Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Prince Cheng’s expression was solemn, his eyes like knives, giving off a sharp aura.

Prince Gong, however, wore a faint smile, but Yang Zhenshan felt that this guy was hiding a knife behind his smile, which felt fake.

”Your servant, Yang Zhenshan, thanks His Highness the Crown Prince and the two princes!”

Yang Zhenshan held the imperial booklet and bowed deeply.

”Marquis Jing’an, there is no need for formalities, haha, Marquis Jing’an quelled the rebellion and cleaned up the Hu Clan, a heroic military commander for Da Rong, today’s ennoblement is well-deserved.”

”As commanded by the Emperor, overseeing the state affairs, it’s only right for me to recognize Marquis Jing’an’s contributions, and to reward the soldiers at the front.”

”I have read the memorial submitted by Marquis Jing’an. His proposals are very sensible. I have discussed with the senior Cabinet officials and the senior officials from the Ministry of War, the future arrangements for the Tenglong Guard and Chongshan Town will be as Marquis Jing’an described, including promotions for the meritorious soldiers!”

The Crown Prince said in a gentle voice.

Yang Zhenshan was slightly startled, this was an unexpected outcome.

The memorial mentioned by the Crown Prince was likely his arrangement for positions in the Tenglong Guard and Chongshan Town. Although these were his proposals, he did not expect the Crown Prince to agree entirely to his suggestions.

More importantly, Yang Zhenshan was surprised by the Crown Prince’s attitude towards him.

He thought the Crown Prince would dislike him, be dissatisfied with him, but now the Crown Prince not only treated him amiably but also agreed to his previous memorial.

This really made him feel somewhat incredulous.

”Your Highness is wise!” Yang Zhenshan could only utter a statement of praise.

The Crown Prince saw his good attitude and nodded in satisfaction, but then the expression on the Crown Prince’s face turned cold.

”Marquis Jing’an is a great hero of Da Rong, quelling Prince Qing’s rebellion, sweeping the Wuliang army, protecting the nation’s territory, safeguarding the civilians, and establishing great military achievements. However, in the court, there are people who plot against our hero of Da Rong, colluding with rogues from the worldly society to assassinate Marquis Jing’an!”

”As commanded by the Emperor, overseeing the state affairs, I absolutely will not allow sinister villains in the court to plot against heroes. Today, as it’s the ceremony of Marquis Jing’an’s ennoblement, I shall seek justice for Marquis Jing’an!”

Saying this, the Crown Prince’s eyes sharply swept across the ministers.

Yang Zhenshan’s mind sank slightly, knowing that what was supposed to come had finally come.

Whether assassination or ennoblement, they were merely plays of struggle in the court.

He was playing just a piece in this game.

A piece laid by the Crown Prince, one that couldn’t act autonomously.

Now he finally understood why the Crown Prince had agreed to his memorial and why he treated him amiably!

It was to make him obey, to make him honestly be a chess piece at the Crown Prince’s disposal.

Yang Zhenshan bowed his head, silent.

He understood what was to come. Although he played a leading role, in fact, there was no room for him to make a difference.

The Crown Prince spoke righteously, and he had no reason to refute, nor the courage to resist, so he could only let the Crown Prince maneuver as he wished.

The civil and military officials also held their breath, watching quietly, listening.

”Prince Gong, Prince Cheng, do you admit your guilt?” The Crown Prince directly challenged the two princes.

Prince Gong and Prince Cheng looked at each other.

Prince Cheng wore a faint smile, saying, ”Your Highness the Crown Prince jests, how would I, the prince, harm Marquis Jing’an? In terms of the state, Marquis Jing’an is a fine commander, making contributions for the nation; personally, I have no old grudges nor new hatreds with Marquis Jing’an. I respect Marquis Jing’an too much to wish him ill!”

Saying this, he even cast a benevolent glance at Yang Zhenshan, as if he really thought highly of him.

In fact, neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Cheng and Prince Gong harbored private grudges or dissatisfaction towards Yang Zhenshan. Yang Zhenshan was dragged into this dispute due to the push of the times.