The Royal Family

His footsteps halted, moonlight glinting off the flowing water.

Xu Yuan remained silent for a long while.

Even if he answered this question, it would be useless.

Because Li Yucheng had only asked half the question.

What about you?

What about the retainers under your command?

If the Prime Minister's Estate were merely a regional warlord, then no matter how vast it was, there might still be room to maneuver.

By carving out territory and proclaiming themselves kings.

In the name of the greater good of the realm.

But unfortunately, the Prime Minister's Estate was entrenched directly atop Great Yan's heart, already spreading through Great Yan's veins and marrow into every corner of the dynasty.

The conflict had no solution.

It had yet to erupt only because the sects still remained.

Once the calamity of the sects was settled, all that would remain would be an octagonal cage between emperor and prime minister.

Xu Yuan took a deep breath and, without answering directly, said:

"Giving up eating for fear of choking is not a good habit. I did not come tonight to discuss this with you."

Li Yucheng withdrew the hand that had been lightly patting Xu Yuan:

"When one stands high, one must prepare for every contingency.

"I know you came tonight to seek the possibility of continued cooperation between the imperial clan and the Prime Minister's Mansion—the possibility of continuing to cooperate until the sects are destroyed."

Li Yucheng resumed walking forward.

Accompanied by the murmuring stream and splashing water, he walked slowly, and his voice was soft as well.

After walking several dozen meters along the tranquil river valley, Li Yucheng looked back. Weariness filled his starry eyes as he smiled.

"If you wish to pursue 'peace' with the imperial clan, you should go beyond the northern