Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 354 Father and Son Discuss the Matters of the Shen Prefecture
Hanhai Hall is Sheng Hong's study, but also a forbidden place in the Sheng family mansion.

Within the entire Sheng Mansion, apart from Shou'an Hall, Hanhai Hall holds the highest status.

Generally speaking, unless there is something important, outsiders are not allowed to enter Sheng Hong's residence.

Even the cleaning and tidying up inside was mostly done by Sheng Hong himself and his team.

Moreover, to be honest, even Madam Wang and Sheng Changquan, among others, hadn't been inside the Sheng family compound many times, let alone the other young ladies like Minglan.

Of course, the former was simply because she disliked recognizing characters, which is why she disliked the past. Whenever she saw those thick books, Madam Wang would get a headache, which is why she was unwilling to go to Sheng Hong's study.

As for the latter, it was because they were still young and had not been exposed to many things, or rather, they might not have encountered many important matters. Therefore, Sheng Hong did not allow them to enter the study without permission, so as not to mess up the layout or leak any information.

Of course, the Sheng family didn't have anything important to reveal.

However, even so, Sheng Hong still maintained the special status of Hanhaitang, not allowing others to enter or leave at will, as if there was some special secret inside, making people feel very mysterious!

Regardless of the circumstances, Sheng Hong's actions clearly demonstrate his high regard for Hanhaitang.

After all, for a man, the study is his most private and secret place, just like the toilet is for men in later generations.

"Hanhai Hall? Father's study?"

Upon hearing Han Niu's message, Sheng Changquan immediately raised an eyebrow, his expression slightly surprised.

What did they call me?

However, despite his curiosity, Sheng Changquan did not intend to refuse.

No, it should be said that he couldn't refuse.

"Well, I see!"

After figuring out his situation, Sheng Changquan scratched his head inwardly, feeling curious. However, seeing Han Niu's slightly panting appearance, he still said, "Han Niu, you can go down now!"

"I'll go over there in a bit!"

Although he still didn't understand, Sheng Changquan didn't intend to delve into it. He simply waved to Han Niu, signaling him to go down first.

"Yes, Seventh Young Master!"

Han Niu carefully suppressed his heavy breathing, then respectfully bowed to Sheng Changquan and obediently withdrew.

Because Han Niu was Sheng Changbai's man, he was very respectful to Sheng Changquan.

This was not only due to Sheng Changquan's own excellence and the extremely glorious achievements he had made, but more importantly, because Han Niu often heard Sheng Changbai praise him.

As a servant, Han Niu naturally had to follow his master's lead, be anxious about what his master was anxious about, and think what his master was thinking!
Therefore, he naturally treated Sheng Changquan with more caution and respect.

"Changqing!"

After Han Niu left, Sheng Changquan immediately turned around, handed over everything he was carrying, and then instructed, "Changqing, take these gifts from the Shen family back to my courtyard and have Ziyuan and the others keep them!"

Due to etiquette, it is generally customary for elders to reciprocate when younger generations visit with gifts. The amount, value, and price of the gift depend on the closeness of the relationship between the two parties.

And right now, what Sheng Changquan is talking about is none other than the return gift from the Shen family.

However, just by looking at the huge pile of gifts not far away, one can tell how close the Shen family is to Sheng Changquan.

"but!"

Sheng Changquan instructed, "Let them divide the food and snacks among themselves."

Because the Shen family's return gift was very generous, Sheng Changquan simply thought of having Ziyuan and the others clean it up, which would save him the trouble of dealing with it later.

"correct!"

As he was speaking, Sheng Changquan suddenly stopped. He pointed to one of the red boxes and solemnly said, "Changqing, remember this!"

"They must not touch anything inside!"

"Put this box in my study and guard it yourself. We'll deal with everything when I get back."

Xu Changqing looked down and immediately saw the red box, which was no bigger than the palm of an adult's hand.

Although the box was not large, Xu Changqing knew that the contents must be extremely important; otherwise, his young master would not have taken it so seriously.

Xu Changqing was unaware that the red box actually contained the letter that Lord Shen had written to Grand Secretary Yu.

