Chapter 635: Li Tan, Restless to Resign

Chang'an.

June 12th.

At the hour of Chen, the sun had just climbed over the eaves of the Huangcheng, its golden light spilling onto the green tiles and vermilion walls of the Mingjing Office, making the plaque reading "Mingjing Gao Xuan" shine.

The summer heat was already steaming, and the cicadas outside the hall sang one after another, noisy enough to seem to overturn this solemn bureau.

Inside the chief's hall, however, it was entirely different from the scorching heat outside.

Four ice basins were set up in the hall, the crushed ice embedding freshly picked mint and jasmine.

Coolness mixed with a faint fragrance drifted outward, brushing the dark drapes hanging from the beams, stirring the silver‑threaded qilin embroidered on the curtains as if it were about to soar.

Li Tan stood beside an ice basin, his dark qilin brocade robe giving him an upright bearing; in his early twenties, his handsome face bore a few youthful exuberances.

Yet, because of his position as chief of the Mingjing Office, a touch of gravitas unsuited to his age was added.

Li had long packed his belongings; on the desk remained only a jade seal of the chief and a neatly stacked pile of documents.

He occasionally lifted his hand to adjust the jade sash at his waist, his eyes frequently glancing toward the hall's doorway, the smile at his mouth suppressed again and again, yet finally it could not help but lift slightly.

At last, a steady footstep sounded from outside the hall, accompanied by a servant's low announcement: "Chen Zhuguo has arrived—!"

Li Tan's eyes brightened; the composure he had forced earlier shattered instantly, and he rushed forward, two steps at a time, pulling aside the heavy curtain, his voice brimming with uncontainable excitement: "Big brother, my dear big brother!"

"You finally made it!"

"You kept me waiting!"

The newcomer was Chen Yan, dressed in a matching dark brocade robe, its hem embroidered with a soaring eagle.

His steps were neither hurried nor slow; as he entered the hall, his gaze brushed lightly and settled on Li Tan's ecstatic expression.

Chen Yan raised an eyebrow, half‑smiling as he sized him up, his eyes tinged with teasing: "Why do you look so impatient?"

"Are you really that eager to step down?"

"Not at all!" Li Tan answered without hesitation, his tone full of relief.

He said this while patting his chest, instantly adopting a sorrowful expression, his voice exaggerated as he lamented: "Big brother, you have no idea—my tenure as chief of the Mingjing Office has been a living hell!"

"I can't eat well, I can't sleep well; day after day I'm exhausted, fearing any misstep could ruin everything forever!"

When his words fell, he deliberately let out a long sigh.

That "sigh" lingered.

It was filled with the sentiment of finally pulling through.

Hearing this, Chen Yan lifted the chilled tea the servant offered and took a sip, the smile in his eyes deepening.

Then, setting the cup down, he spoke slowly, his tone tinged with amusement: "Oh? How did I hear that some people from the Mingjing Office, once released from duty, head straight to the brothel theater in Pingkang Lane?"

He paused, watching Li Tan's expression freeze, then continued leisurely, adding a barb: "I also heard that this person, whenever possible, tosses the current affairs to Song Fei and You Xian, and hides for leisure?"

Li Tan's face flushed slightly; he quickly raised his hand to cover his mouth and coughed strategically a few times: "Cough… cough cough!"

Then, lowering his hand, a hint of awkward smile appearing, he rubbed his hands together and moved close to Chen Yan, forcefully defending: "Big brother, you don't get it! It's called a balance of work and rest, appropriate relaxation!"

"Think about it—every case the Mingjing Office handles presses down on a person until they can't breathe, always stretched on a single string; won't a person burn out?"

"Occasional relaxation is also to serve Great Zhou better!"

He spoke with righteous confidence, yet his eyes darted around, unwilling to meet Chen Yan's gaze directly.

Chen Yan couldn't help but laugh, raised a finger and lightly tapped forward, his tone full of helpless indulgence: "You brat!"

His words, laced with familiar affection, instantly dispelled the subtle awkwardness in the hall.

Li Tan also laughed, but in an instant he folded away the playful expression, straightened, and with a solemn bow and clasped fists said to Chen Yan: "Big brother, I must thank you for helping me land the lucrative post of Huazhou Prefect!"

Huazhou is prosperous, its land fertile, its people simple; compared with the secret‑keeping, ice‑thin role of chief of the Mingjing Office, it is practically a paradise.

Li Tan's gratitude toward Chen Yan for obtaining this position needs no words.

Yet Chen Yan gently shook his head, walked to the desk, picked up the jade seal and rubbed it briefly, his gaze landing on the seal's inscription, his tone laden with meaning: "It was A Ze who recommended you; it's not me—don't get it wrong!"

