Henry’s Rise to Power

The Decline of the Rosen Clan - Episode 6 |

William rose to the rank of Chief Justice and passed away at the age of 58, on January 15, 1153. His legitimate son, Henry, succeeded him.

In July 1156, when the Prime Minister of the time rebelled, Henry, then the governor of a coastal province, sided with Emperor Constantine II and distinguished himself in service. As a result, he was appointed to govern a more crucial coastal province. During the noble rebellion in December 1159, Henry once again supported the emperor and crushed the rebel forces.

“It is not a one-time achievement. The reward should be generous,” they said. The following year, Henry was granted the title of Count. He continued to rise in rank, becoming a Middle Counselor, then Senior Counselor. When he was appointed Minister of the Interior, he bypassed both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, immediately ascending to the position of Duke and Grand Minister of State. Though he was never the Captain of the Imperial Guard, he was granted the privilege of entering and leaving the palace with a personal escort and while remaining seated in his carriage, a treatment normally reserved for regents or other high-ranking officials.

“The Grand Minister must serve as an advisor to the sovereign and a model for the people. He must govern the country, uphold virtue, and bring harmony to all affairs of the nation,” it was said. The office should remain vacant if no suitable person is found. But since Henry had seized the reins of power in the land, no one dared to voice any criticism.

This is a story based on a Japanese classic.