Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 355 A Subtle Reveal of Intentions: The Sheng Family's Plan
"Sister, what's wrong with Mother...?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Li turned to look at Shen Jun, his face full of confusion.

"Brother!"

Shen Jun looked at Shen Li, and shook her head slightly again, indicating her presence.

"Brother, don't worry!"

"Mother, this..."

Shen Jun paused for a moment, then said again, "Mother is just tired, there's nothing seriously wrong."

Before Shen Jun arrived, Lord Shen had already considered the impact of this matter, so he sent someone to Shen Jun in advance to explain the whole story.

Although she didn't go into details, she did specifically mention Li Yancheng's matter so that Shen Jun would know the reason. Therefore, she now knows the reason for Madam Shen's current state.

"what?"

"this!"

Shen Li was completely confused, but seeing that his sister and mother both tacitly agreed, he finally figured something out.

He thought for a moment, then turned back to look at Madam Shen again and said softly, "Mother, since that's the case, I'll go out and get you a bowl of hot porridge."

"I suppose you haven't eaten for a while, and you must be quite hungry by now!"

Now that he knew his mother was alright, Shen Li was relieved. However, looking at Madam Shen's pale face, he couldn't bear to look away, so he said this to express his filial piety.

Of course, Shen Li's filial piety is genuine and not just for show. After all, the feelings between the members of the Shen family are truly sincere.

"Ah."

Madam Shen did not refuse, but simply nodded in agreement.

"Now that I hear what Li'er says, I do feel a little hungry."

Madam Shen raised her hand and deliberately smiled at Shen Li, saying, "Li'er, then go to the kitchen and get me some light food!"

"As for other things, Mother doesn't have much of an appetite."

"Yes, mother!"

Upon hearing Madam Shen's words, Shen Li nodded happily: "I'll get it for you right away!"

He quickly got up, then glanced cautiously at his sister beside him again, but said nothing, and ran outside quickly.

Judging from his expression, he seemed to genuinely believe what Madam Shen said and thought she was hungry.

However, Shen Li had no idea that Madam Shen had no appetite at all at this moment!
Right now, all she can think about is her daughter and her family.

The former was because of her marriage, while the latter was because of concerns about her future.

These two things really made Madam Shen's hair turn white with worry!

"Jun'er!"

After Shen Li had walked away, Madam Shen finally looked away and then looked at Shen Jun sitting next to her, calling out to her guiltily.

"mother!"

Shen Jun seemed to have noticed something was off about her mother's tone, so she quietly sat closer and reached out to tuck the corner of the blanket around her to keep her from getting cold.

"Jun'er!"

Madam Shen grabbed Shen Jun's outstretched hands and said softly in a guilty tone, "Jun'er, it's all my fault!"

"It was my poor judgment in judging people that almost ruined you and jeopardized your life's most important matter!"

Madam Shen leaned against the bed, her eyes slightly moist.

To be honest, although Madam Shen wanted to take care of her family, she never thought it would come at the cost of sacrificing her own children's lifelong happiness. Her previous desire to bring Shen Jun and Li Yancheng together was simply because Li Yancheng was outstanding enough. Madam Shen just wanted to kill two birds with one stone and fulfill her own wishes.

However, after receiving guidance from Lord Shen, she realized her naivety, having actually believed other people's rumors!

Moreover, he himself was poor at judging people, which almost ruined his daughter's life!

Therefore, under the shock of this sudden truth, Madam Shen was both angry and anxious, as well as ashamed!

Therefore, unable to accept it for a moment, Madam Shen collapsed.

Fortunately, it was just a temporary reaction caused by anger, so when she saw Shen Jun now, Madam Shen finally calmed down.

"mother!"

Upon hearing Madam Shen's apology, Shen Jun smiled and shook her head, indicating that she didn't mind.

She grasped Madam Shen's hands in return and gently comforted her, "Mother, don't blame yourself. Everyone makes mistakes."

"Moreover."

Shen Jun smiled and said, "Isn't this all for our daughter's good?"

"No matter what, I firmly believe that my mother would never harm me!"

What Shen Jun said at this moment was from the bottom of her heart.

