Chapter 53: Pushed Completely to Great Loyalist

"What?!"

Song Fei, who had originally been worried, suddenly paled, astonished, quickly analyzed the meaning of those words in his mind, swallowed hard, and said, "Wait!"

"Sir, you mean that all of this was done intentionally by you?"

In an instant, those actions that he had previously not understood suddenly became clear and logical....

"Exactly!"

Chen Yan nodded, gave a calm smile, and said playfully, "Otherwise, why do you think I repeatedly, tirelessly step on Chen Tongyuan and his son?"

"Do you really think I'm so idle that I do it merely to vent?"

For Chen Yan, there are countless ways to vent his anger, so why does he insist on using the simplest and most brute one?

And he still seems "kind‑hearted and soft‑handed," never fully crushing....

Of course it's a stratagem!

He keeps adding fuel and kindling, adding the straw that breaks the camel's back, and then, through seemingly casual words at the end, drives the entire Duke of Wei's mansion to sprint toward the direction he wants...

What a deep scheme, what a huge game of chess.... Song Fei's pupils narrowed, he inhaled a cold breath, was secretly startled, managed his expression, then tentatively asked, "Sir, are you trying to push the Duke of Wei's mansion completely to the opposite side of Da Zhongzai?"

Even though all along they've been elevating their perception of Chen Yan....

But Song Fei never expected that he had still vastly underestimated the young Sir before him!

"Hahaha!"

Chen Yan laughed heartily, his eyebrows slightly raised, and asked with interest, "A game like this is even more interesting, isn't it?"

Whether it's Chen Tongyuan and his son or the Duke of Wei's mansion, they are all bait for Chen Yan and Da Zhongzai to lure the two great veteran pillar‑states!

When the net is drawn, can they still escape?

"Sir, you're brilliant!"

Song Fei sighed in awe, clasped his fists, and said.

He paused, as if recalling something, then continued, "So you really intend to let it run its course, in case raising a tiger becomes a trouble..."

As for the layout alone, there truly is no flaw to point out.

But he fears that if the three forces combine, given time to integrate, some mishap might occur....

"Naturally, they must be strictly monitored!"

【5】 Chen Yan nodded, his gaze sharp, and ordered, "Lao Song, if the Duke of Wei shows any sign of movement, report every detail to me immediately...."

Chen Yan nodded, his gaze sharp, and ordered, "Lao Song, if the Duke of Wei shows any sign of movement, report every detail to me at the first moment...."

"'Neglect' may be allowed, but it must never be out of control."

With the Mingjing Department as a powerful tool to obtain first‑hand intelligence, one can perfectly guide the situation.

"I understand, sir!"

Upon hearing Chen Yan's arrangement, Song Fei finally relaxed; this young superior was indeed as meticulous as he had thought.

"I trust you with the task."

Chen Yan looked at the relationship diagram, thought of Tao Yunshi today, and asked, "By the way, when is our poetry gathering in Chang'an being held?"

"In three days," Song Fei replied.

Zhu Yi, standing nearby, sensed something unusual from Chen Yan's sudden question and asked, "Young Master, you don't really intend to attend, do you?"

"Why not?"

Chen Yan blinked and retorted.

He paused again, then continued, "Since Xiumu is at the mansion, idle as he is, why not go see the excitement..."

Da Zhongzai has approved so many days of leave; it can't be wasted for nothing, right?

There must be something to do, right?

Zhu Yi, watching the enthusiastic Chen Yan, was startled and reminded, "But isn't this a scheme set up by the two Chen brothers?"

"Going there proactively is no different from throwing oneself into a net, right?"

Zhu Yi had indeed heard clearly the words of the Prince of Pingyang today.

The so‑called poetry gathering is the scheming of Chen Cijiu and his brother, linking many scholars, intending to trouble their own Young Master.

"Then it must be able to capture me..."

Chen Yan smiled wryly, saying meaningfully, "I actually hope those two good younger brothers step up, so the matter becomes more interesting....."