Li Tan laughed unbothered, stepped forward, placed a hand on Chen Yan's shoulder, his tone confident: "If others don't know, wouldn't I be clear?"

He leaned close to Chen Yan, squinting, his voice lowered a notch, with a hint of cunning: "If you, big brother, hadn't covertly instructed, would Prince of Ancheng have recommended me out of the blue?"

Chen Yan examined Li Tan with interest, his fingertips still gently rubbing the jade seal, neither denying nor confirming, then let out a low laugh, his tone tinged with teasing admiration: "Our soon‑to‑be Prefect Li is truly perceptive!"

The words were like a stone tossed into a calm lake, instantly piercing the unspoken rapport between them.

Li Tan was first stunned, then threw his head back in laughter; Chen Yan also curved his lips, and the hall rang with their hearty laughter.

The startled sparrows on the beams fluttered wildly, swooping past the windows and stirring a breeze that carried the mint scent from the ice basins throughout the hall.

Their laughter contained no courtly scheming, no bureaucratic pretense, only the sincere camaraderie of old friends, refreshingly open.

After laughing for a while, Li Tan was the first to quiet down; the smile on his face faded gradually, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.

He looked at Chen Yan, his gaze earnest, and said word by word: "Big brother, I will forever remember the kindness you and the Prince have shown me!"

Chen Yan, hearing this, slowly nodded, his fingertips leaving the jade seal, hanging at his side, his expression growing a bit somber.

He seemed to recall something important, his brows slightly furrowed, and in a deep voice warned: "Huazhou is a key stronghold in Guanzhong, its land fertile and taxes ample, yet it appears bright while hiding undercurrents…"

"After you take office, enjoy yourself if you must, but you must not neglect the people's livelihood and governance!"

He paused, his gaze landing on the qilin pattern of Li Tan's dark brocade robe, his tone thickening: "Though you will become the Duke of Zhao, you still must achieve concrete merits locally!"

"Otherwise, you won't be promoted or entrusted with greater responsibilities…"

Li Tan set aside his former frivolity, solemnly nodded, his chest straight, his eyes full of resolve: "Big brother, rest assured!"

He raised his hand, patting his own collar, and declared loudly, "The position of Huazhou Prefect is an opportunity given by you and the Prince; I will never betray your recommendation!"

"I will ensure the people of Huazhou live peacefully and prosper!"

Chen Yan, seeing Li Tan's demeanor, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, stepped forward, raised his hand and gave his shoulder a firm pat, his voice lowered with a hint of admonition: "Have you heard of Xu Chengyi, Acting Chief Historian of Huazhou?"

Li Tan was slightly startled, then nodded: "I've heard of him…"

"He previously assisted you and the Prince in dealing with Yao Hongnian, Du Duoyi, and Pei Min!"

"Indeed." Chen Yan nodded, a slight smile lifting his mouth, a spark in his eyes, "He is a capable man, familiar with Huazhou's customs; when you first arrive, your foundation is unstable, and you need such a person to assist!"

He paused, moved closer to Li Tan, his voice dropping even lower, "After you reach Huazhou, find an appropriate moment, you can petition the Court to remove the 'Dai' character from his title, allowing him to become a truly appointed Chief Clerk…".

Li Tan heard this, was first stunned, then suddenly understood, a sly smile flashing in his eyes; he cupped his hand toward Chen Yan, his tone full of gratitude: "Brother, understood!"

"Thank you, big brother, for the scheme!"

His mind was as clear as a mirror; his big brother was paving a road for him!

If he could help remove that "Dai" character, Xu Chengyi would surely be grateful to Li, and later would go through fire and water for him, wholeheartedly assisting him.

In that case, his foothold in Huazhou could stand firmly.

And he could seize control of Huazhou at the fastest speed!

Chen Yan looked at the enlightened expression, couldn't help shaking his head, yet the smile at the corner of his mouth deepened a few degrees.

Then he lifted his eyes to look at the sky outside the window; the sun had risen high, golden rays streaming through the lattice, falling on the ground and scattering tiny specks of light.

The cicada chirping outside the hall grew louder, as if urging something.

He waved his hand, his tone relaxed: "It's getting late, go!"

"Don't miss the time to leave the city!"

Li Tan heard this, felt warmth in his heart, looked at Chen Yan, and solemnly said: "Big brother, if anything arises in the future, just send someone to deliver a letter to Huazhou."

"Brother, I'll go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Having said so, he bowed respectfully toward Chen Yan, clasped his fists, and said, "Farewell!"

Chen Yan gave a slight nod, watching Li Tan's turning back.

He stood still for a long while, until the figure vanished beyond the hall doors, then slowly withdrew his gaze.

The smile in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by deep contemplation.

