Walking along the path in the garden of Tianyi Academy, all the way to the end, there is a small courtyard.

This is the residence of the academy's Vice Dean, Rong Shangping.

Though Tianyi Academy lacks some deep foundations, the academy's dean and teachers actually have some reputation.

"Announce, Su Zhensheng requests an audience."

Upon reaching the courtyard gate, Su Zhensheng nodded to the child student at the entrance.

The child student, upon hearing, promptly went inside to convey the message.

After a moment, that child student ran back quickly.

"General Su, the sir invites you to the backyard for tea and a chat."

It must be because the vice dean informed him of Su Zhensheng's identity; even his address changed to General Su, and his expression became much more courteous and respectful.

The child student led the way, and soon, they arrived at the backyard.

The backyard wasn't large, with a small pond in the center, where some aquatic lotuses were cultivated.

As spring arrived, the pond finally appeared lively again.

"What wind has blown General Su to my humble little courtyard?"

At this moment, the academy's Vice Dean was brewing a pot of clear tea.

With a hint of a smile, he looked towards Su Zhensheng.

Seeing his face, Su Zhensheng rolled his eyes at him.

"I am not a general now, you should call me Mr. Su.

Also, coming to your courtyard, do you think a pot of tea is enough to send me away?

Is it that easy?"

Hearing these somewhat cheeky words, the Vice Dean could only smile helplessly.

Vice Dean Rong Shangping had known Su Zhensheng since their youth.

Their relationship was good and quite familiar.

However, after Su Zhensheng entered the military, they communicated much less frequently.

"Rest assured, old friends meeting each other, the good wine is already being prepared.

Let's start with a cup of clear tea..."

Rong Shangping pushed a cup of clear tea in front of Su Zhensheng, inviting him to sit down.

Rong Shangping had invited him ever since he had been assigned to Tianyi Academy by His Holiness.

However, Su Zhensheng seemed to harbor some resentment in his heart and refused the invitation.

He spent his days staying in his own courtyard and the Book Collection Pavilion.

Today, Su Zhensheng didn't refuse anymore.

After sitting down, he picked up the cup of clear tea before him and drank it all in one go.

After drinking, he didn't speak, just looked at Rong Shangping.

"Old Su, do I, Rong Shangping, owe you money?

Why are you staring at me like this...?

You came to see me, if there's something, just say it, it's not like it's our first day knowing each other."

Upon hearing Rong Shangping's grumbling words, Su Zhensheng hesitated for a moment before asking.

"Has the academy recently admitted a young scholar?"

Upon hearing this, Rong Shangping couldn't help but roll his eyes at Su Zhensheng again.

"This is an academy, young scholars enter every month, the question you're asking...

Old Su, what exactly do you want to ask, just be direct."

"Is Shen Lingsheng's son, Shen Han, currently at Tianyi Academy?"

Hearing Rong Shangping urging him to be direct, Su Zhensheng didn't hesitate anymore and asked directly.

Hearing this, Rong Shangping was momentarily stunned, then looked at Su Zhensheng with a wary expression.

"Old Su, the Su Family has already annulled the betrothal with that child.

To be fair, there should have been no further connections long ago.

I know, at the time of annulment, your Su Family paid some price.

But even if there's resentment, it shouldn't be directed at Shen Han, that child."

Rong Shangping frowned, his eyes still wary as he looked at Su Zhensheng.

Listening to this, Su Zhensheng was already certain.

The young man he had conversed with before was indeed Shen Han.

The very Shen Han who had a betrothal with Jinyu.

The very Shen Han for whom the Su Family paid a price, tried every means to sever the tie.

Seeing that Su Zhensheng didn't speak for a long time, Rong Shangping's expression became more serious.

"Su Zhensheng, nowadays you are also a tutor at Tianyi Academy.

Whether willingly or unwillingly.

Ultimately, you bear the identity of a tutor.

With the name of a tutor, one must have the virtue of a tutor.

If you dare to do harm to Shen Han, don't blame me, Rong Shangping, for turning hostile."

Upon hearing this from Rong Shangping, Su Zhensheng pretended not to care and asked a question.

"Do you value Shen Han because he has some talent and potential?"

Upon hearing this, Rong Shangping pursed his lips slightly, a look of displeasure appearing on his face.

"In terms of talent and strength, of course, he can't compare to your Su Family's future son-in-law.

But Shen Han is not bad either, in last month's end-month assessment, even Tutor Dugu Tian lost to him."

"Dugu Tian? Never heard of him."

Su Zhensheng waved his hand, still pretending not to care.

But in his heart, he was already stirred.

The Su Family's previous understanding of Shen Han was completely wrong.

The information previously gathered stated that Shen Han had no talent or potential, had not stepped onto the Martial Path.

Lacked strategy and wisdom, difficult to be of great use, and wasn't favored by the elders in the Shen Mansion.

All of these, damn it, seemed like none were accurate!

"Old Su, your Su Family is a significant power in Great Wei as well.

No matter what, it's not right to target a youngster, what's more, the troubles your family encountered weren't brought by Shen Han.

This child was already not received well in the Shen Family, it wasn't easy for him to step out, you should be kind, don't trouble him anymore."

When Rong Shangping said these words, there was even a hint of pleading.

Su Zhensheng didn't respond, just looked at him with some doubt.

"Who's given you, Old Rong, some benefits to protect him?"

"I, Rong Shangping, am the Vice Dean of Tianyi Academy, my responsibility is to protect the students of the academy, why would I need other benefits?

Moreover, it's truly not easy for this child to come this far.

If you still hold resentment, I, Rong Shangping, will apologize to you on his behalf, is that alright?"

During the conversation, the child student who welcomed guests before came to report.

A feast was already prepared in the hall.

Rong Shangping, regardless of whether Su Zhensheng agreed or not, pulled him towards the hall to dine.

Looking at the time, it was just 5:00 PM.

A bit early, indeed.

But with only two people drinking, being old friends, there weren't so many formalities.

The two drank together, with Su Zhensheng frequently bringing up Shen Han.

While Rong Shangping kept speaking well of Shen Han, sharing all his knowledge of Shen Han.

Including why Shen Han came to Tianyi Academy, the recommendation from Prefect Xu of Yun'an City...

In addition, there were Shen Han's series of performances.

In Stepping into the Thousand Autumns of the Thousand-Autumn Province, he reached the eighty level, even his Bright Pearl, Su Jinyu, was below him.

During the family assessment, he outperformed the Qianmu Family's junior, Qianmu Fan.

In just a moment, he saw through his chess moves.

After coming to Tianyi Academy, he defeated Tutor Dugu Tian in public...

Rong Shangping estimated that this young man, Shen Han, had at least Seventh Grade strength.

In terms of age, Shen Han is eighteen this year, slightly younger than Su Jinyu by half a year or so.

Su Jinyu's current strength is at the Sixth Grade Half-Step Realm.

Though not as strong as her, he is still considered outstanding.

Upon hearing this, a look of recognition appeared on Su Zhensheng's face as well.

Moreover, Shen Han is quite skilled in military strategy, tactics, and response.

To be honest, hearing Rong Shangping's introduction of Shen Han, Su Zhensheng grew even more satisfied with Shen Han.

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