Chapter 76 Everyone has their own position
After Princess Changning finished speaking, the scene fell into silence again.

After all, Zhao Yuguang was the father-in-law of the emperor and a great general. There were not many people present who dared to openly agree with Princess Changning's words and say that Zhao Yuguang was slandering Zuo Zongren.

Although the Zhu family is a royal family of the Ming Dynasty, they have many children.

But there are only a few, about ten, branches of the Zhu family who truly hold the power to speak.

Except for a few veins that could not be excused for various reasons.

For example, after receiving the news, the third brother of Duke Qi immediately left the city and left the vortex of Xuzhou City.

The lineage of the Duke of Qi was already wealthy enough, to the point where there was nothing more to be gained.

What they need to do now is to preserve their current wealth instead of getting involved in any fight for the throne.

If they wanted to fight, they would not support any prince, but would fight on their own.

Among the rest of the Zhu clan relatives who came to Xuzhou Prefecture, the descendants of Duke Zhao, Duke Yan, and Marquis Xu had the greatest say.

In addition, although Princess Changning has married out, she still has a certain say due to her background as the daughter of Prince Ming and the Chang family in the northwest.

The other Zhu clan members can basically only serve as background members.

When Princess Changning spoke, apart from the younger brother of Duke Yan and the third son of Marquis Xu, not many people dared to agree or refute her!
"My Lord, what you said is wrong!
Old Lord Zhao is the pillar of the country. If the facts were not clear, he would not act rashly!

The word "false accusation" is pure nonsense!

But the princess always makes excuses for Zhu Zhiying, which makes people suspicious...

After all, everyone knows that the princess is the prince's sister, and Zhu Zhiying regards himself as the prince's vanguard in everything!

Could it be that the prince is involved in this…"

No one expected that while the younger brother of Duke Yan and the third son of Marquis Xu did not speak, there was a fearless member of the Zhu family who stood up and clearly refuted Princess Changning.

And he pointed directly at the prince!

"Zhu Chengcheng, you are a person without a title, are you qualified to speak here?"

When Princess Changning was about to see who was so bold, she discovered an unexpected person.

He immediately questioned the person who refuted with an unhappy look.

Zhu Chengcheng is a descendant of the Yanhou lineage.

The first Salt Marquis was granted the title of Yancheng. From the day he was granted the title, he gained great wealth by relying on the rich salt resources in Yancheng.

Unfortunately, Yancheng is both the cause of our success and our failure.

The Yancheng lineage gained enormous wealth due to the abundant salt resources in Yancheng. In order to balance the situation, the imperial court would naturally impose many restrictive measures on the Yancheng lineage.

This means that the Yancheng lineage does not have a high political status.

More than 30 years ago, when Xuzhou Marquis Zhu Xingyun rebelled, the salt marquises of that generation chose to support Zhu Xingyun in order to gain a higher political status.

After Zhu Xingyun's failure, the Yanhou lineage was also implicated.

Not only were their titles and fiefs stripped, but many descendants of the Salt Marquis were also implicated and killed.

Fortunately, the salt marquis of that generation was not that stupid.

He did not put all his eggs in one basket, but instead had some of his descendants make an open separation from the Yancheng lineage.

This prevented the Yanhou lineage from being completely extinct.

This is also because the lineage of Yan Hou is, after all, the royal Zhu family, and the policy of punishing nine generations of the clan cannot be applied to the lineage of Yan Hou. Otherwise, in this world where people often punish nine generations of the clan, it would be useless to cut them off.

After the lineage of the Marquis of Yan was stripped of his title, the surviving descendants began to strive for the restoration of their title as their ultimate goal.

This may be what they mean by never being satisfied with what you get, and only realizing its value after failure!

Unfortunately, after more than thirty years of hard work, the Yanhou lineage has not made any major progress.

It was not until this generation that Zhu Chengcheng, a descendant of the Salt Marquis, decided to change and no longer follow his father's old path of hard work and seeking connections to regain his title.

Instead, he chose an older path.

That is the same path as the generation of Salt Marquis that brought down the Salt Marquis lineage: participating in the fight for the throne.

The bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish!

The greater the risk, the higher the reward!
More than 30 years of hard work have proven that honest struggle will not allow the Yanhou lineage to revive.

Now the only way to restore the title of Marquis of Yan is by taking risks.