This letter, on a small scale, only concerns the future of two families, or perhaps even the Sheng family. But on a larger scale, it fundamentally concerns the future of the imperial court, and even the entire world.

Therefore, it is only natural that Sheng Changquan took it so seriously.

"Yes, Master!"

Xu Changqing nodded seriously without hesitation when Sheng Changquan gave his instructions, and then readily agreed.

"Ok!"

Seeing that Xu Changqing had taken his words to heart, Sheng Changquan nodded slightly.

Because Zeyutang and Hanhaitang were not on the same route, after Xu Changqing had barely managed to carry all the things away, Sheng Changquan slowly turned around and walked towards his father's study.

As he walked, he pondered and wondered why his father and elder brother had summoned him to the study: "Could it be because of my visit to the Shen residence today?"

Sheng Changquan hurried on his way to Hanhaitang, but his mind was racing.

There was no other way. After all, he had already explained everything that needed to be explained over the past few years, so there was no reason for them to ask him to go back.

Of course, what Sheng Changquan said was all he could say; similarly, he didn't mention anything he couldn't say.

Therefore, the Sheng family knew nothing about some of the stories that happened during Sheng Changquan's six years in the past!

"Sa!"

Sheng Changquan walked quickly past, suddenly a gust of autumn wind swept by, and a fallen leaf was jolted and fell directly from the tree.

This leaf, like a martial arts master, twirled and fell from the sky.

Although its speed is not fast, its descent trajectory is unpredictable and difficult to predict.

but.

"Shh!"

Driven by the flow of air, Sheng Changquan's right hand, sensing this fluctuation in the air, unconsciously caught the falling leaf from the tree.

"Wow~"

Although there was no sound, it was as if water was really flowing. The fallen leaf fell into Sheng Changquan's right hand and, as if it had fallen into a river, smoothly and evenly swirled around his palm.

It seems to drift with the current, yet also like a serpent exploring its cave; it is exceptionally spiritual.

If someone were to look closely, they would discover that the leaf's movement never actually made complete contact with Sheng Changquan's right hand!

Their movement was clearly separated by a layer of void.

This was due to Sheng Changquan's special ability.

His mental power was unconsciously manipulating the leaf to move continuously, and it looked extremely simple, almost as if he could do whatever he wanted.

Because of his focused mind, Sheng Changquan was in a state of unconscious emptiness, and it could even be said that he only had a little bit of instinct left in the outside world.

But it was precisely this instinct that kept him in this strange state.

This state is precisely the martial arts realm that countless martial artists dream of!
This state, known as the realm of ethereal emptiness, is a state that countless martial arts practitioners yearn for; or, in other words, it is a form of enlightenment.

Moreover, it is the most efficient method. If someone can comprehend martial arts in this state, they will surely reap great rewards afterward.

Similarly, if Sheng Changquan could concentrate on practicing martial arts at this time, he could also achieve twice the result with half the effort and make rapid progress in the path of martial arts.

Putting aside other things, just look at his skills, such as fist techniques and swordsmanship. The level of mastery he achieves can naturally be greatly enhanced, or even experience a qualitative leap!

However, Sheng Changquan was not aware of this at the moment. Right now, he was just deep in thought, pondering the previous question in his mind.

"Could it be?"

"Are they trying to establish a connection with the Shen family?"

Thinking about his father, Lord Sheng's, character, Sheng Changquan felt a little strange: "Isn't he afraid of being drawn into the disputes in the court now?"

"..."

"Sigh, never mind!"

After thinking for a long time, Sheng Changquan still couldn't come up with any clues. In the end, he could only sigh and think helplessly, "I'd better stop thinking about it!"

"Given my father's personality, I doubt he would act like that!"

Thinking of Sheng Hong's cautious nature, which was as sharp as a groundhog, Sheng Changquan shook his head and thought with a wry smile, "Fine!"

"I'd better hurry over there. I want to see what they're trying to say."

"boom!"

Sheng Changquan finally came to his senses, but he was suddenly shocked!
He looked somewhat bewildered, but his previous state of ethereal tranquility was instantly shattered.

