Meng Chao was silent for a long time.
"To be honest, I never imagined the future would turn out like this."
He murmured, "I'm not sure whether a civilization forever ruled by a single family and surname is the incomparably bright and beautiful civilization I want to see."
"Your personal wishes aren't important in this matter."
Lü Siya said calmly, "As the saying goes, 'If Heaven grants it and you refuse, you will suffer the blame.' Since you have the strength for Donning the Yellow Robe, whether you don the yellow robe is no longer up to you."
Meng Chao snorted coldly.
"What if I insist on refusing to become this so-called 'First Citizen'?"
he asked icily.
"Then you'll be doing something that pains your loved ones, delights your enemies, and brings about your own destruction."
Lü Siya's voice likewise became sharp and hard. "Get one thing straight: the elite commanders beneath you are not willing to brave the condemnation of the world and drape the yellow robe over you out of loyalty and admiration.
"They are willing to play this game of Donning the Yellow Robe with you only because, after donning the yellow robe, you can bring them greater benefits.
"You are free to play some ancient loyal minister of noble character and integrity, pure and self-loving, but if you refuse to become the 'First Citizen' or even the 'Chaos Emperor,' how are all those fierce generals and capable commanders under you supposed to advance?
"Get your head straight. Never think that your refusal will increase the loyalty and admiration of all your trusted aides. No—it will only disappoint everyone who admires you, follows you, and is willing to give their lives for you, Xinghe included. Disappoint them utterly!
"And those who already hate you, loathe you, and