Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 519 Confrontation
Originally, Yuan Wenshao was immersed in the joy of his brother-in-law's success in the high school entrance exam and the glory of his family benefiting from it. Upon hearing this, he was suddenly stunned and subconsciously glanced in Hua Lan's direction.

That glance caught Hua Lan's rapidly lowered eyelids and the fleeting glimpse of her barely concealed grievance.

Although he already knew this, for some reason, at this moment, Yuan Wenshao suddenly had a deeper feeling.

He suddenly remembered that his mother had been frequently taking Shige'er to her yard lately, using excuses such as "missing her grandson," "being afraid he would catch a cold," and "Hua Lan being young and not knowing how to take care of him." The boy would stay there for most of the day, and she wouldn't even let him come back at night...

I recalled my wife's haggard appearance, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't...

I recalled how I had chosen to acquiesce and avoid confrontation with my mother because I was busy with work or because I didn't want to directly argue with her...

A mix of embarrassment, shame, and a touch of annoyance welled up inside him, causing the smile on Yuan Wenshao's face to freeze completely.

A fleeting hint of panic crossed his face. He quickly began to speak, attempting to explain, but his tone involuntarily carried a sense of eagerness to defend himself, even becoming somewhat hesitant: "Yes... I'm so sorry to trouble you, Seventh Brother. Your sister... is doing well, and so is Shi-ge'er, it's just..."

He glanced at Hualan again, as if seeking help, hoping his wife would take over the conversation as usual and smooth things over for him. But Hualan just silently held Shige'er and gently patted the child's back, as if all her attention was on her son. She didn't look at him or say a word.

Yuan Wenshao felt even more uneasy, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue to explain, "It's just... it's just that I was a little fussy a few nights ago and cried a few times. I think... I think I played too hard during the day and got frightened?"

He became increasingly less confident as he spoke, and his voice lowered: "I've already consulted the physician, who said it's nothing serious, just a few days of rest and recuperation will do the trick."

Sheng Changquan took in Yuan Wenshao's reaction and understood what he meant, but he didn't point it out.

He nodded slightly, his gaze returning to Yuan Wenshao. His tone remained gentle, even carrying a hint of a young man's respect for his elder: "I see. It's inevitable for a young man to be like this. Thank you for your concern, brother-in-law and elder sister."

He first let it go lightly, then quickly changed the subject, naturally steer the conversation toward Yuan Wenshao himself: "Speaking of which, brother-in-law, you are in charge of the Five Cities Military Command, your official duties must be extremely busy, right?"

Yuan Wenshao was secretly relieved when he heard this and subconsciously replied, "Yes, in the capital, under the emperor's nose, there are many things to do, such as security patrols, maintaining order on the ground, and clearing roads. It is indeed rare to have a moment of leisure."

His tone inevitably carried a hint of self-importance befitting an official in a powerful government department.

"Brother-in-law, you've worked hard." Sheng Changquan said sincerely, "You work day and night to maintain the peace of the capital. You are truly a pillar of the court and a blessing to the people. I admire you."

He first offered a compliment, which softened Yuan Wenshao's expression.

However, before Yuan Wenshao could express his modesty, Sheng Changquan continued, his clear eyes carrying a penetrating power: "However, no matter how busy you are with official duties, the peace and tranquility of your home is fundamental. I have heard that the capital is now a complex place with a diverse population and various forces converging. Although the security situation is generally stable, there are bound to be oversights. Brother-in-law, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders."

Yuan Wenshao nodded: "Seventh Brother is absolutely right. We dare not relax for even a moment." Sheng Changquan looked at him, slowed his speech, and said clearly, word by word: "Brother-in-law serves the court outside, exhausting himself. If he also has to worry about family matters all the time, he will inevitably neglect one thing and have difficulty concentrating. Although I am young, I know the principle of 'cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world.' Only when the family is peaceful and harmonious can one be single-minded and concentrate on the affairs of the king."

He paused briefly, his gaze gentle yet firm as he looked at Yuan Wenshao's suddenly grave expression, and continued slowly, each word crystal clear: "Only with a stable home front and a peaceful residence can my brother-in-law truly unleash his potential without worries. Only then can he, like my brother-in-law's ancestor, the Loyal and Diligent Earl, serve the country, achieve great deeds, rise through the ranks, and bring glory to the Yuan family. I'm sure my ancestor, in heaven, would most like to see his descendants living in harmony and enjoying a bright future."

