Chapter 444: Imperial Transfer Edict, the Grand Tutor

This child is still so clever, and a relief... Yuwen Heng's hand holding the tea cup paused lightly, his mouth corners slowly rose, and even his eyebrows took on a hint of smile; instead of answering immediately, he deliberately leaned his body back and asked, "A Yan, is this perhaps a bit too troublesome for you?"

No wonder A Yan, at only eighteen, could inherit the title of Duke, be promoted to Pillar of State, and be granted a personal office with the rank of Three Ministers.

Without any need to explain fully, one can grasp the intention and flawlessly handle it without a ripple...

A child like this—who could not love and spoil him?

If our A Xiang could reach even half his level, Yuwen Heng would be more than satisfied!

Chen Yan smiled knowingly, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes reflecting tacit understanding, and hurriedly waved his hands, pressing his palms upward in the air twice: "No trouble, no trouble!"

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze first sweeping over the subtly shifting expression of Yuwen Xiang, then turning back to Yuwen Heng, his tone becoming even more earnest: "Grand Marshal's heir being able to come to my residence is my honor!"

Having said that, he picked up the teapot and poured more hot tea into the two cups.

As the tea poured, fine droplets splashed, the tea fragrance spread again, diluting a bit of the deliberate air.

Chen Yan naturally understood Grand Marshal's intention...

It was nothing more than wanting to replicate A Ze's method.

And to bind the Grand Marshal's heir onto his own warship, forging a good karmic bond, and continue the intricate, entrenched network of relationships...

He could not ask for more!

Win–win.

Yuwen Heng heard this, his bright laugh echoing through the Shufang, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk, his eyes full of satisfaction: "We are all family, why call you heir?"

Having said that, he raised his hand and pointed at the now more upright Yuwen Xiang beside him, and continued: "Just call him A Xiang!"

"Yes." Chen Yan immediately nodded, clasping his hands in response.

Yuwen Heng's smile gradually faded, his gaze falling on Yuwen Xiang; his previously gentle expression grew a few shades darker, his tone becoming especially solemn, with an unquestionable admonition: "A Xiang, from now on you must regard A Yan as brother!"

Seeing Yuwen Xiang hastily rise and bow his head, he continued, his voice full of seriousness: "The way you respect your father, you must also respect A Yan!"

Yuwen Xiang nodded heavily: "Your child understands!"

As soon as the words finished, he turned, facing Chen Yan, his hands solemnly crossed before him, bowing deeply with fists clasped, his posture precise and respectful, his back rigidly straight: "Greetings, A Xiong!"

"From now on, I will trouble A Xiong with much care; A Xiang will certainly listen humbly and never dare to be negligent!"

Yuwen Xiang was not foolish; he could well understand his father's well‑intentioned plans...

It both gave him a teacher and found him a patron.

Chen Yan quickly stepped forward, his hands lightly supporting Yuwen Xiang's arm, gently lifting him, his face bearing a gentle smile, his tone full of camaraderie: "A Xiang, no need for formalities!"

At that moment, Yuwen Heng lifted his tea cup, took a sip, and set it down with a hint of "deterrent" smile in his eyes, half‑jokingly, half‑seriously saying to Chen Yan: "A Yan, if this kid ever dares disobey, dares to clash with you, I'll have this king strike him with a Big Ear Seed!"

"If that still fails, I'll beat him with a stick! A good way to imprint memory!"

He paused, then added: "If he truly refuses to repent, he'll face the punishment of the Bright Mirror Office!"

Standing nearby, Yuwen Xiang straightened up; hearing his father's words, his body suddenly stiffened.

Instinctively he drew his neck back, and a faint chill spread across his back.

He couldn't help but shiver, even the hand hanging at his side quietly clenched his robe's hem.

He had indeed heard of the current punishments of the Bright Mirror Office...

Designed single‑handedly by this A Xiong.

Prisoners who entered could hardly endure it...

Chen Yan saw the youth's complexion turn slightly pale, even his ears showing a hint of tension, couldn't help a smile, turned his head and waved at Yuwen Heng: "Grand Marshal, you jest!"

"A Xiang is a sensible child; how could he be like that?"

Having said that, he also gave Yuwen Xiang a reassuring glance, indicating he need not take it seriously.

"Hahaha!"

Yuwen Heng burst into hearty laughter, set down the tea cup, and as he rose, the dark robe's hem swept over the bench, with a touch of briskness.

Walking to Chen Yan's side, he gave the other's shoulder a firm pat, his tone full of trust: "Then A Xiang is yours to look after!"

Having said that, he turned his head and glanced at Yuwen Xiang, his eyes holding a hint of admonition, but said nothing more.

"I will now proceed to the Summer Office first!"

