Chapter 611: Chapter 611
Elder Li was wracked with pain, cursing Grandmaster Zhang for being complicit with evil. They were defenders of orthodoxy, and though they had undermined the Yuwen Clan’s authority, they had never sought to usurp its throne.
Now that Xie Xun has overthrown the old dynasty, the blade of his new regime’s policies strikes first at the clans. If the power of the clans is stripped away and imperial authority stands unchallenged, the hundred-year legacy of the clans will be destroyed in an instant. To rebuild them would be nearly impossible. Xie Xun would never allow the clans to revive from their ashes. The Lin Family submits because Xie Xun is their kin, bound by the deep ties of blood.
The Zhang Family submits because Zhang Boju and Lin Helin have formed an alliance as the heads of the next generation, linking their families in fortune and fate. They’ve reached an understanding and joined forces early on. But for those unwilling to submit—where will they go?
Grandmaster Zhang is genuinely powerless now. His eldest grandson has come of age, with upright character and skills that rival those of Grandmaster Zhang in his youth. Led by him, the Zhang Family will surely continue onward, better than under an old man at twilight.
Behind the Jinluan Palace, Zhang Boju once had a conversation with the Grand Tutor. Though the Grandmaster begrudged accepting the new emperor, he truly didn’t want him to act recklessly and ruin the Zhang Family’s hundred-year foundation.
"Old Li, we both are over seventy now, with one foot already in the grave. How much longer can we live? The new emperor is young and vigorous, and Ningzhou Iron Cavalry reigns undefeated. He has all the time in the world to solidify his foothold. If his imperial expedition this time ends in total victory, Beining will fully surrender. There’s no stopping it, and we must leave a path for the children." Grandmaster Zhang wearily advised, devoid of his former spirit. He seemed so much older now. "It’s not that we are incompetent... perhaps it’s just bad luck, encountering..."
Encountering the most mad emperor from the Yuwen Family.
And dooming the realm.
The Grandmaster was also unwilling to accept it, but there was nothing he could do.
"Have you considered that with the emperor acting in this way, where will there be anyone to counterbalance him in the future? The rise and fall of all the clans will hinge on his word alone. Generations to come will be subject to his whims. Can you truly be at ease?" Elder Li’s tone was heavy. "If he consolidates control absolutely, someday he’ll do as he pleases. And should he misstep, he’ll become a tyrant, with no one left to turn him back. Do you really want that?"
"If that day truly comes, you and I will already have closed our eyes, seeing nothing. The descendants will have to find their own path. We are old now; let’s not fret over so much."
"You may not worry for your descendants, but I do. Look at how Third Miss of Feng Family operates, aligning with merchants to spar with us. Her ways mirror those of the emperor—if, in the future, the only restraint on Xie Xun becomes the maternal clan, then we face a dangerous prospect. If the imperial family’s extended kin interrupt governance, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"There’s no need to worry so much about things that haven’t even happened. Enjoy what little time you have left."
Grandmaster Zhang no longer wanted to deal with Elder Li. In years past, he had shared the same concerns as Elder Li, but now he felt more at peace—let the young handle the matters of their own.
Elder Li left in frustration, his sleeves flicking in indignation.
Zhang Boju thought his grandfather was finally enlightened for once, refraining from meddling in such affairs. Their generation would slowly navigate through these matters themselves. But Elder Li wasn’t wrong—Third Miss of Feng Family’s conduct in the capital these days truly was domineering. By gathering all the merchants under her control, how could the clans tolerate her actions? Read full story at noveⅼfire.net
Lin Helin said, "I don’t know much about this Third Miss. As an outsider and a man, it’s not appropriate for me to approach her. Let me consider this matter further."
"If she can genuinely make the clans wary and help the new regime’s policies take hold smoothly, some overbearingness might not be a bad thing. The emperor should be able to restrain her—a woman’s actions, even if bold, ought not to stray too far beyond bounds."