Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 481: Chapter 444 Marquis Jing’an is Loayl to the Late Emperor!

Yang Zhenshan could not fathom Emperor Yanping’s attitude, and in fact, Emperor Yanping was also uncertain about Yang Zhenshan.

In the Imperial City, within the Imperial Study Room.

Emperor Yanping was flipping through the memorials to the throne that Yang Zhenshan had presented over the years, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He took the memorials from Ning Dongsheng seriously; after all, Yang Zhenshan was no longer a petty officer. Yang Zhenshan was the General of Chongshan Town, commanding a hundred thousand troops and possessing a large number of loyal followers in both Chongshan Town and the Tenglong Guard.

If Yang Zhenshan were to leverage his army for personal gain or harbor sinister intentions, it would definitely be a major problem for the court.

Yang Zhenshan’s sudden large-scale purchase of grain this year added to his wariness.

So after reading Ning Dongsheng’s memorial, Emperor Yanping had been contemplating Yang Zhenshan for the past few days.

For this reason, he had even dug out all the memorials Yang Zhenshan had previously submitted.

However, after reading Yang Zhenshan’s memorials, he was greatly surprised.

He discovered many matters that matched up with Ning Dongsheng’s accusations.

Such as the Tenglong Guard establishing salt fields, constructing a Navy, and launching maritime trade.

These matters were all truthfully reported by Yang Zhenshan to Emperor Chengping, and he had received Emperor Chengping’s approval.

”It’s said that the Tenglong Guard are second to none; I was somewhat skeptical before, but now it seems these words are not false!” Emperor Yanping closed the final memorial, expressing his sentiment.

Although Yang Zhenshan had a strong record of victory, especially when quelling the rebellion in Chongshan Town, where he could claim hundreds of victories, Emperor Yanping never had a clear concept of the Tenglong Guard’s strength, merely thinking that Yang Zhenshan had divine command over his troops.

But now after reading Yang Zhenshan’s memorials, he had a new appreciation for the strength of the Tenglong Guard.

More precisely, a new understanding of the Tenglong Guard’s level of prosperity.

After all, financial and grain resources are the foundation of an army’s strength.

With several million silver pieces, forging ten thousand elite soldiers would not be difficult.

”No wonder my father esteemed Yang Zhenshan so highly; not only does this man command like a deity, but he also has unique insights into military governance!” Emperor Yanping remarked.

”But why is he purchasing grain on such a large scale?”

Emperor Yanping was puzzled.

Just then, the newly appointed head eunuch of the Ritual Supervision, Nansheng, entered the Imperial Study Room and reported, ”Your Majesty, Wang Zhongzhi and Lv Hua are waiting outside!”

After Emperor Chengping’s passing, the former head eunuch of the Ritual Supervision, Chen Zhongshu, had gone to stand guard at Emperor Chengping’s mausoleum, and Nansheng, previously serving Emperor Yanping, now assumed the position of head eunuch of the Ritual Supervision.

Wang Zhongzhi, on the other hand, was the Imperial Commissioner, essentially the Secret Martial Guard Commander, which made him the direct superior of Lv Hua.

”Eunuch Wang Zhongzhi (and Lv Hua) pays respect to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live forever!”

As Wang Zhongzhi and Lv Hua entered the study, they immediately knelt and greeted the emperor.

Upon his ascension, Emperor Yanping had swiftly taken control of the Secret Martial Guards, but currently, he still relied on Wang Zhongzhi for command over them.

”Hmm! Rise, there’s no need for formality,” Emperor Yanping said nonchalantly.

The two stood up, reverently positioning themselves in front of Emperor Yanping.

Emperor Yanping glanced at Wang Zhongzhi, then turned to look at Lv Hua, asking, ”How familiar are you with Marquis Jing’an?”

Lv Hua quickly thought and said, ”I have interacted with Marquis Jing’an on several occasions. He is resourceful, valiant in battle, truly a rare talent among generals, and also adept at military governance, wealth generation, and troop training.”

