Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 189: Chapter 185 Superfluous

Moments later, Han Fei walked in with a richly-dressed young lord, and Yang Zhenshan stood in front of the main hall, watching the approaching young lord in brocade.

This individual wore a dark-purple brocade robe, a white jade double fish auspicious pendant hanging at his waist, and walked leisurely with a hand fan in his hands.

His face handsome, eyes bright, and a gentle smile on his lips, he exuded an indescribable charm.

What a distinguished young lord!

Yang Zhenshan inwardly praised.

He had seen his fair share of wealthy young lords, like the Princely Heir of Duke Ning, Zhou Xu, whose extraordinary noble aura could make countless people feel inferior.

Yet, though this young lord before him couldn’t compare to Zhou Xu, he possessed a youthful vitality that Zhou Xu lacked.

“Duke Shou Mansion’s Wang Zheng pays his respects to Master Yang!”

Wang Zheng arrived before the hall and performed a courteous fist-palming salute.

Yang Zhenshan observed him, and he too was being sized up by Yang Zhenshan.

His tall stature stood straight like a spear before the hall, his broad shoulders exuding a heroic presence, his ruddy complexion showing no signs of age, his neatly trimmed black and lustrous beard softening the fierceness in his bearing.

This Master Yang is certainly no ordinary man!

Wang Zheng thought to himself.

Yang Zhenshan’s eyes flashed, “So it’s the young lord from Duke Shou Mansion, please come in!”

Duke Shou Mansion!

Yang Zhenshan’s heart involuntarily skipped a beat.

He was not very knowledgeable about Da Rong’s noble circles, but he knew of the six Dukes of Da Rong.

Duke Shou Mansion was the most unique among the six Dukes.

Because it was connected by marriage.

The current Duke Shou was none other than the old Emperor’s father-in-law, and this Duke was already ninety years old.

With such an ancestor, as long as the Duke Shou Mansion didn’t rebel, the entire imperial court’s officials would be forcing favors upon the lords of Duke Shou Mansion.

But why would someone from Duke Shou Mansion come looking for him?

Commander of Songzhou Guard!

Yang Zhenshan instantly realized the crux of the matter.

Because other than this, there was no reason for them to seek him out.

The two entered the main hall and seated themselves according to host and guest positions, with Han Fei promptly serving tea; Yang Zhenshan nonchalantly glanced at the two attendants behind Wang Zheng.

Postnatal Martial Artists, and from their appearance, not low-level ones at that.

This indicated that this Young Master Wang Zheng held a favored position within Duke Shou Mansion.

In noble families, a favored child would receive more resources.

Don’t think it’s a minor issue just like Zhao Yuan, also a noble scion, but he was a disfavored illegitimate son, so when he first arrived in Chongshan Town, he could only start from the Hundred Households level.

If it were not for Zhou Lan’s promotion, he would probably still be a Bazong among the Hundred Households.

And this fellow here?

He aimed directly at the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard.

As a mere commoner, he dared to covet the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard; this wasn’t the courage given by Fish Leong’s songs, this was the confidence given by the old Duke Shou.

“May I know the purpose of the young lord’s visit?” Yang Zhenshan broke the silence.

Wang Zheng, with a gentle smile, said: “I am here to ask a favor!”

“What is it?” Yang Zhenshan also wore a warm smile.

Wang Zheng gave Yang Zhenshan a meaningful look as if to say, can’t you guess the purpose?

“Commander of Songzhou Guard!”

Yang Zhenshan showed a stunned expression, “What does the young lord mean by this?”

“I wish to become the Commander of Songzhou Guard!” Wang Zheng stated straightforwardly, without any intent to conceal.

Yang Zhenshan was slightly startled, “Has the young lord approached the wrong person? I am just the Deputy Magistrate of the Songzhou Guard, I cannot decide on the position of Commander!”

Wang Zheng shook his head, speaking slowly and deliberately, “I know you are a confidant of Zhou Lan, and therefore I hope you would give up the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard!”

