Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 417: Chapter 403: The Grand Ceremony of Bestowment of Nobility

Yang Zhenshan gathered his sleeves, yet spoke with a face full of disdain: ”This outfit looks good, but it’s too troublesome to wear! It’s fine to wear it occasionally, but if I were to wear it daily, I wouldn’t have time for anything else!”

Formal attire is indeed cumbersome to put on, requiring someone’s help as one cannot manage alone.

”Dad, what are you thinking? Even if you wanted to wear it every day, you couldn’t. Court attire is only worn during the Great Sacrifice ceremonies!” said Yang Yunxue, laughing naively.

”That’s true!” Yang Zhenshan nodded slightly. If he had to wear it every day, wouldn’t it be extremely bothersome?

He found it troublesome, and certainly, other officials would feel the same.

Everyone simply doesn’t have that much free time to fuss over such attire every day.

”By the way, you all shouldn’t go out tomorrow. Just stay home and behave!” Yang Zhenshan said.

”Dad, what’s the matter?” Yang Yunxue asked, confused.

Liang Jinyan looked solemnly at Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan shook his head and said to Liang Jinyan: ”It’s nothing; just stay at home, and don’t worry about other things.”

Although Yang Yunxue is clever and witty, she is, after all, a woman. It’s not that Yang Zhenshan looks down on women, but women are generally confined to household matters and are not well-informed about court affairs.

In contrast, although Liang Jinyan is just a deputy commander in the Military Department, he was born in the Duke Ning Mansion and is very sensitive to court politics. So, when Yang Zhenshan mentioned it, he could guess a bit.

”My son-in-law understands. My wife and I will stay in the mansion!” said Liang Jinyan.

Yang Zhenshan then looked at Yang Yunxue and comforted her: ”Don’t worry, your father is Marquis Jing’an, renowned for bravery in battles; there will be no danger!”

Jing’an is his title, originating from Jing’an Prefecture.

Simply put, his domain is in Jing’an Prefecture, although in Da Rong nobility do not hold actual land but are granted fields and salaries.

The title of Marquis Jing’an has been settled, but Yang Zhenshan is still unclear about its rank.

Nobility in Da Rong is divided into three ranks and nine levels, namely first-rank State Duke, second-rank State Duke, third-rank State Duke, first-class Marquis... to third-class Earl; currently, Yang Zhenshan is unaware of his specific rank, only knowing he is Marquis Jing’an.

As for whether it is hereditary, that’s even more uncertain.

Hereditary titles differ vastly; a life-long title hardly counts as noble, only hereditary and ”non-replaceable hereditary” titles truly count as noble.

Usually, a life-long title is only used posthumously. Yang Zhenshan suspects that his title, Marquis Jing’an, is likely hereditary.

As for the non-replaceable hereditary status, that’s out of the question. Getting a hereditary marquis title is lucky enough, let alone a non-replaceable hereditary title.

”Dad, could there be some trouble during the conferment ceremony?” Yang Yunxue is not foolish; although unaware of the situations at court, seeing Yang Zhenshan speak thus, she also had some guesses.

Yang Zhenshan shook his head slightly, ”That’s not for you to worry about. With your father here, just focus on taking care of yourself at home!”

Yang Yunxue is currently pregnant, and Yang Zhenshan did not want her to worry too much.

If he didn’t fear that she might go out to watch the conferment ceremony tomorrow, he wouldn’t have mentioned this.

”My dear!” Liang Jinyan gently reminded.

Yang Yunxue hesitated for a moment, then nodded, ”Yes, dad, rest assured, your daughter will wait for you at home!”

She also knows she can’t help much, and staying in the mansion, not causing Yang Zhenshan any trouble, is the right thing to do.

...

The night passed without words.

Early the next morning, Yang Zhenshan arrived early at Fengtian Gate, waiting under the organization of the Ministry of Rites.

After the morning court was over, officiants from the hundred offices took their places before Fengtian Gate.

After three powerful beats of the imperial drum, the venue fell silent, and the ceremonial officer announced the start of the conferment ceremony.

