It's understandable that others might be confused.

Initially, many in the Shen Family didn't expect that the higher-ups of the Shen Family would be so ruthless in order to annul the engagement.

After speaking, Prefect Xu pushed a package in front of him.

"Inside this, there are some gifts from Prince Qingyuan for you, as a token of his apology."

When the package was opened, it contained quite a bit of gold and silver.

Besides the gold and silver piled up in front, there were also several medicine bottles, likely Pills needed for cultivation enhancement.

Seeing the confusion still lingering on Shen Han's face, Prefect Xu continued explaining.

"I mentioned you to Prince Qingyuan, you are a smart and sensible child, and actually have some talent in cultivation.

Overall, Shen Han, you were forced into this, placed in a dangerous situation.

Prince Qingyuan knows well that this scheme of his has caused your troubles, and in a way, it's his fault.

But things have come to this point, and there's no way to stop it now..."

Prefect Xu paused for a moment, looking at Shen Han.

The young man before him seemed to show little change in expression, simply listening quietly.

"Besides these Pills and gold and silver, Prince Qingyuan has also given you a promise.

After this matter, no matter what happens to you, whether you're injured or not, the Prince will recommend you for admission to Tianyi Academy.

Even if you end up disabled, studying for a few years at Tianyi Academy could at least land you a tutoring job.

Then, returning to Yun'an City as a tutor, you could still live quite well."

Prefect Xu softly comforted Shen Han.

But Shen Han heard a subtext in those words.

It seemed that Prefect Xu believed he would inevitably end up disabled...

"Sir, do you think I am bound to end up disabled?"

Looking up at Shen Han before him, Prefect Xu actually had some appreciation for the young man.

Compared to others of his age, he was far more mature and steady.

"Prince Qingyuan has received the message that your Shen Family has strong resolve this time, absolutely unwilling to sacrifice family interests for annulling the engagement.

The best excuse to annul this engagement still rests on your head.

The Su Family's Su Hongyi has already returned to the Wuyang Su Mansion, and if the engagement to Su Jinyu is not annulled by early December, he will take action..."

Shen Han was already aware of Su Hongyi's matters.

And he understood that a person with supreme military merits, even if he made him disabled, would merely receive a slap on the wrist.

Hearing this, Shen Han only nodded, thanking Prefect Xu.

Then he went to meet Young Master Xu, using this journey to learn a lot from Shi Yuezhu, including much about casting methods.

He originally got along quite well with Young Master Xu, seizing this time to discuss casting methods.

The conversation went on until 5:00 PM.

Seeing the sky darken, Shen Han then bid farewell to Prefect Xu, heading toward the Shen Mansion.

On the way back, he kept pondering Prefect Xu's words in his mind.

Why would someone like Prince Qingyuan, who strategizes such grand schemes, give him gifts?

Simply because he was forced into the game, thrust into danger?

Shen Han wasn't that naïve.

He was merely an unappreciated junior in the Shen Family, and so far, hadn't displayed his talents.

Prince Qingyuan's goodwill naturally had other reasons.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Han thought of two possible reasons.

Firstly, the gift of Pills to enhance his abilities, hoping that he could withstand until the wedding date.

Then the Shen and Su Families would have no choice but to speak frankly to His Holiness to annul the engagement.

Thus, this open scheme of the marriage edict would succeed.

Secondly, if he truly ends up disabled, he could rely on Prince Qingyuan to study at Tianyi Academy.

Once disabled, distancing himself from the Shen Family while relying on the Imperial Family.

Using such means, they could spread rumors and diminish the Shen Family's reputation.

The Shen Family is beneath the Family of Generals and Marquis, commanding a significant force of soldiers.

Without reputation, their ability to lead the army would be greatly reduced.

Shen Han furrowed his brow, thinking that, at least from his consideration, these reasons seemed plausible.

Understanding the reasons, he could discern their true intentions.

If Prince Qingyuan indeed showed goodwill for these two reasons, it wouldn't be too bad.

At least Prince Qingyuan hoped he would avoid this perilous situation.

Unlike the Shen Family, who were racking their brains just to push him into the abyss.

With leisurely steps, he headed toward the Shen Family, expecting the Old Dowager would likely summon him for questioning soon.

Approaching the Shen Mansion, the maid Cai Xue beside the Old Dowager spotted Shen Han from afar.

She hurried over, reaching out to pull Shen Han along.

"Young Master Han, why have you only returned now? Do you know how long the Old Dowager has been waiting for you?"

Her tone had a faint trace of reproach.

Shen Han maintained his composed demeanor: "Prefect Xu detained me for a while. If the Old Dowager summoned me urgently, someone should have gone to the Prefect's Mansion to hasten me."

Cai Xue was momentarily speechless, knowing she couldn't dare to rush to the Prefect's Mansion.

Upon returning to the Shen Mansion, Shen Han was immediately taken to the Shen Family's hall.

In the hall, the Shen Family's Old Dowager, Madam He, and Madam Xie were seated.

Due to rumors between her and the family servant, Madam Xie had been away for some time, and surprisingly, she had recently returned.

It's known that taverns and brothels often spread tales of amusing incidents between her and the family servant.

"What is it? After venturing around, can the Old Dowager not even summon you?"

The Old Dowager held a cup of tea, sipping lightly, looking at Shen Han with a gaze still tinged with disdain.

"Grandson just returned home and came to pay respects to the Old Dowager, but the Old Dowager was resting, and I feared to disturb you, so I dealt with some errands.

During that time, Prefect Xu's people invited me, which is why I returned late."

With Prefect Xu's name mentioned, the Old Dowager's expression darkened further.

"Let's leave that matter aside for now. You left Yun'an City without the family's consent.

Shen Han, you have always respected rituals, so tell me, how should you be punished for this?"

Shen Han had long pondered over these issues.

"In response to the Old Dowager, our Shen Family is a Family of Generals and Marquis, and many of the family's young aspire to lead soldiers.

This time, Shen Han ventured out to temper his character and skills, with the hope of stepping onto the battlefield in the future, gaining valuable experience.

As for going out, I had informed Third Madam.

Third Madam gave her consent, so it shouldn't count as disapproval from the family, right?"

Being from the third branch, Third Madam was his mother.

If Third Madam agreed, it naturally counted as the family agreeing.

The Old Dowager's lips twitched; Shen Han had thoroughly memorized the "Ritual Records."

Finding fault in disrespecting rituals was indeed challenging.

Seeing the Old Dowager not continuing to question, Shen Han instead spoke up.

"At the end of the Winter Month, there's a Thousand-Autumn Grand Gathering in Heyang City..."

"Do you seriously intend to participate in the Thousand-Autumn Grand Gathering?"

The Old Dowager knew about the bet between Shen Lingsheng and Shen Han.

To her, it seemed like a waste of time.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.