"Does that mean we have to restrict the Xun Family by relocating them?" Chen Xi transmitted his voice to Chen Qun to inquire.

"It holds little significance. As long as the Xun Family maintains their faith and righteousness, even if they are relocated, it won’t take long for them to rebuild elsewhere, and they certainly won’t abandon their faith and righteousness," Chen Qun solemnly transmitted back.

"Soon, I will relocate the aristocratic families together," Chen Xi transmitted to Chen Qun.

"I’ve heard about this matter. The clan has reached a consensus and believes it’s a good thing. I also think it’s a beneficial move, but I want to know what your real purpose is. The things you do can’t be just this simple," Chen Qun sighed, transmitting, and for some reason, Chen Xi detected an undertone of accountability in Chen Qun’s inquiry.

"To transfer all the land into the national treasury," Chen Xi remained silent for a moment, then transmitted to Chen Qun.

"What did you say?" Chen Qun’s voice was filled with disbelief, yet there was a clear sense of determination as if he had expected this.

"Yes, that’s it; integrate all the land into the national treasury. There’s no more suitable era than now. The aristocratic families are relocating, and the common people hardly have any land. I fear the land they possess accounts for less than 20%," Chen Xi inquired with a smile.

"..." Chen Qun did not reply. Although he had speculated Chen Xi’s intent early on, hearing Chen Xi articulate it, he realized it might truly be possible to gather all the land into the government treasury.

"To curb land annexation, frankly, this is the only method I can think of. Of course, this move will offend many, so I chose to exchange, concentrating the land in the Northeast and trading with the aristocratic families to first secure the entire Central Plains," Chen Xi looked at Chen Qun with utmost solemnity.

"I will leave now. Changwen, you and your cousin should talk more," Xun Yu also realized Chen Xi and Chen Qun had much to discuss, so he left without further delay.

"Brother Wen Ruo, thank you. I realize I might have to debate with my cousin again," Chen Xi jokingly said to Xun Yu, while Chen Qun didn’t say much, only saluted Xun Yu, who then left with a smile on his face.

"Moreover, once this era has passed, I really don’t know when the next era to confiscate all the land will be," Chen Xi transmitted to Chen Qun as he watched him.

"Indeed, no one in the world today can stop you from doing this. However, collecting all the land will ultimately only serve the Liu Surname. Chen Zichuan, do you remember your own surname?" Chen Qun transmitted to Chen Xi with a hint of bitterness, yet with anger as well.

"You’re overthinking it. I’ve already separated the inner treasury and the government treasury from ’I am the state,’" Chen Xi calmly transmitted to Chen Qun.

"Nor will there be any historical records claiming the emperor’s expenditures were extravagant, depleting the nation’s foundation. The inner treasury’s income will be converted based on tax revenue, ranging from 0.5 to 3 points," Chen Xi transmitted to Chen Qun while looking at him.

"Are you saying the national treasury will own all the land?" Chen Qun suddenly sneered, "Then what is the state?"

Chen Xi remained silent for a while; he suddenly realized he was at an impasse.

"Can’t answer, or did you discover a conflict?" Chen Qun countered Chen Xi.

"In your view, is the state an alliance of people formed to protect land resources essential to their survival, which then forms a government organization in various forms to maintain this alliance, creating a network of interests?" Chen Xi remained silent for a while, then quietly split with Chen Qun.

"Basically, that’s it," Chen Qun nodded. Chen Xi’s clarity and simplicity in articulation indeed surprised Chen Qun. However, considering the identity of the person opposite him, Chen Qun wasn’t particularly moved, knowing well he was one of the most brilliant figures since the Chen Family’s foundation.

"Does this mean even if I constrain the emperor, I can’t restrict everyone else within this network of interests because I’m also a part of it?" Chen Xi spoke with a bitter tone.

"Yes, we are all part of this network of interests, having never stepped out for a thousand years, so even if you gather the land, it will inevitably be swallowed up over time, and no one can stop it," Chen Qun sighed, "We hold such a large portion within this network that we are the state, and the state is us."

"Ridiculous!" Chen Xi’s icy voice reached Chen Qun’s ears, but Chen Qun could detect the helplessness in Chen Xi’s voice, clearly understanding Chen Xi knew Chen Qun was speaking the truth.

"It’s just the way it is; your understanding of all this is not less than mine," Chen Qun shook his head and asked, "So, will you still continue?"

"I must continue, why wouldn’t I?" Chen Xi composed his emotions, looking at Chen Qun, "We are the state; the state is us. Haha, I will suppress this era."

"You can indeed do so for now, but what about afterwards? Once the land is in the hands of the state, without your suppression, people like us, even colluding with His Majesty to divide the land, what can you do? After all, the state rents the land to you, and when we reclaim it, instantaneously all the people become tenant farmers under us," Chen Qun smiled at Chen Xi.

"..." Chen Xi felt somewhat troubled. If someone at Chen Qun’s level appeared after he was gone, and chose to act maliciously, it’s indeed possible to confiscate all the land and turn all the people into tenant farmers, especially since reaching this point would definitely require acquiring all the land deeds.

"Therefore, you’d better refrain from integrating all the land into the government treasury. This measure, though preventing land annexation while you’re alive, will undoubtedly become the ideal method for aristocratic families and noble houses to divide the world once you’re dead," Chen Qun advised.