Chapter 535: Chen Yan

Chang'an.

At the first light of dawn, the Jing Zhao Fu offices were already bathed in crisp morning light.

Mingzheng Hall.

The warm stove burned pine twigs, thin smoke curled around the beams and columns, dispelling the early spring chill.

On the main seat, Chen Yan wore a Purple Robe, its fabric embroidered with dark swirling clouds, his gaze deep.

Along the long table, Liu Mu Zhi, Yuwen Ze, Gao Jiong, Feng Xiao Yan, Sun Xiangbai, Yu Xiaojie and others sat in order, documents spread on the desk, the scent of ink interweaving with stove smoke.

Morning light filtered through Mingzheng Hall's lattice windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Liu Mu Zhi held a scroll and reported the recent affairs in a clear voice.

From the market security of Chang'an County and Wannian Xian, to the preparations for spring farming on the outskirts, and then to the prison case reviews within the office, everything was orderly and detailed.

Having been promoted to Junior Magistrate of Jing Zhao Fu, he presented each matter concisely and clearly.

After reporting the final item, Liu Mu Zhi lifted his hand, gently closed the document, his fingertip brushing the yellowed pages, then rose, turned to the main seat, bowed with clasped hands, his expression respectful: "Lord, this is the recent state of affairs of Jing Zhao Fu…"

"Do you see any fault in how Shuyi handled it?"

Chen Yan listened quietly the whole time, a approving curve lifting his mouth, he nodded slowly, his tone full of satisfaction: "Well done!"

"Very appropriate!"

Liu Mu Zhi lived up to his great reputation; his handling of affairs was orderly, major matters reported, minor matters dealt with himself, his sense of proportion was superb.

He is truly Chen's right‑hand man!

His words paused briefly, his gaze swept the people at the table, finally resting on A Ze, Liu Mu Zhi, A Jiong, and Feng Xiao Yan, his tone earnest: "A Ze, Mu Zhi, A Jiong, Xiao Yan, this Duke now has many affairs; the Jing Zhao Fu duties shall be shouldered by the four of you!"

The four heard this, rose together, clasped hands, and replied in unison: "Yes!"

Having been promoted to Judicial Staff Officer, Gao Jiong was the first to add: "Shuyi will give his utmost effort and will not make any mistake!"

His words rang out, fully displaying his responsibility.

Yuwen Ze stood tall, his gaze steady as a torch, speaking loudly: "A Xiong, rest assured, while you are away, I will, together with Brother Liu, Brother Gao, and Brother Feng, manage the affairs and keep Jing Zhao Fu running smoothly!"

As he spoke, his peripheral glance fell on Liu Mu Zhi.

These past months under A Xiong's command, this learned and capable Mr. Liu has learned and handled affairs, truly gaining much benefit and great improvement.

Chen Yan shifted his gaze from the four, slowly scanning toward the far end of the long table, landing on Sun Xiangbai and Yu Xiaojie, and announced loudly: "Staff Officer Sun, Staff Officer Yu!"

The two, hearing this, dared not delay a moment, immediately rose, straightened their official robes, clasped fists at their chests, bowed low, and replied respectfully: "Shuyi present!"

Chen Yan gave a slight nod, and said: "Jing Zhao Fu's affairs are complex; you two must assist greatly, coordinating inside and out, to preserve Chang'an's peace."

Sun Xiangbai, hearing this, nodded heavily, his tone as firm as iron: "Lord, rest assured, guarding the capital's tranquility, Shuyi will bear the responsibility without excuse!"

Yu Xiaojie straightened his back, solemnly replied: "To share your burdens and serve the people of Chang'an is Shuyi's honor!"

The two have not been promoted for almost ten years.

Had it not been for the Lord's promotion, they would still be in Wannian Xian, and how could they attain high positions?

They are the most loyal hounds under the Pillar of the State; wherever the Pillar points, they strike!

Chen Yan looked at their sincere expressions, felt relieved, raised his hand lightly and said: "Alright, the affairs are urgent; go attend to your respective tasks first!"

"We now take our leave!" the group replied in unison, then each tidied the documents on the desk and bowed in turn.

The pine fire in the warm stove still crackled, morning light now covered Mingzheng Hall's floor, making the carvings on the beams and columns even clearer.

Chen Yan had just lifted the hot tea on the desk, his fingertip not yet touching the cup's rim, when he suddenly recalled something; his gaze snapped to Yuwen Ze about to step over the threshold, and he called: "A Ze, bring the two waiting outside in!"