"Teng!"

His right hand paused, and with a flick of his two fingers, he shattered the fallen leaf into pieces!
Note that it is broken, not cracked!
The fallen leaf turned into powder instantly, seemingly suffering a gruesome fate.

"Well?"

"How is this going?"

Only then did Sheng Changquan belatedly realize: "Just now!"

"What just happened to me?"

The Sheng family, after all, did not have such a profound foundation, so Sheng Changquan did not know how precious his state just now was. Right now, he only felt comfortable all over, and every muscle and bone in his body was inexplicably pulsating, as if he had received some great benefit.

Moreover, it wasn't just these things; even the source of his elusive and uncontrollable supernatural power within Sheng Changquan's body began to stir, as if it had been touched, and it gained an indescribable vitality.

Lively and vibrant, like a spark about to ignite.

"That's strange?"

Sheng Changquan looked surprised, but he didn't stop walking and continued forward at the same pace.

"Why do I feel like my strength... has increased significantly?"

Sheng Changquan was filled with doubt and suspicion, even wondering if this was just his imagination.

"This……"

"How could this be... that I was promoted for no reason?"

Sheng Changquan immediately prepared to concentrate his mind and energy, using his spiritual sense to introspect and see what was going on with him.

However, at this moment, he suddenly remembered the matter of Hanhaitang, and upon thinking of this, Sheng Changquan immediately dismissed his idea.

There was no other way; if he were to investigate now, it would probably take too long. Therefore, he could only put it aside for the time being and prepare to go to Hanhai Hall to see his father and brothers and see what was going on with them.

We'll talk about other things later.

……

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Shen residence.

"mother!"

Shen Li hurriedly pushed open the door from the outside and walked quickly into the inner room. Then, he ran directly to his mother's bed.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Where do you feel unwell?"

Shen Li called out anxiously while carefully looking at Madam Shen, trying to see his mother's expression.

Indeed, due to some reasons that were inconvenient to discuss, Madam Shen's condition was not good at the moment, as if she were ill.

Of course, Madam Shen's current state is due to excessive worry, which leads to her sickly appearance. However, once she resolves her inner conflicts and gets some rest, she will recover.

"It's Li'er!"

Upon hearing Shen Li's voice and seeing her son's figure, Madam Shen couldn't help but perk up and struggled to sit up.

"Mother, please be careful!"

Seeing Madam Shen's movements, Shen Jun quickly stepped forward to help her sit down, while also giving her careful instructions.

In fact, Shen Jun rushed over immediately after hearing the news. At this moment, she was sitting next to Madam Shen, serving her.

"mother!"

Shen Li stepped forward and carefully sat down opposite Madam Shen, looking anxious.

"Mother, please tell me, where exactly are you feeling unwell?"

"And what did the doctor say?"

Since he had not heard a reply from Madam Shen, Shen Li suggested, "Why don't we have Father go to the palace and invite the imperial physician?"

"Oh, no need!"

Madam Shen shook her head, directly rejecting Shen Li's suggestion.

"Mother! You..."

"Li'er, I know my own body!"

Madam Shen interrupted Shen Li, speaking clearly and calmly.

At this moment, Madam Shen's face was pale and bloodless. She also had a headband tied around her head to relieve the pressure. She leaned against the back of the bed, her tone carrying a faint sense of loneliness.

"mother……"

Upon seeing Madam Shen's refusal, Shen Li immediately became anxious. He was worried that Madam Shen's carelessness at this moment would lead to future suffering, and he was very anxious!

However, because this matter was too sudden, Shen Li once again became tongue-tied and for a moment, he could not say anything and could only stare anxiously!
"Alright, little brother!"

Seeing the situation, Shen Jun suddenly spoke up and comforted Shen Li.

"Brother, Mother is alright!"

Shen Li didn't notice anything, but Shen Jun discovered some hidden secrets.

I was thinking of taking a break, but considering my perfect attendance record, I'll try my best to update. This chapter is incomplete; it will be heavily revised later, with additional plot details added, and will reach 4000 words...

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(End of this chapter)