["If only there were more aristocratic families, we wouldn't have to go through such troubles, and it would be much easier to manage all the ancestral lands of these families together."] Chen Xi had already begun calculating silently in his mind.
Chen Xi also understood that such matters could not be rushed, as appearing too eager might arouse suspicion. Just like now, even if Chen Shang had his doubts, he had no way to verify them and could only ponder carefully, waiting to confirm his suspicions later on.
When the time came to develop the Northeastern Plain, Chen Xi could assure that the aristocratic families would be both headaching and cheering because, after all, an Upper Field is indeed an Upper Field, smaller acres have indeed been exchanged for larger ones, and the land deeds were in their hands. Chen Xi was not joking; the most troublesome part would be the farming.
