Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 278 The Reason for Digging the Hole
After Li left, the situation immediately improved considerably.

However, since Madam Li was an elder, it would be embarrassing for her to leave alone like this. Therefore, Sheng Wei waved his hand, signaling Changsong, Changwu and the others to accompany their mother as she left.

Upon seeing this, the two brothers readily agreed.

After all, in this chaotic situation, the two of them are both sons and grandsons, and they are bound to make mistakes no matter what they do, so they might as well just go with their mother and be done with it!

Of course, it wasn't just Changsong and Changwu; even Changsong's wife, Wen, and Pinlan, left with Li.

However, one of them was the eldest grandson's wife, and the other was Li's biological daughter.

The former was to assist the mother-in-law in managing household affairs, while the latter was out of concern for the mother and a desire to express her feelings of comfort to her. Therefore, it is not surprising that they reacted in this way.

Meanwhile, Minglan, who had been preoccupied with something ever since she entered the East Mansion, also chose to go out.

Seeing that Pinlan had left, Minglan naturally wouldn't let the opportunity pass. She curtsied in the direction of the old lady and Shengwei, then quickly got up and caught up with Pinlan. The two of them walked out of the front hall together.

Behind him, Sheng Changquan was exchanging pleasantries with the old lady, but at the same time he was keeping a close eye on everything around him and noticed Minglan's actions immediately.

Sheng Changquan glanced at her briefly, but couldn't help taking the opportunity to look at her.

However, he didn't say much, just smiled to himself, and then continued to lower his head and talk to the old lady about the previous topic.

"Grandmother, you're overthinking it. Your children and grandchildren have their own blessings..."

"..."

As for Sheng Wei, he naturally stayed by his side, echoing his mother's words.

……

After following Li out, the group quickly split into three groups and set off in their own directions.

Among them, Li and her daughter-in-law Wen went to the kitchen to supervise the stewards in preparing for the banquet; while the two brothers, Changsong and Changwu, walked out arm in arm, seemingly with the elder brother Changsong preparing to impart some wisdom about marriage to his younger brother.

After all, as a married man, Nagamatsu was indeed much more experienced than his younger brother, who was still inexperienced.

Of course, it remains to be seen which of the two will be able to provide a better life for their respective families in the future.

As for Minglan and Pinlan, the two sisters held hands and skipped towards Pinlan's boudoir, seemingly preparing to whisper something to each other.

After walking a considerable distance through the East Mansion, Pinlan pulled Minglan along and quickly entered a luxuriously furnished room with a romantic pink ambiance.

She ignored Minglan's reaction and instead plopped down on the edge of the bed, sullenly collapsing onto the couch.

Because Pinlan and Minglan are cousins, their personalities are very compatible, and they have spent nearly three years together, their friendship is extraordinary, and they can act and speak much more freely.

"Whoo~"

"We're finally out!"

Pinlan kicked off her embroidered shoes rather "rudely," then spread herself out on the bed in a starfish shape, looking completely relaxed.

"hehe!"

Minglan didn't respond to her words, but just chuckled softly.

"Ok?"

"how?"

Upon hearing Minglan's laughter, Pinlan widened her eyes and looked at her cousin with some "dissatisfaction".

"Minglan, do you think what I said is wrong?"

Minglan didn't have Pinlan's forthright manner. She simply sat down on a nearby stool, poured herself a cup of tea, and slowly began to drink it.

Because she had thought about many things last night and had gotten up rather early this morning, Minglan was quite thirsty.

Upon hearing Pinlan's "question," Minglan smiled slightly and said, "Sister Pinlan, I didn't say you did anything wrong."

"I just found your tone a little funny!"

"How to say?"

"Sister Pinlan, don't you think the tone of your voice just now sounded like that of a prisoner who has just been released from jail?"

Minglan's eyebrows curved gently.

"Humph!"

"I was just released from prison!"

Pinlan lay on the bed, groaning softly.

"Minglan, you saw what just happened!"

"My grandmother hasn't said that about my mother in a long time!"

At this point, Pinlan couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

"By the way, Minglan, I'm really sorry about this!"

"I never expected that my mother would be jealous of my younger brother Changquan this time!"

