Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes

Chapter 578 - 562: Ao’Er, This Child, Has Probably Gone Mad

Yun’an City, Shen Mansion.

The return of Shen Han brought about a huge change in the daily life of Shen Mansion.

During the two years of Shen Han’s disappearance, life in the mansion was very peaceful.

The family members in the mansion rarely got angry.

They spoke calmly, and even losing their temper was a rarity.

But ever since the news of Shen Han’s return spread a few days ago.

Madam Shen, Madam He, Madam Xie, Shen Lingyong, and others seemed to have become much more irritable.

It’s important to know they were never like this before.

The servants in the mansion felt this change most deeply.

Previously, if they made minor mistakes in their work, the masters wouldn’t say much.

But now, not to mention making mistakes.

Even being slow invited scolding and punishment.

During their breaks, the servants of Shen Mansion exchanged thoughts with each other.

Many of them were cursing Shen Han in their conversations.

Saying that it might have been better if Shen Han had just died, to spare them from suffering.

A few clever servants, however, knew it was wiser to keep quiet at such times.

The people of Shen Mansion tried all sorts of methods to deal with Shen Han.

They exhausted all possible ways.

Two years ago, they even invited Luo Zuchen of the Immortal Realm to intervene.

But even so, they still failed to see Shen Han’s demise.

Many people actually already understood that the current Shen Mansion simply didn’t have enough power to suppress Shen Han.

Shen Ye lost to Shen Han without any suspense at the academy’s competition.

This news had long spread throughout Yun’an City.

During these two years, although Shen Ye’s broken leg was reattached, Shen Han’s growth was even faster.

Two years ago, when Shen Han and Shen Ye sparred, they were evenly matched.

But now, Shen Han can defeat Shen Ye with just one move.

If they fought to the death, Shen Ye would likely be easily killed by Shen Han.

Those smart servants clearly understood to whom the Shen family would belong in the future.

There’s no conclusion yet.

As long as Shen Han doesn’t die, the marquis position of the Shen family will sooner or later fall to Shen Han’s head.

This estate in Yun’an City is the marquis’s residence.

Even if Shen Qingshan eventually passes the title of Patriarch to Shen Ye.

At the very least, this mansion must be given to Shen Han.

This is an asset associated with the title.

Additionally, without the title, there’s a limit on the number of servants allowed in the mansion.

In an ordinary noble family, there can be a maximum of fifteen servants.

With only fifteen, many people would no longer have servants to wait on them.

Thinking of these things, the mansion’s servants naturally knew to keep quiet.

Only those foolish ones kept complaining, even cursing Shen Han outside the mansion.

In the courtyard of the main house.

Today, Madam He communicated with the Eastern Garrison.

At last, some good news came.

Shen Ye’s leg has been reattached.

With the powerful recovery of Shen Ye’s Spirit Bone, he should soon be as he was before.

However, after this incident, Shen Ye’s newfound confidence completely vanished.

He thought of himself as a returning king, but facing Shen Han.

Now, he no longer has a chance to fight back.

Madam He was lost in thought.

Supported by Cai Xue, Madam Shen walked directly into the courtyard, unnoticed by her.

Prompted by a maid, only then did Madam He hurriedly step forward to greet her.

"Old Dowager, you could have sent a maid to call me. Is there something urgent for you to come personally?"

Madam Shen saw a chair in the courtyard, walked over, and sat down.

Her old face, already full of wrinkles, seemed to have heard some bad news, tightening in distress.

Madam He glanced at the Old Dowager, waved her hand, and dismissed the servants around.

Having spent so many years in the Shen family, she only needed a glance to understand the intention behind Madam Shen’s actions.

It’s no wonder she’s so favored by the Old Dowager.

Once everyone retreated, Madam Shen finally spoke: "Last night, a message came back from the Capital City. It said Ao’er seems a bit off."

"Off? Old Dowager, what do you mean by that?"

If anyone else had said her son was acting strange, Madam He would have already started scolding.

Madam He’s reaction was intense, but it was expected by Madam Shen.

"The person who sent back the message is a secret agent of our Shen family.

Lately, Ao’er’s behavior and speech have become increasingly odd.

He often talks to himself, occasionally startled by nothing.

Although most of the time he still seems normal, I’ve heard the report from the spy.

There’s a good chance that Ao’er... has gone mad..."

Mad?

The word immediately shocked Madam He.

"How is that possible, Old Dowager, you must have heard wrong.

Ao’er has been sharp since he was young; his talent, although not as good as Ye’er, is still excellent in our Shen family.

For the past two years at Mountain Sea Academy, his strength has been steadily improving..."

Madam He was clearly worried, constantly finding excuses in her words.

Trying to prove that her son couldn’t possibly be mad.

Madam Shen watched her incessant talking, a hint of impatience on her face.

"Why babble so much, do you think I’m lying to you?

Ao’er grew up at my knee; would I really wish him harm?"

Seeing the Old Dowager upset, Madam He finally calmed down a bit.

