Of course, the more crucial point was that they were now in an age of great change. No one could say for certain what the future held. With that being the case, having someone like Meng Zhao lead the Meng Family and having mediocre talents like Meng Xi and Meng Wen lead it were two entirely different matters.
As for Meng Hongdao, emotionally speaking, he was naturally closer to Meng Xi and Meng Wen. After all, he had watched them grow up and had even taken Meng Jizu's place in teaching them over the years. Their bond ran quite deep.
Meng Zhao was also his nephew, but they had not spent much time together. Though Meng Hongdao felt some guilt and affection toward him, it ultimately could not compare to the sincere feelings he held for the former two.
Yet setting emotion aside and speaking purely rationally, he was more supportive of Meng Zhao becoming the future head of the Meng Family.
Even if a lion led a flock of sheep, it still inspired awe. But if a sheep led a pride of lions, its own weakness and inadequacy would ultimately be impossible to conceal.
Meng Hongdao hoped for the Meng Family to flourish, and he also hoped that it could protect itself amid the coming age of great change. Choosing Meng Zhao was the best possible outcome.
Naturally, Meng Zhao knew nothing of this. Hearing Meng Hongdao so eagerly ask for his thoughts, he said,
"Third Uncle, I will not hide it from you. As for noble titles, fame, profit, and rank, I can obtain them myself. Thus, I have no intention of competing with my two elder brothers for the title of Earl of Nan'an.
"However, the position of family head concerns the direction and future of our