Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 420 The Yu Family Wedding
Regarding Yu Zhenghao's case, Sheng Changquan always felt that there was another dark force stirring things up in the shadows.

Although on the surface it seems that only Qiu Jie is involved in this matter, and only one force is making a move, in reality, several groups of people are working together. Otherwise, Yu Zhenghao's "get rich" plan would not have gone so smoothly, and he would not have been able to keep it a secret from Grand Secretary Yu.

If you can fool a top-tier old fox, then you can only fool a whole bunch of old foxes.

Moreover, Sheng Changquan also had informants planted in the hands of the other side. According to the information he passed on, the Yu Zhenghao matter must have been accomplished through the combined efforts of multiple parties.

"Judging from the results, it was Xiao Qinyan who ultimately stepped forward to reap the rewards."

Sheng Changquan analyzed inside the room: "So that means Xiao Qinyan is the last remaining force?"

"But, that shouldn't be the case!"

Sheng Changquan was somewhat suspicious.

Something seems off here?
Sheng Changquan rubbed his face, trying to regain his composure, and pondered to himself: "Xiao Qinyan himself is nothing more than a neutral party, neither a righteous person nor close to the military."

At the same time, he was not from a prestigious family, nor did he enjoy the favor of the government; behind him, he should only have himself.

"Could it be that?"

Sheng Changquan looked suspiciously in the direction of the palace, thinking to himself, "Is he trying to take a desperate gamble and use this opportunity to become a royalist?"

There is a lot of factional strife in the court now, but fortunately, no single party has become dominant.

To summarize, it was probably a struggle between civil and military officials, as well as a struggle between powerful families and imperial power.

However, the struggle between civil and military officials required a balance from the emperor, with the focus on imperial power. The aristocratic families were not entirely harmonious, as they had many factions that attacked each other. Therefore, the real power still belonged to the royalists, that is, the imperial power.

In conclusion, the current situation still puts the government in the most powerful position. However, the government is benevolent, so the power struggles in the court do not break out into a full-blown conflict. In fact, Yu Zhenghao's actions this time have already gone somewhat too far.

After thinking for a long time, Sheng Changquan finally shook his head.

"It shouldn't be what I think. Xiao Qinyan couldn't have gotten to this point by being so foolish."

A person who can rise to the position of Minister cannot be the kind of person who takes a desperate gamble, unless he suffers some kind of blow and loses his mind!
"never mind!"

After pondering for a long time, Sheng Changquan still couldn't figure it out, so he simply shook his head and gave up.

He sat back down, muttering to himself, "Since things are already settled, I might as well listen to the old man and stay home to study hard! Anyway, I've done what I needed to do and I've gotten the favors I wanted. As for what comes next..."

"Then study hard and prepare for the upcoming imperial examination!"

Now that things have come to this, Sheng Changquan guessed that Grand Secretary Yu and Shen Shouzhen should already understand how the situation will unfold. As for what to do, these bigwigs would know for themselves, and they wouldn't need a novice like Sheng Changquan to teach them.

To be honest, what Sheng Changquan was more curious about was what Xiao Qinyan would do next.
Sometimes, just because you're in doesn't mean you can stay. If you don't have a solid foundation, you'll inevitably be sidelined and your power will be undermined.

Moreover, even if one enters the cabinet through such means, it is not certain that the emperor will appreciate it.

……

Just as Sheng Changquan had predicted, both the Shen and Yu residences seemed unusually different today, both shrouded in an eerie silence.

However, things were a bit better at the Shen residence. The servants knew nothing yet, and only the younger generation like Shen Li had heard some news. Therefore, they were very careful in their words and actions, afraid that their master would pick them out to check their homework and cause some bad consequences. On the other hand, things were much more lively at the Yu residence.

At this moment, Yu Zhenghao was leading his wife and children to the main house, intending to inquire about the situation from Old Master Yu.

However, since he was still living in his own residence and had not been "invited" by the relevant authorities, Yu Zhenghao knew that his shameful affair should be over. Therefore, he came here with his children for two reasons: first, to put his mind at ease and to get his father's final decision; and second, for his own future.

Although Yu Zhenghao knew that his future was probably bleak, he still hoped that his father could use his seniority to secure him a better retirement position.

After all, even tigers don't eat their cubs, so Grand Secretary Yu must still care about him, the eldest son.

Moreover, Yu Zhenghao considers himself the "face" of the Yu family. If his position were lowered, people might look down on the Yu family. That's why he came to remind his father, lest the old man really forget.

However, Yu Zhenghao was also aware of the magnitude of his mistake, so he specially brought his wife and children, especially his son and daughter, in an attempt to have his grandchildren awaken the fatherly love that he had suppressed.

But it must be said that he was completely overthinking it.

"May Father be well! May Mother be well!"

Upon entering the house, Yu Zhenghao immediately bowed to the Yu family, who were seated at the head of the table.

However, no one paid any attention to his gesture. Not to mention Grand Secretary Yu, even Old Madam Yu, who always doted on her eldest son, simply held Yu Yanran's hands beside her in silence, her mind solely focused on worrying about her marriage prospects.

Indeed, the Yu family had been discussing Yu Yanran's marriage in the house earlier.

Yu Yanran is indeed Yu Zhenghao's eldest daughter, a proper young lady of the Yu family. However, her birth mother died early, her biological father remarried, and her stepmother, Fang, was a vicious woman. If it weren't for the protection of Grand Secretary Yu and his wife over the years, she would probably have been tortured to death by the two of them long ago.

It was quite strange that Grand Secretary Yu sometimes found it strange. He was shrewd and decisive in everything he did, whether it was big or small matters, so how could his eldest son be so stupid and foolish as to fall into the hands of a woman in the backyard?

Grand Secretary Yu has already investigated Yu Zhenghao's smuggling case thoroughly, and the biggest reason behind it is Yu Zhenghao's wife, Madam Fang!

Qiu Jie used money to pave the way for Fang's influence, which led Yu Zhenghao astray under the influence of Fang's wife until he fell into an inescapable trap.

"grandmother!"

Yu Yanran leaned against Old Madam Yu, head bowed and silent.

In fact, Yu Yanran had already reached marriageable age. If it weren't for the imperial selection that year, she would probably have already married someone else.

Just now, Grand Secretary Yu was analyzing the current situation with his wife and granddaughter. Especially now that Grand Secretary Yu has retired from the court, the Yu family's future days will not be as comfortable as before.

Most importantly, Grand Secretary Yu's retirement will definitely affect Yu Yanran's marriage; her future husband's requirements may need to be lowered somewhat.

"My poor Yanran!" Old Mrs. Yu couldn't help but shed tears.

"grandmother!"

Yu Yanran also looked at her grandparents with teary eyes, feeling a pang of grievance in her heart.

Thanks to the experts for their support!