Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 429 Exploration
Minglan and several other young ladies of similar age sat on brocade stools a little further away, with delicate plum blossom pastries and steaming hot tea on small tables in front of them.

Laughter filled the room as the conversation revolved around anecdotes from the capital, the upcoming imperial examinations, and the plum blossoms in the garden. The atmosphere seemed leisurely, but in reality, it was a silent test and consideration of each family's children's future, flowing like a subtle fragrance.

“Older sister, look at those green calyx trees in the garden. They’re blooming exceptionally well this year, as if they know we’re leaving and are making a special effort to see us off.”

Grandma Yu smiled and pointed out the window, but her gaze seemed to casually sweep over the empty seat next to Grandma Sheng—the seat left after Sheng Changquan was asked to leave.

Grandma Sheng twirled her prayer beads, her smile warm: "Yes, flowers understand human feelings. The plum blossoms in the Grand Secretary's mansion are of extraordinary character, able to withstand wind and frost, and also able to maintain their tranquility after the fading of prosperity."

These words have a double meaning, praising the plum blossoms while also subtly expressing respect for Grand Secretary Yu's wise decision to retire gracefully.

Although she knew in her heart that there must be some inside story behind Grand Secretary Yu's retirement, she also agreed that it was wise of him to avoid the vortex of succession struggle at this time.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yu's smile turned slightly bitter, and she immediately replied, "To be honest, I am very happy to have invited the young masters and ladies of your household today."

"Especially Quan-ge'er, at such a young age, his talent has already made him famous throughout the capital. He created the 'Quan style of calligraphy,' which even our master praised highly, saying it has a rugged style and the spirit of an ancient gentleman."

Grandma Yu looked at the eldest sister of the Sheng family and continued, "Elder sister, you are so lucky. The Sheng family has a worthy successor."

All eyes in the warm pavilion instantly focused on Old Madam Sheng, with a silent assessment in their gaze.

Minglan lowered her eyes and gently fiddled with the lid of the teacup.

She knew that this was a weighing of Sheng Changquan's weight, and even more so a test of the choice of her grandson-in-law.

Grandmother brought her along today, and also let Xiaoqi show her face in front of Grand Secretary Yu. The deeper meaning is self-evident.

Grandma Sheng's smile remained unchanged, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable confidence and protectiveness: "You flatter me, sister."

"This child is just a little kid who has put in some hard work, read a few books, and scribbled a few words. He doesn't deserve the title of 'talented person'."

"As for integrity..." she paused, her voice warm and clear, "We, the children of the Sheng family, dare not say that every one of us is a towering figure, but in our conduct and dealings with others, we always strive for 'righteousness,' so that we are not ashamed before Heaven, Earth, or our own conscience."

"As for Changquan, I dare not boast about anything else, but he certainly has the basics to stand on his own two feet."

These words set the tone for Sheng Changquan—the Sheng family members are on the right path.

Grandma Yu's eyes showed even greater satisfaction, and she nodded with a smile: "That's exactly right!"

"Upright conduct is fundamental. Your elder sister manages her household well, so naturally, the children she raises are good."

Minglan listened quietly, her lips slightly pursed, and looked at Yu Yanran beside her.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her head was slightly lowered, clearly indicating that she understood the deeper meaning behind her elder's words.

Minglan and Yanran are close friends, and Minglan understands Yanran's gentle nature quite well. If her younger brother does not object, she would be happy to see this marriage happen.

"Alright, we old women are being too restrictive with our words." Seeing her granddaughter's shyness, Grandma Yu smiled and waved her hand. "You little ones, go play in the garden and take a good look at those newly blooming Jade Butterfly Plum trees."

The ladies all laughed and agreed.

Minglan, Yu Yanran, and several other young ladies rose, curtsied, and filed out with their maids, leaving only the elders in the warm pavilion to continue their conversation.

……

In the outer study of the Yu residence.

A few delicate seasonal dishes and a pot of warm Jinhua wine create a seemingly leisurely atmosphere, but in reality, a subtle tension is brewing.