Clearly, not only the old lady noticed Li's little scheme, but even the usually careless Pinlan understood her mother's unspoken meaning.

"it's nothing."

Minglan gently shook her head, indicating that she did not wish to say anything more about this matter.

After all, we're family, so there are some things that are better left unsaid.

However, according to Minglan's understanding, generally speaking, people who offend their own younger brother rarely get any benefits; on the contrary, they are very likely to suffer considerable harm.

At the very least, he'll be remembered by a petty person!

This time, it was only thanks to the old lady's intervention that Minglan was able to smooth things over. Otherwise, Minglan was certain that her younger brother would have remembered Li Shi's words for the rest of his life!

Of course, he wouldn't do anything to Li, but he would definitely not help her with anything in the future.

That's right, Sheng Changquan is such a vengeful guy!

Minglan felt somewhat helpless about this.

Although she had advised Sheng Changquan many times to be more magnanimous and tolerant, it had no effect. Although Sheng Changquan agreed verbally, he remained stubborn and never changed.

It's true—after listening to countless words, they still hold grudges!

"no!"

Pinlan has always been a stickler for details, and she continued to apologize to Minglan relentlessly.

"Minglan, Changquan has finally come to our house once in a while, we can't let him suffer such an injustice for no reason!"

Pinlan suddenly sat up in bed, straightened her body, and thought for a moment before saying, "How about this, Minglan!"

"Why don't I go with you to find Changquan's younger brother later? I'll apologize to him on behalf of my mother and ask for his forgiveness!"

"What do you think?"

Pinlan pleaded with her earnestly, her face stern.

However, Minglan was speechless, because looking at Pinlan's current expression, she felt as if she was being pressured.

At this moment, Pinlan stared at Minglan with her big eyes, her expression strange, as if she would cry if Minglan disagreed!
"OK then!"

Thinking about her sister Shulan's matter, Minglan didn't want to get entangled any further, so she simply agreed to Pinlan's request. Then she suddenly stood up, walked to Pinlan's side, and whispered something.

"Oh, right, Sister Pinlan!"

"Do you remember the look on Sister Shulan's face when we last met her?" "Hmm?"

Pinlan was taken aback by Minglan's sudden topic!
"remember!"

"what happened?"

"Didn't my sister say that her pale face was because she wasn't feeling well?"

Pinlan honestly recalled the scene at that time: "Moreover, my sister also said that it was an old problem and nothing serious at all?"

Pinlan frowned as she looked at Minglan, her expression showing some confusion.

"Yup!"

"That's exactly what Sister Shulan said!"

Minglan smiled secretly, looking just like a little fox: "But, Sister Pinlan, do you know what my little brother is best at?"

Pinlan shook her head, and replied somewhat blankly, "I don't know."

"But isn't it about reading?"

In Pinlan's mind, Sheng Changquan's greatest strength seemed to be studying and taking exams.

"Whee!"

Minglan covered her mouth and whispered in Pinlan's ear, "You're wrong, Sister Pinlan!"

"Actually, my younger brother's greatest skill is his medical expertise!"

Before Pinlan could make any unusual expression, Minglan continued, "Do you know that even the patriarch of the He family in Baishitan praised my younger brother, saying that he is extraordinary!"

"Moreover, Grandma He also said that sometimes even she has to admit defeat when my younger brother comes up with a prescription!"

At this moment, Minglan's expression was somewhat proud, and her words were full of smugness.

Pinlan knew that it was precisely because this was Sheng Changquan's achievement that Minglan herself would not have such a proud and triumphant expression.

However, upon hearing Minglan say this, Pinlan finally understood some of the meaning behind it.

"Minglan, are you saying you want my brother Changquan to diagnose my sister?"

"Ok!"

Minglan nodded: "Didn't Sister Shulan say that the problem couldn't be cured?"

"Then why not let my younger brother give it a try? Who knows, he might have a solution!"

……

At this moment, Sheng Changquan was unaware that his sister had already set a trap for him. He was currently talking to the two heads of the East Mansion about his experiences over the past six years.

"...That's about it!"

No sooner had Sheng Changquan spoken than the old lady immediately exclaimed in admiration.

"Oh, you've really suffered a lot, child!"

The old lady looked at Sheng Changquan with pity and affection.

