Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 509 The Liang Family's Despicable Acts
Therefore, when the news of Liang Han's failure to pass the exam reached the Yongchang Earl's Mansion, it did not cause much of a stir, and he himself did not care.

For him, the imperial examination was merely icing on the cake; passing it would bring glory to his family, while failing it would not diminish his wealth and carefree life as the eldest son of an earl's family.

Therefore, he quickly adjusted his mindset and was not too frustrated. In fact, because he was eager to know about Sheng Changquan, he temporarily put aside the doubts and unhappiness he had about Mo Lan because of Chun Ke's miscarriage and rushed to Mo Lan's courtyard.

"My lord has arrived."

Mo Lan was secretly delighted to see her husband come to her. She immediately got up to greet him, her face beaming with a perfectly gentle smile, as if all the previous misunderstandings had never existed.

"That's right. We just received the news that my seventh brother was fortunate enough to pass the exam. It's all thanks to the official's good fortune and the literary luck of our Earl's mansion."

She deliberately attributed the credit to Liang Han, speaking in a soft and gentle tone, with just the right amount of admiration.

Liang Han waved his hand and laughed, his tone filled with pride and excitement: "Hey, he did it all himself! He's the top scholar in the imperial examination, that's the best in the world!"

"I never expected the Sheng family to have such a talent!" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming. "Speaking of which, I haven't gotten to know this brother-in-law of yours very well since we got married."

"Now that he has such good fortune, we should visit him more often in the future. Such a talented young man, and also a close relative, should be cultivated closer."

Although Liang Han's academic knowledge was mediocre, he was well aware of the importance of befriending talented young people, especially since they were his in-laws. Being so close to them, he naturally wanted to hold on tightly.

Mo Lan's heart stirred, but she showed no sign of it on her face, only responding softly, "What you say is true, my lord. My seventh brother has been intelligent since childhood and is extremely polite. If he can gain your favor and receive your guidance and instruction, it will naturally be a blessing for him."

She seized the opportunity to step forward, her slender hand taking Liang Han's arm, her tone becoming increasingly soft and dependent: "But now that my seventh brother has passed the imperial examination, as his older sister, I should show my appreciation. I've already asked Qiu Gui to prepare a congratulatory gift, my lord..."

Liang Han was eager to befriend this promising younger brother-in-law, so he readily agreed, "Of course, of course!"

“Take the best ones! Take that She inkstone from the previous dynasty in the storeroom, and that set of antique ink I’ve been keeping! Don’t be stingy!” He got more and more excited as he spoke. “Later, I’ll personally prepare another gift, and we’ll go back to the Sheng family tomorrow to offer our congratulations! It’ll also be a good opportunity to share in the good fortune of the God of Literature and let my parents-in-law see our sincerity!”

"Sixth Young Master, Sixth Young Mistress, Master and Madam request your presence in the front hall."

Just then, a maid came to report that the Earl and his wife invited Sixth Master and Sixth Mistress over for a talk.

……

Upon arriving at the main hall, Lord Liang, the Earl of Yongchang, and Madam Wu were indeed discussing the matter.

Surprisingly, Liang Xuan, the eldest son of a concubine who is usually low-key and has a low profile in the household, and his wife were also present.

Liang Xuan, dressed in a simple scholar's robe, had a calm face but shrewd eyes. He sat quietly at the lower end of the table. When Liang Han and his wife entered, he only nodded slightly in greeting and did not say much. His wife also lowered her eyes and looked obedient.

"Sixth Brother's wife is here." When Madam Wu saw Mo Lan, she surprisingly smiled, a rare occurrence that was quite different from her usual attitude, making Mo Lan feel flattered. "I was just about to congratulate you!"

"I heard that your younger brother from your maternal family passed the imperial examination with top honors! This is such a joyous occasion! It brings honor to the Sheng family and also brings glory to our Liang family!"

It should be noted that ever since Chun Ke's miscarriage, Madam Wu has never given Mo Lan a kind look. Her amiable demeanor today is clearly only because of the new top scholar.

Lord Liang stroked his beard and nodded, his tone quite approving. When his gaze swept over Liang Han, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment after the comparison was revealed. He then looked at Mo Lan and said, "Not bad. His talent as a top scholar is extraordinary, and his future is limitless."

“Mo Lan, since you are close to this younger brother, you should visit him more often in the future to maintain your family relationship.”

Although the old lord had always looked down on Mo Lan's background and her underhanded methods, he valued those with genuine talent and learning.

Madam Wu glanced at Mo Lan, her tone becoming increasingly amiable.

"That's exactly the reason."

