Chapter 210: Returning to Chang'an, the Return Comes in Autumn

"Supervisor, what do you mean?"

Chen Yan grasped his wine cup, sensed a hint of entrustment, and asked.

At the same time, a few vague suspicions rose in his mind.....

Since only the three of them were at the banquet and there were no outsiders, Yuchi Min said plainly without holding back, "While you were away from Chang'an, those two have been giving the Grand Administrator plenty of moves!"

Those two, whose enunciation was heavy and unmistakable, were indeed the two veteran pillars who were stirring up trouble.

And the situation had already escalated to a white‑hot level.....

Both sides' struggle went back and forth.

Chen Yan understood tacitly, confirming his own conjecture, murmuring, "It seems the final decisive battle is approaching....."

Observing the Grand Administrator's strategic placements, strengthening control over the regions, it was clear a decisive showdown was imminent.....

The final moment is about to arrive!

"As long as you have the numbers, that's enough!"

Yuchi Min nodded, his voice deep, "By virtue of your method of rectifying administration, the Grand Administrator has gradually eroded those two's considerable influence, but one must never become complacent!"

While Chen Yan was suppressing bandits and pacifying chaos in Jingzhou, the Grand Administrator in Chang'an was not idle either.....

During the game, he continuously leveraged personnel appointment and dismissal powers, gradually chipping away at the two veteran pillars.

But even an emaciated camel is larger than a horse, still possessing considerable prestige and power.

Yuchi Min's greatest worry was that they might panic and act rashly, causing internal chaos that would damage Great Zhou's stability and allow the Qi State from the east to seize the opportunity.....

"Understood," Chen Yan nodded, fully aware of the stakes involved.

These people of theirs are all tied to the same boat.

One's honor is shared, one's loss is shared!

Yuchi Min was very confident in Chen Yan's ability, said no more, and as if recalling something, opened, "You handled the Turk Special Service matter splendidly!"

"You turned a military disaster into a powerful ally against the Rouran....."

"All thanks to the Grand Administrator and you, Supervisor, for cultivating them well!" Chen Yan smiled and raised his wine cup.

Afterwards, the three of them drank and chatted, catching up through the night.

Two days later.

Prefectural Office.

Inside the room.

"Young Master, Liu Mu Zhi has arrived!"

Zhu Yi led Liu Mu Zhi inside, stopping before Chen Yan.

"Lord Chen Yan, may I ask why you summoned me?" Liu Mu Zhi bowed and clasped his fists, asking.

"Mu Zhi, your abilities these past days have been evident to all....."

Chen Yan, who had been turning his back to the two while trimming a potted plant, turned around slowly and said, "I am about to return to Chang'an; your talent should not be buried. If you are willing to enter official service, I can arrange a minor post for you at Zongguan Fu!"

Liu Mu Zhi's reputation for great talent was known to everyone in Jingzhou.

However, what one hears is false, what one sees is true.....

Therefore, after rescuing him from Yaoci Peak, Chen Yan, for half a month before Yuchi Min took office, dragged him to jointly oversee Jingzhou's administration.

The result indeed lived up to the reputation, methodically handling the complex affairs in an orderly fashion.....

Upon hearing this, Liu Mu Zhi's eyes burned like torches, and he loudly declared, "Lord Chen Yan, I wish to serve you!"

He had no hesitation, almost blurting it out.

"You must think it through; joining my command won't bring you an official post in the short term......"

Chen Yan was not surprised by Liu Mu Zhi's choice, gave a calm smile, and said, "You can only be forced to serve as a staff officer in the office, but there is no Jingzhou's vast arena for you to immediately display your talent!"

This was a test, but also an honest statement.....

Chen, who holds a post in the Bright Mirror Department, will most likely assume the Supervisor's seat after returning to Chang'an, yet the scholar before him does not suit the Bright Mirror Department.

He can only first manage his estates, and it's uncertain how long the silence will last.....

"Shuyi gladly!" Liu Mu Zhi's self‑reference changed, he declared resolutely.

He paused, then continued, "Even if I serve as a staff officer for life, I will have no complaints!"

"Have you really thought it through?" Chen Yan set down the scissors, hands behind his back, and asked again.

"In a lifetime, one has few chances to meet a wise ruler....."

"How could Shuyi miss such a chance?"

Liu Mu Zhi lifted his head, his eyes filled with resolve, and solemnly said.

He is willing to gamble, and even more willing to trust his own judgment.....

