Chapter 19

Okay, I'll go over now...

Chen Yan responded with a sound, stood up, seemed to think of something, then looked at that embroidered-cloth envoy, and ordered: "Go ask the Mingjing Mirror Keeper's physician to come over and treat this little girl's injury, using the best medicine!"

Yes.

That embroidered-cloth envoy nodded.

Thank you....

Dantai Mingyue, upon hearing that, lightly bit her red lips, and with a voice almost inaudible, softly uttered two words.

What did you say?

Chen Yan bent over, leaned close to Dantai Mingyue, corner of his mouth curling with amusement, "I didn't hear clearly; why not speak louder?"

Hurry up and go!

Dantai Mingyue gave a white-eye glance, lightly pushing aside a certain "lowly" man.

He wasn't not hearing clearly; he was clearly teasing her....

Treat your wound well; after I'm done, I'll come pick you up....

Chen Yan smiled, put away his playful mind, turned and left.

Mm.

Dantai Mingyue softly responded, gazing at Chen Yan's back, her beautiful eyes intertwining various complex emotions.

Zhuque Tang.

Council Hall.

Song Fei, Zhang Wenqian, and others, along with the embroidered-cloth envoys, had already been waiting here, but the first to step forward was Li Tan, "Chen Yan brother, you've finally come...."

"The day I first saw you, I knew you were no ordinary pond creature; I really got that right, didn't I?"

Li Tan appeared completely at ease, as if he were an old acquaintance.

Without any reserve, he eagerly stepped forward, full of enthusiasm, as if they were old friends.

Greetings, Sir!

Song Fei and the others all bowed in unison.

Li Tan ignored Chen Yan's doubtful gaze, continuing his performance as usual, his face full of flattery, speaking confidently: "You've only just taken office as the Zhuque Mirror Keeper a few days ago, yet you've already achieved such dazzling results...."

No wonder you're my suave, handsome, resourceful, heroic, talented in both civil and military affairs, and dignified Chen Yan brother!

Various praises poured from Li Tan's mouth.

That fawning, flattering demeanor would make no one associate him with the Mingjing Mirror Keeper.....

Damn, what a contrast!

Chen Yan felt a bit uncomfortable from the flattery, tugged at the corner of his mouth, walked toward Song Fei, lowered his voice, and asked: "How is he here?"

Although he felt uncomfortable, the Xuanwu Guard personnel, especially the former Mirror Keeper....

Appearing in his Zhuque Guard is originally an unusual matter.

Replying to Sir, after I finished copying the Daxi Fu, Li Mirror Keeper somehow got news and brought the Xuanwu Guard personnel rushing over....

Song Fei glanced at Li Tan, who still wore a full-face smile, and spoke in a low voice.

He paused, then continued: "He volunteered eagerly, insisting on helping copy the remaining three households, and I couldn't stop him...."

Song Fei's words ended there.

But what happened afterward was already clear: Li Tan, with the Xuanwu Guard personnel, rushed to "assist" in copying the three households.

"Enthusiastic" to the extreme!

This smiling, carefree fellow came just to get a share of the pie..... Chen Yan muttered to himself, then immediately said: "It's fine, you've done well enough; the rest I'll handle."

He had seen too many of such people; when they stick out their butts, Chen Yan knows what kind of crap they're about to drop.

Moreover, in Song Fei's earlier words, four words were spoken with particular emphasis:

Li Mirror Keeper.

This kid, after guarding the gate for a few days, has been reinstated to his original post.

After all, he is the grandson of the late Duke Li Wei, one of the Eight Pillars of State, so it's only natural.....

Chen Yan brother, we hit it off at first sight, you can't keep all the gains to yourself!" Li Tan burst out laughing, grabbed Chen Yan's shoulder, and in a joking tone stated the purpose of this trip.

So then?

Chen Yan gave no response, but threw the question back: "Li Mirror Keeper, what do you intend?"

He put on a strictly businesslike demeanor.

Eh, we're all brothers; that form of address makes you sound distant!

Li Tan still wore a full-face smile, raised his eyebrows, and said: "I've heard that the Zhuque Guard recently divided Chen Kaiyuan's family property...."

He paused, then continued: "This time, brother, I also want a share...."

Saying that, he rubbed his fingers together.

Since learning that the Zhuque Guard had a new Mirror Keeper, personally appointed by the Grand Minister, Li Tan has kept an eye on the Zhuque Guard.

