Chapter 33: Sleeping on Diao Chan’s Lap Every Night?

Leaving Huangfu Song's camp, Wang Yan led his troops back to Ye City.

"With the report card in hand, it's time to see the family."

"I hope Father won't interfere so much in the future."

"Otherwise, it will always be troublesome."

Feeling bored on the road, Wang Yan decided to draw the reward he hadn't had the chance to before.

What will the reward be this time?

Ding.

[Congratulations, host. You have received three remote system spaces.]

[The host can remotely deliver items through the system.]

"Remote system spaces?"

"Even if I leave, I can still ensure food supply for the troops and people here."

"I can set up a room as the delivery point, where Zhao Yun and Zhou Cang can take what they need."

"Yes, the system understands me well."

[Congratulations, host. You have received an additional reward: 500 boxes of hyaluronic acid Durex.]

Wang Yan: ...

Is this even a reward?

Hyaluronic acid type? Are you afraid 500 boxes are too much and might chafe the skin?

After three days of marching, detouring through Zhen Ding, Wang Yan finally returned to Ye City.

In the Inspector's residence, Wang Yan, the prodigal son, finally came home. However, he brought back 3,000 troops and more than 10,000 civilians, which troubled Wang Fen greatly.

"You recruited 3,000 elite troops, which I don't oppose, but what about these more than 10,000 civilians? How do you expect me to deal with them?"

"What will they eat and drink every day?"

In the study, the father and son faced each other again. Wang Fen still wore a stern expression. Wang Yan offered tea, which had gone cold by the time Wang Fen finally drank it. Looking at his father's stern facade and listening to his rebukes, Wang Yan remained outwardly respectful.

"Father, you need not worry. I have a plan."

Seeing Wang Yan's usual indifferent attitude, Wang Fen's anger surged.

"Don't think that you are invincible just because you've achieved some military merit. You owe your success to my years of guidance!"

"Tell me honestly, what is your plan?"

Wang Yan pondered for a moment. He decided not to reveal his ability to produce food magically. Exposing too many details of his transmigration could be dangerous, especially since he suspected even Emperor Liu Hong might be a threat.

However, distributing food unconditionally was a short-term solution.

"Colonization," Wang Yan answered.

Wang Fen's hand, which had been gripping a ruler, slowly relaxed, and he took a sip of tea. "The old man has some insight, allowing me to keep the army, probably predicting and preparing for the coming chaos. Colonization is indeed the best policy."

"On one hand, it provides the refugees with land and stability. On the other, it trains them as reserve troops."

"Colonization ensures food supply for the army and solves the issue of settling soldiers' families, providing logistical support."

Seeing Wang Fen's relaxed expression, Wang Yan finally felt at ease. But then, tension quickly arose again.

"That maid of yours is quite enchanting. It seems she's got you head over heels."

"At your age, indulging in women will ruin you. You must marry a noblewoman from a prestigious family, so..."

Wang Fen's expression and his hesitant tone filled Wang Yan with a sense of foreboding.

"So, what do you plan to do?"

Knowing he was about to take something precious from his son, Wang Fen opted for a more gentle approach, first sighing deeply before speaking.

"Our Wang family of East Pingzhou and Shouzhang is declining. Rarely do we see such talent as you. To rejuvenate our family, I've planned to ally with the influential Wang family of Taiyuan, who hold high positions. Our two families share some history."

Despite Wang Fen's emotional appeal, Wang Yan became anxious. "Get to the point; don't beat around the bush."

Feeling a pang of apprehension, Wang Fen finally voiced his plan.

"Your maid, Ren Hongchang. I've arranged for her to be trained in music and dance, renamed Diao Chan, and then sent to Wang Yun of the Taiyuan Wang family. This will pave your way into the court."

Wang Yan was stunned, not by Wang Fen's plan, but by the name of Diao Chan.

"Diao Chan?"

"Turns out my maid, Ren Hongchang, is Diao Chan!"

No wonder Wang Yan had felt the name Ren Hongchang was familiar.

Realizing that Ren Hongchang was the historical beauty, Diao Chan, he remembered her bravery at the execution ground and her rare beauty. "I've been resting my head on the lap of the famous beauty Diao Chan every night?"