Finally, he brought up Yuan Wenshao's ancestor, the first Earl of Zhongqin, who came from the military and fought bloody battles to build the Earl's estate. This was both an encouragement and an invisible, heavy reminder—never forget the responsibilities of being the head of the family and a father, and never betray the hard work of your ancestors in establishing the family.

This speech, starting with concern for his family, connecting it to the hardships of official duties, quoting the words of sages, and finally concluding with the future of his family and the glory of his ancestors, progresses step by step in a reasonable and logical manner. It not only fully affirms Yuan Wenshao's value, but also sharply points out the huge negative impact that "unrest at home" may have on his physical and mental health and his career.

Yuan Wenshao was shocked, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head on a cold winter day, instantly sobering him up from his smugness of "benefiting from the situation"!

He suddenly realized that his young brother-in-law was no child who needed the protection of the Sheng family. His insight into the ways of the world, his ability to understand people's hearts, and his shrewdness in verbal exchanges far exceeded his imagination! This was a powerful figure who could turn around and support his sister, and whose attitude could even influence his future career. He was a force to be reckoned with, a powerful family he could rely on!
He felt a genuine sweat on his forehead and a chill run down his back. He quickly suppressed his previous exaggerated enthusiasm and his expression became extremely solemn, even showing a belated sense of awe.

He clasped his hands solemnly, his voice much calmer: "Seventh Brother's words... are all golden words of wisdom, heartfelt and insightful, truly enlightening! It is I... who have been busy with trivial matters lately and have neglected the fundamentals! I am truly... truly ashamed! I have learned a great deal!"

He took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and involuntarily glanced in Hua Lan's direction again, saying in a deep voice, "Seventh Brother, rest assured. I understand the situation at home. I will definitely not... I will definitely not let Mother-in-law and Seventh Brother worry about this again."

This statement is almost a definite promise.

At this moment, he clearly understood that the Sheng family, especially his promising brother-in-law, not only knew about certain things concerning him and the inner quarters of the Zhongqin Earl's mansion, but also had their opinions.

In the past, although it was not good, it might not have been a big problem, but now... Looking at the calm-eyed boy in front of him, who was only fourteen years old but already well-versed in the ways of power, Yuan Wenshao felt cold sweat and dared not be negligent or perfunctory in the slightest.

Meanwhile, Liang Han, who was standing to the side, watched the entire conversation, which was full of subtle wit and gradually deepened, with her heart already churning with turmoil.

Seeing that Sheng Changquan had only said a few words, he first inquired with concern, then probed indirectly, and finally went straight to the heart of the matter. His words, which were both persuasive and insightful, were all reasonable and piercing. As the son of an earl, working in the Military Affairs Department, and who was usually quite arrogant, Yuan Wenshao looked ashamed, sweating profusely, and finally bowed and accepted the lesson, even making a guarantee!
This level of intelligence, this insight into human relationships, this skill in speech and the ability to maintain a proper balance—how could this be the mindset of a fourteen-year-old scholar? He is clearly a formidable figure who has been navigating the officialdom for many years, is well-versed in worldly affairs, and is adept at navigating complex situations!
While secretly terrified, Liang Han's opinion of Sheng Changquan instantly rose several times over. The casualness that came from their brother-in-law relationship vanished in an instant, replaced by a mixture of awe and eagerness to befriend him.

His smile grew even more eager and sincere as he quickly calculated in his mind: Mo Lan is right, this Sheng Changquan is no ordinary person, but a hidden dragon in the abyss, with unlimited potential in the future! We must hold onto this connection firmly! The Yongchang Marquis's Mansion may very well need to rely heavily on this in-law in the future.

He even began to think that when he got back, he should carefully instruct Mo Lan to visit her parents' home more often, to humble herself and maintain a good relationship with her seventh brother, as this would greatly benefit Liang Han's future!
……

The men in the front hall were witty and had different thoughts, but the rules could not be broken.

After seeing that their husbands and seventh brother were having a pleasant conversation, the Hua Lan sisters went to the backyard to greet Old Madam Sheng and Madam Wang.