Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 478: Chapter 441: Yang Chengye’s Grand Wedding

As the month of May arrived.

The Marquis Mansion was aglow with lights and decorated brightly, filled with an air of festivity.

On the fifth day of May, Yang Chengye’s grand wedding took place. As the eldest grandson of the Marquis Mansion, his wedding was naturally the most important event.

And in late April, the Yu family’s carriages had already arrived at Chongshan Pass, making preparations for the upcoming grand wedding.

On the first day of May, Marquis Dongping, Yu Yuanzan, accompanied by his eldest son, Yu Mingzhou, and his eldest grandson, Yu Zicheng, arrived at Chongshan Pass.

After ascending the throne, Emperor Yanping crowned Mrs. Yu as the Empress in the following month and simultaneously granted Yu Yuanzan the title of Marquis Dongping, an annual stipend of three thousand stones, extending it over three generations, and appointed him as Grandee of Honour and Deputy Commander of the Front Army Commander’s Mansion.

This was truly a meteoric rise.

From an obscure household head, he leaped to becoming the Deputy Commander of the Front Army Commander’s Mansion and was titled Marquis Dongping.

Yang Zhenshan, who had been fighting on the battlefields for more than a decade, was only granted the title of Marquis Jing’an and the position of Deputy Commander of the Central Army Commander’s Mansion, whereas Yu Yuanzan, simply because he had a distinguished daughter, held the same marquis title and official post as Yang Zhenshan.

This thought made Yang Zhenshan feel slighted.

Of course, Yu Yuanzan and Yang Zhenshan were incomparable; Yu Yuanzan’s position was rather nominal, the court did not expect him to accomplish substantial deeds, whereas Yang Zhenshan wielded real power as the General of Chongshan Town.

At the South City Gate of Chongshan Pass.

Yang Zhenshan watched the slowly approaching procession, squinting his eyes.

The entourage seemed modest, with only twelve horse-drawn carriages, two of which were for transporting people, the rest were laden with goods.

However, the guard consisted of over three hundred elite soldiers.

It seemed contradictory; two very ordinary carriages hardly matched the status of Marquis Dongping’s mansion, yet the three hundred elite soldiers fully restored that status.

Given the Yu family’s background, a modest entourage was quite normal, as they were merely a household head family before being granted the title of Marquis Dongping just over half a year ago.

Apart from the gifts from Emperor Yanping and the Empress, the Yu family had hardly any significant resources.

As for the guard, it was probably specially arranged by the Empress.

As the procession neared, Yang Zhenshan instantly spotted Yu Yuanzan, his hair full of grey, dressed modestly.

”Brother Yu!” Yang Zhenshan hurried forward, bowing with clasped hands in greeting.

Yu Yuanzan, though in his sixties, was quite agile and spry as he jumped down from his horse.

”Marquis Yang!” Yu Yuanzan returned the greeting with clasped hands.

Yang Zhenshan laughed heartily, ”Brother Yu, you are being too formal with me. We are going to be family soon; you mustn’t be a stranger!”

Yu Yuanzan, looking at the vigorous, robust figure of Yang Zhenshan with dark hair and a ruddy complexion, his aged face cracked a smile, ”Brother Yang is right, we indeed are going to be family soon!”

The Yu family was more than willing for this marriage alliance with the Yang family.

Before understanding the Yang family, Yu Yuanzan was actually opposed to his granddaughter marrying into a noble family, as entering a noble family was as deep and unpredictable as the sea; he knew his granddaughter well.

His granddaughter was not a gentle maiden; she had grown up wild in the countryside, never having learned proper decorum, and marrying her into a noble house with strict protocols might be detrimental to her.

But after getting to know the Yang family, he felt that they were a suitable match.

Both the Yang family and the Yu family came from humble beginnings. In fact, the Yang family’s background was even more modest than the Yu family’s; the former were mere farmers, while the latter were at least household heads.

Both coming from humble origins and having been ennobled, the two families had much in common.

However, Yu Yuanzan felt somewhat guilty before Yang Zhenshan. Yang Zhenshan had earned his title of Marquis Jing’an through genuine military achievements, while he had his title merely from his daughter’s connections.

