Chapter 48 - Thousand-year-old Secret Edict (2/2)
Zhuo Fan’s conduct was etched in the two’s hearts. Wielding his martial prowess to protect his master, and courteous enough to defend his master’s honor. In the eyes of the Imperial family, he was a rare and valuable official.
The fatty began, “I have invited the three Clan Heads today per the Imperial edict to reveal to you the thousand-years-old relationship between the three clans.”
Everyone was focused on fatty’s next words.
“The three Clan Heads must have each received an instruction from the previous Clan Head, to not make an enemy out of each other. And perhaps even mentioned about helping one another.”
Fatty stood up, “Moreover, the three clan’s power must never leave Windgaze City until the pearls shine.”
Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian watched the fatty in puzzlement. Luo Yunchang got a nod from her brother and also looked puzzled.
“Ha-ha-ha, in fact, this is an agreement between the founding Imperial family a thousand years ago and the three Clan Heads of that time, known as Secret Pearl Order.” Fatty smiled and his eyes flashed, “Cai clan, Luo clan, Lei clan and the Seven Noble Houses are the same, they are all loyal officials, founders of the empire.”
“What?”
Like a bomb was thrown on them, the three clan’s representatives were shell shocked. They never thought that their origins were the same as the seven houses. But why had they fallen so low that they could only stay in Windgaze City as mortal clans?
The fatty turned a bit bashful, guessing their thoughts, “Sorry, this is what our Yumen clan owes you.”
Sighing, fatty continued, “At that time, Tianyu Empire was just established and was shaky, with unrest among its people. The Great Ancestor and founder sent his seven ministers across the kingdom to employ autonomous administration and settle the land. This gave them enough power to make them equal to the Imperial family. They later became the Seven Noble Houses.”
“In just twenty years, the seven houses grew exponentially, and their greed ignited a war among them. The Imperial family could no longer keep them in check and had to employ schemes in weakening them. The seven houses were ultimately aware that there will be no winners in their war and ceased fire. But the aftermath was cruel. The people were suffering, the empire was mourning, and it was just one step away from collapsing.”
“But how is this connected to us?” Zhuo Fan frowned.
Taking a deep breath, fatty straightened his back, “Everyone, to be honest, your clans are founders of our empire. If your elders were still sitting in the Imperial court, they would be no less famous than the Four Pillars!”
Everyone sucked in a cold breath.
Four Pillars were the support of the Tianyu Empire, leading the military, economy, politics, external affairs… They were the only ones capable of resisting the seven houses.
There was a rumor, the Four Pillars’ power was so strong it struck fear in the Imperial family.
Imperial family, Four Pillars and the Seven Noble Houses represented the empire’s highest power, but also restricting each other in a delicate balance. If one side tips, the balance would crumble and the empire would fall.
No one could believe that their ancestors were so amazing and capable of becoming the empire’s Four Pillars of today.
The fatty lost his smile at this point, “The Great Ancestor at the time set up the Secret Pearl Order with your ancestors to prevent another war from breaking out among the seven houses. The Emperor used all kinds of excuses to demote your ancestors to Windgaze City and become common clans. But the Imperial family could, at any time, combine the three clans into a great clan equal to the rank of the seven houses. This would occur only when war broke out again between the seven houses. Then this new clan would add balance to the equation, to save as many lives as possible.”
“But, even if an eighth house were to appear, it cannot stop the seven houses.” Luo Yunchang voiced her doubts.
Zhuo Fan cut fatty off with a smile before he could speak, “Young miss, the eighth house’s purpose isn’t to stop them but to add balance. A war breaks out only when one side has absolute confidence in winning it. But a war in which winning was possible at a heavy cost won’t happen unless the two sides hated each other to the bone. Sometimes, when two power starts a conflict, it is very easily solved, since no one wants to suffer irreparable damages.”
Luo Yunchang nodded, and the fatty praised Zhuo Fan, “Steward Zhuo is amazing. Luo clan will rise for sure in your capable hands.”
Cai Rong’s lips twitched from the regret he felt.
If he hadn’t offended Zhuo Fan, he might’ve been able to rope him. This kid was a genius seen once in a thousand years.
“3rd Prince, we know of the relationship between the three clans. What I want to know is, how are you going to secure our rise to the eighth seat.” Zhuo Fan stared at the fatty.
Raising his brow, the fatty nodded in admiration, “That’s Steward Zhuo for you, hitting the nail on the head.”
“Of course, the Imperial family’s power is enough to make a clan rise in a short time. The hard part though is how to keep it hidden!” Zhuo Fan smiled, “You think the seven houses would just watch us rise up to their level?”
Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian’s backs went cold with sweat.
They were elated that their ancestors had been Imperial court officials. They were thinking, [My clan will receive the Imperial family’s support to rise above a common clan.]
But Zhuo Fan brought them down to earth.
Not to mention growing stronger, the seven houses wouldn’t even let the new clan grow to their level. They would be destroyed while they were at their weakest.
Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian were grateful for Zhuo Fan’s reminder.
The Imperial family wanted the seven houses’ power in balance, but the three of them wanted to survive.
Cai Rong had to admire Zhuo Fan’s prudent mind…