In Shen Han's generation, the Shen Family is not lacking in people.
As of now, there are already ten siblings.
According to age, Shen Han ranks fifth, known as the Fifth Young Master.
Although there are many descendants, not many of this generation of Shen Family members are outstanding.
The most exceptional is naturally the prodigy of the Shen Family, Shen Ye. Even when compared to Su Jinyu, the gifted daughter, he doesn't fall behind.
Besides Shen Ye, his younger brother, the still-young Shen Ao, can also be considered a talent.
Aside from these two brothers, the rest are merely average.
Shen Lei's current achievements and strength are because of the Shen Family's abundant resources, with tutors guiding him hand in hand daily.
Facing Shen Lei's sudden attack, Shen Han's expression tensed, and his body flashed.
Lonely Wind Snow-Treading Step!
Shen Lei is the sixth son in the family, who advanced to the Ninth Grade in the Martial Path last year and considers his Fist Force unparalleled.
In the Shen Mansion, the surrounding servants and maids often flatter him.
So much so that Shen Lei really believes he has such skills.
"Still dare to dodge! Courting death!"
When a punch missed, Shen Lei did not hesitate at all; he threw another heavy punch at Shen Han's face.
This time, facing the enemy head-on, Shen Han did not retreat or yield, directly colliding with Shen Lei's fist.
When fist met fist, it resulted in a dull thud.
The physique tempered by the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill is as stable as a mountain and as continuous as a river.
If Shen Lei's strength grade is similar to his own, he ought to withstand this punch.
"Enough! What do you take this place for, brawling in a courtroom?"
Prefect Xu slammed his gavel, ordering the Arresting Officers to separate them.
Shen Lei placed his hand on himself, seeing the people around showing concern for him, repeatedly saying he was fine.
Though he said so, that hand of his still trembled from the pain.
"For the sake of the Shen Family Marquis, I won't punish you today, but if there's another disruption in the courtroom, don't blame this office for not being lenient.
Additionally, the theft case involving the Shen Family will be halted for the time being.
Both sides hold their respective claims, but neither can produce conclusive evidence, so let's not bring it up again, nor tarnish your own reputation, this is for the sake of the Shen Family."
Just as Prefect Xu finished speaking, Madam Xie from the second branch was not pleased.
"Prefect Xu, this Madam is from the Shen Mansion, how could I possibly slander anyone, the crime of theft cannot be lightly forgiven!"
Seeing Madam Xie from the second branch relentless, Prefect Xu merely smiled.
"According to Madam Xie's words, Shen Han is also the grandson of the Shen Family Marquis. Then whom would he slander?"
Madam Xie was rendered speechless by this retort.
Seeing the crowd of onlookers around, the First Madam and Second Madam were too embarrassed to stay any longer.
They pushed through the crowd and quickly returned to the Shen Mansion.
But starting today, the rumors about Madam Xie from the second branch can no longer be shaken off.
Theft of property and theft of a man are two completely different topics of scandal.
Without a doubt, today's taverns will be buzzing with discussions about this matter.
And as time goes by, who knows how these rumors will evolve.
As the trial ended, Madam Yun hurried to support Shen Han.
Her eyes filled with worry, seeing Shen Han's clothes in disarray, she quickly helped him tidy up and brushed the dust off his body.
"You child, why do you always encounter such filthy matters...
Fortunately, you have some leverage over the Second Madam, otherwise, I wouldn't know how to save you this time..."
Madam Yun felt a sense of lingering fear, thinking about whether she could send Shen Han to another place.
This time they had completely fallen out with the second branch, Shen Han, this child, is no match for Madam Xie of the second branch...
Moreover, Madam Xie has close ties with Madam He of the first branch.
"Third Madam, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
As Shen Han spoke with Madam Yun, Prefect Xu walked down from the high court.
"You are indeed a commendable child."
"Thanks to Lord Prefect's keen judgment and fairness, I was spared the ink punishment."
Saying this, Shen Han bowed to Prefect Xu.
In today's trial, Shen Han could clearly sense Prefect Xu's goodwill.
Though he was at a disadvantage, Prefect Xu still spoke a few words on his behalf, naturally, he should not be stingy with words of praise.
Everyone naturally enjoys hearing words of praise, and Prefect Xu smiled.
He was even more certain that this young man's temperament was firm.
Indeed, growing up in such a surrounding of concealed dangers, how could such a youth not be formidable?
"Having been frightened today, go back and rest well.
If you're free on the sixth day, you may come to my residence, even just for a cup of tea."
Hearing Prefect Xu inviting him for a visit, Shen Han repeatedly expressed his gratitude and assured he would attend punctually.
After speaking, Shen Han and Madam Yun began walking back to the Shen Mansion together.
When the two had gone far, the registrar quickly approached Prefect Xu.
"My lord, in the Shen Family, Shen Han is quite despised, and because of old matters, Madame Shen even more dislikes him.
Your goodwill towards him might displease the Shen Family Marquis.
Especially at this juncture, where both the Shen Family and the Su Family are thinking about how to annul the royal betrothal..."
The worry surfaced on the registrar's face.
The Shen Family holds military power; although they cannot control a Prefect, they still possess real power within the court.
Hearing the registrar speak frankly, Prefect Xu led him to the backyard.
"Brother Yue Shan, we have been officials together for over a decade, tell me, from where does our power derive?"
Upon hearing this question, the registrar hesitated not a bit and blurted out, "Naturally from the Imperial Court, from His Holiness."
"Since it comes from His Holiness, our actions must primarily please His Holiness.
As for the Shen Family and the Su Family, we should not first favor them~"
When Prefect Xu spoke these words, the registrar suddenly realized.
"Brother Yue Shan understands now, His Holiness set up this situation to frustrate the Shen Family and the Su Family.
If they want to annul the marriage, both families must pay a price.
But if Shen Han is subjected to the ink punishment this time, they would then use his misconduct as a reason to request the Imperial Family to annul the marriage.
The game set by His Holiness would lose all its meaning."
Prefect Xu nodded, this was exactly what he had foreseen.
Therefore, within the high court of the government office, he leaned towards Shen Han's side.
"His Holiness probably thought this move was an unsolvable game, believing both families would have to pay a price to annul the betrothal formally.
Yet His Holiness did not predict that the Shen Family can be even more ruthless than he imagined.
What does it matter if Shen Han is a grandson, when it came time to sacrifice, they didn't hesitate at all."
As Prefect Xu spoke, his brows furrowed slightly.
It's not wrong for people in the world to pursue profit, but there aren't many who, like the Shen Family, would throw their grandchild into the abyss for the sake of gain.
"To be honest, I do feel sorry for that child Shen Han...
Brother Yue Shan, moving forward, we have to execute His Holiness's plan well, and this can also be seen as providing some protection for the child."
As they walked back.
Both the First Madam and the Second Madam's faces were a shade of blue.
This attempt to frame Shen Han, they thought was foolproof and well-prepared.
But unexpectedly, this junior Shen Han would also speak out recklessly.
Moreover, with this talk, Madam Xie's stains would probably never be washed clean for a lifetime.