Chapter 618: The Yingchuan Chen Clan, Chen Liangwu

Chen Yan raised his hand: "No need for formalities!"

He strode to the desk, sat down directly, his gaze sweeping over Ye Jingjie, seeing his expression unchanged, no sign of anything amiss, a hint of approval flickering in his eyes.

"Thank you, Chen Zhuguo!" Ye Jingjie said, rose as instructed, sat again, both hands neatly placed on his knees, waiting silently for Chen Yan to speak.

Chen Yan lifted the teapot on the desk, poured himself a cup of tea, his fingertips rubbing the warm cup wall, then suddenly spoke, his tone tinged with concern: "Jingjie, those brothers just now were quite strong…"

"Did they hurt you?"

Earlier, at the King of Guangling's residence, to make the performance realistic, the embroidered‑cloak envoys showed no mercy to Ye Jingjie; during the escort, their movements were rather rough.

Chen Yan, though aware it was a staged act, still kept Ye Jingjie in mind, the aide who had been lurking beside Murong Yuan, for after all, the merit Ye Jingjie earned this time was truly considerable.

Ye Jingjie heard this, a gentle smile appearing on his face, shook his head: "No problem!"

"Shuyi may be a scholar, but his physique is still sturdy; that bit of force couldn't hurt Shuyi!"

His tone was relaxed, as if speaking of a trivial matter.

There was no hint of seeking credit, nor a single complaint.

Chen Yan heard this, slowly nodded, his eyes' approval deepening.

He set down the tea cup, his body leaning slightly forward, his tone solemn: "These past days, you've worked hard!"

He paused, his gaze deep, "If it weren't for your enduring hardships, lurking beside Murong Yuan, gathering numerous proofs of treason, and cooperating with this Duke at the crucial moment to stage this play…"

"To capture the King of Guangling's party so smoothly this time, it would have required many twists and turns!"

Ye Jingjie felt warmth in his heart, yet his face still held humility, and he quickly spoke loudly: "Shuyi is a member of the Mingjing Office; this is all within my duties!"

He bowed slightly, his tone becoming even more respectful, "Moreover, serving Chen Zhuguo and contributing to Great Zhou is Shuyi's honor!"

Chen Yan looked at Ye Jingjie's unassuming, unarrogant demeanor, and felt increasingly satisfied.

Such a person, both cunning and loyal, and knows how to temper his edge, is exactly the capable officer he needs.

Chen Yan shifted his tone, becoming stern: "However, you must no longer appear under the name Jingjie…"

Ye Jingjie felt a stir in his heart, instantly understanding Chen Yan's meaning.

With Murong Yuan's downfall, "Jingjie" as the core aide of the King of Guangling would inevitably be implicated.

Continuing to use that name would inevitably invite unnecessary trouble, and might even expose his identity as a Mingjing Office spy.

He quickly nodded: "Shuyi understands."

"Come up with a new name; this Duke will have someone draft a new household registration for you!" Chen Yan said, his tone carrying a hint of expectation, "A name concerns one's fortune; think it over carefully."

Ye Jingjie lowered his head, pondering, his brows slightly furrowed, clearly deep in thought.

The Secret Chamber fell silent for a moment, only the crackle of the burning candles audible.

A moment later, Ye Jingjie lifted his head, a glint of light flashing in his eyes as he looked at Chen Yan, his tone tentative: "Chen Zhuguo, what do you think of 'Chen Liangwu'?"

Chen Yan, after listening, slowly nodded: "Sturdy as a beam, pure as a phoenix tree!"

He paused, looking at Ye Jingjie, his tone solemn, "A good name!"

"Thank you for the praise, Chen Zhuguo!" Chen Liangwu's face showed genuine joy, and he quickly rose, leapt up and bowed.

Chen Yan smiled calmly, then suddenly shifted his words: "Since you've taken the Chen surname, be like this Duke, also hailing from the Chen clan of Yingchuan."

Chen Liangwu jerked his head up, his eyes full of disbelief, the joy on his face instantly replaced by shock.

He opened his mouth, but at that moment could not speak.

The Chen clan of Yingchuan is a top‑tier aristocratic family, producing countless talents and enjoying great renown.

And he, Ye Jingjie, was originally just a scholar from a humble background; had Chen Zhuguo not noticed him by chance, recruited him into the Mingjing Office, he likely would never have risen in this life.

Now, Chen Zhuguo intends to have him join the Chen clan of Yingchuan, meaning he will have a top aristocratic house as backing, and his status will undergo a dramatic transformation!

Such favor is overwhelmingly generous, leaving Chen Liangwu somewhat startled by the honor.

He trembled slightly with excitement, his eyes growing warm, and quickly bowed again, his voice tinged with choking gratitude: "Thank you, Chen Zhuguo!"

"Shuyi… what virtue or ability does Shuyi have to receive such great favor from Chen Zhuguo, to be admitted under the Chen clan of Yingchuan?"

"Just a trivial effort!" Chen Yan waved his hand nonchalantly, his tone even, as if it were a minor task, "You have ability and loyalty; you are worthy of the Chen clan of Yingchuan's name!"

