Chapter 374: Yan Shigu

After comforting Li Lizhi, Chen Yan ran over to tease Gao Yang, then cheerfully hurried to Ganlu Hall.

The usual morning court doesn't last long, so it's better for me to wait a bit early outside Ganlu Hall.

But I didn't expect that when Chen Yan arrived outside Ganlu Hall, he found someone there.

A little old man about fifty or sixty, with half his hair already white, looked somewhat familiar to Chen Yan, but he couldn't recall where he had seen him.

Before he could speak, the old man opened, "Marquis of Weinan, Chen Yan!"

The little old man's expression was proud and his tone flat; despite not knowing him, Chen Yan didn't want to cause trouble, after all the matter with the Wei family outside was still unresolved.

"Hmm, I am Chen Yan, I have not yet inquired of this gentleman's name."

The old man's eyes flashed with a smile at the words, "You are one of the people you have long wanted to deal with, Yan Shigu."

Chen Yan:?

He immediately recalled Yan Shigu of the Yan family, a descendant of Yan Hui, a disciple of Confucius.

The Yan family, of course, is also one of the aristocratic families.

However, unlike the Shandong aristocratic families of the Five Surnames and Seven Prospects, the Yan family belongs to the "cultural gentry" that stands on its own scholarship, regarded as the north star of the cultural world and a prominent political elite.

Moreover, most members of the Yan family are incorrupt, upright, and loyal, and Chen Yan still respects them.

Chen Yan clasped his hands and said, "Lord Yan, words must not be spoken carelessly; I have never intended to deal with you."

"If Lord Yan hears any unfavorable rumors from outside, do not believe them; I am a good child."

"Indeed shameless!" Yan Shigu snorted, "Exactly as the rumors say!"

Chen Yan: "......"

"Lord Yan has misunderstood; I truly am a good child, Empress Changsun often says so."

Yan Shigu neither confirmed nor denied, waved at him, then, disregarding decorum, sat on the steps, "Whether you are a good child, let's set that aside for now."

"But the rumors in the streets, I must give them a three‑point credence."

"After all, no good child constantly proclaims themselves a good child and is eager to find a justification for it."

Speaking, he paused briefly, then continued, "To speak frankly, this should be our first meeting; we have crossed paths a few times before, but it was always you showing off while I watched you show off, so you probably never noticed me."

"Two days ago I caught a chill, rested at home for a few days, and then heard you had done something big!"

"The Wei family... you really gave them a hard time!"

Chen Yan mimicked Yan Shigu's manner, likewise neither confirming nor denying, and cheerfully sat down beside him.

"Lord Yan has misunderstood again; whatever happens to the Wei family has nothing to do with me, and I lack the ability to affect the Wei family."

"Moreover, Lord Yan, feel free to speak plainly; I personally hold great respect for your Yan family."

"Hm?" Yan Shigu exclaimed in surprise, "Aren't you quite averse to aristocratic families?"

"Not only do you repeatedly oppose aristocratic families, you even publicly scolded people in the court; how come you now suddenly respect my Yan family?"

"Aristocratic families differ from each other," Chen Yan said without denying his opposition to them, "The Yan family is not like those of the Five Surnames and Seven Prospects, who appear ever more noble on the surface but are increasingly filthy behind the scenes."

"I have heard rumors about Lord Yan before, saying you are aloof, look down on colleagues, and are not very sociable."

"But from today's meeting, seeing an elder senior willing to sit on these steps with a green‑horn like me, I can probably understand why such rumors exist."

"Oh?" Yan Shigu was not angry at Chen Yan's words, but rather quite interested, "Then tell me, why is that?"

"You don't look down on colleagues!" Chen Yan guessed, "I suppose you look down on those who are also aristocratic families, right?"

Yan Shigu's expression grew cold, "Hmph, that bunch of vermin, what right do they have to be called aristocratic families?"

"Instead of spreading Confucian teachings and promoting talent, they twist the sages' words, spout benevolence and righteousness, yet are nothing but a rabble of rascals!"

"I disdain to associate with them!"

Chen Yan listened silently, showing no emotion.

Compared with other aristocratic families, the Yan family's actions are indeed worthy of respect.

There are three reasons.

Respect for their steadfastness to knowledge and principles.

Respect for their practice of self‑cultivation and family harmony.

Respect for their historical merit in preserving the flame of civilization during chaotic times, and their backbone and responsibility at critical moments.

Yet in this era, as an aristocratic family, they also solidify the privileged class, ensuring their own status.

Overall, the Yan family is certainly not Chen Yan's enemy; perhaps to some extent, there is potential for cooperation.

This can be seen from Yan Shigu appearing here today and talking with him at length.

"......"

"Actually you could have been harsher at first!" Yan Shigu, unfazed by Chen Yan not answering his question, said, "If you were to act against any of the Five Surnames and Seven Prospects families, the Yan family would stand on your side as well."

"Lord Yan, you intend to harm me?" Chen Yan said irritably, "If I dared to act against any of the Five Surnames and Seven Prospects families, they would certainly not abandon me but would immediately unite to eliminate me!"

"Heh, now you admit you were the one who acted against the Wei family?" Yan Shigu teased.

Chen Yan choked, somewhat angry, "You little old man are trying to trap me?"

"Ah!" Yan Shigu laughed heartily, "That's exactly your character, the youngster I recall who pointed at the entire court and cursed their mothers!"

Chen Yan: "......"

A few short words left him utterly silent.

This little old man was somewhat off, his thinking too erratic.

"Alright, youngster!" Yan Shigu, apparently truly afflicted with a chill, coughed a few times and continued, "Before, I underestimated you; though you are young, you see the situation quite clearly."

"You struck the Wei family with thunderous force, then immediately moved into the Imperial Palace with two wives. Honestly, you are truly fascinating; in all my years, I've never seen a youngster like you."

"Young, full of vigor, at the New Year's Day grand court you were spirited, even I couldn't help but exclaim that a youth should be like that!"

"Yet you are also cautious, acting without a single slip."

"Shall we make a deal?"

Deal?

Chen Yan was left a little bewildered by this sudden twist, "What deal?"

"The Three Character Classic is yours, right?" Yan Shigu asked.

Chen Yan, upon hearing that, rose solemnly, squinting his eyes, "How do you know about the Three Character Classic?"

"And how did you come to know it?"

"Sir Yan, I might also remind you that I have so far taught the Three Character Classic to only two people: one is the child of my household servant, and the other is Princess Jinyang!"

"I am quite certain that my servant's child has never disclosed it to anyone!"

Yan Shigu smiled, "Rest assured, the Three Character Classic was conveyed to me in a letter personally written by Empress Changsun, albeit in fragments and not in full."

"I would like you to finish the Three Character Classic, then give a copy to the Yan family, counting as a favor the Yan family owes you!"

"Aren't you trying to deal with the noble families? In the future, the Yan family can lend you a helping hand at a crucial moment!"