Ji Dan Imprisoned

"Dan'er, what nonsense are you talking about?"

There was a trace of amusement in Ji Chang's gaze. Under the light of the brazier beside him, the deep lines on his forehead seemed carved into ravines.

"How could I kill my own child?"

"There was never that much affection between us. I went to Chaoge City when I was only a few years old."

Li Ping'an spoke calmly.

To be honest, he felt no pressure at all facing Ji Chang. What he thought about most now was how not to place even more pressure on Ji Chang.

This Western Marquis, who appeared dignified, wise, cheerful, and full of reason before others, actually bore far too much pressure—pressure beyond what he could endure, and... pressure enough to twist his heart.

Li Ping'an continued:

"Father, I know what you fear. You fear that I'll bring trouble upon the family.

"I can understand and imagine what Shang people look like in your eyes. In your eyes, the Shang King is the leader of that group of Shang people.

"But Father, I am not a Shang person. I am one of the Zhou people, born in Western Qi, with my roots in Western Qi.

"If you are worried that news of how I frightened off immortals today will spread to Chaoge City and provoke the Shang King's suspicion, I can leave Western Qi City and hide in the State of Yu, or go anywhere else.

"There is no need for you to kill me here, then announce to the outside world that I was taken away by immortals or something similar.

"Though that would be beneficial for you. You could use the opportunity to raise your prestige and influence over the other feudal lords, letting them see... look, our Zhou State has people in the