Eunuch Liu’s expression was still without a shred of joy. “There are several ways to become a major clan. Which are you referring to, Your Majesty?”

“As the Empress of the Great Qin, I of course have to follow the ancestors’ teachings and adhere to the ancient ways.”

Eunuch Liu’s expression cleared up slightly. “You’re indeed wise, far wiser than a man. I’m full of admiration.”

This so-called ancient way was a rule laid down by the founding ancestor—fight for land, accumulate contributions for a title, and expand gradually until the family was qualified for a promotion. This was the oldest and most traditional path. Ordinary high-ranking aristocratic families would need to collect vast amounts of military contributions in order to ascend to the major clan status. That was why the rise of each clan had always been paved with the corpses of countless dark race members.

It was just that this method was too slow. Even if an aristocratic family did produce geniuses in every generation, they would need to work toward this objective for several generations over the span of centuries.

During the Martial Ancestor’s resurgent reign, there was a court full of capable generals and...