Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 2126: Chapter 1886: I’ll Give You a Hint

The subsequent Grand Assembly had an odd start from the very beginning, Sun Ce, the foolish hothead, charged shirtless to lambast the Yang Family, and this time, various aristocratic families realized how loyal Sun Ce was and how brilliant Yuan Shu’s foresight had been.

Since Sun Ce was going all out against the Yang Family, other Eastern Wu, South Huai River, and Jing-Xiang factions, regardless of their preparedness, joined him in criticizing the Yang Family — after all, they discerned that the Yang Family was doomed this time; thus, they might as well gain favor in front of Sun Ce.

As for Liu Tong, she sat at the main seat, meditating with her eyes closed; today’s Grand Assembly would not address any other issue as she awaited the debate on this matter involving the Yang Family and the Yuan Family. Liu Tong was vastly more astute than Liu Xie; this situation provided ample room for maneuver.

"General Sun, let us discuss the matter at hand," Chen Xi suddenly spoke with a composed demeanor.

Sun Ce turned to look at Chen Xi; despite his previous silence, Chen Xi suddenly spoke, causing the previously vocal aristocratic families to quiet down and prepare to listen to his insights.

Liu Tong also slowly opened her eyes and glanced in Chen Xi’s direction, eager to hear his sophisticated argument.

"The situation is as follows..." Chen Xi elaborated on the details, including the mass migration initiated by Yuan Shu, "This is the state of affairs, so everyone here understands this is fundamentally an act of revenge, but the Yang Family is undeniably shrewd, using rules to wield them as a sword against us."

Chen Xi’s words carried no extraneous emotions, leaving the assembly uncertain about his stance. Yuan Shu’s faults were not disguised, nor were the Yang Family’s issues; it was only after hearing the entire context did the audience grasp the cause and effect.

"We can say that if today’s event were not the Grand Assembly but another scenario, the Yuan Family and the Yang Family would be engaged in a bloody conflict, with spectators outnumbering peacekeepers," Chen Xi remarked matter-of-factly.

The crowd nodded in agreement; should the Yuan and Yang Families clash fiercely, they would be mere onlookers, unlikely to intervene on behalf of either family, content to wave flags and beat down the defeated while assisting the vanquished side.

In the past, the Yang Family had, on occasion, imprisoned members of the Yuan Family, and the Yuan Family inadvertently made Yang Family members vanish; such incidents were far from rare.

"The intricacies are apparent—the core issue lies in misconduct before the Sovereign," Chen Xi commented quietly, prompting unanimous nodding; he chose not to elaborate further, deeming this incident as misconduct before the Sovereign was sufficient.

While others were still processing, Zhou Yu had already grasped Chen Xi’s intent: today’s issue was not because Yuan Shu wounded Yang Xiu, but because Yuan Shu committed misconduct before the Sovereign. Given this premise, there was no reason for Yuan Shu to be apprehended.

"Requesting the Prince to judge Yang Xiu and Yang Biao for their misconduct before the Sovereign," Zhou Yu gestured, and from Cao Cao’s side emerged an individual from the ranks. Zhou Yu discerned that Chen Xi might not help Yuan Shu, but Yang Family had incurred Chen Xi’s displeasure today; hence, dropping a pawn to entangle Cao Cao seemed like the way to trouble the Yang Family.

Cao Cao turned silently, eyeing the individual stepping forward; he recognized that the Zhou Family, having produced Three Dukes over a span of two to three generations, would not lack representation in Chang’an and Luoyang, and now, his expectations were confirmed.

Despite Cao Cao’s lack of vested interest in supporting Yuan Shu or targeting the Yang Family, the Yang Family’s seclusion would indeed aid his control over Yongliang, while on Sun Ce’s side, he boldly went shirtless, seemingly desiring everyone to know of his determination to protect Yuan Shu.

Chen Xi appeared unhurried, yet his words clearly conveyed the situation, regardless of whether he advocates for Yuan Shu or not—just Chen Xi’s words implied the Yang Family unknowingly offended Chen Xi.

Quietly, Cao Cao communicated with Cheng Yu, asking, "How many unsavory dealings has the Yang Family engaged in? Confident or not, if confidence lacks, we merely observe; if confident, let the Yongliang aristocratic families understand that our previous complacency was mere courtesy; let us find mutual benefit without overstepping bounds."

"Rest assured, Lord—no aristocratic family lacks scandals; even Chen Zichuan has admitted he is not entirely clean, implying the state of other families," came Cheng Yu’s chilling response, prompting Cao Cao’s silent approval if so.

Neither Liu Bei nor Cao Cao overlooked the benefits of the aristocratic family migration, targeting the complete removal of these families and subsequently merging villages, enabling direct orders from above to reach the grassroots without the previous grassroots governance dominated by clans, autonomous governance relying on ethical standards, and ethics forming gentries.

This greatly benefits the governance across the entire Central Plains, also explaining why figures like Cao Cao and Sun Ce did not obstruct Chen Xi’s initiative to relocate aristocratic families.

Though the main branch of aristocratic families may linger in the Central Plains, their minimal numbers render little threat to local governmental control.

In fact, fearing some families might resist relocation, Cao Cao has begun collecting scandals on each major family—resistance will be met with sword and blade sending them on their way.

The phrase "Requesting the Prince to judge Yang Xiu and Yang Biao for their misconduct before the Sovereign" instantly made everyone present comprehend Chen Xi’s message, directing thoughtful gazes towards him.

Previously, Chen Xi never interfered in the internal struggles of aristocratic families. His role remained as a guide, steering the families forward—though he addressed those failing to heed him, such actions were reserved for those defying Chen Xi’s lead.