The elder nodded slowly, "Yes. The world is realistic and bloody. Only with a strong fist can one have a say. Just like we can receive so many privileges, only the strength that belongs to oneself is the fundamental aspect that can gain the federal government's attention."
"Our ancestors and parents possessed demigod strength, as well as our potential to grow into demigods, which is the cornerstone of everything. The financial power and armies belonging to our family give us the strength to grow and fear no other power."
"A high-level city, if poorly developed, has about 100 billion Lini in fiscal revenue per year. If well developed, it could even reach 500-1000 billion Lini per year."
"Although a large portion of this is needed to maintain the city's operations, development, and social welfare, there is still at least 10%-30% that can be drawn by various noble families. In special circumstances, it's not impossible to forcefully withdraw more than 50%."
"Besides replenishing our daily necessities, this money is mainly used to cultivate our own forces."
"1000 Awakeners don't mean their strength can only be that of Awakeners. If the family is strong enough, it wouldn't be impossible to nurture 1000 Fusion stage or even 1000 Spirit Ascension stage individuals."
"Therefore, you must choose this city carefully, develop it well, and also choose these people carefully. This is the foundation of a noble family and the essence of various families."
"Most of those in the so-called noble faction within the federation occupy this quota, and each family cultivates talents from an early age."
After hearing the elder's words, Fang Ze silently nodded.
Seeing that Fang Ze was attentive, the elder then pointed to the third item and said, "I've talked about the most important aspects, let me now mention the second most important point: that is the power and status of our nobility within the federation."
At this juncture, he did not provide an explanation but instead asked, "Do you know how the State Council operates, and what are the differences between an alternate council member, a formal council member, and an executive councilor?"
This question indeed struck Fang Ze's knowledge blind spot.
He quickly shook his head to indicate his uncertainty.
The elder wasn't surprised, given this knowledge was far from ordinary people; Fang Ze, having grown up among the common folk and even though he became the head of the Security Bureau, had never been to the Provincial Government, so his ignorance was understandable.
Therefore, he slowly explained, "The federation consists of 57 states. Each state has its own system. Some adopt a monarchy, some a presidential system, some are.....but most adopt a council system."
"Even if they all use a council system, each state still has nuanced differences. For example, some divide into multiple factions, some into upper and lower houses, even the number of people and sources of candidates are different."
"The council system in Xida State is relatively simple. The entire council consists of 72 council members. Within these 72 members, there is one Chairperson, two Vice Chairpersons, nine Executive Councilors, and sixty ordinary council members."
"The council holds the most core financial rights, personnel rights, supervisory rights, and a series of other important rights within the state."
"Each department, such as the Security Bureau, Investigation Bureau, and Supervisory Department, their annual budgets, division of authority, and personnel appointments all fall under the State Council."
"If a department is not performing adequately, the State Council has the authority to dismiss them entirely from top to bottom."
Upon saying this, the elder casually added another sentence, "Of course....this has almost never happened in fifty years."
Fang Ze silently nodded, then asked, "There must be a reason for that, right?"
Seeing Fang Ze's attentiveness, the elder smiled with satisfaction and said, "Yes. Because the composition of council members itself includes the heads of various departments."
At this point, he gestured towards Fang Ze, then said, "For example, your Security Bureau has six council members."
Fang Ze's head turned slightly, "Our bureau chief and five deputy bureau chiefs?"
The elder nodded with satisfaction, then said, "Normally, given the importance of the Security Bureau in Xida State, your bureau chief could compete for an Executive Councilor position."
"In fact, past bureau chiefs have all been Executive Councilors of Xida State."
"However, it's widely known in the entire administrative region that the Security Bureau is the stronghold of the Bai Family. Your bureau chief listens to Old Mr. Bai. So, given that the Bai Family already has an Executive Councilor and a Vice Chairperson, other families collectively ensured your bureau chief did not become an Executive Councilor."
Fang Ze listened silently, nodded, and then asked, "What about other council members? What are their identities?"
The elder said, "Family heads of large Awakener families, the First Commissioner of the top 20 cities in the state, the commanding officer of the Federal Defense Team, federal representatives sent to Xida State from administrative regions, and some representatives from other less important classes, and so on."
Hearing the elder's words, Fang Ze quietly nodded: indeed, the rules of this world are mercilessly bloody, unmasked.
The elder continued, "Normally, competition for Executive Councilor positions is among three major nobles, representatives from the Commoner Faction, along with the Special Service Department, Federal Defense Team, Security Bureau, Investigation Bureau, and a few top-tier Awakener family heads."
"And the operation of the council is quite straightforward."
"Each quarter, there is a routine session. Before the meeting, each council member submits proposals in advance, which are reviewed by the Executive Councilors and the Chairperson. Proposals include but are not limited to amending laws, restricting departmental powers, dismissing department heads, and so on."