Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 401: Chapter 386: Contention for Nobility

The court officials all discussed whether Yang Zhenshan could be compared to the first Duke Ding.

In Da Rong, the first Duke Ding was revered as a deity of war, worshipped by countless military leaders.

Given Yang Zhenshan’s status and position, he naturally could not be directly compared to him, but the abilities Yang Zhenshan displayed did share some similarities.

The first Duke Ding also had a systematic way of training troops and his strategic use of them was godlike, and he also left behind military treatises.

Yang Zhenshan also wrote “The Thirty-Six Stratagems” and “Real Accounts of Military Training,” both of which are widely circulated today.

The debate among the people grew more intense.

Because as they discussed, they found that Yang Zhenshan might indeed be comparable to the first Duke Ding.

It would certainly not be the case during his lifetime, but a hundred years later, or even several hundred years later, Yang Zhenshan might also become an ancestor revered by countless people.

Since Yang Zhenshan has “The Thirty-Six Stratagems” and “Real Accounts of Military Training”, as long as these books are passed down, there is a great chance that Yang Zhenshan will be regarded as a founding figure in the future.

Then, the court discussions went off-track.

Everyone stopped caring about what Zhu Qinwen wanted to do, and instead focused on whether Yang Zhenshan could leave his name in history.

Damn!

Leaving a mark in the annals of history!

This temptation is much greater than any noble rank!

Listening to the crowd’s discussion, Zhu Qinwen’s mouth twitched slightly.

“How did I not think of this before?”

“But it seems it’s not too late to think of it now?”

“Maybe I can take this opportunity to leave a mark in history as well!”

“Although it’s under Yang Zhenshan’s name, having a record is still better than having none at all!”

Thinking this, Zhu Qinwen got somewhat excited, raised his voice by several octaves and exclaimed, “I, as a servant of the court, request a noble title for Yang Zhenshan!”

His shout made the entire hall tremble thrice, and it also subdued the discussions among the ministers.

After shouting, Zhu Qinwen was inwardly very pleased.

Today I request a noble title for General Yang, if General Yang is truly granted this title, then the future annals of history will definitely bear a robust record.

At this moment, everyone came back to their senses, their thoughts returning to the present reality.

Although leaving a name in history is worth the lifelong effort of countless civil and military officials, after all, it is a posthumous fame; compared to that, current matters are more important.

“I concur!”

“I concur!”

Then many ministers stood up in agreement.

Without looking, one would know these ministers all belonged to the Crown Prince.

Clearly, this move was pre-arranged by the Crown Prince.

Above, Prince Gong and Prince Cheng exchanged looks without moving a muscle, then both started gesturing subtly to the ministers below.

“I oppose!”

“I oppose!”

Then several more ministers stood up in opposition.

The Crown Prince, with a faint smile, glanced at Prince Gong and Prince Cheng, and asked, “Why do you oppose?”

“I think this is inappropriate, although General Yang has illustrious military achievements, his merits are still insufficient for a nobility title!” said Zheng Shizeng, the Assistant Minister from the Ministry of Rites.

“General Yang quelled the rebellion, eradicated Northern barbarians, and made great contributions to both the nation and the people. If he is not enough for a nobility title, then who is?” the Crown Prince asked calmly.

Zheng Shizeng really wanted to list someone with greater military achievements than Yang Zhenshan who had not been granted a nobility title.

He even thought of a suitable person, but he dared not say it out loud.

That person was General Liangzhen Jiang Zhen, who won the battle at Black Cloud Mountain thirty years ago!

Although the battle of Black Cloud Mountain was against the East Sea Hu Clan, although it did not lead to the annihilation of the East Sea Hu Clan, although it resulted in heavy losses for Chongshan Town, the battle of Black Cloud Mountain was definitely the most important battle after Emperor Chengping ascended the throne.

Because of the battle at Black Cloud Mountain, Emperor Chengping secured his imperial throne and obtained military authority.

Because of the battle at Black Cloud Mountain, Chongshan Town and Liaodong were able to enjoy twenty years of peace.

Also because of the battle at Black Cloud Mountain, Da Rong, which was weak at the time, was once again able to demonstrate its formidable deterrence abroad.

