Not far away, Sikong Miaomiao heard something about an alliance and her face slightly changed.
However, she didnât make any strange moves.
Beside her, Prince Qingyuan watched Shen Han, who had yet to answer, and a trace of concern unconsciously appeared in his eyes.
"Shen Han, His Holiness values you so much...
Many people would long for such royal favor, yet it is hard to attain.
If you become the Prince Consort, from now on, can Luo Zuchen and the others still act against you?
All your past concerns will vanish completely."
Prince Qingyuan gently tapped the back of Shen Hanâs hand, earnestly reminding him, hoping Shen Han would recognize the situation.
Living in this world, sometimes one must choose to compromise.
Still, Shen Han remained silent, frowning.
Not far away, a middle-aged man beside Sikong Miaomiao stepped forward.
This man, Sikong Zhan, is her third uncle, known as the Three Heads of the Sikong Family.
"Shen Han, although you won against Miaomiao in the academyâs grand competition,
let me be blunt: actually, your talent and strength are similar to Miaomiaoâs; you are not much stronger.
Being able to reach Fourth Grade at such an age is indeed commendable.
But I often tell Miaomiao not to overestimate herself.
Before reaching the Immortal Realm, everything remains uncertain.
How far you can go is still unpredictable.
Today, being favored by His Holiness is already good fortune.
If you remain arrogant and conceited, youâll regret it in the end."
After Sikong Zhan finished speaking, Lord Shan from the Ministry of War also stepped forward.
"You should be aware of Luo Zuchenâs style.
Having been forced to hide for two years, how did it feel?
Accept this marriage alliance, let the rebellion charge be placed back on him.
Then, regardless of who protects you, you wonât need to worry about your safety."
Lord Shanâs words were already very direct.
Luo Zuchenâs expression was extremely gloomy and unpleasant.
He came intending to flaunt his power and act arrogantly.
But unexpectedly, he became a tool in the Imperial Familyâs attempt to win over Shen Han.
Lord Shanâs words were clear enough, and everyone looked at Shen Han, waiting for his response.
Seeing this, Shen Han did not delay any further.
Shen Han knew exactly what he wanted.
Since the day he started cultivating, he had made it clear that he sought peace and tranquility.
How could he seek peace and tranquility if he subordinated himself to the Imperial Family?
Even if he admired someone, he couldnât decide who to marry.
What peace could be talked about then...
"I thank His Holiness for the favor, but I already have someone I admire in my heart.
My heart is small, and cannot hold anyone else.
Marrying the Sixteenth Princess would be very unfair to her.
I hope His Holiness forgives my capriciousness..."
As these words came out, the Great Wei Emperorâs friendly smile completely vanished.
The words were already straightforward, yet Shen Han still chose to refuse.
Who doesnât like a talented disciple?
But who would dare cultivate a genius who doesnât listen to advice?
If Shen Han truly grows but doesnât belong to the Imperial Family,
to the Great Wei Emperor, it would be unworthy, completely unworthy.
Upon hearing Shen Hanâs words, the group of court officials froze for a moment.
"I thought he was a clever child, but didnât expect him to be so oblivious..."
"What a pity...
Lord Shan from the Ministry of War looked at Shen Han, shaking his head helplessly.
"A heart higher than the sky, a fate thinner than paper.
With such arrogance, but not knowing how long he can live peacefully...
Reaching Fourth Grade at this age has instead harmed him..."
Several people around sighed.
They were all court officials of Great Wei, well aware of the Great Wei Emperorâs means.
For the Great Wei Emperor, untouchable geniuses are not geniuses.
All resources and care would vanish completely.
"Shen Han, is this your carefully considered thought?"
Perhaps unwilling to let go, the Great Wei Emperor couldnât help but ask again.
"My fate is ordinary, unworthy of His Holinessâs favor, please forgive me..."
Shen Hanâs answer made everyone present shake their heads.
The Great Wei Emperorâs expression also completely sank.
"It seems I have been too lenient with you, allowing you to so freely defy my will.
Think carefully, if you refuse my intention today,
you will face Luo Zuchen and his Second Grade Immortal Realm aunt entirely on your own."
As he spoke, the Great Wei Emperor even approached Shen Han.
"One cannot take all the benefits without assuming responsibility; there must be sacrifice to gain."
Upon hearing this, Shen Han still showed an apologetic expression.
Seeing this, the Great Wei Emperor advised no further.
Everyone present shook their heads with helplessness.
Young people only learn from experience.
Verbal advice often fails to make a young person mature.
"Words teach a hundred times, yet donât work; experience teaches once, and thatâs enough."
The court ministers present wore helpless smiles, seemingly feeling it is somewhat regrettable.
The Great Wei Emperor took three steps to return to his place.
"Since you wonât accept my goodwill, then letâs forget it.
I am the Sovereign of Great Wei, but I donât have the quirk of forcing the impossible."
While speaking, the Great Wei Emperor signaled to the court ministers in front of him.
The minister before him immediately understood and stepped forward.
"Mr. Luo, the feud between you and Shen Han has been discussed repeatedly, yet no resolution has been reached.
