"I think within our group, we need to bring in a strategist from a long-standing noble family; otherwise, we simply lack perspective in this area," Lu Su said with a wry smile.
As for the idea that top strategists from noble families might abandon Liu Bei, Lu Su didn't worry too much about it. Not to boast, but the group assembled here was already sufficient to conquer the world. As for governing it, if they succeeded, talents would naturally emerge. Besides, there were top strategists from humble origins too, and they could be recruited when the time came. Still, hearing Qu Qi's talk of endless blessings for future generations, Lu Su couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
For a society like China's, where everything is done with future generations in mind, noble families needed a way to preserve their power. If this generation succeeded, ensuring blessings for their descendants for countless generations to come was worth the effort for many noble families.
As Lu Su spoke, everyone turned their gaze toward Qu Qi. They realized that Qu Qi might be well-suited for this role.
"Don't look at me. While I am indeed a descendant of a noble family with a thousand-year history, I don't have your wisdom. This time, I only had an advantage in perspective. I'm far from your level," Qu Qi said helplessly. Seeing everyone still staring at him, he sighed and added, "How about this: when it comes to matters involving noble families, if I notice anything, I'll let you know. As for other things, I'm really not the best fit."
"That would be for the best. But now that I think about it, the ideology proposed by these noble families is incredibly tempting. I hadn't heard of it before, and it seems no one else here had either," Chen Xi said, nodding. Then, recalling Qu Qi's talk about the power noble families sought, he sighed and asked, "So which families oppose this idea?"
"The proposal was abandoned, but not a single family openly opposed or voiced an opinion on it. In fact, I personally didn't like the proposal; otherwise, I wouldn't have shared this with you," Qu Qi said with a smile.
"As a group of vested interests, it's unreasonable to expect them to deny their own goals. Their aim has always been to solidify and enhance their status. At most, they might give a little back to the lower classes to earn gratitude, but that's it," Chen Xi said mockingly. He now had a clearer understanding of the situation. Aside from a few reformists and those betting on Qingzhou, the top figures would likely prepare to entrench the aristocratic class.
"Honestly, I'd like to see endless blessings for generations too," Chen Xi hadn't even finished speaking when Fa Zheng jumped in, setting himself up for trouble. But before Chen Xi could take issue with him, Fa Zheng continued, "But I can't guarantee my descendants won't fall into decline. If that's the case, I'd rather blaze a bright path for them now!"
Fa Zheng had enjoyed the benefits of his father's status, but compared to a life of duties he despised, he trusted in what he could achieve with his own hands.
Fa Zheng believed that rigid social structures didn't necessarily mean a better future for descendants—it was also a form of constraint. For example, Fa Zheng didn't like the idea of marrying the daughter of the Wang family just because it was a good match. But realistically, not marrying her wasn't an option!
Given his own experiences, Fa Zheng felt that instead of rigid structures, it would be better to leave his descendants with hope and opportunities—to rely on their hands and wisdom to forge their own paths. The phrase from Liu Bei, "Not based on age, not based on birth, but solely on talent and virtue," resonated deeply with him.
"A saint's virtue may last five generations before it is severed. I won't concern myself with what happens to my descendants. We are here today because of that principle—'Not based on age, not based on birth, but solely on talent and virtue.' When we weren't in this position, we longed for fairness. So why, now that we've reached this position, should we monopolize it forever? Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire!" Fa Zheng stood up and slammed the table, passionately shouting at everyone present, his youthful spirit not caring about consequences.
"Suddenly, I think Fa Zheng makes a lot of sense," Lu Su sighed, recalling Yuan Shu's invitation. A man of mediocrity who held a position of power, while he had to content himself with reading books at home. "I also want to see what kind of people these thousand-year noble families can produce."
"My Liu family still stands; how can we allow petty people to act so brazenly?" Liu Ye said with authority.
"Fairness has always been the justice I aim to uphold!" Man Chong declared with a stoic expression.
"I also need to leave a path for future generations," Jia Xu said with a gentle smile, though his eyes glinted with a chilling intent. Noble families had suppressed the lower classes for two hundred years; there was no way he would let them continue forever. Even if his own Jia family became a noble family, he wouldn't allow such things to happen!
"We can't allow such things to happen! My Mi family will fully support Liu Bei's cause to sweep away these petty people!" Mi Zhu, with his usual scholarly demeanor, now carried a cold sharpness. How else would his Mi family have a chance to rise to prominence?
"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire," Sun Qian said solemnly.
"It seems none of us have changed our goals," Chen Xi said with a smile. "As long as we stay united, I firmly believe we won't lose to anyone!"
Everyone present nodded solemnly. Then, under Chen Xi's lead, they turned their gaze to Fa Zheng. "Young man, just now you were talking about your descendants and all that? Have you even grown all your hair yet?"
The teasing and banter made Fa Zheng blush with embarrassment. His earlier confidence was quickly swept away, and he was so frustrated that he wanted to challenge Chen Xi right then and there. With Guo Jia absent, it seemed Chen Xi had taken over the role of teasing him!