"Prepare a generous gift another day and go back with Han'er to offer your congratulations. Also, please give my and your father-in-law's regards to your in-laws and congratulate them on raising such an outstanding son."

She paused, then added with a half-smile, her words carrying a clear implication: "The Sheng family truly knows how to raise their children. First came the Jinshi of Changbai, and now they've produced a top scholar in the provincial examination. It's truly remarkable." "Since you come from the Sheng family, you should learn from them, be dutiful, live a quiet life, and be a good wife and mother. That's the right way."

Hearing this, Mo Lan felt a surge of resentment. She understood that her mother-in-law was giving her a warning, reminding her not to forget Chun Ke's affair and her own shameful past. However, she had to admit that if Sheng Changquan hadn't passed the imperial examination with top honors, her mother-in-law would never have acted this way.

Mo Lan had no choice but to suppress her displeasure and replied with a forced smile, "Thank you for your concern, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. I will convey your kindness and remember Mother-in-law's teachings to serve you wholeheartedly."

Madam Wu nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Liang Han, her tone becoming more serious: "Han'er, when you and Mo Lan return tomorrow, you must be solemn and courteous."

"The Sheng family has produced such a talented person, who will surely have a place in the court in the future. Although you do not take the imperial examination, having a promising in-law to help you will always be of great benefit to you and the Liang family."

No one knows a son better than his mother. Madam Wu knew that Liang Han was all talk and no action, neither good at literature nor martial arts. She could only advise him to make friends with more capable and talented people so that he could have backup.

After all, becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations) was probably his limit.

"Yes! Mother, rest assured, I know what's important!" Liang Han quickly agreed, as he had the same thought.

Liang Xuan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke gently, her voice steady: "Sixth sister-in-law's family is truly full of talented people, which is enviable."

"I've heard that Yuanlang is so young yet already possesses such talent; he will surely rank among the top in the imperial examination. Sixth brother, sixth sister-in-law, if there's an opportunity, could you perhaps introduce him to your elder brother?"

"It would also allow us to admire the talent of this outstanding individual and exchange ideas."

He spoke eloquently and humbly, as if it were merely out of a yearning for knowledge, but the calculation that flashed deep in his eyes revealed his true intention—to use Mo Lan as a connection to get in touch with Sheng Changquan, a promising talent, to increase his bargaining power in the family, and even surpass Liang Han, the legitimate son.

Mo Lan was incredibly astute and immediately understood the hidden meaning in Liang Xuan's words.

However, even if she and Sheng Changquan were on good terms, let alone the fact that she had only a casual relationship, it was impossible for her to introduce him to Liang Xuan without going through her own husband.

She sneered inwardly, but her face remained gentle: "Brother, you flatter me. Seventh Brother was just lucky. If you have time in the future, my husband and I will certainly introduce you to him."

She cleverly shifted the decision-making power to Liang Han and herself, neither offending Liang Xuan nor immediately agreeing.

Liang Han didn't care at all, only feeling proud of herself, and laughed heartily: "No problem, no problem! We're all family!"

At this moment, Mo Lan clearly felt that because of the news of Sheng Changquan's passing the imperial examination, her treatment in the Liang family had undergone a subtle change.

Her in-laws' attitude softened considerably, and her husband became more attentive and affectionate towards her. Even her usually low-key half-brother took the initiative to show goodwill. This made her even more determined to take advantage of this "tailwind" amidst her bitterness and jealousy.

As Sheng Changquan becomes more prominent, her position in the Liang family will become more secure, and those sordid things from the past will naturally be gradually forgotten.

……

As they walked back to their own courtyard after leaving the main hall, Liang Han even took Mo Lan's hand and spoke to her in a much more intimate tone, completely different from when they arrived.

"You heard what Mother said earlier. When you return to the Sheng family tomorrow, you must dress up properly and choose the best gifts. We can't let your family think that our Liang family has been impolite and has neglected Yuanlang."

Mo Lan nodded obediently, but her heart was filled with mixed feelings.

She recalled how cold and distant Liang Han was to her when she first married into the Liang family because Chun Ke was pregnant and her mother-in-law was cold. But now, because her seventh brother had passed the imperial examination, his attitude had immediately changed completely.

In this world, power and status are indeed the most alluring things. She secretly vowed to seize this opportunity and make the most of all the benefits that Sheng Changquan brought, so as to completely reverse her situation in the Liang family.

All of this was thanks to her seventh brother, who was once considered a thorn in her mother's side and whom she herself probably didn't think much of.

Thinking of this, Mo Lan's feelings were extremely complicated. A mix of emotions made her unsure whether to hate or thank.