Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes-Chapter 261 - 260: Should We Ease Our Relations with Shen Han?

Chapter 261: Chapter 260: Should We Ease Our Relations with Shen Han?

Sitting atop the carriage, Shen Qingshan’s brow was deeply furrowed.

Originally, driving away Shen Lingyong should have been a matter easily resolved,

but Shen Han insisted on taking such a circuitous route. Frankly, this was not solely aimed at Shen Lingyong.

It was aimed at the Shen Family.

"Father, are we really leaving just like this without clarity?

Leaving Shen Han here to continue his merry ways?"

Sitting in the carriage, Shen Lingyong’s face bore resentment.

On the frontlines, leading troops, Shen Lingyong was not just brave but also strategic, with some talented maneuvers.

But in the Capital City, the considerations here surpassed those on the battlefield.

Shen Qingshan looked at him with some helplessness: "Second son, you are completely unsuited for courtly conflict.

To end up in this predicament, have you still not realized where your problem lies?

Behind etiquette lies the shadow of the entire court.

Disregarding decorum, especially when speaking rashly about loyalty to the sovereign and nation,

is taking on a charge against yourself.

With so many family forces in the Capital City, who isn’t looking out for themselves? Aren’t court disputes also for their own interests?

But have you seen anyone bring these issues to the surface?

This is not the battlefield front where you can slap anyone at will.

Shen Qingshan didn’t want to say too much to his second son.

He couldn’t comprehend due to his nature.

"But Father, no matter what, I am still his second uncle.

For Shen Han to treat his second uncle this way, it is utterly rebellious!"

"Still, you don’t understand, the words ’loyalty’ and ’filial piety,’ loyalty comes first.

Your reckless words have already earned you the title of disloyalty. Are you still his second uncle? Are you worthy of being his second uncle?"

Seeing Shen Lingyong still wanting to argue, Shen Qingshan simply waved his hand, signaling him to stop.

He didn’t want to hear any more.

The two father and son sat in silence as they returned to the Shen Mansion in Yun’an City.

Along the way, Shen Qingshan was musing deeply.

Constantly contending head-on against Shen Han, seemed not to be a wise move.

Currently, Shen Han grew stronger, bringing more troubles to the Shen Family.

Upon returning to the Shen Mansion, Shen Qingshan immediately called everyone together.

In the main hall, Shen Qingshan alone sat in the high seat.

The Madam Shen, seemingly afraid of being scolded, sat on the right.

"You may have already heard that the second son has been dismissed from his general position.

It’s no surprise that the court will surely send someone to fill the vacant general position.

Inform your elder brother to prepare for this."

After speaking, Shen Qingshan observed those beside him, who merely kept their heads down.

After pondering for a moment, he spoke again.

"These days, I have been thinking about a question.

Shen Han, this child, is nonetheless a descendant of the Shen Family, why has he come to this point?

Can you tell me why exactly?"

Shen Qingshan’s tone was calm, but everyone sitting around felt a storm brewing.

A wrong word and they would surely be scolded severely.

"Third son, Shen Han is your child. You tell us, why has he ended up in this situation?"

At these words, all eyes fell on Shen Lingsheng, with some sympathy in their gaze.

After a long contemplation, without any response, Shen Qingshan still silently waited for his answer.

"In my view, this child Shen Han is inherently rebellious, aloof, and has poor relations with other brothers and sisters in the clan.

One could say, his own nature significantly problematic.

Regarding the calling off of his engagement with Su Jinyu, the clan hoped he would sacrifice, but perhaps in his eyes, he saw it as harming him.

Thus, he harbored some grievances against the Shen Family.

That child does indeed lack a sense of gratitude..."

Hearing this, Shen Qingshan’s expression remained unchanged.

He merely repeated Shen Lingsheng’s words: "Rebellious by nature, aloof, ungrateful.

It seems that whenever mentioning Shen Han, it’s always such evaluations."

The main hall was silent, no one dared to speak.

Even the birds outside seemed wary of upsetting Shen Qingshan, keeping a distance before daring to chirp.

"Let me tell you why Shen Han harbors such resentment toward the Shen Family.

First, I have thoroughly understood that over the years in the Shen Mansion, no resources were ever provided to Shen Han.

Even food and warm clothing, Shen Han had to find a way to earn by doing odd jobs in the mansion.

In Madam Shen’s words, this was called self-reliance."

Shen Qingshan said indifferently, his gaze falling on Madam Shen.

Because Shen Han’s mother fled the Shen Mansion, she grew increasingly resentful of Shen Han, thus coming up with such justifications.

"Master, self-reliance is also cultivating his independence.

That he can have this ability now might be precisely because of such training in self-sufficiency."

Madam Shen continued to defend herself.

But Shen Qingshan merely scoffed: "Don’t say these things to me, take it to Shen Han, see if he acknowledges it as kindness to him.

If he acknowledges it, so can I.

I could also command the mansion’s servants not to heed a word from you, the Old Dowager, to train your self-sufficiency."

Two words left Madam Shen speechless.

"It can be said, we owe Shen Han nothing, why expect him to repay us."

Shen Qingshan paused, then continued to speak.

"Secondly, you say Shen Han is aloof and has poor relations with the clan’s younger generation.

Have you ever considered, as the upper influences, the younger folk don’t take to heart? Other grandchildren, would they befriend him?"

"The core issue, allow me to explain to you.

Why is it that other clan elders can reprimand the younger generation, yet they don’t hold grudges?

Don’t mention other families, even Shen Lei’s descendants.

Second son, if you reprimand them, speak blasphemous words, would they report you to the Government Office?

Would they push you into imprisonment?

No, because they depend on the Shen Family, the Shen Family protects them.

Your rebukes might just be a reminder.

But Shen Han, we never offered any help to him, rather want him to sacrifice for the clan.

Physical disability, loss of reputation, these are things Shen Han refuses to accept.

He understands clearly, the Shen Family brings him nothing beneficial, only harm.

The heir to the Shen Family was long determined to be Shen Ye.

Though Shen Han shares blood ties with the Shen Family, he’s devoid of shared interests.

In fact, seeing the Shen Family fail may even favor Shen Han more."

Shen Qingshan said a lot at once, pondering over this matter for a long time.

He saw Shen Han clearly.

"Do you believe I am wrong?"

Regarding major matters, Shen Qingshan usually had clear insights.

The few present lowered their eyes, hesitated a moment, but still nodded.

"Since you all think my words make sense, then do you believe.

Should we try to reconcile a bit with Shen Han?"