Chapter 548: Chen Yan: Small, Isn

Cheng Bo Bo, this statement is wrong!

Chen Yan laughed and said, "I won't even mention that a thousand‑year noble family doesn't fall easily; even if it does, what of it?"

In the past, why did every Meritorious Noble in Chang'an want to marry a noble family daughter? It's not only because of their lineage; isn't it also because noble family women are truly wonderful?

I suggested Brother Cheng Chumo marry a noble family daughter; it's not like we're marrying the noble family itself. If their girls are good, what's the problem with marrying them?

I ask you, since Aunt Cui married you, has her elbow ever turned outward? The day you fought, it was still Cui's kin brother; did she ever complain to you?

"The words are as such…" Cheng Yaojin still hesitated, "But we must consider His Majesty's thoughts. All civil and military officials know His Majesty is locked in a fierce struggle with the noble families; others avoid the noble families, yet I would have Cheng Chumo marry a noble family daughter. Even if we have no intention to aid the noble families, others won't believe it."

"It's small, isn't it?" Chen Yan shook his head helplessly, Cheng Yaojin hadn't yet realized the deeper meaning.

"What is small?"

"It's the mindset that's small, not something else."

Chen Yan rolled his eyes, "It's such a simple issue, why overcomplicate it? If you don't want to step forward, I'll just tell His Majesty and that'll be it."

"From His Majesty's perspective, as long as we explain clearly, what's actually wrong with having Cheng Chumo marry a noble family daughter?"

"I tell you, there isn't a single drawback; on the contrary, they're all benefits!"

Cheng Yaojin mused, "Explain in detail."

"Alright!" Chen Yan organized his thoughts and spoke fluently: "First, this is a statement, even a stance. Nowadays His Majesty is contending with the noble families; on the surface it's calm, but underneath currents rage."

"The Five Surnames and Seven Hopes are all watching, hesitating, looking for a fallback; for example, cooperating with me on silk is the same."

"Think again: at this moment, if there is a distinguished Meritorious Noble favored by His Majesty who proactively offers a marriage alliance, doesn't that signal to the world that under imperial authority there is still room for inclusion and outreach?"

"This is not bowing to the noble families, but demonstrating the court's and His Majesty's magnanimity and strategy!"

"Division and absorption are the main goals, not relentless suppression and extermination!"

Chen Yan raised his second finger: "Second, to soothe people's hearts and stabilize the situation."

"The Imperial Examination is imminent; with the library's existence, the rise of humble families is unstoppable. If the noble families feel cornered, they may act rashly, and we can't predict what will happen then."

"At this time, a marriage alliance is like a soothing medicine, allowing some noble families to see the possibility of acceptance, thereby softening resistance and reducing the friction of change."

"Cheng Bo Bo, you first have forgotten a question: is the life‑or‑death struggle with the noble families the scenario His Majesty wants to see?"

He asked himself and answered, "No, what His Majesty wants is not a life‑or‑death clash but a smooth transition. Because everyone knows how crucial the sixth year of the Zhenguan era is, and no mistakes are allowed anywhere."

"This marriage is one of the bridges for transition, and also a signal."

"Brother Cheng Chumo set this precedent; there are many clever people in Chang'an who will catch on and also choose to marry noble family daughters… Hmm, at least I can guarantee that Wei Zheng will definitely keep up!"

"As for the benefits to the Cheng Family, do I even need to say?"

In the end, Chen Yan smiled, "If you think about it yourself, you'll understand the benefits of marrying a noble family daughter now."

A well‑reasoned argument slammed down, and Cheng Yaojin remained silent for a while.

To be honest, he was truly moved.

But there's a premise: Li Shimin must act as Chen Yan described, otherwise everything is just empty talk!

"Then… Over the past two days, help me gauge His Majesty's mood; if it's truly as you say, my Cheng Family's betrothal gifts can definitely be afforded." Having said this, Cheng Yaojin no longer hesitated and said immediately.

"No problem!"

Chen Yan patted his chest and agreed.

This is just a trivial matter for him.

The struggle between Li Shimin and the noble families is like a game of chess; even he is still on the board, never having stepped out.

Because he chose to cooperate with the noble families, moved by huge benefits.

If not, he could actually be a behind‑the‑scenes player, pushing Li Shimin at a critical moment, or stepping on the noble families.

"Aside from this matter, is there anything else?" Cheng Yaojin regained his composure and continued asking.

Given his understanding of Chen Yan, either he doesn't show up, but once he does, it's never just a single matter unless it's especially important.

And Cheng Chumo's marriage, evidently hasn't reached that level of importance yet.

"There are two more." Chen Yan raised two fingers, "The Unflagged Cavalry has already returned with Champa Rice. When they left, I prepared many explosives for them. When they reach Weinan County, you and Uncle Wei Chi should, during that time, consult Uncle Niu; this thing will become the mainstream weapon of war in the future!"

"Tsk!" Cheng Yaojin was surprised, "Niu Jinda, that old kid, came back so quickly?"

"He didn't go far; I've been planning this for so long, this time isn't fast." Chen Yan curled his lips.

"Alright, alright, I know you're impressive."

Cheng Yaojin gave a perfunctory reply, but kept Chen Yan's words in mind.

He had always heard Cheng Chumo and others talk about how powerful the explosives are, but he hadn't seen them himself.

"What about the third matter?"

"The third one…"

Facing Cheng Yaojin's question, Chen Yan gave a thought‑provoking smile, turned his head and glanced at Cheng Chuliang, who was listening with great interest beside him.

Cheng Yaojin blinked, "Is the third matter related to Cheng Chuliang?"

"You wouldn't still be thinking about arranging a marriage for Cheng Chuliang, would you?"

"That's not so." Chen Yan flashed a big white tooth, "You already refused before; how could I continue to bring it up?"

"I think Cheng Chuliang has great potential, so for his future I've made some small plans. You shouldn't… refuse, right?"

Cheng Yaojin felt a thud in his heart.

Here it comes again! Here it comes again!

He again added his mother's honorific.

Every time Chen Yan adds an honorific, it's bound to be trouble!

Recalling that he just said the Unflagged Cavalry returned, Cheng Yaojin's face grew serious, and he guessed, "You want Cheng Chuliang to join the Unflagged Cavalry?"

"Huh?"

Cheng Chuliang was startled at first, then his eyes lit up!

This one is good, this one is good!

"No, no, no, I didn't intend to let Chuliang join the Wujing Cavalry."

Chen Yan immediately denied, "I know that Chu Mo took the path of a military officer; you want Chuliang to have a safe life, so how could we let Chuliang join the army?"

Cheng Chuliang's eyes dimmed again.

Born into the Cheng Family, he was immersed from childhood; how could his heart not have a general's dream?

But his father, mother, and older brothers all disagreed.

"Then what do you mean?"

Upon hearing that it wasn't about letting Cheng Chuliang join the Wujing Cavalry, Cheng Yaojin instantly relaxed and asked casually.

"I want Chuliang to take part in the next Imperial Examination."

"Oh~ the Imperial Examination, the Imperial Examination is good, what… what kind of thing is it?"

"......"