Chapter 878 – Northern Overlord (Fifteen)
The Feng family has been passed down for a thousand years, not just due to strict family regulations and noble family traditions, but also thanks to their visionary insight.
For instance, the Golden Scales Pavilion built by the late Prime Minister Huangfu boasted a collection of a million books.
Where did all these million books come from?
Aside from the thirty thousand volumes donated by Prime Minister Huangfu himself, the rest were contributed by various powerful clans, with the Feng family donating a hundred thousand volumes.
Books may be dead, but people are alive.
It is precisely these hundred thousand volumes that have safeguarded the Feng family, leading them to over two hundred years of prosperity.
Compared to other powerful clans, the Feng family’s style stands out.
If those militarily powerful clans are likened to muscular men with eight-pack abs, then the Feng family is like an elegant scholar draped in fine robes.
Not only are their appearances different, but their combat abilities aren’t on the same level either.
If they didn’t have such a small militia, the Feng family wouldn’t need to grit their teeth and hand over Shanyang County to Jiang Pengji.
Now, the Feng family faces a similar choice again.
“Does Liu Xi want us to donate books?”
Feng Gui felt an undercurrent of anger.
It’s not that he treasures his broom too much and is unwilling to donate books; the key issue is, does Liu Xi even have the qualifications?
Back in the day when the Great Xia Dynasty was established, the Feng family agreed to donate a hundred thousand volumes in response to Prime Minister Huangfu’s call, considering the long-term future of the family. A hundred thousand volumes for over two hundred years of prosperity is quite the good deal.
The Great Xia Dynasty unified the Central Plains, while Liu Xi currently occupies only half of Dongqing.
Prime Minister Huangfu held immense power and sway during his time; compared to him, where is Liu Xi now?
If they donate to Liu Xi to enhance the Golden Scales Pavilion, what benefit would the Feng family gain?
Feng Gui’s thoughts mirrored those of Feng Ren at first.
However, after his anger dissipated, this old fox thoughtfully pondered, realizing that this deal might not be so bad after all.
“Huaizhang, who do you think, besides Liu Xi, can withstand the calamity from the Northern Frontier?”
Feng Gui fell silent at this, and after a long pause, he said, “Apart from her, there’s only Liu Zhi.”
Feng Ren continued, “I received news recently that Liu Zhi, that old fox, has chosen to withdraw; he’s handed over Chongzhou and Hujun to Liu Xi.”
Feng Gui was now quiet.
“The Northern Frontier has already gained a foothold. Though the Horse Plague is delaying them, within three to five years, they’ll likely regain their strength and once again march towards Dongqing. Just look at the current situation; the royal family is barely hanging on, the other lords hold their power and carve out territories for themselves. If the Northern Frontier takes advantage of this, with internal chaos and external threats, who can stop their cavalry? The Feng family has deep roots in Shanyang County; if the Northern Frontier breaches our defenses, it will be tough to secure our own safety. Unless we move the family and flee elsewhere.” Saying this, there was a tinge of sorrow in his voice.
Right now, the world is in chaos, with wars breaking out everywhere.
Where could they migrate to after leaving Shanyang County?
In contrast, Liu Xi is successfully governing Wanzhou, making it an exceptionally peaceful haven in Dongqing.
Shouldn’t the Feng family butter her up, and lend her a hand?
Hearing the implication in his father’s drawing, Feng Gui’s expression changed, “Father wants to help Liu Xi…?”
“Not at all!”
Feng Ren hadn’t intended to take sides now.
This kind of relationship is a matter of life and death for the entire family; how could he make a reckless decision?
“Then what does father mean by this?”
Feng Ren replied, “It’s merely a gesture of goodwill.”
A gesture of goodwill does not equate to taking sides.
To be precise, the Feng family shares mutual interests with Jiang Pengji. The stronger Jiang Pengji’s influence grows, the more secure the Feng family becomes; not to mention that Feng Jin is a trusted confidant of Jiang Pengji. With such a connection, the two are naturally allied.
“I want to take a thousand volumes of books to seek out Liu Xi.” After speaking, Feng Ren pointed to a set of enlightenment materials, “These books are perfect for educating young children. The language may seem concise but contains boundless wisdom. If implemented thoroughly, it might indeed awaken the intellect of the common people.”
The Feng family isn’t without ambition, but their ambitions differ from those of other families.
As a rare millennium-old family, their sole goal is one— to continue the lineage.
While other powerful families gather wealth, exploit the common people, and hoard treasures, the Feng family adheres to ancestral traditions, avoiding contention, steering clear of military power, not creating enemies, and not engaging in underhanded schemes that would arouse public resentment, focusing solely on preserving the cultural riches amassed by their ancestors.
Before the Great Xia Dynasty was established, there were the chaotic Sixteen Kingdoms lasting for hundreds of years.
During that time, how many prominent families perished?
Only the Feng family of Shanyang, despite several changes of hands in Shanyang County, remained resilient.
At the core, ancient thousand-year families and new wealthy upstarts are fundamentally different in their ideological realms.
Feng Gui said, “Father should go take a look; such a good opportunity would be a shame to miss.”
Not to mention, just this set of books alone could propel Cheng Cheng to the ranks of top scholars.
Before this, how many people had even heard of Cheng Cheng’s name?
The cake is only so big; the Feng family must grab a couple of bites.
If Liu Xi becomes the ultimate victor, this investment will undoubtedly be the best choice Feng Ren has ever made.
Meanwhile, many eminent scholars in Dongqing are receiving this set of enlightenment materials.
Some scoff at them, but upon seeing the names on the cover page, their hearts are quite bitter.
Some exalt it as a treasure, wishing to cuddle these books to sleep every night while seeking out connections to learn more about Liu Xi and others.
With discussions gaining momentum, the associated names of Cheng Cheng and others often pop up in various scholarly gatherings.
In a single night, they became renowned across the realm.
As the public discourse stirred, another heavyweight piece of news dropped like a bomb.
Publishing!
What a dream for so many scholars!
It’s also a shortcut for countless scholars to further promote their name!
Publishing in ancient times wasn’t like today, where you can spend a few thousand bucks to self-publish. In ancient times, wanting to publish a book could cost a fortune.
Jiang Pengji’s popularity was already soaring, and now this explosive news made many talents yearn for Wanzhou.
But that’s not all.
When the news about Wanzhou investing in the reconstruction of the Golden Scales Pavilion spread, many noble families looked on with amusement while the children of humble backgrounds struggled to contain their excitement.
Jiang Pengji knew this move would attract a lot of talent, but she never expected to hook such a big fish.
That’s no river fish; that’s clearly a whale!
“I’ve come to pay my respects, Sir.”
Upon hearing that an ancient figure was visiting, Jiang Pengji was momentarily taken aback before promptly inviting them to the main hall.
Seeing the visitor, even someone as composed as Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but be surprised.
Once she regained her composure, she quickly bowed in respect.
The vigorous Mr. Yuanjing smiled and helped her up, gently saying, “Times have changed, Liu Xi is too polite.”
“Once a teacher, always a father. It is only right for the student to pay respects.”
Jiang Pengji quickly adjusted her emotions, her heart still fluttering.
She never imagined she could reel in a big fish like Mr. Yuanjing.
Wasn’t he simply someone who wished to keep to his teaching and educate students, without stepping into the struggles between lords?
And now he stands before her, could she not be surprised?
Excitement!
Astonishment!
Stimulating!