Following this young man who hasn't even reached his coming-of-age, how could he be a mere pond creature?

Being a staff officer will only be temporary; a broader world awaits him.....

"Good, very good!"

Chen Yan took in Liu Mu Zhi's reaction, was greatly satisfied, and smiled, "I haven't misjudged you, Liu Mu Zhi....."

"Go!"

"Pack your belongings and return to Chang'an with me!"

"There you will have a stage to showcase your talent....."

Saying so, he gently waved his hand.

"Thank you, my lord!"

Hearing this, Liu Mu Zhi was overjoyed, bowed deeply, and immediately turned and left.

Chen Yan glanced at his departing back, then turned his gaze to the woman in the corner and said, "Hongye, the affairs in Jingzhou have been settled, the people are safe, and I will return to Chang'an in a few days....."

"What?"

Hongye slightly furrowed her elegant brows and asked, "Lord Chen Yan, does that mean you're preparing to drive me away?"

It was obvious; from his implication she sensed the whiff of an Expulsion Order...

"I don't mean that..."

Chen Yan, seeing Hongye's misunderstanding, shook his head and explained, "Having a masterful guard as skilled as you by my side is something I could not ask for enough!"

He paused, then shifted his tone and continued, "But I know that children of the jianghu like you cherish freedom and dislike being bound..."

Compared with Zhu Yi and Lu Zangfeng, who are only a notch weaker, a young prodigy with limitless future potential, how could Chen Yan possibly bear to drive him away?

But I'm afraid he may not wish to stay...

"My father is my only living relative; after he left, I have nowhere to go..." A trace of loneliness suddenly appeared on Hongye's pretty face; she let out a long sigh and said softly.

She looked solemnly despondent.

All relatives besides her father perished in the slaughter of the Jinghong Assembly, and now even her sole father is gone; she seemed like a lone, forlorn wandering spirit...

Seeing this, Chen Yan immediately extended an invitation: "Hongye, would you be willing to accompany me, Chen, to Chang'an?"

"You want me to become your guard as well?" Hongye, hearing this, restrained her emotions, glanced at Zhu Yi, and retorted.

"Exactly!"

Chen Yan shrugged and said calmly, "I'm a person who cherishes his life..."

"My fee is quite high..." Hongye lightly pursed her thin lips and said softly.

"Hahaha!"

Chen Yan couldn't stop the smile at the corner of his mouth, pointed at himself and laughed heartily, "You underestimated Chen, didn't you?"

"Money is never lacking for me; the fee will surely satisfy you, miss!"

The fee is high?

How high could it be?

One thousand taels a year? Five thousand? Or ten thousand taels?

Even if it's a hundred thousand taels, Chen can still afford it!

Moreover, a lecherous fellow would even take advantage of a woman's looks...

"Then it's settled!" Hongye looked at Chen Yan and laughed softly.

Seven days later.

Evening.

Twilight deepened.

A dust‑laden party appeared outside the Chang'an city gate.

"Chang'an, I can finally say I'm back!"

"This journey has truly been long..."

Chen Yan dismounted, gazed at the long‑missed hometown, and couldn't help sighing.

When he left it was summer; upon return it was already autumn.

"Chang'an still refreshes the soul!"

Wang Xiong let out a sigh, then cupped his hands in a bow to Chen Yan and said, "Brother Chen, having been away from home for so long, I'll first return to the mansion to pay respects to my parents!"

"Me too," Dou Luling and the others, anxious for the Si family, echoed in succession.

"Go ahead!" Chen Yan waved his hand in agreement.

The group no longer lingered and immediately each rode off on their horses.

"Chang'an is still the same, not a bit changed..."

Chen Yan, leading Yuwen Ze, Zhu Yi and others, rode his horse leisurely through the street, suddenly noticing a bustling crowd nearby, and asked, "What's all the commotion over there about?"

"Zhu Yi, go gather some information..."

Zhu Yi nodded, responded and dismounted, walked toward the crowd, and after inquiring returned, "Young Master, they are discussing the marriage alliance of the two high sects..."

"Oh?"

Chen Yan's curiosity piqued, and he asked, "Which two families are forming a union?"

Zhu Yi: "It's General Yang's eldest son who is set to marry Dugu's seventh daughter..."

"Who is marrying whom?!"

Chen Yan's complexion changed abruptly, his scalp tingling, "Yang and Dugu?!"

At that moment, it seemed to have struck a sensitive nerve...