Wang Xiang was somewhat stunned.
He instinctively began looking for flaws in Cao Mao's words, even starting to consider how to strike back.
But then Wang Xiang abruptly came to his senses and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"What use is there in saying any of this now?"
"I only rue that the imperial court is full of these incompetent, mediocre petty men, sitting high above everyone, believing their strategies unparalleled, yet always doing such foolish things."
"Who knows how many people will have to join this old minister in the grave this time?"
"They are all talented men of the state. What a pity."
Cao Mao laughed. "The imperial court is full of these mediocre petty men-isn't that precisely because of your aspirations?"
"Under the Zhongzheng System, Director Xun's son became a minister, and the General of Chariots and Cavalry's younger brother became a governor. Ask any civil or military official at court, and every one of them comes from the most illustrious background."
"Just as you asked, does a capable minister's son necessarily become a capable minister?"
"Cases like Zhou Bo and Zhou Yafu are rare. Looking back through history, there has never been a situation like this, with the court full of the descendants of famous ministers, sons inheriting their fathers' careers, and official posts determined by their fathers' standing."
"Even the few men of humble birth who have risen in the world have only done so because of these men of illustrious birth."
"This is probably what officials selected according to the age you long for look like. When an emperor is muddleheaded and incompetent, there may still be ministers capable of governing well. But if all the ministers are mediocre and incompetent, who will save the realm?"
Wang Xiang said nothing for a