Being Zhou Lan’s confidant and giving up the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard might seem unrelated on the surface, but in reality, they are deeply connected.

Because Yang Zhenshan was Zhou Lan’s confidant, he qualified to contend for the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard, otherwise, he wouldn’t have had any chance at all.

Yang Zhenshan stroked his beard, his smile growing more tender, “So he is one of the young master Li Chunhui’s men?”

“That’s correct!” said Wang Zheng.

“He framed me, was that also directed by you?”

Wang Zheng shook his head, “It can’t be called framing; I just wanted to trouble you a bit, and even if a real problem arose, I wouldn’t let it harm you.”

“After all, you are Zhou Lan’s man!”

This person was outright, seeming not to conceal his actions or thoughts.

But this was normal, after all, he had the backing of Duke Shou Mansion in this cold northern region, and he needn’t be too cautious.

“Ha, should I then thank the young lord?” Yang Zhenshan chuckled.

Framing, just to trouble him?

Such nonsensical trouble, Yang Zhenshan genuinely found himself laughing out of frustration.

“No need for thanks, I just hope Master Yang can be sensible,” Wang Zheng said evenly.

Yang Zhenshan withdrew his gaze, picking up the tea for a light sip.

“Alas, what a pity!”

He said in a somewhat teasing tone.

“What is the pity?” Wang Zheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Yang Zhenshan raised his head, his gaze calm as he looked at Wang Zheng, “It’s a pity you made one mistake.”

“What is it?” Wang Zheng frowned slightly.

“You shouldn’t have had Li Chunhui target me,” Yang Zhenshan shook his head, “because I never considered ascending to the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard.”

“All these efforts of yours are superfluous.”

Superfluous!

Wang Zheng’s face slightly changed, his expression growing more somber.

Whether it was superfluous or not wasn’t the issue, the issue was that Yang Zhenshan was mocking him.

“Master Yang better think carefully before speaking!” His tone turned icy.

However, Yang Zhenshan casually said, “It really is superfluous. Without Li Chunhui targeting me, I wouldn’t have cared about the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard!”

“According to my plans, I’m supposed to stay in An Yuan City for at least three years before seeking a promotion after that.”

“After all, this official has only been in An Yuan City for just half a year!”

He said it calmly, and of course, what he said was also true.

Wang Zheng’s expression turned sour, as by now he believed Yang Zhenshan’s words and knew that his actions had been unnecessary.

“Since Master Yang has no interest in that position, this young master is very grateful for Master Yang’s help!”

Having said this, he stood up and prepared to leave.

There was no need for him to persist unnecessarily.

“Wait!” Yang Zhenshan stopped him, “Don’t be hasty, young master, I have more to say!”

As Wang Zheng was about to leave, he halted and turned his head to look at Yang Zhenshan, “What is it!”

“The position of the Commander of Songzhou Guard already has an owner!” Yang Zhenshan said with a smile brimming with meaning.

You little smug, challenging me, troubling me.

Just watch me infuriate you!

“Already has an owner? Who?”

Wang Zheng revealed a fierce emotion in his eyes.

This was his true nature; the previously gentle and jade-like demeanor was just a disguise.

“Deputy Magistrate of Songzhou Guard, Tan Jingtai!” Yang Zhenshan’s smile grew even wider.

The more irritated this guy got, the more comfort it brought to his heart.

Previously, he had suffered a lot from Li Chunhui, now it was time to return it all to this lordling.

“Impossible!” Wang Zheng blurted out without thinking.

He had already investigated the situation at Songzhou Guard, understanding both subordinate commanders Tan Jingtai and Yang Zhenshan.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have targeted Yang Zhenshan.

In his eyes, Tan Jingtai had no qualifications to compete; within the entire Songzhou Guard, only Yang Zhenshan was qualified.

Yang Zhenshan nodded, “You’re right, young master; relying solely on Lord Tan would indeed not secure him the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard.”