It can be said that the battle at Black Cloud Mountain reversed the decline of Da Rong at that time and was the starting point of Da Rong’s rejuvenation.

It holds absolute significance.

In comparison, although Yang Zhenshan made great contributions, they are considered insignificant in comparison.

The Wuliang Hu Clan did not yet pose a threat to the foundation of Da Rong, and eighty thousand Northern barbarian soldiers in Liaoxi could not shake the foundation of Da Rong.

In terms of the importance of achievements, Yang Zhenshan was not comparable to the Great General of that time, Jiang Zhen.

Even Jiang Zhen was not granted nobility, let alone Yang Zhenshan.

Zheng Shizeng wanted to use Jiang Zhen to refute the Crown Prince, but he dared not mention Jiang Zhen.

Because Jiang Zhen was executed by Emperor Chengping!

As for why Emperor Chengping wanted to kill Jiang Zhen, a great hero.

That’s old news, a long story.

Previously, why Emperor Chengping led Chongshan Town to its downfall, that’s all on Jiang Zhen.

Jiang Zhen was a hero, yet he was killed by Emperor Chengping, which is considered Emperor Chengping’s stain, so in court, mentioning Jiang Zhen became a taboo, an untouchable topic.

Zheng Shizeng eventually did not dare to mention Jiang Zhen, but instead said: “But Your Majesty, it has been thirty years since you last granted nobility!”

“That’s because no one’s military achievements warrant nobility!” the Crown Prince lightly chuckled: “You don’t think His Majesty is unclear in his rewards and punishments, right?”

That was his well-thought-out excuse.

Emperor Chengping simply did not want to grant nobility, but that couldn’t be said outright. Saying it outright would demotivate the soldiers too much.

“No, no, I dare not!” Zheng Shizeng hurriedly bowed and denied.

Suggesting His Majesty is unclear in rewards and punishments, isn’t that like looking for death in a latrine with a lantern?

“It’s good you don’t think so, I’ve decided to bestow upon Yang Zhenshan the title of Marquis Jing’an. Should imperial father blame me, I am willing to bear the responsibility alone, without implicating any of you lords!”

The Crown Prince was determined to make Yang Zhenshan a marquis and was unwilling to waste more words with the ministers.

The ministers exchanged looks upon hearing this.

With that said, what more could they argue?

They surely couldn’t say the Crown Prince won’t be able to bear it!

The expressions of Prince Gong and Prince Cheng were very ugly, though they were extremely reluctant, they eventually held back and did not stop him again.

Because they knew it was unstoppable.

The Crown Prince was determined to make Yang Zhenshan a marquis, and if neither the Cabinet nor the nobles opposed, they could not stop it either.

But why wouldn’t the Cabinet oppose it?

It’s understandable for nobles not to oppose, after all, Yang Zhenshan had always been close with the noble circle, and adding to that, the nobles wanted new forces to join to expand their influence in court, so they always supported the ennoblement, even more so.

As for the Cabinet.

Prince Gong and Prince Cheng both looked towards Li Siyuan.

However, Li Siyuan seemed as if he were asleep, maintaining the same posture from beginning to end, head bowed so that no one could see his face.

What tricks is this old fox playing?

When the early morning court ended, the matter regarding Yang Zhenshan’s ennoblement was decided.

Although there were still many in court who objected, under the Crown Prince’s ’firm insistence’, the preparations for Yang Zhenshan’s conferment as marquis began.

The ministers left Taiji Palace, as Prince Gong and Prince Cheng walked side by side out of the Imperial City.

It was unclear when exactly these two, once as incompatible as water and fire, had become quite close, whispering to each other as they walked, and no one found their behavior strange.

“We can’t delay any longer!” Prince Gong turned his head back, his eyes chillingly glancing at the majestic Fengtian Gate.

Prince Cheng, hands tucked into his sleeves, said in a deep voice, “Third brother, we only have one chance to choose!”

Prince Gong averted his gaze and walked along the street, “Fifth brother, we no longer have a choice! You don’t think we will have a chance to live after the Crown Prince ascends the throne, do you!”