Mythical Three Kingdoms

"I want to cleanse those vermin! Their existence tarnishes the very concept of the aristocratic family. I will exterminate them!" Yuan Shu, in this moment, was exceedingly tyrannical, his eyes blazing with fury as if about to erupt.

As Yuan Shu continued his narrative, Zhou Yu completely understood the situation. To put it politely, Yuan Shu's philosophy was self-centered egotism; harshly, it was simply demanding the world revolve around him. Indeed, there were degenerates within the aristocratic families, yet Yuan Shu's rationale of annihilating entire families due to a few bad apples was rather extreme.

Zhou Yu raised his head and stared at the beam above him, contemplating the consequences of agreeing to Yuan Shu's proposal—what benefits it might bring to Sunx Ce—and the troubles refusal might entail. Ultimately, he narrowed his considerations to whether it would be advantageous for Sunx Ce.

Zhou Yu did not deliberate for long. He lacked Zhong Yao's swift decisiveness. Undeniably, choosing the best response in a moment's notice often provided an absolute advantage to a faction, but this kind of spiritual talent was rare, and beyond individuals like Zhong Yao, it was hardly practical for others.

"Lord Yuan, I can understand your perspective. The aristocratic families have indeed strayed from their original path," Zhou Yu weighed his words carefully as he spoke.

"Good, good, Gongjin, help me eradicate them!" Yuan Shu's eyes burned with rage, yet behind the anger was a hint of exhilaration.

It was apparent that fury had twisted Yuan Shu's thoughts. His indignation was not born out of concern for the people but out of the tarnished reputation of the aristocratic families under his command. For him, the honor and glory of the aristocracy were sacrosanct, and survival by exploiting the common masses was shameful beyond measure!

"Lord Yuan, may I ask, if we eliminate this batch, can we guarantee that other aristocratic families won't fall into corruption?" Zhou Yu's expression remained calm, despite having already made up his mind within the fleeting moments.

"At the very least, they'd be deterred for a time. I, Yuan Shu, have never considered eternity. One only lives a single lifetime; why fret about what comes after? All I care about is managing this era while I'm alive!" Yuan Shu's voice was cold and unfeeling, yet undeniably rational. This was who he was—besides the continuation of the Yuan Family bloodline, he paid no regard to what happened after his death. As far as Yuan Shu was concerned, if he couldn't witness it himself, it was irrelevant!

"Have you considered the legacy you leave for future generations?" Zhou Yu tried to guide Yuan Shu with a calming tone, though Yuan Shu's answer left him feeling helpless.

"First, I have no direct descendants. Second, I believe what I can achieve, Bofu can undoubtedly achieve as well. My choice of Bofu as my heir is both because of the similarities between us and because he surpasses me!" Yuan Shu spoke with proud confidence, his response impeccable. For the first time, Zhou Yu found Yuan Shu to be somewhat exasperating.

"It's too troublesome. I propose letting the people themselves confront the aristocratic families. Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime. We lack the resources to engage in a sweeping purge of the aristocracy," Zhou Yu maintained a composed demeanor, certain he could convince Yuan Shu. His deep understanding of Yuan Shu allowed him this confidence.

"Speak. What method?" Yuan Shu immediately inquired.

"Strengthen the abilities of the common people, enabling them to unite against the aristocratic families—or even directly challenge them. Promote officials and military generals of humble origins, empowering them to fight for themselves and against the aristocratic oppression. This way, Lord Yuan can observe them from above," Zhou Yu calculated as he spoke. He wouldn't engage in direct confrontation with the aristocracy himself, but he greatly admired the model of Mount Tai.

"Is there not a faster method? For instance, sending an army directly into the city to wipe out the aristocratic families," Yuan Shu, ever impatient, immediately suggested the most brutal approach.

"That's excessively aggressive—it could cause your territory to splinter into chaos," Zhou Yu replied, exasperated. Such a blatant stance of internal aristocratic opposition wasn't well thought out at all. Wouldn't it place Yuan Shu directly against the entire aristocracy?

"Even if it splinters, I will not tolerate such sickening conduct! They have tarnished the honor of the aristocratic families—they are a disgrace!" Yuan Shu's tone was calm, yet the underlying rage was unmistakable. His dedication to the glory described in the ancient records of the aristocracy was his highest guiding principle.

"The method has slipped away; we can only proceed gradually. Our forces in Shouchun are far too limited to carry out a cleansing of the aristocracy," Zhou Yu decisively opted to fabricate a white lie to pacify Yuan Shu for the time being.

"Slipped away?!" Yuan Shu's face was filled with confusion.

"If you had informed me earlier, I would've taken measures—perhaps given Gan Xingba the opportunity to breach Shouchun City. Amid the ensuing chaos, our forces could have seized the chance to cleanse the aristocracy. After such disorder, we could use it to galvanize morale and unite the governed against a common enemy," Zhou Yu continued spinning his fabricated narrative, knowing full well that anyone present who recognized his lie would assist in covering it. The goal was simply to placate Yuan Shu.

"So the only option is slow and steady?" Yuan Shu asked, dissatisfied.

"Indeed. If you're looking for a quicker method, Lord Yuan might need to endure some sacrifices," Zhou Yu's eyes flickered with a glimmer of insight—he had come to realize that, while Yuan Shu was eccentric, he adhered to certain principles in his actions.

"Sacrifices?" Yuan Shu sneered. "As long as the goal is achieved, everything else is trivial—mere trifles!"

[Yuan Gonglu, alas, anyone capable of achieving great deeds is never a simple character. Despite his many flaws, they are merely products of his privileged upbringing. Yet, he possesses his own convictions—born here, raised here, destined to die here—the glory of the aristocracy is his everything!]

Zhuge Jin looked at Yuan Shu's expression and silently pondered. Then, he couldn't help but ask himself whether their Zhuge Family truly qualified as an aristocratic family.

They lacked Yuan Shu's resolute, almost religious dedication, nor did they possess the courage to martyr themselves for the aristocracy's glory. Though they had family teachings and vast lands, they seemed devoid of Yuan Shu's unyielding pride and willingness to abandon everything for it.

[Do I have a purpose worth dedicating my life to, a goal I would pursue relentlessly and sacrifice everything for?]

Standing silently aside, Zhuge Jin conducted his self-reflection, realizing suddenly that the oft-scoffed-at Yuan Shu actually possessed a shining quality. Despite appearing foolish in his defense of the aristocracy's glory, Yuan Shu was unwavering and steadfast.

"Lord Yuan, please issue the Talent Recruitment Order—judging not by birth but by virtues and abilities!" Zhou Yu bowed deeply as he spoke.

"Judging not by birth but by virtues and abilities…" Yuan Shu was visibly stunned. He was the legitimate son of the Yuan Family, heirs of Four Generations Three Dukes. He ranked among the top three Feudal Lords in the land, commanding vast resources and territory. When had he ever been in dire straits, lacking civil and military officials to serve him? When had he ever been compelled to resort to issuing a Talent Recruitment Order?

"I will allow it…" Yuan Shu's voice was low and heavy as it emerged from his throat. "Issue the Talent Recruitment Order, heralding it under the name of myself, Yuan Shu, heir of Four Generations Three Dukes and Rear General. Spread the word across the realm to recruit the able and virtuous. Regardless of birth—even those known for petty tricks and thievery—I, Yuan Shu, will follow the example of Lord Mengchang from ancient times!"

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes—your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please log in via m.qidian.com to read.)