Chapter 605: That's Enough

Zi An!

While the three were talking, someone called out from behind.

Chen Yan turned his head and saw that Cheng Yaojin, Yuchi Gong, and Qin Qiong had come over.

"Alright, I have other matters here; you two go do whatever you need to be busy with, and Lai Heng, remember to make a trip to the Eastern Palace," Chen Yan reminded the two brothers.

The two caught the hint, knowing Chen Yan was busy, so they took their leave.

"Kid, come, let's go to my house for a drink," Cheng Yaojin said unceremoniously, grabbing Chen Yan's shoulder and pushing him outward.

"What wine could your house possibly have? There's not even any beef left," Chen Yan chuckled lightly. "Did you forget? His Majesty has strictly ordered you to stop killing cattle."

Cheng Yaojin scowled, "I advise you not to bring up a pot that hasn't been opened; why did His Majesty issue such an order? Don't you have any sense about it?"

"Hahaha!" Yuchi Gong laughed heartily. "Cheng Laohei, we are different; you see, His Majesty never gave me such an order."

"Isn't that because of this kid?" Cheng Yaojin retorted. "If it weren't for him bringing this matter into the open, would I have ended up like this?"

"Heh, you're still blaming me," Chen Yan said, not taking the blame. "Look at the whole court—whose family hasn't lost a few cattle? So why does everyone else have no trouble, but you have a problem?"

"If you ask me, you should at least find a reliable reason. Stop making emotional theatrics every day; otherwise, no one would bring this up against you."

"Hey! You mixed-up kid, back then my family's cattle, you were the one who ate them the most. Now you turn your face and refuse to recognize people, huh?" Cheng Yaojin glared angrily.

"Enough!" Qin Qiong, seeing them about to argue again, stepped forward and interrupted, "Can we talk about something serious?"

"Whether the cattle are good or not, does it matter?"

"The matter of dispatching troops has been settled. Everyone has waited for so many years; after finally getting a chance, we have to celebrate at least a little."

Qin Qiong brushed away Cheng Yaojin's hand that was on Chen Yan's shoulder, smiling, "Stop arguing, come to my place. Since we're happy today, let's have a good drink together."

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong didn't mind; wherever we eat is fine.

"Forget it, Uncle Qin, the troop deployment is settled. Just now His Majesty publicly ordered me to cooperate with Li Jing; I suspect they'll be at my door soon, and I probably don't have time," Chen Yan said.

Qin Qiong was startled, then thought it made sense.

These days Chen Yan is different from before; his official duties are hectic, and he truly has little time.

"... Alright then, when you have free time, come over to my house for a gathering," Qin Qiong said, a bit disappointed but not forcing.

He himself now spends most of his time in Weinan County; after a while he'll have to go out to fight, so there probably won't be much time to gather.

"Uncle Qin, there will be plenty of time later; no need to rush now," Chen Yan smiled, paused, "Besides, I have another matter that needs your help."

"Whatever it is, just tell me," Qin Qiong said without even asking.

"Here's the situation," Chen Yan said, "The way I train Lai Heng and Lai Ji is at the Weinan County Negotiation Office, and I had Chu Mo and others help. Isn't Cheng... Laohei wanting Chu Liang to also take the Imperial Test?"

"If you could also have Chu Mo and his group bring a few people, I'll talk to the Yan family and help request a few gentlemen."

"Just have Chu Mo and his group follow the previous method."

Cheng Yaojin was dumbfounded, "What? Kid, Lai Heng and Lai Ji—weren't you the one who personally trained them?"

Chen Yan gave him a glare, "I only provide the method; Chu Mo and Bao Lin implement it. Also, don't bring Chu Liang to me; just send them straight to the Weinan County Negotiation Office!"

"Wait, you all hold on," Yuchi Gong suddenly interrupted, "Who did you just say you were training?"

"That kid Chu Liang? Going to take the Imperial Test?"

"Huh, what's up?" Cheng Yaojin lifted his head and chest, "Didn't expect that, huh?"

"Our great nephew said that my Chu Liang also has the bearing of a Jinshi; passing the exam is a given."

Yuchi Gong ignored him entirely, suddenly grabbing Chen Yan's hand, "Great nephew, you can't just focus on Cheng Laohei and forget about me!"

"Forget Bao Lin; my family still has a few youngsters, and I think they also have the bearing of a Jinshi!"

Chen Yan had long anticipated this, cheerfully nodding, "Fine, it's just a trial. Chu Liang and the others are still young; just send them all straight to the Weinan County Negotiation Office."

"I'll write a letter to Chu Mo, and also help request good gentlemen. In daily matters, let Uncle Qin keep an eye on things; just don't cause any deaths."

"... Huh?"

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong were stunned, their minds full of question marks.

Just studying, how can it involve someone's life?

Is studying even more dangerous than warfare?

Qin Qiong cleared his throat, "That... Zi An..."

"I get it, I get it!"

Even without Qin Qiong saying it, Chen Yan knew what he was thinking: "I've already told you all, if you want to try it, just send them straight to the Weinan County Negotiation Office."

"Teaching one is teaching; teaching two is the same, there's no real difference. Decide yourselves; I'm only responsible for providing the method."

"Then it's settled!"

Hearing Chen Yan's reply, the three instantly felt pleased; any talk of lives or deaths was instantly tossed far beyond the clouds.

Moreover, at the Weinan County Negotiation Office, everyone is an acquaintance; what problems could arise?

"Alright, I see Duke Dai over there seems to be waiting for me. You three, if you want to celebrate, go ahead; I need to talk with Duke Dai."

Chen Yan glanced and spotted Li Jing waiting not far away, and spoke immediately.

The three also noticed and said nothing further.

Qin Qiong cautioned, "In the Court, be careful about everything; not everyone is Dou Dan. A fool like him is a once-in-a-century sight."

"I understand," Chen Yan replied with a smile.

"Good that you understand, but I'm telling you to be careful, just to stay alert. If anything happens, don't be afraid; we are still here for you."

Qin Qiong still seemed uneasy, lowering his voice to whisper in his ear.

Chen Yan felt warmth in his heart, smiling and nodding.

The Court may be full of disputes and endless scheming, yet there are also many who sincerely care for him.

That's enough.

Isn't it?

"......"