As a military officer and a martial artist, facing a battle-hardened warrior like Yang Zhenshan, he did feel somewhat ashamed.

”Brother Yu, please!” Yang Zhenshan laughed heartily and escorted Yu Yuanzan into the city.

Yang Zhenshan was genuinely pleased with Yu Yuanzan’s arrival and had specially prepared a banquet to welcome and refresh him.

At the banquet, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Yuanzan discussed many matters of state and family.

From the conversation, Yang Zhenshan came to understand the character of this Marquis Dongping.

How to describe him?

Very unpretentious!

And very principled.

He showed neither the arrogance of a nouveau riche nor the intention to oppress others. Instead, he was somewhat restrained in front of Yang Zhenshan.

The Yu family’s upbringing was not bad either. Although it seemed a bit undisciplined, it was actually a display of genuineness.

Like Yu Mingzhou, his temperament was quite like that of Yang Mingcheng, simple to the point of causing headaches.

But Yu Zicheng’s personality was more straightforward and not as naïve as his father’s.

Understanding the temperament of the Yu family members, Yang Zhenshan was even more pleased with this marital union.

At the banquet, Yang Mingcheng and Yu Mingzhou, as future in-laws, found they had much in common, quickly becoming sworn brothers and even competing in drinking.

”Brother Yu, this is Hundred Herbs Brew, top-quality Hundred Herbs Brew. Even my dad is reluctant to bring it out normally, but today you’re in luck. Come on, have a few more drinks!”

Yang Mingcheng held the wine jar and filled cup after cup for Yu Mingzhou.

Then, Yu Mingzhou got drunk and crawled under the table.

Yang Mingcheng was dumbfounded.

He looked up at Yang Zhenshan, who glared fiercely at him.

”You fool!”

”Well, I didn’t expect Brother Yu to have such a low tolerance for alcohol!” said Yang Mingcheng naively.

Yang Zhenshan really wanted to strangle this fool.

Although the alcohol content of Hundred Herbs Brew was not high, this top-quality brew was carefully crafted by him, incorporating many special herbs, and was particularly intoxicating.

Yu Mingzhou’s cultivation was not strong; he could at most drink about one kilogram of this top-quality Hundred Herbs Brew.

As for Yang Mingcheng, well, he could drink it like water.

The competition in drinking was clearly Yang Mingcheng taking advantage of the situation.

”Brother Yu, my son lacks manners, please don’t take offense!” What else could Yang Zhenshan say? He could only apologize to Yu Yuanzan.

Yu Yuanzan smiled, ”Brother Yang has raised his sons well, Yu is truly envious!”

Compared to the Yang brothers, his son was definitely lacking a lot.

Although Yang Mingcheng seemed a bit simple, he had high cultivation.

Not to mention, there was the composed Yang Minghao sitting beside him.

Yang Minghao used to be a bit unruly, always without proper form, but now he is a father of three and a military officer. His disposition has become much more steady, and he naturally exudes an aura of authority that demands attention.

Just based on appearance, Yang Minghao’s aura of authority was even more significant than Yang Mingzhi’s. This was because Yang Minghao was stockier, carrying an innate martial vigor. Whereas Yang Mingzhi appeared slightly frail, and although his cultivation was higher than Yang Minghao’s, he lacked the same commanding presence.

Among the three Yang brothers, Yang Minghao and Yang Zhenshan were the most alike.

Whether it was in physique and appearance, or that martial aura, Yang Minghao resembled Yang Zhenshan tremendously.

This was actually Yang Minghao deliberately imitating Yang Zhenshan.

A strong father naturally becomes a role model for his children.

The simple Yang Mingcheng definitely couldn’t emulate him, and Yang Mingzhi, having inherited his mother’s looks and figure, the only one similar to Yang Zhenshan and always by his side was Yang Minghao. Even without trying, he would subconsciously learn from Yang Zhenshan.

Yu Yuanzan was vastly envious of both Yang Mingcheng and Yang Minghao.

The Yu family had shallow roots and his own achievements were limited, which meant that his descendants also lacked significant accomplishments.

Compared to the Yang family, the Yu family fell far short.

”Uncle, let me help Brother Yu rest a bit!” Yang Minghao stood up and said.

