Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

The Ministry of Personnel,

Yang Zhenshan rode his horse to the entrance.

The constables at the door hurriedly approached and asked, "May I inquire who your excellency might be?"

If it were just some ordinary official visiting the Ministry of Personnel, these constables wouldn't bother, as the threshold of the Ministry is high. Many officials returning to the Capital City for duty reports all need to spend silver here at the Ministry, and even the constables at the gate won't let you in without the reward of a few taels of silver.

However, Yang Zhenshan was obviously not an ordinary official, though he only brought a few personal followers and dressed quite humbly. But the humbleness was just a facade.

His clothes were tailored from the finest brocade, his belt interwoven with gold and inlaid with jade. Even the saddle on Red Cloud was made of silk. The most important was the Jade Pendant at his waist with a carved kirin pattern.

This attire, anyone with a bit of discernment could see Yang Zhenshan's extraordinary status.

Nor was Yang Zhenshan one to flaunt his status in public, it was simply that the status of the Yang family no longer allowed them to keep a low profile.

The Yang family was not lacking in silver, so naturally, their dress and belongings had to be a bit more elegant, there was no need to feign poverty or ugliness.

"I am Yang Zhenshan. Is Elder Zhou in?" Yang Zhenshan asked.

Upon hearing this, the constable quickly knelt and said, "This subordinate pays respect to the Marquis. To answer the Marquis's question, Elder Yang did not come to the Ministry of Personnel today, he's likely at the Cabinet!"

Yang Zhenshan nodded slightly, "Then lead me to Vice Minister Zhao!"

If Zhou Yunsong were here, he would have held back a bit, as Zhou Yunsong is not only the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Personnel but also the secondary assistant in the Cabinet. Yang Zhenshan would have to give him some face.

Since Zhou Yunsong was not there, he could make a big fuss without reservation.

His visit to the Ministry of Personnel for trouble was not only for the matter of Sun Anyang but also to make a statement.

You, the Ministry of Personnel, how you conduct your affairs, I may not be concerned, but you cannot add to my troubles. If you dare, then don't blame me for making a pointless commotion.

Without waiting for the constable to speak, Yang Zhenshan strode into the great gates of the Ministry of Personnel.

The smart constable ran in front of Yang Zhenshan to lead the way while telling his companions to run and notify Zhao Gongqing.

By the time Yang Zhenshan arrived at Zhao Gongqing's office door, Zhao Gongqing had already come out to greet him.

"Marquis Yang graces us with his presence, this official regrets not welcoming you from afar. I hope Marquis Yang can forgive me!"

Zhao Gongqing said with a warm smile and a bow.

Yang Zhenshan returned the bow, saying, "Mr. Zhao, I have come to the Ministry of Personnel today seeking an explanation!"

"Ah, this, in what way has this subordinate offended Marquis Yang? If there is an offense, this subordinate begs for the Marquis's forgiveness," Zhao Gongqing said hastily.

Yang Zhenshan shook his head, "Mr. Zhao did not offend me, however, your Ministry of Personnel has!"

"Bao Lang was doing well as the warden of the Martial Arts Pavilion. Why did you remove him? It would be nothing if you just transferred him, but you went and replaced him with a worm!"

"In the few months, I was out of the Capital City, this worm has embezzled two hundred thousand taels of silver from the Martial Arts Pavilion!"

"Is this the way your Ministry of Personnel selects officials? Choosing nothing but corrupt and venal officials? Or are you telling me your Ministry of Personnel only looks at silver and disregards talent and virtue!"

Yang Zhenshan did not hold back, and he burst out with a tirade, and he did so loudly under the clear sky.

You should know that not everyone inside the Ministry of Personnel at this time is an official of the Ministry; many are officials here on business, especially those returning for duty reports, and many were secretly peeping at this scene.

Zhao Gongqing's face suddenly darkened, "Marquis, Marquis, these words can't be spoken carelessly!"

"What? Did I speak wrongly? That Sun Anyang has already been sent back to Marquis Suning Mansion by me, damn it, how did such a useless fellow get to be a warden at the Martial Arts Pavilion!"

"In terms of literary talent, he can't even make sense of accounts, in terms of martial arts, he's just a martial artist, not even comparable to common disciples of the Martial Arts Pavilion, in terms of integrity, proficient in all vices like drinking, gambling, and lechery."

Yang Zhenshan didn't give Zhao Gongqing any face, his voice growing louder, "Mr. Zhao, did you also take silver from the Sun family, huh? Otherwise, why would you allow such a reprobate to hold a position in my Martial Arts Pavilion!"

"What about Bao Lang? Mr. Bao served diligently and without fault at the Martial Arts Pavilion for three years, why did you transfer him?"

"Right, where was Bao Lang transferred to?"

Yang Zhenshan thought of his former subordinate. Although Bao Lang was young, he had served in the Ministry of Justice as a judge and was a proper graduate of the imperial exams. Aside from being somewhat rigid, Yang Zhenshan genuinely felt Bao Lang was not bad.

"This~~" Zhao Gongqing didn't know what to say for a moment.

He basically understood what the matter was, but it had nothing to do with him.

He didn't even know who Bao Lang was, nor did he know how Sun Anyang got into the Martial Arts Pavilion.

Yang Zhenshan didn't intend to give him a chance to defend himself and directly said, "Mr. Zhao, if you do not give me an explanation today, then I shall have to enter the palace and ask Your Majesty to administer justice."

He gestured respectfully towards the Imperial City, "His Majesty, Emperor Yanping, is wise and just, how could he allow you corrupt officials to sell official ranks."

Once these words came out, Zhao Gongqing's face turned pale, "Marquis, Marquis, please stop! I will immediately look into this matter!"

He wasn't afraid of Yang Zhenshan seeking justice from Emperor Yanping; what he feared was that Yang Zhenshan would utter more unpleasant words.

Selling ranks and titles!

If this spread, all the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, big and small, would be spat upon by countless people.

Yang Zhenshan really dared say anything, not fearing to offend the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, high or low.

"Good, today I will give Mr. Zhao some face. I will wait for Mr. Zhao to clarify the situation!" Yang Zhenshan declared arrogantly.

"Marquis, please take a seat inside for tea, this subordinate will make arrangements right away!" Zhao Gongqing seemed close to tears.