Yuwen Heng strode toward the doorway, and as he pushed the door he raised his hand in a wave; without waiting for Chen Yan and Yuwen Xiang to exit, he led the Personal Guard waiting in the corridor, hurrying out of the residence.

The dark figure quickly vanished at the far end of the courtyard.

Chen Yan watched the Grand Marshal's second uncle's figure disappear, then turned to Yuwen Xiang and said: "A Xiang, in a moment I'll take you to the Bright Mirror Office for a look..."

He paused, then added: "First wait here a moment; I'll change my clothes for you, and be back quickly!"

Yuwen Xiang nodded, his hands lightly hanging at his sides, his tone respectful: "Yes."

Chen Yan nodded, turned and walked out of the Shufang.

The hour of the Dragon had just passed, and the heat was not yet intense.

Clear sunlight slanted across the Qingshi Shiban road.

It stretched the shadows of the roadside phoenix trees into thin lines, and the wind still carried a hint of fresh morning dew.

Yuwen Xiang followed behind Chen Yan, his gaze involuntarily fixed on the towering building ahead.

Above the main gate hung a massive plaque; the three gilded characters "Bright Mirror Office" were rendered with vigorous brushwork, their edges outlined with delicate cloud patterns.

Having weathered the years, it still shone brightly, as if it could reflect the light and darkness within people's hearts.

Approaching a bit, one could see two half‑human‑high stone lions standing on either side of the gate, their hair intricately carved, eyes wide open, paws pressing embroidered balls.

Their posture was majestic, exuding a solemn warning not to approach.

Yuwen Xiang subconsciously slowed his steps, lifted his eyes to the towering lintel and massive Zhuqi Daimen, and couldn't help murmuring: "Is this the Bright Mirror Office?"

This place was once notoriously infamous, causing officials and commoners in Chang'an to be terrified, trembling, even children to stop crying...

Since this A Xiong took over, it has become, in the mouths of Chang'an's people, a place of righteous redress!

Chen Yan led Yuwen Xiang, Zhu Yi, Hongye and others, stepping through the Bright Mirror Office's main gate.

Just after crossing the threshold, two rows of embroidered‑clad envoys were neatly lined up on both sides of the courtyard.

They wore Xuanse Jinshen, a silver belt cinched at the waist, curved blades at their sides, jet‑black hair tied high atop their heads; each stood tall, eyes sharp as hawks.

When Chen Yan approached, the embroidered envoys on both sides bowed in unison, right fists pressed to their left chests; their movements were perfectly synchronized, even the rustle of fabric sounded disciplined.

Immediately after, clear and respectful voices rose and fell, echoing through the courtyard:

"Greetings, Supervisor!"

"Greetings, Supervisor!"

"Greetings, Supervisor!"

The voices continued without pause, yet not a hint of disorder; each carried respect for Chen Yan.

Our own Supervisor had returned from a great victory, a glory belonging to the Mirror Department.

Chen Yan ascended the stone steps at the doorway at a leisurely pace, the dark‑colored Supervisor's robe swaying lightly with each step; when he reached the top, he raised his hand in a mock salute, his hearty laugh spreading through the courtyard: "No formalities needed!"

His gaze swept over the lined embroidered envoys below: "Gentlemen, long time no see!"

"Your Supervisor has missed you all dearly!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, the embroidered envoys below responded in unison, their voices loud and orderly, causing the courtyard's parasol leaves to tremble slightly: "We too miss the Supervisor!"

Chen Yan waved his hand at the crowd: "Alright, go each to your own duties; don't delay your tasks."

The embroidered envoys answered "Yes" in unison, then turned and dispersed orderly; the courtyard quickly returned to its prior order.

Yu Wenxiang handed it to the Vermilion Bird Title: Deputy Envoy.

He turned his head toward the standing Li Tan and asked, "During your Supervisor's trip to Hezhou, nothing went wrong, right?"

Li Tan, hearing this, let out a long yawn, a few physiological tears welling at the corner of his eyes, his tone carefree and relaxed: "Brother, rest assured, Chang'an is as usual!"

"Nothing major..."

After speaking, he stretched a huge lazy yawn; the joints of his shoulders and back emitted a faint "kada" sound, his face finally showing genuine fatigue, yet also a hint of relieved smile: "Brother, you're back; I can lay down the interim duty and rest properly!"

Never mind the rest, this interim Supervisor duty is tiring; one must attend to affairs daily and handle countless trivial matters.

Now that the head of the house has returned, I, Li, can finally relax and slack off...

Chen Yan strode toward the Supervisor's main hall, his dark robe sweeping over the stone steps, smacking his lips, and said helplessly: "You rascal!"

"Shall we go to Chunman Lou later?"

Li Tan quickened his pace, hooked his arm around Chen Yan's, a mischievous glint in his eye, and laughed: "I'll be the host!"

"Treat big brother and Lao You well, receive them and freshen them up!"

