Chapter 527

At this very moment, some people have already begun to panic in their hearts.

As Chen Yan said, because of his position and deep seniority, Kang Chong has inevitably noticed certain matters over the long term.

It was just that previously everyone didn't really pay much attention to him.

Although Kang Chong's rank seems high, he is actually an honest man anyone can bully, and even if he knows something, he dares not speak.

Having escaped Dai Zhou's purge two years ago, they considered themselves well hidden, and now they can only pray that Kang Chong will, as before, stay silent about everything.

Even though they know deep down that this possibility is slim.

Because everyone understands that Kang Chong is not lacking ability; he merely lacks a background and a patron to give him opportunities.

And now, that person has arrived!

"Sir..."

Just as Kang Chong resolved to make an accusation, footsteps sounded from outside, interrupting his words.

Everyone turned to look, and saw Dai Zhou followed by Han Zhongliang, He Heng, as well as Du Gou, Fang Yizhi and other officials returning from court.

Some people felt a glimmer of hope in their hearts.

They imagined that there might still be a chance for a turn.

"Grand Secretary!"

Chen Yan smiled and bowed his hands in greeting.

Dai Zhou looked around, noticing the varied expressions of the officials, and gave a meaning‑laden smile.

"Fine, come as you decide. Today at court you argued again with those who are being torn apart; I'm a bit tired. After you finish handling it, come find me."

He waved his hand casually, swept a circle deliberately, and, hands behind his back, entered deep into the Ministry of Revenue.

"Then I, the subordinate, thank you, Grand Secretary."

Chen Yan offered his thanks.

"No need... sigh, my old bones can't endure much more turmoil; the future belongs to you young people."

Dai Zhou did not turn back; only a puzzling remark echoed back.

Han Zhongliang, hearing this, became even more certain of his suspicion, while He Heng privately felt relieved.

Quick‑witted people like Kang Chong and He Xun likewise realized certain things and bowed their heads even lower.

"This must be Sir Han, right?" Chen Yan first gave Du Gou and the others a glance, then smiled and bowed to Han Zhongliang, "From now on we are colleagues; I have just arrived, and I hope Sir Han can offer me much guidance in the future!"

Han Zhongliang felt a weight lift from his heart; at least from this sentence he could tell that Chen Yan bore no ill will toward him.

"My father used to tell me that there are people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens. Today, meeting Minister Chen, I finally understand what true genius is; I am far inferior."

Han Zhongliang sighed, then solemnly said, "I dare not accept your instruction; Minister Chen, if there is anything you are unfamiliar with in the future, just command me."

His posture was very low, also indicating his stance.

Chen Yan's internal assessment of him rose another level.

Indeed, as Du Gou said, he is a person with great self‑awareness.

"Chen... Minister, what are you..."

Du Gou sensed the atmosphere and roughly guessed what Chen Yan intended, so he steered the conversation this way.

"Oh~" Chen Yan slapped his forehead, "Look at me, I almost forgot."

He invited everyone to return to their seats first, and Han Zhongliang and he each sat on the left and right sides of the upper seat.

Chen Yan then spoke, "Actually there's nothing much; before taking office, didn't I hear that because of the convenience of duties, many in the Ministry of Revenue can't resist temptation and like to take what they shouldn't?"

"I think, the Ministry's assets belong to the whole Tang Dynasty, they shouldn't belong to any individual; if our own people take them and His Majesty asks about it someday, we won't be able to explain."

"Furthermore, if such people remain, wouldn't they become a malignant tumor?"

"What I mean is to clean up a bit; conveniently, External Officer Kang has been in the Ministry a long time, and because of his position, may understand such matters well. I'm asking whether he knows of any people with many connections?"

"Oh?" Du Gou raised an eyebrow, "External Officer Kang, is that so?"

Du Gou is Director of the Department, while Kang Chong is an External Officer of that department; the former ranks one level above the latter, serving as his direct superior.

Seeing the question, Kang Chong rose, bowed, and said, "Yes, Grand Secretary, it is indeed the case."

"Then tell us!"

Du Gou frowned, his tone turning serious, "Coincidentally everyone is present today; the malignant tumors that need handling should be dealt with according to regulations. If not, where does that leave the laws of our Tang Dynasty?"

"And where does that place the common folk who pay taxes punctually each year?"

"Even daring to claw at the Ministry's assets; they must be punished!"

Chen Yan turned his head and asked, "Minister Han, what do you think?"

After all, everyone is now a Ministerial Attendant; he wants to assert authority, but must also consider Han Zhongliang's feelings.

"I think Minister Chen and Director Du are correct!"

Han Zhongliang said firmly, "Our present standing is entirely due to His Majesty's trust and the Grand Secretary's favor. Since we hold great power and stand on high positions, every word and deed must live up to His Majesty, the Grand Secretary, and the people of the world!"

"The Sage Confucius said: When in a position, plan its governance. Since we have donned these official robes, we must certainly do what needs to be done well!"

"Beyond daily duties, we cannot turn a blind eye or deaf ear to the malignant tumors within the Ministry of Revenue!"

Earlier he was only speculating, but the remark Dai Zhou made just before leaving almost confirmed his thoughts.

The Minister Chen beside him is now a Ministerial Attendant, but soon he will be Grand Secretary Chen.

"What is a Grand Secretary?"

The Ministry of Revenue's absolute top leader, the core of Tang Dynasty power!

Moreover, this Minister Chen is terrifying as hell; if it weren't for fear of taboo, I wouldn't just call him a mountain‑tiger, but a soaring dragon!

At twenty he rose to the Ministry's Secretary; who knows if in two years he'll join that elite circle that makes the whole Tang shake three times with a stomp?

Facing someone like this, if you don't cling to his leg, would you still go head‑to‑head against him?

"That would be so stupid, wouldn't it?"

Since Dai Zhou left, Han Zhongliang has already made up his mind!

From now on he'll follow Chen Yan, doing whatever Chen Yan points at, just as he used to assist Dai Zhou.

I!

Han Zhongliang!

Loyalty!

Chen Yan twitched the corner of his mouth, thinking that as an official, you could obviously settle the matter with a single sentence, yet you insist on spouting a bunch of grand principles.

It sounds flawless.

But......

He stroked his chin, realizing he seemed to have caught this habit as well.

Of course, that doesn't matter!

What's important is that no one stepped forward to oppose him, leaving him somewhat disappointed.

The 'reason' and 'virtue' he had prepared seem to have no place to be used today.

Chen Yan let out a faint sigh, his fingers lightly tapping the arm of the chair, gazing with a half-smile at the Ministry of Revenue officials below.

Each tap felt like striking the heartstrings of some people, making their whole bodies tremble uncontrollably.

"External Officer Kang, let us return to that topic."

"Among these people, who has grown extra limbs?"

"......"