CHAPTER 519: CHAPTER 468 URGENT MESSAGE, THE SUDDEN PROMOTION

Yang Zhenshan did not go out to bid farewell to Yang Mingcheng; he sat in his study, pondering over the situation in the Capital City.

Lately, Wu Zheng had sent several letters, all concerning affairs within the court.

At present, the court appeared stable; Emperor Yanping had finally quelled the restive elements among the courtiers.

Talks of the new Emperor lacking virtue had ceased, but this did not mean the incident’s impact was at an end.

The death of Yi Lishen cost Emperor Yanping much popular support, while rumors of the new Emperor’s lack of virtue diminished the Emperor’s majesty.

Both matters had a profound impact on Emperor Yanping; though superficially imperceptible, they actually affected his control over the court.

Should similar incidents arise in the future, Emperor Yanping might completely lose his grip on the court.

Once the court slipped from control, the entire Da Rong might well descend into chaos.

Such an event was not unprecedented in the over three hundred years of Da Rong’s history.

Naturally, Yang Zhenshan did not wish for Da Rong to fall into disorder, nor for the court to escape Emperor Yanping’s control.

In fact, his impression of Emperor Yanping was quite favorable.

At the very least, in the year since Emperor Yanping ascended the throne, he had shown some capabilities.

Therefore, he still hoped Emperor Yanping could, like Emperor Chengping, become a true revitalizing sovereign.

He was just somewhat hesitant about whether or not to remind Emperor Yanping.

Was Emperor Yanping aware of the issues in Nansheng?

Did he know about the hidden dangers within the Imperial City?

Or perhaps Emperor Yanping himself had problems?

These were questions Yang Zhenshan could not be certain about!

Moreover, even if he were to submit a memorial, would it actually be presented before Emperor Yanping?

After much hesitation, Yang Zhenshan ultimately chose not to alert Emperor Yanping.

At this juncture, it was better to watch for changes; the more one does, the more mistakes one makes, and the more trouble one may invite.

Thus Yang Zhenshan decided not to expose himself, opting to wait and see how the situation unfolded.

As time passed day by day, nearing the year’s end, Chongshan Pass grew increasingly bustling.

And Yang Zhenshan himself became busy.

With the year’s end, the Six Assistant Generals and all government offices had to come here for the annual summary and to plan for the next year. At the same time, discussions with Pang Tang were also needed regarding the affairs of Chongshan Town for the upcoming year.

There were many things to be done next year in Chongshan Town, but Yang Zhenshan had already made plans before, and now only some details needed to be adjusted.

As for the rest, Yang Zhenshan had already learned what he needed to know.

He had asked for the Six Assistant Generals to come to Chongshan Pass merely to keep them on their toes and prevent complacency.

After all, once affairs stabilize and become routine, people tend to slacken, and the drive within wanes, hence Yang Zhenshan intermittently needed to motivate, pep up, and tighten the reins.

Over several consecutive days, Yang Zhenshan held meetings with the Assistant Generals at the General Mansion, and they were pleased to come to Chongshan Pass.

Although subordinates to Yang Zhenshan, they had few opportunities to visit over the year.

Now, approaching the year’s end, everyone took the opportunity to move around within Chongshan Pass.

The arrival of the Assistant Generals also brought some liveliness to the General Mansion.

However, this bustle did not last too long.

On the eighth day of the last lunar month, in the morning, three robust men rode hastily into Chongshan Pass.

Upon entering the Pass, they headed straight for the Marquis Mansion, and after they had gone in, Ding Qiu hurried over to the General Mansion.

Inside the General Mansion, Yang Zhenshan was chatting with Xie Yuan.

Among the six Assistant Generals of Chongshan Town, Yang Mingzhi was his son, Xie Yuan his confidant, Niu Zhuang and Tang Feihu his old friends, and Zhang Chengzhi and Qin He were those he had promoted.

Though they were all his subordinates, there were still varying degrees of closeness.

Over the past two years, Xie Yuan had performed well in the West Road, to Yang Zhenshan’s satisfaction.

Nevertheless, to enable Xie Yuan to do better, Yang Zhenshan would still often give him advice.

While the two men were conversing, Ding Qiu arrived in the study.

"Marquis!" he greeted with a fist salute.

"What’s the matter?" asked Yang Zhenshan.

"Urgent message from the Capital City!" Ding Qiu stepped forward, handing a letter to Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan quickly scanned the letter, and upon finishing, his expression turned exceedingly grave.

Seeing this, Xie Yuan, unable to restrain himself, asked, "Marquis, has something happened?"

Yang Zhenshan did not reply but simply closed the letter, leaned back in his chair with eyes shut, and fell into deep thought.

His reaction gave Xie Yuan a bad premonition.

Xie Yuan’s expression also grew serious, but he did not continue to inquire and instead waited quietly.

The profound silence lingered for a good while until Yang Zhenshan slowly opened his eyes.

"I still have some matters to take care of here, go back first!"

"Marquis!" Xie Yuan looked at Yang Zhenshan searchingly.

Yang Zhenshan stood up, and he hurriedly followed suit. Yang Zhenshan patted his shoulder, "Don’t worry, once the affairs here are settled, I will summon you all again."

"Yes!" Xie Yuan let out a slight sigh of relief.

After he left, Yang Zhenshan handed the letter to Ding Qiu, "Burn it."

"Yes!" Without a word, Ding Qiu took out a fire stick and burnt the letter right there in the study.

Yang Zhenshan, with hands behind his back, walked out of the study to the front of the main hall and looked up at the murky sky.

It was going to snow again!

This snowfall would be heavy; not only Chongshan Pass, but most areas of Liaodong were set to receive snow.

Once this snow fell, the drought conditions in Liaodong would be alleviated.