"If you ever run into this man in the future, be careful. Don't stumble and fall because of him."
Zhou Yi vaguely sensed that Yang Zheng was brimming with ambition, and what he sought might be similar to the Northern Frontier.
The great figures of Shenjing were all watching the imperial palace, watching the contest between Emperor Zhengtong and Empress Dowager Zhang. No one cared about the low- and mid-ranking officials, or petty gangs, pleasure quarters, and gambling dens.
If heaven and earth ever changed in Shenjing, there would be far too much Yang Zheng could do.
"Master, Yang Zheng's mother was merely a bedchamber maid, not even worthy of being called a concubine. Her status in the Yang Family was lowly."
Yuan Shun frowned slightly and said gravely, "Great aristocratic clans pass down poetry and books through the generations, and their rules are strict. They loathe those below offending those above most of all. How could they allow him to overshadow the legitimate son?"
"Things like seniority, legitimacy, and status are merely methods for ruling clans and fooling the common people. They may be observed, but one cannot let them become shackles."
Zhou Yi shook his head. "These great clans are the most pragmatic of all. So long as Yang Zheng keeps winning and growing stronger, so long as he can bring benefits to the Lineage, the Yang Family will continue supporting him."
Starting from the Heavenly Prison, Yang Zheng had continuously drawn people in through profit, gathering a large number of low- and mid-ranking officials.
The process was like rolling a snowball. Different interests continually clung together, making it roll larger and larger.
As the snowball rolled, those who joined early gained benefits and were unwilling, unable, and afraid to get off. Those who came later envied the