Meanwhile, outside the Supervisor's main hall, Human Heads were already bustling.

Yin Shizhi, Yuanzhou, Shen Junli and the rest of the Mingjing Department's chief inspectors, along with several hundred embroidered‑uniform messengers clad in flying‑fish robes and bearing embroidered spring swords at their waists, stood in orderly rows under the corridor, their expressions solemn.

Upon hearing that Li Tan was stepping down today and being reassigned as Governor of Huazhou, they gathered here voluntarily, wishing to see off Supervisor Li.

Li Tan, as soon as he stepped out of the hall doors, was startled by the scene before him.

Seeing familiar faces one after another, his eyes grew slightly warm.

Before he could speak, the crowd shouted in unison: "Supervisor!"

The voice, uniform and resonant, echoed through the Mingjing Department's courtyard, carrying respect and a hint of reluctance.

In a great mood, Li Tan had been humming a tune, but now he forced the latter half to be swallowed back.

He looked at the people before him, cheerfully asking: "Why did you all come?"

"What's this for?"

Yin Shizhi stepped forward, looked at Li Tan, his expression respectful, his tone sincere: "We heard the Supervisor was reassigned as Governor of Huazhou, so we came especially to see you off!"

Yuanzhou and Shen Junli also stepped forward, saying in unison: "We are here to see off the Supervisor!"

The other embroidered‑uniform messengers also chimed in, their voices full of reluctance.

Li Tan looked at these loyal old subordinates, and a warm current rose in his heart.

He stepped forward, patted Yin Shizhi's shoulder, then Yuanzhou's arm, his voice a bit hoarse: "Then thank you, brothers!"

Having said so, he faced the crowd, clasped his fists respectfully, and said, "If fate allows, we shall meet again!"

The crowd looked at him, their eyes slightly reddening.

Li Tan did not wish to linger, fearing he might burst into tears.

He took a deep breath, turned and walked toward the courtyard exit, followed by several Personal Guards.

Yin Shizhi and the others watched his receding back, all bowing and clasping fists, their loud voices repeatedly shouting: "Respectfully see off the Supervisor!"

"Respectfully see off the Supervisor!"

"Respectfully see off the Supervisor!"

That voice echoed for a long time in the Mingjing Department's courtyard, accompanied by the noisy cicadas, drifting into the distance.

Sunlight spilled onto the blue‑tile red‑wall, making the plaque "Mingjing Suspended High" shine even brighter.

In the main hall.

Chen Yan turned, his gaze sweeping over the upright embroidered‑uniform messengers, and loudly said: "Go, summon You Xian!"

The messenger bowed, took the order, and hurried out.

In but a moment, footsteps sounded, You Xian entered the hall, saw Chen Yan, and immediately cupped his hands in salute: "Shuyi has seen the Prime Minister!"

Chen Yan sat at the main seat, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk before him, lifted his eyes, and ordered: "Summon Song Fei, the Supervisor, and the chief inspectors of each guard here for discussion!"

You Xian felt a stir, already guessing the implication, daring not to delay, he quickly bowed and replied: "As you command!"

As the words fell, he turned and hurried away; the dark robe's hem brushed the mint beside the ice basin, releasing a faint cool fragrance.

In less than half a stick of incense's time, the Supervisor's hall curtains were successively drawn aside.

Song Fei, Yin Shizhi, Hou Mo Chen Xiao, Shen Junli, Yuanzhou and others entered the hall in turn.

These were all the backbone officials of the Mingjing Department, each with a solemn expression and steady gait.

Seeing Chen Yan seated at the main seat, they all bowed in unison, their voices loud and uniform: "We have seen the Prime Minister!"

Chen Yan's gaze swept over them, he raised his hand slightly, his tone even: "No need for formalities, please sit."

"Thank you, Prime Minister!" they replied in unison, then took their seats along the long table.

As their gazes crossed, each harbored unspoken speculation:

Since Supervisor Li had stepped down, the Supervisor's seat in the Mingjing Department was vacant; the Prime Minister's gathering now surely intended to announce new appointments.

The hall fell silent, only the cicadas outside, one after another piercing through the lattice, accentuating the heavy atmosphere.

Chen Yan lifted the chilled tea before him, took a sip, then slowly spoke, clearing his throat; his bright voice rang through the hall: "Today we gather here, not for other matters, but to, on behalf of Your Majesty, announce several new appointments!"

At these words, everyone's spirits lifted, their backs straightening a bit more.

Shen Junli and Yuanzhou locked eyes for a moment, the speculation in their gazes growing more certain, and they silently exchanged an unspoken look.

Chen Yan, calm and unhurried, took a bright‑yellow edict from his bosom, his gaze falling on Song Fei seated at his right hand, and instructed, "Lao Song, you read it aloud!"

