Chapter 219: The General Volunteers
Marquis Piyuan Zhang Yin came from a military family with generations of generals who had rendered meritorious service to Great Chu. His son had died on the battlefield, leaving only one grandson, Zhang Yanghao, who caused him endless worry.
Zhang Yin was reclusive and poor at socializing, with few friends. When troubles arose, he had no one to turn to for help. After much consideration, he could only personally appear to plead with the Weary Marquis.
However, Zhang Yanghao’s crimes were not minor. Unlike the Chai family members who forced Chai Yue to commit suicide, Zhang Yanghao and his two companions openly caused trouble in the central military tent in full view of everyone. If they were released, military law would become a joke. The families of the other two had been petitioning for days, only to receive responses of “wait”.
Four princes were competing for the throne. If the Champion Marquis ascended, Zhang Yanghao and the others might be found innocent or even meritorious – this was the main reason the three families kept waiting.
Upon hearing that Marquis Piyuan sought an audience, Prince Donghai gnashed his teeth, “Seeing the other noble sons return to the Capital made the old man anxious. Zhang Yanghao has repeatedly done evil and cannot be pardoned so easily. The Zhang family has no influence, there’s no need to curry favor with them.”
Han Ruzi invited Marquis Piyuan in, wanting to hear how this old general would plead for his grandson.
Marquis Piyuan was short and thin, looking sickly and wearing a long robe. He had none of a general’s bearing from head to toe. After entering the study, he hurriedly bowed with an awkward expression, his face slightly red, like a commoner who had never met an official.
Han Ruzi felt some sympathy for Marquis Piyuan but had already decided to refuse him. Zhang Yanghao’s crimes were too serious and obvious for anyone to pardon.
Han Ruzi had someone offer him a seat. After Marquis Piyuan sat down, he spoke unclearly. Han Ruzi listened intently for a while before realizing the visitor wasn’t there to plead. He also understood why Marquis Piyuan was reclusive: he had an obvious speech impediment. To compensate, he deliberately spoke slowly and emphasized his words, which made it even more awkward.