The Royal Capital.
The imperial palace.
The sky was clear for ten thousand miles, the air bright and fresh.
Yet a faint, oppressive atmosphere hung over the palace's rear garden.
"Your Majesty, have you truly made up your mind?" Xu Xiao stood behind Ji Minghao, his voice grave.
"I have thought about it for a long time, and I see it very clearly. The Ji Clan's legacy cannot fall to ruin in my hands. The Martial Saint has passed away. Without the protection of the strongest man under heaven, neither the imperial family nor Great Xia has the strength to preserve our prosperity. Only by seeking protection can we keep Great Xia's foundations from crumbling," Ji Minghao said slowly, his voice utterly calm.
"Your Majesty, this is no different from bargaining with a tiger for its skin. Have you forgotten whose grasp the founding emperor escaped with the Martial Saint's help, before gaining independence and establishing this vast dominion over the Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Prefectures?" Xu Xiao asked.
At those words, Ji Minghao turned to look at Xu Xiao.
"Bargaining with a tiger for its skin is still better than waiting here to die. Our Ji Clan has longstanding ties with the lineage of the lord of the Nine Heavens. The Nine Heavens is one of the Upper Three Heavens. With its protection, with that great tree sheltering us, Great Xia can still maintain its rule over the Nine Provinces and Thirty-Six Prefectures!"
As he spoke, Ji Minghao's expression suddenly became exceedingly serious, his burning gaze fixed on Xu Xiao.
"Will you support me as well, General Xu?"
Their eyes met. Xu Xiao could sense the earnestness in Ji Minghao's gaze, along with a faint, inexplicable hint of danger.
Understanding suddenly dawned on him, and he slowly nodded. "Your