Lv Hua was unclear about why Emperor Yanping asked about Yang Zhenshan, but he still presented his understanding faithfully.

Emperor Yanping nodded but then suddenly asked, ”Do you think Marquis Jing’an harbors any ulterior motives?”

Lv Hua’s face showed shock, utterly incredulous, not having expected such a question from Emperor Yanping.

”What’s the matter? Surprised?” Emperor Yanping asked, frowning.

Lv Hua quickly lowered his head, responding, ”This servant does not believe Marquis Jing’an harbors any ulterior motives.”

”Why is that?”

”Marquis Jing’an was fiercely loyal to the former Emperor!”

Now Emperor Yanping was the one taken aback.

That was a curious reason and completely unexpected by Emperor Yanping.

It almost seemed treasonous!

What does this mean?

If he was fiercely loyal to my father, does that mean he is not loyal to me?

But upon further thought, Emperor Yanping felt that Lv Hua’s reason still held water.

Loyal to the former Emperor, this implied that Yang Zhenshan previously had no ulterior motives.

With the former Emperor having passed away just a year ago, and he himself, the new Emperor, having not suppressed Yang Zhenshan, there would be no reason for Yang Zhenshan to be disloyal to him.

Moreover, even if Yang Zhenshan had changed sides, it shouldn’t have happened so swiftly.

”Then why is he purchasing grain on such a large scale?” Emperor Yanping asked, still anxious.

A surprised expression flickered again across Lv Hua’s face, but this time it was brief.

He glanced at Wang Zhongzhi first, then at Nansheng.

Wang Zhongzhi had a calm demeanor, showing no reaction.

Nansheng was looking down, seemingly also neutral, but his hand was clutching a memorial.

Lv Hua knew in his heart, ”Your servant does not know.”

”You don’t know? Has the Secret Martial Guards not planted anyone close to Marquis Jing’an?” Emperor Yanping asked, his brows furrowing.

Lv Hua would never have failed to plant his informants around Yang Zhenshan!

Although his impression of Yang Zhenshan was favorable, and he had dealt with him extensively, he was not at all lenient with Yang Zhenshan. The people he planted for surveillance were all in place, and the monitored areas were always under watch.

Lv Hua was also crystal clear on the reasons why Yang Zhenshan was making large-scale grain purchases, and he had even reported the matter to the Emperor.

However, the problem was that Emperor Yanping had not seen his memorial!

Where did his memorial go?

Who had hidden it?

And for what purpose?

Lv Hua’s mind was racing, but his expression remained calm as he said: ”Yes, but Marquis Jing’an did not explain the reason for the grain procurement to the public, and even the officials of the General Mansion are unaware of the specific reasons!”

Emperor Yanping looked at Lv Hua, seemingly quite unsatisfied with his explanation.

However, in the end, he did not inquire further into Lv Hua’s neglect of duty, but simply said: ”Then go and investigate thoroughly. I will give you half a month.”

”Your servant obeys!” replied Lv Hua.

...

A moment later, Wang Zhongzhi and Lv Hua walked out from the Imperial Study Room.

Initially, neither of them spoke. It wasn’t until they were far away from Taiji Palace that Wang Zhongzhi suddenly said: ”If I remember correctly, you had submitted a memorial about Marquis Jing’an’s grain purchasing, right?”

The Secret Martial Guards are divided into four divisions, corresponding to the East, South, West, and North. Each division has a governor, two commanders, four deputy commanders, and numerous officers of households and Hundred Households.

Above the four divisions, there is the garrison commander, responsible for managing martial law and supervising the four divisions.

Moreover, the Secret Martial Guards also have the Imperial Guard Department, which are the Hidden Guards of the Imperial City. Within the Hidden Guard, there lies the Blood Blade, the most mysterious existence amongst the Secret Martial Guards, even Lv Hua, the Northern Station’s governor, knew very little about them.

