Liang Xiao finally got the information he wanted. Sitting upright, he listened to Gu Shaoyan introduce the major noble families.
The Great Gan Dynasty had quite a number of prominent families and powerful clans. Among the older ones were the Dugu family, the Ouyang family, and the Gongyang clan of Jiangnan.
Families like the Wang and Huang families had risen in prominence in the last few decades.
The Gu and Mu families, however, were established during the founding of the Great Gan Dynasty. They were younger than the Dugu and Ouyang families, yet older than the newer clans, placing them in an awkward position.
These noble families and powerful clans had always been a blight on the dynasty. The founding emperor of Great Gan, despite widespread opposition, had relocated as many of these families to the capital as possible, intending to restrict them.
However, due to the scarcity of imperial heirs, the stability of royal power was insufficient. These families learned to band together, growing increasingly powerful and forming formidable clans, ultimately leading to a situation where they became too influential to control.
Yet, these families and clans were not monolithic. For instance, the Wang family, led by Wang Canghai, and the He family of Jiangnan were relatively upright. To avoid suspicion, they rarely interacted with other noble families and clans.
The Dugu family, the Ouyang family, and the He family of the capital belonged to the wavering faction left over from the previous dynasty. They were adept at forming factions, pursuing selfish interests, and excluding rivals. These three families, as the leaders, were the root of courtly power struggles and were at odds with the Wang family of the capital and the He family of Jiangnan.
The Gu family, the Mu family, the Huang family, and others belonged to the neutral faction. They consistently sought to protect themselves while supporting the imperial court, but they refused to associate with the Dugu family, maintaining a superficial harmony with a slight undercurrent of animosity between the two factions.
Gu Hong, the Minister of Rites, and Mu Lingming, the Prefect of Jingzhao, keenly observed the political currents. They realized that the Son of Heaven intended to groom Liang Xiao to counter the Dugu family and other powerful clans, but they dared not openly declare their support, lest they be caught in an awkward position.
After listening to Gu Shaoyan's explanation, Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue were lost in thought.
In fact, Liang Xiao had been investigating these families recently. The intelligence provided by Xiao Qing was similar to what Gu Shaoyan had said, indicating that Gu Shaoyan was being forthright.
Gu Shaoyan handed another list to Liang Xiao. Upon receiving it, Liang Xiao saw it was a list of various noble families headed by the Wang and Gu families.
Mu Hong said earnestly, "Liang Xiao, these are the families that are willing to secretly ally with you. Of course, some of these families cannot be fully trusted, but as long as we do not make our stance public, the Dugu family, no matter how dissatisfied, will not openly turn against us. After all, we are not to be underestimated."
Gu Shaoyan added, "The Prime Minister's position is sensitive and inconvenient for him to attend gatherings. Therefore, this matter will be overseen by my father. The elders' requests are simple: they only hope that in your future struggles against the families led by the Dugu family, these families will not be caught in the crossfire. Furthermore, our various families will provide you with as much convenience as possible."
Liang Xiao pondered for a moment, then smiled, "Your objective is likely more than just this. The Gu and Mu families intend to replace the 'three families' and become the new major noble families, aren't they?"
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong nodded simultaneously.
Liang Xiao shook his head, "I can certainly guarantee that innocent families will not be implicated. However, His Majesty will absolutely not allow another Dugu family, Ouyang family, or the Gongyang clan of Jiangnan to emerge."
The two fell silent.
Liang Xiao said solemnly, "Since ancient times, noble families and powerful clans have been one of the sources of land annexation and national unrest. If not properly resolved, the nation will eventually disintegrate. When the throne changes hands, the common people will be displaced and starving, while the noble families and clans can easily change their allegiances and adapt to the times."
Seeing their lack of response, Liang Xiao continued, "I naturally understand your sincerity, but I should not deceive you into cooperation and then discard you after the other families are brought down. This is undoubtedly something you would not wish to see."
Gu Shaoyan showed some disappointment. "Is there truly no way to cooperate? Must we maintain the status quo and wait for the Dugu family to defeat us one by one?"
