Yun'an City, Shen Mansion.

This New Year, there is indeed quite a difference from previous years.

In past years, the Shen Mansion was always lively like this.

Except for the likes of Shen Han, who were not favored, other grandchildren would receive a lot of reward money.

With the money in hand, they could buy whatever they wanted.

Even if they made some mistakes, during the festivities, the elders in the family wouldn't reprimand them.

Thinking about the New Year, the young ones of the Shen family were actually quite looking forward to it.

But this year, it's not the same.

At this moment, these young ones of the Shen family gathered in the courtyard, each wearing a worried look.

"It's all because of that useless Shen Han. If it weren't for him, why would we be having such a miserable New Year..."

Speaking was the third young master of the Shen family, who, with a genius like Shen Ye ahead of him, had long lost his fighting spirit, opting to just get by.

For many years, he had been doing quite well.

In past years, there was also the routine family assessment, but it was just a formality, taken a bit seriously at most.

But this year, everyone has received word that the Patriarch Shen would return after the New Year.

The assessment would be very solemn and formal.

To ensure a good performance in the assessment, Madam Shen demanded that everyone engage in rigorous cultivation before the New Year.

No one could be an exception.

This New Year was not to be celebrated; everyone had to cultivate and improve.

The Old Dowager Shen was very aware that the Patriarch had already visited home during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yet after the New Year's end, he was returning again.

It was because he doubted the effectiveness of her household management.

In past years at the New Year's end, the Old Dowager Shen mostly spoke words of praise for these children.

Shen Qingshan listened and felt pleased, offering some rewards.

If at the time of the assessment, the young ones of the mansion performed poorly one after another, how would she explain?

On the contrary, it was Shen Han, whom she had always criticized, who performed exceptionally well.

As the Old Dowager, she really had nothing to say.

Beside her, hearing the third young master's words, the sister next to him immediately retorted.

"Third brother, you say this, calling Shen Han useless in front of us. Do you dare say it to his face?"

"Why wouldn't I dare? It's just that we're all brothers. Saying it to his face would make things uncomfortable later."

Upon hearing these words, all the brothers and sisters couldn't help but laugh softly.

Ten years on the east riverbank, ten years on the west.

Once the most overlooked junior in the Shen Mansion, now he has gained some fame.

At the Thousand-Autumn Grand Gathering, he reached the eightieth level in one leap, even surpassing a genius like Su Jinyu.

"Shen Han was just lucky. If my luck were better, I'd be more formidable than him!"

When Shen Fu said this, her face still carried a hint of annoyance.

To this day, she still felt that Shen Han's achievements were all thanks to Liu Xilan's help.

If Liu Xilan were willing to help her, the achievements would be hers, Shen Fu's.

"Luck? I heard he already has Seventh Grade strength, and that's still luck.

Even if it's luck, so what? We just don't seem to have that luck..."

The Shen family juniors began to complain, their words full of jealousy.

"Do you think Shen Han's remote courtyard might be some treasure land, a place where living there could improve one's cultivation?"

With that, the group felt it plausible and headed towards Shen Han's remote courtyard.

The courtyard had been uninhabited for nearly two months, and moss had grown on the ground.

The door was locked, but with not much effort, it was pushed open.

Inside the house, there was only a bed and a small table.

Some tableware and utensils.

Though tidily kept, it was indeed a bit bleak.

When the group walked into the house, they couldn't believe this was part of the Shen Mansion.

Yet, the more humble it was, the more they thought it might be a treasure land. Shen Fu and a few others decided to stay the night and see if there was anything unusual about it.

A night passed quickly, and the only feeling they had was discomfort.

The bed board was too hard, causing backaches while sleeping.

Though indoors, it felt unprotected from cold, making the winter air especially piercing.

After this test, no one mentioned this place as a treasure land anymore.

Though they said nothing out loud, these juniors from the Shen family essentially understood.

This was no treasure land; it was clearly a place for hardship.

The second day of the New Lunar Year.

Madam Xie of the second house called her three children to her courtyard.

Presently, Madam He of the first house had Shen Ye and Shen Ao.

Her two sons were outstanding, famous not just in the Shen family but even outside.

It used to be fine, as the only child of the third house was even more lacking and did not please the elders at all.

Her second house could just get by.

But now, Shen Han, without a sound, had climbed to the eightieth level of the Thousand-Autumn Steps.

At least he had Seventh Grade strength.

In comparison, her second house seemed particularly lacking.

"By the tenth of the Lunar New Year at the latest, the Old Duke will return.

Even if you three don't vie for face for me as your mother, at least strive for your own dignity.

Think it over. Does it not feel unpleasant to be surpassed by someone like Shen Han?

This time's family assessment, you must perform well!"

The three children standing before Madam Xie wore bitter expressions.

As a mother, she understood her own children.

Madam Xie also knew that short-term improvement was simply impossible.

After hesitating for a moment, she took out several boxes from her room.

"On the day of the assessment, take these two hours in advance."

...

The ninth day of the Lunar New Year.

Matters in the military seemed to go smoothly, and the Patriarch Shen Qingshan of the Shen family returned home a day early.

In the past, when the Patriarch returned, everyone in the Shen Mansion would eagerly come out to welcome him.

If the Old Duke Shen was in a good mood, there might be some rewards.

But this time, upon hearing of Shen Qingshan's return, the people of the Shen family were avoiding him one by one.

Even the household servants were busying themselves with work, just to avoid welcoming the Patriarch Shen.

As expected, those who went to welcome him would definitely be scolded.

As the sound of hooves approached, those who couldn't avoid it had no choice but to wait obediently to welcome him.

Even the Old Dowager Shen, among others, unconsciously lowered their heads.

The Shen family knew well that this time, the Patriarch's return would certainly come with scolding.

Moments later, the sound of hooves ceased.

The clattering of armor was heard, and everyone lowered their heads even more.

At the gate, the Patriarch Shen Qingshan, leading a team of deputy generals, approached.

Seeing the crowd gathered to welcome him, Shen Qingshan's face today was full of authority.

Unlike in the past when returning home, marked by affection.

"Why are you all bowing your heads? As members of the Shen family, are you not brave enough to face the world?"

The first words from the Old Duke Shen made everyone tremble involuntarily.

Immediately, they timidly lifted their heads to look at Shen Qingshan.

Seeing Shen Qingshan's stern face, it was impossible for them not to feel frightened.

"Is this all we have of the Shen family's younger generation?"

Looking at the juniors standing before him, Shen Qingshan turned his head to ask the Old Dowager Shen.

This question only deepened the discomfort on the Old Dowager's face.

She glanced at Madam Xie beside her.

"Patriarch, Shen Lei and Shen Xuan are engrossed in rigorous cultivation in the courtyard. Perhaps they've lost track of time..."

"Rigorous cultivation? They must be out enjoying themselves? If I hadn't returned a day early, I wouldn't have seen any of this!"

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