Civil and military officials, under the guidance of the Guide Officers, came to the plaza before the Fengtian Gate, each taking their places.

The music started, and the eight Guide Officers led Yang Zhenshan from the east gate of Fengtian Gate to stand below the auspicious wall of Fengtian Hall. When the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong arrived at Fengtian Hall, the music stopped.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites, holding the imperial decree, ascended the western steps of the auspicious wall and also stood before the altar to await their turn.

The imperial decree is what the Emperor uses to grant titles to princely states, nobles, royalty, consorts, and meritorious officials, declaring the bestowed titles.

The decree is the proof of nobility; only with the decree can one be legitimately considered a marquis.

Empresses, imperial consorts, and princes all use gold decrees, whereas commandery princes and princess consorts use silver decorated with gold, and dukes and lower-ranked nobility use paper.

Ministry of Rites officials took their places before the podium and chanted in sequence while Yang Zhenshan advanced three bows and nine prostrations.

Then music played again; the official in charge of conferring the title knelt to receive the imperial command inside Fengtian Hall, then exited through the hall’s middle door. Standing between the inner and outer areas, he declared, ”By imperial command!”

The chant observer then sang, ”Kneel!”

Yang Zhenshan knelt again, followed by the Ministry of Rites officials starting to declare the lengthy decree, their recitations making the ceremony particularly solemn and resonant.

Yet, Yang Zhenshan was kneeling before the hall’s door muttering under his breath.

Damn it, how long do I have to kneel?

This is the first time in my life I’ve knelt for so long.

And he wasn’t even kneeling before the Crown Prince or others, but before the empty imperial seat.

The old Emperor is no longer here, and although the enfeoffment ceremony was presided over by the Crown Prince and organized by him, the Crown Prince actually has no authority to confer titles.

The Crown Prince was merely using the name of Emperor Chengping to confer titles.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the conferment ceremony goes against the rituals and laws. The Cabinet and Ministry of Rites have consented, and with the full court of civil and military officials witnessing, even in the absence of the old Emperor, this conferment ceremony is still legitimate and proper.

The lengthy ceremony continued for more than two hours before Yang Zhenshan received the imperial decree, signaling the near end of the ceremony.

Finally, Yang Zhenshan held the jade imperial booklet, kowtowed three times and nine times to express his gratitude.

As he expected, his title as Marquis Jing’an was a hereditary third-rank marquis.

The title of a hereditary third-rank marquis meant that Yang Mingcheng would only be a first-rank count upon inheriting the title.

Although the title of a third-rank marquis is somewhat low, Yang Zhenshan didn’t have the qualifications to disdain it.

He became a marquis by a combination of circumstances and coincidences.

If not for Emperor Chengping’s illness, if not for the struggle between the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong, if not for the rebellion led by Prince Qing and the invasion by the Wuliang Hu Clan, and if not for the changes in the court’s situation, he would not have had the chance to be ennobled.

”Marquis, you may rise now!” A deacon from the Ministry of Rites came by Yang Zhenshan’s side to remind him.

Yang Zhenshan took a long breath, finally able to stand up.

He stood up and looked around, the expressions of the civil and military officials varied, some showing goodwill, some filled with envy, and of course, some filled with jealousy and animosity.

There were not a few jealous people, but not many who showed animosity.

Among the nobles, an elderly man with white hair looked at Yang Zhenshan as if his eyes were poisoned.

No need to think, Yang Zhenshan knew who this person was.

Marquis Jingyuan, Su Qian!

Aside from him, who else would hate Yang Zhenshan so much!

Yang Zhenshan glanced at Marquis Jingyuan, his expression remained calm as he looked upwards at the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong.

This was his first time seeing the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and Prince Gong together!

All three were extraordinary, handsome, and dignified in appearance.

However, their expressions varied.

The Crown Prince looked at Yang Zhenshan with praise, as if Yang Zhenshan was someone he favored and supported.

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.

In the struggle of the court, personal grievances really don’t matter. What is important is your usefulness, whether you can be used; as for your opinions, sorry, they are not considered.