Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 431 Return

……

The atmosphere was quiet on the carriage carrying the Sheng family home.

Grandma Sheng closed her eyes to rest, her Buddhist prayer beads slowly turning in her hand.

Minglan leaned against the carriage wall, gazing at the fleeting street scenes outside the window, but her thoughts, like the ruts of a carriage, lingered on the fragrant snow-covered landscape of the Yu family mansion.

"What exactly is the meaning behind the actions of Miss Shen... Shen Qingheng today?"

Minglan clutched the handkerchief in her hand, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the silk thread, thinking to herself: "The second daughter of Shen Wei, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel... Her father, Minister Shen Wei, is said to be a pragmatic and capable official, who has gained the Emperor's favor in recent years and wields considerable influence in the evaluation of officials. However..."

She frowned slightly: "Uncle Shen seems to have some differences of opinion with Lord Shen on politics, and they often clash. Shen Li is my brother's close friend. If the Shen family really intends to arrange a marriage, wouldn't my brother be caught in the middle?"

Minglan was well aware of the friendship between her younger brother and Shen Li, and she was also clear about the Shen family's status among the literati. The Shen family line, seemingly splendid, might actually be involved in a complex court intricacy.

"It's just a pity about Sister Yanran." Minglan's thoughts drifted back to Yu Yanran, recalling the shy glimpse of her in the corridor and her slender figure as she hurriedly left, as well as the lingering sorrow of loss and understanding in her eyes when the topic of marriage was brought up at the banquet.

"If it weren't for Xiao Qi, my situation would be similar to that of Sister Yanran. We were both born out of wedlock and had no birth mother. We were all alone, and our marriages and futures were all in the hands of others. We had no say in our own lives."

Feeling a pang of sadness for her own kind, a faint sense of melancholy welled up in her heart, and she sighed softly.

However, Minglan was secretly grateful that she still had a brother.

“Grandmother,” Minglan spoke softly, breaking the silence. She carefully chose her words, steer the focus back to Grand Secretary Yu, “Grand Secretary Yu hosted a private banquet for Xiaoqi today and presented her with an antique ‘pine soot’ inkstone…”

"...Is this kind gesture truly a sign of your appreciation for Xiao Qi's talent and character, and your desire to forge a marriage alliance?"

She deliberately avoided mentioning Shen Qingheng, only referring to Grand Secretary Yu, but she remained uncertain about the significance of that ancient inkstone that symbolized inheritance, wondering whether this sudden appreciation would be a blessing or a curse for her younger brother.

Grandma Sheng slowly opened her eyes, her gaze as deep as an ancient well, as if she could see through the complicated thoughts in her granddaughter's heart.

She did not directly answer the question about Grand Secretary Yu's intentions, but slowly analyzed, "This boy, Quan, has great ambitions, like a dragon lurking in the abyss. His path is destined to be rugged and bumpy, not a smooth one."

"That girl Yanran is gentle and quiet, a carefully cultivated flower, kept in the greenhouse of Grand Secretary Yu's mansion, untouched by wind and frost, untouched by rain and snow."

Grandma Sheng spoke with pity for Yu Yanran, but when it came to her grandson's future and life, her words were calm and realistic: "Yu Songnian has been through many ups and downs in his official career. How shrewd he is! His actions today are less about choosing a son-in-law and more about... finding someone he can trust to uphold this pure literary tradition, a pine tree that he hopes will stand tall in the storms of the future."

"If you can't force it, then it's not meant to be." Old Madam Sheng's voice carried a hint of world-weary wisdom. "Changquan has his own path to walk."

"This 'pine soot' is Grand Secretary Yu's expectation for his fellow scholars and younger generations, his last hope for the way of 'upright conduct and sincere heart,' and perhaps... it also contains his regret and farewell for not being able to be with his granddaughter."

She looked at Minglan with a meaningful gaze: "As for Miss Shen... her father, Shen Wei, holds a key position in the Ministry of Personnel, a position that all parties want to win over or be wary of."

"Whether Miss Shen's words and actions today are due to a young girl's affection or some unknown instruction from her father, it is difficult to say at the moment. Quan'er's imperial examination is just around the corner, and that is the most important thing. These trivial matters can wait until he passes the exam and we can observe the effects later."

