Once, I wanted to be a good person

Chapter 730: 172. An eye-popping choice_2

“As for the Jia Family of Tang State, they are somewhat different. Tang State ranks second in comprehensive strength among the seven states in the Eastern Administrative Region, second only to the Directly Governed State. However, Tang State boasts another illustrious family: the Li Family.”

“Before the federation was established, Tang State operated under a genuine feudal imperial system, with the Li Family serving as the royal family of Tang State, owning the entire territory as private property. Later, as the country was dissolved and states were demarcated, the power of the Li Family did not diminish; they continued to hold firm control over Tang State’s authority. Among the 13 noble families in the Eastern Administrative Region, the Li Family is the strongest. Even the federation finds it challenging to effectively infiltrate, having to tread slowly, like water wearing away stone.”

“As for the Jia Family… they were the Prime Minister of Tang Country, vassals to the Li Family. After the federation’s establishment, they remained trapped under the Li Family’s firm grip, resulting in their overall weaker family strength, continually seeking external development.”

After explaining these three families, Bai Zhi’s brows furrowed involuntarily. She said, “Regarding the remaining four families, I suggest not offending any of them. It’s best to engage with them positively.”

Upon hearing Bai Zhi’s words, Fang Ze couldn’t help but inquire, “Why? Are they very powerful?”

Bai Zhi first nodded, then shook her head, “It’s not about their strength but rather… their uniqueness.”

“Uniqueness?” Fang Ze genuinely did not expect this term to be used for nobles.

Bai Zhi nodded and then said, “Let’s start with the three families from the Directly Governed State. Their strength is decent, ranking around fifth or sixth among the 13 noble families.”

“However… the relationships between their demigods are exceptionally good; they were sworn brothers back in the day. After becoming demigods, their abilities complemented each other, thus these three families band together closely, always acting as one against any challenges. This unity sets them apart from the other noble families in different states.”

“This is why, during the competition for controlling the Directly Governed State in the Eastern Administrative Region, their state emerged triumphantly and was chosen by the federation. This proximity to power enables them to place many family members and vassals in key positions within the Administrative Region, furthering their influence.”

Adding to her explanation, Bai Zhi remarked, “Oh, by the way, the high-ranking Judgment Chief you met last time comes from these three families.”

“Or rather… this position has always been monopolized by these three families, rotating among them. They nominally have the authority to judge members of various noble families.”

Fang Ze listened silently, gaining some understanding of these three noble families. Essentially, while others act alone, these three families stick together, with three demigods against one, three families against one, making it hard for any ordinary demigods or noble families to stand a chance. No wonder these three families are the strongest.

Thinking of this, Fang Ze couldn’t help but ask, “What about the Galan Family of Tuoya State? Are they also very strong?”

When the conversation turned to the Galan Family, Bai Zhi’s brows furrowed deeply. After pondering for a moment, she slowly responded, “The Galan Family is not strong but… strange. Or rather, Tuoya State itself is quite strange.”

Bai Zhi elaborated, “Before the federation was established, Tuoya State was essentially a religious state, combining political and ecclesiastical power. Apart from spreading their teachings, they rarely interacted with neighboring countries, and were very mysterious.”

“Even after being incorporated into the federation, news from that area remains scarce. Personnel appointments appear to be almost never publicly disclosed. Reportedly, many federal officials die there every year, though the veracity of these claims is unknown.”

“Before the federation’s establishment, the Galan Family were the actual controllers of Tuoya State, and they remained the only noble family there after the federation was formed. Given their lack of interaction with other families, no one can ascertain their true strength.”

“It is said… that during the great catastrophe of the past, the elder ancestor of the Galan Family hardly intervened.”

After hearing Bai Zhi’s explanations, Fang Ze got a clearer understanding of the seven noble families. Suddenly, he realized, “Wait a moment!”

“The Eastern Administrative Region encompasses seven states and 13 noble families. You introduced three states and six noble families earlier. Comparing horizontally, why do our Xida State’s three noble families seem so weak?”

Hearing Fang Ze’s words, Bai Zhi appeared momentarily embarrassed.

She hesitated before saying, “Actually… it’s not the case.”

“When the federation was initially established, Xida State ranked first in overall strength in the entire administrative region, even surpassing the Directly Governed State.”

“The main reason was that our three families had dispersed influence, with little competition among us, and coexisted harmoniously. Your Si Family, due to its unique capabilities, possessed the most numerous and powerful vassals in the entire administrative region. Our elder was a martial combat demigod with formidable strength, ranking second in the administrative region. The Jiang Family had supportive abilities and wealth, which made Xida State very strong back then.”

“But later on…”

Fang Ze:…..

Indeed, who would have known that later, the ancestral leader of the Si Family would kill himself with the God-Imprisoning Method, causing the family’s sharp decline to the lowest among the 13 noble families. They had abundant resources and power but lost their stabilizing force, first drawing the federation and Jiang Family’s covetous eyes and then facing extermination.

Subsequently, the Jiang Family became exposed for betraying the Si Family, leading to significant loss of connections and reputation, and they also fell into decline. Now, their elders are on their last breath, seemingly about to follow Si Family’s fate.

Only the Bai Family has managed to hold on, though significantly weakened by He Weidao over the years.

Considering this, He Weidao indeed stands out as a notable figure in the Commoner Faction of the entire administrative region. Looking at the situation of other states, if it weren’t for him, Xida State would still be dominated by the nobles.

After reviewing the information on the noble families who sent invitations, Fang Ze ended the communication. Then he called upon Hei Yu to inquire in detail about the noble families’ visit to deliver the invitations, finally arriving at a decision.

He felt Bai Zhi was right; if possible, he should avoid offending the noble families from Tuoya State and the Directly Governed State. Thus, he chose… the Jia Family from Tang State!

As for the reason! Naturally, it was because the Jia Family’s attitude was the best!

According to Hei Yu’s report, the other six families arrived with an arrogant demeanor; for instance, the Ma Family from Yunlan State came with Mortality-Shedding rank and immense pressure, leaving the invitation and departing immediately, clearly intending to offend!