Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 517 Grandmother's Entrustment
……

Inside Shou'an Hall, the candlelight flickered red.

Shedding the hustle and bustle of the front yard, this usually solemn main hall is now even more tranquil and warm.

The orange candlelight filtered softly through the exquisite gauze, dispelling the chill of the night and softening the wrinkles that had accumulated over the years around Old Madam Sheng's eyes and brows. She did not sit in the main seat, but leaned against the soft couch by the window, taking Sheng Changquan's hand and making him sit on the embroidered stool beside her.

Madam Fang quietly brought over two cups of warm ginseng tea, gently placed them on the small table beside the couch, nodded slightly to the old lady, and then quietly retreated to the outer room. She carefully closed the curtain and stood guard under the porch, leaving the grandmother and granddaughter to have a private conversation.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional soft crackling of candle flames popping.

The old lady did not speak immediately. She simply turned slightly to the side and, by the flickering candlelight, carefully examined her grandson's handsome yet weary face. Her gaze swept over the faint blue shadows under his eyes and the shallow wrinkles between his brows left by long hours of focused reading, finally settling on his calm yet resolute features.

His gaze was filled with indescribable love and almost overflowing pride, and a hint of barely perceptible heartache.

After a long while, she sighed softly, her fingers stroking her grandson's hand, where calluses from holding a pen still seemed to remain.

Her voice was gentle, yet husky with the patter of years: "My Quan-ge'er, you've really grown up."

“In a daze, yesterday I was still a child who needed my grandmother's protection and stumbled as I read the Thousand Character Classic on her lap, and today I am already a young scholar who has won the imperial examinations in the capital.” She paused, her voice filled with emotion, “The name of this scholar is something that so many scholars in the world dream of. They study hard for decades and spend their whole lives studying, but they never dare to look up to it.”

"Your success today is the result of your hard work, and your grandmother has seen it all and felt the pain in her heart."

A barely perceptible sob escaped her lips, as if she could see those solitary nights spent studying by lamplight: "Grandma still remembers, whether it was the sweltering heat of summer or the biting cold of winter, even when your back was soaked with sweat, leaving salt stains on your clothes, or when frost flowers formed on the windowpanes, and your hands were cracked and bleeding from the cold, making it difficult to even hold a pen, you never slacked off for a single day..."

"Now that I see how successful you are, I feel both happy and heartbroken."

"All of this has not been in vain; this is the glory you deserve."

“But…” She changed the subject, sat up slightly, and the loving expression on her face was gradually replaced by a sense of alertness and profound wisdom. Her tone also became more serious. “Quan-ge’er, you must always remember the ancient saying, ‘Pride goes before a fall, humility brings benefit.’ You understand the principle that the moon wanes when it is full and water overflows when it is full better than your grandmother, as you have read history books.”

"The palace examination is imminent. You will be face to face with the emperor and present your policies. This is far more important than the provincial examination. This is the Golden Palace, where every word and action will affect not only your life but also the reputation of your family. Disrespect before the emperor is a serious offense. The court is full of capable people. Grand Secretaries and ministers are all outstanding individuals, and there are many whose knowledge and insight far surpass yours. You must always maintain a sense of awe and humility, be open-minded, and be cautious in your words and deeds. Only in this way can you go far and achieve your goals, live up to your lifelong learning, and meet the expectations of the Sheng family."

Sheng Changquan had been listening attentively, and now he replied respectfully, "Grandmother's teachings are invaluable, and I will remember them forever." His expression was serious and solemn, without the slightest hint of pride. "I will certainly guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and after returning home, I will devote myself to preparing for the palace examination. I will never dare to fail the expectations of my grandmother, father, and mother, and I will never betray the honor of the Sheng family and the Emperor's kindness in selecting scholars."

Seeing that he was listening, the old lady showed a satisfied expression and slowly nodded.

She hesitated for a moment, then reached for the ginseng tea on the small table, took a small sip, as if carefully considering her words. When she put down the teacup, her expression gradually calmed down, and the candlelight danced in her deep eyes, reflecting an even deeper contemplation.

"Today's joy is a joy for the entire Sheng family, enough to comfort our ancestors." She spoke, her voice lower than before, "However, the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind. The one who excels above others will be criticized by the masses. Such glory will inevitably sting the eyes of some and stir up the jealousy of others. In this world, not everyone wishes you well."

She paused, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Sheng Changquan. Her voice lowered, carrying a clear implication: "...Especially your eldest sister, Hua Lan. That mother-in-law of the Yuan family is not a magnanimous or broad-minded person."

"big sister?"

Sheng Changquan's expression hardened, and he unconsciously leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming even more focused: "Grandmother means... that Madam Yuan will take her anger out on my elder sister because I passed the imperial examination with top honors?"

"Hmm." A cold, knowing glint flashed in the old lady's eyes, as if she had already seen through the scheming and intrigue within the grand mansion. "After all, she comes from a noble family and values ​​her reputation above all else. She wouldn't openly do anything too indecent or give others a handle to use against her. But she's very adept at those underhanded and manipulative methods."

The old lady's tone was tinged with disdain and sarcasm as she began to analyze the Yuan family's situation in detail: "Madam Yuan's personality is extremely competitive and ambitious, always trying to please the powerful and belittle the weak. She is also very concerned about her reputation, but she is not very broad-minded. Especially in the matter of her maternal family, the Chengen Earl's Mansion, she is extremely confused and biased, wishing she could move the entire Zhongqin Earl's Mansion to support her maternal family."

