Chapter 1224: The Wisdom of a Thousand Years

"Not at all, the Chen family has never really harmed me. As for a few bad apples, every family has them, and I don’t really hold grudges against them," Chen Xi said nonchalantly.

Repaying evil with good wasn’t his style, but seeing those who had once wronged him now as insignificant as ants, Chen Xi really didn’t feel the need to add insult to injury. In his eyes, just his current success alone was enough to be a major headache for them.

Chen Xi certainly didn’t believe that anyone could rest easy knowing that the person they bullied years ago had now become the nation's prime minister. If someone could maintain their composure in that situation, Chen Xi would sincerely give them credit for it. He didn’t even need to do anything; bureaucracy and internal family politics would naturally sort it out.

"Then is it possible that the family head feels that the Chen family’s support has been lacking over the past few years?" Chen Shang asked, observing Chen Xi’s indifferent expression and realizing their assumptions might have been wrong.

"Not really," Chen Xi said, pausing for a moment, "If I think about it, the four thousand craftsmen your family provided were very helpful. Other than that, you’ve only made things a little easier for me by adding some finishing touches, which I appreciate."

Chen Guang and Chen Shang exchanged bitter smiles. So, the value of the mighty Chen family, one of the most prominent aristocratic clans in the land, amounted to nothing more than that? Their political influence, their control over public opinion—did none of that matter?

"May I ask who suggested sending the Chen family to the Western Regions?" Chen Guang gritted his teeth and got straight to the point. Even though he knew that since Chen Xi had approved it, it meant he found the plan acceptable, the Chen family members still wanted to know who had pushed for this.

"I proposed it," Chen Xi said, looking at the elders with a helpless expression. "If I hadn’t suggested it, who would dare? All non-military decisions fall under my authority."

"Family head, are you truly willing to send your kin so far away to the Western Regions?" Chen Shang almost burst into tears. From the era of aristocracy to the present, spanning over a thousand years, he had never seen a family head so unconcerned about his own clan.

"Oh, the Western Regions are pretty nice," Chen Xi rolled his eyes and replied. "I handpicked it myself. Even Zijing tried to persuade me otherwise, but I dismissed his objections."

Chen Shang and Chen Guang were at a loss for words. Promoting such high-minded ideals was one thing, but this went beyond what they considered reasonable. How had the Chen family ended up with such a family head?

"Alright, I understand what you’re both getting at. However..." Chen Xi’s lighthearted demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious tone. "From this point on, every word I say is for your ears only. No one else in the family, except those who would give their lives for the clan, must know of this!"

Seeing the cold, piercing gaze from Chen Xi, both Chen Shang and Chen Guang realized this was the first time they had seen him show such a stern side.

Once they had braced themselves, Chen Xi instructed Chen Yun to bring over a map, which was then hung on the wall. Chen Yun stood silently by, awaiting further instructions.

"Elder Shang, you should recall that I once mentioned the idea of using one or two large aristocratic families to control a small country," Chen Xi began, not yet addressing the map behind him, but instead referencing a conversation they’d had in the past.

"Yes, family head, I remember. After returning to the Chen family, I had some people run simulations of that plan. It is indeed feasible, but there are two key issues. First, these small countries have sparse populations, and second, they are too close to the Han court. For us noble families situated in the Central Plains, it is sufficient to remotely control them—why relocate to such a desolate place?" Chen Shang nodded as he spoke.

When Chen Xi had originally proposed the plan, Chen Shang had taken it seriously and had the family explore it. The conclusion was that it was a viable strategy and could serve as a backup for the Chen family. If needed, they could join forces with another one or two families to execute the plan.

This way, the core of the family could remain in the Central Plains, enjoying the vast wealth of the Han Empire while simultaneously maintaining a hidden base of operations in another country. If things ever went south, they could retreat to that country, regroup over a couple of generations, and stage a comeback. All they needed was to lay the groundwork quietly.

Up to now, they hadn’t decided on a third allied family, but they had already chosen their second partner—the Xun family. The two families had been intertwined for over a hundred years and trusted one another. They weren’t worried about being betrayed, and both families had deep roots.

The third family had originally been set as the Sima family. Although their foundation was relatively thin, they were considered close to the Chen family. With their support, it would be easier to manage the Xun family. After all, the Xun family boasted eight extraordinary talents, some of whom were still alive. While the Chen family wasn’t lacking in talent, even a tiger struggles against a pack of wolves. A little extra help was necessary.

Recently, however, Sima Fang had been busy fathering more children, which had complicated things. The Chen family decided to wait. After all, noble families operated on multi-generational timelines, so there was no rush. The ambitious families that sought immediate power had long been eradicated.

Only those who took their time, plotting over decades, could sit back and watch the ebb and flow of the empire. As long as they weren’t wiped out, they had all the time in the world to watch empires rise and fall. That’s the luxury afforded to families with centuries of history.

"Oh, well, I’ve scrapped that plan," Chen Xi casually dismissed the strategy that Chen Shang had invested so much effort into, causing Chen Shang to feel a sudden surge of frustration, as though he wanted to spit blood.

"Family head..." Chen Shang’s face turned pale. "Even if you’ve abandoned the plan, can you at least give us a reason? That strategy could have benefited the Chen family for the next century!"

"Because it’s too small." Chen Xi replied calmly, "I understand that you’ve stayed in the Han Empire because of its vastness and wealth. Well, I’ve revised the plan. I intend to give the Chen family an entire nation."

Chen Shang nearly had a heart attack upon hearing this, and Chen Guang’s breathing grew heavy. After a moment, he managed to steady himself. "Family head, the Chen family has twice held kingship, and both times it brought us the greatest calamity. The two instances when we lost the throne caused irreparable harm to the family."

Chen Shang, regaining his composure, continued where Chen Guang left off. "The first time, only one direct descendant remained. The second time, if not for our foresight in splitting the family, not a single heir from the main branch would have survived. Kingship is a deadly temptation for a millennium-old family. Unless we have no other choice, we must never touch it again."

"We are merely those who push the waves; we never stand at the crest of the storm," Chen Guang said with a hint of self-mockery.

"The best way to ensure a family’s survival is to send branches into the court and recruit talented commoners to form our influence among the civil and military officials. Only during times of upheaval do we ever take the stage ourselves," Chen Shang added, his expression similarly resigned. Families that survived over five centuries had elders whose minds were sharp and clear.

"When we’re young, we serve in government, but once our time comes, we retire. Even if the country asks for us to return, we decline," Chen Guang nodded, elaborating further.

In their youth, they pursued ambition and left their mark, acting as the mouthpiece of their families. But once they reached a certain point, the sharpest minds among them would step back, leaving only a few behind to safeguard their influence in the court.

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