”Then I’ll trouble Sanlang!” Yu Yuanzan responded: ”Zicheng, go take care of your father!”

”Yes!” Yu Zicheng quickly replied.

After the banquet, the Yu family didn’t stay at the Marquis Mansion but in a house they had bought within the city themselves.

Yang Zhenshan personally escorted Yu Yuanzan back to the Yu family’s house.

In the following days, the Yang family members were busy with Yang Chengye’s wedding, even Yang Zhenshan had to put aside his official duties to focus on the wedding preparations.

Fortunately, the Yang family had held many celebrations over the years, including Yang Yunxue and Wang Yunqiao’s weddings, and the welcoming of Lin Zhan. The servants were experienced with arranging such events, familiar with all the regulations and etiquette.

Moreover, with Yu Qingyi and Ms. Wang managing, the real tasks needing Yang Zhenshan’s involvement were minimal, mainly entertaining Yu Yuanzan.

Both being grandfathers, Yang Zhenshan had to personally attend to Yu Yuanzan.

Soon it was May 5th.

Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi got up early, had breakfast, and then went to the front hall with Yang Chengye, dressed in his wedding robes.

His grandson was getting married, perhaps next year he might even welcome a great-grandson.

Suddenly, Yang Zhenshan felt old!

Previously it was a household full of children and grandchildren, now it seemed it would soon be one of great-grandchildren!

Thinking about a bunch of little kids calling him great-grandfather, Yang Zhenshan felt somewhat uneasy.

By his age, he was only fifty-two years old.

If he considered his age from his previous life, he was actually only forty-two.

A forty-year-old man in his prime, just that my generation seems a bit high.

Seeing Yang Mingcheng and Ms. Wang still giving incessant instructions to Yang Chengye, Yang Zhenshan couldn’t help but interrupt: ”Alright, it’s time to leave, don’t miss the auspicious hour!”

”Grandpa, Grandma, I’ll be going now!” Yang Chengye said.

”Alright, go!” Yang Zhenshan nodded.

Yang Chengye then left the Marquis Mansion amidst a flurry of activity, escorted by a group of servants, riding towards the Yu family’s house.

Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi sat in the main hall waiting for Yang Chengye to bring his bride home.

Ms. Wang was restless, frequently running out to look towards the door.

”Oh, why aren’t they here yet!”

”Big sister, don’t worry, it’s not time yet!” Mrs. Li said with a smile.

Liang Family also chuckled: ”Big sister is becoming a mother-in-law for the first time, she’s inexperienced!”

”Do you have experience?” Ms. Wang glared at her.

Liang Family giggled: ”I don’t either, but I’ve been learning from my mother, by the time Chengyou grows up, I’ll know!”

”Yes, we should all learn well from our mother!” Mrs. Li added, while also flattering Yu Qingyi: ”Mother, you agree, right!”

”What’s there to agree, you’re all nearly mother-in-laws, can’t you be a bit more composed!” Yu Qingyi scolded without holding back.

However, Mrs. Li and Liang Family weren’t scared of her scolding. They were close as in-laws, usually without too many formalities, always joking and laughing.

And Yu Qingyi wasn’t truly scolding them, just playing the part of a mother-in-law.

Mrs. Li and Liang Family discussed how to be a good mother-in-law.

Ms. Wang occasionally interjected a few words, occasionally looking anxiously out the door.

Meanwhile, Yang Zhenshan simply ignored their chatter, just sitting in the principal seat, leisurely drinking tea.

This might be his most leisurely moments these days, and likely the last day he could steal some peace for a long while.

Today, Yang Zhenshan put aside all those vexatious matters, simply being a grandfather waiting for his grandson and granddaughter-in-law to perform the wedding ceremony.

An hour and half after the procession left, they returned in a heralded commotion.

The bride’s dowry wasn’t extensive, only sixty-four carriers of gifts, most of them ordinary items, but among them were also many valuable jewels, lands, and four shops.

The lands were in counties around the Capital City, while the shops were within Capital City itself.

Apparently, this was what the Empress Dowager had prepared for the bride.

With the Empress Dowager’s support, the Yu family’s dowry didn’t seem shabby.

The wedding went smoothly, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi sat at the main seats, with Yang Mingcheng and Ms. Wang by their sides, witnessing the event.