Although she had previously felt dissatisfied with some of Madam Shen's actions, Shen Jun never harbored any resentment towards Madam Shen as a person. She knew that even if Madam Shen sometimes did something wrong, her intentions were good, and for that reason alone, Shen Jun had no right to blame her.

Not to mention, Madam Shen is Shen Jun's biological mother, and as a daughter, she can never blame a mother.

"Jun'er!"

Madam Shen was somewhat weak at this time, which made her feelings of being moved all the more sincere and profound!

After all, a person is most easily moved when they are in a weakened state.

"Jun'er, don't worry!"

"Now that I know about this, I will never let you marry him again!"

Because she was so angry, Madam Shen never revealed Li Yancheng's name in the end, but simply referred to him as "he".

After all, no matter how close a nephew is, how can he compare to one's own daughter whom one has carried for ten months?

"besides!"

"Your mother has made her decision. From now on, you will decide all your marriage arrangements!"

Thinking about this blunder, Madam Shen's face showed a hint of regret. She looked at Shen Jun and surprisingly showed a resolute expression: "If you don't agree, even if it's your father's wish, I will refuse on your behalf!"

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide on your life's most important decision!

With a desire to make amends, Madam Shen gave Shen Jun the best promise she could make!

"Just like that Sheng Changquan that your father favored this time, I was going to help you out, but you refused!"

"Jun'er, don't worry!"

Looking at Shen Jun, Madam Shen reiterated firmly, "If you're unwilling, I will definitely help you!"

"what?"

When Sheng Changquan was mentioned, a blush inexplicably appeared on Shen Jun's face.

"Mother~"

Just after Madam Shen finished making her promise, Shen Jun suddenly spoke up.

"Mother, actually..."

"Actually... daughters always listen to their fathers." "Hmm?"

Because Shen Jun spoke softly, Madam Shen couldn't hear her clearly at first.

"Jun'er, what did you just say?"

"mother!"

Shen Jun was still the same person who was gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, so even though she was a little shy, she still said it again with great courage: "Daughter..."

"What I mean is... I'm willing to listen to Father!"

"what?"

"Jun'er, you don't need to worry about it..."

At first, Madam Shen failed to understand the subtext in Shen Jun's words, only thinking that she was being submissive and accepting the arrangements of her elders. So she tried to comfort her. However, she only got halfway through her sentence before she realized what was going on.

"Jun'er, what...what do you mean?"

Madam Shen looked at her daughter suspiciously and asked tentatively.

Shen Jun didn't say anything to this, but blushed and slowly lowered her head.

……

The Sheng family, Hanhai Hall.

When Sheng Changquan walked in, Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai were already sitting in their seats waiting for him.

"May Father be well, and may Second Brother be well!"

Although they hadn't seen each other for a long time, they were still family, so the three of them got along just as well as before.

"Ah."

Seeing his most intelligent son walk in, Sheng Hong's eyes narrowed involuntarily. He was quite happy and proud of him.

Even so, Sheng Hong's face remained expressionless, showing no emotion whatsoever. He simply maintained a serious demeanor, playing the role of a strict father.

However, Sheng Changbai, who was standing next to him, rarely smiled and said softly, "Hehe, Xiao Qi, you're back!"

Since there were no outsiders present, Sheng Changbai addressed Sheng Changquan in an even more intimate manner: "Xiao Qi, come and sit down quickly, your second brother has something to ask you!"

Sheng Changbai waved to Sheng Changquan, gesturing for him to sit down next to him.

"Yes, Second Brother."

Sheng Changquan first glanced at Sheng Hong, who hadn't spoken, then quickly walked over to Sheng Changbai's side and sat down.

"Second brother, what's wrong? What's the matter?"

After Sheng Changquan sat down, he couldn't help but look at him and ask.

Upon hearing Sheng Changquan's question, Sheng Changbai did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Xiao Qi, you went to Minister Shen's residence today, didn't you?"

"Yes, Not Bad!"

Sheng Changquan did not hide anything: "Because I am a long-time friend of Lord Shen's son, Shen Li, and we had made an agreement long ago, I went to the Shen residence today to pay my respects to Lord Shen and his family."

