Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes-Chapter 311 - 310: Seizing the Shen Family Nobility

Chapter 311: Chapter 310: Seizing the Shen Family Nobility

The two sat in front of the courtyard, the night was very quiet, and only the sound of their conversation could be heard.

"Have you heard about the Ten Nations Grand Competition?"

Shen Han nodded, the term "Ten Nations Grand Competition" was not unfamiliar.

The first time he heard about this competition was from Mr. Zhong Nan.

Later, he also saw it mentioned in the ancient books of the Book Collection Pavilion.

"After the end of the year, it will be the four-yearly Ten Nations Grand Competition again.

Tianyi Academy has already submitted your name."

Prince Qingyuan paused for a moment, then turned to look at Shen Han.

"This time’s Ten Nations Grand Competition might be somewhat troublesome.

In recent years, geniuses have emerged in various countries, and our Great Wei seems to be increasingly lagging behind.

Sometimes, I also reflect on this.

In the past, Great Wei was the country with the most cultivation experts for hundreds of years.

What exactly caused us in Great Wei to start falling behind..."

Saying this, Prince Qingyuan smiled helplessly.

"I digressed a bit.

After the Ten Nations Grand Competition, if you, Shen Han, can achieve some merit, I can go and seek some rewards for you.

Last time you made a show in Yexuan and already earned merit.

If you gain more contributions in this Ten Nations Grand Competition, it would be even more justified."

Hearing this, Shen Han frowned slightly.

"Does Your Highness mean a certain official rank for the reward?"

"Yes, you’re very smart and always understand immediately.

But this official rank is different from others; it is the Marquis title of your Shen Family."

The Shen Family was granted Yun’an City, and Old Duke Shen Qingshan was titled as Marquis Yun’an.

In the ceremonial laws of Great Wei, titles can be hereditary.

However, with each succession, the rank drops by one level.

For instance, if Shen Qingshan is a Marquis, when the title is passed down, it would become an Earl.

So, according to such legal requirements, the succession is usually postponed as much as possible.

From grandfather to grandson, to prevent the family ranks from declining too quickly.

Of course, if you don’t pass the title down for several generations, the court will have some words.

Various impeachments will come.

Within the Shen Family, there was basically no suspense.

Shen Qingshan’s title was just waiting for Shen Ye to inherit.

After his studies, the Shen Family’s influence in the military is also expected to be transferred to Shen Ye.

"Your Highness intends to use my contributions as merit, with His Holiness’ decree,

to pass the Shen Family’s title to me?"

"Exactly, that’s what I mean."

Hearing Shen Han directly point out his intention, the appreciation on Prince Qingyuan’s face grew more.

"The Shen Family may not be willing...

The high-ranking members of the Shen Family have always been dismissive of me, knowing I won’t side with them, so how could they be willing to pass the title to me?

Even with His Holiness’ decree, they might come up with excuses, just like with the previous marriage incident."

Prince Qingyuan nodded: "You’re absolutely right, the Shen Family will definitely find excuses.

But that doesn’t matter; after they make excuses, we will respond accordingly.

Now, with your talent and potential, and your contributions, you are fully qualified to be the successor of this title.

Even if Lord Shen wants Shen Ye to take over, he must provide a convincing reason."

Shen Han considered this, but did not dwell too much on it.

How the Shen Family would react could only be known at that time.

The Shen Family had created many threats for him, even endangering his life, so he should strike back a little.

By the time the Shen Family learns that he intends to fight for the Shen Family’s title, he wonders what their expression will be.

By now, the conversation had covered almost everything.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Han asked another question.

It seemed that the court seldom sought to recruit students from the academy.

Shen Han was genuinely curious about this.

Even now, after displaying his strength, no other faction had tried to recruit him.

Even if Tianyi Academy is a backyard of the Imperial Family,

it still shouldn’t be like this...

It’s not that Shen Han hoped to be recruited by any power, it’s just different from what he expected.

Prince Qingyuan immediately understood Shen Han’s meaning upon hearing this.

Then he explained.

Great Wei places great importance on nurturing the younger generation.

In the ceremonial laws, the younger generation can return home once every three years during their studies and cultivation.

Many of Great Wei’s rules are designed to allow the younger generation to focus on cultivation without external disturbances.

Especially before reaching thirty, when cultivation progresses fastest, it absolutely must not be wasted.

Therefore, the Great Wei Emperor set up rules long ago.

Young people under the age of thirty are not allowed to be drawn into struggles by various factions.

Especially court battles.

With this prohibition, on the surface,

none of the young talents from the academies are solicited or invited by any power.

Of course, there are many gray areas and opportunities.

The simplest and most direct way is through marriage, marrying the family’s daughters to these young talents.

Who can say you’re recruiting in this way?

Of course, there are also occasional private contacts.

After all, if both parties are willing, how can it be completely prohibited?

As Shen Han left Prince Qingyuan’s courtyard, it was almost midnight.

Today’s conversation indeed made Shen Han learn a lot.

To speak of it, he was not very familiar or knowledgeable with Prince Qingyuan.

Prince Qingyuan wanted to help the Imperial Family suppress the Shen Family.

He himself shared the same goals and interests.

So he could try to trust him.

However, trust couldn’t be absolute.

Everything should still be prioritized on protecting one’s safety.

The road back to his residence was very quiet.

The insects and frogs living in the pond can sense the arrival of winter before humans.

In a couple of days, he should head to Anyang City as well.

After resting for a night.

The next day Shen Han found the Dean of Tianyi Institute and mentioned his preparations to return to Anyang City.

Traveling to Anyang City involves some distance.

Naturally, Dean Tianyi understood Shen Han’s intention.

By that time, he would keep an eye on Luo Zuchen in the Capital City.

Not letting him leave even half a step.

On Shen Han’s way home, two guards would be arranged to accompany him, ensuring safety.

Once his belongings were packed properly.

On the tenth day of the Winter Month, Shen Han bid farewell to a few fellow students, leaving the academy first.

Truth be told, it was just shortly after the winter solstice, leaving the academy indeed seemed a bit early.

But Tianyi Academy did not stop him.

With Shen Han’s current strength, if there are no matters of cultivation and experience, keeping Shen Han in the academy would indeed be a waste of time.

Going to Anyang City, to gain more experiences and knowledge, is indeed greatly beneficial for improving cultivation.

On the way, Shen Han directly rode the Dean’s carriage.

A guard accompanied him by his side.

In less than twenty hours, they had already reached Anyang City.

Before Shen Han and the two guards arrived at the Yun Family’s mansion, they coincidentally encountered Uncle Yun leaving.

"Han?!"

Seeing Shen Han, he could hardly believe it.

"Uncle~"

Hearing Shen Han’s voice confirmed he wasn’t mistaken.

"Why didn’t you tell uncle in advance?

Look, it’s that time; what if the mansion kitchen can’t prepare a meal in time..."

Saying this, Uncle Yun quickly instructed the attendant beside him to go back and relay the message.