"I've been holding the body of that heroic woman, a public favorite?"

"Then what am I waiting for? Tonight, I must make this rice fully cooked!"

But first, he needed to get through this. His ambitious father was determined to ensure Wang Yan's success, fearing his affection for Ren Hongchang, no, Diao Chan, would hinder his progress.

"Don't panic, just deflect for now."

Wang Yan, maintaining his composure, said, "Father, you worry too much. I understand the importance of marriage for one's career. I merely find that maid to be a good attendant."

"Since you brought up my marriage, let me tell you my thoughts. I have my eye on Cai Yan, daughter of Cai Yong."

Now it was Wang Fen's turn to be stunned. His mind raced.

"Cai Yan, daughter of Cai Yong?"

"But she is betrothed to the son of the Wei family. Don't you know?"

Wang Yan responded calmly, "I know."

Wang Fen was taken aback. "Then what do you mean? Are you asking me to secure this marriage for you?"

Wang Yan's intense gaze said it all.

Furious, Wang Fen exclaimed, "You rebellious child! You want me to help you steal another man's fiancée?"

"The Wei family is a prestigious clan in Hedong, and Wei Zhongdao is a highly talented man with official status. You dare to think of this?"

Seeing his father's reaction, Wang Yan said lightly, "Father, you always pave the way for me, don't you?"

"Then don't think about Diao Chan, oh no, Chang'er."

Wang Fen was nearly apoplectic. "What nonsense! I'm doing this for your career!"

Seeing Wang Fen inflating with rage, Wang Yan decided to drop a bombshell.

"Recently, Chang'er has been complaining of nausea and dry heaves. I fear she might be ill from overworking herself. How can I bear to give her away?"

An experienced man's reaction was swift.

Hearing this, Wang Fen's rage turned to shock, and his anger vanished.

"Pregnant?"

Wang Yan feigned confusion. "What? What?"

The overwhelming fury dissipated, replaced by immense relief and joy.

The Wang family, with its thin line of descendants, now had hope. Wang Fen's emotions swung like a pendulum, from rage to joy to tears and laughter, in a matter of moments. He felt like he had lived through a lifetime in just a few minutes.

Seeing his father's ecstatic face, Wang Yan silently kept his mouth shut. He hadn't said anything explicit; it was all Wang Fen's assumption.

"All my years of strict upbringing have paid off," Wang Fen muttered, sticking to his narrative. Then he glared at Wang Yan.

"Take good care of Chang'er. If anything happens to her, I won't forgive you."

"Yes, yes, yes."

Wang Yan took a sip of tea and then said, "Before the court's rewards arrive, you should visit Runan."

"Runan?" Wang Fen was puzzled. "What for?"

"Not for a task, but to meet someone."

"Who?"

"Xu Shao."

The name was unfamiliar yet familiar. Wang Yan recalled and understood.

"You want to use the Yue Dan Ping to boost my reputation?"

"Correct. Though superficial, Xu Shao and Xu Jing's evaluations will enhance your prestige."

The Yue Dan Ping, presided over by the renowned scholars Xu Shao and Xu Jing of Runan, was highly sought after by officials and scholars alike.

Even Cao Cao gained fame from Xu Shao's assessment, "A capable minister in peace, a cunning hero in chaos."

For instance, despite his abilities, Taishi Ci was not valued by his superior, Liu Yao, because he needed more recognition from Yue Dan Ping.

However, not everyone could be evaluated by them. Wang Yan pondered and shook his head slightly.

He felt no need for additional accolades with military merit and impending imperial rewards.

"I won't go."

Wang Fen, having just calmed down, stood up in anger. "You!"

"No, you must go, or all my efforts will be wasted!"

Wang Yan remained unfazed by his father's reaction.

"I heard Xu Shao is rather arrogant. What if he refuses to see me or gives a poor assessment?"

Wang Fen sat down, smiling confidently. "Don't worry. I've arranged everything. You only need to meet Xu Shao briefly, exchange pleasantries, and be praised as a kirin or a great bird."

Wang Yan took a deep breath, surprised.

"A kirin, a great bird?"

"That would put me on par with Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong."