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Chapter 228:
Chapter 228:
Chapter 228:
Chapter 228
Starting from Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, several chancellors were consistently hailing from the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families in the successive reigns of the Great Tang emperors. As for the other high-ranking officers, their numbers were even more significant. But which emperor didn't dread the influence of these aristocratic clans?
Li Er, also known as Emperor Taizong, rejuvenated the ancestral lineage system, and the emperors who followed him also prohibited interarriage among the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Families. Even during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, who championed the imperial examination system, numerous members of noble families faced the harsh scrutiny of officials. But did these measures prove effective?
The sway of aristocratic families and clans throughout the Tang Dynasty continued to expand. Only in the later years of the Tang Dynasty did a dissenter like Huang Chao emerge. He refused to bow to the aristocratic families and relied solely on ruthless actions to curb their arrogance temporarily. Nevertheless, his efforts only managed to quell their influence temporarily, failing to eradicate it.
By the Song Dynasty, the Lu family produced a founding chancellor. It wasn't until the Ming Dynasty that the imperial examination system was genuinely decentralized, following Central Plains' orders with foreign invasions. When they delved into history, they would discover that in ancient times, how many so-called wise and virtuous officers were entirely self-made?
Even during the rigid Ming Dynasty, individuals from humble origins often ascended to prominence. However, even those dubbed as having “humble origins” were still quite distant from the lives of ordinary people. Scholars from humble backgrounds remained scholars. They would find periods of prosperity if they traced their lineage back eight generations.
The perpetuation of culture, poetry, and rituals by aristocratic families might sound appealing, but we mustn't forget that these institutions kept the intellectual landscape stagnant for nearly two thousand years. This rigidity eventually led scholars to prioritize esoteric knowledge over practical matters. As rules and conventions multiplied, they became detrimental to the nation and poisoned the people's minds.
Simply put, transmitting culture was merely a tool for aristocratic families to maintain power. Su Li introduced numerous new technologies to improve the people's lives in the Great Tang. Therefore, he didn't mind if these aristocratic families plagiarized or emulated his innovations. However, in the eyes of these families, everything ultimately became a tool for profit. Once they gained control of something, it would transform into a means to harm the people. This was what angered Su Li the most.
In his previous life, he was just a cog in society's machine. Life passed unremarkably, and the future seemed predictable. Su Li often pitied himself during those times and lamented that life lacked flavor. However, only after he arrived in the Great Tang did he realize his previous life had been a paradise.
The notion of being a “cog in the machine” was initially self-deprecating. Still, in the Great Tang, the powerful aristocratic families treated the common people like livestock. They were born into suffering, living without hope. Stepping back meant enduring endless hardships while looking up at the sky, which left them with no way out. How could this be considered a humane existence?These aristocratic families, clinging to their power, oppressed the common people. In their eyes, the lives and deaths of ordinary people were insignificant, let alone their well-being. Su Li was determined not to let the region continue down this path. He knew the dire consequences of having one's thoughts imprisoned.
The immediate outcome was falling behind and enduring humiliation for generations. Su Li keenly understood the repercussions of a closed mindset. Without progress, domination was inevitable, leading to centuries of national disgrace. What more must be said with capabilities at his disposal and the aristocratic families crossing his path?
He had embarked on a mission to serve the country and the people, yet he found himself seeking favor for the aristocratic families led by Emperor Li Er. Su Li found this unacceptable, so he didn't hold back in confronting them.
“I am helpless too, Su Li. Just let it go…” Emperor Li Er sighed with a tone of resignation. At that moment, he embodied the helplessness of an elder vividly.
However, Su Li responded with a cold chuckle. “Is Your Majesty truly so short-sighted?” he asked composedly.
“Su Li, you dare to be insolent!” Li Chengqian angrily exclaimed.
Li Er, however, looked sternly at Li Chengqian and rebuked him in a chilly tone, “Do not be disrespectful.”
Then, shifting his attention to Su Li, Li Er's demeanor completely transformed. A somewhat awkward smile played on his lips, and his tone became conciliatory. “Su Li, I understand your perspective, but you must also appreciate my predicament. The time has not yet arrived to dismantle the power of the aristocratic families entirely.”
When their eyes are locked, Su Li sensed the unwavering determination in Li Er's gaze. At that moment, an indifference washed over Su Li.
“Whatever... Since the kingdom is under your rule, and you're willing to bear the consequences, why should I concern myself with this any longer?” Without uttering another word, Su Li silently unbuckled the sword at his waist and presented it to Li Er. “If that's the case, I'll resign from my official position and return to a life dedicated to the sword, no longer entangling myself in these affairs,” Su Li declared with an emotionless expression.
Hearing this, Li Er felt relief, though he feigned reluctance on his face. “Very well, you've been quite ruthless, and the aristocratic families now view you as a formidable threat. It’s perhaps wise for you to step back at this juncture.”
Su Li gave a disdainful laugh, spoke no more, and turned to depart. As Su Li's retreating figure disappeared from view, Li Chengqian's fury was almost palpable.
“Father Emperor, how can you allow him to act so audaciously?” In Li Chengqian's eyes, Su Li's behavior towards Li Er had shown no hint of respect. Su Li's final decision to resign and focus on swordsmanship had left Li Er with no room for maneuver.
Li Er turned his gaze towards Li Chengqian with a puzzled expression. “Audacious? In what way was he audacious?”
With Su Li gone, Li Er regained his imperial composure. “Isn’t what Su Li said correct?” Li Er’s words stunned Li Chengqian, his face marked by astonishment.
“Chengqian, you must remember that Su Li’s words aren’t entirely baseless. Indeed, the Great Tang shouldn’t tolerate the existence of aristocratic families,” Li Er sighed. Then, he glanced in the direction Su Li had departed, a tinge of envy creeping into his eyes. Su Li was right!
However, he was Emperor Li Er, not Su Li! Su Li could act without contemplating the consequences, but Li Er couldn’t. This was the fundamental difference between them.
As an emperor, he couldn’t afford to take extreme actions. Even from the standpoint of maintaining a balance of power, Li Er could never fully eliminate the aristocratic families. Despite their arrogance, these families constituted a part of the overall strength of the Great Tang. When necessary, Li Er could also leverage their influence.
But Su Li…
Li Er could never wholly trust Su Li! Today, if the aristocratic families erred, he could utilize Su Li to keep them in check. However, if Su Li made a mistake tomorrow and already eradicated the aristocratic families, how could he, as the emperor, navigate the situation?
“Even so, does that give him the right to disrespect the Emperor?” Li Chengqian retorted with anger.
Li Er sighed, his tone softening. “What can you do to him?”
Hearing this, Li Chengqian quivered, regarding Li Er with an expression of disbelief. It was the first time he had heard such words from his father. Even his father, the emperor who had achieved unparalleled accomplishments during the peak of the dynasty’s prosperity, appeared powerless when confronted by Su Li.