"The patriarchs of the Wang family have never abandoned their kin, and I will not leave," Wang Siniang stated with a grave expression.
Twenty years ago, the Wang family had already faced a calamity. That great fire had severely wounded the family, and her grandfather had perished in it.
Her father and elder brother had died in the capital, both sacrificing themselves for the sake of the Wang clan.
As the family head, she should do the same.
"Master, as long as the green hills remain, there will be wood to burn. Before the teacher departed, he instructed us to protect you at all costs!" said Mr. Chai, the leader.
Wang Siniang rose from her seat. "You all have served the Wang family for many years and watched me grow up. I thank you all, uncles, for your care. Please accept my bow."
Everyone present rose. "We dare not. Master treats us with great respect and kindness. We are deeply grateful."
Wang Siniang slowly stood up and continued, "The Sage's intention to destroy the noble clans is unwavering. Our Wang family's current misfortune is likely unavoidable. They wish to destroy the Wang clan members, and it has nothing to do with you. I ask that you all sign the deeds of severance, severing your ties with the Wang family."
The advisors all knelt. "We have received great kindness from the Wang family. How can we leave at such a time? Master, please do not say this again. We will absolutely not sign."
"Teacher, please rise," Wang Siniang personally helped Mr. Chai up. "Teacher has guided me for many years and is my esteemed mentor. I cannot accept such a grand gesture."
"Teacher is right. As long as the green hills remain, there will be wood to burn. All of you gentlemen are learned and renowned individuals with countless disciples and friends. Leaving today is not a betrayal of the Wang family, but rather to forge a new path for the noble clans."
The crowd looked at each other, their faces filled with confusion and incomprehension.
"Our Wang family is in distress today, and it is likely only a matter of time before other families face the same. The Sage fears that the scholars of the realm originate from the Five Great Clans, and in the future, they will serve the Five Great Clans. The Five Great Clans possess the best connections, land, and business opportunities, making them a thorn in the imperial court's side. They have become the Sage's eyesore and his thorn in the flesh. But without the Five Great Clans, will there be no other families?"
"The Great Wei is ruled by the Xiao clan, but the Xiao clan alone cannot govern the entire realm. Thus, they need to recruit talented individuals. But where will these people come from? The imperial examinations are indeed a path, but after years of arduous study and diligent effort, will they be willing to share their future prosperity with others? This realm should rightfully be governed jointly by the monarch and the officials. The Sage's desire to monopolize the realm is a delusion. The Sage can destroy the Five Great Clans, but he cannot destroy human nature. Now that our Wang clan is perishing, I ask you all to preserve your lives, for you are the continuation of the Wang, Cui, Lu, and other clans. You will be the new noble clans, the new hope..."
As daughters of noble families, they were born to strive for the welfare of their clans and to live for their families. If the family prospered, they would prosper.
It was no different now.
Even if the Wang clan was to perish, she would plant a seed. Did the Sage wish to destroy the noble clans?
He dared not!
Even if the Wang, Cui, Zheng, Lu, and Li clans were gone, other surnames would remain. They could not be eradicated entirely.
"Therefore, do not feel this is a betrayal. You are the continuation and inheritance of the hope of the noble clans. I wish you all, uncles, great success and lasting fame in history," Wang Siniang said, cupping her hands in a bow.
The crowd also bowed. Their master was right. Even without the Five Great Clans, other surnames would exist. The realm belonged to the people of the realm, and they could not be eradicated. A flame was ignited in their hearts.
"We will not fail the family head's trust," they said, bowing.
Wang Siniang felt gratified. This was the last thing she could do for the Wang family as its head. The Sage wished to destroy the Wang family, but she would not let them gloat. Let's see how many dynasties the Xiao clan's rule could last.