Chapter 136: The Disparity in Status

Han Shuo was stunned on the spot. He then watched as the old man, who had been seated, stood up and walked over. Han Shuo hadn't noticed much while the man was sitting, but once the old man straightened his back, he appeared imposingly powerful, with a broad frame that showed no signs of frailty.

Phoebe secretly pinched Han Shuo, urging him to say something quickly. Lawrence, standing on the other side, was also frantically signaling with his eyes, seemingly prompting Han Shuo to apologize to the old man.

Seeing the old man approach, Han Shuo gave a wry smile and said, "Your hearing is truly sharp, sir. However, I wasn't speaking ill of you; I was simply trying to introduce you to an elderly companion."

"Oh? That is quite interesting. I hadn't expected you to be so kind-hearted." The old man walked up and cast a glance at Han Shuo, a look that sent a shiver down Han Shuo's spine. He then pointed at Phoebe and said with a smile, "Are you referring to this beautiful young lady? If it were her, I would be very willing, haha!"

At these words, Han Shuo was taken aback. Phoebe’s face flushed red, and she glared fiercely at Han Shuo, as if blaming him for bringing this trouble upon himself.

"No, that young lady is clearly not a match for your age. I think this elderly lady here is more suitable for you." In the presence of this old man, Han Shuo felt his own aura suppressed. As if to break free from that feeling of oppression, he recklessly continued to spout nonsense.

Lawrence, on the other side, looked anxious and kept signaling to Han Shuo, but it was already too late; Han Shuo had said exactly what he shouldn't have.

"You uncultured, blind thing! How am I a match for this old relic? Do you have a death wish?" Valerie was furious, glaring viciously at Han Shuo and roaring, before casting a hateful look at the old man as well.

"Young man, you must be joking. Although I am not young, I am clearly not as old as this lady. I think she might be a better match for my late grandfather." Upon hearing Valerie insult him as well, the old man actually let out a cheerful, yet wickedly sharp retort.

Given his advanced age, this remark completely belittled Valerie. As soon as the words left his lips, Valerie was so incensed she could practically feel smoke coming out of her ears. She glared at the old man and snapped, "You old immortal thing, how dare you say that to me!"

*Smack!* Lawrence suddenly struck, delivering a direct slap to the noblewoman’s face. With a cold expression, he said to Cameron, who stood nearby, "Uncle Cameron, your friend is too lacking in manners. Our house does not welcome such people. Please have her leave immediately."

Cameron’s expression shifted slightly, as if he didn't understand why Lawrence would act this way. The noblewoman was nearly hysterical, her left hand covering her mouth as blood began to trickle through; it appeared Lawrence’s slap had not been light.

Cameron felt a vague sense of unease and was just about to ask Lawrence what he meant, when the Minister of Finance, Yibu, approached. Upon arriving and seeing the old man, he exclaimed in shock, then immediately came forward to pay his respects: "Master Hahn, why have you come here?"

Han Shuo was startled. He suddenly recalled the identity of Emily that Cameron had mentioned earlier—the current head of the Bettridge family was named Hahn. As he thought of this, Han Shuo looked at the old man again, having already guessed his identity.

Cameron’s face also changed drastically. He whispered a cold command to Valerie: "Shut up!" He stopped Valerie, who was about to keep shouting, and then said to the old man with great trepidation, "I am sorry, Master Hahn. We have been rude. I will take her away at once and come to offer a formal apology in a few days."

By this time, Valerie had finally realized the situation. Her expression turned fearful, and she stood there blankly, not knowing what to say. It was clear that Hahn’s identity had terrified her.

"No need. Our Bettridge family has no room for people like you," Hahn said calmly, casting a cold glance at the two before turning away.

Cameron remained humble, offering repeated apologies as he dragged the dazed Valerie toward the exit. Even as they left, he continued to bow and offer apologies until they disappeared from sight.

