Chapter 531: Who Can Stand in My Way? Who Dares to Block Me?

The next day, Chang Chao went forward.

Chen Yan, wearing official robes, strode with an arrogant gait toward the Tai Ji Hall.

At this moment, many officials had already gathered in front of the hall, but because it was still early, the atmosphere was somewhat casual, and people stood in small groups chatting.

When he appeared, the hall fell silent for a moment, all eyes focusing on him.

After all, Chen Yan is currently the most prominent figure in Chang'an, having leapt from Sixth Rank County Magistrate to Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue; who wouldn't feel alarmed upon hearing that?

Many lifted their feet, intending to approach and converse or curry favor, but seeing that others stayed still, they hesitated and withdrew.

Those familiar with Chen Yan, looking at his nose‑pointing‑up demeanor, all showed odd expressions.

"Cheng Laohei, take a look—how does my outfit look? Does it fit?"

Standing before Da Hei Haozi, Chen Yan spread his arms slightly, displayed it, and said cheerfully.

Yuchi Gong heard this and burst out laughing, while Cheng Yaojin's face darkened instantly, "The clothes are fine, but the person is another matter."

"I notice you haven't fought in three days—are you climbing onto roofs? What's up? You put on a fourth‑rank official robe and think you can wrestle me? Getting puffed up?"

Chen Yan glanced sideways, "Don't worry about me—my clothes are fine, as long as they fit, that's all. You, Da Hei Haozi, worry less, stay honest, or I'll report that the cow at your home slipped two days ago and crashed onto your knife."

Cheng Yaojin: "......"

Their voices weren't quiet; many people heard them.

Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling and others raised their eyebrows, exchanged a glance, and understood.

And many who wanted to curry favor's eyes lit up.

Great!

Young, famous, and in a high position!

But ultimately a youthful spirit, not very mature, so he became frivolous.

Such a temperament, however, makes him easy to approach......

"Hahaha, Da Hei Haozi, did you hear that? Stay honest, or my big nephew will impeach you!" Yuchi Gong laughed uproariously without caring about his image.

Whenever Chen Yan appears, he always brings him a different kind of joy.

Cheng Yaojin brushed aside Yuchi Gong's attempt to slap him, "You go over there, Chen....."

He was about to continue when he saw Chen Yan had already left, running over to Du Ruhui's side.

Cheng Yaojin's eyes flickered; he silently gauged the surrounding expressions, then reconsidered Chen Yan's words to him, gradually understanding.

Chen Yan was deliberately acting pompous, just for the other officials to see.

He was also covertly telling them that once the official robes are on, they must fit; if anything happens, they should stay out of it and mind their own affairs.

"Hey, Da Hei Haozi, why are you silent? Are you naturally a man of few words?"

Yuchi Gong still hadn't realized, still teasing Cheng Yaojin.

The latter was speechless; no wonder Chen Yan only spoke to him, not to Yuchi Gong— with that mind, nothing he says matters.

Cheng Yaojin sighed, "If only Lao Qin were here, I wouldn't have to be with such a simpleton as you. Quickly, go over there."

"Tsk...... you......"

Yuchi Gong was about to speak when Cheng Yaojin lowered his voice: "Didn't you hear Zi An just now? Let us worry less, stay honest—meaning if anything happens inside later, we shouldn't intervene, mind our own business, pretend we didn't see or hear anything. Do you understand?"

Hearing this, Yuchi Gong was stunned; after a moment he suddenly understood and fell silent.

"...... damn it, can you people speak directly instead of being so cryptic?"

Cheng Yaojin: "......"

Got it!

The real Da Hei Haozi appeared.

"......"

"Looks like you're already prepared?"

When Chen Yan came over, Du Ruhui smiled and said something.

He could naturally guess Chen Yan's earlier implication.

"Preparation, what preparation?" Chen Yan retorted, "Do you think my coming today faces obstruction or flattery?"

"Both."

Du Ruhui replied.

Fang Xuanling, standing aside, mused, "Before today, I thought you'd encounter more flattery, but after your recent episode, I think those trying to curry favor now make up ninety percent!"

"Everyone is wary of a Heaven's Proud Son, because everyone knows a genius doesn't follow reason!"

"But no one will be overly hostile toward a young, famous, high‑ranking person who has already become puffed up and lost self‑awareness."

"However, many clever people are here; a small fraction probably fear you more, knowing that you are now unstoppable, and confronting you directly would be unwise."

Chen Yan asked again, "Then how do you think they will treat me?"

"Haven't you already left the choice to them?" Fang Xuanling shook his head and laughed.

Many, from Chen Yan's recent behavior, could only see the superficial top layer, concluding that Chen Yan is indeed frivolous.

The clever can see Chen Yan is acting, deliberately performing that way to let everyone lower their guard, then regard him with even greater attention.

But perhaps only a handful can discern the true meaning behind Chen Yan's approach.

Now Chen Yan is full of vigor, his background unshakable; so what is the best way for those who oppose him to deal with him?

Only two words!

—Overpraise!

Chen Yan himself sent out the method to deal with himself, because he also wants to leverage the momentum.

What is the premise of overpraise?

You have to praise!

Only by holding him up high can we be sure that when he falls, he'll die!

But what if Chen Yan doesn't fall, and instead keeps rising higher?

That would be very interesting.

"......"

At this moment, even Du Ruhui was startled, gazing at Chen Yan for two breaths, sighing in amazement:

"No matter how many times, your ideas always surprise us. Until now, I never imagined we could break the deadlock like this."

"The enemy will fear you rising high, but if they themselves lift you up… haha, the higher you go, the more delighted they become."

"Now I think that today's Chang Chao may be different from what I previously expected; many interesting things should happen."

"It doesn't matter!"

Chen Yan smiled faintly, "In the past, my situation was indeed not very good. With you caring people repeatedly reminding me, my vigilance has been pushed to the maximum, and I have also felt anxiety and worry because of it."

"Yet in reality, when this day finally arrived, I have never felt so invigorated!"

"Today, as I step into this hall, must I face only doubt and difficulty? Why can't it be refinement and trial?"

"Now, the Great Roc, with the wind, soars straight up ninety thousand li!"

"Who can stop me? Who dares to stop me?"

"......"