Especially, after happening to notice that the Zhuque Guard had nearly all its members dispatched, Li Tan realized the opportunity to board had arrived....

Chen Yan gave a light smile, regarded Li Tan with interest, and countered: "If I disagree, Li brother, are you going to go stab the Superintendent and the Grand Minister?"

What kind of talk is that?

Upon hearing that, Li Tan's face changed abruptly, he became displeased, and solemnly declared: "I, Old Li, am also a principled person; how could I possibly betray a brother?"

He paused, then instantly switched his expression, continuing: "Moreover, I also want to discuss a long-term cooperation with you, Chen Yan brother...."

Oh?

Chen Yan crossed his arms, his interest piqued, and asked: "What cooperation?"

When your Zhuque Guard goes on missions, you'll always encounter situations like today, where manpower is stretched thin....

My Xuanwu Guard can be mobilized; I will obey all commands!

Having more people is never a bad thing, right....

Li Tan's lips curled slightly as he spoke smoothly: "Moreover, how the spoils are divided afterward will be entirely up to the brothers' arrangements—I have no objections!"

In every word and line, he kept his posture extremely low.

Li Tan knew full well that the Grand Chancellor esteemed Chen Yan, and this kid was capable—following him, even if he couldn't eat meat, he could still drink the soup.

For the Xuanwu Guard's development, there are only benefits and no drawbacks.

Moreover, he is extremely generous toward the Vermilion Guard's people—certainly not a stingy petty soul.

Chen Yan's eyes narrowed, he paused to weigh the pros and cons, then extended his hand: "Deal!"

By giving up a share of the profits, we can win over the Xuanwu Guard and also rope one of the Eight Pillars onto our pirate ship....

Boarding is easy; disembarking is another matter.

This deal is a sure win—no losses!

"Then let's cooperate happily!" Li Tan beamed and immediately shook Chen Yan's hand.

He had thought Chen Yan would raise all sorts of objections, but he hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

"Lao Song, how did the raid go tonight?"

Chen Yan snapped his fingers, then, facing Li Tan, asked.

Song Fei took out the tallied summary ledger and read: "Daxi Fu yielded gold 10,000 taels, silver 850,000 taels; Qin Estate yielded silver 300,000 taels; Chu Estate yielded silver 420,000 taels; Ding Estate yielded silver 200,000 taels...."

"Pearls, jade, agate and other jewelry total over three hundred items; bronzework, calligraphy/paintings, and antiquities total over five hundred items; silk brocade over three thousand bolts; mink and fox pelts eight hundred sheets...."

"Land deeds and land contracts...."

"Weapons and armor...."

Song Fei recited for a full incense stick's worth of time before barely finishing and stopping.

"Damn, they're filthy rich!" Li Yuan couldn't help but be startled, feeling amazed.

During the raid, he didn't feel it, but upon hearing the exact numbers, he was utterly shocked.

Each and every one of them is a damn wealthy household!

Chen Yan stroked his chin, pondered briefly, then said: "This way, we'll give four‑tenths to the Grand Minister and two‑tenths to the Supervisor...."

"Yes." Song Fei nodded.

"We've given shares to both the Grand Minister and the Supervisor, no wonder they turn a blind eye...."

Li Yuan was startled, then suddenly realized, thinking to himself: "Chen Yan really does things flawlessly, leaving no stone unturned; fortunately we are cooperating on good terms rather than becoming enemies!"

At that moment, Li Yuan finally understood why no one stopped Chen Yan's "recklessly bold" behavior....

It's not that they didn't know; it's that he had already arranged everything above and below.

Li Yuan inexplicably felt a bit fortunate that he hadn't lost his head and made some foolish threats....

"I'll take one‑tenth, and you can split one and a half tenths among the Vermilion Guard...."

Chen Yan thought for a moment, then continued: "The remaining one and a half tenths go to the Black Tortoise Guard!"

".....?!!!"

Li Yuan, who had just been feeling relieved, suddenly widened his eyes and opened his mouth wide, filled with disbelief.

Chen Yan eyed his exaggerated expression, frowned slightly, and asked: "Brother Li, what's this expression? Are you dissatisfied with something?"

"No, no!"

Li Yuan came to his senses, shaking his head like a rattle‑drum, grabbed Chen Yan's hand, overwhelmed with excitement, his whole body trembling, and blurted out: "From now on, you are my sworn brother from different parents!"

"No, elder brother!"