Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 420: Chapter 405: Emperor Chengping Makes an Appearance_2

Because here, there was at least a dozen of Innate Martial Artists.

However, Yang Zhenshan wished to be inconspicuous, yet someone did not want him to keep a low profile.

”Is Marquis Jing’an present?”

A sudden aged voice came from above.

Yang Zhenshan shivered and quickly stepped out of the line, folded his fists and bowed deeply, saying: ”Your servant is here!”

Emperor Chengping leaned against the armrest of the dragon throne, his eyes, murky with age, looking down at Yang Zhenshan.

”Not bad, I was not wrong about you, you’ve done very well!”

”Wait, don’t leave after this, I still have questions for you!”

Emperor Chengping said approvingly.

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhenshan immediately sighed with relief.

Good, the old Emperor held no ill will towards him!

”Your servant will obey the order!”

In fact, Yang Zhenshan was not aware that Emperor Chengping had always had a good impression of him.

From the time Yang Zhenshan started as the Commander of the Tenglong Guard, Emperor Chengping had valued him highly.

And this time, having first quelled the rebellion of Prince Qing and then exterminated the Wuliang army at Guanshan Pass, with such military achievements, Emperor Chengping had no reason to dislike Yang Zhenshan.

Emperor Chengping always greatly valued capable and powerful ministers.

As for whether Yang Zhenshan would become arrogant with his own troops or become a threat to the court, Yang Zhenshan actually handled this very well. Even though he favored connections and bought people’s loyalty within the Tenglong Guard, his actions were always open and aboveboard.

Buying people’s loyalty or favoritism, even nurturing his own faction, these were things that could easily be taboos.

But Yang Zhenshan reported everything and consulted on everything, making Emperor Chengping feel very comfortable.

Also, Yang Zhenshan’s arrangements for Chongshan Town and the Tenglong Guard were made without any concealment, he aimed to be open and dignified.

Yang Zhenshan did so because he understood what Emperors hate the most.

Do Emperors hate corrupt officials?

No!

Emperors only hate those corrupt officials they can’t control.

Do Emperors hate generals that amass power?

No!

Emperors only hate those generals they can’t control.

Why did Emperor Chengping dread Prince Qing so much?

Was it just because Prince Qing was the heir of the former Crown Prince?

Of course not!

Emperor Chengping dreaded Prince Qing because Prince Qing operated in the shadows. Had Prince Qing been straightforward and honest, Emperor Chengping would not have minded him at all.

Therefore, when dealing with the Emperor, one must not engage in underhanded dealings, but should be open, upright, and sincere.

Of course, if you wish to rebel, that’s another story.

Yang Zhenshan had no thoughts of rebellion so he could be frank with Emperor Chengping, not minding at all that everything he did was in full view of Emperor Chengping.

And because of this, Emperor Chengping’s impression of him has always been very good.

Just now, Emperor Chengping’s calling out to Yang Zhenshan as Marquis Jing’an also meant that he acknowledged Yang Zhenshan’s title.

Yang Zhenshan returned to the lineup, and the surrounding ministers all looked at him.

Emperor Chengping’s acknowledgment meant that Yang Zhenshan could be the only military general to be ennobled as a Marquis during the more than thirty years of Da Rong’s history, and he might also be the only Marquis bestowed by Emperor Chengping during his reign.

This honor was enough to make many civil officials and military generals envious.

After Yang Zhenshan returned to the lineup, Emperor Chengping’s gaze finally fell on the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong.

However, he only glanced at the three princes before saying: ”All my ministers, you can withdraw now!”

”We shall comply with Your Majesty’s order!”

The ministers received the order and left the great hall.

At this point, the square outside of the hall had been cleared, the soldiers of the Brave Camp had all disappeared, apart from the kneeling Marquis Wuxin and others in front of the hall, only the soldiers of the Imperial Guard remained.

The ministers did not linger too much and dispersed, while Yang Zhenshan stood in front of Fengtian Hall, waiting for Emperor Chengping’s summons.

He stood next to Marquis Wuxin Cao Can and the others, observing Cao Can and the others.

”Alas, these fellows are done for!”

Yang Zhenshan thought to himself.

