Chapter 472: Look, He Still Has to Thank Us

Take over Changsun Wuji's position?

Chen Yan scratched his head, thought for a moment, and was puzzled.

If he remembers correctly, Changsun Wuji had long been suppressed in this regard by Empress Changsun; he could clearly become prime minister, yet he only served as Minister of Personnel.

Go become the Minister of Personnel yourself?

It doesn't seem appropriate no matter how you look at it, right?

It's not even as good as the Ministry of Revenue.

Moreover, how many people now actually want him to take over the position?

Du Ruhui need not be mentioned; Wei Zheng expressed that sentiment last time.

What on earth does he want to do?

Changsun Wuji smiled faintly and said, "Actually I'm not too sure about this; it's just a speculation, that's all."

"You placed those few young men into Weinan County; His Majesty and we had taken some interest last time, and we both agreed they have great potential. This shows you also have an eye for talent, so appointing you as Minister of Personnel is justified."

So it was just a guess......

Chen Yan relaxed, then smiled and waved his hand, "Then never mind, I think being a County Magistrate is fine; even if I return to Chang'an in the future, I'll definitely find an easy job."

"Being Minister of Personnel is too taxing on the mind; I can't do it."

Changsun Wuji was at a loss for words, because he could see that Chen Yan was speaking sincerely, with no falsehood.

He found it hard to understand; after all, it's the Minister of Personnel.

The head of a department, one of the small handful perched at the pinnacle of power.

Now you don't even want to take it?

Changsun Wuji was silent for a moment, then said, "I think I understand: the more one seeks, the less one obtains; the farther one stays away, the closer one gets!"

"I am seeking but cannot obtain, while you are compelled by helplessness."

Chen Yan: "......"

What does that mean?

Is this saying that I must become a high official in the future?

Can't I not become one?

"In the past I couldn't understand why Her Imperial Highness the Empress was so determined to stop His Majesty from reappointing me; I even felt aggrieved, after all I've spent so many years fighting side by side with His Majesty, countless times risking my head."

"When His Majesty ascended the throne, as his most trusted confidant, I should have risen to the pinnacle, yet at the crucial moment I was firmly blocked by my own sister."

"I truly didn't understand then!"

"I couldn't understand why she suppressed me, why those with lesser merit held higher offices than me."

"Even more puzzling, why His Majesty kept wanting to appoint me as prime minister, while she, who claims not to meddle in state affairs, repeatedly blocked it."

At this point, Changsun Wuji let out a long sigh, "It wasn't until now that I finally understood the Empress's good intentions."

"As siblings raised together, she undoubtedly understands me, and her foresight is far‑reaching, possessing great wisdom."

"I am originally from the maternal clan, with enormous contributions, ample ability, considerable ambition, and a powerful family. Most importantly, I was too greedy for the power in my hands."

"That would be too dangerous both for me and for the Changsun family."

Chen Yan listened to his words in complete silence.

By now, he almost understood why Changsun Wuji had summoned him.

Hmm...... that's not right; it should be said that Changsun Wuji had no ulterior motive.

He just wanted someone to talk to, that's all.

After a moment of silence, Chen Yan said seriously, "Having just heard you say so much, I also have something to say; I wonder if you're willing to listen?"

"Of course!" Changsun Wuji replied without hesitation, "Whatever you have to say, feel free; I've already told you before, we're family, there's nothing wrong with speaking openly."

Chen Yan nodded, "From what you say, it seems you've already planned to step down, even using the word 'endure'."

"What I mean is, you don't have to do that; do as you see fit. Moreover, with your abilities, you shouldn't retire at this age; His Majesty needs you, and the Tang Dynasty needs you."

"I believe the Empress feels the same discomfort seeing you like this."

"... I haven't become despondent, so why would she feel bad?" Changsun Wuji retorted.

"Don't you also spend all day thinking about how to take it easy? I'm now just like you, why are you suddenly advising me?"

【5】 Chen Yan: "......"

Chen Yan: "......"

Damn, that makes some sense!

He paused, organized his words, "What I mean is, after you handle your own duties, the rest can be as before: give suggestions when needed, support when appropriate, oppose when necessary!"

"Instead of gradually losing your presence in the Court, which may be easy, but as the saying goes, the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility."

"Since you've figured it out and recognized the issue, what are you still afraid of?"

Hearing this, Changsun Wuji fell silent.

In the past year, he truly had little presence in the Court.

In the past, whenever anyone had a problem, many would even ask themselves a question, Li Shimin included.

But now everyone almost subconsciously overlooks him.

Attending court each day is like completing a task; once done, they go home to relax.

"If my guess is correct, it was you who said something to the Empress back then, causing her not even to consider suppressing me, with no subtlety at all, summoning me and bluntly telling me not to aspire to rise further, forbidding me from contacting any prince, and that any consequences would be on me."

"I understand; when she said that, it must have had His Majesty's tacit approval."

"So since then, I've been silent in the Court, only doing my own duties and ignoring everything else."

"Now you want me to manage it again; what exactly are you thinking?"

"Don't misunderstand; I had no intention of targeting you. That day the Empress pressed me, and I truly had no choice but said a couple of words."

"I only told the Empress that if you continue to covet power, it could lead to consequences; I didn't say anything bad about you, ha."

Zhangsun Wuji gave no response.

No matter how Chen Yan spoke to Empress Changsun, he was properly warned anyway.

But that doesn't matter anymore.

From Chen Yan's recent words, he could tell that Chen Yan wasn't lying.

Moreover, Chen Yan bears no grudge against him; in fact, they share some affection, so he truly has no reason to target him.

Zhangsun Wuji chuckled self‑deprecatingly, "It really is my own problem; no one else is to blame. Her Imperial Highness, the Empress... after all, it's for my own good."

"By the way..." he recalled something and said solemnly, "I haven't thanked you in person regarding Lizhi. If Lizhi truly married Chong'er, it wouldn't be a good thing for anyone."

"Ha ha..."

Chen Yan gave an awkward smile.

Look at that.

He still has to thank us.

"......"