Chapter 549: with translation of chapter title

Cheng Yaojin wore an expression as if you were joking with me.

What's your own son like—don't you even know that?

He's adept with knives and spears, but pick up a sage's book and his head feels two sizes too big.

If Cheng Chuliang could take the imperial exam, the Cheng family's ancestral grave wouldn't just be smoking—it'd be blown to pieces.

Kid, are you telling me a really obscure joke? If so, you've succeeded—this is the funniest joke I've heard this year... no, in my whole life. Cheng Yaojin shot him a sideways glance and snorted.

Even Cheng Chuliang said: 'Elder Brother Chen... you'd be better off harming me, letting me take the imperial exam—this is really... like an old lady crawling into a quilt, making Grandpa laugh!'

Chen Yan: '......'

Alright, he felt he had started a trend of these proverbial sayings in Chang'an; now even acquaintances can spout a couple.

Facing their doubts, Chen Yan didn't say more, lightly saying, 'I know you don't believe me, but just wait for next year's exam results—I once taught two students; see how they do next year.'

Furthermore, Uncle Cheng, you can also ask Chu Mo to see if I'm telling the truth. Besides, I'm not joking with you—I genuinely want Chuliang to take the next exam.

Chen Yan's earnestness left Cheng Yaojin dumbfounded: 'No, kid, you're serious?'

What kind of person is Chuliang? Others may not know, but you surely do?

Don't pull any tricks on me!

Look at you, getting anxious again! Chen Yan said helplessly: 'I already said—why not write a letter to Chu Mo in Weinan County and see if he agrees with my idea?'

Back when I taught those two students, I even had Chu Mo help, and the effect was absolutely awesome!

Besides, I wouldn't joke about anyone, let alone Chuliang.

On serious matters, when have I ever screwed over my own kin?

Cheng Yaojin fell silent, glanced at his own butt, then stared at him gloomily.

Chen Yan: '......'

... Cough cough, this... is your own doing; if His Majesty weren't a little angry, you wouldn't be unable to get out of bed now, would you?

In ancient times, getting a beating isn't as simple as TV shows; even ten strokes can be fatal for a weak constitution.

That's because Cheng Yaojin is strong; ten strokes at most keep him down a few days.

Forget it, I'm not going to argue about this...

Cheng Yaojin glanced at Cheng Chuliang, then at Chen Yan, stroked his chin and pondered for a long while.

No need to write a letter; you're not that heartless, you wouldn't even screw over Chuliang, who's followed you since childhood.

You seem confident; letting Chuliang study with you for two years is fine—he's still young—but you must promise me: if he fails the exam, you'll find him a good patron later.

Okay, I promise! Chen Yan nodded with a smile, then said: 'Besides, with me and Chu Mo around, even if we don't find Chuliang a good patron, who'd dare bully him?'

Hmph! Cheng Yaojin snorted, 'Done talking? Take your medicine and scram. Oh, and don't touch my beef—otherwise, once I'm reinstated, I'll surely impeach you!'

Chen Yan: '......'

Alright, this old kid holds a grudge.

The next day at court, Chen Yan didn't return to the Ministry of Revenue right away; he went straight to Ganlu Hall to speak with Li Shimin about yesterday's discussion with Cheng Yaojin.

After hearing Chen Yan's explanation, Li Shimin raised his eyebrows: 'Having Cheng Chu Mo marry a noble lady... upon reflection, that's not bad, but you say others would see it and follow—what's your basis?'

Actually there's not much basis, just a guess. Chen Yan coughed, 'Like Du Gou and others who already have a principal wife—I won't mention them—but Wei Zheng's son just came of marriageable age; I think if he sees the sense, or we give him a hint, he'd likely have his son marry a noble lady.'

It's not exactly a windfall, but it's close.

Anyone not stupid would definitely do that.

Li Shimin stared at him, then suddenly asked an unexpected question: 'What do you think—would Fu Ji let his son marry a noble lady?'

What? Elder Brother Changsun isn't married yet?

Li Shimin: '......'

Why hasn't he married yet—don't you have a clue?

There's gossip: after Chen Yan and Li Lizhi's wedding, Changsun Chong has been depressed, and when he goes to pleasure spots he needs extra girls.

If that's the case, I think the Duke of Qi would understand, letting Elder Brother Changsun marry a noble lady. Chen Yan said hesitantly.

As for that, he really can't guarantee it.

Li Shimin nodded, 'The method is good, what you say makes sense; I want to eliminate the aristocracy, but I don't want a life-or-death struggle with them, especially in this special period next year...'

Besides, I'm not hiding it from you—next year, the year after, even the year after that, my moves won't be small, after all I'm eyeing the silver mines in Wa (Japan).

Before, I worried that the aristocracy would jump out at this time and affect me; being able to temporarily pacify them would be best.

Eliminating the aristocracy isn't that easy. Chen Yan shook his head, 'Besides, with wolves surrounding us outside and the Tang border threats not yet lifted, whatever we do we must take step by step.'

Now the aristocracy's biggest advantage has vanished; as the imperial exams approach, they'll surely panic, seeking my cooperation is one sign. At such a time we must not grow arrogant or complacent; stability first, we must first divide them and steady their minds.

Li Shimin stood with hands behind his back, pondered long, then said: 'I agree to this matter, but I won't state my position nor send gifts; if anyone misunderstands and criticizes the Zhi Jie family, I won't intervene.'

That's enough.

Chen Yan's mouth curled slightly, knowing this matter was settled.

Next, it's just letting Cheng Yaojin pick a target and then propose marriage.

Then Li Shimin thought and added: 'You and I will go to Lizheng Hall, mention this to the Guanyin Maid, have her hint to Fu Ji, see if we can get his son a wife too.'

Because of your earlier reminder, the Guanyin Maid hardened her heart, her relations with Fu Ji grew a bit strained, only improving slightly after June this year.

Chen Yan immediately understood Li Shimin's meaning.

This is to have me remind them, see if we can kill multiple birds with one stone.

Alright, shall we go now?

Hmm, let's go now...... I really didn't expect you, kid, to be acting as a matchmaker.