“With the exception of the Ye Family that was removed years ago, the current Tianxiang City has the Jun Family, Li Family, Dugu Family, Murong Family and Tang Family serving as great families, each located in different locations of the city, each holding onto a mutual understanding of non-aggression. Of course, in recent years there was the addition of the Meng and Song Families. But a closer inspection would reveal that these two are but over glorified clowns. They are in no way capable to standing on equal footing with the great families mentioned earlier.”
“The military side is being controlled by our Jun Family and Dugu Family. Even though Murong Family is currently trying to dip their hands into the military powers, they will never succeed as long as Dugu Family and I exist! As for the Li and Meng Families, they appear to be our greatest rival. They are always thinking of how to tear us apart at all times. In addition, there are some intermarriages between these two families. As for their successors, the Li Family has managed to produce a peerless talent, Li Youran! The danger posed by them would naturally increase as a result!”
“The Song Family on the other hand, have always kept a low profile and can thus be ignored for now. As for matters of the military, our Jun Family and Dugu Family had always competed against one another in that respect. We would be making a fuss even on normal days. That old thing, Dugu Zongheng and me would always bicker with one another. However, that is not the main point. The main point here is that even though our two families act to keep one another in check, the both of us have dedicated our loyalty to the Imperial Family; we would not truly go all out against one another. This is something you must remember. This is also the main reason why our Jun Family could survive this long within the Imperial Court!”
“Among the various great families, the Murong Family has great ambitions, something worth noting, and yet not worth bothering.”
“Each of the great families has their own thoughts. However, until the day His Majesty chooses to clear the entire structure and change the balance of power within Tianxiang, the great families will remain safe. This is something that every one of the great families have come to understand.”
“As such, we are presently at a time where you members of the younger generation move about against one another. We of the older generation would simply observe the mess that you make on the side lines, but at the same time we are also noting down which one amongst the younger generations could pose a threat. For you to be able to see through this aspect, Grandpa feels very pleased.”
Grandpa Jun had avoided discussing the subject of Jun Moxie investigating into the deaths of the two generations of Jun Family members. Instead, he chose to discuss about the current situation within the capital city.
“Three years ago, His Majesty had planned on establishing a Crown Prince. But after some tests, His Majesty had to let go of that idea. His Majesty decided instead to let the three Princes compete against one another while he observes from behind the scenes. His Majesty believed that all three sons of his are wolves! And in the ensuing struggle between these three wolves, the winner would become His Majesty’s successor.”
Jun Moxie sneered, but chose to remain silent on the subject.
At the same time, Grandpa Jun gave a bitter smile and shook his head. “However, in the end, a wolf will remain a wolf. It can never transform into a tiger, nor could it transform into a dragon! Even if it becomes the king of wolves, a wolf is still a wolf! Unfortunately, His Majesty does not have any other candidates and could only force them onwards, suppressing them when needed, deterring them when necessary, taming them continuously and teaching them when possible!”
“The old foxes from each great family would most certainly be able to identify this situation. Thus, for the sake of preserving their family, they would never join the struggle between the Princes. However, there would still be some people from the great families who would get close to one of the Princes. These men would maintain their anonymity and also the balance in power!”
“At present, the only ones with absolutely no involvement with the three Princes are our Jun Family, Dugu Family and the Li Family.”