Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 549: Chapter 483: Compared to Father Emperor, I indeed still fall short by a lot!_2

After all, Yang Zhenshan was once highly regarded by Emperor Chengping.

Then, with a change of tone, Emperor Yanping continued, ”My ministers, you have worked hard. You may return and rest for now. As for the events of today, once the Secret Martial Guards have conducted a thorough investigation, all details will be conveyed to you. At that time, I will need your earnest efforts once again!”

”We understand!” the crowd replied.

Clearly, everyone knew that the matter was far from over. Despite having apprehended many today, from the Imperial Guard Department to the Secret Martial Guards, on to the Twelve Guards of the personal army and the Twelve Camps of the imperial guard, and even capturing an Innate Martial Artist, the fact that so many were arrested only further demonstrated the power of the hidden force behind this.

The existence of such a formidable force within the boundaries of Da Rong meant that Emperor Yanping would not rest until it was eradicated. Until then, the emperor would likely find peace elusive.

The crowd took their leave, and Yang Zhenshan casually exchanged a few words with Duan Rui and Zhou Mao before returning to his mansion.

Speaking of Duan Rui, this Duke Rong was a formidable figure. Forty years ago, when Duan Rui succeeded to the title of Duke, the Duke Rong Mansion could be said to have been at the nadir of its decline.

Duan Rui was a playboy ineffectual in both scholarship and martial arts; at that time many thought that the Duke Rong Mansion would completely fade away.

However, against all expectations, the Duke Rong Mansion revived under the leadership of Duan Rui.

Though Duan Rui was neither a scholar nor a martial artist, his two sons were both exceptionally talented individuals.

His eldest son Duan Qifeng had been in charge of Beiyuan Town for twenty years, commanding an army of two hundred thousand soldiers.

His second son Duan Qijiang, while without official position, was a Half-step Innate Martial Artist, whose talent and cultivation hardly fell short of Lu Baishu.

If Lu Baishu was considered the most likely among the current nobles to break through to the Innate Realm, then Duan Qijiang could be ranked second.

With the existence of these two sons, Duan Rui’s status in the court had been steadily climbing over the years.

Ever since Zhou Mao retired to live quietly at home, the Duke Rong Mansion has almost replaced Duke Ning’s position among the nobility circle, becoming almost the spokesperson of the nobility group.

Duan Rui, shrewd with age, now refrains from showing himself in the court, much like Zhou Mao, unless summoned by Emperor Yanping.

Duke Rong Mansion also acted with great discretion. Even though everyone regarded the Duke Rong Mansion as being very dominant, there would still be people who overlooked its presence.

For nobles, sometimes it’s best not to appear too active, especially for those wielding military power, who must be even more discreet.

Too much flamboyance would make you a target from all sides, and even the Emperor would start to view you with displeasure.

This was also the reason Zhou Mao willingly chose retirement, and likewise, why Duan Rui disliked being in the limelight.

They were both hereditary Dukes immune to replacement, and as long as they did not make significant mistakes, they would be spared from disaster. Even if there’s a decline for a generation or two, as long as they raise an outstanding descendant, they could rise at any time.

Hence, to them, what mattered most wasn’t momentary glory but rather enduring for generations.

Having chatted briefly, Yang Zhenshan found the old man’s temperament to be quite similar to Zhou Mao; the two old fellows seemed to have found kindred spirits in each other.

Returning to the Marquis Mansion, Yang Zhenshan first visited to check on his injured guards, then distributed reward silver to them.

The guards had performed admirably this time. Although they were overshadowed by Yang Zhenshan, this did not mean they performed poorly.

On the contrary, in the battle at Chunzai Hall, they showcased all the hallmarks of elite soldiers.

With strict discipline, coordinated teamwork, and unwavering bravery, what mattered most was their formidable strength.

Even Postnatal Ninth Layer martial artists became akin to trapped beasts in their presence, proving their might.

Had it been any other troop, even the Emperor’s personal army or the imperial guard, they would have to overwhelm a Postnatal Ninth Layer martial artist with sheer numbers.

In contrast, it only took seven or eight of Yang Zhenshan’s guards to hold off a Postnatal Ninth Layer martial artist, a testament to a strength that could easily crush that of the Emperor’s personal army and the imperial guard.

Their only drawback might be their small numbers; they only totaled three hundred strong at most.

However, Yang Zhenshan could not feasibly maintain too many guards; three hundred was already the maximum limit for his Marquis Mansion.