Finally, Old Madam Sheng said in a deep voice, "Right now, Grandmother only hopes that Quan-ge'er can truly hold this inkstone, uphold this heart, live up to his studies, live up to his own potential, and win the imperial examination, bringing glory to our Sheng family!"

As for marriage, the old lady had already given it much thought, and it was not something that the Yu and Shen families could decide at this moment.

She thought to herself, "Given Hong'er's personality, he probably has some doubts about the Yu family as well."

Although the matter of Yu Zhenghao was not publicly announced, thanks to Sheng Hong's cautious nature, he was still able to sense that something was amiss. In fact, Sheng Hong had even subtly mentioned the matter when Old Madam Sheng attended a banquet.

This also explains why the Sheng family did not show excessive enthusiasm for Yu Ge Lao's "high regard".

The carriage rumbled forward, leaving Meixiang of the Yu family, Miss Shen's scrutinizing gaze, and the undercurrents of wit far behind in the deepening twilight.

……

Sheng Changquan carried the heavy sandalwood brocade box back to Shou'an Hall with Old Madam Sheng and Minglan.

After the three generations of the family were seated and served hot tea to dispel the chill, Old Madam Sheng slowly opened her eyes, her gaze sharp as she looked directly at Sheng Changquan.

"Quan-ge'er," the old lady's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable penetrating force, "How does Grand Secretary Yu... treat you? Is the atmosphere in the study harmonious?"

Sheng Changquan respectfully placed the brocade box on the table in front of the old lady. His expression was calm and composed as he clearly recounted the details of their conversation in the study, Yu Ge Lao's examination, the gift of the inkstone, and the change in addressing her as "young friend." His tone was calm and even, as if he were narrating someone else's story. The old lady listened quietly, her gaze falling on the ancient and heavy "pine soot" inkstone.

She stretched out her hand, marked by the passage of time, and gently brushed her fingertips across the cool, smooth surface of the inkstone, feeling the weight of time and the spirit of scholars that it held.

After a long silence, she slowly spoke, her voice deep and full of worldly wisdom: "Yu Songnian... this is his last thought for the integrity of the Qingliu school, the tradition he has upheld throughout his life but will eventually leave, which he is entrusting to you."

Back at her residence, she spoke with less restraint, directly pointing out the key point: "Calling you 'young friend' is a sign of a senior's high regard for a fellow traveler, and also... a silent farewell."

Sheng Changquan lowered his head slightly and said with his eyes closed, "Grandson understands."

"It's good that you understand." Old Madam Sheng looked at him with deep eyes, as if trying to penetrate his calm exterior and reach his heart. "He gave you this inkstone, hoping that you would be upright and honest, write beautiful articles, and set a good example. His expectations are commendable and his aspirations are admirable."

“But, Quan-ge,” the old lady’s tone suddenly changed, becoming extremely solemn, with a warning from someone who had experienced the world, “you need to understand one more thing! Yu Songnian’s life was steeped in integrity and uprightness, and he most admired the way of a gentleman who was pure in character and free from ulterior motives.”

"He admires the 'righteousness' and 'sincerity' you displayed in your words today. But if he were to find out in the future that you would have to resort to expedient measures, use extraordinary means, or even get involved in what he sees as 'turbid currents' of conflict for the sake of your family's survival, your future career, or to protect those you want to protect..."

"His high regard and expectations today will likely turn into deep disappointment in an instant, and even..."

"Fear and alienation!"

The old lady's gaze fell upon the deep night outside the window, as if piercing through time and space to see the inner turmoil of Grand Secretary Yu: "His granddaughter, Yu Yanran, is a delicate flower that has been pampered too much, unable to withstand the inevitable hardships and trials on your path. Yu Songnian's hosting of this banquet today is probably because he has already seen from the depth and sharpness in your eyes that do not belong to a young man that you are not a good match for Yanran."

"This 'pine soot' was a parting gift he gave to the future pillar of the righteous cause in his mind, not a token to signify a marriage alliance!"

Based on her grandson's description, Grandma Sheng astutely analyzed the true meaning behind Grand Secretary Yu's gift of the inkstone.

