The reason aristocratic families can dominate their regions is due to holding local official positions. People are inherently influenced by relationships, and under the Han Dynasty's ideals of filial piety, it's considered natural for officials to benefit their families. As a result, local aristocratic families become increasingly entrenched and effective at managing their regions. This situation remains harmonious during peaceful times, but when turmoil arises, it becomes difficult to manage.
To say that people respect local aristocrats more than the Han court might be an exaggeration, but it's not uncommon for people to revere local families more than the central authority.
"Let's treat Xuzhou as a test. We cannot allow the aristocracy to grow unchecked in their local regions, as that goes against the interests of the Han Dynasty and the people. In ancient times, vassals resided in Chang'an and governed their territories remotely to prevent them from gaining too much power. We can't let the aristocrats easily usurp the authority of the Han court," Chen Xi said coldly.
By adopting a detached, third-party perspective, Chen Xi could maintain objectivity. Fortunately, when it came to discussing aristocrats, he naturally viewed them from an outsider's perspective.
"It should indeed be this way. Some matters must be dealt with early, just like commerce. If you hadn't pushed for it forcefully, Zichuan, we might have missed the opportunity to implement it later when stability is restored or even after uniting the land," Li You said, bringing up commerce—a topic that even he had once doubted, but reality had proven otherwise.
"Yes, Lord Xuande, the timing is crucial. I've had many ideas in my mind that I wanted to implement, but I haven't had the right opportunity. We need to create a significant internal shift first!" Chen Xi said, sounding frustrated. The phrase "unprecedented and unproven" had often blocked him from putting his ideas into action.
"Hahaha," Li Ru chuckled awkwardly. The last time they had a significant internal debate, Chen Xi had come out on top.
"Unproven by history, huh?" Liu Bei understood the frustration in Chen Xi's words. "Let's do it, Zichuan. Don't worry. As long as no one can prove you wrong, I'll support you! What's there to fear? I trust your vision, Chen Zichuan, and I believe even if things go awry, you can clean up the mess!"
"Thank you, Lord Xuande." Chen Xi casually cupped his hands in gratitude. "No matter how well-timed my proposals are, it's not easy to push through unprecedented policies. Honestly, it's already a miracle that you managed to implement universal education. Yes, it truly is a miracle."
Li You glanced at Chen Xi and sighed, realizing that apart from Liu Xuande, no one else in this Han Dynasty would dare proclaim the need for universal education to the world.
"Lord Xuande is truly virtuous," Li You sighed before Liu Bei could respond. No matter what others thought, Liu Bei's declaration was, in Li You's eyes, a cause worth dedicating a lifetime to. Although their ideals differed, they ultimately led to the same goal. In fact, Liu Bei's concept of benevolence encompassed Li You's aspirations.
"Virtue? I find myself increasingly confused about virtue these days. I once believed that the nine virtues of the Zhou vassals, as preached by Duke Yao, were the highest form of virtue. But now that I sit as a regional governor, I understand why Zichuan told me that the nine virtues of a vassal are not enough!" Liu Bei shook his head, pondering the nature of virtue.
"The nine virtues of a vassal are insufficient?" Li You was taken aback and turned to look at Chen Xi. Where did that idea come from?
"The nine virtues of a vassal, even when perfected, only make one a flawless individual. But do we need flawless individuals?" Chen Xi casually replied. He had initially mentioned this to Liu Bei when he noticed Liu Bei restricting himself with unnecessary formalities, suggesting that his time would be better spent on more important matters. Little did he expect Liu Bei to take this notion to heart.
"Vassals, huh? When I stood on the altar in Fenggao, looking down at the people flowing like a river, seeing their smiling faces, knowing that the once-starving people of Taishan were now well-fed and clothed, watching children play on the stone-paved streets, observing the busy spring planting and the joyful harvests in autumn—I realized that this is what my virtue should reflect," Liu Bei said, a glow of righteousness emanating from him.
"I enjoy raising dogs and fighting cocks. I'm not particularly capable, and I can't always be fair and just, nor can I guarantee that I won't get angry at times when I shouldn't..." Liu Bei laughed at himself. "I can't embody all of the nine virtues of a vassal, but I believe that helping the people live better lives is more important than any other virtue."
As Liu Bei spoke these words, Chen Xi, Li You, and even the silent Xu Chu felt a surge of inspiration, as if Liu Bei had undergone a spiritual transformation.
"My virtue, Liu Xuande's virtue, is for the people of the world. If the people say it's good, then that is my benevolence. If they praise it, that is my virtue." At that moment, Liu Bei radiated a grand righteousness, a spirit dedicated to the well-being of the people.
Chen Xi and Li You exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. It was as if Liu Bei had awakened a power similar to a spiritual gift, a force that now surrounded him.
Meanwhile, in Yanzhou's Shanyang Commandery, where Cao Cao was resting after setting up camp under Le Jin's protection, he suddenly awoke and looked towards Xuzhou.
Cao Cao sensed a force opposite to his own. While his power was rooted in unwavering belief, in strengthening his and his followers' conviction, Liu Bei's newly awakened power sought to find like-minded people, to inspire others with his vision, and to strive together toward a common goal. The more people who resonated with Liu Bei's ideals, the greater the benefits they would gain, with negative effects being greatly diminished.
Cao Cao didn't need others' approval—he pursued his own will, leading his followers to conquer the world. But Liu Bei needed comrades; he couldn't achieve his ideals alone. Only with like-minded allies could he accomplish his goals.
"Congratulations, Lord Xuande," Li You and Chen Xi said in unison, having both guessed what had just occurred when Liu Bei opened his eyes.
"When I stood on the altar in Fenggao, I felt a sense of excitement, but it was unclear. Seeing the displaced people of Xuzhou filled me with anger, but I couldn't express it. When I arrived in Xiapi and saw the smiling faces of the people of Xuzhou, I finally understood what my virtue is," Liu Bei murmured, as if speaking to himself.