Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1045: Chapter 1001: The Vision of the Aristocratic Family

”That was just my personal oversight.” Yuan Shu said apologetically after a moment of silence, then directly retreated and sat back in his previous spot.

Chen Xi glanced at Yuan Shu in an odd manner, not expecting him to retreat so easily. Unbeknownst to him, after witnessing the prosperity under Liu Bei’s rule, Yuan Shu felt utterly disappointed in his own rule. It seemed that the aristocratic families had indeed blocked the wheels of history.

Has the time come for the aristocratic families to withdraw from history? Yuan Shu felt an immense bitterness. They were once so glorious, and now they had fallen to this extent.

With Yuan Shu acting this way, Chen Xi lost the mood to continue criticizing the aristocratic families for their ineptitude and immediately got to the point.

”What I want you to do is very simple. I need you all to retrace the path of your predecessors. As for how to proceed, I already have a complete plan, and I can even give you the first step of the plan now, but I must choose trustworthy partners.” Chen Xi said, looking at the members of the aristocratic families.

”I can tell you that following this path will be very difficult, but all you enjoy will be justified and legitimate, and you will be remembered by history. The aristocratic families should not be parasites, but should fulfill the oath of old: we are Acting for Heaven.” Chen Xi said slowly.

His calm and steady tone made the eyes of the assembled aristocratic families burn with enthusiasm. Chen Xi’s words were always well-targeted, and his foresight greatly enhanced their trust.

”We once acted on behalf of Heaven, even speaking with the authority of Heaven!” Chen Xi said slowly, ”It wasn’t because of overwhelming strength, but because of the people’s obedience. Our ancestors paved the road to civilization for the world with their bones, and they recorded the heritage of Huaxia with their blood.”

”Look at you now, are your subjects respectful or fearful? I’m sure you can feel it clearly.” Chen Xi sneered. At this period, the aristocratic families were not yet universally condemned, but they were sliding towards that abyss.

”Don’t think about mocking me; I stand in Yuzhou, and they naturally will protect me.” Yuan Shu looked at Chen Xi and sneered.

Chen Xi curled his lips; there was no helping it. Yuan Shu did nothing, but in this era, doing nothing could sometimes be more effective than doing something.

”That’s acceptable, but how do you compare to Lord Xuande?” Chen Xi said, not tolerating Yuan Shu’s smugness, blocking him instantly.

”...” Yuan Shu looked at Chen Xi with dissatisfaction but said nothing; everything was understood without words.

Chen Xi ignored Yuan Shu and continued, ”I have already borrowed the Xuanyuan Cauldron; you don’t need to inspect whether it’s real or fake, you already know. There are three things in the world that cannot be faked, highway, don’t you agree?”

This time, Yuan Shu did not react. Chen Xi smiled and continued, ”Those willing to trust me among the aristocratic families can join me in using a blood oath to engrave onto the Xuanyuan Heaven Cauldron. I will engrave your rights and duties on it, monitored by time and the people.”

”Hiss!” There was a sharp intake of breath from below.

”So you can rest assured of my sincerity.” Chen Xi glanced at the audience, saying, noting that even Chen Shang, who had known this beforehand, couldn’t help but take a deep breath when it was mentioned again.

”I will only engrave one sentence, using a secret technique of blood engraving we also possess. Each consenting person drips a drop of blood, then engraves with the blood of all who agree.” Chen Xi said calmly, ”Similarly, the engraved content must be fulfilled; any family that violates it will be abandoned by heaven and man alike.”

Zhang Chen of the Zhang Family in Jizhou, the uncle of the Zhang Clan, spoke after a moment of thought, ”Dare I ask Marquis Chen, what is the content to be engraved?”

”Our privileges and rights come from equal or even superior responsibilities and obligations, to be jointly witnessed by heaven and man!” Chen Xi said calmly.

All the aristocratic families pondered the appropriateness of this condition. It certainly was a guarantee to solve all problems, but to swear by the family name, to engrave with the family head’s blood, and to use Central Plains’ treasured legacy as a medium made them consider the cost of doing so.

If this sentence were to be engraved on the Xuanyuan Cauldron under the witness of 70% of the world’s aristocratic families and their hearts’ blood, it would indeed be more effective than any law, and it might truly last forever.

”Our privileges and rights come from equal or even superior responsibilities and obligations.” Xun Shuang chewed over the words slowly, hearing different nuances with his wisdom.

”What is the upper limit of privilege and the right?” Sima Fang squinted at Chen Xi, murmuring to himself.

”Is it witnessed by those present, as well as those not present but...all people?” Cui Yan frowned and asked, representing the two Cui Families of Boling and Qinghe; otherwise, he would not have been seated in the First Sequence.

”In other words, what are we supposed to do?” The young Wang Chen, eager to try, remarked. The Wang Family had lost too much now, and if they didn’t make an effort, the Wang Family of Taiyuan might fade into history along with their glorious past!

[Actually, it’s not important, what’s important is the word ”equal”!] Xun Shuang had already understood Chen Xi’s intention. This equality referred to whether it was on par with the common people or the Emperor, the exchange of rights and duties, under the witness of all the world’s aristocratic families, was not meant for the aristocratic families alone!

[He is creating opportunities for all the people.] Meng Gongwei narrowed his eyes slightly. Though seldom seen by others, his mind was exceptionally clear; otherwise, the Meng Clan would not have sent him to attend the meeting so easily.

[We are aristocrats; how could we be surpassed by the people we nurture and govern? If that day truly comes, I’d rather descend from the heavens into the mundane and perish with the aristocracy’s glory!] Shi Guangyuan thought coldly. Unlike Meng Jian, under his plain exterior was a proud heart.

Glancing at the aristocratic families still discussing privately, Shi Tao sneered and looked at Yuan Shu sitting in the front, directly using voice transmission.

”Head of the Yuan Family, you don’t mind if I say a few words, do you?” Shi Tao’s voice directly appeared to Yuan Shu.

”Speak.” Yuan Shu, with closed eyes, replied coldly.

”Even with the opportunities given, can they surpass us? If we can’t even ensure this, do we still have a reason to exist?” Shi Tao’s voice carried arrogance.

”The Pang Family doesn’t mind agreeing to Marquis Chen’s proposal.” Before Yuan Shu could ponder, Pang Shanmin, sitting in the latter part of the First Sequence, suddenly stood up and said.

A group of people swiveled their eyes toward this young man representing the Pang Family of Jingzhou. Unexpectedly, before others made a decision, Lord Pang De’s son, Zhuge Liang’s brother-in-law Pang Shanmin, had already decided.

[What a sly fox!] Chen Shang and Xun Shuang exchanged glances and saw enlightenment in each other’s eyes. He was entirely a sly fox, ready to pivot if things went awry. As for the Pang Family of Jingzhou, wasn’t there still Pang Tong?

(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations, and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com for reading.)