"It's just..." Li Tianming hesitated. "This matter is of great importance. Please forgive me, Senior Sister Chaoxi, but I can't agree to it directly just yet."
"What concerns do you still have? Tell me. Let me see whether I can help you resolve them. Or is it that... you don't wish to stand on the same front as us?" Li Chaoxi looked at Li Tianming, her gaze shifting slightly.
"Not at all. I have absolutely no intention of rebelling against the Li Imperial Clan, and this matter truly offers me enormous benefits." Li Tianming paused, then continued, "Actually, I'm afraid of being suppressed. Because of this matter, someone may very well make a move against me."
"With me and my elders here, who would dare suppress you? Tell me, who's so bold? Later, I'll bring people to have a proper 'talk' with them!" Li Chaoxi said, her eyes blazing as she rubbed her hands together eagerly.
"I know there are two factions within your clan, and their attitudes toward me differ. I can sense that some members of the Li Imperial Clan aren't pleased with me—for example, Li Ganyang and his family." Li Tianming said helplessly, "I know that, in the end, I'm not one of your clan. Even if you sincerely support me, if the other faction is dead set on dealing with me, it wouldn't be easy for you to tear all pretense apart with them for the sake of an outsider like me."
"To be honest, our cooperation has only just begun. We don't yet have deep ties between us, so the things you're worried about may indeed happen." Li Chaoxi nodded, not denying Li Tianming's words. But then she smiled. "However, none of that matters. As long as you win honor for the Li Imperial Clan