"According to the spy, Ao’Er went to watch the Academy’s competition a few days ago.

When he was thirteen, he was bullied by Shen Han.

Since then, he’s always wanted revenge, but he hasn’t managed to achieve it.

Instead, Shen Han has been growing faster and faster.

During the two years Shen Han was missing, Ao’Er gradually almost forgot about it, as there’s no need to contend with a dead man.

But Shen Han, that rebellious son, came back.

This time, not only did Ao’Er not get the chance, but even Ye’Er was easily defeated by that rebellious son.

He must be feeling frustrated and troubled every day, causing him to be like this."

Madam Shen paused and then looked at Madam He.

"I’ve already arranged for someone to bring Ao’Er back, and he should return home late tomorrow night.

When he returns, do not provoke him further, but comfort him more.

Speaking of which, all of this is the fault of that rebellious son, Shen Han.

I really don’t know what our Shen Family did wrong to encounter all this."

Madam He nodded, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Why do the lives of my two children have to be so bitter?

Clearly their futures were limitless, all because of that rebellious son, it’s all the misfortune brought by that rebellious son."

Saying this, Madam He couldn’t help but sob.

"When Old Duke smashed the Immortal God’s statue before, I felt a wave of heartache and secretly bought many offerings to honor it.

Now it seems, Old Duke wasn’t wrong to smash it.

Daily prayers and frequent supplications.

But what has the Immortal God done?

Not only did the disaster of Shen Han not die, but it has become even worse, bringing us more calamities."

The Shen Family members are clearly not devout believers either.

The Immortal God enjoys worship but doesn’t act, it will still be cursed.

"Before I came, I had already consulted a doctor.

This kind of hysteria should be relatively easy to cure.

As long as the knot in Ao’Er’s heart is untied, everything will be fine."

"Old Dowager, do you mean to find someone to eliminate Shen Han?"

Madam Shen nodded without any intention to hide it.

"As long as Shen Han is dead, Ao’Er’s hysteria should be easily resolved, medicine to cure the disease."

"However, that disaster is now highly regarded.

The dean of Tianyi Academy is almost inseparable from him.

It is said that the people from Xiaoyao Peak are also very optimistic about him, and recently there have been more rumors about him and Shi Yuezhu.

It seems that some of the news even came from Xiaoyao Peak.

Mr. Luo is also forced not to set foot in the Great Wei territory, what should we do...

As Madam He spoke, tears flowed again.

"And we don’t know what the master has been doing outside these years, with his two sons being bullied like this, and he doesn’t even come back to check on us.

He probably forgot about the three of us, mother and sons."

Hearing Madam He complaining about her son, Madam Shen hurriedly waved her hand.

"The elder son has important military affairs to handle, why blame him?

Do you think he has been living leisurely all these years?

His life outside isn’t easier compared to ours."

"But Old Dowager, he can’t just ignore everything like this.

With Ye’Er and Ao’Er like this, shouldn’t he stand up for his sons?"

Madam He was obviously filled with grievances.

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen continued to explain.

"It won’t take long, over ten years of planning, it’s about to come to an end.

Once it’s successful, dealing with the disaster Shen Han will be a piece of cake.

The Imperial Court might even bind him up and deliver him to us."

Seeing Madam He still wanting to say something, Madam Shen directly waved her hand.

"Don’t ask any more questions about certain matters, think about how to comfort Ao’Er when he returns.

Don’t let his hysteria worsen.

Also, think about whether there’s a good way to deal with the disaster Shen Han.

If we can resolve him early, then we won’t have to trouble the elder and third son.

One more thing.

The Patriarch recently seems to be considering reconciling with Shen Han.

Regardless of whether it’s possible to reconcile, even if it were possible, I would not agree.

This rebellious disaster has caused our Shen Family so much suffering over the years.

How could it be resolved with just one reconciliation?

If the Patriarch remains obstinate, I will have the elder and third sons to persuade him together."

...

Shen Han and the Dean of Tianyi Academy have been guests at Xiaoyao Peak for four days now.

During these four days, Shen Han has mainly stayed with Shi Yuezhu.

The two have actually been discussing cultivation techniques, particularly the nurturing of the Divine Soul.

However, in the eyes of others, it appears more speculative.

The Golden Profound Pill given to Shi Yuezhu, Shen Han finally learns who she wants to give it to.

The old Sect Leader of Xiaoyao Peak, who is also Shi Yuezhu’s mentor.

For decades, except occasionally speaking with others, the old Sect Leader has been in seclusion.

The Immortal Realm is ultimately not eternal life.

With a lifespan nearing its end, his lamp’s oil is nearly exhausted.

If there is no breakthrough, or a life-extending Divine-grade Pill.

This old Sect Leader is soon to pass away.

Since hearing of the Golden Profound Pill’s effects, Shi Yuezhu immediately thought of her mentor.

Today, Shi Yuezhu plans to deliver the medicine.

And Shen Han also takes some time to find the Dean of Tianyi Academy.