Chapter 156: Three Imperial Edicts

"Imperial edict?"

Chen Yan was startled, and after he recovered, he became furious.

"Damn, I've only been married two days, and they're already trying to arrange me?"

Now that an imperial edict has arrived at his house, there's no need to think—it's definitely Li Shimin who wants to assign him a post.

This had been agreed upon earlier, and Chen Yan doesn't object.

But the problem is, this damn thing is way too rushed, huh?

Which newlywed has to go to work immediately?

With a heart full of resentment, Chen Yan wore a composed expression as he approached the main hall.

At this moment, Gao Yang had already arrived.

As his wife, she was certainly going to come when the imperial edict arrived at their home.

Earlier, it was Wushe holding the imperial edict, and behind him two eunuchs carrying official robes and belts.

Seeing his arrival, Wushe pulled a faint smile, "Marquis of Weinan, congratulations—His Majesty finally decided to give you a proper appointment."

Chen Yan opened his mouth, realizing the matter had nothing to do with Wushe, and not wanting to say anything harsh, muttered, "What's there to congratulate?"

"There's no way someone gets appointed to the court just two days after marriage."

Wushe: "......"

Heh, he could have imagined this elder's expression before arriving.

And indeed, it turned out just as expected.

He didn't care about Chen Yan's reaction; he opened the imperial edict on the spot and began to read.

"Weinan town, its canal transport serves as resources, guiding virtue and rites; truly a decree for the chief."

"Court Counselor Chen Yan, of clear insight and keen mind, steadfast and resolute in conduct...."

"But the County Magistrate of Weinan County, a scattered official as before. Assume office in fifteen days, the appointment shall be executed!"

There was no grand "by the Mandate of Heaven" preamble; after Wushe babbled for a while, he finally got to the point.

In short, it means he is to become the Weinan County Magistrate, taking office in fifteen days.

Gao Yang lifted her head, brows knit, unsure what she was thinking.

"Marquis of Weinan, accept the edict."

Wushe said with a smiling grin.

Staring at the imperial edict before him, Chen Yan pondered briefly, clasped Wushe's shoulder and moved aside, "Wushe eunuch, do you know why His Majesty wants me to become the Weinan County Magistrate?"

It's not that Chen Yan is dissatisfied with the post; Weinan is a directly administered county of the capital region.

Moreover, the county's geographic location is extremely special, holding a very important strategic position.

It is not only very close to Chang'an City, situated at the confluence of the Wei River and the Yellow River, and is a vital passage for transporting grain from the eastern regions (Henan, Shandong, etc.) via the Yellow River to Chang'an.

It is the throat of the grain transport.

It is also a core node of the relay road, with frequent diplomatic missions.

It holds a very important transportation position.

Officials of Weinan County are basically appointed directly by the court; even a modest county magistrate is a sixth‑rank official.

Chen Yan had imagined Li Shimin would place him in the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, or one of the other four ministries, but he didn't expect Li Shimin to give him a surprise.

He's being assigned to be the county magistrate of Weinan!

"......"

Wushe forced a bitter smile, "Lord Bo, I've called you Lord Bo; the thoughts of His Majesty are not something we can fathom."

"That question, I truly don't know."

Chen Yan thought for a moment, felt he wasn't lying, nodded, "My apologies, Wushe eunuch, I may have offended earlier."

"No problem, His Majesty's decree has been delivered; I shall return now."

Having said that, Wushe, fearing he might keep asking questions or request a favor, handed the imperial edict to him, then set down the items of the two young eunuchs, and hurried away.

Chen Yan said nothing, glanced at the edict, and speculated in his mind about Li Shimin's intention.

He always felt this county magistrate position wasn't that simple.

At that moment, Gao Yang came to his side, dissatisfied, "What does Father Emperor think? How could he arrange for you to become a county magistrate?"

"Having you as a county magistrate would be underutilizing you, wouldn't it?"

"No, I'll go to the palace right away to speak with Father Emperor; I won't expect the Three Departments?"

She said it and truly prepared to set off for the palace.

Chen Yan hurriedly grabbed her, "Wait, why are you in such a hurry?"

"I think this county magistrate post is fine, don't go."

Hearing this, Gao Yang's brows furrowed, "What's good about being a county magistrate?"

"Even if it's Weinan County, so what?"

"Can it compare to the officials of the court?"

At this point, an unnatural expression flashed across her face, and in a voice only she could hear, she muttered, "Besides, if you go to assume office in Weinan County, what will become of me?"

She was still hoping for a child; if Chen Yan runs off to Weinan County, where would she bear a child?

After all, it's for his own good; Chen Yan's attitude remained very kind, pulling her hand toward the main hall.

"The imperial edict has already been issued; there's no chance to backtrack."

"A county magistrate is a county magistrate; being a local father‑figure official isn't bad, so stop making a fuss."

"I think His Majesty's reason for making me a county magistrate probably has deeper meaning."

Gao Yang blinked, feeling there was some sense to it.

She thought for a moment, then said firmly, "Then I also want to go with you."

Seeming afraid that he wouldn't agree, Gao Yang hurriedly said, "If you don't consent, today I'll say whatever it takes to go to the palace and beg Father Emperor not to make you that damned County Magistrate."

Hearing that, Chen Yan was startled, feeling a strange sensation rise in his heart.

Why does it feel… Gao Yang is so odd?

She says it's for her own future, but it doesn't really seem that way.

After a brief explanation from me, she gave up the plan to go to the palace.

On the contrary, if I don't take her with me, she insists on going to the palace.

The more I think about it… it's wrong.

"What, you're going to abandon me?" Seeing Chen Yan not reply, Gao Yang became anxious.

In any regard, she doesn't want to be separated from Chen Yan.

"How could that be?" Chen Yan smiled, "Even if I abandon myself, I wouldn't abandon you."

"If I take up the post at Weinan County, I will definitely bring you along, rest assured."

Gao Yang instantly exhaled a sigh of relief and smiled contentedly.

Then she gave him a faint glance, let out a light hum, and walked straight away.

Chen Yan: "......"

Tsk, indeed, Gao Yang could never be so simply steadfast about his future.

Anyway, never mind what her plans are; we simply cannot leave her alone at home.

Otherwise, who knows what she might get up to?

"Weinan County......"

Chen Yan murmured softly, gazing at the white clouds through the window, his thoughts unknown.

"......"

At the same moment Chen Yan received the imperial edict, Li Chengqian in the Eastern Palace and the Cai Duke residence also received an edict.

Its contents all pertained to Weinan County.

Du Ruhui's eldest son Du Gou was transferred to serve as the clerk of Weinan County, also assuming the post fifteen days later.

As for Li Chengqian, he was utterly bewildered.

Crown Princess Su stared at the edict in her hand, her face full of disbelief.

"Husband, this… what is this?"

Li Chengqian shook his head, not understanding what his Father Emperor meant.

Today had been an ordinary day, but it unexpectedly had its tranquility shattered by an imperial edict.

The contents above left him even more perplexed.

Can a Crown Prince even possess a fief?

"......"