After discussing it for a while, the gathering finally came to an end.
However, only the minor aristocratic families left, while the top aristocratic families stayed behind, showing no intention of leaving at all.
After all the outsiders had left, Zhang Wanhao's face instantly darkened.
Bang!
He kicked a stool beside him, sending it flying. He roared, "A bunch of short-sighted fools! They dare to scheme against the Emperor's favorite minister? They're utterly courting death!"
What a bunch of bastards! The emperor has never liked the aristocratic families and has always been wary of their excessive interference in the country.
These guys are now actively plotting against Cao Cao; it's like the God of Longevity lighting a lantern—they're courting death! They're just handing the Emperor an excuse to take action.
The crucial point is that this matter also involves Zhang Clan's relatives; this is truly an undeserved disaster.
Wang Hui frowned slightly. This matter was indeed handled rather carelessly, and it would have endless consequences.
To be honest, he was also annoyed by Cao Cao, but now that the aristocratic families had finally settled down, these people were suddenly causing trouble, which was simply courting death.
Fortunately, the Wang Clan did not get involved this time, which can be considered a stroke of good luck amidst misfortune.
Zhang Wanhao, however, is in a bit of a problem. His relatives were involved in this matter, and he might get implicated.
Thinking of this, he said in a deep voice, "This matter could be big or small, it all depends on the Emperor's attitude. After that, let's take the initiative to go and admit our mistake."
As for those families who took action, let's just deal with them directly, lest we give Cao Cao a handle to use against us!
This kind of thing can't be kept from the Emperor. Rather than waiting for the Emperor to settle scores later, it's better for us to admit our mistakes first, so that we can have more initiative.
As for those minor aristocratic families, since they have made a move, they must be taught a lesson to show their attitude.
If the emperor really thinks they're ganging up, they probably won't even know how they died.
"Okay, I'll handle this!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wanhao nodded and accepted the task, preparing to deal with those powerful families, including his own relatives.
If Cao Cao sets his sights on us, the stability we've worked so hard to achieve will collapse instantly.
But this time, blood must be drawn; otherwise, they won't know what rules are, let alone fear.
"Well, that's the only way!"
The other powerful figures nodded slightly, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. Their own families had now become tools of the emperor, a truly pitiful and lamentable situation.
Looking back, how arrogant and domineering they were back then, it's truly heartbreaking to see them now.
Seeing the group of older men looking dejected, Liu Kun couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh, "Why are you all like this? Look at this, it should cheer you up!"
Snap!
After saying that, he took out an account book from his pocket and placed it on the tea table next to everyone.
Upon seeing this item, Zhang Wanhao's eyes lit up, and his previous gloom vanished instantly, replaced by a surge of energy.
His old face flushed red with excitement, and he exclaimed, "My God! The investment project for Southern Liang has already been approved! Doesn't that mean we can start operating now?"
This is fantastic news! Once the Southern Liang market is fully opened up, our major families will surely take off instantly, and soar to new heights!
That's comparable to the resource operation of a major country; the profits involved are absolutely terrifying. We've struck it rich!
With this, any loss is acceptable.
"Haha, this is really good news! It seems we're about to recover. Following in the Emperor's footsteps, he eats meat, and we get a sip of soup too!" Liu Kun said, beaming with pride.
The more miserable they were before, the more exhilarating it was now; this was truly the end of suffering and the beginning of happiness.
By acquiring these benefits, the powerful families will inevitably see a significant increase in their strength.
Wang Hui's eyes flashed with excitement, but in an instant, he couldn't help but worry, frowning as he said, "Have you all thought about this? Once we reap such a huge benefit, we will inevitably return to our peak."
If that happens, wouldn't we be back to square one? Then the Great Liang might not be able to tolerate us again!
Forehead!
Upon hearing this, the laughter of the crowd abruptly stopped, and an awkward silence instantly descended.
This concern is absolutely valid; if a powerful family becomes too large, it will inevitably clash with imperial power.
In the past, aristocratic families could control the emperor, but now that the emperor is too powerful, the aristocratic families are being trampled on.
Holy crap, this is going to be a repeat of the same mistake.
"Then what can we do? We can't just stay cooped up like this and slowly wait to die, can we?" Zhang Wanhao frowned.
Wang Hui shook his head, a hint of seriousness appearing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "No, if we stay put, it means we're no longer of any use, and we'll die even faster."
To ensure our safety, we need to do the following several things to be able to sleep soundly.
He knew perfectly well that if they had no value to him, the aristocratic families would lose their last advantage and be discarded or even swallowed up.
How so?
Everyone's eyes lit up; it seemed Old Wang had something to say.
Wang Hui glanced around at everyone, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "The first point is that our major families are too big a target, and we must separate ourselves from them."
Once the children reach adulthood, apart from the few legitimate offspring, all the rest are separated from their parents.
After separation, we will be a completely new family, no longer belonging to the old clan. This period of time will be sufficient to ensure our safety.
Hiss!
Upon hearing this, everyone's pupils contracted; this was tantamount to cutting themselves in half, dividing the united aristocratic family.
But thinking about it, it makes sense. If it were a powerful family as a whole, the power it could unleash would be too great, and the imperial court would certainly not be at ease.
If we had actively separated them, things wouldn't have come to this.
Thinking this through, everyone gritted their teeth and nodded. "Dividing up is better than dying together."
kindness!
Seeing that they agreed, Wang Hui continued, "Secondly, we must proactively align our interests with the Emperor's. Only in this way can we be more secure and avoid being disliked by the Emperor."
At the same time, we can offer a portion of the profits to the Emperor, thus making us his people.
Only when interests align can major conflicts be avoided; instead, shared prosperity leads to shared prosperity, thus preventing the emperor from harming one another.
However, this community of interests is now very unbalanced, so the only option left is for one's own aristocratic family to fawn over the Great Liang.
If you adopt a humble attitude and offer some money along the way, the emperor will naturally be pleased.
Although it may not look good, it can absolutely guarantee the safety of the aristocratic family. At most, they might be ridiculed a few times, but that's harmless and not a problem at all.
"No doubt about it, that's exactly how we are right now," Zhang Wanhao said, pursing his lips in annoyance.
My prestigious Zhang Clan is now raising silkworms. What's so unacceptable about that? Compared to the destruction of our family, losing face is not such a big deal.
The others nodded in unison, whispering, "That makes sense!"
As long as you're alive, what's the point of having any shame!