Chapter 538: Stepping onto the Homeland's Territory

Returning to the Ministry of Revenue, everyone around was busy, so Chen Yan went to Dai Zhou.

Dai Zhou meant that for the first three days he shouldn't do too much, just become familiar with all the Ministry of Revenue's data and procedures, and after three days start handling official business.

When Chen Yan sat down, he pondered for a moment and suddenly asked, "Grand Secretary, is the daily routine of the Court always like today?"

Dai Zhou paused, naturally understanding what Chen Yan meant, but showed no embarrassment; instead he said seriously, "It is indeed so. Once you attend the Court a few more times, you'll understand."

"In such a place, anything brought up for discussion is never trivial; everyone holds their own views, each has their own ideas, and disputes are quite normal."

"After all, everyone has their own reasoning, believes they are right, whether for the sake of the people of the world or for the stability of the Court, naturally no one is willing to concede."

"Didn't you almost argue with Wei Zheng today? Actually, that wasn't much at all; you were too restrained."

"I guess Wei Zheng was also observing your first court appearance; your words and phrasing were quite restrained. Otherwise, he might have started with an attack on your parents."

Chen Yan: "......"

"This… I truly didn't expect it."

His tone turned solemn as he slowly shook his head, indicating he had learned something.

"Not being surprised is exactly right."

Dai Zhou sneered, "Out there, everyone thinks a court meeting should be solemn, each minister submits reports, everyone handles affairs amicably, but in fact this is the true nature of the Court."

"Of course, I'm simply referring to the regular court here; if outsiders are present, we still need to observe a certain magnanimity!"

"Didn't you experience the New Year's Day Grand Court Meeting? Back then, being solemn was appropriate."

"As for the other regular courts… you may greet anyone you wish!"

"When Prince Wei attended the court originally, there were even people who greeted him."

Chen Yan suddenly widened his eyes, "Impossible, right? With Prince Wei's status, who would dare insult him?"

"How could it not?" Dai Zhou flicked his sleeve, "Emotions flared for a moment, and who cares who is opposite?"

"Wei Zheng doesn't often scold His Majesty… ahem, of course, it's a veiled criticism, not outright."

"For us ministers, we needn't be so cautious; start from one's parents and keep greeting forward, otherwise you'll suffer a loss."

At this point, Dai Zhou recalled something and said seriously, "There's one more thing I need to remind you: as people of the Ministry of Revenue, we are more likely to encounter this, so you must be mentally prepared."

"Today's matter is merely my daily routine!"

Look!

Look!

What is called the composure of an old artist?

This is it!

A single ordinary sentence conveys so much heartache, yet displays such equanimity.

Chen Yan solemnly raised his respect!

Bull, force it!

Just as he was about to continue reading the documents, he suddenly heard Dai Zhou cough, and it was rather severe, not a casual cough.

Chen Yan blinked and recalled something.

In the original history, Dai Zhou was never transferred; he served as the Minister of Revenue until his death in the seventh year of the Zhen Guan era.

At that time, he was only in his early forties.

"Grand Secretary, are you feeling unwell? May I take a look? In the art of medicine, I consider myself to have some achievements."

"No need, this is…"

Dai Zhou originally wanted to refuse, after all this was already a chronic ailment; he had seen countless physicians with little effect.

But he suddenly recalled that this person before him seemed indeed extraordinary.

Even Du Ruhui, whom the Chief Imperial Physician had declared would not survive more than half a month, was miraculously rescued, and Empress Changsun's complexion is now improving.

"Alright, then please take a look for me."

Dai Zhou was not a hesitant man; being only in his early forties, he was not old, even in his prime, and naturally did not want any health issues.

Taking Dai Zhou's pulse, Chen Yan turned his head and asked, "Grand Secretary, when you handle official matters late at night, do you feel a pressure on the left side of your chest, like a heavy stone crushing, pain radiating to the inner left arm, accompanied by palpitations and night sweats?"

Dai Zhou was greatly shocked, "What you described… is spot on!"

"Hmm, actually it's not a serious issue; it's likely that you previously held multiple posts, overworked yourself, and a minor ailment gradually turned into a serious one," Chen Yan said with a light laugh.

"Later I'll prescribe a formula for you; you send people to gather and decoct the herbs according to it, take it on schedule, and I'll perform acupuncture for you daily. Use this time to rest properly and avoid overexertion thereafter."

"However, Grand Secretary, your issue may seem minor but is also quite serious; if neglected, it could endanger your life!"

The final sentence Chen Yan said was weightier, hoping Dai Zhou would take it seriously.

The latter quickly nodded!

Ancient people actually had many virtues; for instance, regarding illness, no one dared to be careless.

Because there were far too many cases of death caused by a minor illness, when sick one naturally cannot be careless.

An even better point is that they listened extremely closely to physicians.

Just look at how Sizi, once emaciated to a skin‑and‑bone state, illustrates this.

He truly didn't touch any meat, grease, or oil.

"......"

Meanwhile, beyond the Tang Dynasty, a massive fleet sailed slowly across the border seas, emerging from the mist.

If Chen Yan were here, he would certainly recognize them; the nine large ships in the center were the ones he built at great expense.

"Damn it, half a year passed, and I finally made it back!"

As they neared entry into the Tang Dynasty, Niu Jinda's once weathered, gaunt face unexpectedly showed a hint of excitement, "When we get back, I'll make that little brat Chen Yan treat me to a year's worth of free drinks at Zui Xian Lou!"

"He only keeps bragging about how great Champa Rice is and how well prepared we are, but never mentions how exhausting the sea is!"

"My mouth is about to spit out a bird!"

Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng were not as excited as Niu Jinda appeared, and they spoke eloquently, but from their eyes one could still tell they were very happy.

They had once left Weinan County quietly, unnoticed.

They drifted at sea for several months, then in just half a month went on a frenzied spree of killing and plundering.

Now they have completed their mission, bringing back a large quantity of Champa Rice seeds, and are about to set foot on their homeland's territory.

At this moment their feelings cannot be described in any words!

Because any words at this moment are pale and powerless.

"Kid, you're really not bad; when we get back, I'll personally ask His Majesty to grant you merit!"

Niu Jinda vigorously patted Xue Li's shoulder, admiring him immensely!

Too fierce!

This person seems born for the battlefield!

In him, Niu Jinda faintly saw the shadow of Qin Qiong from back then.

Such a peerless heroic bearing makes anyone have to look sideways!

Hearing this, Xue Li showed a mouthful of teeth, somewhat simple and honest, "General, although I originally felt tired, now hearing your words I feel everything was worth it!"

Upon hearing this, Niu Jinda, Li Chunfeng, and Yuan Tiangang all stared in surprise together!

Immediately they all burst out laughing!

Tired?

Being tired is right!

Worth it?

So worth it!

"......"