Chapter 147: Marrying a Wife, huh?

Er Lang, how could you have abandoned Zi An?

In the carriage, Empress Changsun said, torn between laughter and tears.

Li Lizhi immediately agreed: "Exactly, Dad, Chen Lang just helped you earn so much money."

You're killing the donkey after using the mill.

If she stayed silent, it would be fine, but once she spoke, Li Shimin felt extremely uneasy.

His precious daughter, whom he had cherished since childhood, ultimately became someone else's.

People say women are outgoing, and that saying is indeed true.

Li Shimin, feeling resentful, asked: "What is he doing showing up?"

The auction just ended, and there are still so many matters to settle; is he just going to remain a hands-off manager?

To have him hand everything over to his subordinates—what kind of talk is that?

I'm just training him.

Li Lizhi: "......"

Empress Changsun: "......"

The two were speechless.

Anyone in the world could say that, but you happen not to.

Aren't you the one who loves to leave everything to your subordinates?

And you're still training them.

Empress Changsun changed the subject: "Er Lang, what position do you plan for Zi An to hold?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin became solemn.

Regarding the arrangements for Chen Yan, the couple had discussed it many times, but each time they failed to reach a concrete plan.

Now, only three days remain until Chen Yan and Gao Yang's grand wedding.

After the wedding, giving Chen Yan a few days of leisure, then it will be time to arrange his entry into the court.

The matter of his post must certainly be decided in advance.

After a moment's thought, Li Shimin slowly said: "How about letting Zi An join the Ministry of Revenue?"

He likes doing business, doesn't he? Going to the Ministry of Revenue is perfect.

Moreover, I just planned to promote Dai Zhou to Minister of Revenue, and later have him serve as a Remonstrance Officer.

If Zi An joins the Ministry of Revenue, we can assign Dai Zhou to look after him and gradually help him gain control of the Ministry.

Once Zi An has firmly established himself, we will immediately appoint Dai Zhou as a Remonstrance Officer, and then—well—arrange a puppet to take the Minister of Revenue's position.

That way, even if Zi An finds it difficult to assume the Minister of Revenue's post due to his age, the Ministry of Revenue will still be under his control.

Upon hearing this, Empress Changsun blinked.

One must say, Li Shimin's considerations are thorough; he has practically prepared a road to heaven for Chen Yan.

As long as Chen Yan proceeds step by step without making major mistakes, he will eventually control the Ministry of Revenue.

You know, the Ministry of Revenue is one of the Six Ministries, and it oversees finance, taxation, statistics, nationwide household registrations, and supervises the implementation of the Equal-Field System, registering land distribution.

Holding the lifeline of a nation, one wields unimaginable authority.

But Empress Changsun still felt dissatisfied.

It's not that she thought Li Shimin's arrangement was improper, or that she thought Chen Yan couldn't handle a major responsibility; she simply felt it was lacking something.

Yet she couldn't pinpoint exactly what was lacking.

Frowning, she pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said: "I believe it is inappropriate."

"What's inappropriate?" Li Shimin asked.

Empress Changsun: "I believe Zi An does not actually like doing business; his choice of this path may very well be merely using business as a means to achieve his ideals."

Moreover, the position in the Ministry of Revenue is too important, and given Zi An's youth, forcing him into it might bring disaster rather than blessing.

Having said that, she paused, then added: "Furthermore, Zi An's business will undoubtedly keep growing, and it cannot be concealed."

And if Zi An were to control the Ministry of Revenue, it would be hard to say what other court officials or the common people would think.

After listening, Li Shimin's gaze turned solemn.

Indeed, his thoughts were somewhat simplistic.

The situation Empress Changsun described is not impossible.

Controlling the Ministry of Revenue means controlling money and wealth; embezzling or misusing that power would be extremely easy, and at this very moment, Chen Yan, who controls the Ministry of Revenue, possesses vast wealth, and his outside business continues to grow.

Even if he knows Chen Yan, would the other officials believe him?

He then said: "What about the Ministry of Works?"

When I previously visited the Marquis of Weinan's mansion, I noticed that this kid has a knack for making things; many of his items are quite novel and useful.

Placing him in the Ministry of Works might produce remarkable results.

Empress Changsun shook her head again.

The so-called rule that the inner court must not interfere in politics has become a joke at this moment.

That thing is merely putting on a show on the surface.

From the time he was Prince of Qin to now as Emperor of Tang, Li Shimin often consults Empress Changsun's opinion.

Many matters are decided through their joint discussion.

Empress Changsun then raised several reasons why Chen Yan is unsuitable for the Ministry of Works.

Well-founded and evidence-based, this caused Li Shimin to abandon the idea.

Next, the couple began discussing among themselves inside the carriage.

One proposed, the other objected.

The Three Provinces and Six Ministries had been discussed almost exhaustively; in the end, even military officers were not spared.

Li Lizhi, sitting nearby, initially listened with great interest, after all this concerned her future husband's prospects, so she naturally paid attention.

But this couple really left people speechless.

This won't do, that won't do—listening to it all made her feel tired.

Li Lizhi propped her chin with one hand, slightly lifted the curtain, and watched the scenery outside glide by bit by bit; the corner of her mouth unconsciously rose slightly.

At last her wish was fulfilled today; even though she would have to face Princess Gao Yang long‑term from now on, she still felt happy.

More importantly, she truly sensed that the Li Shimin couple valued Chen Yan highly.

No matter what position Chen Yan eventually takes, she believed he would surely be given important responsibility.

Li Lizhi had no other thoughts; she only felt that the Tang Dynasty's air was better than ever, even the breeze blowing in carried a hint of sweetness.

Just as she was immersed in her beautiful fantasies about the future, Li Shimin suddenly slapped his thigh.

"I've thought of it!"

He exclaimed excitedly, "Guanyin Maid, I've figured out where to put Zi An!"

"Where should we put her?" Empress Changsun took up the conversation.

Li Shimin laughed twice, then softly uttered three words.

"Weinan County!"

"......"

Chen Yan stood there blank‑faced, watching the carriage slowly drift away.

A huge question mark filled his mind.

No, this damn carriage is actually my family's carriage.

Really, there's not a bit of reason to it, huh?

"Ah, forget it."

Shaking his head, Chen Yan looked up at the clear blue sky and white clouds, his heart feeling a bit complicated.

Li Shimin had a saying that was quite right: a person's power is limited; if he wants to do his part for this troubled world, some things are unavoidable.

Especially since he is about to marry Princess Gao Yang, and later will also have to take on Princess Changle.

This will surely become the hot topic in Chang'an City, and he will also find himself at the forefront of the storm.

He had previously exposed too much; wanting to continue hiding it is now impossible.

So, he had long been mentally prepared.

Well then, let him become an official.

When it comes to scolding people, he has never feared anyone in his life.

You know, in his previous life he actually went on to study at Zaun University.

But......

Before taking office, he still had one matter to attend to.

Chen Yan recalled Princess Gao Yang's proud and sulky expression, and gave a hehe laugh.

"Getting a wife~"

"......."