Chapter 580: Chapter 563: Even After Ao’Er Was Harmed Like This, They Still Want to Win Over Shen Han
Today, start addressing me differently.
Stop calling me ’senior,’ from now on, you should call me ’senior brother.’
With a silly laugh, Cen Yunzi said this, and Shen Han also wore a smile on his face.
Dean Tianyi looked at Cen Yunzi: "If that’s the case, then won’t Peak Master Cen be a generation younger than me?"
"No matter, no matter, as long as Shen Han and Junior Sister can become a couple,
even if you take advantage of me a bit, I’ll accept it."
The three engaged in a lively conversation.
Dean Tianyi felt more puzzled, seeing how readily Cen Yunzi was compromising.
"By the way, I have prepared a banquet for tonight.
We’ve been here so many days, with so many people, yet haven’t had a drink together.
Your Senior Brother Qi has plenty of good wine hidden away, this is the perfect occasion to make him bring it out."
The three of them were already discussing the marriage.
Yet Shi Yuezhu, the person involved, wasn’t aware at all.
...
Yun’an City, Shen Mansion.
Escorted by Shen family’s secret protectors, Shen Ao had returned from the Capital City.
The once arrogant and overbearing Shen Ao was feared by all.
Especially the servants in the Shen Mansion, everyone knew Shen Ao’s prowess, and no one dared provoke him.
Young Master Ao would often find ways to bully the servants of the Shen Mansion.
It seemed to be a pastime for him.
But this time around, Shen Ao had changed tremendously upon his return.
"Ao’Er, what do you want to eat? Mother will make it for you.
How about snacks from Liuyue House?
The recent master they hired makes excellent pastries..."
Madam He spoke at length, yet the seated Shen Ao remained silent.
He didn’t even change his expression.
"How about you let Cai He take you around?
There are some new servants in the house, see if they can bring you any fun."
Madam He tried to persuade him, but Shen Ao remained speechless for reasons unknown.
"Ao’Er, don’t scare your mother...
You are Shen Lingwei’s son; you should be fearless and unmatched.
Think of how you were fearless even when you were little, daring enough to pull Old Duke’s beard.
How could you be so frightened by Shen Han..."
Madam He could not accept the madness afflicting her son.
Though not as excellent as Shen Ye, Shen Ao was nonetheless praised as a prodigy.
He’s always been lauded for his exceptional wit since childhood...
However, mentioning Shen Han’s name visibly startled Shen Ao.
"Where is he, that person... where is he?"
"Ao’Er, he isn’t here, he isn’t here.
Your father is already working on a solution to deal with him soon, don’t worry..."
Madam He consoled him gently.
After these comforting words, Shen Ao seemed to regain some composure.
"Why am I back at Shen Mansion? Wasn’t I just at the Academy?"
...
In the courtyard of Madam Shen of the Shen Family, Madam He was continually wiping her tears.
"Old Dowager, what are we to do with Ao’Er...
The mere mention of Shen Han’s name terrifies him.
He often seems lost in thought, not even aware of his surroundings..."
Listening to Madam He, Madam Shen of the Shen Family knitted her eyebrows tightly, her face growing more furious.
"During those two years when the calamity was missing, when did the Shen Family ever face such disaster?
Since his return less than half a year ago, our Shen Family has plunged into chaos.
The Old Duke still thinks about conciliation, conciliation.
If truly conciliated, all of us in the Shen Family might be doomed because of him!"
Madam Shen wore a grim expression, and with these words, Madam He realized.
The Old Duke indeed wanted to reconcile with Shen Han.
"Ao’Er was harmed by Shen Han, yet the Old Duke still considers drawing Shen Han in.
Aren’t they afraid of chilling the hearts of our people?"
Madam He cried even harder.
Shen Han had already acquired the Marquee’s inheritance of the Shen Family.
Reconciliation with Shen Han might mean the family estate could be passed to him in the future.
This, Madam He could not accept.
"Stop the whining, go get the second house and approach the Old Duke together.
With Madam Shen leading, Madam He felt a tad more confident about this venture.
As the 5:00 PM approached, summer days in Yun’an City darken later.
But the Shen Family typically had dinner around this time.
The Old Duke had been plotting in his study for days.
As for what he’s plotting, no one knows.
In the main hall, the others were already seated, waiting.
As Shen Qingshan walked in, everyone rose to greet him.
He was, after all, the Patriarch of the Shen Family.
"What’s the matter, gathering everyone here just to tell old me something?
And waiting specifically?"
With a smile, Shen Qingshan waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit down.
He then walked to the center and sat in the main seat.
"Speak up then, what brings so many gathered here waiting for old me?"
As soon as Shen Qingshan finished, the others swallowed slightly, pondering their words.
Yet, in the silence, no one dared speak first.
Madam Shen continued to gesture towards Madam He, urging her to speak.
Yet, Madam He found her mouth unable to open.
"Main house, weren’t you full of words just now?
The Old Duke is right here, if there’s something to say, speak up.
The head of the family is present, he will certainly make a decision for you."
With Madam Shen singling her out, Madam He finally could not avoid it.
She rose and moved to the center.
"Old Duke, Ao’Er returned home last night..."
Upon mention of Shen Ao, Shen Qingshan had an inkling.
"I know, the child is unwell, find a suitable doctor to have a look at him.
Whatever medication necessary, if hard to acquire, I’ll handle it."
Shen Qingshan wished to move past the subject, but Madam He wouldn’t relent.
"Old Duke, Ao’Er’s issues aren’t just simple sickness.
His condition is hysterical, caused by that disaster’s schemes.
Old Duke, haven’t you always favored Ao’Er...
You need to stand up for him, this matter is the sinister work of Shen Han."
Following Madam He’s words, Madam Shen promptly added:
"Old Duke, ever since Shen Han returned to Great Wei, how many headaches have plagued our Shen Family.
Even the household servants and retainers have been jittery of late.
Not to mention, Ao’Er was doing well.
But since Shen Han’s return, how long has it been, he’s now afflicted with hysteria.
During his two-year disappearance, our family flourished, nothing like the present."
Following Madam Shen’s words, the couple from the second house, Shen Lingyong, also joined in.
"Father, over the years, has Shen Han ever shown you filial respect?
Not even a kind word, I suspect.
Upon hearing you’re reconciling with him, I find it difficult to accept.
Back then when my second uncle sought him in the capital, how did he respond?
Directly coercing me out of my military commission.
Father, should you insist on mending ties with that son, it would only chill our hearts..."
Shen Lingyong spoke with staunch resolve, adamantly opposing any conciliation with Shen Han.
After hearing everyone’s words, Shen Qingshan remained silent.
He picked up a cup of clear tea from the table, sipping it gently.
"Is there more?
Say everything that’s on your mind."
With a neutral expression, it was hard to decipher Shen Qingshan’s opinion.
Madam Xie of the second house stood up: "Old Duke, in my view, keeping that child alive will only spell disaster for our Shen Family.
Did he show familial piety when he acted against Ye’Er?
Wasn’t Ye’Er’s broken leg his doing?
Moreover, during the family assessment, not only did he fail to attend, but he also had the nerve to partake in the Capital City’s Academy competition.
It’s a blatant disregard for our Shen Family."
Placing down the teacup, Shen Qingshan finally turned to face them: "So, what you want is for him to die, right?"
