Establishing a thousand-year family from the nobles of the Western Han Dynasty

Chapter 74: The Crown Prince is confirmed, Xu Nan leaves

Xu Gong was really important to the Han Dynasty. Not only was he the chief of all officials, but he was also the leader of the Confucian scholars and the legal community. He always served as a weather vane to attract talents.

Not to mention the family. Everyone knows that His Majesty is very wary of the Xu family. The reason why he still uses them is because of Xu Gong's face. Once the head of the family dies, the Xu family will inevitably decline.

However, Xu Nan was still confident. He was now the General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Han Dynasty, in charge of the border troops. He was ranked among the top five military generals of the Han Dynasty, and the Grand Marshal Zhou Yafu was also on good terms with him.

In comparison, Xu Ye does not have much advantage. He is still the Minister of Agriculture, and it seems that he will continue to hold the position until the position of Minister of Rites is vacant.

Although Xu Zhou valued him particularly because he was Xu Zhao's eldest son, he was still inferior to him overall.

Xu Gong sighed, his face full of vicissitudes: "I feel in my heart that the time has come when the oil is running out and the lamp is dying."

"After my death, the family cannot be left leaderless. We must choose someone to be the head of the family and lead the family affairs, so the crown prince should be chosen."

As soon as these words were spoken, both of them looked at Xu Gong nervously. This was the highlight and they both hoped to become the head of the family.

But Xu Ye's thoughts were not too serious. He thought it would be best if he could become the leader, but it would be fine if he couldn't. However, Xu Nan was determined to get the position! Only he could lead the family!

Xu Gong looked at the two men for a few times, then looked away and said slowly: "Now, apart from Zhou'er, my son Xu Nan has the highest official position in the Xu family. He is the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and he has also served as the General of the Northern Expedition. He has made many contributions."

"Ye'er is a little behind in comparison, but he is still pretty good. The Minister of Agriculture is in charge of the finances of the country and will become more and more important in the Han Dynasty."

"You two are the pillars of the Han Dynasty and the future of our Xu family."

Hearing these compliments, Xu Nan's eyes lit up. Wasn't this to make him the crown prince? The head of the family had to lead the entire clan, so of course only the highest-ranking official was qualified!
What the hell is the eldest son or not? As long as the ability is sufficient, the side branch can still take over! I believe that grandfather will not blame me. As the first commoner prime minister of the Han Dynasty, he must understand the principle of ability better than anyone else.

The family doesn't need mediocre people!
"Xu Nan has been like me since he was young. He is very brave and well-versed in military books. He led troops into battle at a very young age. If he was born in troubled times, he would definitely become a fierce general."

"I was also a military commander and became the prime minister. Nan'er also has hope. No, or rather, has considerable hope."

As Xu Gong spoke, Xu Ye's eyes dimmed, but he quickly adjusted himself. In fact, he didn't have much hope in the first place.

Military power is the most powerful of all powers, and this is actually what the Xu family needs the most. The reason why his uncle and grandfather were able to remain standing is because they were military generals and had considerable influence in the army.

It is normal for Xu Nan to become the head of the family.

Facing this confident look, Xu Gong said calmly: "Sir, just let Ye'er come, it will be considered to put things right."

"What? Father, are you confused?"

Xu Nan took a few steps forward excitedly, his eyes wide open with shock, and a nameless fire rising out of nowhere.

Xu Gong still had a calm expression: "Although I am old, my mind is still fine. The position of the head of the family must belong to Ye'er, because it originally belonged to him."

"Why? Why! Father, have you ever been lazy or stopped for so many years? Now that I have achieved the high position of General of Chariots and Cavalry, doesn't it prove my ability and sincerity?"

Xu Nan simply couldn't believe it. Xu Ye was inferior to him in terms of official position, merits, and relationship. Why should he be the head of the family?
Is this what is called the eldest legitimate son? But I am also my father’s eldest legitimate son!
Xu Gong's face was calm and he showed no sign of wavering: "This is not yours, nor is it mine, why force it?"

Xu Nan was not convinced: "Father, you have to give Nan a reason, otherwise I will never be convinced!" "You are a military hero, and my Xu family cannot become a military hero family and cannot have too much military power. Is this reason enough?"

"This...father!" The anger on Xu Nan's face gradually turned into despair, and he also understood this truth.

Yes, in all dynasties, which military family has survived forever? And which emperor would tolerate a family always controlling the central military power.

Only by gradually transforming from martial arts to civility can there be a way out.

Xu Gong walked up to his eldest son and gently stroked his head. "Alas, child, you are too obsessed. It's just a thing outside of your body. So what if he is your parent? So what if he is not? Is the reason you work so hard just to fight for this chair?"

"The prince is not the crown prince, and the head of the family is not the monarch, but the head of the family. You must understand that this is a responsibility. Your uncle sacrificed his life for this, and Ye'er must also have this awareness."

Xu Nan's accumulated emotions finally burst out. He pushed his father away for the first time and shouted:

"I don't understand! My father has been partial to me since I was a child. I've studied military books very well and studied archery and horsemanship very hard, but for some reason, I never hear a single word of praise! All he gets is endless criticism and abuse!"

Then he pointed to Xu Ye who was standing beside him with a confused look on his face.

"But what about this guy? He was praised and rewarded by his father just for memorizing an article... How is he better than me?!"

"Father... Nan couldn't figure out why this was happening! Why can't I compare to him?"

Xu Gong's hands froze in mid-air, his expression somewhat dazed, making it hard to tell what he was thinking. After a moment, the corners of his mouth moved, and he said softly: "Because his father...died in battle, your uncle, my eldest brother, was shot and killed while suppressing the Zhao Rebellion. Only one of his three sons survived. I feel guilty. The Xu family and even the entire Han Dynasty owe him."

"You must pay your debts. You should understand this principle. I don't need to explain it in detail."

Xu Nan's expression froze, and tears could not stop flowing down, but he still held back his tears: "Nan should understand, but I don't want to understand!"

Then, he wiped away his tears and waved his long sleeves: "The moment Xu Ye succeeded to the throne, I left this Xu family and went to the fiefdom to establish a new Xu family. I swear I will never work with this person!"

After saying this, he bowed to his father and left without looking back. He wanted to fight and prove to his father who was right!
Who can truly lead the Xu family to rise!
"Brother Nan...Brother Nan." Xu Ye was about to rush up to keep him, but Xu Gong stopped him.

Looking at the tall figure in black robe in front of him, he sighed and said, "No need to chase him. This kid is like me, a stubborn donkey who won't turn back even if he hits a wall."

Xu Ye looked at his uncle and then at the direction his brother was going, his face full of helplessness: "What is going on?"

Alas, maybe I was really wrong... Xu Gong waved his hand: "You go down first."

"Yes, uncle." Xu Ye knew that he could do nothing, so he chose to leave.

It was fate that a hot potato in Xu Gong's eyes actually caused the entire family to fall apart.

Is the position of family head really that important?

"Fool..."

(End of this chapter)