Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes-Chapter 268 - 267: So Now Even You Think Highly of Shen Han?
Mountain Sea Academy.
Though it was said that Luo Zuchen and Shen Ye were confined, this confinement was not strict.
Each day, Shen Ye’s attendant and scholar would come to deliver news from the outside and bring some gourmet meals.
Luo Zuchen could also arrange for someone to come, but he didn’t bother.
At noon, Shen Ye’s scholar once again brought dishes.
In addition, he also brought a letter.
The scholar had received Madam He’s message and recorded everything he heard.
At the square table, Shen Ye and Luo Zuchen were eating.
With a bit of leisure and some comfort.
For a cultivator, three months of confinement really didn’t feel like a punishment.
Sometimes, Shen Ye’s seclusion for cultivation would last more than three months.
During the meal, Shen Ye casually unfolded the letter.
When he saw the contents, the leisure on his face seemed to vanish instantly.
A while ago, Uncle Shen Lingyong came to the Capital City, seemingly trying to force Shen Han back to Yun’an City.
But instead of forcing Shen Han back, he ended up in the Jingzhao Mansion prison himself.
It was only with Shen Qingshan’s intervention, by appealing to His Holiness, that he was released.
And he was stripped of his General position.
Seeing the change in Shen Ye’s expression, Luo Zuchen quickly took the letter and looked at it.
As he read, he too frowned.
"Is your uncle not thinking straight?
These reckless words about propriety and criticizing the state, even an old man like me wouldn’t dare speak recklessly in public.
But he fears neither heaven nor earth."
Luo Zuchen was indeed arrogant, but his words always targeted individuals.
He never generalized; if he had an issue, it was with a specific person.
In a way, Luo Zuchen was very scheming, very shrewd.
He wouldn’t senselessly make a host of enemies for himself.
Nor would he put the court against him.
From the punishment given by the Mountain Sea Dean, one could see that Luo Zuchen would bow when necessary to those truly in power.
"For years, Uncle has been leading troops in the east.
Perhaps he’s gotten too used to freedom while leading troops, thinking he could be the same in the Capital City..."
Shen Ye spoke with a frown.
But in truth, Shen Ye didn’t care much about Shen Lingyong.
The reason for his frown lay in what followed.
"Mr. Luo, please look further.
The matter with my uncle isn’t significant."
Upon hearing this, Luo Zuchen shifted his gaze back to the letter and continued reading carefully.
This time, he understood why Shen Ye was frowning.
"What is Patriarch Shen thinking, wanting to reconcile with Shen Han?
But how exactly does he intend to reconcile?"
Shen Ye shook his head: "I don’t know what Old Duke means, wanting to reconcile with Shen Han. Does he want all of us to go and kowtow to Shen Han and admit our mistakes?"
Luo Zuchen was equally disapproving.
He had already been ruthless with Shen Han, yet Patriarch Shen wanted to reconcile.
If Shen Han truly grew under the protection of the Shen Family,
his resentment might diminish.
But what about Luo Zuchen?
Would he suddenly have an Immortal Realm enemy?
"The Old Dowager and others did not agree, so the proposal by Old Duke wasn’t implemented.
But Third Uncle said it was a delaying tactic.
To reconcile with Shen Han without giving him any resources..."
Shen Ye read from the letter, while Luo Zuchen listened with a light laugh.
"Such words might deceive children, but they hold little meaning for an old man like me.
What this delaying tactic might result in is entirely uncertain.
If, while it’s in play, Shen Han’s talents and potential shine even brighter, and the Shen Family regrets it, wanting to woo him further, then what?
Blocking at that time would be far harder than it is now."
The two sat sternly at the table.
At least from Shen Qingshan’s view, the thinking of this Patriarch was changing.
Before, he was unwavering.
It was clear that the future inheritor of the Shen Family was Shen Ye.
But this matter revealed that Shen Qingshan’s mind was starting to waver.
"Shen Han has close ties with the Yun Family. Last time, thanks to what Shen Han said, just a maid’s contract sufficed to purchase three months’ worth of Middle Grade Pills at only sixty percent of the price.
Maybe this has led Old Duke to value Shen Han even more."
Luo Zuchen frowned, vaguely guessing Shen Qingshan’s thoughts.
Shen Han was also his grandson.
Though the clan used to have a poor relationship with him, he still bore the Shen name.
Shen Qingshan previously found no necessity to nurture Shen Han, viewing him as unruly and rebellious against elders.
But now, seeing Shen Han’s talents and potential, those flaws seemed tolerable. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
What genius doesn’t have their own thoughts and ideas, who could blindly obey others forever?
Investing resources into Shen Han, a single share might not be enough, but a hundred share could be given.
Even if Shen Han harbors resentment towards the Shen Family, it could diminish.
But such developments boded nothing but harm for Shen Ye.
Luo Zuchen pondered, frowning:
"Ye’Er, observing your Patriarch’s attitude, the Shen Family higher-ups are beginning to value Shen Han more.
Especially at his age, having stepped into the Sixth Grade Fruit Realm.
Such a talented descendant cannot be easily let go; they now want him to compete with you.
Indeed, nowadays Shen Han does possess some abilities.
No wonder the Shen Family is taking notice."
Within Shen Ye’s eyes, a sharp glint appeared.
Someone he had completely disregarded was now being compared to him, making Shen Ye feel uncomfortable.
"Mr. Luo, is even you beginning to think highly of Shen Han?
He used to be unworthy even to carry my shoes.
When at the Shen Mansion, what kind of person was he?"
Upon hearing Shen Ye’s words, Luo Zuchen quickly consoled him.
Having lived for so many years, he naturally understood his disciple’s feelings.
"Ye’Er, don’t overthink; in terms of talent and potential, he surely still falls behind you.
I too have had similar experiences in my time.
People whom I never regarded suddenly being ranked beside me.
The spectators around even began equating me with such wastes.
Truth be told, anyone would find it hard to accept.
Luo Zuchen looked at Shen Ye and spoke more sternly.
Seeing Shen Ye seemed to take it in, he continued:
"But there’s always a higher mountain; the world never lacks geniuses.
What it lacks are geniuses who grow to full potential. Ye’Er, do not be overly complacent.
Look at me, throughout the Capital, who doesn’t know of my arrogance?
But I never become overconfident, nor do I underestimate any foe.
Anyone with potential threats must be taken seriously.
Even if Shen Han is young, I consider him seriously."
