A long novel about family education and culture in ancient times, following five great clans as they learn to run different businesses. It features four-character idioms and classical poetry to showcase the culture, as well as the five clans’ conflicts, cultural approaches, business divisions, cooperation, and competition. The Wang clan (representatives of the scholar-official class): Their family motto is “Uphold dignity and propriety.” They pass down their legacy through poetry and books, and their crest is a green bamboo. They wield influence at court, making and upholding the rules. Their core resources are “prestige” and “connections.”
· The Xie clan (representatives of the imperial merchants): Their family motto is “Commerce connects the world.” They built their clan on wealth, and their crest is a copper coin. They control the salt and iron trades and the canal transport industry, and their wealth rivals that of the state. Their core resources are “money” and “distribution channels.”
· The Wu clan (representatives of the military-industrial sector): Their family motto is “Masterful craftsmanship and powerful weapons.” They rely on technology to establish themselves, and their crest is dark iron. Quiet and patient, they control mining and weapons production, serving as the dynasty’s military foundation. Their core resources are “technology” and “mineral resources.”
· The Lan clan (representatives of maritime trade): Their family motto is “Ride the wind and break the waves.” They thrive on adventure and ambition, and their crest is a breaking wave. Open-minded and cosmopolitan, they monopolize overseas trade in spices and silk. Their core resources are “information” and “rare goods.”
· The Murong clan (representatives of intelligence): Their family motto is “Move unseen through the night.” They are known for their mystery, and their crest is a night owl. They operate in the gray areas, controlling the forces of the martial world and a vast intelligence network. Their core resources are “intelligence” and “shadow guards.”