Also, isn’t there a saying in the market?

Stand up from where you fell!

Because of their participation in the struggle for the throne, the lineage of Marquis Yan was stripped of their titles and ranks.

Now Zhu Chengcheng is about to join the fight for the throne again and restore the title and title of the Yanhou lineage.

"Our ancestors once said: All descendants of the Zhu family can have a say in Zhu family affairs!

Or did the Changning County Lord want to change the rules set by Zhu's ancestors?

I forgot that Princess Changning is already a member of the Chang family in the northwest. If she doesn’t change the rules of her ancestors, how can she be here…”

"you…"

Before Zhu Chengcheng could finish his words, Princess Changning was already shaking with anger.

The Ming Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety.

Zhu Chengcheng said that Changning, a daughter of a married woman, wanted to change the rules set by Zhu's ancestors, and her heart was evil.

"All right!
This is the Xuzhou government office, don't let outsiders see me, the Zhu family, making a fool of myself!"

In the end, Duke Yan's younger brother relied on his seniority to stop Princess Changning and Zhu Chengcheng.

"Changning, you are a princess, why do you have to be on the same level as Cheng Cheng? You are wasting your status as a princess!

Cheng Cheng, your words are too extreme! And don't forget that the lineage of the Salt Marquis participated in the rebellion. The current king was magnanimous and allowed you, the descendants of the first generation of the Salt Marquis who had drawn a clear line with the last generation of the Salt Marquis, to continue to hold the identity of the Zhu clan. How can you speak to the princess like this now! "

It seemed that Duke Yan's brothers were all given fifty lashes each, but in fact they were all taking sides.

After all, one is the legitimate daughter of King Ming, the younger sister of the Crown Prince, and the daughter-in-law of the Chang family, while the other is merely a relative of the Zhu family in name only.

Not to mention that the lineage of Marquis Yan had already been stripped of its title and nobility.

Even when the Yanhou lineage was still in its heyday, Zhu Chengcheng's status and position could not match that of Princess Changning.

More importantly, although the lineage of Duke Yan remained neutral, in terms of personal feelings, the younger brother of Duke Yan supported the prince's ascension to the throne.

The etiquette and laws of primogeniture.

Suppress the emotional needs of the arrogant Zhao.

All these made the younger brother of the Duke of Yan emotionally inclined towards the crown prince succeeding to the throne.

"Uncle Chengqing is wrong! The lineage of Chengcheng has long parted ways with the lineage of the last salt marquis who did not think of the king's grace. This is also recognized by the Ming king and the Dazongzhengyuan.

Cheng Cheng absolutely disagrees with his uncle's attitude that Cheng Cheng is a remnant of the last generation of Salt Marquis.

Also, the ancestor once said that all descendants of the Zhu family can participate in the affairs of the Zhu family. Cheng Cheng consciously expressed his own views and did not go against the ancestor's wishes!
I don't know where this is too extreme?
Or did Uncle Chengqing think that because Uncle Zhiying held a high position as a member of the Left Clan and was an important supporter of the Crown Prince, he could assassinate the prince and slaughter the royal family members at will...

Others who suspect him and investigate him are targeting the prince!
Our ancestors once said that if a prince breaks the law, he will be punished the same as a commoner!

If it is really confirmed that it was the prince who instigated Zhu Zhiying to assassinate his brothers and massacre Zhu's children...

I, Zhu Chengcheng, would be the first one to disown such a prince!"

Faced with the bias of Duke Yan's younger brother, Zhu Chengcheng was not afraid at all, but his tone became more and more excited.

"presumptuous!"

Duke Yan's younger brother Zhu Chengqing hadn't said anything yet, but when he heard Zhu Chengcheng's conversation turn more and more heatedly to the crown prince, Princess Changning, who had calmed down after Zhu Chengqing's persuasion, became furious again.

"The remnants of the Salt Marquis, slandering the Crown Prince, deserve to be put to death!"

Princess Changning gnashed her teeth as she looked at Zhu Chengcheng, who was changing the subject, talking nonsense, and making trouble. The more Princess Changning looked at that face, the angrier she became.

Finally, Princess Changning couldn't stand it anymore and walked up to Zhu Chengcheng and slapped him in the face.

After being slapped, Zhu Chengcheng was stunned on the spot.