Yuwen Ze nodded, replying in a deep voice: "Yes."

The corridor outside Mingzheng Hall was paved with Qingshi Shiban.

Morning frost lingered, cold air seeped up along the hems of the robes.

Chen Jin Nan wore a lake‑blue Brothel, its fabric embroidered with fine winding branch patterns.

His posture was slightly cramped, his hands repeatedly rubbed the jade pendant at his waist, his gaze fixed on the great door of Mingzheng Hall.

Watching Liu Mu Zhi and the others emerge one by one, he grew increasingly uneasy, his toes lightly tapping the Shiban, standing restlessly.

He turned his head toward Chen Pojiao beside him, his voice trembling slightly: "Jiao bro, they've come out....."

After the words fell, he couldn't help but stretch his neck to look inside the door, his heart anxious as he asked: "When do you think big brother will summon us?"

At this moment, Chen Jin Nan was extremely nervous.....

Although he bore no grudges with the now high‑ranking big brother, they also had little acquaintance, let alone closeness.....

Chen Pojiao wore a deep‑green Brothel, its style simple yet well‑tailored.

His expression was steady, no hint of impatience in his brows; he simply glanced at the vermilion great door of Mingzheng Hall, his gaze calm, and slowly said: "Stay calm and wait!"

"Big brother's affairs are busy; he has his own considerations."

"When it's time for a summons, it will happen; no need to be restless."

At that moment, Yuwen Ze came from the end of the corridor, his steps steady, a gentle smile on his face, and said to the two: "A Xiong lets you in! Hurry!"

Having said so, he raised his hand, pointing to the entrance of Mingzheng Hall, indicating they should enter immediately.

"Yes!"

The two replied in unison, a hint of excitement unable to be hidden in their voices.

Immediately, they bowed to Yuwen Ze, turned, and hurried toward Mingzheng Hall.

The moment they stepped into Mingzheng Hall, the warm stove's heat mixed with pine smoke and ink fragrance hit their faces, dispelling the cold on their bodies.

The two dared not look around, walked straight to the hall's center, and bowed before Chen Yan at the main seat.

Chen Pojiao moved with precise motions, his tone steady: "Greetings, big brother!"

Chen Jin Nan was especially cautious, his head bowed even lower, his voice respectful and slightly restrained: "Greetings, big brother?"

Chen Yan sat on the main seat, his gaze gentle on the two juniors, raised his hand lightly: "No need for formalities?"

He then pointed to the two empty seats beside him and said: "Sit down and speak!"

Yes.

The two answered in unison, took their seats on the empty chairs as instructed, sitting upright with hands on their knees, daring not a hint of slackness.

Chen Yan lifted the hot tea on the desk, gently blew the steam, and asked, "Chen Pojiao, Jin Nan, you're not young any more now…"

What plans do you have for your official career?

Chen Pojiao did not hesitate at all; upon hearing it he immediately lifted his eyes, his gaze blazing like a torch, staring straight at Chen Yan on the main seat, his expression solemn and respectful, he clasped his hands and loudly said, "Since ancient times the elder brother is like a father, big brother, you are now a high minister of the court and also the head of our Chen clan, everything will follow your arrangements!"

His words rang strong and powerful, full of trust and respect for his elder brother.

Although he and his big brother are not maternal siblings, they share the same bloodline, both bearing the Chen surname, one family, and they even joined forces to avenge their despicable father, so there is genuine brotherly affection!

Chen Pojiao believes his big brother would never wrong him!

Beside them, fourth brother Chen Jin Nan nodded repeatedly, his tone urgent: "Exactly! Exactly!"

Then, imitating him, he clasped his hands; though a hint of youthful naivety remained, he spoke confidently: "Big brother is far‑sighted and discerning; whatever you assign to me, I will do without question!"

Chen Yan smiled calmly, his gaze slowly falling on Chen Pojiao, and said evenly, "Pojiao, I intend to send you to Chang'an County to serve as a Warehouse Officer."

Chang'an County is a crucial area of the Capital, and the Warehouse Officer handles grain storage, payroll disbursement, and other vital tasks.

Although its rank is lower than that of senior officials, it is a pivotal post for honing ability and familiarizing oneself with administration.

After accumulating achievements, promotion becomes easier and it won't attract criticism…

Chen Pojiao was first stunned, clearly not expecting his brother to give such a concrete appointment; bright light instantly flashed in his eyes, and his excitement was hard to conceal.

