'But in the eyes of those ancient Saintly Noble Families, we're just upstarts who've gotten a little powerful, far from having an ancient, deep-rooted foundation for support.'
At this thought, Jiang Lan suddenly smiled.
'Even my parents, including my Saint grandfather, are backing me. I can bring many of my plans out into the open now—act openly and honorably, without needing to hide in the shadows anymore.'
This dispelled many of his previous concerns.
'Let me think carefully... who among the current retainers and Tributors of the Prime Minister's Mansion would be suitable for my inner circle.'
'There are quite a few people in the younger generation with impressive talent and backgrounds. Some of them might be suitable as followers.'
Jiang Lan pondered this, writing on a sheet of white paper as he did. He finally settled on a few suitable candidates, then had a maidservant deliver the paper to his father.
