Shackles

"Have me change how I address myself to 'We'?"

"Mm."

"You've got quite the nerve. I thought you'd directly entertain thoughts of changing the dynasty."

"Against the sects, the Prime Minister's Mansion needs the imperial clan. It needs a Li-surnamed sovereign with real power, one willing to continue Jiajing's policies, as an ally."

"A very interesting proposal. You must have approached others before this, yes?"

"Mm."

He looked straight into her eyes, waiting for her answer.

Here in the Golden Throne Hall, discussing something so outrageously treasonous, the interest on Li Qingyan's face gradually deepened. Her gaze shifted from Xu Yuan to settle upon the dragon throne atop the golden steps. The slender corners of her eyes curved slightly as she gave an unhurried laugh.

"This coveted seat of the Nine-Five has somehow reached a point where no one dares accept it. Changtian, why do you think that is?"

"To be sovereign of the realm, one must bear the realm's responsibilities."

Xu Yuan did not hesitate over that question.

His father might resemble Wei Wu, but Great Yan's imperial clan was not the Son of Heaven at the end of the Han. To say they feared becoming puppet emperors the moment they ascended the throne was utter nonsense.

With the Imperial Faction at their side and righteous legitimacy behind them, the sovereign of Great Yan was still the most powerful person under heaven from any perspective.

Hearing this, Li Qingyan's dark brows drew together slightly as she murmured, "It seems that those who refused you before me believed themselves unqualified to bear the realm's responsibilities."

Xu Yuan recalled briefly before saying, "Li Yucheng is an imperial born in the wrong age. As for Li Yunqing... he never should have been born into the imperial family at all."

"So now you