Three days later.

By the Qujiang River in the southeast of Chang'an.

A highly anticipated poetry gathering opened lively.

Silk banners fluttered lightly among carved beams and painted eaves, with flower fragrance mingling with wine scent, drifting gently.

From Chang'an and its surroundings, countless literati and gentlemen came by reputation, wearing brocaded robes, holding folding fans, either strolling or sitting in circles, chatting and laughing.

In the courtyard, several peach trees were in full bloom, petals drifting down like spring snowflakes.

Besides scholars, there were also many noble ladies from aristocratic families.

"Girl, I don't want to see you suffer the same injury."

"So learn to dote."

"One after another, again and again, the repeated false blame."

"What kind of stance is truly needed."

"Only then won't I seem to be causing trouble."

Chen Yan wore a moon‑white brocade robe, its collar and cuffs embroidered with intricate dark patterns, gold and silver threads intertwining to outline cloud designs.

In the sunlight they were faint yet visible, exuding elegance.

Around his waist he tied a matching jade‑inlaid silk rope, and a warm, smooth mutton‑fat jade pendant hung at his side; as he moved, the pendant jingled crisply.

His already handsome appearance, combined with the attire of a noble young master, drew countless girls' glances.

He kept humming the Grandmaster's march.

A Xiong, you seem to be in a good mood?

Yuwen Ze, walking beside him, teased, "You've even started humming a little tune…"

Of course!

Chen Yan, his hands clasped behind his back, scanned left and right, and laughed, "Look at that girl, how full she is, the legs of the one in the green skirt, how long, and that slightly plump, voluptuous…"

Each one like a flower maiden, graceful and elegant!

How delightful to behold!

The already striking noble lady, now dressed flamboyantly, is truly a feast for the eyes!

She also possesses an innate pride, something ordinary girls lack.

It feels like a dream returning to the former concubine selection scene…

The strong wind toppled the phoenix trees, and only the sand lady couldn't stay put—she's either in ultra‑short stockings and a mini‑skirt, or tight yoga pants.

Elegant! Too elegant!

Yuwen Ze: "Huh???"

"You, what?"

Yuwen Ze tugged at the corner of his mouth, helplessly said, "A Xiong, I originally thought your poetic talent was world‑shaking, that you were interested in literary poetry gatherings, so I came especially."

I didn't expect it was for…

Chen Yan waved his hand, casually said, "What's the point of feigning elegance, dancing with literature and ink?"

Nothing compares to admiring beauties, which truly satisfies the eyes!

Only this shabby poetry gathering can gather Chang'an beauties so tightly…

Chen Yan showed no concealment, displaying the vulgar man's face in vivid detail.

Poetry pretension, showing off, being saintly before others—anytime is fine, but such a chance to appreciate beauties and cultivate sentiment is rare and cannot be sought.

It has to be A Xiong!

I've learned another move!

Yuwen Ze earned another point, silently raised his thumb.

"Since A Ze is so eager to learn, I'll teach you another principle…" Chen Yan's mouth curved a mischievous smile as he laughed.

"A Xiong, please speak!" Yuwen Ze, upon hearing, replied seriously.

"Even the sweetest girl has a salty spot!" Chen Yan raised his hand, patted Yuwen Ze's shoulder, teasingly.

"Hmm?"

"What does that mean?"

"I didn't quite catch that…"

Yuwen Ze was bewildered, not understanding, looked at Chen Yan with doubt.

"It's okay if you don't get it now; you'll understand later!" Chen Yan blinked, suppressing a rising smile.

Why is A Xiong laughing so oddly… Yuwen Ze examined Chen Yan's expression, a murmur rose in his heart, and he still replied, "Fine."

The two, with outstanding looks, attracted countless noble ladies' gazes, and also caught the attention of Wen Nianshu's maid Qiu Lan, who tugged at her lady's sleeve and pointed:

"Miss, who is that person over there?"