Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1051: Chapter 1007: Ultimately, Class Determines Mindset

Chen Xi believes in the mercy of the strong. Naturally, this mercy is not bestowed upon oneself, but upon others. The same act done by different people can yield different effects.

It’s like pouring tea. If Chen Xi now pours tea for an ordinary person, others will feel that Chen Xi has the virtue of respecting the wise and talent, whereas five years ago, they might not have felt anything at all.

Chen Xi remains Chen Xi; what has changed is the mindset of others. The so-called ”you have changed” phrase more often reveals the change in one’s own mindset.

The same behavior, done at different times, signifies completely different sincerity. Although you have not changed at all, others’ mindsets have undergone drastic changes, which is the fundamental reason.

Now, Liu Bei is strong, and the aristocratic families are weak, yet the aristocratic families still retain the power of turmoil, embodying the basic spirit of ”Better die with honor than live in disgrace.” But in the future, if they become meat on the chopping block, retaining their lives and being given a right path, perhaps they wouldn’t doubt at all.

When one has nothing left to lose, with only one life remaining, they either fall into crazed madness or tightly clutch the last straw of hope. At that time, the aristocratic families’ hesitations will be greatly reduced. Live towards glory or go to death with nothing.

For an aristocratic family with nothing left to be plundered, probably none would choose to die with nothing, which is Chen Xi’s purpose. To see only the sweet cake without seeing the poison within the cake, the aristocratic families are not shortsighted, but they really cannot notice these things.

The importance of land has truly blinded them, and likewise, the development of the Northeastern Plain has given the aristocratic families an opportunity to unite. In this era where Liu Bei’s power is incredibly strong, it seems that uniting closely is the best way for the aristocratic families to get through this era, and Chen Xi has given them this opportunity.

Xun Shuang can see these, as well as see the private slaves, private soldiers, and supporters who headed north, posing a latent threat to the Central Plains aristocratic families, but he does not care about it.

Because this is also a kind of exchange, the northern united aristocratic families’ private slaves and private soldiers protect all the Central Plains aristocratic families. Much like many of the families based in Guanzhong are not rooted there, but as long as their family’s strength remains, their rise is only a matter of time.

Moreover, now the aristocratic families all feel threatened, and integrating together seems to them the best choice. However, previously, no single family had such strength or a venue to make such a move.

Imagine the grain-producing lands of all the aristocratic families nationwide amounted to about three million hectares, while during the Han Dynasty, there were a total of 4.8 million hectares available for planting. How could there possibly be a place for all the families to unite?

Now Chen Xi has provided five million hectares of land, enough for all the families to migrate to one place. With such a place, Chen Xi has also signed an eternal ownership oath. In the eyes of someone like Xun Shuang, the foundation for the eternal existence of the families is already set.

As for Liu Bei’s threat, the families have time. A hundred years later, they don’t believe Liu Bei’s descendants will be the same. Besides, the long passage of time is enough for the families to fortify that place like an iron barrel — a remote yet prosperous place is what the families most need.

With that piece of land, they don’t need to struggle hard. Just continue to operate it, and a hundred years later, calling it a nation within a nation would not be an exaggeration. By then, they will not be subject to anyone in any era. As time passes, there will inevitably come a day when they are more than just an aristocratic family, capable of manipulating the country from behind the scenes; one only needs to wait for that day to arrive.

This is ultimately the sanctuary for the families, the ultimate defense through the unification of all aristocratic families. This is why Xun Shuang agreed. He had long noticed the possibility of breaking down the families one by one due to geographic and relational issues. Similarly, because of the distribution of farms across the country, it was nearly impossible for the families to unite in large numbers; at most, they could unite at the provincial level. While strong enough for a country, when faced with a powerful sovereign king, it was still too weak.

Now Chen Xi has provided a location, a province where all aristocratic families could gather. As long as they continue to control over seventy percent of official positions nationwide, their coalition would be invincible. Not even an imperial edict could withstand their orders.

Xun Shuang, upon seeing the land in Chen Xi’s book, did not initially think of a conspiracy. Instead, he understood why Chen Xi had called their ways foolish and naive: the families, without even integrating their own class, were contemplating other matters, bound to lead to trouble sooner or later!

[Gentlemen of the aristocratic families, you cannot refuse this generous gift, nor can you reject this offering. My identity as part of the family, coupled with my actions, are too deceiving. The thoughts of emperors throughout history only further confirm your judgments.] Chen Xi thought silently.

From the blood oath at the beginning, from the carving of the Xuanyuan Cauldron at the start, from the beginning of benevolence and virtue, from the initial mercy, it was all prepared for this moment. Everything done before was a display of sincerity. Aristocratic families, you cannot refuse such kindness.

[Lord Xuande, do not let me down, this is the best opportunity to pacify the aristocratic families. Although I believe you have a reason to trust me secretly, I hope you do not become an emperor. I cannot endure such a feeling; if such a time comes, I will stop you.] Chen Xi looked sidelong at Zhen Mi, thinking silently. Everything had a double-layered security; this was Chen Xi’s usual manifestation of insecurity.

”Five years?” Xun Shuang frowned and murmured to himself, having already formed an estimate in his heart. Looking at the composed young man sitting at the main seat, Xun Shuang had a guess about this timeframe.

”Yes, five years. I might as well tell you, the reason for setting it at five years is that I am confident after five years, we can expand our reach to every family’s territory, so be mentally prepared.” Chen Xi said calmly, ”As for the families of Qing, Xu, and Jizhou, the greater part of Yanzhou, and Yuzhou, you can start preparing for migration now; it will begin soon.”

”This is my first step. You all probably have some understanding; if you agree, do not let me down. Also, do not disclose the information to others who haven’t attended the alliance meeting. As for the carving, you need to wait a bit longer; the blood oath will take some time.” Chen Xi cast a glance at everyone and said.

”Very well, we also need time to think about how to allocate, and also need to ponder how to handle this matter. Indeed, it should be taken slowly. As for this book, I ask Marquis Chen to distribute a copy to each family, so our investigations can be a bit easier.” Xun Shuang lifted that book and said. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)