Chen Liangwu took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, bowed again, his tone resolutely firm: "Shuyi will certainly remember Chen Zhuguo's great kindness; this life will never betray Chen Zhuguo, never betray the Chen clan of Yingchuan!"

Chen Yan looked at his steadfast gaze, and nodded in satisfaction.

He lifted his tea cup, took a sip, moistening his throat, then surveyed Chen Liangwu, speaking slowly, his tone bearing some deliberation and inquiry: "Your status and this face are no longer suitable for staying in Chang'an; do you have a place in mind to go?"

Chen Liangwu, hearing this, felt increasingly moved.

Chen Zhuguo not only gave him a new identity and a top‑tier lineage, but also respected his wishes, allowing him to choose his own future destination.

After a moment of contemplation, he quickly reached a decision.

He deeply knows that his present standing is entirely thanks to Chen Zhuguo's promotion and trust; wherever Chen Zhuguo sends him, he will go willingly.

Moreover, he believes that with Chen Zhuguo's insight and strategy, the place arranged for him will surely be the most suitable.

Thus, Chen Liangwu bowed again, his tone deep: "I will obey all of Chen Zhuguo's commands!"

"Chen Zhuguo, wherever you send Shuyi, Shuyi will go!"

He paused, then added, "Shuyi follows Chen Zhuguo's lead; as long as I can serve Chen Zhuguo and Great Zhou, no matter the ends of the earth, no matter what hardships, Shuyi will not shirk!"

Chen Yan watched Chen Liangwu's obedient, waiting expression, and the corner of his mouth subtly rose, drawing a faint yet meaningful smile.

His fingertips lightly brushed the tea cup on the desk, his gaze calmly resting on Chen Liangwu, his tone both tentative and resolute: "Then how about heading to Hezhou to lie low for a while?"

"Hezhou?" Chen Liangwu heard, his body jolted, the obedience on his face instantly replaced by astonishment.

His pupils contracted slightly, his mind racing, silently muttering: "Hezhou? Isn't that where Chen Zhuguo personally led troops to quell a rebellion last year?"

"There the rebellion was just quelled, the people's hearts are stabilizing; though the situation isn't entirely peaceful, it's a time of many tasks awaiting revival, desperately needing capable governance!"

"Moreover, Hezhou borders Tuyuhun, its border line long, serving as a crucial shield against Tuyuhun and a key trade route to the Western Regions; merchants and caravans flow constantly, civil and military affairs intertwine, making it an excellent place to achieve merit!"

"Furthermore, that's a territory Chen Zhuguo pacified, with many of his former troops stationed there…"

"If he goes there, not only will he receive support, but also can quickly produce achievements through his own abilities!"

In an instant, the astonishment in Chen Liangwu's heart turned into an uncontrollable joy, the joy surged through his whole body like a tide, making his cheeks warm slightly and his eyes shine astonishingly.

He quickly bowed and clasped his fists, his voice carrying a few unhideable excitement, yet his tone remained respectful: "Very good!"

Chen Yan slowly nodded: "Then it's settled."

He paused, then continued: "Hezhou now has a hundred things awaiting revival, still lacking a Chief Administrator, to assist the inspector in handling state affairs, rectifying official conduct…"

"Liangwu, you have strategic insight, have been through trials, your mind is meticulous; I am sure you can competently fill this role!"

The Chief Administrator position, though not as powerful as the inspector, is still a core official of the prefectural government, overseeing documents, evaluating officials, handling daily affairs, wielding real authority, far beyond a typical idle post.

Chen Liangwu never imagined that Chen Zhuguo would not only send him to such an important post in Hezhou, but also directly grant him this key position…

This promotion and trust made his whole body tremble with excitement!

He could no longer contain his excitement; with a "swish" he rose, knelt, raised both fists above his head, his voice bright and resolutely ringing: "Shuyi Kouxie Chen Zhuguo's promotion!"

"Zhuguo's favor, Shuyi will never forget!"

Chen Yan, seeing this, quickly stepped forward, reached out to help him, his fingertips touching the slightly trembling arm, his tone gentle: "Rise quickly!"

Then, patting Chen Liangwu's shoulder, his mouth still bearing that faint smile, his eyes grew more solemn: "I, the Duke, know you are capable, but you have been lurking beside Murong Yuan until now, unable to display your ambition…"

"Now that I give you this chance, I hope you can fully display your talents in Hezhou, govern Hezhou in orderly fashion, not betray my trust, nor your own learning!"

He paused, his gaze turning to the heavy night outside the stone chamber, as if looking toward the future, his tone carrying a few expectations: "After you have trained in Hezhou for a few years, accumulating solid achievements, letting the court and the world see your ability, I, the Duke, will recall you to Chang'an and assign you a great responsibility!"

"Zhuguo!" Chen Liangwu heard this, his eyes instantly reddened.

He looked at Chen Yan's warm yet powerful face, his heart a swirl of feelings.

He was from a humble background, full of strategies, yet lacked connections, forced to remain hidden in the countryside.

If not for Chen Zhuguo's keen eye that recognized his talent, recruiting him into the Mingjing Department and assigning him a covert mission, perhaps he would never have a chance to rise in this life.