Saying that, he pointed at You Xian standing nearby.

These big brother, heir, Lao You and other companions for pleasure had been away for half a year; going solo for fun meant little, and he was getting terribly bored...

Chen Yan halted his steps, raised an eyebrow, a sly grin flickering in his eyes: "You've extended such a warm invitation; how could I refuse?"

You Xian blinked, a conspiratorial smile on his face, and bowed: "Then I, You, shall respectfully obey!"

"Hahaha!"

Immediately, they exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter.

Li Tan slung an arm over Chen Yan's shoulder and entered the Supervisor's main hall, his tone brimming with uncontainable excitement: "Brother, you have no idea, Chunman Lou has recently welcomed many young ladies..."

The three sat around an Eight Immortals table; hot tea rose in wisps of white steam. Li Tan animatedly recounted amusing stories about the Chunman Lou ladies, causing Chen Yan and You Xian to laugh intermittently; the atmosphere was lively.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the hall; Mirror Master Yin Shizhi hurried in, his expression slightly solemn, and bowed to Chen Yan at the main seat: "Supervisor, an inner attendant has arrived to deliver an edict for you!"

An inner attendant? Another edict?........... Chen Yan was startled, set down his tea cup, his fingertip paused lightly on the rim, his gaze deepened: "Proceed quickly!"

Wasn't there already a Bestowal yesterday?

Why another inner attendant now?

Li Tan and You Xian also restrained their smiles, exchanging puzzled looks, full of doubt.

"Understood!" Yin Shizhi nodded, replied, and hurried away.

But after a moment, Yin Shizhi led an inner attendant back in.

The inner attendant held a scroll of bright yellow imperial edict, his steps light yet orderly, reaching the hall's center; he bowed deeply before Chen Yan at the main seat, respectfully saying: "Greetings, Supervisor!"

Chen Yan inclined slightly from his seat, raised his hand in a wave, his gaze fixed on the edict, and said: "Duke, no need for formalities; please read the edict first!"

The inner attendant straightened, both hands holding the bright yellow edict, slowly unfurling it; his fingertips brushed the cloud pattern along its edge, he cleared his throat, and began to read in a solemn and clear tone:

"Great Zhou Emperor decrees: Supervisor of the Mirror Department, Duke of Wei, loyal and diligent, capable and outspoken, having overseen the Imperial Court, enforcing order and discipline, whose achievements are great."

"Now Wannian Xian is the capital's principal county; the populace is prosperous and affairs numerous, requiring capable officials to govern."

"Hence the Duke of Wei is specially promoted to be the magistrate of Wannian Xian, overseeing all county affairs, comforting the people, urging agriculture, rectifying official conduct, to ensure the capital's stability and the people's happiness, not to betray my expectations!"

"The position of Supervisor of the Mirror Department shall be succeeded by Azure Dragon Mirror Master Li Tan, who will hold the Chizhe and oversee all internal matters of the department, command the embroidered envoys, continue to uphold the statutes, detect treachery and discern evil, to strengthen the realm's foundation."

"Vermilion Bird Mirror Master You Xian, well‑versed in penal law, conducts affairs with strict caution, shall be promoted to Azure Dragon Mirror Master, co‑managing the Mirror Department's affairs, assisting Li Tan in rectifying departmental matters, and must not be lax."

"With this decree issued, all should respectfully comply, assume the post within three days without delay. Announce to the world, let all be informed."

"Respectfully!"

Kneeling on the ground, Li Tan was a bit stunned, thinking, "Grand Preceptor, what is this all about?!"

His elder brother returned with great merit, first receiving a Bestowal and then a demotion...

He couldn't at all grasp the Grand Preceptor's intention.

The key is that he had just easily shed the interim role, so why suddenly become the permanent post?!

When the inner attendant finished the proclamation, Chen Yan's expression remained unchanged, though his brows twitched ever so slightly, a flash of strange hue flickered in his eyes before vanishing instantly.

He rose from the ground, bowed to the edict, and said: "I obey the decree!"

As he straightened, he turned to Li Tan beside him and ordered: "Go see off the Duke!"

After Li Tan responded, took the command, and led the inner attendant out, Chen Yan slowly walked to the main seat, pressed his fingertips to his forehead, and sat down gradually.

The dark‑colored Supervisor's robe draped over the chair side; his fingertips unconsciously stroked the chair arm, his gaze fixed on the empty hall center, the earlier ease completely gone, leaving only a few lingering thoughts, murmuring to himself:

Could it be that my achievements are too great, that I am high‑ranking and powerful, my wings still growing fuller each day, making Da Zhongzai's dad feel wary, and that he will now begin to balance and suppress me?

——

PS: Today is the 7,000th major update, looking for a free little gift, ヾ(? ω? `).

Good night!? (ゝω???)