They were not political simpletons and naturally understood the inherent conflict between noble families and royal power, a conflict that was not easily resolved.
Liang Xiao then smiled and said, "You are good in all aspects, except that your pursuit is misguided."
"Misguided? Please elaborate!"
Gu Shaoyan and the other two looked bewildered. Mu Wanjun and Gu Xiaoxiao could hardly conceal their disappointment.
They had clearly come with sufficient sincerity for negotiations, and despite Liang Xiao's title as Marquis and his official position, he held little actual power.
Luo Qingxue held her breath, worried that Liang Xiao might anger the four.
Liang Xiao asked, "Do you think the Son of Heaven is wise enough?"
The four nodded in unison.
"Do you believe that the emperors in the coming generations will, like those of the past, diligently serve the people?"
The four nodded again.
Liang Xiao then smiled. "Since that is the case, why must you seek to replace those noble families? If the Son of Heaven is wise, and you perform your duties diligently, serve your sovereign loyally, and do not exploit the common people, you can forever remain loyal ministers and pillars of the state. What is there to worry about?"
The four suddenly understood. Gu Shaoyan smiled, "You mean, as long as our families conduct themselves honorably towards the nation, we need not worry about being purged by the Son of Heaven!"
"Precisely!" Liang Xiao finally smiled with relief. "Like the Dugu family, each of your families has a large number of clan members holding official positions within and outside the capital. This is the foundation of your influence. But have you ever considered what would happen if, one day, the Great Gan Dynasty had more and more talented and virtuous scholars who could replace your clan members in their positions?"
The four fell silent. After a moment, Mu Hong said sincerely, "Please enlighten us!"
"In my lifetime, noble families and powerful clans will cease to exist! Because there will inevitably be an increasing number of scholars entering officialdom, breaking the monopoly of noble families on official positions!" Liang Xiao finally confessed.
Gu Shaoyan's and the other three's expressions changed, their breathing becoming unsteady.
Liang Xiao was only nineteen by traditional Chinese reckoning, and the talents he displayed were already enough to make them take him seriously!
If he were to assist the Son of Heaven for seventy or eighty years, it was difficult to imagine the earth-shattering changes that would occur in the Great Gan Dynasty!
Liang Xiao continued, "Noble families and powerful clans are tumors on the nation and must disappear! However, as long as your families rectify your conduct, always regard the nation and its people as your responsibility, and lawfully pursue your own interests, or even engage in business, you can still become eternally prosperous 'families'."
Families!
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong's eyes lit up, as if a realization had dawned upon them.
"Family is a concept that exists reasonably. Even commoners have their own families, so families cannot be casually eradicated. After the wicked noble families and clans are purged, even if you cannot become the new leaders, you can still exist as prosperous families. But the prerequisite is to maintain your family traditions, consider the nation and its people as your responsibility, and refrain from wicked deeds!"
"His Majesty and I have naturally discussed you. My views and His Majesty's are remarkably consistent: justice and fairness, without harming the innocent! Do you understand His Majesty's intentions? Noble families and clans are not without merit; on the contrary, the nation also relies on you. As long as you do not threaten royal power and the common people, you will have contributed to the dynasty, and your descendants will benefit!"
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong carefully savored Liang Xiao's words. They rose and bowed to thank him, "Our minds are enlightened!"
"Truly worthy of being the Son of Heaven's auspicious minister, your vision is more far-reaching than ours, and you have shown us a true path forward!" Mu Hong's voice was unexpectedly choked with emotion.
There was no need to strive to become powerful noble families that threatened royal power. Powerful families could remain as steadfast and prosperous as a mountain, flourishing for generations!
Luo Qingxue, Gu Xiaoxiao, and Mu Wanjun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed they had reached an agreement!
Gu Shaoyan then took a roster from his sleeve and handed it to Liang Xiao, "Liang Xiao, my father and the others have poured their hearts into preparing this. It can finally be entrusted to you with peace of mind!"