However, during this conversation, Grand Secretary Yu remained silent about the previous matter concerning Yu Zhenghao. This made Sheng Changquan swallow back what he originally wanted to say.

Seeing this, Grand Secretary Yu nodded inwardly.

"Brother Quan".

Grand Secretary Yu stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized the composed young man before him, a son of the Sheng family who seemed far too composed for a young man of twenty. “You created the ‘Quanti’ style of writing, with its unique and vigorous spirit, forming a school of its own and shaking the literary world. I have read your provincial examination essay, which is full of allusions without being bound by them, and criticizes current affairs with compassion and leniency. It is truly a gem in the rough.”

"Your Excellency flatters me." Sheng Changquan's attitude was respectful but not humble, and his response was appropriate: "Changquan's skills are mere trifles, and I dare not presume to be called 'integrity'."

"The essence of writing is nothing more than seeking the word 'truth,' expressing what one thinks and describing what one sees. As for benevolence and forgiveness... my grandmother often taught that scholars should have reverence in their hearts, fearing the mandate of Heaven above and caring for the common people below."

"Have reverence... Good!"

A glint flashed in Grand Secretary Yu's eyes; he was quite satisfied with the answer.

He changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful and tinged with a sense of world-weariness: "In today's court, the old and new are constantly changing, and there are always upheavals. My retirement this time is also out of necessity."

"Judging from Quan's demeanor, he is destined for greatness. However, the waters of Bianjing are far too deep. To walk the great path, talent, ambition, and a sincere heart are not enough..."

"...Sometimes, that's far from enough..."

Grand Secretary Yu was implying something.

"This……"

Sheng Changquan understood.

He put down his wine glass, his expression calm, his gaze clear and firm: "Your Excellency's teachings are like a sudden awakening, and I will remember them forever."

"I understand that a single tree cannot support a forest, but many trees can." However, in my opinion, forming cliques for personal gain and currying favor with the powerful to seek shortcuts is not the way to establish oneself.

"What I seek is nothing more than to use my pen and my will to do things that benefit the country and its people in a down-to-earth manner. As for the turmoil..."

He blinked, revealing a touch of youthful innocence: "I believe that if one conducts oneself uprightly and guards one's heart with sincerity, even if there are waves and obstacles, one should forge ahead bravely and have nothing to fear."

Grand Secretary Yu stared at him intently for a long time, his sharp gaze seemingly piercing through his skin.

After a long while, he suddenly burst into loud laughter, his laughter filled with relief and undisguised appreciation.

"it is good!"

"What a wonderful saying: 'Maintain integrity in one's conduct and keep one's heart sincere'!"

"What a wonderful phrase, 'Charging forward bravely, nothing to fear!'"

"Brother Quan, you're very good." Grand Secretary Yu suddenly let go of a slight lingering resentment: "You're even better than I expected!"

He clapped his hands, and a calm-looking old servant respectfully entered, carrying a sandalwood brocade box.

"I am about to leave the capital and have nothing of value. This is an ancient inkstone I acquired by chance in Shezhou when I was traveling in Jiangnan many years ago. It is called 'Pine Smoke Ink.' It is firm and smooth, its color is like ink, and it produces ink as easily as oil without damaging the brush. I am giving it to you today, young friend, hoping that you will pass the imperial examination with flying colors and achieve great success."

With just a simple "little friend," the intended meaning has subtly shifted.

Sheng Changquan stood up solemnly, accepted the brocade box with both hands, and bowed deeply: "I dare not refuse this gift from an elder."

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for your invaluable advice!"

"This junior scholar will certainly take the Grand Secretary as his role model, holding this inkstone with this heart, living up to his learning and his own life!" This ancient inkstone carries not only appreciation, but also a weighty expectation and the inheritance of his spirit.

Grand Secretary Yu nodded with satisfaction, while also glancing at the old servant beside him.

"Yes!"

The old servant nodded imperceptibly, and then, after Sheng Changquan had fully accepted the ancient pine soot inkstone, he quickly left the room.

After coming out, he beckoned to a maid not far away and whispered, "Quickly send a message to the old lady, saying that the master has given the pine soot to the young master of the Sheng family."