Can't you bear this?
This princess's character is really bad!

You must know that after the fall of the Yanhou Mansion, the abuse and attacks suffered by Zhu Chengcheng's lineage were several times, even dozens of times, more than what they are experiencing now.

But in the end, Zhu Chengcheng and the others also persevered.

just now……

Looking at Princess Changning who slapped him in excitement, Zhu Chengcheng felt fear in his heart, but also joy at the same time.

He was afraid because the Princess Changning in front of him was an important figure who could decide his life and death.

The joy was because Zhu Chengcheng had achieved his goal, and even exceeded it.

After today, everyone knew that Zhu Chengcheng was fighting to the death with Princess Changning and the younger brother of Duke Yan for Marquis Fu'an.

From today onwards, even if it meant spending a fortune to buy horse bones, Marquis Fu'an would have to look up to Zhu Chengcheng.

Give him Zhu Chengcheng a chance.

As long as you get the chance.

Zhu Chengcheng believed that with his talent and wisdom he would be highly valued by Marquis Fu'an.

When Marquis Fu'an comes to power, he will be able to rise with the tide, and it will not be long for him to restore the title of Marquis Yan and the glory of his ancestors.

Even though everyone said that the probability of Marquis Fu'an ascending to the throne was not high, Zhu Chengcheng still wanted to bet heavily on Marquis Fu'an.

Only by winning this kind of bet that most people are not optimistic about can you win the greatest wealth.

Zhu Chengcheng, who was stunned, frightened, and delighted by the slap from Princess Changning, came to his senses and shouted immediately, "Princess Changning, you concealed the truth and blocked the way for the crown prince to ascend the throne. You are unworthy of being a princess!"

Since a huge bet has been placed, Zhu Chengcheng will naturally let the person being betted know his existence more clearly.

"Someone, drive this unreasonable Zhu Chengcheng out!"

Zhu Chengqing, the younger brother of Duke Yan, could no longer tolerate Zhu Chengcheng, who was always talking nonsense and making groundless accusations.

At the same time, Zhu Chengqing was also afraid that Zhu Chengcheng would make Princess Changning even more agitated at the scene, which would be bad.

Besides, he is just a descendant of the declining Salt Marquis lineage.

It makes little difference whether he is present or not.

The lineage of Duke Yan enjoys considerable prestige among the Zhu clan.

After Zhu Chengqing spoke, two young members of the Zhu family immediately stood up and carried Zhu Chengcheng out.

The government servants did not dare to touch the Zhu family’s children.

But as they are all descendants of the Zhu family, their status and position are even higher, but no one would be afraid of Zhu Chengcheng, the descendant of the fallen Marquis of Salt.

Zhu Chengcheng, who was carried out, seemed to be struggling violently, but in fact he did not exert any strength at all.

It was easily carried out.

After all, Zhu Chengcheng only wanted to show his support for Marquis Fu'an in order to gain attention, but he didn't really want to die.

Princess Changning is now furious, and Duke Yan's brother is also upset with him. Now is the time for him to hide away.

Otherwise, it would be really dangerous if we continue to stay here!
"The younger brother of Duke Yan, Princess Changning, violated the ancestral etiquette and obstructed the speech of Zhu's children in order to protect the villain Zhu Zhiying. This is extremely disrespectful..."

However, while being carried out, Zhu Chengcheng continued to shout.

Trying to let more people hear him speak for Marquis Fu'an!
Let more people understand the conflicts and contradictions between him and the Crown Prince’s sister, Princess Changning!

In order to become the "horse bone" among the ones that are worth a fortune, Zhu Chengcheng really tried his best!

Not long after Zhu Chengcheng was carried out, the prince of Zhao and his daughter also came here and met with many Zhu clan members.

During this process, a member of the Zhu family who was on good terms with Duke Zhao told him about the "interesting things" that had happened here before.

Yes, in the eyes of many Zhu clan members and descendants, the Zhu Chengcheng incident just now could only be regarded as a "funny thing" rather than a big event.

"I didn't expect that among the Zhu family, there is such a brave and fearless son!"

When Princess Shou'an heard that Zhu Chengcheng was still angrily accusing the younger brother of Duke Yan and Princess Changning of violating ancestral etiquette and being disrespectful until he was expelled, she felt a little more favorable and respectful towards Zhu Chengcheng.

