Hearing the Old Dowager's voice, Shen Han remained expressionless.

Just as before, he saluted the Old Dowager.

In all his actions within the Shen Family, Shen Han paid close attention to etiquette, never allowing the family to catch him at fault.

"So tell me, since you disciplined Ao, can we elders also discipline you?"

The Old Dowager seemed genuinely angry, her tone much harsher than usual.

"In response to the Old Dowager, ever since cousin Shen Ao returned to the Shen Mansion, wherever he has been, he has required the household servants to kneel before him.

If the Old Dowager does not believe me, you can examine the servants' knees to see if they are all injured.

Furthermore, cousin Shen Ao came to my courtyard today.

His words were impudent, filled with hostility against family.

As his elder brother, it is naturally my responsibility to discipline him."

In every word and action, Shen Han insisted on adhering to reason.

Hearing this, the Old Dowager felt yet another surge of anger in her chest.

But today, she was determined to speak on behalf of Shen Ao.

"I did not ask you about these excuses, I only asked whether we elders can discipline you!"

The Old Dowager of the Shen Family stared at Shen Han, her anger frightening many of the servants.

The Shen family disciples who had come to watch were breaking out into a cold sweat.

To have angered the Old Dowager so much, Shen Han was bound to be in trouble today.

"As a junior in the Shen Family, of course, the elders can discipline me.

If there is any impropriety, I shall accept the punishment and learn from it.

But I am unaware of any impropriety on my part."

With a single rhetorical question, Shen Han's entire demeanor shifted slightly.

"If family elders unjustly accuse and punish, then I will take it up with the Yun'an Prefecture Government Office, and even to the Ministry of Rites in Great Wei, to demand justice.

Even if beaten to death, my unjust soul would storm the court to inquire about my supposed crimes!"

As the words fell, Shen Han seemed like a towering mountain.

The Old Dowager was breathless but found herself speechless.

Since childhood, Shen Han was punished for even slight mistakes, but over the years, the experienced Shen Han rarely acted improperly.

Moreover, his words carried a veiled threat.

It was now common knowledge that Prefect Xu had invited Shen Han to his residence as a guest.

His words implied that Shen Han would seek justice at the Yun'an Prefecture Government Office, meaning he would ask Prefect Xu to uphold justice for him.

Looking at Shen Han in front of her, the Old Dowager's face twitched slightly.

She waved her hand silently and had her maid escort her away.

Watching the Old Dowager leave, Shen Ao, cradled in Madam He's arms, grew even angrier.

He shouted all sorts of threats about wanting to kill Shen Han.

"I ask the First Madam to properly instruct cousin; if he continues to speak of family discord, I will be compelled to fulfill my duty as an elder brother again."

Madam He was brimming with anger, but found herself at a loss for words.

She glared fiercely at Shen Han, and had no choice but to take Shen Ao away.

The departures of the Old Dowager and Madam He signaled an end to this storm.

The expressions on the faces of the servants, the third and fourth young masters of the Shen family, and other young ladies were all varied and complex.

Always thought to be the weakest and most disregarded in the Shen family, Shen Han had actually dared to argue with the Old Dowager today.

The critical point was that Shen Han had emerged unscathed from this ordeal...

The young masters and ladies of the Shen family left with complex expressions.

As they walked, they started to murmur.

"From now on, shouldn't we be a bit nicer to Shen Han..."

"We should. Look, he didn't even fear the Old Dowager today..."

"Yes, better not to provoke him. His marrying Su Jinyu has nothing to do with us anyway..."

The young masters and ladies exchanged thoughts, each adjusting their perception of Shen Han.

On the eastern side of the Shen Mansion.

The courtyard was a bit messy, and Shen Han picked up a broom to start cleaning.

A few servants, however, quickly took the broom from him, grinning as they helped clean the courtyard.

Shen Han let them take over, supporting Cailing as he took her back to Madam Yun's courtyard.

This little girl really didn't care for herself; her knees were so injured, yet she ran so fast to deliver the message.

In the entire Shen family, the only ones he needed to remember well were her and Madam Yun.

On the way back, Shen Han and Cailing happened to meet the frazzled Madam Yun.

She had just heard about the incident and had rushed to Shen Han's courtyard.

"Madam, why have you come..."

Cailing greeted her first.

Upon hearing her voice, Madam Yun feigned anger.

"You really are a child, not telling me anything, and only letting Cai Rong inform me of this matter!

If it were a significant problem, could you two handle it?"

Madam Yun was somewhat angry; these two children never let her have peace of mind.

"Third Madam, please calm your anger; Cailing only refrained from telling you to avoid worrying you..."

"Not telling me doesn't mean I won't worry! My heart was in my throat!"

Shen Han and Cailing could only lower their heads and endure the scolding, not daring to argue further.

They followed Madam Yun to her courtyard, where Cailing recounted the day's events.

Hearing how Shen Han spoke to the Old Dowager, Madam Yun was both surprised and frightened.

"Han, with what you did today, the Old Dowager might not protect you in the future..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Han just smiled.

"Throughout the Shen family, aside from you and Cailing, who else would protect me~

Over all these years, I know well how the Old Dowager has treated me.

If she actually protected me, I would find it rather novel.

I'd even be relieved if she didn't help Madam He and the others frame me."

Madam Yun slightly furrowed her brows, though she thought Shen Han's words were a bit excessive, in truth, the facts were as such.

Because the Old Dowager disliked Shen Han, he had been treated poorly throughout the household for years.

"I'm still a little worried...

You made Shen Ao suffer today. Being so favored, he's sure to want revenge and will likely cause you trouble again."

"Please don't worry, Madam. Sister Liu Xilan from Xiaoyao Peak visited again a few days ago.

She said I have some talent in the Sword Dao and could recommend me to Xiaoyao Immortal Mountain. If I can go, I can leave the Shen Mansion."

Madam Yun felt slightly reassured upon hearing this.

"Leaving the Shen Mansion as soon as possible would be best. Just days ago, I heard that Su Jinyu's elder brother plans to return.

Her brother has been stationed with the northern army, fighting through life-and-death situations..."

In their attempt to cancel this marriage, the Shen and Su families have resorted to every means.

It seems they won't rest until I'm crippled.

"Third Madam, you need to rest well. Prefect Xu is now also protecting me. No matter who comes, I will protect myself."

Madam Yun nodded, taking out a Peace Talisman from her bosom for Shen Han to wear.

"I've prayed over this Peace Talisman for a hundred days. Han, wear it well; it will protect you."

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