Now, Chen Zhuguo not only gave him a new identity, a top‑tier family background, but also paved such a bright future; this favor and cultivation, he cannot repay!

Chen Liangwu inhaled deeply, suppressed the surging emotions, bowed again, clasped his fists, his tone resolute, bearing a vow of deathly loyalty: "Shuyi swears to die loyal to Zhuguo!"

"In the future, whenever commanded, whether mountain of knives or sea of fire, Shuyi will certainly plunge into danger without hesitation!"

"I will not betray Zhuguo's trust and cultivation!"

Chen Yan, watching Chen Liangwu's spirited demeanor, seemed to recall something, a faint smile spreading: "By the way, when I copied the Guangling Wang Fu earlier, I specifically set aside ten thousand taels for you."

Before the words finished, he pulled a perfectly folded Silver Note from his pocket, twirling a corner with his fingertip, handing it to Chen Liangwu, his tone carrying a few considerate considerations: "You go to Hezhou, the mountains are high and roads far, the post‑war land is in ruins, everything needs tending…"

"Having some silver on you will also ease matters, so you won't be hindered by trivial affairs!"

Ten thousand taels of silver is already an astronomical figure for an ordinary official.

Chen Liangwu, hearing this, shivered, his eyes instantly filled with an indescribable emotion.

He had thought Chen Zhuguo's granting of identity, office, and securing his family was already a massive favor, yet never imagined even such minute details were considered so thoroughly.

His throat rolled slightly, suppressing the surging feelings, he straightened his back, clasped his fists, and loudly said: "Thank you, Zhuguo! This grace and virtue, Shuyi will never forget!"

His voice rang powerful, full of sincere devotion.

Chen Yan, seeing the gratitude in Chen Liangwu's eyes, smiled indifferently, reached out and slipped the Silver Note straight into his bosom, patted his shoulder, his tone urging: "Go!"

"Prepare early; the appointment decree will arrive soon, and then you can set off at once!"

"Yes!" Chen Liangwu hurriedly tucked the Silver Note close to his body, his fingertips touching the stiff paper, his heart warming further.

He bowed again, his posture exceedingly respectful: "Shuyi takes leave!"

When the words fell, he turned and strode out of the stone chamber, his steps steady, his back upright, no longer showing the hidden restraint of his former covert life, replaced by full fighting spirit and expectation.

The stone gate behind him slowly closed, sealing the light and shadow between the secret chamber's inside and outside.

After Chen Liangwu's figure completely vanished, Chen Yan finally withdrew his smile, and walked out of the secret chamber at a leisurely pace.

In the corridor outside, candlelight was dim yellow, casting the carved shadows on the column's reliefs.

Lord Zhu Yi stood in the corridor, clad in Xuanse Jinshen, his posture as upright as a pine, and upon seeing Chen Yan emerge, he quickly followed, his steps feather‑light.

The early June night wind carried a hint of heat, rolling the scent of courtyard grasses and trees onto his face.

Chen Yan looked up at the horizon; the east already showed a hint of fish‑belly white, the ink‑black sky gradually tinged with a light gray, distant faint rooster cries announced the approaching dawn.

He let out a long yawn, a trace of fatigue at the corners of his eyes, raised his hand to rub his brow, his voice hoarse from staying up all night: "It's almost daylight, and I've pulled an all‑night…"

Speaking, he stretched lazily, moving his stiff neck, his joints emitting a soft "crack" sound, his tone bearing a few lazy fatigued notes, "I'll go back later to catch some sleep…"

At that moment, a rapid footstep sound came from the far end of the corridor, breaking the pre‑dawn silence.

Chen Yan turned toward the sound and saw You Xian hurrying this way, his face showing a few urgent notes, beads of fine sweat on his temples, clearly having run the whole way.

"Zhuguo!" You Xian took several steps forward, bowing.

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow at You Xian, seeing his hurried expression, his heart stirred slightly, and in a deep voice asked: "What is it? Is something wrong?"

You Xian quickly replied: "Zhuguo, the Jin Wang Fu sent Personal Guard, saying they have an urgent matter to see you!"

"Jin Wang Fu?" Chen Yan heard, his brows slightly furrowed, murmuring, "People from the Grand Preceptor's residence? What could bring them at this hour?"

He steadied himself and instructed You Xian: "Invite them quickly!"

"Yes!" You Xian promptly responded, turned, and gave a sign to the embroidered‑clad messenger following behind him.

The messenger understood instantly and hurried toward the mansion gate.

In a short moment, a man dressed in Jin Wang Fu Personal Guard uniform was led over.

The man was dust‑covered, his robe still damp with dew, clearly having ridden hard through the night.

Upon seeing Chen Yan, he immediately bowed, his voice resonant: "Greetings, Zhuguo!"

"No need for formalities!" Chen Yan raised his hand to signal him to stand, his gaze fixed on his face, his voice deep, "Did the Grand Preceptor send you with any urgent matter?"

The guard did not dare to delay, lifted his head, his face showing a few frantic notes, and blurted out: "Zhuguo, the Crown Prince's consort is about to give birth!"