Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes

Chapter 353: Chapter 352: Shen Qingshan’s Drastic Change in Temperament

All the dirt that was thrown indeed had some impact on Shen Han before.

Especially before Shen Han got rid of that ominous label, many people firmly believed in his unfilial nature.

But after the Ten Nations Grand Competition ended, criticism, belittlement, and questioning of Shen Han seemed to stop abruptly.

Simultaneously, several people stepped up to speak in defense of Shen Han.

They said it was the Shen Family’s issue, that the family bullied Shen Han from a young age and treated this junior terribly.

The family was too biased, only caring for Shen Ye while completely neglecting Shen Han.

The change in public opinion seemed to happen overnight.

Inside the ancestral hall.

Shen Qingshan rested against the chair, looking somewhat fatigued.

He hadn’t paid much attention to the Ten Nations Grand Competition.

Shen Ye couldn’t go, whereas Shen Han did go, but he was merely a substitute with an ominous reputation.

At that time, Shen Qingshan would occasionally inquire about the state of the younger generation and the differences among countries.

Upon learning that Great Wei was defeating, winning only one out of twelve matches,

Shen Qingshan felt a bit gleeful when hearing this.

Since Shen Ye didn’t attend, the outcome highlighted Shen Ye’s importance.

At least for the young generation visible in Wei, none have shown outstanding capability.

When the news arrived, the Shen Family maintained a spectator’s attitude.

During dinner, the Shen Family members would discuss people from Qi and Yan who were incredibly impressive.

But those who had lost to Shen Ye in the past, none amongst those who attended the Ten Nations Grand Competition from Wei could defeat them.

Talking about these matters, everyone wore a light-hearted smile.

No sooner had they started their meal than more news arrived.

This time the news caused distress among the Shen Family members.

Shen Han challenged the young talents from Yan and Qi and won consecutively.

Even Zhu Mingxiang, who was four years older than Shen Han, fell to his blade.

Directly winning ten carts full of resources for Great Wei.

When they first heard this news, none believed it.

Shen Han was just a substitute; what did this have to do with him?

Upon hearing the messenger explain the entire story, all the Shen Family members fell silent.

In the past, whenever Shen Han achieved something, Shen Qingshan would erupt in anger and reprimand everyone at Shen Mansion.

Madam Shen was always the primary target of his fury.

But this time, Shen Qingshan remained silent, without uttering a word.

That night, after hearing the news, he spent the whole night sitting alone in the courtyard.

He neither struck anyone nor scolded anyone.

Just sat there alone, Madam Shen mustered the courage to console him, but Shen Qingshan simply waved her off.

He told her to rest, as he needed peace to ponder some matters.

The calmer Shen Qingshan appeared, the more worried the Shen Family became.

Madam Shen even felt it might be better if he lashed out at her, releasing his pent-up frustrations…

Today marked the eighth day after the Ten Nations Grand Competition ended.

Yet Shen Qingshan remained the same; the usually authoritative Patriarch Shen now showed signs of listlessness.

After midday, Madam Shen clenched her teeth and summoned everyone to the ancestral hall.

Madam Shen understood Shen Qingshan’s temperament well.

He was restless and needed something to do, something to think about to get by.

But after eight days of this, Shen Qingshan remained unchanged; perhaps something was genuinely amiss with his temperament.

“Master, you haven’t been eating much these days.

The kitchen prepared some meat congee that you love; perhaps you should have some…”

This was the Shen Family’s ancestral hall; naturally, Madam Shen knew better than to bring food in.

Her words were meant to coax Shen Qingshan into returning to his room to rest.

Beside her, two daughters-in-law joined in, persuading Shen Qingshan to take a break.

But Shen Qingshan merely shook his head: “I don’t have much appetite right now, you may rest.

If I get hungry, I know where to find food.”

This attitude baffled everyone, unable to discern Shen Qingshan’s inner thoughts.

After all, they had never seen him like this before.

Typically, Shen Qingshan would vent any anger on the spot.

But this time, not a harsh word escaped him.

“Master, I have been by your side for years, enduring hardships if not bringing credit.

Is this about Shen Han?

If it is, I’d rather have you beat and scold me than see you like this.

Is there something you can’t even tell me…”

Madam Shen had a way with words, painting herself pitiably with just a few words.

Yet even hearing these, Shen Qingshan’s visage remained somber.

“What good would beating you do?

A few scoldings will hardly bring Shen Han back to the Shen Family.”

With this statement, Shen Qingshan’s reasons for his demeanor became apparent.

It was because of Shen Han.

Indeed, anyone in the position of the Shen Family’s Patriarch would be dismayed at seeing such talent leaving the family.

Had it merely been irrelevant to the Shen Family, that would be one thing; but estranged and with grudges…

“I mentioned earlier about reconciling with Shen Han, but you all opposed me.

One excuse, another excuse.

Now that Shen Han has gained fame in the entire Great Wei, being revered.

Our Shen Family looks like fools now.

A genius from our family receives no advantage.”

Saying this, Shen Qingshan’s old eyes scanned over everyone.

Seeing his gaze, Madam He and Madam Xie hurriedly avoided his eyes.

“These days, I haven’t questioned any of you.

Today since you’re all here, I’ll ask a couple of things.

In the past, whenever Shen Han achieved anything, your words were always demeaning.

Flashes in the pan, mere luck.

Now that Shen Han has accomplished such feats in the Ten Nations Grand Competition, how will you belittle him?

Tell me, see if this time you can sway me.”

The current state of Shen Qingshan starkly contrasts with the past.

Calm appearance, indifferent expression.

“Madam Shen, you go first; you’ve always despised Shen Han. Now with his achievements, surely you’ve thought of a way to disparage him.

Speak your mind; perhaps hearing you might comfort me, lessen my regret.”

Faced with such demands, Madam Shen’s face turned immediately unsightly.

Since the Academy’s big competition, Madam Shen’s conviction had been wavering.

She could sense Shen Han was not as she imagined.

Yet within her heart, a stubbornness persisted, unwilling to acknowledge Shen Han’s excellence.

Indeed, she would always find reasons to continue belittling Shen Han.

But this time, the victory over older talents from Qi and Yan,

winning back ten carts of resources for Great Wei, left Madam Shen at a loss for how to diminish it.

Were it not for Shen Ye, her beloved grandson serving as her spiritual pillar, she might find herself as transformed as Shen Qingshan.