"Grandmother, it's nothing!"

Sheng Changquan smiled and shared his takeaway: "Actually, although I've traveled to many places and walked a lot over the past few years, I've seen even more!"

"It's not just the local customs and landscapes, but also the many wisdoms and principles of interpersonal relationships that have benefited me greatly!"

"Moreover, by being by my teacher's side, I have also learned many principles of life and how to conduct myself!"

"This will allow us to better understand the profound meanings and subtleties that our sages wrote in their books!"

"Correct!"

At this moment, Sheng Wei couldn't help but speak up, saying, "Brother Quan, I've met your teacher before!"

"That person is truly learned and knowledgeable!"

Six years ago, Xu Changqing and Mr. Zhuang came to Youyang first, so Sheng Wei had contact with him at that time.

Recalling his several encounters with Mr. Zhuang, Sheng Wei couldn't help but nod, exclaiming with envy, "Mr. Zhuang is truly an extraordinary person!"

"If my two little rascals hadn't been so unworthy of Mr. Zhuang's approval, I really would have wanted to put them in your group and have them go on a study tour with you!"

In fact, Shengwei had actually tried to discuss this idea with Mr. Zhuang, wanting to get Changsong into their team so that he could learn something from Mr. Zhuang.

However, this was directly rejected by Mr. Zhuang.

Moreover, Mr. Zhuang refused outright without any hesitation!

Perhaps it was because that study tour was Mr. Zhuang's last chance, or perhaps he didn't want outsiders to know the secret of his passing on his mantle. In any case, Mr. Zhuang clearly and decisively rejected Sheng Wei's request.

It was precisely because of that rejection that Sheng Wei realized the disparity brought about by his status as a merchant!
Therefore, he agreed to Li's idea of ​​marrying Shulan to a scholar with official rank.

Otherwise, if Sheng Wei, the head of the family, does not agree, it will be in vain no matter how much Li wants to do it!
After all, Sheng Wei still needs to preside over the wedding of his daughter.

"Uncle, you're overthinking it!"

Sheng Changquan shook his head and explained to his teacher, who was not interested in arguing, "Actually, the reason why my teacher was unwilling to take my two cousins ​​with him was because at that time we were not sure how long we would be traveling."

"However, the only thing that is certain is that it will definitely take no less than three or four years!"

Sheng Changquan looked at the old lady and Sheng Wei and continued to explain, "Grandmother, Uncle!"

"Just think about it, if my two cousins ​​really did travel with me for six years, my uncle's family might not be able to handle it!"

"That's why my master directly refused my uncle's request!"

In fact, Sheng Changquan's reason was indeed valid, but it was also true that Mr. Zhuang looked down on Changsong and Changwu.

In fact, the latter is the most important reason.

Even Xu Changqing only benefited from Sheng Changquan's influence. After all, he was Sheng Changquan's man and was destined to work for Sheng Changquan in the future. That's why Mr. Zhuang agreed to take him along.

However, along the way, he also ordered Xu Changqing around everywhere, making the most of his role as a "true tool". Otherwise, Xu Changqing would not have developed such a dark and strong physique!

"Yes!"

"Mr. Zhuang is right!"

Sheng Wei didn't speak, but the old lady nodded in agreement.

Although they doubted Sheng Changquan's statement, Sheng Wei and her son were not foolish enough to argue with him about something that had already happened.

The old lady glanced at her son beside her and, following Sheng Changquan's words, said, "If it really had been six years since Changsong and his two grandsons passed away, I don't even know if I, this old body, would have lived to this day!"

"Ah? Mother!"

What are you saying?

Shengwei was extremely filial, so naturally he couldn't stand hearing the old lady's words.

Without a second thought, he immediately got up and walked to the elderly lady at the head of the table, helping her up and saying with a pained expression.

"Mother, aren't you making your son feel terrible?"

"As long as you are healthy, your son would rather Changsong and Changwu never amount to anything in their lives!"

Like Sheng Hong, Sheng Wei also held the attitude of preferring to have grandchildren rather than sons. In the eyes of the two brothers, their sons were always inferior!
Anyway, if you're reborn as their son, you can forget about ever getting any praise from your own father!
Many thanks to the generous donor, Huaiye!

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(End of this chapter)