Both parties are subjects of our Great Wei, and His Holiness finds it difficult to show favoritism.
Henceforth, the Imperial Court will no longer concern itself with the grievances between you and Shen Han.
However it may unfold, let it unfold.
Just ensure no harm comes to others, and do not injure other subjects of Great Wei."
As these words were spoken, the court minister couldnât help but glance at Shen Han once more.
Feeling a great sense of regret.
"Luo Zuchen, remember to pass on what I previously mentioned to you, to the Shen Family.
They are often busy with military affairs and difficult to contact, so you shall deliver the message.
The roster of the 400,000 army personnel was completed years ago.
My envoy has already set out with the soldiersâ family letters.
There will soon be an outcome concerning the Eastern Garrison, make sure to inform the Shen Family first."
After speaking, the Great Wei Emperorâs gaze once again fell upon Shen Han.
"You Shen Family members really donât let me have peace of mind.
No matter which side, you all provoke my displeasure.
Oh, Mr. Luo, from this moment on, remember itâs from this moment.
The childâs safety is now his own responsibility.
The feud between you and him, I can no longer manage, and Iâm tired of managing."
Having said this, the Great Wei Emperor nodded towards a servant beside him.
The palace servants immediately brought out tray after tray of exquisite pastries.
The court ministers wore expressions of watching a spectacle.
Though internally, they felt immense regret for Shen Han.
A balance of kindness and authority, the art of ruling.
Shen Hanâs refusal to comply naturally means bearing the consequences.
Luo Zuchen was right in front of him, his earlier words were practically a direct declaration to him.
Informing him that right here, he could act against Shen Han.
Suddenly, the Peach Garden turned silent.
Only the servants passing dishes continued to move around.
Everyone else stared at Shen Han and Luo Zuchen.
Prince Qingyuan was vigorously signaling to Shen Han to escape immediately.
Yet Shen Han remained motionless, while Luo Zuchen stood up first.
Wrinkles had already appeared on his face.
The years spent outside the countryâs borders had aged him significantly compared to before.
"Though we are both mere pawns, it seems I have not yet been discarded.
From now on, for those troublesome tasks, I can still manage.
As for you, the castaway pawn, your future days wonât be as fortunate."
Luo Zuchen looked at Shen Han, with a slight sense of desolation within.
He had conceived so many strategies to deal with Shen Han, only to succeed like this in the end.
The bustling world is driven by gain.
The clamorous world moves for profit.
Once Shen Han ceases to align with the Imperial Familyâs interests, attitudes will change drastically.
Though he felt a pang of sentiment, Luo Zuchen wouldnât let this chance slip away.
The number of times he had struck against Shen Han decisively were countless.
In this life-or-death feud, Luo Zuchen wasnât naĂŻve. Given the opportunity, he naturally seized it.
"Had you held back a little, returned upon reaching the Immortal Realm, by then, I may truly have found it hard to counter you.
Itâs a pity you were slightly overconfident, thinking a Fourth Grade strength was worthy of esteem.
You didnât anticipate encountering such an end, did you?"
Luo Zuchenâs words seemed to carry reflections.
A gourd-shaped magical artifact was already in his hand.
The Imperial Court members were still waiting.
Including the Great Wei Emperor, they awaited Shen Hanâs plea for mercy.
Yet pleading now would yield fewer benefits than before.
Should Shen Han plead, then dare to bargain,
The gained advantages would further diminish.
The Great Wei Emperor had used such tactics countless times, always yielding excellent results.
Of course, if Shen Han were to refuse to plead to the death...
Then let him perish~
In the vast Great Wei, the death of a young Fourth Grade wouldnât matter much.
Even the death of an Immortal Realm expert wouldnât be significant enough to draw Great Wei Emperorâs regret.
The most concerned about Shen Han at the scene was actually Prince Qingyuan.
He had been desperately hinting to Shen Han to escape quickly.
But it seemed Shen Han either didnât hear clearly or had other reasons.
Even now, he remained seated before the table.
With a slightly furrowed brow, reflecting some concern.
"Escape, escape immediately..."
Seeing Shen Han still unmoving, Prince Qingyuan whispered directly, abandoning subtle eye signals.
Once Luo Zuchen took action, to onlookers, Shen Hanâs doom was inevitable.
It was precisely because of this, extreme pressure was placed on Shen Han.
Forcing Shen Han to yield and lean towards the Imperial Family.
Suddenly, a cloud of dust rose around.
An invisible ripple surged towards Shen Han.
Luo Zuchen knew the Scholarâs Technique was ineffective against Shen Han.
His apprentice Shen Yeâs Scholarâs Skill had never actually harmed Shen Han.
As the ripple spread, Luo Zuchenâs palm began to gather a sinister aura.
A palm strike from the Immortal Realm was enough to slow everything around.
The wind it passed seemed afraid of this moveâs might.
But in the next moment, a long sword appeared in Shen Hanâs hand.
With Law power fully unleashed.
The blade extremely sharp, with the might of an Immortal Realm, the sword was drawn.