Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 419 Thorough Discussion
However, usually no one would make a move during this period. Actions before the court's decision were based on the rules and each person had their own means. But if someone were to make a move during this public notice period, it would mean that they had completely broken with Xiao Qinyan in the open, which would be contrary to gentlemanly conduct. Few people would be so irrational as to break the unspoken rules unless they were truly irreconcilable enemies.

"Xiao Qinyan?"

Sheng Changquan paused, somewhat puzzled: "Strange? How could it be Xiao Qinyan?"

Sheng Changquan quickly searched through Xiao Qinyan's background in his mind, and muttered to himself, "Minister of Works, Lord Xiao?"

"That's right, it's Lord Xiao!"

Seemingly noticing Sheng Changquan's confusion, Sheng Hong couldn't help but add, "Lord Xiao was a candidate 'personally' recommended by Grand Secretary Yu."

Sheng Hong emphasized the word "personally" in particular.

"Moreover, not only Lord Shen, but even Lord Sun did not object. It seems that all the officials in the court agree to Lord Xiao's entry into the cabinet!"

At this point, Sheng Hong also didn't understand the situation in the court. However, he was genuinely envious of Xiao Qinyan's actions this time, and at the same time, he couldn't help but show a hint of admiration on his face.

"It's strange, really. Lord Xiao has always been moderate and unassuming in court. I wonder what he did this time to manage to appease those officials!"

"They actually managed to get into that cabinet!"

Sheng Hong's words were filled with envy, no, jealousy!
However, he was cautious by nature, and even in front of his own son, he quickly restrained his emotions.

"Quan'er, aren't you quite on good terms with the Yu and Shen families? Do you know anything about this?"

What exactly is the explanation behind this?

Sheng Hong narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice, saying, "If nothing unexpected happens, we'll have to address that Lord Xiao as Grand Secretary Xiao from now on."

"If we can figure out the ins and outs beforehand, it will be easier to deal with him in the future."

After all, Sheng Hong worked in the Ministry of Works, so he naturally paid close attention to his superiors, especially since they were already confirmed to be promoted.

"Father, I'm not entirely sure what's in here either," Sheng Changquan replied instinctively, as if trying to protect himself.

"Ok?"

Sheng Hong's eyes widened!
Meeting his father's increasingly sharp gaze, Sheng Changquan shrank back, then lowered his head and pondered for a while. Finally, meeting Sheng Hong's expectant gaze, he shook his head and slowly said, "Father, I really don't know!"

"However, as far as I know, the successor that Grand Secretary Yu most wants to recommend should not be Lord Xiao, right?"

After thinking about it, Sheng Changquan decided not to hide it from his father.

After all, Sheng Hong had been an official for many years and must have his own set of methods. Sheng Changquan was also somewhat confused about the current situation, so he simply told him what he had done.

……

"Heh... I didn't expect that you'd already accomplished so much before even entering officialdom!"

After listening to Sheng Changquan's story, Sheng Hong's face immediately darkened, and he said sarcastically, "What? You think you're something special just because you got a few first places?"

"Hmm? Are you going to interfere in the Crown Prince's affairs next?!"

Sheng Hong couldn't help but get angry when he thought about how boldly Sheng Changquan had instigated the matter of Grand Secretary Yu!

“Father!” Sheng Changquan naturally understood his father’s dissatisfaction. After all, he had indeed done too much this time, which went against his father’s usual caution. However, he also had his own reasons.

As the saying goes, the bigger the storm, the more valuable the fish. If you don't take this opportunity to gain some political resources, how can you make your future path smoother?

Besides, he was just running errands and doing odd jobs; there certainly wasn't much danger involved.

“Father, I was wrong. Although I did do some things, I was just a supporting player in the end.” Sheng Changquan approached Sheng Hong with a smile and a look of filial piety. “The deal between Grand Secretary Yu and Lord Shen naturally depends on their mutual understanding. I was just doing some errands.”

"They're not even errand runners!"

Sheng Changquan gave a wry smile: "If my son were truly that important, then Grand Secretary Yu wouldn't have chosen Lord Xiao. I even thought Grand Secretary Yu was going to recommend Lord Shen!"

“Father, I was wrong!” Sheng Changquan said with a “dejected” look. “However, I just wanted to do some favors for the Sheng family so that you could be more comfortable in the court.”

Sheng Changquan knew exactly how to deal with Sheng Hong.

His old man was like a donkey that only responds to gentle persuasion, especially after being constantly teased by Madam Wang for decades. He only responded to soft persuasion and not to hard persuasion. Otherwise, how could Linxi Pavilion have come to surpass him and become the apple of Sheng Hong's eye?
"Humph!"

Seeing Sheng Changquan admit his mistake immediately, Sheng Hong's mood eased slightly. He snorted coldly at Sheng Changquan and said, "Now you know how scared you are, huh!"

Sheng Hong wanted to say something more, but seeing Sheng Changquan's dejected appearance, he immediately swallowed his words.

"Forget it, at least you have some self-awareness and didn't get involved too much!"

After learning about what Sheng Changquan had done inside, Sheng Hong felt much more at ease.

Although Sheng Changquan relayed some messages to Shen Shouzheng, with Shen Li and Old Madam Sheng present, it didn't attract much attention. After all, the Sheng family had many connections with both of them.

"From now on, you'd better stay home and study hard!" Sheng Hong hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help but warn, "Don't keep doing stupid things like your third brother, adding unnecessary complications all the time!"

It was obvious that Sheng Hong was starting to think that Sheng Changquan was somewhat foolish, as he bore a resemblance to Sheng Changfeng.

"Truly worthy of being brothers!" Sheng Hong gritted his teeth inwardly, but finally couldn't hold back any longer and said sternly, "Don't inquire about this matter anymore. Don't even go to the Shen family. Just pretend our family never knew anything about this!"

"do you know?"

"Yes, father!"

Sheng Changquan nodded to Sheng Hong with a "ashamed look," indicating that he was an obedient and good child.

"Humph!"

Seeing this, Sheng Hong had no choice but to wave his sleeves, angrily open the door of Zhiyuan Hall, and leave in a huff.

"Your son respectfully sees his father off!"

Behind him, Sheng Changquan bowed loudly.

After a long while, once Sheng Hong had walked away, Sheng Changquan finally recovered from his guilt.

"Oh, it's you!"

Sheng Changquan suddenly understood something he had never been able to figure out.