Chapter 390: Three Years of Imperial Examination, Five Years of Simulation

The Lai brothers are different from the other three; although their family has fallen into decline, as the saying goes, a starving camel is still larger than a horse.

Even though their father has passed away, he still left them some connections; today, Duke of Yi Qin Qiong is a former direct subordinate of Lai Huer.

Moreover, Lai Huer owes Qin Qiong a favor of recognition; if they come to ask for help, Qin Qiong's nature would definitely lend a hand.

Therefore, the Lai brothers are not lacking connections, unlike Li Yifu, whose life is hard.

Thus, there is no need to necessarily accept Chen Yan's recruitment; studying hard for a few years before taking the Imperial Examination is also acceptable.

But Chen Yan has already suggested that a direct refusal might offend him, so he phrased it somewhat tactfully.

Chen Yan, of course, knows what they are thinking, and says directly: "I'm a straightforward person; I called you because I value your abilities."

"Moreover, I can tell you plainly that I'm not recruiting you as my own; the one you'll owe loyalty to in the future is not me, but His Majesty."

"You can also understand it as that His Majesty has led me to you; is that clear?"

With those words, the five of them were instantly dumbfounded.

The Lai brothers showed astonishment.

They never expected that Chen Yan would give such an answer.

Not to be loyal to Chen Yan, but to His Majesty?

To be honest, the five of them are now a bit confused.

Especially Li Yifu, who had already decided to follow Chen Yan, whose mind for a moment seemed unable to turn.

After they think it through, each of them shows ecstatic delight.

Lai Heng suppresses his inner excitement: "Sir, is this… is this His Majesty's arrangement?"

Chen Yan nods: "You can understand it that way; in any case I don't need your loyalty. The only loyalty you owe is to His Majesty. No matter which path you choose, my only request is that you fulfill your duties."

"Of course, if you don't believe it, I can obtain a few appointment edicts for you; it's not a particularly difficult matter."

It's not a particularly difficult matter…

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched; they truly didn't know what to say.

How did you manage to say such a thing out loud?

They each internally complained, but they already believed Chen Yan.

Because anyone who goes to Chang'an City to inquire about Chen Yan would not doubt his ability to obtain a few appointment edicts from His Majesty.

The Lai brothers exchanged glances; Lai Heng rose and bowed: "Sir, we wish to choose the first path."

Chen Yan's eyes brightened, "You've decided?"

"Decided!" the Lai brothers shouted in unison.

They had previously given up the chance to enter officialdom; although now, coming to Weinan County, their prospects are certainly not bad, they still hold a deep ambition—making a spectacular breakthrough through the Imperial Examination has always been their ideal!

"Good!"

Chen Yan clapped his hands, "Having a plan, very good!"

"But I didn't make it clear before: if you choose the first path, you must pass this year; if you don't pass this year, you'll have to obediently take up a post next year!"

One year?

The Lai brothers were stunned.

Before they could speak, Chen Yan pulled from under the table a book twice the size of a normal one and quite thick, and said, "Here, take it; tomorrow go report to Zhe Chong Office, I will arrange a teacher to instruct you!"

"Zhe—Zhe Chong Office?" Lai Ji's mind went blank.

Going to Zhe Chong Office to study… is this damn… correct?

Is Zhe Chong Office a place for learning?

Just as Lai Ji couldn't figure it out, Lai Heng already had the book Chen Yan handed over in his hand.

He fixed his gaze and saw eight bold characters shining on it.

"Three Years of Imperial Examination, Five Years of Simulation!"

Lai Heng: "......"

How does this feel so unreliable?

"......"

Leaving Xianlya, Chen Yan went straight to Zhe Chong Office.

It's not only the Lai brothers' learning arrangements that need handling; more importantly, it's already February, and he must see how Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng are doing.

Whether the coordination with the Bannerless Cavalry is smooth, and whether they have learned how to command troops.

Upon arriving at Zhe Chong Office, before seeing anyone, deafening slogans rang out.

Inside, three squads of troops were training while shouting slogans; after such a long period of training and massive financial investment.

These eight hundred people finally displayed a hint of a king's army's bearing—sharp gazes, uniform movements, each robust, and with strong cohesion.

"Yo, Sir Chen, why have you come over here to take a look today?"

Just as Chen Yan was admiring their training, a faint voice sounded from behind.

Turning his head, it turned out to be Niu Jinda.

Chen Yan awkwardly said: "Uncle Niu, aren't you killing me?"

"How could I bear a word of 'Sir' from you?"

"Can't bear it?" Niu Jinda crossed his arms, stared at him: "I've worked hard to raise these troops, and you casually hand them over to others. If you gave them to a famous general, I wouldn't say anything."

"But you, kid, gave them to two fortune‑telling Taoists; how ruthless! How can you not bear a word of 'Sir' from me?"

"Uncle Niu, I have my considerations," Chen Yan said. "His Majesty also agreed; handing the Bannerless Cavalry over to the National Teacher and the Grand Historian is indeed better."

"Moreover, isn't Su Dingfang inside?"

Niu Jinda squinted, silently staring at Chen Yan without saying a word.

Chen Yan met his gaze without fear.

The Bannerless Cavalry was handed over to Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng, with Su Dingfang and Xue Li assisting; this was his decision after careful consideration, and it must not be changed lightly.

After a moment, Niu Jinda stretched out a big hand and patted his shoulder, saying, "Good lad, you're already showing the makings of someone who can accomplish great things."

"But today you must give me a reasonable explanation, produce reasons to convince me, otherwise I won't easily hand over these eight hundred people."

He earnestly said, "Kid, you must understand, they are all parents' children, they are good young men of the Tang Dynasty; in the future they will go to the battlefield to fight desperately against the enemy, we must be responsible for them."

Chen Yan hesitated, thought for a while, let out a long sigh, and then slowly discussed his ideas with Niu Jinda, as well as the purpose of establishing the Bannerless Cavalry.

Niu Jinda listened quietly, not interrupting once.

At last, Chen Yan spoke frankly, "Uncle Niu, once they go out, the National Teacher and the Grand Historian are the most important; I must give them the greatest say, otherwise I would truly be irresponsible toward these eight hundred people."

"Moreover, I have already decided with His Majesty that after early spring, the Bannerless Cavalry will undertake its first mission, which is likewise a trial."

"'Early spring?' Niu Jinda muttered to himself, hesitating for a long time, then he pulled Chen Yan over and whispered, 'Kid, could you speak to His Majesty and let me serve as deputy commander in the Bannerless Cavalry?'"

"'These kids are all ones I've watched grow up with my own eyes; I really can't rest easy.'"

"'Uncle Niu, you just want to go out and fight, right?' Chen Yan laughed."

"'Never mind that, just tell me whether you agree or not!' Niu Jinda put on a roguish act, as if he would beat you to death if you didn't agree today."

Chen Yan nodded, "Uncle Niu, since you've put it that way, I have no reason to refuse."

"'But if you want to be deputy commander, you must agree to one of my demands......'"

"......"