“But~~”

He paused deliberately, hanging Wang Zheng’s anticipation.

Wang Zheng asked eagerly, “But what?”

Yang Zhenshan’s smile became more pronounced.

Kid, you’re still too young, can’t even keep steady?

“But I can help him secure it!”

“What!” Wang Zheng stared fixedly at Yang Zhenshan, “Master Yang, this is no joking matter!”

Yang Zhenshan again picked up his tea and sipped lightly, “Han Fei, more tea!”

Wang Zheng was truly furious!

He was very angry.

This guy was still drinking tea!

Damn it!

Han Fei didn’t care whether he was angry or not, Yang Zhenshan asked for more tea, so he immediately brought the teapot over to refill Yang Zhenshan’s cup.

Yang Zhenshan played with the teacup lid, sipping lightly.

The tea was a bit hot; one couldn’t drink it too quickly.

“How could I be joking with the young master!”

“Just these past few days, I sent out two letters, and last night, I just received the news. The Governor’s Office has already prepared the documents.”

“If nothing goes wrong, Lord Tan should have received his lifetime appointment documents today!”

Wang Zheng’s face turned from green to white, “Why would you do this?”

“This official never expected the young master to fancy that position; alas, it’s a misunderstanding!”

“You see, if the young master had told this official earlier, why would I need to owe favors for Lord Tan!”

“You might not understand me well, young master. I always retaliate, whoever displeases me, I make them displeased, whoever troubles me, I trouble them!”

“Ah, what a pity, if the young master hadn’t acted unnecessarily, perhaps now this official would be addressing the young master as Lord Wang!”

“Actually, compared to Lord Tan, this official would rather see the young master in that position; I am short of funds and food. Given young master’s status, once in office, surely you could allocate a substantial amount of funds and food to this official.”

Yang Zhenshan showed a face full of regret, helplessness, and undisguised sarcasm.

But his last remark was not wrong.

If Wang Zheng hadn’t acted unnecessarily, Yang Zhenshan would still support him as the Commander of Songzhou Guard.

Due to his noble status, he had more leverage at Chongshan Pass to confidently request funds and food from the Governor’s Office.

A new official needs to consolidate people’s hearts, right?

As long as Wang Zheng isn’t foolish, he would definitely use the funds and food to stabilize his position and enhance his prestige.

As for Yang Zhenshan, as long as he benefited, he didn’t care who held the position of Commander of Songzhou Guard.

Wang Zheng truly regretted it.

If he had known this would happen, why would he have targeted Yang Zhenshan?

Such an unnecessary act!

Thinking of “unncessary,” Wang Zheng felt his teeth itch with irritation.

“Master Yang, you are very impressive!”

He hissed through clenched teeth.

Yang Zhenshan grinned, “This official has always been impressive!”

“Ha ha, just as the young master said earlier, I am a trusted confidant of General Zhou! General Zhou has not only shown me great favor but has also treated me with great courtesy.”

His smile was somewhat arrogant, indeed arrogant.

In Wang Zheng’s eyes, Yang Zhenshan’s smile was arrogantly infuriating, almost making him want to slap him across the face.

General Zhou, Zhou Lan.

This was Yang Zhenshan’s biggest backer.

Even if he acted unscrupulously, he wasn’t in a position to disregard Zhou Lan.

Maternal uncles and nobles are somewhat different.

Maternal uncles rise by marrying off their daughters while nobles are granted their titles through battlefield valor.

Both are nobles, both hold titles, but the vast majority of nobles disdain maternal uncles.

Especially since Duke Ning Mansion is a class one hereditary duke mansion, higher in rank compared to their own Duke Shou Mansion.

Although Yang Zhenshan can’t represent Duke Ning Mansion, Wang Zheng also can’t represent Duke Shou Mansion.

Even if Wang Zheng is favored within Duke Shou Mansion, he is not Duke Shou.