Qian Xunji froze at those words, then chuckled and shook his head.
"Dong'er? With the way she is, forget it. It's not that your Uncle Qian is unwilling, but I know my own disciple best. She doesn't use her head. Put her in that position, and she'll easily offend people."
Qian Xunji looked at Jiang Qingyu, his tone candid.
"You were my original choice. You're steady, you see the bigger picture, and with dual divine positions, you can keep all the factions in check."
"Uncle Qian, you're worrying too much."
Jiang Qingyu spoke calmly.
"Dong'er knows where to draw the line. Spirit Hall needs an iron hand, and no one is better suited to wield it than her. As for the other factions, with me backing her, no one will dare say a word."
He stepped forward, his tone firm:
"The position of pope is only a title. What truly matters has always been strength. Dong'er can serve as pope while I oversee internal affairs. We'll each have our own duties, which would be even better. I've never liked being tangled up in mundane affairs. I can't let the papacy shackle me."
Qian Xunji fell silent for a moment, tapping his fingers against the armrest as though weighing the matter.
After a long while, he slowly nodded:
"You have a point. You're husband and wife, united in heart and purpose. It really makes no difference which of you takes the position."
He looked at Jiang Qingyu and sighed.
"I'm getting old, too. I'd like a few quiet years. Since you think Dong'er is suitable, we'll do as you say. You can preside over the succession ceremony. With you holding the fort, no one will dare wag their tongues."
"All right."
Jiang Qingyu gave a slight nod.
"I'll have people prepare