"Interesting person!"

However, the Prince of Zhao understood the deeper meaning behind Zhu Chengcheng's actions, and secretly sighed in his heart that Zhu Chengcheng was not simple, bold, and interesting.

With the arrival of the Prince of Zhao and his daughter, all the important members of the Zhu clan who were willing to come to the Xuzhou government office to bear witness had arrived.

Everyone quickly "forgot" this little episode involving Zhu Chengcheng.

Under the guidance of the government servants, they went to the place where Zhao Jinniu, Liu Zhengyi and other injured people were living and receiving treatment to check their wounds.

The purpose of Xuzhou government inviting them here was to use their knowledge and experience to identify whether the wounds of the injured were caused by the "Nine Arrows of Destruction".

At the same time, by leveraging their status and influence, they can completely eliminate the possibility of perjury.

"Uncle Zhao... the wounds on General Zhao Jinniu and Chief Constable Liu Zhengyi do have the unique deathly aura of the Nine Arrows of Extermination!

Moreover, the person who made the move had a high level of attainment in the Nine Arrows of Extermination! "

After seeing the wounds of Zhao Jinniu, Liu Zhengyi and some constables, Lady Shou'an said so.

As a martial arts prodigy of this generation in the Duke Zhao's Mansion, Princess Shou'an also dabbled in the "Nine Arrows of Destruction", a superior archery technique collected by the Zhu royal family.

Therefore, Princess Shou'an has a lot to say.

"It's death energy for sure! But it's not necessarily caused by the Nine Arrows of Life-Destroying!
There are so many martial arts in this world that involve death energy!"

Princess Changning disagreed with Princess Shouan's point of view.

“Sister Changning, there are many martial arts that involve death energy, but not many that have such a strong death energy!

Moreover, General Zhao Jinniu, Chief Constable Liu and several other constables were obviously wounded by arrows!

The deathly aura was also discovered from the arrow wound!
As for the superior archery skill that contains such a deadly aura, the Nine Arrows of Life-Destroying is indeed the first suspect!"

Princess Shou'an, however, felt that Princess Changning was deliberately making excuses for Zhu Zhiying.

“Sister Shouan, although the Nine Arrows of Death are powerful, they are not the strongest archery skill for those who practice death energy!

"Thirteen Arrows of the Underworld", "The Soul-Chasing Arrows of the Ghostly Path"...which one is inferior to the "Nine Arrows of Life and Death"!
What's more, it is the peerless archery skill "Yanwang Yizhi"! "

Princess Changning mentioned other high-strength archery skills involving death energy. She said that the injuries of Zhao Jinniu, Liu Zhengyi and others were not necessarily caused by the "Nine Arrows of Destruction".

"Sister Changning, you can't just act recklessly to excuse Zhu Zhiying!
As everyone knows, "Yanwang Yizhi" has long been lost and has never appeared in the world for hundreds of years.

Although there are inheritors of "The Thirteen Arrows of the Underworld" and "The Ghostly Soul-Chasing Arrows" alive today, they are all far away in other places. No one came to the vicinity of Xuzhou Prefecture in the past two days!
Moreover, they had no grudges against General Zhao Jinniu and Chief Constable Liu, so why would they suddenly attack them?

Also, given their strength, they don't have the ability to seriously injure General Zhao Jinniu and Chief Constable Liu in succession!

Besides, although the "Thirteen Arrows of Yellow Spring" and "The Ghostly Soul Chasing Arrow" also cultivate death energy, they are still different from the death energy cultivated by the "Nine Arrows of Life and Death"! "

Princess Shou'an refuted Princess Changning's defense.

When it comes to distinguishing the subtle differences between the death energy cultivated by the "Thirteen Arrows of the Underworld", "The Ghostly Soul-Chasing Arrows" and the "Nine Arrows of Life and Death", County Lady Shou'an has the right to speak.

As the most outstanding martial arts prodigy of the younger generation in the Duke Zhao’s Mansion, she is also a woman.

In order to help Princess Shou'an go on a smoother path in martial arts, Duke Zhao not only prepared a set of internal skills suitable for women to practice for her, but also searched for several superior archery skills for her, allowing her to specialize in archery.

Avoid the defects of women's natural lack of strength and many weaknesses in close combat.

　The third milestone update (2/2)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)