Any more would attract criticism.

...

The following morning.

Early on, Yang Zhenshan had prepared wine and dishes in his mansion, and come the hour of Si, An Yuxing and Lu Baishu successively arrived at the Marquis Mansion as guests.

An Yuxing still had that unkempt look about him, but the old man knew the principle of reciprocation and actually brought a Treasure Medicine for Yang Zhenshan.

”Don’t say that this old man is taking advantage of you, this Drunken Immortal Herb is for the wine money!” An Yuxing directly tossed a wooden box to Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan opened it to take a look, and inside was actually a fresh Drunken Immortal Herb.

The Drunken Immortal Herb, true to its name, makes one feel dizzy and confused like being drunk after consumption, but once sobered, one’s spirits are greatly lifted, and one appears radiant and vigorous.

The best use of the Drunken Immortal Herb is brewing wine. Wine brewed with the Drunken Immortal Herb has the miraculous effect of enhancing mental strength.

Drinking it over a long period can even help improve one’s comprehension.

What’s most important is that, unlike other Treasure Medicines, which need decades to grow, it is an annual herb that can sprout, grow, flower, fruit, and wither within a year.

However, the Drunken Immortal Herb has extremely demanding requirements for its growing environment and simply cannot be cultivated on a large scale.

But what if it were placed inside the Spiritual Spring Space?

This Drunken Immortal Herb was fresh and had yet to flower; transplanting it now into the Spiritual Spring Space would surely allow it to survive.

Once it flowers and bears fruit this year, wouldn’t Yang Zhenshan have a large supply of Drunken Immortal Herbs to use next year?

Looking at the Drunken Immortal Herb in his hand, Yang Zhenshan could hardly conceal the excitement on his face.

”Senior, this gift truly fills this junior with immense joy!”

”If you like it, that’s good enough for me!” Seeing him so happy, An Yuxing also felt much better.

Before they could continue, Lu Baishu also arrived, and he did not come empty-handed, bringing quite a few gifts, but his gifts were more common items.

It is basic etiquette to bring some gifts when making an initial visit, but one wouldn’t bring particularly valuable items.

An Yuxing was different from ordinary people; asking him to find some common gifts would probably feel troublesome to him. Although the Drunken Immortal Herb was a Treasure Medicine, it wasn’t considered precious in his hands, as he had planted a whole yard of them in Sanshan Valley.

The only thing he could give away was this Drunken Immortal Herb.

With both guests present, Yang Zhenshan first found an excuse to plant the Drunken Immortal Herb in the Spiritual Spring Space, and then called the two to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion.

The Hundred Herbs Pavilion was an annex hall in the front courtyard of Marquis Mansion, which could be used as a tea room or as a hall for entertaining guests.

”Wu Hai, serve the dishes and wine!” Yang Zhenshan gestured grandly and said.

”Yes!” Wu Hai responded, then began serving dishes and wine with the servants.

”Senior, Marquis Lu, today we not only have fine wine but also great dishes. Just look at this, a lamb from the northern grasslands,” Yang Zhenshan said enthusiastically.

Roast whole lamb was one of Yang Zhenshan’s favorite delicacies!

And in Chongshan Town, what was most plentiful were cattle and sheep.

The Yang family had brought a lot of cattle and sheep to the capital, all raised on a manor outside the city.

Today, to entertain An Yuxing and Lu Baishu, Yang Zhenshan had specially ordered his servants to select a not-too-large lamb from the manor.

As soon as the two servants brought the roast lamb to the table, the savory aroma began to permeate the pavilion.

An Yuxing sniffed, ”Then this old man will not stand on ceremony!”

With that, he directly tore off a leg of lamb and began to gnaw on it.

”Marquis Lu, please!” said Yang Zhenshan as he poured wine for the two of them.

”Ha ha, this aroma really makes one drool!” Lu Baishu also didn’t hold back and cut a piece of meat into his mouth with a small knife.

The meat melted in his mouth, rich with flavor, making Lu Baishu’s eyes light up.

”Excellent, excellent, this meat is tender and delicious, truly a rare delicacy!” Lu Baishu generously praised.

Yang Zhenshan smiled and said, ”Naturally, the cooks in my house are all brought back from Chongshan Town, they are definitely masters at roasting lamb!”

Speaking, he placed a cup of wine in front of An Yuxing, ”Senior, have a taste!”