Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

"Dong dong!"

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the study door.

"Young Master, the Old Madam has sent someone over!"

Ziyuan's voice came from outside the door.

"Oh?"

Sheng Changquan was taken aback, then rubbed his face to regain his composure and quickly went out the door.

"Aunt Fang, does Grandmother have any instructions?"

Sheng Changquan wore a smile, looking quite obedient.

"hehe!"

The trusted maidservant beside Old Madam Sheng smiled and waved her hand, then her gentle voice came: "Brother Quan, the old lady just wants you to come over."

"Just now, the Yu family sent an invitation, saying that Madam Yu will be hosting a 'plum blossom appreciation banquet' at her residence tomorrow, and has invited several familiar ladies and young women."

At this point, Madam Fang glanced at the handsome young man before her and said in a slightly strange tone, "Grand Secretary Yu specifically asked about this..."

"If you are free tomorrow, please come to my residence for a chat. The Grand Secretary... would like to play a game of chess with you and critique current affairs."

Grand Secretary Yu?
Sheng Changquan's eyes narrowed slightly.

This leader of the Qingliu faction, who had just exchanged his life's merits for his son's life, invited him to his residence in his final moments before leaving Beijing...

"Is it an inspection?"

"Or perhaps... is it because of his role in helping Shen Shouzhen deliver messages?"

Sheng Changquan pondered to himself, "Or... should I see if this illegitimate son of the Sheng family, who has stirred up the literary world, is worthy of entrusting certain unfulfilled desires to?"

Sheng Changquan felt that this seemingly elegant invitation was probably another invisible test and probing.

Sheng Changquan's mind raced.

The drumbeats of the imperial examination seem to be faintly echoing in my ears.

Lin Qinshuang's poisoned fangs have also been revealed.

The traitor from Lüliang Mountain accepted the assassination order and sharpened his knife.

Lu Hongti risked her life alone to protect him and to clean up the mess.

At this moment, Grand Secretary Yu, who was about to leave the capital, cast a meaningful shadow upon him once again.

Sheng Changquan slowly closed his eyes, suppressing his surging emotions, deep-seated hatred, heavy worries, and cautiousness towards this splendid invitation into the deepest part of his heart.

When she opened her eyes again, her gaze was as calm as a deep pool.

"I see!"

Sheng Changquan smiled slightly: "Aunt Fang, please inform Grandmother first. I will be there shortly!"

Mother Fang nodded and said with a smile, "No rush, Quan-ge'er, take your time."

……

Since a storm is brewing and danger lurks everywhere, even the most beautiful flowers can be like knives.

Then... let's go.

Sheng Changquan wanted to see if the turbulent waves, insidious tricks, and dazzling illusions of Bianjing could stop him, the illegitimate son of the Sheng family, from forging a path to heaven!

As for those demons and monsters... he will personally cut them down one by one to restore order to the world!
……

Sheng Changquan straightened his clothes and smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on his cuffs, his movements as steady as calming turbulent emotions.

He stepped calmly out of the study, shutting out the heavy atmosphere of murderous intent and lingering worries behind him. As he crossed the courtyard, the night wind, carrying the chill unique to early spring, a mixture of earthy and decaying wood scents, brushed against his cheek, bringing a brief moment of clarity.

Inside Shou'an Hall, the lights were bright and the warmth dispelled the chill of the night.

Grandma Sheng sat upright on the rosewood daybed at the head of the table, holding a string of oily rosewood prayer beads in her hand, her eyes gentle yet with a clear understanding of the world.

She looked at Sheng Changquan as he walked in. The young man stood tall and straight like a pine tree. Although he had a serious expression that he had concealed very well, he could not hide the composure and sharpness that he had honed in adversity.

"Grandmother." Sheng Changquan bowed respectfully, his voice clear and melodious.

"Brother Quan is here."

Grandma Sheng nodded, gesturing for him to sit down, and Mama Fang served him hot tea.

"You're already aware of the invitation from Grand Secretary Yu's residence?"

"Yes, Mama Fang just told her grandson."

Sheng Changquan took the teacup, feeling the warmth emanating from the white porcelain at his fingertips.

Old Madam Sheng's gaze fell on Sheng Changquan's face, and she slowly said, "Grand Secretary Yu was upright and honest throughout his life, and his students and friends were all over the world. Although his retirement this time was out of necessity, he specially invited you to his residence before leaving the capital... His intentions were profound."

She paused, her tone carrying a barely perceptible sigh and expectation, "Old Madam Yu is gentle and virtuous, and her granddaughter Yanran is a well-known lady in Bianjing, with a gentle and virtuous character, and is knowledgeable and reasonable. Grand Secretary Yu's move may not be without the intention of taking a liking to her."

“Brother Quan, this is your opportunity, but also a test. Grand Secretary Yu has a very sharp eye. You must be on your best in front of him. You must not only show your talent and ambition, but also your character and foundation. Do not... be distracted by other things.”

In her last sentence, the old lady's gaze seemed to sweep over the deep, unyielding worry in Sheng Changquan's eyes, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Sheng Changquan felt a chill run down his spine; his grandmother's keen insight was beyond his imagination.

He put down his teacup, his expression becoming even more respectful: "Grandson understands. Grandmother's teachings are etched in my mind. I will certainly act with caution and live up to Grandmother's expectations and the kindness of my family."

He knew clearly that Grand Secretary Yu's olive branch was an opportunity amidst the crisis, but also an invisible pressure.

The old man's pre-departure review was of great significance.

If he could gain his favor, it would be a great help to his upcoming imperial examination and even his future career.

But at this moment, Lin Qinshuang's vicious scheme, the trap set by Lüliang Mountain, and Lu Hongti's safety were like heavy shackles, making it difficult for him to truly relax.

"Good that you understand." Old Mrs. Sheng looked at his calm reply, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes.

This grandson, born out of wedlock, is resilient and knows how to assess situations; he's far superior to his muddle-headed father. She waved her hand: "Go, prepare well. Tomorrow, be at your best."

"Yes, Grandmother." Sheng Changquan bowed again and respectfully withdrew.

……

After leaving Shou'an Hall, Sheng Changquan did not return directly to his own courtyard. Instead, he turned and headed towards Mu Cangzhai.

As night deepened, lanterns were lit throughout the mansion, casting long shadows on the ground in their dim yellow glow.

As they approached Mucangzhai, a familiar figure emerged from within, carrying a small sheep horn lantern. In the lamplight, it was revealed to be Xiaotao, Sheng Minglan's head maid.

"Is the Sixth Miss resting?" Sheng Changquan asked.

Xiao Tao looked up at the sound and saw that it was Sheng Changquan. She quickly curtsied and said, "Greetings, Third Young Master. Miss... Miss said she was a little tired and has already gone to rest."

Her eyes flickered, and she answered somewhat hesitantly.

Sheng Changquan's gaze narrowed slightly as he keenly caught the fleeting unease in Xiao Tao's expression.

A few lights were still on in Mu Cang Zhai, and through the window lattice, one could vaguely see figures moving about, which was by no means a scene of rest.

He nodded calmly: "If that's the case, then so be it. Let your elder sister rest well."

After saying that, he turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the shadows of the corridor.

Xiao Tao looked in the direction where Sheng Changquan had disappeared, let out a soft sigh, picked up the lantern, and quickly returned to Mu Cang Zhai, closing the courtyard gate tightly. (End of this chapter)