Chapter 489: Coming‑of‑age Banquet?

After the main issues were finished, Chen Yan immediately reminded Xu Lianyue of many detailed problems, letting her go communicate with the aristocratic families.

Actually, he had already finished discussing the important matters with Cui Xuan; the cooperation was just a front, and everyone tacitly understood.

Therefore, these matters will be handed over to the subordinates to handle.

As long as it's settled, Chen Yan believes Cui Xuan will immediately come to his door.

After all, the aristocratic families still haven't contributed many things, such as books.

After all the reminders were finished, Xu Lianyue didn't linger long, said her goodbyes and left.

She had just left when Gao Yang walked out from behind, leisurely came and sat beside him, saying, "I heard your conversation just now. Although I am a princess and previously didn't pay much attention to the aristocratic families, I do have some understanding of the Li family."

"I don't think that during the time we returned from Chang'an, the aristocratic families did nothing; you would keep a backup to ensure you stay securely on the Fishing Terrace, but you shouldn't think the aristocratic families are easy to toy with."

"Don't forget that, aside from most fools, those who dare to sit at the gambling table rely not on luck but on cheating techniques, competing on who is more skillful."

Chen Yan seriously looked at his own Suo Ming Xiao Jiao Qi, "Zhao Tang, actually, aside from joking around, I think you really have talent; your mind isn't bad, you just don't like to use it."

"If you're willing to use your brain, I believe you'd be much stronger than most officials."

"So, promise me, from now on don't treat your own head as mere decoration, okay? This thing grew out to be used!"

Gao Yang: "......"

She closed her eyes, realizing Chen Yan should have long been aware of this, no need for her to remind him.

But hearing that really makes one's teeth itch!

What do you mean she doesn't use her brain and treats her head as decoration?

What do you mean this thing grew out to be used?

Doesn't she use her head?

If it weren't her, could you know that back then the one who slandered Du Ruhui was Zheng Guanyin?

Just you — if you wait for Zheng Guanyin to die for no reason at home, you'll still be kept in the dark!

"... I don't want to argue about this!" Gao Yang glared, "The last time I heard you speaking with Father Emperor in the Imperial Palace, I wanted to ask what you were thinking."

"What's the point of needing so many books? The Imperial Family, Du Family, Fang Family — almost ninety‑five percent of the books in the world you can print at will; the remaining few are indeed precious, but those things are fine whether you have them or not."

"Moreover, you actually want the aristocratic families to support you! You're preparing for your return to Chang'an, right?"

"Could it be that your brain is addled, thinking the aristocratic families will sincerely support you?"

"Even if they support you on the surface due to conditions, how do you know they won't secretly trip you up?"

"Your conditions may seem harsh, but I believe they are not unacceptable to the aristocratic families."

Chen Yan chuckled, "Yo, my stubborn‑soft‑hearted Suo Ming Xiao Jiao Qi is worried I'll suffer a loss, so before the cooperation is fully settled, she came over to remind me?"

Chen Yan!!!

Gao Yang snapped angrily, "I'm being serious with you, don't act all playful — who's worried you'll suffer a loss?"

"I'm doing this for the family, for those who follow you under your command......"

"Ah, yes yes yes!" Chen Yan nodded perfunctorily.

Gao Yang was furious; this man always could, by various means, greatly stir her emotions.

"I...... forget it, I can't be bothered to tell you!"

She opened her mouth, but seeing Chen Yan's half‑smile expression, it seemed he didn't take her words to heart, still expecting her to continue, she guessed Chen Yan perhaps already understood everything.

If so, what else is there to say?

"Yo, angry?" Chen Yan poked Gao Yang's arm; she looked all huffy, still rather cute.

Otherwise, what do we say? It depends on the modeling.

Good‑looking people, when they get angry, seem to be acting coquettish.

This is also why Chen Yan likes to tease Gao Yang.

Moreover, Gao Yang is very measured, also quite intelligent; after being married this long, although she seems to be making a fuss all day, in fact she's only fussing over trivial daily matters.

When it comes to serious matters, Gao Yang either pretends not to know or pays a bit of attention, using harsh words to remind him of things.

Yes, Chen Yan indeed favors Gao Yang a bit.

But the precondition for being favored is that she is actually sensible, knows when to advance or retreat.

Rather than being fearless due to privilege and only causing unreasonable trouble!

"What anger, what anger?!" Gao Yang shook off Chen Yan's hand, "What do I have to be angry about with you, you bastard?"

"All right, no anger, be good~"

Chen Yan coaxed her with a tone used to soothe a child, and also rubbed her head.

Even Gao Yang was left speechless; that little anger in her heart neither could be vented nor kept in.

Both are the type who yield to softness but resist hardness; using a child‑soothing tone may seem childish, but it really works!

"Come, let me hug you."

Chen Yan pulled Gao Yang; she had a cold face, but half‑reluctantly sat in his arms.

"Xiao Sui An is still too young, plus we're returning to Chang'an; there might be war the next couple of years, we have a lot going on these years. Once everything stabilizes, when Xiao Sui An is older and can talk and walk, how about we, as a family, go tour the South of the River?"

"Really?" Gao Yang's eyes lit up, her heart filled with a bit of anticipation.

She is of noble status, having lived in luxury since childhood, yet she truly hasn't been to many places.

She had long heard that the scenery of the South of the River is pleasant, but never had the chance to go play there.

Never expected Chen Yan himself to propose it.

"Of course!" Chen Yan found it funny, pinched her cheek, "Although I'm a bit of a scoundrel, I don't seem to have lied to you about anything, right?"

"Is that what you said?" Gao Yang's anger vanished instantly; she didn't mind Chen Yan pinching her face, her phoenix eyes shining brightly, clearly very eager.

"Mm, I said it." Chen Yan replied, resting his chin on her head, "We're young; we should take advantage of our youth to go out and see more, to take in this magnificent land."

"Otherwise, when we're old, we won't be able to move."

Moreover, when you're old and go look, the scenery in your eyes might be different from what you see now.

Gao Yang muttered, "What's different? The scenery is still the same scenery, isn't it?"

I feel you're just trying to cheer me up; if in two years you don't take us, I'll make Xiao Sui An not acknowledge you as her dad!

Heh! Chen Yan laughed at being teased, "Do you want to see what you're saying? Zhao Tang, can we have a little self-awareness?"

How close is Sui An to me? Even if she doesn't acknowledge you as her mom, she won't fail to acknowledge me as her dad!

Must you insist on humiliating yourself?

Gao Yang: "......"

Thud!

Hiss~ Chen Yan clutched his chest where he'd been elbowed, looking pained, "Can you not be so violent? Be gentler, okay?"

Li Lizhi is gentle, so how come you're holding onto this violent me?" Gao Yang let out a cold snort, then said: "You're at that age now, and plus you're about to return to Chang'an for duty."

I think you should hold a coming-of-age ceremony!

"......"