Chapter 209: Chen Yan: Come If You Must, We

From Lao Wang's entrance, Li Shimin kept watching him.

Lao Wang's conversation with the Shop Boy was naturally all heard by Li Shimin.

Honestly, ever since arriving in Weinan County and seeing Chen Yan's many actions, Li Shimin's mood has been constantly complicated.

After hearing Lao Wang's talk with the Shop Boy, his complicated mood reached its peak.

Until Lao Wang, as if carrying the world's most precious treasure, left with that half roasted duck, Li Shimin gently exhaled a puff of foul air.

At that moment, he truly endorsed the future Chen Yan described, genuinely feeling what is called "Replace Disaster with Labor".

It is not merely a simple, clever disaster‑relief measure, nor does it have to wait for an actual disaster to be employed.

Rather, in ordinary times, on everyday days, it continuously and gradually changes the people's lives, letting them slowly escape the precarious suffering.

At that moment, he also truly understood what "Risk Resistance Ability" is.

With money in hand and grain at home, what can a natural disaster do to me?

Replace Disaster with Labor, a simple four‑character phrase; each time Li Shimin thinks he grasps it, he finds it so profound and elusive, constantly surprising him.

"Zi An… let them have roasted duck…" Li Shimin's tone was indescribably complex, part awe, part guilt, mixed with huge ambition.

"Indeed." Empress Changsun said softly, "I used to say he was a good child; now the child has grown up and become a good official."

"He has become the Heavenly Great Lord in the people's hearts."

A good official—people have far too many definitions for it; everyone can offer a different view.

Some think that being diligent, ungreedy and incorrupt is a good official.

Others feel that achieving great deeds, leaving a name in history, and gaining later generations' approval constitute a good official.

But Empress Changsun previously thought that anyone who could relieve Li Shimin's worries, solve his problems, and share his burdens was a good official—a very good official.

Now she suddenly feels that Chen Yan is that good official.

Not for any other reason, because Chen Yan let the people have roasted duck, even if only half a piece.

"......"

Liuzi, listening nearby, kept swallowing saliva.

Who are the two characters he's bringing?

Who is Zi An?

What does it mean that the child grew up and became a good official?

Also, wasn't that line about the Heavenly Great Lord said by him?

Liuzi dared not continue pondering; he had originally thought that the two people before him, accompanied by guards and exuding an outstanding aura, were merely wealthy merchants.

After all, the clothes they wore were much like those typical of merchants.

But now, listening to their conversation, this doesn't seem like any merchant—could they be important figures from Chang'an?

"Sir…" At this moment, Li Junxian, standing behind Li Shimin, softly called out, then pointed outside.

Li Shimin and his wife instinctively followed Li Junxian's gaze and saw Chen Yan holding his fan, walking slowly toward them with Du Gou from a distance.

Their steps were light and steady, occasionally pointing at the foundation under construction, as if discussing something.

A smile lit Empress Changsun's eyes; before she could call Chen Yan, Li Shimin said sourly, "Those two lads are indeed carefree; I think they just wander around all day."

Li Shimin couldn't explain his own feeling; just moments ago he was extremely satisfied with Chen Yan, yet now upon seeing them his heart instantly soured.

Perhaps this is what a father‑in‑law feels toward a son‑in‑law.

I am very satisfied with you, that's true, but I still feel annoyed with you.

Liuzi also saw Chen Yan and Du Gou; he recognized them as the young master who taught him how to live that day.

He was originally quite happy, but upon hearing Li Shimin's words his cheerful smile instantly stiffened.

What does this "noble person" mean?

Could it be that he knows those two young masters and their relationship is bad?

Then wouldn't I be bringing the two young masters' foes?

Liuzi's mind raced, his heart worrying to death.

Empress Changsun gave Li Shimin a helpless glance, signaled to Li Junxian, who understood and hurried out.

Outside, Chen Yan was talking with Du Gou when he suddenly felt someone pat his shoulder.

Turning back in puzzlement, he saw the familiar Big Black Face and was instantly startled.

"Whoa, Commander Li?"

"Huh?" Du Gou also turned, "Whoa, it's really Commander Li!"

Li Junxian: "......"

Is it okay to open with two "whoas"?

"No, Commander Li, why are you here?" Chen Yan hurriedly asked.

It should be noted that Li Junxian can also be considered a palace guard commander, always staying by Li Shimin's side to protect him.

Now Li Junxian is here, so damn Li Shimin can't be far away.

"County Magistrate Chen, Chief Clerk Du, there are two elders over there inviting you both to go," Li Junxian said without waste of words, stating his purpose.

Chen Yan and Du Gou inhaled a gasp of cool air.

When Li Junxian calls someone "elder", there's no need to wonder.

So damn they really came?

How is this a sudden attack?

The two peeked, "Great, Li Shimin and Empress Changsun are here."

Li Junxian walked ahead, the two followed behind; Du Gou tugged Chen Yan's clothing, lowered his voice and said, "Brother Chen, what should we do now?"

"What can we do? Cold dish… no, we're panicking?" Chen Yan suddenly realized, "It seems we haven't done anything wrong, right?"

Hiss~ Du Gou froze, "Yeah, we haven't done anything, what are you panicking about?"

The two exchanged a glance, then immediately raised their heads and puffed out their chests, becoming righteous and confident.

How to put it? When they just saw Li Junxian and Li Shimin as a couple, the two were indeed a little nervous.

This feeling is quite wonderful, just like when the homeroom teacher suddenly attacks to check phones, panicking to the extreme.

Then they realized they damn well hadn't brought their phone.

Upon entering the eatery, Chen Yan said with a grin, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, long time no see, your son-in-law pays his respects."

Chen Yan had just noticed that their clothes were very plain; Li Junxian was also dressed as an ordinary guard, so he did not reveal their identities.

Anyway, Gao Yang is already married to him, so saying that is fine.

At the same time, he also gave Du Gou a heads-up.

Fortunately, Du Gou wasn't stupid; he understood his meaning and simply addressed him as 'sir'.

Empress Changsun was very pleased, pulling Chen Yan to sit down, "Good child, come sit, how have you, Zhao Tang, and Sizi been lately?"

"Thanks to your concern, Mother-in-law, everything's quite good." Chen Yan said happily, "Zhao Tang eats and drinks as she should; aside from occasionally climbing trees, she's fine."

Li Shimin: "......"

Empress Changsun: "......"

"As for little Sizi..." Chen Yan chuckled, "Lately she's become very interested in reading, likes to follow a little girl to listen to the teacher's lessons, and her speech has become much clearer."

Upon hearing that, Empress Changsun's mood visibly improved; just as she was about to speak, Li Shimin said softly, "Oh?"

"Could you first tell me why Zhao Tang wants to climb trees?"

"......"