This show has come to an end, and although the outcomes for the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong are still uncertain, the ones involved in the attack on the palace are definitely in for no good.

How vicious is the struggle for imperial power?

To dare participate in it means being prepared to gamble with the lives of one’s entire family!

Yang Zhenshan looked at Marquis Wuxin with a bit of pity; this man was the true fool.

Look at the other dukes and marquises, each as crafty as monkeys, staying out of the fray from start to finish. Even if they did participate, they would not take to the field themselves but would have their descendants or subordinates be involved.

It seems only the foolish Marquis Wuxin participated without thinking, and even led troops into the Imperial City!

Damn, it’d be strange if the old Emperor could tolerate such idiots.

At this moment, Marquis Wuxin, Cao Can, also realized he was on the path to doom. Kneeling on the ground, large beads of sweat formed on his forehead, yet he didn’t dare to wipe them away.

His entire body lay prone, trembling like a sifter.

Yang Zhenshan had waited outside the hall for more than two hours, and it was only when the sun was high in the sky that the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong emerged from the hall.

All three had unpleasant expressions, but their mental states were not the same.

The Crown Prince was pale, staggering, appeared out of sorts, and his eyes brimmed with desolation.

Prince Gong had a sullen look, his eyes filled with unwillingness and a cold chill as he looked at Prince Cheng.

Prince Cheng had a serious expression, with his usual nonchalant air now gone without a trace, replaced by a solemnity.

As the three left the great hall, Prince Cheng stepped forward to see Yang Zhenshan and suddenly bowed to him.

”My apologies, Marquis Jing’an, for putting you in danger. I hope you can be magnanimous and forgive me!” Prince Cheng said with a sincere face.

Yang Zhenshan was startled and hastily returned the gesture, ”Your servant dares not claim such!”

Prince Cheng’s error must refer to the incident of Mountain River Tower offering a bounty for Yang Zhenshan.

Although it was Prince Gong who planned it all, it was Prince Cheng who instigated Prince Gong to do it.

Nevertheless, as a prince, even if guilty, it was not Yang Zhenshan’s place to judge.

”I will make amends at another time, and I ask Marquis Jing’an not to turn me away when I visit!” Prince Cheng’s demeanor was very deferential, as if he genuinely admitted his wrongs.

What could Yang Zhenshan say but, ”A visit from the prince would be my honor!”

”Putting on an act, so hypocritical, hmph!” Prince Gong suddenly interjected.

Prince Cheng chuckled and bowed again to Yang Zhenshan before stepping away.

As for the Crown Prince, he had not looked at Yang Zhenshan from the beginning to the end and left as if in a trance.

Prince Gong merely glanced at Yang Zhenshan.

However, as he was leaving, he was accosted by Cao Can.

Cao Can crawled to him, clutching at his legs and begging.

”Save me, Prince, save me!”

Prince Gong looked down at him, his eyes slightly closed, then pushed Cao Can away, ”I’m sorry, but I can’t save my own neck, let alone yours!”

Hearing this, Cao Can was plunged into complete despair.

Yang Zhenshan saw this scene and kept his head down and gaze low, continuing his role as a statue.

You pay the bet if you lose; there’s nothing to argue about.

Cao Can had sided with Prince Gong, and if Prince Gong had ascended to the throne, his future would have been bright.

Now that Prince Gong has failed, he naturally has to pay the price for his previous actions.

From the earlier situation, Yang Zhenshan guessed that the losers of this power struggle were probably the Crown Prince and Prince Gong, with Prince Cheng likely the winner.

Why the winner was Prince Cheng, though, was a mystery!

Yang Zhenshan was surprised by this result, but upon reflection, it seemed a reasonable outcome.

As Yang Zhenshan was reflecting, Chen, the eunuch, emerged from Fengtian Hall.

”Marquis, His Majesty summons you. Please follow me,” Chen said kindly.

Yang Zhenshan was taken aback, summoned his spirits, and said, ”I have the honor of meeting Chen!”

Although he had not met Chen before, he knew that Chen was the favorite and most trusted elder eunuch of Emperor Chengping.

”Hehehe, Marquis, please don’t be too formal with me. Please, follow me!” Chen said with a smile.