Song Fei rose quickly, reverently took the edict with both hands, unfolded the bright‑yellow silk, cleared his throat, and read aloud, each word clear and resonant: "Officials are appointed to their posts to highlight achievements; the meritorious are honored to encourage the officials' diligence."

"The purpose of the Mingjing Office is to oversee treachery and cleanse administration; a minister who is not loyal, diligent, and capable cannot bear this duty."

"Azure Dragon Mirror Master You Xian, dignified and upright, with a generous spirit. He received the imperial appointment early, entered the Mingjing Office, wielding the three‑foot law, upholding impartial justice."

"When inspecting official conduct, even the finest details must be discerned; when correcting corruption, righteous spirit shines. Over the years his achievements have been illustrious, admired by court and realm alike. He works day and night, his sincere heart evident; I greatly commend him. Now a hundred affairs await revitalization, and the responsibilities of the Mingjing Office are heavier than before."

"You Xian is specially promoted to Chief of the Mingjing Office, sharing duties with Song Fei. He will devote his utmost effort, strictly follow statutes, and highlight good and eradicate evil!"

When the edict reading concluded, the hall fell silent.

Everyone wore an understanding expression, showing no surprise, and their gazes simultaneously swept onto You Xian.

After all, this Mirror Master You—no, now Chief You—is the inner confidant of Chen Zhuguo's confidant...

You Xian sprang to his feet, took the edict handed by Song Fei with both hands, his fingertips trembling slightly, yet his face remained composed.

He held the edict, bowed deeply toward Huangcheng, and proclaimed, "I, You Xian, gratefully thank Your Majesty's great grace! I thank the Grand Preceptor for his support!"

"Only by bowing and devoting myself fully, even unto death, will I cease!"

Though the words were addressed to Your Majesty and the Grand Preceptor, those deep eyes were filled with gratitude toward his own master, Chen Zhuguo.

You Xian knew clearly that without Chen Zhuguo's patronage, given his humble origins, no matter how many achievements he amassed, he could never have risen in a single step to sit in this Chief position of the Mingjing Office!

All of these, indeed, are the blessings of Chen Zhuguo!

Song Fei was the first to rise, clasped his fists and smiled at You Xian, "Congratulations, Chief You!"

Chen Yan also gave You Xian a slight nod of respect, a hint of approval in his eyes.

From then on, the Mingjing Office was split between Song Fei and You Xian, each managing internal and external affairs...

The other Mirror Masters, seeing this, also rose, and with a bow to You Xian congratulated, "Congratulations on your promotion, Chief You!"

You Xian promptly returned the salute, a genuine smile finally appearing on his face: "You're all too kind; from now on I will still rely on your vigorous assistance to jointly safeguard the Mingjing Office's integrity!"

After a round of cordial chatter, everyone sat down again.

Chen Yan's gaze fell on Hou Mochen Xiao among the crowd, and he called out loudly, "Mirror Master Hou Mochen Xiao!"

Hou Mochen Xiao's heart tightened; he quickly rose, bowed and replied, "Shuyi present!"

Chen Yan raised his hand, pointed at him, and said loudly, "You shall assume the position of Azure Dragon Mirror Master!"

At those words, Hou Mochen Xiao jerked his head up, a flash of incredulous delight crossing his eyes, which quickly turned into intense excitement.

He inhaled deeply, bowed low to Chen Yan, and with a resonant voice declared, "Shuyi thanks Chen Zhuguo for the promotion!"

"I shall spare no effort, never disappointing Chen Zhuguo's high expectations!"

In that moment, Hou Mochen Xiao's mind was exceptionally clear...

Choosing the right person truly matters above all else.

Chen Yan gave a slight nod, indicating that he should sit down.

Then his fingertips lightly tapped the table, his gaze slightly lowered as if pondering something.

Everyone in the hall held their breath, waiting silently for the upcoming appointment.

After a moment, Chen Yan lifted his head, scanned the crowd, and said in a deep voice, "Let Mei Aoshang, who earlier escorted the Lu clan of Fan Yang back to the capital, safeguarding the entire clan, assume the position!"

He paused, then added, "Ji Baiyu, Zhuque Deputy Envoy!"

Mei Aoshang and Ji Baiyu were both former Embroidered‑Cloth Envoys of the Mingjing Office; their meritorious escort of the Lu clan caught Chen Yan's attention.

This sudden promotion, though somewhat unexpected, was nevertheless understandable.

Chen Yan's gaze swept over everyone, his voice bright: "You are all pillars of the Mingjing Office; from now on, with one heart and one mind, assist Chief Song Fei and Chief You Xian, straighten official conduct, root out treachery, and do not disappoint the Grand Preceptor and my own expectations!"