Sheng Changquan remained silent. (The last sentence appears to be a fragment and doesn't translate directly.)
The mother's insight and grasp of human nature and the ways of the world were no less than those of Grand Secretary Yu, and were even more incisive due to their blood ties.

Most importantly, Sheng Changquan's inner judgment coincided with what his grandmother had said.

“Quan-ge’er,” Old Madam Sheng’s voice suddenly turned deep, carrying a penetrating power born of experience and earnest expectation, each word carrying immense weight, “You must remember what your grandmother said today!”

"Born into this world, especially into a family like the Sheng family, whose foundation is still shallow, whose social standing is complex, and whose internal structure is not monolithic, there are many times when there is not just one path! Nor is it as purely black and white as Elder Yu advocates!"

"The path of integrity and purity, a noble and upright reputation, are worthy of admiration and should naturally be strived for!"

"The imperial examination is just around the corner. This is your battlefield for leaping over the dragon gate, the first hurdle for you to put your knowledge into practice and gain fame!"

"You must put in your utmost effort, using this ancient 'pine soot' inkstone to grind ink, and write a powerful and brilliant article that will cut through the crowd and pave your way to success in the imperial examinations!"

"This is the foundation for your position in the court and the realization of your ambitions! Your grandmother has high hopes for you!"

“However,” the old lady said, her tone becoming more serious, her gaze intense, “if one only knows how to be virtuous but not how to adapt; only understands the beauty of literature but not the cunning of the human heart; only knows how to engage in lofty discussions but not how to weigh options, maneuver, or leverage others' strengths; if one hesitates and ties one's own hands when it is time to use means to protect oneself and one's family, then that is pedantry! That is a path to death!”

At this point, a hint of disdain flashed in Old Madam Sheng's eyes: "Your father is indecisive, and that man in Linxi Pavilion is cunning and ruthless. If the inner quarters of the Sheng family are like this, what about the monstrous waves in the imperial court that can turn the tide with a flick of the wrist?"

She stared intently at Sheng Changquan, as if trying to etch this principle into his very bones: "Grandmother gives you a piece of advice today: You must use this 'pine soot' inkstone! Use it to write your path to success! But do not be trapped by the name it symbolizes as 'pure and upright'! And do not let Grand Secretary Yu's expectations bind your hands and feet!"

"Articles should be written beautifully, fame and fortune should be earned valiantly, and one's reputation and integrity should be thoroughly protected! But—"

She spoke each word slowly and deliberately!
"When it's time to use tactics, don't hesitate! When it's time to leverage resources, compromise, and navigate within the rules, don't cling to that useless self-righteousness!"

"Remember, as long as you keep your moral compass, uphold your principles, and safeguard the foundation of the Sheng family, methods and schemes... are merely tools to help you overcome obstacles and protect those you wish to protect! They are indispensable aids for your journey through this thorny path!"

"The imperial examination is your gateway to success, and it's also the crucial leap for the Sheng family to change its status and escape its current awkward situation of being neither here nor there! There's no room for error!" Old Madam Sheng's voice was resolute. "Grandmother hopes that you will be like ink ground from pine soot, deep in color and thick in texture, penetrating the paper, writing brilliant articles in the examination hall, winning fame and laying a solid foundation!"

"At the same time, one must be quick-witted and have a long-term vision, like the hand holding the pen. When it is time to be steady, it should be as firm as Mount Tai, with each stroke carrying immense weight; when it is time to change, it should be as agile as a snake, adapting to circumstances and yielding thunderous power in silence! Talent should be revealed within the writing, and vision should be shown beyond the writing! Only by possessing both literary and martial skills, and combining strength and gentleness, can one secure a truly unbreakable foundation and a stable future for oneself and for the entire Sheng family in this complex and unpredictable world!"

Sheng Changquan met his grandmother's sharp yet expectant gaze, his heart surging. His grandmother's teachings stripped away the halo of idealism, pointing directly to the core of survival and progress.

He rose from his seat, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Old Madam Sheng, his movements steady and solemn: "Grandmother's words of wisdom are truly enlightening! Your grandson... will keep them in mind! I will certainly live up to your high expectations and do my utmost in the imperial examinations to secure a place for the Sheng family!"

His voice was not loud, but it carried an unwavering firmness.