Zhang Liang paid no attention to the change in Xiao Tianyang's expression.
He said directly, "The freedom Zhang Liang seeks is freedom from restraint within officialdom."
"I can do without real authority, but I cannot be subject to anyone's constraints other than His Majesty's."
"I could also stay out of officialdom and merely remain by His Majesty's side as an insignificant figure."
"My only request is... when the nation is peaceful and the people secure, His Majesty will allow Zhang Liang to return to the fields."
Xiao Tianyang's expression turned serious as he said, "You're worried I'll kill the donkey once it's done grinding the mill?"
Zhang Liang replied without hesitation, "The court is clean and pure now, without factional divisions."
"But what about the future?"
"Will His Majesty be constrained by others?"
"And will those in court be able to tolerate Zhang Liang, who offers counsel to His Majesty?"
After speaking, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
"I hope His Majesty will grant my request."
Xiao Tianyang nodded. "I can promise you. However, whether now or in the future, I will never be constrained by anyone!"
"Unless someone's strength surpasses mine, or Grand Commandant and the others develop different ideas."
"Otherwise, anyone who harbors improper thoughts will be punished lightly at best and executed at worst. Sir should be familiar with the laws of the Tianwu Dynasty, shouldn't you?"
Zhang Liang straightened up and said solemnly, "If the Tianwu Dynasty can continue developing in this manner, His Majesty's grand ambition is within reach."
Xiao Tianyang looked rather uninterested. "I don't dare think about any grand ambition. The current problems alone are already deadly enough."
He exhaled a breath of stale air, rose to his feet, clasped his hands, and lowered his head. "I wish to appoint you as