Chapter 486: Gao Yang Arrives

"The fastest way to develop the county town?"

Everyone silently pondered Chen Yan's words, recalling what he had done since arriving in Weinan County and the changes he brought.

In the end they found that Chen Yan was right.

Weinan County already has the Wei River, making water transport of goods quite convenient; even for nearby deliveries, land routes still have a considerable advantage.

Furthermore, by choosing to develop this place into an industrialized county town, Chen Yan can form a mutually beneficial relationship with the common folk.

Chen Yan earned massive wealth through trade, and the people, by working for him, likewise changed their formerly impoverished lives, creating a virtuous cycle.

In this, as long as Chen Yan's wages are high enough and not delayed, no problems will arise.

Because his business never lacks buyers.

"Then… what do I need to do?" Xu Lianyue hesitated briefly and asked in a low voice.

Since Chen Yan is returning to Chang'an to establish a merchants' guild, the business in Weinan County will soon be separated from the county office, so staying here seems to have no purpose for her.

The public transport boat never required much attention, the commercial street is already fairly complete and on the right track, likewise needing no extra focus; just collect the money later.

She has nothing to do now.

"Your words…" Chen Yan mused, "If you are willing, then come back to Chang'an with me. The guild is in my name, but I will soon enter the court and cannot devote myself to its management. If you are willing to return to Chang'an, the guild will be handed over to you and Xiao Shunzi to run!"

"Xiao Shunzi handles internal affairs, you handle external!"

Xu Lianyue was startled, her eyes widening slightly; she truly hadn't expected Chen Yan to say she could come back to Chang'an with him.

She had originally thought she had no chance to keep up with Chen Yan, planning to give it her all today, leave a memory, or perhaps later ask Princess Gao Yang for help.

She didn't expect Chen Yan to bring it up himself.

Does Xu Lianyue want to go back to Chang'an with him?

The answer, of course, needs no further thought!

"What? Do you want to stay in Weinan County?" Chen Yan, seeing her lingering refusal, frowned and subconsciously began to consider who would be best to run the guild if Xu Lianyue didn't want to return to Chang'an.

After all, he knows Chang'an may not be a good place for Xu Lianyue, filled with many unpleasant memories, especially since her neighbors view her as a disaster star.

If she refuses, Chen Yan won't force her; if no suitable person can be found for the time being, making Xiao Shunzi endure a bit is also fine.

"No!" Xu Lianyue snapped back, hurriedly saying, "I am willing to return to Chang'an, but… are you really confident entrusting such an important matter to me?"

"After all… I'm just a woman."

"What's wrong with being a woman?" Chen Yan relaxed, joking, "Who says women are inferior to men? You truly have a talent in this area; I'm at ease handing the guild's management to you."

"Furthermore…" Chen Yan looked around, "How capable you are, I'm sure everyone here can attest. If you lack confidence, you can have them give you some."

At those words, Du Gou and the others burst into laughter.

Fang Yizhi advised, "Miss Xu, Brother Chen's words are reasonable. Before you arrived in Weinan County, business matters were handled by Brother Du and Xiao Shunzi. Xiao Shunzi performed well, but he still has duties in Chang'an. As for Brother Du… his handling of affairs is beyond words; compared to you, it's a world apart."

Du Gou's eye twitched, his mouth opened as if to defend himself, but recalling how his previous clumsy affairs became simple in Xu Lianyue's hands, he ultimately said nothing.

Ma Zhou also fell silent, because he had previously been responsible for part of building the commercial street, but the results were unsatisfactory.

After Xu Lianyue took over, in just half a month she accomplished the plots and shops he had once found thorny and could not capture.

Li Yifu said, "Miss Xu, merchants only discuss profit, regardless of whether you're male or female; you should be confident."

After speaking, he paused, then joked, "Moreover, I think Master Chen is right; who says women are inferior to men?"

"Many things men can do, women can also do; conversely, things women can do, men may not be able to…"

At that point, he suddenly stopped, and Chen Yan cheerfully asked, "For example?"

"For example…" Li Yifu was at a loss, seeing everyone teasingly looking at him, and Xu Lianyue's mouth faintly smiling, he awkwardly said, "For example, giving birth, of course."

"Can you do it?"

"Probably not?"

Everyone hearing that burst into hearty laughter.

Only Xu Lianyue's eyes flickered faintly, then she let out a few low laughs.

"Alright!" Chen Yan waved his hand grandly, "That's all for business; now let's drink merrily!"

"Since Brother Chen has such a refined interest, we shall gladly accompany you," Du Gou raised his cup, "Come, come, drink!"

"Alright! Drink!"

By now night had fallen; inside, everyone passed cups, the lamps flickered, amid chatter and laughter, pot after pot of fine wine was emptied.

Men of the Tang Dynasty love wine; when they're in high spirits, they drink even more unceasingly.

Until midnight, Du Gou's wife, Zhao, heard the commotion inside gradually quiet down, went up, knocked on the door, then pushed it open, wanting to see what was happening inside.

But as soon as she opened the door, she saw the room in near total disarray: several grown men were so drunk they couldn't find north, some lying on the floor snoring, others still mumbling in their sleep, and her husband Du Gou was sprawled on the floor in a giant "X" shape.

Xu Lianyue, having also had a few drinks, sat with a somewhat dazed gaze, as if about to fall asleep.

Seeing Xu Lianyue's head swaying as she was about to fall asleep, Zhao softly said, "Miss Xu, I've prepared a room for you; if you're tired, I'll arrange for someone to take you back to rest."

"…ah?" Xu Lianyue startled awake, instinctively glanced at Chen Yan, who was asleep on the table, and nodded blankly.

Zhao didn't think much, assuming Xu Lianyue was drunk, and hurriedly called people to bring in movers and start cleaning.

"Madam, Princess Gao Yang has arrived!"

Suddenly, a servant rushed in to report.

Zhao was startled, and before she could speak, she saw Princess Gao Yang approaching with two maidservants.

"Your Highness…"

"No need for more words; I've taken Chen Yan away; thank you for today."

Zhao was cut off halfway, "Xiang Lan, Qing'er, take the husband back," Gao Yang ordered.

Outside, Gao Yang still gave Chen Yan a lot of face.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Xiang Lan and Qing'er dared not delay, and hurried to help Chen Yan.

Gao Yang glanced at Xu Lianyue and said calmly, "You did well today; from now on, send me any news whenever you have them."

"......"