As Zhao Yun returned, waves of envoys from various warlords and prominent families began to gather in Fenggao. Whether they sought alliances or intended to place their bets, they all needed to meet Chen Xi during this time.
In the eleventh month of the third year of Chuping, Liu Bei's civil and military officials finally returned to Mount Tai before Chen Xi's wedding. Naturally, Chen Xi received so many gifts that his hands grew weary from accepting them.
After a year of undefeated battles, each official was wealthy beyond measure, and as Chen Xi held a high position under Liu Bei, none of the civil and military officials dared to be stingy with their gifts.
Additionally, with Mount Tai's flourishing commerce, though the operations were managed by the Mi family, the Zhen family, and Lady Gan, all major merchants knew that Chen Xi was the one who had initially set the rules. Therefore, anyone hoping to thrive in Mount Tai had to build connections with Chen Xi.
When Chen Qun's invitation was delivered to Chen Xi's residence, Chen Xi personally came out with his steward to welcome him. Had there been a mistress of the household, Chen Xi would have brought her along as well. Unfortunately, in recent days, both Chen Lan and Fan Jian had not been staying at the residence.
"Chen Qun, head of the Chen family of Yingchuan," Chen Qun introduced himself simply. He only carried the title of family head in this meeting.
"Ah, the Chen family of Yingchuan. I am Chen Xi, also of the Chen family," Chen Xi chuckled bitterly. "Seeing you now, I realize that this meeting has been long overdue. Please, come in."
Chen Qun entered the Chen residence with a composed demeanor, followed closely by the steward who quietly closed the door behind them.
"Please, have a seat. There's no need for formalities. It's a shame we haven't had the chance to meet sooner," Chen Xi said calmly. He was slightly surprised by Chen Qun's composed and courteous demeanor, especially since they were rivals within the family, both vying for legitimacy. Despite this, Chen Qun maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, reflecting the high standards of education within the Chen family.
"It is indeed a pity. A talent like you should have been nurtured by the Chen family. But it's of little consequence; after all, you still bear the name Chen," Chen Qun responded, also with a touch of lament. "There are some things I must tell you. You've proven your capabilities."
"If it's about solidifying the aristocracy, I already know, and I disagree," Chen Xi waved his hand dismissively. "You should be aware of what Lord Xuande said on the altar to the people. In that regard, our paths diverge. Anything else?"
Chen Qun's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, but he didn't seem too shocked. "The resources of the Chen family are at your disposal now. You can represent the Chen family, and your actions will be followed by countless other families."
"So, what I'm doing now can be considered an experiment by the Chen family and other noble families?" Chen Xi said, looking at Chen Qun with a serene expression. "As expected, noble families are not monolithic entities. Even within the same family, there are different ideologies."
"Yes. Now, you can be a public figure for the Chen family, one of the symbols of the aristocracy. Your choices, whether right or wrong, will be followed by others. If what you're doing now is a minority opinion among the noble families, as you rise, those who share your views but were previously suppressed will now be used as pawns and sent to your side because you represent the Chen family," Chen Qun replied with a trace of irony.
"I knew it. Noble families are not a unified front. Just as there are a hundred different types of people, there are a hundred different views. Very well, tell those families that we'll take in those people here in Mount Tai," Chen Xi said with a shrug.
"When I heard Liu Xuande's oath on the altar, I thought you were planning to eradicate the aristocracy. But from your tone, it doesn't sound like the usual rhetoric from those who are extreme in their opposition. Care to share your thoughts? I'd like to hear them," Chen Qun asked with interest.
"After all, I was born into an aristocratic family," Chen Xi replied with a glance at Chen Qun. "What happened to those who took my family's property?"
"They've been reduced to servants. In a large family, one can never ensure complete cleanliness," Chen Qun replied flatly, as if this were a common occurrence.
"Even if the commoners win, they'll eventually become the aristocracy. So, there's no need to destroy the aristocracy over the actions of one generation. I'll just say this: if any aristocracy gets in my way, it's only natural to destroy them. But to specifically target aristocrats? I'm not that foolish," Chen Xi said nonchalantly.
"Throughout history, permanence has always been a paradox. When it's time for the aristocracy to fall, it will naturally fall. And when that time comes, someone will push them over the edge. But now, even with universal education, and even with enough resources to make it possible, do you really think it will wipe out the aristocracy?" Chen Xi sneered.
Chen Qun's eyes narrowed slightly as he sipped his tea in silence.
"Afraid I'm trying to deceive you?" Chen Xi asked casually.
"After all, you, Chen Zichuan, are no simple character. If I'm not cautious, the family might be sold off without even realizing it," Chen Qun replied with a faint smile.
"Let's just go our separate ways and see whose approach is correct. Time will prove whether your idea of solidifying social classes is right or if my way is better," Chen Xi said. He had to admit that universal education combined with merit-based selection could indeed lead most aristocratic families to decline. However, it would also create families of generational elites who would persist.
Frankly, Chen Xi never intended to eliminate the aristocracy. His goal was to sift out the dregs and give the lower classes a chance to rise. If, in the end, the geniuses who emerge from the masses still can't compete with the aristocratic elites, then so be it. At that point, Chen Xi would no longer intervene.
Chen Xi was willing to allow aristocratic families to continue prospering, but only if they consistently demonstrated their worth. The idea of solidifying social classes and losing the drive to improve was something Chen Xi found unacceptable.
"Very well. Let's each test our own theories. Currently, the Yuan and Yang families are vying for the legitimate succession of the empire, one from the bottom up and the other from the top down. The Chen, Xun, and Cui families have all placed their bets. But I don't have much faith in the Yang family," Chen Qun said, moving on from the debate over right and wrong. He was here to relay a few matters and officially acknowledge Chen Xi's status.
No matter how much it frustrated him, the fact that the Chen family had produced someone like Chen Xi couldn't be denied. If he didn't acknowledge it, someone else would. Rather than have it undermine his authority as head of the family, Chen Qun chose to acknowledge it himself.
Every family head has moments where they are not free to act as they wish. To gain power, one must bear responsibility. To gain freedom, one must leave and start anew. This is why the noble families of the Qin and Han dynasties have endured for so long.
After sending Chen Qun off, Chen Xi's steward followed him closely until they almost reached the inner courtyard. Finally, the steward spoke up, "Master, you're a marquis now. Why didn't you take the opportunity to humiliate him?"
"Because it wasn't necessary. For someone who is proud, watching someone they once looked down upon gradually surpass them until they have to look up to them is more painful than any humiliation. Their pride will torment them forever," Chen Xi said calmly as he gazed up at the sky. "The facts will speak for themselves. Words are only needed when actions fall short."