CHAPTER 1094: CHAPTER 1050: RELOCATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER

For middle and small aristocratic families like the Yangg Family, there are too many within the Han Dynasty. Some families have made very long-term plans, while others only focus on immediate benefits, clinging stubbornly to outdated ways. Naturally, the outcome was already determined when they made their choice.

Thus, Chen Xi feels a sense of admiration when dealing with certain aristocratic families. The reason is very simple: whether their ideals are right or wrong, their ability to strive for them across three generations is truly admirable, even if what they are doing might be wrong.

There’s not much more to say about certain admiration. What Chen Xi needs is this spirit. It’s very difficult for ordinary people to strive for a goal over several generations, but for aristocratic families, it seems like a natural fact.

This spirit is commendable. Therefore, it’s necessary to change the mindset of aristocratic families, to broaden their perspective and expand their thinking.

In Chen Xi’s view, striving for the rise of one’s family over several generations and even longer is such a helpless endeavor. The reason prominent aristocratic families stand out lies in the fact that the core members of these families have always worked for the family’s prosperity.

If the effort for family benefit becomes an effort for Huaxia, uniting the strength of all aristocratic families in this direction, perhaps the Han Dynasty would have already transcended the concept of the Central Plains, instead of being divided by internal strife for personal ideals.

This requires a balance, a balance that coordinates family interests with national interests. Pure focus on national interests is like Zilu refusing the cow, setting moral standards too high, ultimately harming collective morality.

Since family interests relate to self-interests, aristocratic families will work to protect them. Unfortunately, without knowing how errors emerge, national interests are disconnected from family and self-interests, leading to a strange situation.

Besides honor, there is nothing else. Honor is indeed important, but it can’t be eaten; humans are ordinary creatures after all.

Thus, Chen Xi has been very realistic from the start. Ideals can resist all difficulties during the most challenging times, but once out of hardship, the ideal serves as a motivational goal. Benefits should connect everyone, so those with ideals are not bogged down by mundane concerns of food, clothing, and shelter—that is Chen Xi’s objective.

After achieving a phased victory, it’s now time to reward their followers. It’s not about much—just letting them understand that by following him, they can not only overcome hardships but also gain more benefits. This is very important.

After getting the answer he wanted, Zhao Yun left, leaving Yang Dao and Cai Zhenji staring at each other before confirming no one else was around. Yang Dao then decisively submitted, as henpecked husbands exist in every era.

"I wonder if it’s reliable!" Zhao Yun looked towards the Northwest with a face of worry. Is it really okay to snatch someone on New Year’s Eve?

[Sigh, I better prepare the betrothal gifts first and be ready for anything.] Zhao Yun thought helplessly. First courtesy, then force. Regardless of whether Yang Dao’s method is reliable, at least one thing is certain: if you don’t try, you will definitely fail; if you try, you might not fail!

[Why not use this Yitian Sword as a betrothal gift? After all, it suits a military family.] Zhao Yun touched the Yitian Sword hanging at his waist. Even though it is a sword he really needs, compared to his future wife, it’s better to give it as a gift to his brother-in-law.

Zhao Yun completely forgot that this sword was a war trophy obtained by Guan Yu from Cao Cao. If he used it as a betrothal gift, and Ma Chao wields it, what Cao Cao would think then is indeed a question.

Afterward, Zhao Yun began ordering visits to the households of Liu Bei’s ministers, as there’s not much time left before the New Year and they have to relocate to Ye City. Even if every family has carriages, it’s impossible to travel as quickly as cavalry marching. It will take at least ten days, due to the many warhorses and smooth provincial routes now available.

When they visited the house of Mann Chong, they found a thick stack of papers in front of him as he sat there deep in thought with a stern face.

"Boning, I hope I’m not disturbing you." Zhao Yun cupped his hands in greeting, having been led to Mann Chong’s study by his steward, who wouldn’t go any further. Zhao Yun had to enter on his own.

"Zilong, you came at just the right time. Tell me which one to use?" Mann Chong looked up, slightly frowning. Seeing Zhao Yun, he restrained his displeasure at being interrupted and asked.

Zhao Yun looked at the script Mann Chong handed over, all of which read "The same law applies to the Emperor and commoners" although each sheet had slightly different handwriting.

"What’s this?" Zhao Yun asked Mann Chong.

"It’s the law to be inscribed on the Xuanyuan Cauldron. I want nothing else, just this sentence." Mann Chong looked up at Zhao Yun and said.

"Shouldn’t this be written by a renowned calligrapher, then inscribed by someone officially in charge?" Zhao Yun asked, confused. His words seem to have touched a sore point for Mann Chong, whose face turned as dark as it could get.

"Ahem, ahem, I think this one looks good," Zhao Yun quickly pointed to one sheet seeing Mann Chong’s expression, knowing he misspoke.

"By the way, I’ve come to inform you that I plan to set off for Ye City the day after tomorrow. Boning, please prepare early," Zhao Yun changed the subject without hesitation.

"We were already prepared beforehand. But weren’t we waiting for Xianhe to release the Word Dictionary and some other things after the first snow before relocating? Why move now?" Mann Chong asked, puzzled.

"In a short time, it’s unlikely the dictionary will be released. A group of great Confucian scholars is in dispute, and it seems hard to produce results." Zhao Yun shook his head, "Lord Liu’s intention is for us to move to Ye City first and publish during the next year’s sacrificial offerings in Fenggao. Besides, we have been at war for years with little time to reunite, so this time Lord Liu plans to let everyone rest a bit."

"Indeed, that’s reasonable. Whether voluntarily or not, warfare has been ongoing these years. Taking this chance to recuperate, having seized the initiative, is beneficial for us," Mann Chong nodded slowly, understanding Liu Bei’s considerations.

"Zilong, actually, you don’t have to wait a day to set off. We have been ready to move anytime before you even came. Leaving tomorrow is not only auspicious but also ensures you’ll arrive before the New Year’s festival." Mann Chong thought for a moment and continued.

Zhao Yun thought for a moment and agreed. He then informed everyone again. Fortunately, Zhao Yun brought many soldiers, and the urban guards were also helping. Most of the urban guards would return to Mount Tai after the relocation. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, you are welcome to recommend it and vote monthly on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)