Yanjing was now effectively under Song Qingshu's control, so rescuing Li Kexiu's family was hardly difficult.
Looking at the contents of the letter, Li Kexiu's expression changed several times. He slowly closed his eyes, and only after a long while did he speak. "I understand why you have come, worthy nephew. Back then, you saved my daughter and me, and this time, you have saved my family as well. With such ties between us, we are no outsiders. So I will speak frankly."
"Please speak freely, Uncle Li." Song Qingshu knew matters would not be so simple, so he was not particularly surprised.
"Heroes have risen everywhere across the land. Though I command an army of one hundred thousand, I know I do not possess the talent to unify the realm. That is why I have long sought a worthy lord." Li Kexiu paused and gave him a meaningful look. "Though your Golden Snake Camp now inspires awe throughout the land, forgive my bluntness, but I fear it has no chance of contending for the Central Plains."
Song Qingshu raised his brows and calmly asked, "Why do you say that, Uncle Li?"
Li Kexiu sighed. "For years now, China has been ravaged. Uprisings have sprung up all across the Central Plains. Who knows how many rebel armies have suddenly flourished, only to suddenly perish? One watches them raise lofty towers, watches them host grand banquets, then watches their towers collapse... In the end, it is because rebel armies do not understand what governance truly is. They may become bandits, but they can never contend for the realm."
"Given our friendship, joining the Golden Snake Camp should have been my best choice. But if the Golden Snake Camp cannot unify the realm, then joining it would mean placing my family under