Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes

Chapter 349: Chapter 348: A Century of Prosperity—Beyond My Imagination

Leaving the dean’s courtyard, Shen Han prepared to visit Mr. Zhong Nan once more.

For this Ten Nations Grand Competition, both he and the dean had worried greatly for him.

When he first learned he could only be a substitute, the disappointment in his heart was indescribable.

Knowing about his performance, they should all be very pleased.

On the way back, he encountered Su Jinyu’s father, Su Zhensheng.

Seeing this, Shen Han naturally would not be impolite.

He saluted respectfully, saying, “Greetings, General Su.”

Upon hearing this, Su Zhensheng showed a faint smile, as if he had aged quite a bit since they last met.

He had gained several wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and lost a significant amount of vigor.

By calculation, Su Zhensheng had been at Tianyi Academy for a year.

Once this year passed, he would no longer be trapped within the academy.

However, within the Northern Garrison, the Su family’s influence had likely been eroded significantly by now.

Su Zhensheng looked at Shen Han, his eyes brightening slightly.

He too felt the estrangement between teacher and student.

When they first met in the Book Collection Pavilion and didn’t know each other’s identities, they really got along well.

Ironically, it was because of Su Jinyu that things became more complicated.

“I’ve heard of your excellent performance in the Ten Nations Grand Competition, turning the tide and winning back all the lost resources, truly bringing glory to Great Wei.”

Shen Han remained humble as always, “It was just good luck, General Su, you overpraise me.”

“This child of yours, whether it’s luck or not, everyone can see it clearly.

Since you defeated Zhu Mingxiang, the portraits of ladies brought from Dean Tianyi’s side are countless.

I hear that even some aristocratic families with strong backgrounds have thoughts about you.

These families, be it in heritage or current status, are beyond what our Su Family can compare.

Su Family, alas…”

At this, Su Zhensheng revealed a look of despondency on his face.

Shen Han, upon hearing this, stepped forward instead.

“General Su, please don’t be so disheartened. Now Qi Country’s strength is increasingly formidable, and the years of dormancy have quickly enhanced their national power.

The remnants of the might from the battle eight years ago should not last much longer.

The northern border has been peaceful for years, and the current generals have undisciplined troops; their strength is no longer that of the Northern Garrison of old.

When the battle comes again, even if you don’t want to lead troops, you will be asked to, even forced to.

Silver spears and sharp blades, divine weapons and fine bows, once hidden, will not be forgotten.”

Hearing this, Su Zhensheng couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

“You young ones always know how to speak well; talking with you makes my mood much better.”

“General Su, this isn’t flattery from Shen Han.

The words reflect the student’s heartfelt thoughts.

The military strategies you previously taught me formed the basis for these calculations.”

Saying this, Shen Han shared his thoughts with Su Zhensheng.

At the border between Qi and Wei, the Wei territory is a plain, where troops can only camp.

The target is obvious and extremely difficult to conceal.

However, the Qi border is surrounded by towering mountains.

If Qi intends to contend, it can easily hide hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the mountains.

The peace between nations cannot be maintained casually.

If there are changes in strength, even if war can be avoided, confrontation and friction will ensue.

In such situations, without sufficient strength, defeat is inevitable.

Hearing these words from Shen Han, the smile on Su Zhensheng’s face grew even broader.

“After all, you’re the only young person whose thoughts align with mine.

This end of the year, Su returned to the Su Family.

Talking with the clan, their views were all pessimistic and disappointing.

I told them about the situation in the north and the Su family’s future.

Unfortunately, no one believed me; instead, they thought my long stay at Tianyi Academy had left me with some delusion.”

While speaking, Su Zhensheng’s gaze again fell on Shen Han.

The more he looked, the more satisfied he became.

Thinking further, he sighed again.

“But even if the Su Family were valued again and revived, it wouldn’t last long…”

“That’s impossible; the Su Family learns from its mistakes, and with another chance, it will surely be more strategic in its future planning.

Flourishing for a hundred years isn’t out of the question.”

Shen Han continued to say pleasant words, after all, he couldn’t agree with Su Zhensheng about the Su Family’s decline.

“Flourishing for a century, Su wouldn’t even dare to think of that.

Our Su Family doesn’t have a single capable person to take charge.

My two sons, they can lead troops well enough and have some talent.

But to control the entire Su Family, they fall short…”

Speaking of this, Su Zhensheng looked directly at Shen Han.

“If only you, Shen Han, could become a son-in-law of our Su Family, then maybe our hopes for a centennial prosperity would be more realistic.”

Oh dear, the dagger finally reveals itself, waiting in the words all along.

Hearing this, Shen Han remained silent, not knowing how to respond.

Sometimes, silence already conveys an attitude.

Seeing this, Su Zhensheng also showed a hint of disappointment and awkwardly waved his hand.

“Don’t mind, Su is just speaking casually.”

Saying this, Su Zhensheng looked up again at Shen Han.

“I often wonder, if I had known you earlier, I wouldn’t have been so quick to judge based on others’ words, considering you as an ordinary talent.

If that engagement hadn’t been called off, perhaps we would already be father-in-law and son-in-law by now.

Rejoicing with wine in the courtyard, discussing the great affairs of the world, wouldn’t that be delightful.”

If Shen Han had truly become his son-in-law, this Su Family general wouldn’t have to worry every day.

In Su Zhensheng’s speech, his melancholy was difficult to hide.

He actually saw Shen Han’s talent and potential long ago.

From their initial meeting in the Book Collection Pavilion, he didn’t know Shen Han’s identity.

After just half a day’s conversation, he highly recognized Shen Han.

Seeing Su Zhensheng like this, Shen Han also felt a bit troubled.

He really had learned quite a bit from Su Zhensheng.

Military strategy, military formation, and so on.

Though he wasn’t sure if he would use it, he still remembered this guidance in his heart.

“General Su, even if we don’t become in-laws, we can still rejoice with wine.

If there is an opportunity, we can still converse.”

Saying this, Su Zhensheng immediately waved his hand: “Come, come, today I am free, let’s go to the small courtyard and have a good talk.”

Hesitating for a moment, Shen Han finally followed.

Though there were some grievances between him and Su Jinyu, there were none with Su Zhensheng.

This General Su actually treated him quite well.

In the small courtyard, attendants served some dishes to accompany the drinks, with plenty of clear wine provided.

The two discussed the situation of Great Wei and analyzed some of the current difficulties.

After the talk, Shen Han’s appreciation only grew…