"In the eyes of the world, his wealth is indeed substantial."
"But among these families, many of which have developed for decades or even a century, his wealth can only be considered a drop in the ocean."
As she explained, Yuan Mengqi quickly led Qin Xuan to the middle section of the banquet.
"The middle section of the banquet belongs to the mainstream families."
"They possess extraordinary strength, spanning both political and business sectors. Whatever you've heard or seen on a daily basis, you'll find their influence in it, more or less."
"The younger generation of these families consider themselves superior, believing their families have transcended the realm of ordinary influential families."
"Yet, they fail to realize that compared to mere wealthy families, they only possess a modicum of power."
As Yuan Mengqi explained, Qin Xuan once again activated his ability, obtaining the identity information and conversation content of these individuals from their clothing, tableware, and other items.
Indeed, as Yuan Mengqi had said, when they spoke, they no longer focused on business like Fu Shan’gao and his ilk.
Instead, they constantly mentioned officials and their subordinates, as if they were the future rulers of the political arena.
Continuing their progress, they soon arrived at the core area of the banquet.
It was evident that most people hadn't arrived yet; only a few figures were mingling at the banquet.
They moved with ease and carried relaxed expressions, appearing more at home than the others outside, rather than being at a top-tier gathering of influential families.
"Those who appear here are the future core of the entire Dragon Country."
"Their families span the military, political, and business sectors, holding irreplaceable positions in every field."
"As for the absolute talents in their respective fields, they will also cultivate them according to a plan."
"Therefore, the younger generation of these families generally face no pressure."
"All they need to do is learn what they need to learn and do what they need to do."
"But wouldn't this block the upward mobility channels for ordinary people?"
Qin Xuan frowned.
If every position were to be taken over by corresponding family members, how could commoners rise?
How could ordinary people change their fate?
"What you've said does indeed happen to a certain extent."
"However, this does not mean that such actions bring no benefit to commoners."
Yuan Mengqi nodded, not entirely denying Qin Xuan's words.
"The families of these individuals typically engage in a particular role for generations, akin to hereditary succession."
"Compared to ordinary people, they naturally possess a deeper understanding of the abilities required for these positions."
"And unlike ordinary people, once commoners rise to power, they might become gradually corrupted by their personal desires, but these individuals will not."
"Or rather, their families do not permit them to do so."
"Their families don't permit it?"
Qin Xuan was even more bewildered.
"If positions can be circulated internally within their families, then over time, their perspectives will inevitably detach from the masses."
"Their vision will become increasingly elevated, ultimately leading to a more severe form of corruption than that of ordinary people."
"How can you say their families don't permit it?"
Yuan Mengqi shook her head, indicating that Qin Xuan had gone in the wrong direction.
Her crimson lips parted, and her cold, elegant voice slowly emerged.
"What you've said are indeed facts."
"But all of this is premised on the family itself degenerating."
"These families followed the founding figures and are closely supported by the state."
"If the Dragon Country were to collapse one day, they would inevitably lose their power and influence."
"Therefore, for the continued prosperity of their families, they must ensure the Dragon Country remains standing."
"As a result, even with the hereditary succession in these important positions, they will not engage in outrageous behavior."
"Otherwise, without the state needing to intervene, their own internal oversight departments would directly remove anyone who causes problems."
"There's such a mechanism?"
Qin Xuan clicked his tongue, his knowledge broadened.
Indeed, as Yuan Mengqi said, if these families already had oversight departments to prevent them from acting out of line,
Then a scion of an influential family who received targeted education from childhood would indeed perform better than an ordinary person who gradually figured things out.
However, this did not mean that such a system was absolutely correct.
After all, no one who reached this stage through their own efforts was simple.
Even if these scions of influential families were proficient in their work, they could not possibly possess the experience and wisdom of ordinary people who had climbed their way up.
The superiority or inferiority of the two was not something that could be clearly explained in a few words.
"Rest assured, the individuals I mentioned earlier hold positions only in certain special departments."
"The vast majority of official promotion channels are completely open."
"Even if there is some influence, it will not cut off the path of advancement for ordinary people."
"I see."
"Then, in that case, it does seem more reasonable."
Yuan Mengqi's clarification dispelled the awkward feeling in Qin Xuan's heart.
He took a couple more steps forward and suddenly spotted two familiar faces.
"Brother Chen, Brother Ye!"
Sitting not far away were Chen Zhongping and Ye Shuliang.
Upon hearing Qin Xuan's call, the two turned around together and approached him with beaming smiles.
"Oh, Brother Qin, I didn't expect to see you here!"
Qin Xuan nodded, he also hadn't expected to see these two elder brothers here.
"I didn't expect it either!"
"Aren't all the attendees today the younger generation from various prominent families?"
"Why have you two brothers come to join the fun?"
"Are you trying to recapture your youth?"
"Bah, are you calling us old?"
Hearing Qin Xuan's teasing, Ye Shuliang playfully cursed him, then with a smile, explained the reason.
"Family juniors refer to younger generations other than the patriarch and their own peers."
"In both our families, our fathers are in charge."
"As their sons, we naturally fall within the category of juniors."
"So, Brother Qin, why don't you stay here and have a few drinks with us?"
Qin Xuan was somewhat tempted by Ye Shuliang's invitation.
However, he had important matters to attend to today.
Although he hadn't seen his aunt, he had deduced his expected location based on the distribution of families.
Therefore, after sharing a drink with the two, Qin Xuan followed the Four Golden Flowers towards the innermost part of the banquet.
A few minutes later, they finally reached the very back of the banquet.
Unlike the outer areas, there was nothing here.
Along the wall, about a dozen chairs were placed, and on each table, exquisitely crafted teacups and teapots were arranged.
"This is where the most elite individuals of the entire banquet are."
"Only members of the Eight Great Families of the Imperial Capital can appear here."
"Here, they will communicate about all past matters and also plan various developments for the upcoming year."
"Of course, the most important aspect is to exchange information, to learn about the actions of those superhumans outside the entire country!"