Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 78 I'll Cut Again

On the way, Sheng Changquan carried two exam boxes and walked back easily. It was only a few steps away when he saw Minglan ahead.

"Brother!"

From afar, Minglan, accompanied by Xiaotao and Cuiming, walked towards Sheng Changquan.

Cuiming came from Shou'an Hall. Because Sheng Changquan had already entered school, the old lady specially assigned him a personal maid to serve Sheng Changquan's daily life.

"Sister!"

Sheng Changquan handed the examination box to Xiao Tao and Cui Ming, then took Ming Lan's hand and said, "Don't worry, I've already spoken to the young master, and he probably won't act like this again!"

"Ok!"

Minglan didn't feel much in her heart, but she felt that this was for the best.

Peaceful times, a win-win situation.

"By the way, little brother, Madam Fang just sent someone over to say that eldest sister has returned to the manor and wants us to come over!"

Minglan said with a smile in her eyes, "Speaking of which, apart from when you were just born, you probably haven't seen your eldest sister yet!"

Minglan pondered that Sheng Changquan had only been cared for by Sheng Hualan shortly after he was born. After all, since his elder sister married into the Yuan family, she had only returned a few times. However, Sheng Changquan missed all of those visits due to various reasons.
That's why Minglan said that.

"Is your older sister back today?"

Sheng Changquan was stunned!
Immediately, he felt a sense of joy.

In his memory, Sheng Hualan was a nice older sister. Although he didn't have much contact with her, she was a kind person who liked to pity the weak, and at the very least, she liked to help her younger brothers and sisters who were weaker.

Although she sometimes liked to act like an older sister and scold her younger siblings, Sheng Changquan knew that among her younger siblings, her own younger sister Rulan was the one who was scolded the most.

"Oh, I remember now, Madam said that today is indeed the day for Eldest Sister to return to the mansion."

Sheng Changquan replied, and then remembered something else.

"Oh, right, sister, I have something to do to see the scholar. You should take our things back first."

Pointing to the examination boxes in Xiao Tao and the others' hands, Sheng Changquan said, "Furthermore, if you see the eldest sister, please apologize to her for me and tell her that I will be there shortly!"

Sheng Changquan pulled Minglan aside and whispered a reason.

"Huh? Is there something else?"

Minglan was a little surprised, but she didn't doubt it much. She simply nodded and agreed, "Alright then, hurry up! Don't keep your elder sister waiting!"

"Ok!"

Sheng Changquan smiled and nodded, then watched the three of them slowly walk away.

……

In Zhuang Xuejiu's courtyard.

"Scholar, I have something I'd like to discuss with you!"

After exchanging greetings with Mr. Zhuang's wife, Sheng Changquan followed Mr. Zhuang into the study.

"Oh? What's going on?"

Zhuang Xuejiu put down the book in his hand and looked up at Sheng Changquan in front of him.

To be honest, in his mind, among all the students present, apart from his favorite Sheng Changbai, he felt that this kid in front of him was the most clever.

Back when Sheng Hong sent the child to school, Zhuang Xuejiu had already told Sheng Hong that he planned to temper Sheng Changquan's character, to teach him how to advance and retreat, to understand right and wrong, and at the very least, to learn about human relationships and social interactions.

But who knew that Sheng Changquan wouldn't fall for it?

Originally, Zhuang Xuejiu planned to pamper the little guy first, let him develop some pride and complacency, and then seize an opportunity to give him a good beating, so that he would understand what setbacks are, reflect on himself, and develop a tenacious and humble attitude.

However, to Zhuang Xuejiu's surprise, Sheng Changquan seemed to have been born with a worldly-wise air about him, no matter how much Zhuang Xuejiu tried in private to praise him, compliment him, or compare him to others...

After several rounds, even with all the experience Zhuang Xuejiu had accumulated over the decades, he had exhausted all the countless methods he had used up, yet he still maintained that calm and unhurried demeanor.

Although he was somewhat annoyed, Zhuang Xuejiu was mostly gratified... This child will surely amount to something great in the future!
Therefore, Zhuang Xuejiu actually quite admired Sheng Changquan.

"pedant!"

Sheng Changquan bowed deeply, looking rather embarrassed, and said, "Actually, I shouldn't have said this, but for the sake of our friendship as classmates, I've thought about it and feel it's necessary to inform the scholar!"

"Ah."

Zhuang Xuejiu nodded, somewhat understanding what Sheng Changquan meant.

Is this kid about to tattle on me?
"Tell me what it is!"

Zhuang Xuejiu squinted, staring intently at Sheng Changquan in front of him!

Although his old eyesight was failing, he was still a shrewd man. He wanted to see whether Sheng Changquan was well-intentioned or malicious.

If it's out of kindness, then it's truly for the good of the other students. If it's out of malice, then it's nothing more than a power struggle among the wealthy. Master Zhuang, who is already fifty, has experienced countless things in his life, and he can tell at a glance whether they are good or bad.

"Yes, scholar!"

Sheng Changquan could naturally feel the sharp gaze from the other side, but he was not intimidated.

Although he acted out of selfishness, it was not out of malice, so he was open and aboveboard.

"It's just recently that I've noticed the young master seems to be neglecting his studies."

Sheng Changquan said slowly and deliberately, "Although the young master comes from a prestigious family with a noble lineage."

“There was no need for him to take the imperial examinations, but I thought that since the Princess and the others had sent the young master to study under a scholar, it would be a pity if he failed the examinations, so…”

Sheng Changquan stopped talking.

"I see?"

Mr. Zhuang looked into Sheng Changquan's eyes with a meaningful gaze.

In response, Sheng Changquan's gaze was open and clear, without a trace of gloom.

Mr. Zhuang closed his eyes, and then slowly said, "Alright, I understand!"

Since this was a matter of great importance concerning Minglan's reputation, Sheng Changquan had no choice but to find another way, starting with Mr. Zhuang, making Qi Heng's studies more demanding, so that he would have no time to get entangled in the mess.

Sheng Changquan knew that Qi Heng was a very ambitious person, and if Zhuang Xuejiu were to take charge, he would be easily defeated.

therefore.

"Yes, scholar!"

"Then this student will take his leave!"

At Mr. Zhuang's wave, Sheng Changquan bowed and slowly withdrew.

a long time.

"Old man, what brings Quan-ge here?"

Mr. Zhuang's wife, Mrs. Zhuang, lifted the curtain and came in from outside, then asked with a curious look.

"Why do you all seem to be asking for knowledge?"

Because the two had only been talking for a short time, Li asked that question.

"hehe!"

Mr. Zhuang glanced at his wife and said with a faint smile, "Him?"