She sneered, "Unfortunately, her two nephews from her maternal family, on whom she had placed high hopes, both failed the exam this time, not even managing to become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination). This is no secret in the noble circles of the capital, and it has made her lose face in front of her maternal family and other familiar noble ladies, becoming the laughing stock of the capital these days."

The old lady, as if she had foreseen it with her own eyes, said, "At this critical juncture, you've achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations, your name resounds throughout the capital, and you're the talk of the town. This stark contrast is like rubbing salt into her already bleeding wounds; how could she not be jealous and resentful?" "She won't dare direct this anger at you or at our Sheng family, but she'll most likely vent it even more fiercely on Hua Lan. In this world, filial piety is paramount. As a mother-in-law, she'll naturally have many ways to manipulate and torment her daughter-in-law, making it impossible to guard against. Setting rules, cutting back on expenses, stirring up trouble, even..."

As the old lady spoke, her tone was filled with heartache and helplessness for her eldest granddaughter, Hua Lan, as well as barely suppressed anger: "I heard that sometimes, in order to control Hua Lan and torment her, she would use the excuse of missing her grandson and feeling sorry for him, fearing that Hua Lan was too young to take care of him. Without saying a word, she would have someone forcibly take Shi Ge'er from Hua Lan's side to her own yard, and hold him for most of the day, not letting Hua Lan get close to him."

"The child was shy and cried incessantly when separated from his mother, until his voice became hoarse. She didn't care and even complained about the child's noise. Hualan was the most resilient and considerate of the bigger picture. She was afraid of causing trouble for her family, so she silently swallowed all her suffering. When she went back to her family, she only reported good news and never bad news. I only heard some rumors from other old friends."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changquan's brows furrowed suddenly, his hand on his knee paused slightly, and then he pulled it into his sleeve and clenched it into a fist.

Among them, the joints were slightly white and made a slight cracking sound.

He took a deep breath and barely managed to suppress the sudden surge of cold anger in his heart. He knew that his elder sister, Hua Lan, was gentle and virtuous, with the most resilient and tolerant nature, but he never expected that she would suffer such harsh treatment in her husband's family, with even her young child being implicated and exploited!
Sheng Changquan narrowed his eyes, a cold and sharp anger rising suddenly from the bottom of his heart. It seemed as if cold stars were flashing deep in his eyes, but he still maintained his composure, only his breathing became slightly heavier.

The old lady took in his reaction and nodded inwardly.

A calm demeanor, like thunder in the heart yet a still lake on the face, is essential for success.

Seeing that Sheng Changquan had taken her words to heart, she slowly revealed her plan: "After the palace examination, no matter what the result is, you will be a proper Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination). With official rank and confidence, your words will carry more weight."

Because there was no chance of failing the imperial examination; even the worst candidate would become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations), and their future was already bright.

"At that time, Grandmother is thinking that you should find an excuse, such as a day off or some other opportunity, to go to the Yuan family in person to bring your sister home for a visit, or... just act like a member of your maternal family or a newly appointed scholar, and openly visit your sister and your nephew Shige'er at the Yuan family. Bring some decent gifts, and make a big fuss."

The old lady's gaze was intense, and her tone was resolute: "We must make sure that everyone in the Yuan family, especially that Madam Yuan, clearly understands that our Sheng family's daughter has her brothers backing her up!"

"Moreover, he's a brother she can't afford to offend, someone she has to think twice about and treat with respect! She needs to know that Hua Lan's child is also our Sheng family's grandson, not a tool she can manipulate or control at will! You also need to let your older sister know that her family will always be her support, and she doesn't need to tolerate everything."

Sheng Changquan looked solemn, his eyes sharp, and nodded in a deep voice, replying, "Grandmother, rest assured, your grandson understands."

"I will take this matter to heart. Once the imperial examination is over, I will find a suitable opportunity to visit my elder sister and Shi'er at the Yuan family. I will make sure my elder sister is not wronged again, and Shi'er is not allowed to be manipulated by others. If the Yuan family is sensible, that will be good; if not..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He didn't continue speaking, but his unquestionable protectiveness and growing sense of responsibility were crystal clear.

Seeing how clear-headed he was, and how decisive and resourceful he was, the old lady finally smiled with genuine satisfaction, gently patting the back of his hand: "Good child. Grandmother knows you are a person who is shrewd and has a great sense of proportion."

"Keep this in mind and act accordingly. Right now, the most important thing is to stay calm and focused on the palace examination, as that is the foundation for your survival."

As she spoke, a genuine look of exhaustion appeared on her face. She waved her hand gently and said, "Go on, you've had a long day. Go back and rest early. Concentrate and prepare well for the palace examination."

"Yes, Grandmother, you must be tired today. Please rest early. I'll take my leave now."

Sheng Changquan stood up, bowed respectfully, gently tucked the thin blanket covering his grandmother's legs, and then turned and left Shou'an Hall.

Stepping out from behind the curtain, a refreshing, clear breeze rushed in, dispelling the warm fragrance and somber atmosphere of the room.

He stood at the foot of the steps, looking up, and saw the moonlight like water, the sky full of stars, and the lanterns under the corridor swaying gently in the night breeze.

"The road ahead is long and arduous..."

Sheng Changquan took a deep breath, letting go of the banquet's noise, his grandmother's instructions, and the anger he had just felt towards the Yuan family. His gaze was clear and firm as he looked up at the deep night sky. The challenge of the imperial examination and the responsibility of his family weighed heavily on his shoulders, but they also inspired his boundless fighting spirit and determination to protect his family.

He walked steadily down the steps, his figure blending into the moonlight, and strode confidently toward his study.
—Tonight, I still have lessons to review.