Inside the room, carbon residue occasionally crackles in the burning coals.

Seeing Madam Yun still wants to express some gratitude, Han quickly brings up other topics.

"Third Madam, let's not mention these things, otherwise I always feel like an outsider here..."

Upon hearing Han's words, Madam Yun nods.

"Alright, alright, I won't mention it, I won't mention it..."

After a pause, Madam Yun speaks again: "Last night, the Shen Family sent a letter, saying they will no longer purchase pills from the Yun Family anymore.

Grandfather and your uncle intend to use this opportunity to see which forces are willing to help in times of distress, hoping to identify some true friends.

They wanted me to ask your opinion, Han?"

Human nature is really very fragile under scrutiny.

Those willing to help in times of need are always a minority.

Han understands this clearly.

When he was rejected by the Shen Family's top members, the only ones who truly helped him within the family were Madam Yun and Cailing.

"Helping in times of need is extremely difficult; as long as they don't kick you when you're down, it's already good enough."

These words reflect a deep understanding of the world's ways.

Madam Yun nods in agreement upon hearing this.

She also understands that, after experiencing so much in life, Han does not have many expectations of others.

After finishing all the food Madam Yun brought, Han thinks for a moment and shares his plans with her.

Living in the Yun Mansion, the outward excuse is that he was injured at the Thousand-Autumn Grand Gathering.

The Yun Family excels in Alchemy Dao, and it is his mother's family, so he is temporarily residing here.

In Great Wei, the younger generation must eventually return home.

Before the title of grandfather, there is always an external word.

Having not returned home for many years, especially with elders still around, the Shen Family could easily label him as unfilial.

Han indeed wants to sever ties with the Shen Family and clear all connections.

Looking through the Ritual Records of Great Wei, he couldn't find a way to leave the family.

Filial piety in the family hardly allows for easy departure from the family.

Great Wei founded its country on loyalty and filial piety, with loyalty coming first.

Here, loyalty means solely loyalty to the king.

This implies that when loyalty to the king conflicts with filial piety, only then can one choose to violate filial piety.

Right now, he needs a reason not to be trapped in the Shen Mansion.

Han has been pondering this reason for a long time.

When in Yun'an City, Prefect Xu discussed this with him.

Prince Qingyuan, feeling guilty, promised to let him study at Tianyi Academy in the Capital City.

In Great Wei, education is a major undertaking.

The country's strength and prosperity are closely tied to the abilities of its citizens.

So in the laws and Ritual Records, it is specified.

If pursuing study, returning home once in three years does not violate filial piety.

After entering the Sixth Grade of martial path, resources, talent, and experience are indispensable.

Attending Tianyi Academy provides an excuse not to return to the Shen Mansion.

Furthermore, it is a famous academy in Great Wei; there should be many books there, allowing him to broaden his knowledge.

In addition, there are other strong individuals at the academy, or some mysterious secret realms for him to train and improve.

Upon thorough consideration, this seems to be his best option.

The Shen Family cannot find a problem within the rules to criticize him.

"Must you go to Tianyi Academy..."

Madam Yun doesn't want Han to go on another practice journey; last time already scared her.

"Currently, going to the academy is the best choice.

Besides, Third Madam, you are still considered the third wife of the Shen Family. If you don't return home for a long time, you will receive a reputation for being unfilial to your elders.

If you harbor Desperate Intent in your heart, then divorce him."

Upon hearing Han's words, Madam Yun lowers her eyes slightly before nodding after a while.

Such a cold-hearted person indeed deserves to be divorced.

...

On the twentieth day of the twelfth month, the Yun Family opens the mansion.

Counting the days, the mansion was closed for twenty-six days.

On the reopening day, the entrance of the mansion is festooned with decorations.

For the Yun Family, this marks a rebirth.

Yet in the eyes of many other family forces, this denotes the start of the Yun Family's decline.

Previously, the Yun Family, despite mainly profiting from low-grade pills,

But its large quantity made it a prominent aristocratic family in Anyang, with a recognizable name.

Now, losing the Shen Family as a backer.

Plus, many forces allied with the Shen Family choose to follow them, no longer buying pills from the Yun Family.

Low-grade pills are easy to purchase elsewhere.

In most people's eyes, the Yun Family seems destined to soon become a mediocre family.

As the mansion gates open, the Yun Family members appear unfazed, patiently welcoming guests.

The gates open at 7:00 AM, yet approaching Noon, still no visitors arrive.

The courtyard appears deserted, with no interest from anyone.

The tea houses in Anyang City are abuzz with discussions about the Yun Family's reopening.

The current situation aligns with predictions.

The Yun Family has been abandoned.

Who knows why they dared to close their gates for nearly a month?

During this month, the lack of pill purchases from the Yun Family makes no difference.

The Yun Family lacks significance.

At 3:00 PM, finally a guest arrives.

The arrival of the first guest, the Yun Family servants are particularly enthusiastic.

Inviting the guest into the reception hall, brewing fine tea.

Shortly, Patriarch Yun and uncle greet the guest.

Observing the guest, Patriarch Yun can't help but chuckle.

"Thought it was a distinguished guest visiting, turns out it's Patriarch Yin of the Yin Family.

Not crafting pills at home, what brings you to our Yun Family?

Heard the quality of our pills is excellent, seeking some advice perhaps?"

The Yun Family and the Yin Family have always been at odds.

Patriarch Yun's tone naturally lacks courtesy.

Slightly reclining in the chair, taking a sip of the tea before him.

Only then does Patriarch Yin slowly begin to speak.

"Patriarch Yun, we have competed for so many years, to be honest, this old man feels a bit of admiration for an opponent.

Previously, your Yun Family sold pills effortlessly, thanks to the Shen Family's support.

But now, the situation has changed.

Success with Shen Family, failure with Shen Family.

Patriarch Yun, in the end, our Yin Family has won."

Patriarch Yun's smile grows wider: "Are you so confident you've won, Patriarch Yin?"

"Yes, I am certain.

I have received news; the Shen Family is dissatisfied with Shen Han, originally intending to bring him back for punishment.

Your Yun Family steadfastly protects him.

Such defiance against the Shen Family, can they tolerate you?

Moreover, the letter the Shen Family sent is widely known.

Today's visit is not only to check on Patriarch Yun's well-being but also to inquire.

If your household can't support so many alchemists, they are welcome at our Yin Family~"

Despite his old age, Patriarch Yin appears triumphantly smug.

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