"Salas belongs to Spirit Hall, after all, while you are the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Ning Chen explained, "For now, it may not matter. Salas may think your position as crown prince is worth investing in, so he is willing to establish ties with you.
"But if you reach the critical moment of succeeding to the throne, or even become the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire,
"what Salas holds will be evidence of your past secret dealings with Spirit Hall.
"In ordinary times, that may not matter. But if one misstep truly leads to war,
"and Salas makes these matters public, the empire could fall into turmoil at once. If you regret it then, it may already be too late."
"So that is what concerns you." Qian Renxue smiled, finally understanding Ning Chen's misgivings.
"These words come from the bottom of my heart. Please give them serious consideration, Your Highness."
Ning Chen spoke earnestly, and the smile on Qian Renxue's face gradually faded.
Qian Renxue looked at Ning Chen, a thoughtful expression emerging on her face.
Ning Chen's reasoning prompted Qian Renxue to reassess their current relationship.
The fact that he had considered matters from her perspective genuinely moved her.
It even gave her the urge to bare her heart to Ning Chen and lay all her cards on the table.
But Qian Renxue quickly suppressed that impulse.
It was not yet time to reveal everything. After all, she had spent little time with Ning Chen and could not simply disclose all her secrets to him.
So she could only tell Ning Chen, "You need not worry about that. Salas..."
Qian Renxue paused, seemingly choosing her words, before continuing, "You only need to know this.
"It is not Salas who holds something over me. I hold