Chapter 471: Encounter with Chang Sun Wuji

As the conversation wrapped up and the matter was finished, seeing Cheng Chu Mo and Yu Chi Bao Lin being pulled by Cheng Yaojin and the others to discuss which girl was good, Chen Yan seized an opportunity and slipped away.

Qin Qiong and Qin Huaidao saw it, but neither stopped.

Qin Qiong knows Chen Yan's drinking capacity isn't great, while Qin Huaidao feared Chen Yan might cause him trouble later, so they didn't intervene.

Thus, Chen Yan made a clean retreat.

He thought he could leave right away, not have to get drunk today, but unexpectedly, just as he stepped out, he ran into Miss Yu Chi the Second, who was bringing people to serve dishes.

She is Qin Huaidao's wife.

"Brother Chen, what's this…" Yu Chi Lan glanced at the doorway, then at Chen Yan, her expression slightly odd as if she understood something.

Given Chen Yan's connection with the Yu Chi family, they naturally knew each other, and since Chen Yan is a bit older than his peers, Yu Chi Lan calls him "Brother Chen."

"Ahahaha… Second sister." Chen Yan felt a bit embarrassed; he stepped out and was immediately grabbed.

"Brother Chen, are you… leaving?" Yu Chi Lan's face bore a slight smile; she was no longer surprised by this.

"Well, there's a bit of an urgent matter at home."

Chen Yan said seriously, "You know Gao Yang has a strange temperament; if I'm away too long, she'll cause trouble. Especially since the child is still young, I have to go home and look after the child."

"Hmm~"

Yu Chi Lan let out a nasal sound, half‑smile, and didn't press the issue.

What can Gao Yang's odd temperament do?

You can't keep spoiling her, can you?

"Um… Second sister, I'll leave now; when I later go to Weinan County, remember to come over to my house, okay!"

Chen Yan couldn't stand Yu Chi Lan's gaze, gave a quick greeting and prepared to leave.

Yu Chi Lan said gently, "Don't worry, Brother Chen, I won't be formal with you."

"Alright then, you go in. By the way, bring them more wine."

Chen Yan left a remark, then turned and left on his own.

Watching his departing back, Yu Chi Lan's eye corner twitched.

"You don't drink yourself, yet you want me to bring them more, right?"

"......"

"Ah, now I can relax for a few days."

Stepping out of the Duke of Yi's mansion, Chen Yan stretched lazily, humming a tune as he walked, intending to wander outside.

Speaking of the Tang Dynasty's Chang'an City, its bustling level is no joke.

In the past, Chen Yan held no official posts; he most liked to stroll around Chang'an City with Qing'er, soaking in the bustling streets.

Since gaining an office, he hasn't properly toured Chang'an City for a long time.

The last time he spent a day with Gao Yang, he was only being sent to pay and fetch things.

After walking a circuit of the lively market streets, Chen Yan felt his whole body and mind much more relaxed.

"The mundane smoke and fire, they soothe the mortal heart the most."

He said sincerely.

"Indeed, the Duke of Wei's words are reasonable."

Suddenly, from the tea house nearby, a voice responded.

Chen Yan looked up puzzled, and upon seeing the speaker, exclaimed, "Duke of Qi?"

Chang Sun Wuji had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, "Actually you could call me 'uncle' if you like, but it's up to you."

Saying that, he turned his head and gestured, "Since you're free now, how about it? Want to come up for a cup of tea?"

"Then thank you, Duke of Qi." Chen Yan actually didn't want much interaction with Chang Sun Wuji, but the remark was correct; logically, he should indeed call him 'uncle.'

Since the elder had extended the invitation, he naturally couldn't refuse.

Chen Yan entered the tea house, went up to the second floor, and found Chang Sun Wuji.

"Come, just sit down; we're all family, no need to be formal with me." Without waiting for Chen Yan to speak, Chang Sun Wuji rose and sat opposite him.

Chen Yan felt a bit surprised; Chang Sun Wuji seemed overly enthusiastic.

But now that things had come to this, he had to suppress his doubts and see what he intended.

Chang Sun Wuji poured tea for Chen Yan while saying, "Come to think of it, it's been a long time since we sat down to talk; previous meetings were all hurried, with little chance."

"Today I felt bored at home, wanted to go out for a walk and tea, never expected to run into you."

"Truly, an unintentional act that bears shade."

"Your words are…," Chen Yan waved his hands repeatedly, "If you wish to see me, just send a letter anytime. Actually I haven't yet visited your elegant residence; that's my fault."

"I will give you…"

"Hey!" Chang Sun Wuji raised his hand to stop, "I know you're busy, no need for those words; just come when you have time."

"Let's not talk about that."

He looked at the bustling crowd below, murmuring, "The line you just said, 'the mundane smoke and fire soothe the mortal heart the most,' I've lived most of my life, and only now, half my body buried in earth, do I understand that feeling."

"These days I've lost much, and also understood much."

"In youth there were days of bearing humiliation, also times of high‑spirited vigor; I have indulged, been proud, also fallen, struggled."

He paused, then turned his gaze back to Chen Yan, "Now sitting here, watching the street's flow of people, I feel the past contests and grabs seem shrouded in mist, not as solid as this hot tea before me."

Chen Yan listened silently, offering no comment.

Chang Sun Wuji becoming like this today, honestly, is somewhat related to himself.

Moreover, from his words it seems he's let go a lot.

Actually for him, being able to let go is a good thing.

Chang Sun Wuji's abilities are outstanding, but he places too much emphasis on power.

In the original history, he had already earned the merit of following the dragon and also the merit of supporting the dragon, yet he stubbornly refused to relinquish his power, ultimately ending in a miserable fate.

At least now he can enjoy his twilight years in peace, waiting for the day when his descendants fill the hall and he can savor the joy of family.

Changsun Wujie said softly: "You are different from me; compared to back then...... no, compared to me now, you are far too outstanding."

"If I were you, I would never have wanted to become a County Magistrate in the first place; with such a background, just finding a few people to talk to would pose no problem entering the Three Provinces and Six Ministries."

"But you insisted on doing it, and you have not the slightest ambition to advance."

"Just based on this, you surpass me by far."

Chen Yan gave a dry laugh, "I just think being a County Magistrate isn't bad at all—it's easy and hassle-free, and can be considered the actual administrator of a locality."

"Furthermore, you just said it yourself—anyway, I have a background, and no one dares to bully me."

"If that's the case, why bother being so weary?"

Changsun Wujie nodded, "You're right; I now share your view. We just need to live without being too lax each day, endure a few more years to pave the way for our son, and then we can wait for you to take over my position."

"...... What?"

"......"