In this world, no matter how much gold merchants amass, their social status can never compare to that of power brokers like Hahn. Especially since the Hahn family held high positions in the military, Hahn’s status in the Lancelot Empire was exceptionally noble. A merchant like Cameron would never dare to offend him.

"Young man, you are quite bold!" After Cameron left and Lawrence had explained who Hahn was, Han Shuo maintained his composure, showing neither an apology nor any great fear. This surprised Hahn, who gave a light harrumph and spoke to him.

In truth, once he knew Hahn’s identity, Han Shuo was also somewhat startled. However, he hadn't said anything truly offensive, so he wasn't afraid. After hearing this, he replied with a modest smile, "I was merely joking with you just now. I trust that with your magnanimity, you won't take it to heart."

"Heh heh, I am actually very narrow-minded. Everyone knows that," Hahn said with a strange laugh, in a way that caught Han Shuo off guard.

This response left Han Shuo stunned, standing there unsure of what to say.

"Oh? Father, what are you chatting about here?" At that moment, Emily, who had changed into a new dress, walked over. She glanced at Han Shuo before looking at Hahn with surprise.

Emily had married Hahn’s second son, but that unfortunate man had been sent to the battlefield by Hahn before he could even consummate the marriage, never to return, leaving Emily a widow. Because of this, after Emily became his daughter-in-law, old Hahn had always felt guilty, believing he owed both his son and daughter-in-law. It was said he cherished Emily even more than his own children.

"Nothing, just met an interesting little fellow. Well, let’s go. I’ll accompany you to dance. I really don't understand you; you never used to bring a dance partner to banquets, but this time you dragged me, an old man, along. You’ll be the death of me yet," Old Hahn said casually, grumbling with a chuckle as he walked toward the ballroom.

Emily had wanted to say something, but once old Hahn left, she could only follow quickly. As she departed, she gave Han Shuo a subtle, fleeting glance.

After old Hahn’s remark, it seemed as if he had implied something. Han Shuo pondered it for a moment, realizing that perhaps it was because of him that Emily had changed, and he couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion.

"Huh, so that is Lady Emily. I believe this is my first time seeing her, but why does her silhouette look so familiar?" Lawrence watched the direction in which Emily disappeared, then glanced at Han Shuo and whispered with a puzzled expression.

Lawrence’s words clearly carried an implication, especially the final glance he gave Han Shuo, making him feel that Lawrence might have discovered something. However, for Han Shuo, his relationship with Phoebe was a charade, so he wasn't worried about Lawrence telling Phoebe about him and Emily. He remained calm and collected.

"Little Phoebe, you didn't offend old Master Hahn, did you?" After Hahn and Emily left, the Minister of Finance, Yibu, looked at Phoebe and asked with concern.

"It has nothing to do with Phoebe. Heh, go attend to your own business, don't worry about it. Leave this to me," Lawrence said, standing to the side.

Yibu seemed to listen closely to Lawrence. Once he spoke, Yibu nodded without another word and left with a smile.

"Rest assured, old Master Hahn is not a man who cannot distinguish right from wrong. He won't make things difficult for you, I can guarantee that. The dance has already begun, you two should go and enjoy yourselves," Lawrence said with a smile to Han Shuo and Phoebe after Yibu left.

"Understood, Brother," Phoebe said with a smile. She tugged at Han Shuo and said casually, "Let’s go, dance with me."

Han Shuo froze, and said with some panic, "Forget it, I don't know how to dance. Not at all!"

Phoebe paused, hesitated for a moment, and just as she was about to give up, she arched an eyebrow and said playfully, "It doesn't matter, I can teach you. It’s very simple."

"Forget it, I'm quite clumsy. It wouldn't look good to make a fool of myself in public," Han Shuo said, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

Lifting her slender, fair neck, Phoebe said with a mock pout, "How did you promise me earlier? Don't think about trying to escape."

With that, without waiting for his consent, Phoebe firmly grabbed Han Shuo’s arm and dragged him toward the dance floor, allowing no room for refusal.