"Ah."

"That's only right, Xiao Qi. You're the junior, so it's only natural."

Sheng Changbai nodded, then pondered for a moment before suddenly asking, "However, Xiao Qi, did you see Lord Shen today?"

Because everyone knew that the central government was busy with its affairs, Sheng Changbai and the others did not know whether Sheng Changquan had seen Shen Shouzhen or not. After all, the Sheng family was not qualified to keep Shen Shouzhen at home at this time.

Of course, if Sheng Changquan could gain Shen Shouzheng's favor, that would be a different story.

At this moment, not only did Sheng Changbai's expression turn serious, but even Sheng Hong, who was pretending to be calm, quietly pricked up his ears and listened more carefully.

"Hehe, Second Brother, I have certainly met Lord Shen."

Sheng Changquan smiled faintly, and then gave a brief account of what had happened that day.

He even vaguely mentioned the matter concerning the Shen and Yu families. However, he didn't mention the letter written by Shen Shouzhen, only saying that he had done the Shen family a great favor by contacting Grand Secretary Yu on their behalf.

Both Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai were shocked by this!
"Changquan, you!"

"you……"

Upon hearing this news, Sheng Hong was immediately filled with shock and anger!
The cautious Sheng family man was immediately afraid, worried that Sheng Changquan's actions would threaten the safety of the Sheng family.

However, after thinking it over again, Lord Sheng suddenly felt that the matter was not so pessimistic. It seemed that there was still a lot of room for maneuver. Therefore, his tone gradually calmed down, and his expression returned to normal.

"Hmph! Changquan, how dare you!"

"How dare you get involved in this matter!"

Sheng Hong stared at Sheng Changquan with a stern face, his expression conveying anger rather than authority.

"Father, please don't panic!"

Seeing Sheng Hong's reaction, Sheng Changquan shook his head calmly.

"Actually, this hasn't even started yet!"

Sheng Changquan knew how Sheng Hong was feeling, so he quickly explained, "Besides, even if I arranged a meeting between Lord Shen and Grand Secretary Yu, so what? As long as we don't say anything, how would outsiders know?"

"Besides, it wouldn't matter even if we knew!"

Sheng Changquan calmly gave his answer: "After all, the main responsibility for this matter lies with your son. As long as you insist that you did not know about it, no one can blame you."

"In this way, our Sheng family will be safe."

"Nonsense!"

No sooner had Sheng Changquan finished speaking than Sheng Hong suddenly shouted, "And what about you?"

"what would you do?"

"Aren't you afraid that you won't be able to enter officialdom in the future?"

Sheng Hong was instantly enraged by Sheng Changquan's disregard for his future!

"hehe!"

Faced with Sheng Hong's fury, Sheng Changquan chuckled and said, "Father, whether or not one enters officialdom is probably not up to those people to decide, is it?"

"As long as my son's writing is good enough, then there's no need to worry too much about this!"

"you!"

Seeing Sheng Changquan's confident demeanor, Sheng Hong was momentarily speechless.

Originally, he was going to say something to warn Sheng Changquan so that he wouldn't become arrogant and complacent and make a mistake. However, when Sheng Changquan thought of the articles he had given him yesterday, he suddenly couldn't say anything.

There was no way around it; the articles Sheng Changquan provided yesterday were simply too well-crafted, and his skill was even superior to that of his father.

Sheng Hong asked himself honestly, given Sheng Changquan's writing skills, if he failed to pass this time, the reason would not be due to him. On the contrary, it was more likely that there was a problem with the current talent selection ceremony.

In other words, Sheng Changquan's failure this time must be because there was cheating in this provincial examination!
Of course, this is just Sheng Hong's personal opinion, and the actual situation is not so simple. However, it also reflects Sheng Changquan's strength from another perspective.

"Father, what Xiaoqi did may not necessarily be wrong!"

At this moment, Sheng Changbai, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

I haven't updated in a while, so I'm a bit out of sorts. I'll get back to normal... (Publish this first, then revise it later. I guarantee it will be at least 4,000 words.)
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(End of this chapter)