"Silly, I'm just going to Janton State, it's not like I'm never coming back. Plus, you can visit me during your break."

Dirk Carter embraced Luna to comfort her.

"But... but what will you do over there all alone without anyone's help?"

Luna asked worriedly.

Dirk patted his chest and said, "Do you think someone like me would struggle to find my footing in a new place? Besides, didn't you say the party secretary in Rexton City used to be your grandfather's subordinate? If there's a problem, I can just go to him."

"Dirk... actually... actually, my grandpa..."

Luna had a hesitant look on her face.

"What's up with old Mr. Quill?"

"Grandpa... sigh! I might as well tell you. Originally, Grandpa didn't want me to say anything. In truth, he doesn't have any subordinates in Rexton City. Your transfer to Janton State is the result of Grandpa pulling strings. He said that to relieve you of any mental burden. After the Aether Group case ended, he has been besieged by political adversaries at the top level, and many of his loyalists have been relocated or demoted. Right now, he can't spare a hand to help you."

"What do you mean? Old Mr. Quill has political adversaries?"

Dirk asked curiously.

Luna nodded and said, "I don't really understand either, just a rough idea. The military and government are both arenas for political maneuvering. Grandpa once mentioned that there are several influential families in Argentum that gather various powers to themselves, trying to control the political scene. Grandpa never associates with them, so they banded together to sideline him."

"To avoid a direct confrontation, Grandpa has stayed behind the scenes for years, rarely getting involved in political affairs. But with the Aether Group issue, someone came forward to stir trouble, accusing Grandpa of interfering in politics as a retired high-ranking official. This is a major taboo, and they teamed up to besiege Grandpa, which is also why he hasn't come to see you."

Though Luna didn't explain it clearly,

Dirk understood the gist of it.

It mirrors local politics.

Except that local politics pursues tangible benefits, while at the top, they chase a larger sphere of influence and interests.

Dirk had no prior knowledge

that the Aether Group case would cause so many problems for old Mr. Quill.

"There's a reason for going to Janton State, right?"

Dirk asked.

Luna nodded and said, "Disciples of these great families are scattered in various posts across different places, and they also control numerous monopolistic industries and capitals. Janton State was the first in the nation to develop a private economy, which resulted in the Three Great Families having little influence there. Sending you to Janton State means you won't be bothered by these families' forces, and you can learn about a more diverse political ecosystem, which will greatly benefit your future development."

"But from what old Mr. Quill said, there's still some risk in going to Janton State?"

Dirk asked.

Luna shook her head and said, "That, I don't know. I overheard it while grandpa was chatting with his people. I don't understand the rest. You'll see when you get to Riverton State."

Dirk nodded.

He asked, "The Three Great Families of Argentum you mentioned earlier, who are they? I've never heard of them."

Luna paused and said, "The Three Great Families of Argentum is what we common folks or ordinary people call them. Of course, there's no official term for it..."

The so-called Three Great Families are the Houseman Family, the Hughes Family, and the Donovan Family.

The strength among these three families varies significantly, with the head of the Houseman Family being Jethro Houseman.

Hearing this name, Dirk shivered slightly.

The name Jethro Houseman was not unfamiliar to him; though he'd never met him in person, the name often appeared in the news as one of the true leaders.

The Houseman Family has three sons and one daughter.

The eldest, Elston Houseman, is the governor of a northern province.

The second, Cullen Houseman, is a deputy minister of a certain department.

The third, Vernon Houseman, also holds a significant position as the president of a famous university.

The youngest, their only daughter, Jeanette Houseman, is the CEO of a large state-owned enterprise.

In short, the Houseman Family boasts four outstanding children, not to mention the extended branches of the family.

Following them is the Hughes Family, ranked second.

If the Houseman Family's influence is substantial in politics, then the Hughes Family's standing in business is equally formidable.

The head of the Hughes Family, Miles Hughes, has already retired, but back in the day, he was a high-level leader as well.

Miles Hughes has two sons and two daughters.

The eldest son Aurelius Hughes works in a ministry.

The second son Grant Hughes holds an executive position in a state-owned oil company.

The two daughters didn't enter politics; instead, they run their companies, both of which are publicly listed.

Ranked third is the Donovan Family, the family most at odds with old Mr. Quill.

The Donovan Family's influence mainly lies in the military sector.

Though Campbell Donovan is younger than Yale Quill, he was once a comrade-in-arms. While they served in the military, Yale Quill always overshadowed Campbell Donovan.

Over the years, Yale Quill cultivated many loyalists in the military.

These loyalists are very loyal to Yale Quill; even after he retired, they often banded together to check Campbell Donovan, which annoyed him greatly.

Of course, the conflicts between these factions are more than just about trifling issues. They involve massive interest entanglements that Luna isn't fully aware of.

Campbell Donovan also has two sons.

Both serve in the military.

He had a daughter late in life named Yvonne Donovan, who graduated from university not long ago. Luna doesn't know what she's currently doing.

Luna told Dirk.

The influence of these large families is deeply intertwined and not as simple as it appears on the surface. It's almost to the point where they can't be shaken off easily.

Of course, the Three Great Families are not a tightly-knit group; they have competition and cooperation among them. When their interests align, they huddle together for warmth; when not, they clash vigorously.

All policy origins come down to interests.

After listening to Luna's words,

Dirk pondered for a while, then asked, "How could such three Great Families grow in our country's political environment? It doesn't make any sense."

Luna smiled and said, "Indeed, the top has long wanted to eradicate these Three Great Families. Unfortunately, their current status isn't easy to shake. Although Grandpa has retired for years, he has tirelessly worked to dismantle the Three Families; however, his power is still too weak to succeed. The Aether Group incident brought about a collaborative attack on him by the families over his interference in politics post-retirement, making his situation quite difficult."

Dirk let out a long sigh.

He said, "It seems I've brought trouble to old Mr. Quill..."

"Not quite. Grandpa says you are the hope of future politics. By helping you, he hopes you can grow quickly. Maybe what he cannot complete, you may succeed in the future."

This burden,

is still too heavy.

At least the current Dirk can't bear it, which is why Yale Quill didn't tell him about the Great Families of Argentum in advance.

The pressure can be overwhelming at times.

"Alright, I understand now. After you get back, help me tell Elder Quill that I'll carry out everything he entrusted to me. Hungry? I'll take you for a meal."

"No need. I'm getting ready to pack and leave."

Luna said.

Dirk was taken aback and asked, "Didn't you say you would spend one more night with me before going to report tomorrow?"

Luna chuckled apologetically and said, "I've already spent the necessary time with you. I'm well-fed and well-rested, so I should go back now to avoid troubling Grandpa."

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