He sprang to his feet, straightened his back, took a bold step forward, and bowed deeply to Chen Yan, his voice trembling slightly with uncontainable joy: "Thank you, big brother, for the promotion!"

I will certainly not disappoint your great expectations and nurturing!

Though the Warehouse Officer is a subordinate official, the role concerns the very livelihood of the Capital.

For someone just entering officialdom, it is an exceedingly rare opportunity.

Chen Yan, seeing his demeanor, lifted his hand and gently pressed, signaling him to rise: "Yuwen Xiang, the magistrate of Chang'an County, is a close brother‑in‑arms of mine, mellow‑tempered and fair‑minded; once you assume office, he will look after you and help you master the administration!"

When Chen Pojiao stood up, his eyes were already slightly reddened, his heart full of warmth and gratitude.

He bowed again, his tone sincere and earnest: "Big brother thinks of me in every way; I have no way to repay you except to serve wholeheartedly and not betray your trust! Thank you, big brother!"

Chen Yan's gaze shifted to Chen Jin Nan beside him, his tone still even: "Jin Nan, I intend to send you north to serve as magistrate of Shanlu County."

"Magistrate?" Jin Nan murmured repeatedly, his eyes full of bewilderment, as if unable to believe his ears.

He had expected his brother to assign him a subordinate official post for training, but did not anticipate being made the head of a county.

After a moment of stupefaction, his eyes suddenly brightened, ecstatic joy surged like a tide, and the youthful restraint on his face was instantly replaced by excitement.

He thrust himself into a deep bow, nearly touching the ground, his voice carrying the clear, trembling tone of a youth: "Thank you, big brother, for the promotion!"

Brother… I will certainly govern diligently and not disgrace the mission!

The magistrate position in Great Zhou has a clearly defined rank according to the size of the county.

Although Shanlu County is not a major county of the Capital and its region is somewhat remote, it is a pivotal post that stands on its own, truly the top authority.

For a newcomer like him, it is a heavenly blessing.

Chen Yan, watching his uncontainable joy, let a slight smile lift his mouth corner, his eyes reflecting gentle amusement, and added slowly: "Shanlu County falls under Xiazhou's jurisdiction; the Inspector of Xiazhou is a close brother‑in‑arms of mine, generous and righteous, and familiar with frontier affairs."

He paused briefly, then continued: "I will write a recommendation letter for you; once you assume office, just present it to him, and he will take care of everything, helping you establish a firm footing."

Chen Jin Nan, hearing this, felt increasingly moved, his eyes slightly warm.

He bowed deeply once more, his tone utterly sincere: "Big brother thinks of me in everything; I will never forget this kindness! Thank you, big brother!"

Chen Yan raised his hand to signal them to rise, his tone a bit more solemn: "The appointment documents will be delivered to you shortly."

He then reminded them: "Shanlu County is a thousand li from Chang'an; the journey is long, and the Warehouse Officer duties in Chang'an County also need to be taken over promptly. Pack your belongings early and prepare for your posts, lest you waste time."

"Yes!" the two brothers answered in unison, their voices loud, full of vigor and respect.

Chen Yan pressed his lips together and said gravely, "After assuming office, you must not become arrogant or reckless."

"Local administration is intricate, and every mundane matter of livelihood matters; you must temper your mind, listen, learn, act, and diligently accumulate achievements."

"The future of the Chen clan now rests on our shoulders!"

We must promote trusted outsiders, and also make use of our own brothers.

Chen took this chance to expand his own assets as much as possible…

"I will faithfully follow big brother's teachings!" Chen Pojiao and Chen Jin Nan answered in unison, their gazes steadfast.

Although the two are young, they are not foolish; they understand that with achievements, big brother can elevate them to higher positions…

Perhaps there will even be a chance to become a general or prime minister!

Seeing this, Chen Yan waved his hand and said, "Go!"

Brother, I take my leave!

The two bowed again in a solemn, orderly manner.

When they turned and left, their steps were steady yet unable to hide their excitement; as soon as they crossed the threshold of the Mingzheng Hall, the morning sunrise poured onto them, coating their Brothels with a layer of golden brilliance.

The two gazed at the vast clear morning light, their eyes full of yearning, as if they already saw a bright future ahead.

Inside Mingzheng Hall, tranquility returned, and the pine smoke from the warm stove still curled gently.

Chen Yan watched the two depart, rose slowly, the Purple Robe flowing with a steady curve as he moved, his jade belt at the waist outlining a tall figure, and he said gravely, "Zhu Yi, Hongye, go!"

Let's go take over the Left Martial Guard!