng Changquan's words.

Since Sheng Changquan is participating in the imperial examination, he will inevitably be drawn into the vortex of the court. However, because of his close relationship with Shen Li and the Yu family, he naturally chooses a side for himself.

Of course, most importantly, Sheng Changquan does not reject their camp, and even approves of them.

"Because of my grandmother's influence, my visit to the Yu residence doesn't seem out of place. Therefore, having me act as the liaison between the two families can reduce the impact and prevent outsiders from noticing the Shen family's actions."

Sheng Changquan briefly explained why he was chosen, and then went on to give another reason. "Moreover, I also agree with Lord Shen's governing philosophy and feel that this is not the time to raise an army."

Sheng Changquan had learned about Shen Shouzheng's governing policies through Shen Li. Shen Shouzheng did not oppose the recovery of lost territory; he simply felt that there were no conditions for starting a war at present. At this time, it was more important to strengthen the country's power and restore it to, or even surpass, the power it had during the reign of Emperor Taizong. Only then would it be the best time to launch a war!

Each generation has its own tasks. The best responsibility of Emperor Renzong's generation is to recuperate and restore the country's strength. Only after the children of that generation have grown up and left offspring will it be time to truly raise an army to recover the lost territories.

However, these things must be left to the next generation.

Sheng Changquan told Jiang Xingzong about Shen Shouzhen's thoughts, and then said, "Actually, Lord Shen is right. If the court were to raise troops now, as those military officers are clamoring, the final result would likely be a lose-lose situation!"

"Not to mention, the Crown Prince is still undecided, and who knows what trouble might arise in the future!"

Because he was in his study, Sheng Changquan wasn't worried about his words being leaked. After all, he had already thoroughly searched the courtyard, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop.

"Sigh, Xiao Qi, you're right!"

Jiang Xingzong listened intently, and for a moment he even called Sheng Changquan by his old name.

Sheng Changquan didn't seem to care, but lowered his voice and continued, "Actually, Grand Secretary Yu once told me that it was because Lord Shen had this idea that he was willing to recommend him. Otherwise, if it were Lord Sun from the Ministry of Personnel, I'm afraid Grand Secretary Yu wouldn't have paid any attention to him at all."

"Because Lord Sun supports those military officers and supports the uprising."

"Right now, the senior cabinet members are doing their utmost to suppress those military officers and stop them from having any thoughts of raising troops. But if Lord Sun is allowed to join the cabinet, then the cabinet may not be able to keep things under control."

After all, fortresses are often breached from within.

"I see!"

"Xiao Qi, if you hadn't told me, I really wouldn't have known all the intricacies involved."

Jiang Xingzong humbly accepted his cousin's teachings and finally gained a deeper understanding of the political situation in the court.

Although he often discussed current events with his classmates in his spare time, it was mostly a form of venting. Ultimately, they just wanted to experience the thrill of being a chess player.

In reality, they're just talking big. They don't receive important information at all, and their "profound theories" lack any practical experience. So, to those in the know, their "political discussions" are nothing but a joke.

"Hehe, cousin, we haven't reached that point yet!"

Sheng Changquan smiled, a hint of something hidden in his eyes: "Once we pass the imperial examination with flying colors, we'll have our own path to fame and success!"

"Let's wait and see. I'm sure tomorrow will be even more exciting..."

……

At this moment, countless forces, including the Shen family, the Sun family, the Li family, and others, who were interested in entering the cabinet, were making their final efforts. They were all keeping their families and advisors brightly lit, plotting the court proceedings the next day. Even the cabinet elders were talking late into the night, speculating about the identities of those who would enter the cabinet the next day and calculating who the final winner would be.

However, the Yu family, at the center of the storm, remained unusually calm and silent.

Time flew by, and it was soon time for tomorrow's court session.

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