Was he at the end of his rope...
"Even if he is, surely there's no harm in trying a Longevity Fruit? The effects might diminish, but it shouldn't be completely useless."
"He refused to eat one himself. He's lived too long."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"When a powerful family has existed for too long and exerts enormous influence over the entire city, many people see that as unacceptable. He is indeed loyal to Zion and committed to developing this city and advancing the times, but he can't guarantee his children will do the same. So, for his family to survive, old Moen has to step down."
Hearing this, Xu Le swallowed and asked a rather ill-timed question:
"What would happen if Mr. Moen didn't step down?"
"Old Moen controls too much of Zion's economy, too many researchers, and has too many protégés. His sphere of influence is also far too tangled and chaotic. And a while ago, he killed Madam Aqi in front of everyone. If he doesn't die, his family's influence will be too great. That isn't conducive to harmony throughout Zion."
Li Wen didn't spell everything out, but Xu Le already understood what he meant.
Zion's parliamentary system couldn't permit the existence of a family that could steer its politics over the long term. They represented old vested interests, a monopoly.
Such an existence would affect Zion's development.
Even old Moen himself couldn't be certain whether his descendants would remain loyal to Zion.
Once wealth and power reached a certain level, some things would gradually change.
"I understand." After hearing this, Xu Le looked rather downcast.
Old Moen was a decent man. Although some of their views differed, with the man nearing death...
Li Wen sensed that sadness too, but chose to change the subject:
"All right.