As the Secret Martial Guard Commander, Wang Zhongzhi had the authority to view the memorials submitted by Lv Hua.

”Correct!” Lv Hua looked toward Wang Zhongzhi.

Wang Zhongzhi frowned, then turned and glanced back at Taiji Palace.

”What does Nansheng want to do?”

Lv Hua’s thoughts sank slightly.

The Secret Martial Guards’ memorials do not require the examination and transcription by the Ritual Supervision. Indeed, the Ritual Supervision is not allowed to view them.

Only three people have access to his memorial; one is Emperor Yanping, another is Wang Zhongzhi, and the last is Nansheng.

The reason why Nansheng could review the memorial was not because he was the seal holder of the Ritual Supervision, but because he also held the imperial edict as an envoy of the Secret Martial Guards.

It was clear that his memorial must have been intercepted by Nansheng.

”He is deceiving His Majesty!” Lv Hua said gravely.

Wang Zhongzhi shook his head slightly, ”It’s not that simple!”

Nansheng was the eunuch that Emperor Yanping trusted the most, and Yang Zhenshan had no interactions with Nansheng; there was no reason for Nansheng to deceive Emperor Yanping.

”Then~” Lv Hua stopped himself before he finished.

He wanted to suggest keeping an eye on Nansheng, but such a statement was not his place to make.

Keeping an eye on Nansheng could only be done by the Hidden Guard of the Imperial Guard Department, clearly not his matter to interfere with.

Wang Zhongzhi pondered for a moment but did not provide much of an explanation, only saying: ”In a few days, submit your previous memorial again.”

Lv Hua nodded and did not say more.

Thus, both of them left the Imperial City, fraught with worries.

...

A few days later, Yang Zhenshan received an inquiry from the Capital City.

An inquiry was an opportunity given by the court to an impeached official to defend themselves.

Following an impeachment of a court official, there were generally three outcomes. First, the Emperor could dismiss you without a second word. Regardless of whether the impeachment content was true, if the Emperor disliked you, you were guilty.

Second, the Emperor might order an investigation into the truth of the impeachment, which could be assigned to the Secret Martial Guards or to the Ministry of Criminal Justice and the Ministry of Justice.

Third, the impeached official would first be given a chance to defend themselves.

The third outcome was arguably the best; it indicated that the Emperor was not against you, nor did he wish to destroy you, but was willing to give you a chance.

In the study of General Mansion, Yang Zhenshan was looking at the copied memorial sent from the Capital City.

Since Emperor Yanping was willing to give him an opportunity, Yang Zhenshan naturally wanted to defend himself.

However, he was somewhat hesitant about whether to disclose the drought in Liaodong.

By now, speaking out should not be taken as cursing the new Emperor for lack of virtue, right?

The drought situation in Liaodong was already manifesting, it was a fact, not a curse.

Thinking it over, Yang Zhenshan felt it would be better to be forthright so as to allow Emperor Yanping to prepare in advance, rather than to be caught off guard when the drought in Liaodong fully erupted.

Consequently, he wrote at length about his actions over the years, essentially saying that everything had been permitted by Emperor Chengping, and that all he had done was for the good of Da Rong and Your Majesty, with not a hint of self-interest.

Of course, in his defense, he naturally praised his own efforts.

Ultimately, he clarified his prediction of the Liaodong drought situation and detailed his plan to relocate the refugees to the Northern territories.

By now, there was no need for secrecy.

Moreover, Yang Zhenshan felt that everything he did was for the people of Liaodong and for Da Rong, truly without a trace of self-interest.

If Emperor Yanping were to punish him for this, he would indeed feel disheartened!

After sending off his self-defense to the Capital City, Yang Zhenshan put the matter out of his mind.

There were still many pressing issues awaiting him in Chongshan Town, and he had no energy to waste on such inexplicable matters.